Thanksgiving in a Nutshell

First of all, I am obsessed with Subway Art.  I had this one up until yesterday and now I have this one, until I am ready for my winter print.  Getting back to Thanksgiving, it was great.  As you know by now, I like lists and keeping things simple, so here is my succinct Thanksgiving rundown.

• Drive to Pa Wednesday evening.  Put the kids to sleep, hang out with my brother and his girlfriend for a little while.  
• Thanksgiving Day at my parents house.  Took the kids to be childhood friends house in the morning for a playdate and had to leave after her bother arrived with his family and petrified my daughter.  My grandmother and Aunt arrive around 3 for the holiday.  Mt grandmother is 93, whom my father gave an iPad lesson, and she will be getting one for Hanukkah..  We ate around 5 and I shoveled my food in b/c my daughter was a bit cranky and not in the mood for a big sit down dinner.  Everything was delicious.  After the kids were asleep, more hanging with brother and GF.  Watched a hilarious old dance show and had a great time making fun of my brother who would like a casserole dish for the holidays! :)
• Friday, basically hang out all morning until my full body massage appointment at 1 pm.   Got some great feedback on possible reasons for my sciatica.  Most annoying condition ever.  Also, husband, son and dog leave to go visit in-laws.  
• Friday night hang out with 3 of my oldest friends.  So much fun!!  Love to be with old friends who know me best :)
• Saturday shopping with mom while daughter hangs out with Pop-Pop.  
• Saturday night head back to Va with daughter.  I liked the idea of having the whole day Sunday to catch up on stuff that needed to be done before work on Monday. (i.e. vacuuming for fleas, laundry, emptying dishwasher, etc)
• Sunday, just as stated above.  Also, cooked a great casserole , the husband approved and did not look like he was about to vomit after trying it.  Also, put together my holiday card, whew...........
• Last, walked with my son to this house which is RIGHT around the corner from our house.  We have been watching the progress over the last few weeks and were very eager to see it all lit up!!  He was so excited, we are going back tonight :)  Actually, the website is outdated but you get the idea.  There are many, many more decorations now.  

Soooooo, that is how my family spent the past few days.  Hope your Thanksgiving was as fulfilling, TTFN!!

The Truth Hurts

Yes, yes, Molly is a beautiful specimen.  Her markings are gorgeous, her face is unforgettable.....and so is her behavior.  I can not express how badly I wanted a dog to fill the empty space that I felt after my first passed away.  Well, the empty space is filled.  With torment.  I know, I know, she is just a puppy, barely 9 months old.  I am just not used to the level of activity she requires.  Must be the lab in her!  And honestly, walking her does not phase her one bit.  Plus I almost lose my arm because she is quite the squirrel and bird enthusiast.  She is constantly at my feet, I trip over her numerous times a day.  Where is my lazy beast, who I had to drag out of my bed???  Molly has no respect for my commands, however she is more than happy to listen to my husband and even my brother.  She has peed on my bed a few times despite me.  For example the other night, I lay in bed with my son reading him a book, and guess who got jealous and too a leak on my bed!?  Seriously??  Not to mention the case of fleas she came down with last week.  Have I mentioned I am anal?  Have you ever had fleas?? Or read about them or their resiliency?? OMG.  I have been a washing, vacuuming, chemical spraying, salt/Borax mixture sprinkling madwoman for 8 straight days.  I would not wish fleas upon my worst enemy.  Don't get me wrong, we don't have a full on infestation, but I might as well be as preventative as possible, right??  

Let me refocus for a minute, I love Molly for the most part.  I love at night when she's tired, I love when it takes her an hour to chew her rawhide or lick her Kong clean, and I love when she wants to curl up next to me.  The kids love her, for the most part.  She just needs time, not much of something I have.  

So why does the truth hurt? Because everyone warned me that this is a ridiculous idea, that no dog would EVER be as good as Lux.  My husband keeps taunting me, Admit it, admit it, this was a terrible idea..........I won't verbally commit to his I told you so :)  But writing it is ok........TTFN!

Day 8 and LaVar

For Day 8 of Penn State support I wear a pin that a lovely friend picked up for me over the last weekend while she visited State College. Thank you!!   I will wear this pin every day from now on, as I have attached it to my work badge.  Now I can keep a reminder with me at all times of my alma mater and all that is stands for.  I found Lavar's emotional tirade yesterday very telling of how many people must feel about the recent interview with Sandusky.  First and foremost, why on earth did his lawyer allow him to speak!?  Just awful....Listen to LaVar here.  

On a lighter note, I love LaVar and still regret not being more aggressive to winning the 'Dance with LaVar Contest' one evening at a bar in Downtown S.C. back in 1999.  I know I could have rocked that!

I look foward to the Ohio State game on Saturday and will continue to support Penn State and the State College community as a whole.  Although I can not promise to not write more about this matter as more and more of the case unfolds, this concludes my Penn State Paraphernalia Photo Tour.  :)  TTFN!  

I have use the App Pixlr-O-Matic for all my Penn Sate pics. Love it!

Day 7

Ok, so I did not wear this shirt to work today, but I did wear it to bed last night.  Penn State hosts the State Special Olympics for Track and Field every June, so just a shout out to another positive contribution of an incredible community.

Day 6

Happy Monday!  I have been neglecting so much going on right now in the Barr household!  The most exciting thing right now, happening at this very moment is our son's first trip to Disney with my parents.  They are having a great time!  And we are ale to check in on the Disney Photo Pass website and see all the fun things they are doing.  I am so lucky and thankful to have such wonderful parents.  We miss him, but know he is having an unforgettable experience!  In the meantime, I am busy cleaning out his room :)  Now I know how my mom felt when we were away at summer camp, time to purge!!!  The other things I have been battling I won't mention because I am trying to be positive!  TTFN!  

Facebook Page

Day 5 We Still Are

   Today I 'take my hat off' (or keep it on rather) to the Penn State community for the overwhelming and inspiring show of class yesterday.  Not sure what else there is to say, the acknowledgment of the suffering of the victims, the efforts of the players and the sold out stadium kind of covers it.  The fact that I watched the entire game withoug falling alseep is also a huge indication :)

 

 

Day 4 Roar!

We Are!

Day 3

This shirt is loud and obnoxious.  And so am I :).  Yes, the whole thing is shady, disturbing, disgusting and yes, the shift of this scandal has shifted so inappropriately.  We are talking about children.  We need to protect them, we need to advocate for them.  I still wear my school 'pride' today and 5 more days to show my support for a community that is at a loss.  An academic community, a charitable community, and athletic community (because, again, those kids need some support on that field tomorrow).  Only time will tell what happens.  All the rest of us can do now is focus on the positive, healing, and help the families rebuild, if that's even possible.  I also want to add that it's absurd for people to suggest that the rest of the football season be cancelled.  The football players did nothing wrong.  There is no reason to rip their dreams away from them.  Go out, support the team, you might not support past choices of the coaching staff, obviously they were horribly negligent.  But to suggest that hard working players be deprived of playing a game they love is wrong.

Day 2

Yesterday I had hoped to write about my hopes that the Board of Trustees meeting would come to a better conclusion. I had planned to write that I looked forward to hearing the results of the meeting, originally scheduled to take place Friday. But that was not to be. Nor was Joe Paterno's opportumity to finish the 2011 football season with a little bit of dignity and grace. Today I am a little more subtle in my approach to show support to my alma mater.  I find this whole scenario horrific, from the victims to firing a man who, I am sorry to say, followed protocol, and should have been given the opportunity to resign, not be subjected to a phone call terminating his life long dedication to an entire university...........Don't bother commenting negativity, because I won't be baited in.  I support Penn State, Joe Paterno, and the State College community, and I will support the football players who deserve it on Saturday.  

8 days for PSU

So today begins my first of 8 days of wearing Penn State gear.  8 days for the 8 (and yes I am aware there are more stepping forward) victims of the horrid abuse they endured.  8 days for my support of a university, academic program and community that deserves support.  Haters can hate, but the decisions and choices of a few men should not cloud shame on an entire community and higher learning institution as a whole.  I also wear my pride to support the football team, because it is not THEIR fault. A friend posted this article on her Facebook page and I found it very well written; We Should Support the Team.  The team deserves our support.  Everything they have known and looked up to and counted on has been destroyed and torn from them.  I love Penn State, I love the tradition, I love the 'way of life' and the way football games brings people together.  I love the way past employers have looked at my resume and been impressed that I received my B.S. in Special Education from such a prestigious program.  I am proud of that.  I love that Penn State hosts Special Olympic Track and Field every spring and my brother spent many, many weekends there.  

Even though not many people read my silly little blog this is my way of showing my support.  For the alumni, current students, and prospective students,  'We Are' and I will show you for the next 8 days.  I will comment more on Joe as the days go on, but for now, I can't help but feel sorry for a man who has dedicated his life to Penn State Football and Penn State in general......... 

Throwback Thursday: Food Delivery

For some reason the term Schwan's comes up often in my family.  For example the other day I asked my son if he knew what a picture of something was (it was a swan) and my husband heckled from the background 'Schwan!'  My family had this food delivery service growing up.  I specifically remember the chicken fingers, but not much else.  I assume my parents utilized this service while one of my younger brother's was very sick with Leukemia.  They were often with him at C.H.O.P. and my sister, youngest brother and I were taken care of by one of wonderful au pair's.  One of whom I am still friends with on Facebook, how amazing!  The truck pulls up, delivers your frozen food and off they go to the next family.  Anyway, my husband and I often joke about the Schwan man and wonder if we should utilize the service, I am thinking  Yes please!  This also brings me to another delivery service where I grew up named, Charles Chips.  Literally, chips, pretzels and candy could be delivered to your home via truck.  That sounds like something I could definitely utilize!  Did and/or does your family use Schwan's? I'd love to know!  TTFN!

P.S. I have added a few new tunes to my playlist.  you will have to press play, as it no longer plays automatically :) some birdies have told me that is no bueno

Make You Feel My Love

While listening to Pandora Radio lately, I heard Adele singing a long time favorite song, originally written by Bob Dylan, Make You Feel My Love.  I never really listened to the lyrics the song, or tried for that matter, I just know I loved it.  Now that I have children, I get it.  I tried to search for who Bobby wrote the lyrics for but came up with nada.  I would like to think he wrote it for his children, because that is what it makes me think of.  This song makes me want to cradle and rock my kids until they are 40!  My son has been having a bit of a wild streak lately and we are really butting heads, but that is for another day!
This song really makes me step back and appreciate this time we have together that we will never get back.  I wish he could know I feel this way instead of the disciplinarian I portray in reality.  Someday he can look back and read this and appreciate my motives.  Check out the wonderful lyrics here.  I also found an amazing duet between Alicia Keys and Adele which I have included for your viewing pleasure.  TTFN!!

I love you my little angels!  

No, there's nothing
That I wouldn't do
To make you feel my love

Shout Out

Just a quick shout out to my sister who is starting her own Etsy store.  Check it out here.  She made me some napkins recently, wait maybe I should back up.   Why do we like cloth napkins?  Because we grew up that way. Our mom always used cloth napkins in the kitchen.  We have both carried on the trend in our own families.  Trying to shrink our carbon footprint a bit.  Check out the patterns I chose at Jo Ann fabrics.  Who knew that in a few stolen hours while our mom watched our children, that we would choose to go to Jo Ann.  I mean, we could have totally gone to a bar or something, but no, we are lame mature now and pick out fabric to make cloth napkins and save the earth.  I picked the fabics I liked, I paid, she sewed and shipped.  Team Work :)  TTFN!  and TGIALW.....................

I chose this pattern first.......

And then chose this to complement it

Acknowledgement

I made a pact with myself 5 years ago when I was pregnant with my son at this time of year.  I was assigned to Kiss 'N' Ride Duty at the school I was working at.  If you don't know what Kiss N Ride duty is it's a drop off line for kids who are transported to school by car.  It's usually a big cluster-you-know-what and it takes a few staff members to help it run smoothly.  I thoroughly enjoyed this duty, yelling at people to keep moving or, god forbid pass another car in line, out of turn.  Look out, I was like a Nazi.  Every day this mom would drive up in her SUV and talk on her cell phone, not even glancing at her child (or children, I can't remember).  I seethed at her every moment.  I wanted to scream at her, 'Hey! why don't you hang up your stupid phone and ask your kid how their day was?!"  And from that time on, I made a pact with myself, to NEVER be that mom.  Why am I taking the time to write this today? Because I was talking to my sister, who I love to death, but she is a talker!, in the line to pick up my son.  As it got closer to my turn (and his preschool does Kiss N Ride) I start to panic.  She keeps talking, I have no idea what she is saying, I start to sweat, I am going to break my pact, and the teachers are going to look at me like an as#*o!e mom who won't even hang up the phone to pick up her kid.  I  basically, frantically told her I had to go because I needed to get my son and hung up. AHH....I did not break my pact.  Of course, now I feel guilty about cutting my sister off, but she will forgive me when she reads this.  He hopped in the car and began telling me about his day.  I also am able to exchange greetings with his teacher, another important interaction.  But of course not to the point where I hold her up. I know way better than that, like the parent today who asked me in front of 7 other parents how her child behaves.  Really? Well, she is immature, stubborn and dependent on adults.....No, that was not the time to ask a teacher such a question.  However I professionally answered, "We will talk more about her progress at the conferences in November.  Or you can call me if you have concerns."
Getting back to the point, it is so important to ask your child how there day was, and really important of they can recall at least one thing about their day.  It connects you.  So, please put the phone down when you are picking up your child, give them a hug, ask them if they went to the paint center ;), it will make them feel oh so important.  TTFN!

New Uses for Old Things #8: Rubber Band

I can't recall where I read this recently, but I decided to try it in my classroom the other day! The kids in my class, and my own, have a habit of using way too much soap.  All you need is a rubber band. Simply wrap it around the neck of the soap pump and voila!  The rubber band acts as a stopper, allowing for only perfect, child size portions of soap.  I used two in this pic because it is a large container.  Happy hand washing :)  TTFN!

Blessing in Disguise

As I have mentioned in past posts, my husband is great about going to the grocery store. Sometimes he doesn't get exactly what I want or the most nutritious snack items, but I am willing to overlook these minor details in order to avoind doing the task myself. So yesterday I wrote 'XL Ziploc storage bag' on the list because it's time to go through the kids drawers and put away things that no longer fit. This is also the time to assess what they will need for the upcoming cooler months. I love using Ziploc storage bags. They take up less space than bulky storage bins and I can see exactly what is inside. When I unpacked the grocery bags I was surprised to see a Ziploc Tote. Hm, this was not what I requested. However, pleasantly to my surprise it's perfection. I think I will run out and grab some more. I'm so glad I shut my big fat mouth And decided to check it out before blurting 'I'll meed the receipt because you got the wrong Ziploc thing.'. Oh, I can be such a pill. Thanks hubby for getting the wrong list item, it worked out so well for me :). TTFN!

T.G.I.F.

Driving to work this morning listening to my music blasting, I was reminded of Fridays long ago. Fridays usually went either of two ways.  1.  Happy Hour then early bedtime (because we all know when you are young and single Happy Hour turns into much, much more) or 2.  Nap after work then either off to the bar or my husband, then boyfriend,  and I ALWAYS had people over to hang out and get our drink on.
Fridays nowadays don't really go that way. I am lucky if I can keep my head off the pillow after the kids go to bed, and if there is a glass of wine involved forget about it.
So driving to work made me think about the days of hanging out, listening to music and dancing.  Once I became acquainted with iTunes dance parties were usually on the evening's agenda.  Certain friends even had solo dance parties if no one else was interested ;), you know who you are, NYE, ehem!   I love my more grown up life now, but this morning made me long for those days......There are 5 current songs that make me want to get up and dance my ass off. I mean really get my Jersey Turnpike on, here they are:

1.  Maroon 5 Moves Like Jagger

2.  Pitbull Give Me Everything  

3.  LMFAO Party Rock Anthem

4.  Katy Perry Last Friday Night  (obviously!)

5.  Cobra Starship You Make Me Feel Good

**Bonus** 

Britney Spears I Wanna Go (can't leave Brit Brit out!)

Also a little side note, since we are talking about music.  I have recently seen the movie Country Strong and despite the reviews, I really, really enjoyed it.  I liked the story and the music, particularly, a song called A Little Bit Stronger sung by Leighton Meester, for all of you Gossip Girl fans.  It doesn't make me want to dance, but it is 'turn it up and belt it out' in the car worthy :)  I hope you have a wonderful weekend and I am totally ordering myself this shirt.....TTFN and TGIF!

Parents of Preschoolers

Or, parents of any children that come into contact with markers, paint, glue, dirt and the like.  It makes my heart sad when children tell me, "My mom said I can't get my clothes dirty", or today I heard, "My mom said I can't walk in the grass because I have new shoes.' Now before I go into my spiel I will have you know that I am ANAL to the max.  I mean dog hair, paw prints, dust bunnies, stains on the carpet, crumbs on the counter = send me into a tizzy of unfathomable imagination.  BUT, when it comes to my kids clothes, I have learned a lot in the 4.5 years since I first gave birth.
Please, don't tell your child not to get dirty at school (and certainly don't blame the teacher), because they will.  Don't get mad when they come home with something on their shirt (i.e. ketchup or paint) or dirty shoes.  They are children and they are going to get into things.  Accidents happen.  If you don't want clothes to get ruined, send them in clothes you don't care as much about.  Don't crush their spirit or their self-esteem, build it up. Here's a tip, when your child comes home from school with paint somewhere on them, ask, "Did you go to the paint center today?"  That will make them feel a heck of a lot better than, 'Ugh, you got paint on your shirt!?"  I like for my kids to look as put together as the next mom, but school is not a fashion show and we shouldn't put emphasis on how they look to go there.  Got me? or to quote my son, "Are you with me?"  TTFN!
    

Kind Words

As I was cleaning out my desk this afternoon, I found a letter from a young man who subbed a day for one of my Instructional Assistants.  I don't remember when or for who, but I do remember when he left it on my desk.  Stumbling upon it, made me feel really good!  It reads:

Dear Ms. Barr, 

      Thanks a lot for letting me come to work with you guys today. I had a lot of fun. I was impressed by how mush the kids respected you. In past assignments I've been around kids that would refuse to obey and a kid who though (sp) a fit!  Good Work!  I really want to teach English language overseas but my college advisor has told me that my management skills need to be improved on.  If you ever have a few minutes, I would be glad to receive any short feedback on things I need to work on to become a better teacher.  Thanks again.  

Blah Blah

Blah Blah@ Blah.edu

There are so many things I could comment on from this letter but first and foremost I never responded!  Wow, I think I am going to email him and see how his teaching is going.  I am so beyond flattered that anyone would even want my advice, although I do feel that my management skills are my strength.  A huge part of my teaching philosophy revolves around children being able to follow classroom rules and routines as well as demonstrate self-control before any other learning can even happen.  Enough about my teaching philosophy!  The bottom line is, finding this letter meant a lot to me and I hope Blah Blah made it overseas despite my lack of response to his letter!  It also makes me realize, once again, that what I do makes a difference, not only to children but to the parents and colleagues I come into contact with (or at least I hope this wasn't a one time occurrence!) TTFN!    

Tye Dye Photo Tour

My sister and her family love to tye dye, so we did a little while we were visiting in August.  Here are the before and after pictures.

t-shirt for O

pillowcase for O

cami for E

cami for E

bandana for O

oops! how did this Firefly and Lemonade get here!? :)

 End Results I am pretty proud of:

TTFN!

Skip Hop Update

My new FREE bag is fabulous and versatile!  How versatile you ask?   Here I am with my son showing him how to pet the cow and then milking a cow............with the bag :)................ TTFN!

I love the new color!

I really never thought I would see this day!

The Memory of an Elephant (again we are back to the Apple Tree)

I don't know if I have ever mentioned this but I have a fantastic memory.  I remember the most ridiculous things from my childhood, adolescent, and early teen years.  Late teens and on are a bit hazy for reasons I am not permitted to say.  Anyway, I must have passed this gene on to my son, who remembers everything!  Tonight's anecdote just needed to be shared.  As I am bathing him I used my daughter soap to wash his shoulders and face.  Now, mind you while I was pregnant with him, this article surfaced and he has never been touched with a lavender or tea tree product.   Anyway, last year when my friend had a son, she asked me if I wanted all of her leftover Johnson's Bedtime Bath that she hadn't  used with her daughter.  I asked her, "Why, don't you want B@$*% to have boobs?"  She laughed, and yes she had heard the same thing.  Anyway, now a year later, while I am bathing my own son and used the J&J Bath by accident, I exclaimed, 'Oh! I used your sister's babywash on you!'  He replied, "Mom! Now I am going to have boobies!"   I think there are 2 reasons for this, 1. He overheard my friend and I talking about it last year, and 2. His father probably tells him he can't wash him with it b/c he will grow breasts.  So that's my little anecdote, I hope you enjoyed it!  I haven't done any recent research about the boy boob theory, but feel free to do so and follow up with a comment!  TTFN!!

Skip Hop

When I was pregnant with my daughter, my mom gave me this diaper bag in Chocolate from Skip Hop. I absolutely love it for 2 reasons.  It looks like a bag, not a diaper bag, like a regular person bag :).  And it has great diaper bag essentials!  I was very sad when the seams on the sides began to rip (as displayed below).  

Now, this happened not long after I had the bag, I probably used it for only 6 months or so.  Then I put it away and sulked every time I looked at it!  A friend offered the suggestion that I call the company which I did (1 year later mind you!).  Skip Hop has incredible customer service and are sending me a FREE replacement!  Score for me! Thanks friend :).They gave me clear, concise directions in order to submit the request/complaint.   I also requested the bag in Champagne to change things up a bit and they so graciously obliged!  I have been searching for a new fall bag, but I do still have a 20 month old and need diaper bag capabilities, so this is the ultimate choice!  I can't wait for it to arrive!  I highly recommend using Skip Hop diaper bags for this very reason!  The Versa bag  is super cute as well.  TTFN!!

Moosewood Spinach Lasagna

check out those layers, mmm!

I grew up eating this lasagna and now have continued the tradition in my own home.  The whole family loves it! So for the last night before I return to work full time (agh!) we decided this would be a perfect family meal. If you choose to make it, Enjoy!

Moosewood Spinach Lasagna adapted slightly from the Moosewood Cookbook

Tomato Sauce ( I like Ragu Traditional)
12 lasagna noodles (I use San Giorgio Oven Ready Lasagna Noodles)
2 c. ricotta 

2 beaten eggs
Salt & pepper
1/2 lb. raw, chopped spinach
1 lb. shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 c. grated Parmesan cheese

9x13 pan

Spread some sauce in pan

add 1/3 noodles (for the not math inclined that's 4 noodles)

1/2 filling 

another layer of sauces 

1/2 mozzarella 

1/3 more noodles

rest of filling

sauce

rest of mozzarella

rest of noodles

one more dose of sauce

Parmesan and any leftover Mozzarella ( i usually buy 4 cups and use a little extra here)
Cover with foil and bake 35 minutes covered at 375 degrees. 
Uncover last 10 minutes. 
Total cook time 45 minutes.  Let stand 10 minutes

Yum-O!

Reunited and It Feels So Good

Wow!  I have been in a deep dark hole for the past 13 days.  There is so much that has happened since I have last posted I don't even know where to begin!  I think I'll some it up with one of lists....Clear and concise.  I will also follow up with a very special photo tour.
1.  Moved boxes upon boxes to the new house starting 8/1
2.  Left for Denver Co. on 8/11 to visit my sister and her family
3.  Returned to the new house and all the furniture courtesy of my lovely husband and movers
4.  Organizing new house and playing endless hours outside with kids and new pup
5.  Finally got internet and cable
6. Going back to work tomorrow, boo! I am in serious denial and can not think of anything i would rather not do!  I really want to have a positive attitude for the new school year, but I can't seem to find it anywhere..........
7.  and now I am back so with some great ideas up my sleeve!
It's been a great, BUSY summer.  I hope to get back to more blogging not that I will have a more productive 90 minutes during the school day, shhh! :) TTFN!

My New Anthem

The Dog Days Are Over.  You must play this song on the playlist to the right as you read this.  It's the last song on the playlist.  It will make you feel amazing.  As soon as I heard this song, I knew my day would come and today is it.  Last week we signed the lease for a new house that has everything on our checklist.Today we closed on our house and did our walk through of the new abode.  Now I have a clear picture of where everything will be placed :).  Yesterday we adopted a new family member and I cried the whole ride home.  I still have 3 more weeks of summer.  That will include packing, unpacking, housebreaking, corralling, visiting Denver, and settling into a new home.  Yowza!  Busy, but so, so exciting.  I finally feel like a semi-normal person again.  This past year was ROUGH.  But the dog days are over..........

Florence + The Machine

Happiness, hit her like a train on a track

Coming towards her, stuck still no turning back

She hid around corners and she hid under beds

She killed it with kisses and from it she fled

With every bubble she sank with a drink

And washed it away down the kitchen sink

The dog days are over

The dog days are done

The horses are coming

So you better run

Run fast for your mother run fast for your father

Run for your children for your sisters and brothers

Leave all your love and your longing behind you

Can't carry it with you if you want to survive

The dog days are over

The dog days are done

Can you hear the horses

'Cause here they come

[ Lyrics from: http://www.lyricsmode.com/lyrics/f/florence_and_the_machine/dog_days_are_over.html ]

And I never wanted anything from you

Except everything you had

And what was left after that too. oh.

Happiness hit her like a bullet in the back

Struck from a great height

By someone who should know better than that

The dog days are over

The dog days are gone

Can you hear the horses

'Cause here they come

Run fast for your mother and fast for your father

Run for your children for your sisters and brothers

Leave all your love and your longing behind you

Can't carry it with you if you want to survive

The dog days are over

The dog days are gone

Can you hear the horses

Because here they come

The dog days are over

The dog days are gone

Can you hear the horses

Because here they come

                                                     More lyrics: http://www.lyricsmode.com

iTunes

At my husband's request I have made a top 5 (b/c you know I love lists) Worst Songs in my iTunes Library.  Mind you I started this compilation back in 2003.
1. Aaron's Party- Aaron Carter (seriously, WTH is wrong with me!?)
2.  Aqua- Barbie Girl
3.  Rich Girl- Hall & Oates
4.  This Time- Hansen
5.  Bare Naked-Two of Hearts

YIKES!  TTFN :)

Why Re-Invent the Wheel: Word Clips

I forgot that I scheduled this to publish last week on Wednesday!  Oops.  Basically, I love this idea for my classroom for teaching name recognition, and spelling.  I love it for home too, but my son already knows how to spell and write his name (not to toot my own horn!) and my daughter is not even kind of ready.  If she would sit still that would be a start.   In my program we do a lot of work with names.  Recognizing you name, your friends names, etc.  I plan to take the kids pics when they arrive in September and glue them to a sentence strip on the left like above.  Then I will simply follow the same idea for writing their first name and putting the letters on clothespins.  Love it!  Find more ideas by clicking Word Clips.

**As always and as promised, this idea can be used in the school and home setting. **

Country Living

For years when visiting my sister in law I would peruse her magazines such as Cottage Living, Country Home and Country Living.  I never really realized how much I like Country Living until this past spring.  I started buying it and I really look forward to the new issue every month.  Also, I never really shop at Kmart but at the end of the school year I had run in for something and stumbled upon this quilt.  I had no idea that Kmart carried this line.  I haven't had new bedding since my wedding, so I gathered it was about time to get a new quilt and for $49.99, my husband didn't even complain.  I love both sides and my old quilt looks great folded up on the end of the bed :).  Kmart carries a whole slew of Country Living home goods that are really cute and reasonably priced.  Score for C.L.  TTFN!

You know you're a mom when.....

....one of these is proudly displayed on your station wagon, a.k.a. grocery grabber...........
never did I ever.............

Mom's Tuna Macaroni Salad

Growing up we always had Tuna Macaroni Salad as soon as the weather started to warm up.  Now that is a tradition in my home as well.  We all devour the stuff as soon as it's ready to eat.  My son and I made a batch this morning and couldn't wait to get home for lunch today!  Here is the recipe:

1lb pasta of your choice, I like Rotini

1 large cucumber

1 jar Claussen Kosher Dill pickles (the minis work great!)

Mayo, as needed

2 cans Cento Tuna packed in oil, salt added (glutton!) 

Jane's Crazy Salt

Boil the noodles and drain.  Then soak in about 1 c. of the pickle juice for at least one hour.  

Peel and cut the cucumber into bite size pieces and place in a large bowl

Cut pickles into bite size pieces.  Add to cucumbers.

Drain and add tuna to veggie mixture.  

Add Mayo to your desired texture.  

Add Jane's salt to taste.  

Mix everything together and refrigerate until serving.  Enjoy!  TTFN......................

New Uses for Old Things #7:Vitamin Organizer

I don't know about you but I often use small pouches to bring jewelry on a trip.  Not the best idea for necklaces!  I love this idea taken from Real Simple (of course!).  Pack enough jewelry for a week away. 
The individual compartments are the perfect place to keep earrings, necklaces, and rings safe and tangle free.

borrowed from RealSimple.com

Sunflowers in Bloom

I love sunflowers.  I love how big and heavy they get!  I have been growing some different types of sunflowers for about a month and we are really seeing great results!  It looks like we are actually going to have some flowers:

I love watering and checking these babies every day.  They need it.  They weep if they don't get enough water or sun.  When they are happy, their leaves rise to the sky.  It's quite incredible actually.   We have 2 that are almost as tall as my 4 year old.  I'll keep posting pics as they develop :)  TTFN!

Beach Week Photo Fails

Instead of the usual awesome vacation photos, I thought I would put a little spin on this entry with some pictures that will not be making the Picasa album.  We had a really great time, with only a few meltdowns on my part. No one got hurt, no one got sick and there was a lot of beach time and relaxation.  Enjoy!

family picture fail

epic fail of being dragged under a wave with your grandmother

uncle failing to care that niece is desperate to play

camera timer fail and posing fail (we are not sure why we are leaning)

fail to take camera off zoom

family picture fail

fail on a lot of levels

fail to photograph dolphins

somersault photo fail

failure to be excited over lobster