Very neat shop! Check out their huge giveaway!
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Book Review- I Am Hutterite by Mary-Ann Kirkby
I just finished reading I Am Hutterite by Mary-Ann Kirkby, and loved it! It was neat to get a peak of the day to day life of another culture. I had never heard the term Hutterite before and was intrigued by the description of the book.
The book starts out with the story of her mother, Mary. Lots of descriptions of day to day life of a Hutterite family, especially the woman's role. At times I got confused at the time line of when things were happening as it seemed to jump around. That being said I found myself lost in this book and completely absorbed in the story. A lot of the descriptions had a romantic quality to them and I found myself dreaming of what life had been like.
In the story when Mary-Ann is born the time-line gets less confusing and the story as an innocent quality as told from the eyes of a child. It's not hard to relate to the struggles of trying to fit in as described after her family had left the Hutterite community. And it's amazing to me how much determination her family had to make it on their own and thrive.
I found myself wishing that I had grown up in a community like hers. The structure and simplicity of life is very appealing.
I would recommend this book to others. I found it a quick and interesting read, that provided a special glimpse into a life so different from my own.
The book starts out with the story of her mother, Mary. Lots of descriptions of day to day life of a Hutterite family, especially the woman's role. At times I got confused at the time line of when things were happening as it seemed to jump around. That being said I found myself lost in this book and completely absorbed in the story. A lot of the descriptions had a romantic quality to them and I found myself dreaming of what life had been like.
In the story when Mary-Ann is born the time-line gets less confusing and the story as an innocent quality as told from the eyes of a child. It's not hard to relate to the struggles of trying to fit in as described after her family had left the Hutterite community. And it's amazing to me how much determination her family had to make it on their own and thrive.
I found myself wishing that I had grown up in a community like hers. The structure and simplicity of life is very appealing.
I would recommend this book to others. I found it a quick and interesting read, that provided a special glimpse into a life so different from my own.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Monday, April 26, 2010
Book Review- Friendship for Grownups by Lisa Whelchel
Many of you may know Lisa Whelchel as Blair from The Facts of Life. I watched this show with my mom when I was little and will still turn it on today if I see that it is on. This is mainly why I chose this book. Also the subject is one that I was interested in as I've had a hard time with friendships, particularly in my adult life.
The main portion of the book is Lisa's personal story. She discusses many different types of friendships she's had, what went wrong, what went right. I found it very informative and it really got me thinking about my own friends, past and present. The appendix of the book is more of a "how to" list of things you can say or do to strengthen your friendships.
This was a quick and easy read. I felt that it contained a lot of useful information that could be applied to most any person's life. Lisa is a very spiritual person and it definitely comes through in her book. While I'm not a spiritual person I didn't feel that this distracted from the main intent and message of her book.
I would recommend this to others.
As a member of BookSneeze.com I was given a free copy of this book with the agreement that I would read the entire book and give a personal review on my blog and another consumer website. I have not been paid or told what to say in this review. Other than to include a blurb such as this at the end of my review. :)
The main portion of the book is Lisa's personal story. She discusses many different types of friendships she's had, what went wrong, what went right. I found it very informative and it really got me thinking about my own friends, past and present. The appendix of the book is more of a "how to" list of things you can say or do to strengthen your friendships.
This was a quick and easy read. I felt that it contained a lot of useful information that could be applied to most any person's life. Lisa is a very spiritual person and it definitely comes through in her book. While I'm not a spiritual person I didn't feel that this distracted from the main intent and message of her book.
I would recommend this to others.
As a member of BookSneeze.com I was given a free copy of this book with the agreement that I would read the entire book and give a personal review on my blog and another consumer website. I have not been paid or told what to say in this review. Other than to include a blurb such as this at the end of my review. :)
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Book Review- A Century Turns: New Fears, New Hopes America: 1988-2008 by William Bennett
I was very interested in reading this and skeptical that I would even like it. I don't have much interest in politics and have never been able to keep history straight. It's definitely not my passion. I thought it would be neat to read more details about things that I could actually remember.
I truly feel like this book delivered that. I don't remember much of anything about the election of Bush Sr other than talking briefly about it when I was in Kindergarten. The fall of the Berlin Wall, Kuwait and Desert Storm, Rodney King were all people, events, and themes I recognized but never really could remember what time frame that they occurred in. It was nice to be able to identify how old I was when they happened and actually know where our country was when they happened.
This continues through all of the presidential elections and following presidencies. Specific events and issues involving the US, names of people that I recognize but never knew exactly who, where, or what they were. I really enjoyed the authors personal notes and memories that were included. It was like getting an inside peak of how things were from someone that lived, experienced and participated in what was happening. At times I worried that this book was going to be overly biased towards Republicans since the author was involved and worked in those administrations. I do have to say after finishing the book I feel like I got a good view of the whole story. Positives and negatives were expressed for all involved, and I felt like I was reading history as it happened and not just someone's opinion on what happened.
Overall I would recommend this book to others if they have any interest in the history of our country from 1988-2008. I haven't read William Bennett's other books America: The Last Best Hope Volume 1 or 2, but after reading this book I may consider it in the future. Initially I thought I would give this book away when I finished reading, but I think I may like to keep it on my book shelf.
As a member of BookSneeze.com I was given a free copy of this book with the agreement that I would read the entire book and give a personal review on my blog and another consumer website. I have not been paid or told what to say in this review. Other than to include a blurb such as this at the end of my review. :)
I truly feel like this book delivered that. I don't remember much of anything about the election of Bush Sr other than talking briefly about it when I was in Kindergarten. The fall of the Berlin Wall, Kuwait and Desert Storm, Rodney King were all people, events, and themes I recognized but never really could remember what time frame that they occurred in. It was nice to be able to identify how old I was when they happened and actually know where our country was when they happened.
This continues through all of the presidential elections and following presidencies. Specific events and issues involving the US, names of people that I recognize but never knew exactly who, where, or what they were. I really enjoyed the authors personal notes and memories that were included. It was like getting an inside peak of how things were from someone that lived, experienced and participated in what was happening. At times I worried that this book was going to be overly biased towards Republicans since the author was involved and worked in those administrations. I do have to say after finishing the book I feel like I got a good view of the whole story. Positives and negatives were expressed for all involved, and I felt like I was reading history as it happened and not just someone's opinion on what happened.
Overall I would recommend this book to others if they have any interest in the history of our country from 1988-2008. I haven't read William Bennett's other books America: The Last Best Hope Volume 1 or 2, but after reading this book I may consider it in the future. Initially I thought I would give this book away when I finished reading, but I think I may like to keep it on my book shelf.
As a member of BookSneeze.com I was given a free copy of this book with the agreement that I would read the entire book and give a personal review on my blog and another consumer website. I have not been paid or told what to say in this review. Other than to include a blurb such as this at the end of my review. :)
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Getting over the hump
I had an extremely difficult time getting going today. Anorah woke up at 5:30am and my body was not ready for that! I was so tired that I convinced myself that I needed a day off. No getting dressed, no doing the dishes, and no shining the sink.
pI made it through most of the day feeling ok with my decision. When Anorah went down for her 2nd nap I started to hear those pesky voices. They said things like, "You are so lazy.""you deserve to be lazy." And then I started to feel guilty.
It got to the point that there was nothing of interest on the internet and no more TV to be watched. So I decided that I would start a load of laundry. After doing that I thought, "I deserve to bless my home today and my family deserves to live in a blessed home." So I decided to do the dishes and shine my sink. After that I spent some time decluttering the big kitchen counter, and cleaned up Anorah's toys.
When Anorah woke up I realized that I stunk and looked awful. So I took a shower and did my hair and makeup. Right after that I got a call from our good friends interested in an inpromtu get together. I was able to say yes without hesitating! I was dressed and clean and the main areas of my home were also. What a wonderful feeling! And now I'm going to be rewarded by good friends, good conversation, maybe a game, and pizza! What a wonderful surprise!
I've never stuck with any self improvement plan for longer than a few days, I realized I've made it a week. I'm feeling very good about myself and my home. I'm still a work in progress, which is great, and I look forward to continuing my work!
pI made it through most of the day feeling ok with my decision. When Anorah went down for her 2nd nap I started to hear those pesky voices. They said things like, "You are so lazy.""you deserve to be lazy." And then I started to feel guilty.
It got to the point that there was nothing of interest on the internet and no more TV to be watched. So I decided that I would start a load of laundry. After doing that I thought, "I deserve to bless my home today and my family deserves to live in a blessed home." So I decided to do the dishes and shine my sink. After that I spent some time decluttering the big kitchen counter, and cleaned up Anorah's toys.
When Anorah woke up I realized that I stunk and looked awful. So I took a shower and did my hair and makeup. Right after that I got a call from our good friends interested in an inpromtu get together. I was able to say yes without hesitating! I was dressed and clean and the main areas of my home were also. What a wonderful feeling! And now I'm going to be rewarded by good friends, good conversation, maybe a game, and pizza! What a wonderful surprise!
I've never stuck with any self improvement plan for longer than a few days, I realized I've made it a week. I'm feeling very good about myself and my home. I'm still a work in progress, which is great, and I look forward to continuing my work!
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Going Strong!
So far I've done really well with sticking with the fly program. I'm now on day 6! I've explained a lot of what I've been doing and working on with Marc and he's been super supportive, he even helps!
Yesterday I was able to keep the kitchen clean and my sink shining, washed most of the laundry, swept the front walkway and washed the front door. One of the problems that I've been having is getting started as soon as I wake up. I usually shower and get dressed during Anorah's first nap. I also haven't been wearing lace up shoes because it's just too hot. Today I'm finishing up the laundry, and worked on cleaning off the junk counter in the kitchen. All in all I feel like I've been successful and actually look forward to the daily emails with the daily plan and the challenges. Who knew something so simple could make you feel so good!?
Positive moment: I spoke with my mom yesterday and she told me that I was the best mom! It made me feel wonderful! I definitely learned from the best!
Yesterday I was able to keep the kitchen clean and my sink shining, washed most of the laundry, swept the front walkway and washed the front door. One of the problems that I've been having is getting started as soon as I wake up. I usually shower and get dressed during Anorah's first nap. I also haven't been wearing lace up shoes because it's just too hot. Today I'm finishing up the laundry, and worked on cleaning off the junk counter in the kitchen. All in all I feel like I've been successful and actually look forward to the daily emails with the daily plan and the challenges. Who knew something so simple could make you feel so good!?
Positive moment: I spoke with my mom yesterday and she told me that I was the best mom! It made me feel wonderful! I definitely learned from the best!
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Anorah updates!
She has her 9 month appointment tomorrow so I'll have updated measurements then. She now says "mama", claps, and can stand without holding onto anything. It's really cute, when she stands she'll balance and then clap her hands! She also likes to push her little activity table around the family room.
Her and Sofie are very good friends. Whenever Anorah wakes up from a nap Sofie runs into her room and stands at her crib. Sofie will also let Anorah have her rawhide bone. We're trying to discourage this but with Sofie's help it's been hard. Anorah and Chewie get along fine, but Chewie is definitely my dog, he tolerates her. Anorah has started wearing 12 month clothes and I don't think it will be long before she outgrows all of her 9 month outfits. I'll update with her measurements tomorrow!
Her and Sofie are very good friends. Whenever Anorah wakes up from a nap Sofie runs into her room and stands at her crib. Sofie will also let Anorah have her rawhide bone. We're trying to discourage this but with Sofie's help it's been hard. Anorah and Chewie get along fine, but Chewie is definitely my dog, he tolerates her. Anorah has started wearing 12 month clothes and I don't think it will be long before she outgrows all of her 9 month outfits. I'll update with her measurements tomorrow!
Flying through day 4
I had to work this morning, so I had no choice but to get dressed and put on my shoes. :) But I did empty and load the dishwasher and shine my sink before I left for work. It's amazing how doing something so small can make you feel good about yourself. My goal for this month is to establish some type of laundry routine. There is nothing worse than having to wear a dirty shirt or (gasp) realize you don't have any clean underwear. I plan on doing a load of towels this evening before bed. I still have to complete my babystep for the day, so I'm off to do that!
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Flying days 2 & 3
I've made it through my third day of babystepping. I need to shine my sink today, but I think I'm doing pretty well!
Positive thought for the day: I'm happy with my ability to do my job. Being a nurse isn't easy, but I like what I do!
Positive thought for the day: I'm happy with my ability to do my job. Being a nurse isn't easy, but I like what I do!
Thursday, July 30, 2009
FLY day 1
I was feeling motivated today and I felt like my dirty kitchen sink was mocking me. So I decide to take my first baby step as a FLYbaby and shine my sink. My sink is now sparkling, all of the clean dishes are put away and there are only a small handful of dirty dishes on the counter. It may not be much, but I feel really good about it!
Positive thought for the day: I love that I completed my first goal to getting organized! I can do this!
Positive thought for the day: I love that I completed my first goal to getting organized! I can do this!
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Learning to FLY
For anyone that knows me outside of work, they know that I am not so organized and messy. For some reason I tend to be the opposite at work. Super organized, efficient, my area stays clean. I'm not sure why I can't incorporate this in my home life. Maybe it's because someone that I don't love is evaluating me?
So part of my problem seems to be that I am a perfectionist. If I can't be perfect why do it at all? I'm also a bit on the lazy side. I'd much rather be on the computer, watching TV, or playing with my little girl.
I am a SHE (sidetracked home executive) and I have a good friend that is also a SHE. So we got together to come up with a plan to try to get organized and help keep our houses clean. It would also become a check system. Sadly I think I am failing at this. So I'm hoping that putting it here and charting my progress with help me.
I did a search and came upon FLYlady.net. Now I had heard about her before so I had a vague idea what this was about. And my friend and fellow SHE is using this program and is actually making progress in our combined goal. So I decided to sign up and try to stick with it. I signed up 2 days ago and have yet to start. I've decided that I will start on August 1, because a new month also feels like a fresh start.
What is FLY? It means Finally Loving Yourself. Which sounds good to me! I get daily emails with the next days plan, and she has a month of baby steps to get started. Baby steps sound good to me! So that is my plan and I will stick to it!
So part of my problem seems to be that I am a perfectionist. If I can't be perfect why do it at all? I'm also a bit on the lazy side. I'd much rather be on the computer, watching TV, or playing with my little girl.
I am a SHE (sidetracked home executive) and I have a good friend that is also a SHE. So we got together to come up with a plan to try to get organized and help keep our houses clean. It would also become a check system. Sadly I think I am failing at this. So I'm hoping that putting it here and charting my progress with help me.
I did a search and came upon FLYlady.net. Now I had heard about her before so I had a vague idea what this was about. And my friend and fellow SHE is using this program and is actually making progress in our combined goal. So I decided to sign up and try to stick with it. I signed up 2 days ago and have yet to start. I've decided that I will start on August 1, because a new month also feels like a fresh start.
What is FLY? It means Finally Loving Yourself. Which sounds good to me! I get daily emails with the next days plan, and she has a month of baby steps to get started. Baby steps sound good to me! So that is my plan and I will stick to it!
It's too hot!
Ugh, it's currently 103 degrees outside. This is the 3rd day in a row of 100 degree heat. We had to sleep downstairs last night of the couches (Anorah in the pack n' play) because it was just way too hot upstairs. Luckily we have a window a/c. I've been able to keep the temp inside at 74. Can't wait until this heat wave is over! Today was supposed to be the last day, but I think it's supposed to be another hot one tomorrow. At least I am not at work...
Monday, July 27, 2009
9 months
I am terrible about keeping up with this blog! My little peanut turns 9 months old tomorrow! She is getting big way too fast!
She currently has 2 teeth fully in, the bottom 2. Now there are 5 more trying very hard to make it through. 5 teeth almost in=teething hell! It's gotten a little better the last couple days, no more night wakings screaming in pain at least.
Anorah is now able to stand alone, but only if she's in the mood! She pulls up on everything, and walks along the furniture. I think I'm going to have an early walker here! Don't know if I'm completely ready for that or not.
I went shopping with Anorah and my MIL today. We got Anorah tons of cute little outfits! I can't wait until they fit! Nothing else completely exciting going on. Until later.
She currently has 2 teeth fully in, the bottom 2. Now there are 5 more trying very hard to make it through. 5 teeth almost in=teething hell! It's gotten a little better the last couple days, no more night wakings screaming in pain at least.
Anorah is now able to stand alone, but only if she's in the mood! She pulls up on everything, and walks along the furniture. I think I'm going to have an early walker here! Don't know if I'm completely ready for that or not.
I went shopping with Anorah and my MIL today. We got Anorah tons of cute little outfits! I can't wait until they fit! Nothing else completely exciting going on. Until later.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Going Green
It's been forever since I've blogged! My little girl has been sick and is feeling much better today, she is also, currently, happily playing alone on her mat.
I found both of these products on www.etsy.com
www.CrunchyClean.etsy.com
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5150548
Some other things that I would like to change in the future are: decrease paper towel use by using cloth, make an effort to use reusable grocery bags, make baby food, try some homemade house cleaning solutions.
What are you doing to be more green?
This year on Earth Day I started thinking about ways that my family could make changes that would have a positive impact on the planet. Now I certainly haven't gone crazy by making my own cloth diapers or anything. I decided to pick one thing to change. Otherwise I'd make all of these huge plans, get overwhelmed, and never get started. So for this year I decided to change the way that I do laundry.
The first thing that I did was eliminate liquid fabric softeners and dryer sheets. They contain a lot of harmful chemicals and I found a more natural solution to soften fabrics and prevent static. I purchased Fuzzy Wuzzy dryer balls. They are made of 100% wool. You put them in the dryer with your clothes and they keep things fluffy. They also seriously decrease your drying time! I have my dryer on medium heat and a load of towels was finished drying by the time the next load was finished washing. I've never done so much laundry in such a short amount of time! They are awesome so far!
The next thing that I changed was our laundry detergent. I found a natural homemade detergent that is phosphate free, chlorine free, non toxic, planet friendly, and safe for sensitive skin. It's called Crunchy Clean. So far I really like it! It's also pretty neat that you can choose how you want it scented. I think there are almost 50 different options. The one that I'm currently using is Rice Milk & Marshmellow, it's very nice and not overpowering. I'm excited to order more to try another scent! It's a little less expensive than the detergent we were already using even when you calculate the shipping cost. I also plan on using vinegar in the rinse cycle to help with softening, brighten colors, I just haven't tried that yet. We also plan on putting up a clothesline! I'm excited about that! We lined dried most of our clothes when I was younger and nothing beats the smell of sun dried sheets!
I found both of these products on www.etsy.com
www.CrunchyClean.etsy.com
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5150548
Some other things that I would like to change in the future are: decrease paper towel use by using cloth, make an effort to use reusable grocery bags, make baby food, try some homemade house cleaning solutions.
What are you doing to be more green?
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
3 months!
Anorah and Buddy
Anorah with Sofie
My baby is 3 months old today! I can't believe that time has gone by so quickly. Anorah is getting very big. At her 2 moth appt she weighed 12lbs 2oz and was 22 1/2 inches long! She's gotten bigger since then. She's already outgrown most of her 3 month clothes and is mainly wearing 6 month sizes. Unfortunately for me I bought some really cute spring 6 month sized clothes, hopefully they'll still fit!
Her colic is greatly improved. We no longer have nightly screaming fits. She has moments now and then, but it is nothing like it was. We no longer have to give her gripe water everyday which is nice, it stains!
She is currently sleeping through the night. Yay! She sleeps 7-9 hours straight. I don't sleep through the night, but at least I don't have to spend an hour feeding and soothing a crying baby. We're also transitioning away from co-sleeping. We started out of desperation, and I actually started to really enjoy it. Anorah's been getting more mobile lately, scooting down in the bed and rolling into Marc and I. For safety we thought it would be a good time to transition away from it. She's done 4 nights in a row in her bassinette and it's been wonderful. She still snuggles in bed with me in the morning, so I still get my sleepy baby fix!
She rolled over from back to belly for the first time the other day. She's been trying for awhile and getting very upset about it, I'm so glad she finally made it! Although being stuck on her belly led to new frustrations, LOL! She spends lots of time cooing and "talking" to us now. She's most talkative in the mornings. She prefers sitting up to laying down and is trying to sit herself up. She sits in her bumbo seat a lot. When we eat dinner, we put her in the bumbo on the table so she can spend dinner with us. She likes being part of the action.
Her favorite toys are her FP Rainforest gear. She loves her "little friends" on the swing mobile, the mirror on her play gym, and her best friend is the swinging monkey on her bouncer. She spends lots of time cooing and talking to her monkey! She also really enjoys car rides, she is fascinated with the outside world. She continues to be very stubborn and does things her own way. It started in uteruro and continues today!
We're adjusting very well to our new family. Things have been pretty tight with the new baby and new house, especially since my maternity leave has been entirely unpaid. We made the decision that I will go back to work part time. I start back next Friday. I'm pretty excited actually, I haven't been to work in 4 1/2 months!
In other news, I'm going to be an aunt! My sister in law is pregnant and is due in July. I'm very excited for Sarah and Nick. Hopefully they'll be able to move closer so we can get to know our new niece/nephew. I also have 2 cousins that are expecting. My cousin Kristin and her husband, and my cousin Zachary and his wife, Congratulations! I can't wait for all the new babies!
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