Spring Has Sprung....Or Is It Summer??

It's hard to tell! The calendar says its the beginning of spring, the thermometer says summer. We have had record heat with highs in the upper 80's. We have been outside quite a bit these past few days.

I have been trying to work a little in the yard. I've been weeding and removing winter debris from from flower beds. One area is done with many more to do. I want to eventually get the landscaping as maintenance free as possible, I just don't have the time or energy for hours and hours of yard work.

This is next:

Jonathan was very helpful with spreading the mulch, but he made time to play, too. He was drawing and doing math with his sidewalk chalk.

Rain is in the forecast for today and the weekend, but we have certainly enjoyed the sunshine this week!

Our Weekend

It was a busy weekend around here, following a hectic week. Last week was filled with doctor appointments, oil change appointments, cleaning and more! There was no school on Friday, so we went to lunch with friends and then went to see the movie "The Lorax". Take your child to see it, it's a really cute movie.
Saturday began with Jonathan's last class at NKU. He brought home a meal worm pupa, which I am hoping matures into a beetle which will will release back to nature. This is one of the projects they did in class while studying metamorphoses. I love how the different pasta shapes were used! For some reason, he wrote his "p" backwards when writing "pupa".

We stopped for a haircut on the way home, and my boy is sporting a new 'do! I am still not sure how I feel about it. It does look cute, but he looks so much older! He is very pleased with his new look.

In the afternoon, my grandchildren arrived to spend the night. It was fun! We played outside, did some crafts, took a walk to the park and searched for four leaf clovers. Each child found one, I was really surprised! We ordered pizza for dinner, and later we watched the movie "Rio" and had popcorn. The kids went home around noon on Sunday and Jonathan & I went to another fun party at the library. This one was "Aliens & Monsters". Once again, the library did not disappoint!

Dusting mitts with googly eyes decorate the table. Brilliant!

Pie tin spaceships

Feed the monster game, toss balls into its mouth

The walls were decorated with aliens and monsters for the kids to color

Pin the eye on the alien

They were given a cupcake then they chose various candies to make their cupcake look like a monster

The party closed with a monster pinata

An action-packed weekend meant one tired little boy and one tired Mommy Sunday evening, but it sure was fun!

Mom, Why Are You Taking Picture of the Dirty Floor?

That's what Jonathan is asking here. Why, to show you all my progress in getting some things done around here!! I have pulled out the refrigerator and cleaned behind it, vacuumed the coils and banished the dust bunnies. This is when I first pulled it out from the wall.

Quite a bit of dirt under there, but not as as much as I expected. I can't move my stove out by myself, so when Handyman Ken came to take care of a few things, I asked him to move the stove and cleaned underneath it while he worked on other things. It was much worse than under the refrigerator!

 When the washing machine repairmen were here, I asked them to give me a little time to clean the floor under the washer. No pictures, because I had to hurry with two repairmen standing there waiting for me to clean! It feels really good to know these areas have been thoroughly cleaned.
This is a little project Ken did for me. He installed these boards with rows of hooks on the inside of the pantry door. I am trying make use of wasted space, and I love having my measuring cups ready to use without having to dig through a cabinet for them. He also added a high second shelf to the coat closet to store things I don't need very often.

I am making progress, slowly but surely! I hope to do some things outside and in the garage this month. I'll keep you updated! It helps keep me accountable.

"Keep Me Safe 'Til The Storm Passes By"

Drive to the end of my subdivision. Turn left. Drive approx. 5-6 miles. You don't have to make another turn. You will see a small sign marking the city limits of a small town: Piner. Drive a little farther down the road and you'll see the devastation shown on the front page of yesterday's paper.
According to news reports, 90 homes leveled. 250 are uninhabitable. 3 are confirmed dead. That is just the damage to this one small community.
On Friday there were severe storms and tornadoes all over the Midwest. Our tri-state area of Kentucky, Ohio and Indiana was hit especially hard.
Driving along yesterday, Jonathan and I saw a porch swing in a tree. I have always wanted a swing in a tree! But not like that. Not turned upside down on the top of the tree.
I feel blessed, and so very thankful. We are safe and we have an undamaged home. The tornado was so close, yet so far away, as is the nature of a tornado. I feel so sad and heartbroken for the storm victims. Helpless. However, the community is rallying around its own, and help is pouring in. Recovery has begun.
I remember my mother singing the hymn in the title of this post. Now it has a new meaning.

Leap Day!

It only comes along once every four years. So of course I had to send a treat to Jonathan's class! Little frog jumpers seemed just right, and affordable.

In four more years, when he is nearing 10 and in 4th grade, no way will he let me do this!

Life = Busy

It's been really crazy around here since Valentine's Day! I can't believe almost two weeks have passed with no post! Some of what has been going on, in pictures.
Karate awards ceremony, advanced to orange belt. He also earned the coveted "shiny stripe" for excellence in testing. He was so proud!

Classes at the college, which he is loving. He can't wait until Saturday mornings.

Another library party: Jungle Safari.

Karate classes. The orange belt form is a little more challenging.

Two birthday parties (I forgot my camera for one). Here they are enjoying a puppet show.

Doing homework (reading on Mommy's bed). Outside enjoying some nice weather.

In addition, my washing machine is down for the count. Two repair appointments so far, another tomorrow. My handy man has been here to take care of a few things around the house.
I am ready for things to calm down a bit!!

Banned

 

The new sign on Jonathan's bathroom door. The privacy gene has kicked in and I am banned, except during bath time. That is because he still needs help with washing his hair.

January Progress

It's hard to believe the month is more than half gone! While I have not accomplished a whole lot, I have made some progress.
We've had some very unusual weather this month: days in the 60's, thunderstorms, ice, and just about an inch of snow. I took advantage of the warmer days to work in the garage. I have a long, long way to go, but I have spent several hours sorting through things and properly packing away Christmas ribbons, wrapping paper, etc. A bag was filled for Goodwill and several for the trash. I also took a walk on each of the warmer days, not a long one but 15-20 minutes each, a start.
On Friday the 6th my grandson spent the night. It was wonderful having him here! The boys get along so well. Lots of Nerf basketball and Nerf guns, movies and popcorn. Nerf bullets were everywhere, like this one on up high on the ledge between the kitchen and living room.

 The next night was my granddaughter's turn to stay with Grandma. She brought along her American Girl dolls, too. We did lots of crafts: posters, greeting card and more!

Jonathan worked on his own poster while Eva created hers. She also wanted to cook, so Sunday we made Rice Krispie treats, one of her favorites, and banana bread. She took home the fruits of her labor to share with her family.

It is wonderful to have them so close! We have been treated to lunch out with the four of them, and they have all spent several hours visiting since their return to the area.
I have kept track of every penny I have spent this month (ouch!). Doing this will help me to identify where I can make cuts and to see where the dollars are going. I've made some phone calls to compare rates on insurance costs, etc.
I have removed everything from the pantry to clean and organize it. I'd like to get a few thing to organize it a little better as I figure out what would work in there. I wish it had wood shelving instead of wire, but I'll work with what I have. Any ideas?

We spent last week-end in Lexington visiting my sister, a nice little break! I am working on eBay and Jonathan continues with basketball, karate and school, which keeps both of us busy!
Overall, I am pleased with the progress made in the past two weeks. I plan to continue with my small steps!

New Year's Eve

I have never been a party person. I think I may have been out on New Year's Eve maybe twice in my life. Jonathan and I had a nice evening at home. We had a few snacks, watched "Cars 2" and enjoyed some sparklers.

Sugar cookies with edible glitter

Pajamas, popcorn and a movie

Welcome 2012--a little before midnight

I am thinking about some goals I'd like to meet this year, some changes I'd like to make, some things I'd like to do. Not resolutions, exactly. I want to focus on my health, my finances and organization around the house. I am hoping I can make some positive changes and will share when I get everything clear in my own mind!

I'd love to hear your goals for the coming year!

Use It Up, Wear It Out.....

Make it do, or do without! Ever heard that? My mom used to say that all the time! Bringing my older brothers and sisters up during the economic hardships of the Great Depression, I am sure she repeated that phrase to herself many, many times.
I don't wear things out nearly as much as I should, but lately I have noticed some things around the house that are truly starting to get worn out, and need replacing.

I have two of these laundry baskets, and I have had them for years, way before Jonathan was born. Plus they were second hand when I got them! They are cracked and broken all the way down, not too bad when empty, but when full of laundry they are next to impossible to carry without dropping things.

This mouse pad is not more than a couple of years old, but the sharp edges sticking up poke my wrist!

Other things needing replaced include my kitchen trash can and my mattress. Unfortunately, mattresses are way out of my budget now and will have to wait awhile.

What are your thoughts on making something last as long as possible? Do you want to replace something as soon as it starts to look worn, or do you make it last "just a little longer"?

I am thinking I am going to increase the lifespan of more items in my house when possible. Working on my resolutions for the coming year has me taking a hard look at my budget.

But I think I may spring for a new laundry basket soon...

It's Been Busy Around Here!

Wow, a week goes by before you can blink! I wanted to say it's getting to be "that busy time of year", but I realized that we are always busy! Here's what we've been up to this past week.
Friday night was a holiday open house at our local Kroger store. I thought it was a little early in the season, but we went anyway. Santa and Mrs. Claus were there, the store has been decorated, and there were yummy foods to sample all through the store.

On Saturday, we attended a wedding, Jonathan's first. He had such a good time! He loved the band and he danced the night away!

Monday night was his first basketball practice. Practice is later than I like for a kid his age, from 7-8 each Monday evening. His usual bedtime is between 8-8:30, so we'll see how this goes. At least it is only one night!

Karate classes are continuing, he loves it and we have been going about three times a week. Those kicks are getting higher!

This has been "Theme Week" at school. Monday was "Wear Red" day, Tuesday was "Crazy Hair" day.

Jonathan's hair is so thick, it wouldn't stay spiked no matter how much gel I used! Wednesday was "Favorite Team Shirt" day (Go Bengals!), today is "Crazy Socks" day, and tomorrow is "Camouflage" day.

In addition to Jonathan's activities, homework and reading each night, regular housework, cooking and laundry, I have also deep cleaned my bedroom and bathroom this week, taken the car in for an oil change and tire rotation, had lunch with a friend, worked on eBay and have my Christmas shopping 90% complete. This evening is my first parent-teacher conference.

No wonder this 50-something body is so tired every night!

A Dead Iron, Crashed Computer and a Winner!

You may remember this post about my obsession with ironing. Ironing is something I do almost daily, so when my iron died last Wednesday, I had to go buy one, even though it was not in my budget this month. And if an iron wasn't in my budget, a computer certainly isn't! However, on Saturday my computer totally crashed. I must admit I wasn't too surprised, it's been acting wonky for a few months. My computer isn't just for fun, I use it to supplement my income by selling on eBay. So Saturday I went to Best Buy to purchase a computer. A few days and some frustrations later, I am up and running! I had better spend a LOT of time listing on eBay!
I am sorry I am late announcing the winner of the "Family Fun" magazine subscription. Apparently you all already have subscriptions, don't want the magazine, or I have no readership (the most likely scenario)! :) So..the subscription will go to my only entrant, my friend Brenda, who was Jonathan's 3-year-old preschool teacher and a lovely lady! I am sure she will make very good use of all the craft ideas found in the magazine. I hope you and your class enjoy the fun crafts in "Family Fun", Brenda!!

Jonathan's Day

Little boys. Nothin' like them! After breakfast, Jonathan folded all of the washcloths for me.

He does a very nice job! Then he played with his Nerf gun for a little while before getting dressed for school, having lunch and getting on the bus for an afternoon at school.

Nerf bullets stuck on everything! He's a pretty good shot.

I picked him up from school and we took a few minutes to review the papers he brought home. I made dinner while he watched a little bit of PBS Kids on TV. After dinner we took the trash to the curb. He helped with that, too. It was such a beautiful fall afternoon, I felt like we needed to be outside for awhile, so we went to a local park. We took a walk in the woods to collect a few twigs and leaves for some fall crafts.

Of course, you have to test your balance by walking on a fallen log.

There was just enough time to go down the sliding board and swing for a bit before heading home.

There is still a few remnants of dinner on that face, so it was home for a bath, then to read this week's book to me before bedtime. I think he's had a pretty good day!