At long last...

I have finished the cross-stitch that I've been working on for the last 2.5-3 years.  Yes, it takes me that long.  Don't judge me. LOL

3:29 PM - Aug. 20, 2008 - comments {0} - post comment

Shell-shock over shoe sizes

How's that for some alliteration?

Took the kids sneaker shopping on Monday.  Here was the breakdown:

Eli went from a men's 8.5 to a men's 10.  A MEN'S 10!   I wear a women's 11 (you don't need to repeat that in caps....).  Here is our feet next to each other (Eli is on the left, if the nail polish doesn't tip you off!)

He's only going to be 12 in October.  I'm afraid, very afraid.

Madeline went from a women's 6.5 to a women's 9.5.  That is one heck of a jump for just one year!  Her feet are almost as big as mine.  She is not quite 10.5 years old.  Maybe we'll be able to share shoes for a short period time, before I have to start special ordering them for those gun-boats.  SIGH.  Now I know how my parents felt.

Not to be outdone, Patience grew.  A lot.  I had been a bit worried about her, because it seemed like several years went by, and her feet weren't getting much bigger, while she was growing taller and heavier.  I worried about her toppling over, with feet too small to support her frame.  Silly me.

The child went from a CHILD's 3 to a WOMAN's 7!!!!!!  I still can't quite believe it.  And yet, I'm oddly relieved, that she won't be a "little foot" in this family of Big Foots. (I'm not actually counting Steve, who wears an average men's 10.5.)

I know they come by it honestly, but I'm still reeling a bit. 

2:42 PM - Aug. 20, 2008 - comments {0} - post comment

Softball is over!

The guys had their last softball game on Saturday.  Apparently, all 12 teams made it into the play-offs, but we got kicked out after our 2nd play-off game.  The kids had fun, though. :)

# 28 is great! (that's Steve, if you couldn't tell...)

Patience & some of her friends, running off to play:

Maddie and her little buddy, Callie--they have the same birthday! :)

2:35 PM - Aug. 20, 2008 - comments {0} - post comment

Washington County Fair--TAKE TWO!

Last Sunday, we headed back to the Washington County Fair, after being rained out last Thursday.  Thankfully it was a gorgeous, warm, sunny day!

12:53 PM - Aug. 20, 2008 - comments {0} - post comment

The last couple of weeks in pictures

I'm not feeling up to typing a lot (and having said that, will probably proceed to blather on and on), but I was informed that it had been AGES since I updated my blog, so here goes:

Princess eats a vegetable!  Her previous owner said that she didn't like them, but she will eat celery, carrots and cucumber.

She's not actually possessed, there's just the most awful red-eye every time I take her picture!

Garden update:  We have a gazillion cherry tomatoes, we ruined the cucumbers, the cantaloupe are over-running the small lawn that we have, and the soybeans are a success!  Our zucchini plant refuses to produce more than one zucchini at a time, no yellow squash yet, everyone but Steve hates green beans, and we actually have a couple of green peppers that the bugs didn't get!

The ruined cucumbers--apparently, you aren't supposed to let them go until they are yellow and round...who knew?

The girls' new bathing skirts--Land's End swim skirts.  Their old suits had bitten the dust, and summer is not over yet!

We had a church picnic at Oakland Beach two weeks ago--here are the girls with their adorable friend, Gracie.

It was a gorgeous day!

We had a fantastic playdate at my friend Leslie's home last week.  They own property right on a lake--the kids had a blast.

My Uncle Michael and Aunt Julia came up to RI from FL for a visit.  We had a lot of fun with some extended family.  Here is a picture of my mom and 3 of her brothers:

And here's the whole gang of us (except for the guy who had to take the picture--my dad!):

Here's Patience with my cousin, Jeff.  Sheesh, I remember when he was born!  And now he has a mustache!

Here's Eli without a mask on--he's a little sunburned, but what a handsome guy!

Yesterday, we attempted to attend the Washington County Fair.  Here's a series of pics--you tell me how successful the trip was!

(Note the dark, forboding clouds)

(Lightning interrupted the ride--they never even made if off the ground!)

Everyone crowd into the 4-H building!

There's plenty of empty picnic tables--in the middle of that LAKE.

Lots of other fun has been had, a trip to the beach, seeing a friend in a play, visiting with Mem & Pep. 

In other news (otherwise known as TMI), I have this weird, funky rash on my arms and legs, and it is SO itchy.  And I have no idea what it is.  And of course my dr. wasn't in today, so maybe I'll go in Monday, IF I haven't scratched my thighs off. 

School starts just after Labor Day.  Hopefully all of our curriculum will be in.  I'm looking forward to getting back onto a schedule!

4:57 PM - Aug. 15, 2008 - comments {0} - post comment

Busy week ahead

Gearing up....

It feels like this last week has been busy, but I know I've had more time to stay home, too.  It's a conscious decision, what with how high gas prices are.  Yesterday, we were home all day.  Mount Laundry was tackled!

Tonight, the kids have their group at Cornerstone.  It's like a Bible study/game night for kids grades 3-6.  They haven't been in quite a few weeks.  I think I'll go to the grocery store while they're there.  We have a lot of special events over the next few days.

Tomorrow is Caroline's birthday party--the girls are invited.  Eli and I will probably finish up the grocery shopping--I'd like to try & do something fun with him, too.

Sunday, we have a church cookout to attend.  I going to make us a fruit salad, sandwiches, chips, drinks & cookies.  Yum.

Monday night is the last softball game of the season.  We'll have a cookout afterwards.  I'm making cookies (of course), kielbasa in the crockpot, and macaroni salad. 

Tuesday, we've been invited to a friends' home for a picnic lunch & swimming at the pond.  So I need to pack food for that.

Wednesday, my Uncle Michael and Aunt Julie will be up from Florida.  I told my mom that I would bring dessert, so I'm thinking of Apple Tartlets and Chocolate Heath Bar Trifle. 

I don't know about you, but when we have places to go, where I need to bring food, I always end up spending more on groceries, because I want to pack what I want to make, and that doesn't always coincide with what is in the pantry, kwim?   So I'm trying to be extra careful about where I shop, and honestly, most of the recipes I'm making are pretty inexpensive.

The macaroni salad I'm making for Monday night is a recipe of my mom's.  We call it orange macaroni salad, because you make it with macaroni & cheese--here, you can try it for yourself:

Cook one box of macaroni & cheese pasta.  Drain & rinse.  Mix in JUST the orange powder and 1/4 cup of "orange cheese" (I swear, this is what the recipe says--my mom always used cubed cheese, I think I'm going to used shredded).   When that is pretty well mixed, add 1/4 cup EACH of diced green pepper, chopped onion, chopped celery--then add mayo, salt & pepper to desired taste & consistency.

That's it.  It gets rave reviews.  Honest.  Would I lie to you? I'm quadrupling the recipe for Monday night.  I'm hoping for leftovers. :)

Oh, I made the best Pumpkin Chocolate Chip pancakes for the kids' dinner last night.  Definitely a keeper of a recipe.  I got it out of one of my Gooseberry Patch cookbooks--if you haven't checked out their catalog already, run, don't walk to www.gooseberrypatch.com .  Their stuff is fabulous!

I actually got a lot of housework done yesterday, so I'm feeling a bit lost this morning.  I'm up a lot earlier than usual (woke up before 6am)--I need to exercise, but I think I'll go work on my cross-stitch first.

Have a great day!

6:25 AM - Aug. 1, 2008 - comments {0} - post comment

I'm a crafting fool!

This last week feels like it lasted a month.  But flew by.  If you know what I mean.

Last Sunday, we were in the middle of a heat wave.  All I did was sweat profusely for days on end.  Thankfully, my Pampered Chef host had central air conditioning when I went to her show on Sunday afternoon.  What a blessing--it's never any fun to melt in front of the guests.

Monday afternoon, all three of the kids got their teeth cleaned--NO cavities!  Woo Hoo!  We were supposed to go to the church softball game, but Steve got stuck on a job, and I figured it was a good chance to conserve some gasoline.  So we stayed home, and were glad we did, because it poured buckets here (but apparently only spit a bit at the ball field).

Tuesday morning I went walking with Sue & then we swapped kids.  I stopped at Joann's to pick up some embroidery floss for the girls.  I told them I would teach them how to make friendship bracelets.  They love making them.  I made myself an anklet:

I can remember making these when I was in grade school!  My sister is so jealous--I may have to make her one.  That was the first crafty thing I did this week. 

On Wednesday, we went to the Showcase Cinemas Bookworm Wednesday--free movie with a book report!  The movie was "Happy Feet", which we hadn't seen before.  I have to say, I hated it.  Next week is Curious George, so we won't go.

After the movie, we headed down to my parents' house for a visit and dinner.  We beat my dad home by an hour!  So we hung out--I had brought my computer, and was getting expense reports done, and the girls worked on their bracelets, and I think Eli read a book.  Anyway, we had a nice visit, although Madeline wasn't feeling well and spiked a fever.  She was fine the next day, thank God! 

It rained Wednesday night.  Really poured.  I was so happy to miss most of it, although we had left a window open, and Steve came home to a soaked living room, TV and cat.  I'm glad I missed that, too.

Yesterday, it rained all day.  Strong winds, sudden downpours, but not the thunder and lightning that we had Wed. night.  Luckily, I didn't have to go anywhere until last night.  I had a Pampered Chef show at my friend Theresa's house.  She only lives about 15 minutes away, so that was great.

Today is also a stay at home day.  I've been working on some rag quilts for the girls.  I have all of the squares done; next week I'll start piecing them together.  Here's a picture of all of the squares laid out:

I'm really happy with how it's going to look.  I also figured out how to clean my sewing machine and oil it.  I'm so proud of myself!  And that was the 2nd crafty thing I did this week.  If you knew me IRL, you'd know that's quite a bit of craftiness for me in one week! :)

Well, my dad just called, he's stopping by for a visit, so I'm going to cut this short!

11:27 AM - Jul. 25, 2008 - comments {0} - post comment

Calling all podiatrists

Patience, who has been since birth possibly the dirtiest child alive, has pretty funky, gross feet.  There, I said it.  She was the toddler with really smelly feet, and now she's the 8 year old with massive calluses that seem almost pourous. 

Her feet are routinely filthy--two minutes after cleaning them, the bottoms will be black (absolutely no comments may be left suggesting that my floors are dirty!).

Today I soaked her little feet, clipped her nails and gave them a good scrubbing.  Here is a picture, because her feet may never be this clean again:

Now, I promise, I'm not trying to gross you out, but here are some pictures of the bottoms of her feet (see, you thought I was going to say a "before" shot, but even I'm not that mean).  Do these calluses look like something is possibly wrong?  Athlete's foot?  Some kind of fungus?  She doesn't complain of pain or itchiness.

I'm almost scared to take one of the pedicure scrubby things to the bottom of her feet, but that's what I'll try next.  This kid is going to owe me a lot of pedicures once she's older.

12:01 PM - Jul. 17, 2008 - comments {1} - post comment

Nature's bounty

Woo hoo!  Our first veggies from the garden!  Too bad that Steve didn't know that I hate string beans when he planted them (hey, in his defense, we've only been married 14 years).  The girls only like them raw, as we found out after we steamed them for lunch.  SIGH.

11:59 AM - Jul. 17, 2008 - comments {0} - post comment

Spring Lake

On Tuesday, we were able to go to Spring Lake in Burrillville, RI, with some friends.  The kids had a great time.  I only got a tiny sunburn (yay!). 

What a gorgeous day!

I promise, we feed Eli--check out his spine!  Sheesh.

Pretty Patience

Eli shows off his long locks. :)

My beautiful Maddie

11:46 AM - Jul. 17, 2008 - comments {0} - post comment

Heading back to the doctor's

Well, it seems that Patience's poison ivy (if that's what it really was...) has flared up again.  Her cheeks started getting all red & itchy today.  So we're headed back to the doctor's tomorrow morning.  I am not messing around with this!

Sheesh, this is her 3rd doctor's appointment in 3 weeks!  When it rains, it pours!

7:07 PM - Jul. 16, 2008 - comments {0} - post comment

Back to the grind

Ugh, I gained 4 lbs. in Chicago.  I'm getting back on track today!  I haven't eaten all that well (dang my incredible baking skills!), but not too badly, and I just rode the exercise bike for an hour.  Now to drown my cravings with H2O!

7:04 PM - Jul. 16, 2008 - comments {0} - post comment

Home from Chicago!

Well, I'm home!  Four whirlwind days in the Windy City, a flight home that was slightly delayed, and here I am.  I am exhausted!  Travelling absolutely kicks my butt!

Lots of laughs were had (I just adore being with my friend Carolyn!), the new PC products are cool (email me if you want a brochure!), and dining out & shopping were fabulous.

Here are a few pics:

The Chicago skyline

Navy Pier

With the two fantastic gals on my team, Joanne & Stephanie

With 3 of my fellow directors, Carolyn (possibly the funniest gal in the world!), Joanne, Marcia & myself

It was a wonderful trip, but I am glad to be home! 

5:00 PM - Jul. 14, 2008 - comments {0} - post comment

Can't sleep!

To re-cap--yesterday, Patience was diagnosed with swimmer's ear and a middle ear infection in her right ear.  The night before, she was up at 3am, and has been on pain meds every three hours since, because of the pain.  Yesterday, other than 1/2 hour of sleep between 5:15 and 7am, dozing in the doctor's office, and a one hour nap between 3pm-4pm, I was up from 3am until last night.  I was a zombie.

Until I caught my second wind at about 8pm.  AUGHH.  It was so difficult to fall asleep!  Patience is still needing meds (alternating Tylenol & Motrin) every 3 hours, and she got up at 11pm, and then 2:30am, and I am AWAKE.  My plane leaves for Chicago in 5 hours.

While I was trying to go to sleep last night, I decided to read my new Gooseberry Patch catalog.  Mmmm, mmmm!  Love their stuff.  Is it bad that I want about $250 worth of their goodies?  Are cookbooks tax deductible for me?  You can check out their 275 NEW products at www.gooseberrypatch.com .  Let me know if you need ideas for my next birthday, or Christmas, or whatever!

It's the almost dog-days of summer, when a girls' thoughts turn to....AUTUMN.  Let me tell you, that catalog has the cutest stuff, and all ready for fall baking and cooking and decorating.  I can smell the crisp fall air already.  *Live in the moment, Amanda....enjoy summer while you can!*  I know, I know.  I'll be dying for this heat come January.

Speaking of dying, the air conditioner in the girls' room is kaput.  At least, the horrible buzzing sound it was making at 2am, coupled with the large *SPARK* when I shut it off, is making me think that.  And it's going to be a HOT, HUMID day today (I almost said tomorrow, but honestly, dawn isn't too far away....).  I consoled Steve by telling him that I would be in industrial A/C for the next 4 days.  Hey, I'm all about the giving.

Did I mention that Steve tried to burn the house down yesterday?  When I was up in the wee hours with Patience, I lit a candle on the dining room table.  Steve sat down around 7:30am with the newspaper, and proceeded to hold it directly above the candle.  Eli started yelling, "Dad, Dad!!  Look out!", as the paper ignited.  Never a dull moment around here, I tell you.

Okay, It's all of 3:45am here--I think I'll go exercise and then try to collapse on the couch for a bit.  Try not to have too much fun while I'm away!  I'll check my email on Saturday night, so feel free to leave lots of comments!

3:33 AM - Jul. 9, 2008 - comments {1} - post comment

Off to Chicago!

 I'm leaving in the morning for another Pampered Chef National Conference in Chicago, IL!

If you think of it, could you say a prayer for Patience?  Not only does she hate it when I leave, she has swimmers ear AND a middle ear infection in her right ear.  Poor thing--she's just in so much pain.  And mommy will be gone for 4 days. :(

Have a great week!  I'll be home Saturday night!

7:41 PM - Jul. 8, 2008 - comments {0} - post comment

Happy Independence Day!

I hope you all have a wonderful day celebrating the 4th of July!  We're headed to the church cookout--always a good time.  I visit with friends, and the kids stay in the pool for 8 hours straight. :)

8:42 AM - Jul. 4, 2008 - comments {0} - post comment

Clouds Hill Mansion

Who knew there was a historical mansion right here in Warwick?  Well, my friend Sue knew!  And she set up a great field trip!  We couldn't take pictures on the inside, but what a beautiful house!  Here are some pictures:

The girls on one of the antique fire trucks:

Eli on an antique pogo stick--he did a great job!

2:45 PM - Jul. 3, 2008 - comments {0} - post comment

So, so itchy

Patience started itching the other day, and once the rash had spread to her feet, legs, arms, stomach and FACE (oh God, not the face!), I took her to the doctor's yesterday.

We were told that she has poison ivy, but that the rash on her arms is due to "sun-sensitivity". HUH?  This kid has never gotten a rash from being in the sun.  Mild sunburns once in a while, but not itchy rashes.

Anyway, she's on oral steroids for 10 days, with plenty of anti-itch cream and Benedryl as needed.  Poor thing.

2:40 PM - Jul. 3, 2008 - comments {0} - post comment

"Pig" excitement

I was just thinking the other day that I wouldn't mind getting Patience a guinea pig.  Her best friend has two, and Patience has such fun at Katie's house when they play.

Yesterday, at the Bookworm movie (The BEE Movie--pretty cute), my best friend asked me, "Do you know anyone who wants a guinea pig?" I checked with Steve when he got home, and he said yes.  So last night, I drove to Cumberland to pick up the cutest little guinea pig there ever was.

Patience was so surprised this morning!  Here they are, Patience and...well, she doesn't have a name yet, but Patience is leaning toward "Princess".

2:30 PM - Jul. 3, 2008 - comments {0} - post comment

Overheard

FYI, I am gearing up for a big blogfest, to make up for my silence!  Stay tuned....

In the meantime, enjoy this, courtesy of Patience (age 8), who was making a sandwich:

"Eli, I don't want strawberry preservatives!"

LOL LOL LOL

1:37 PM - Jun. 30, 2008 - comments {0} - post comment