tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17391147354920916712024-03-12T22:28:21.304-05:00My House FullKristinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15975806548855709834noreply@blogger.comBlogger34125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1739114735492091671.post-53122164433408456812014-09-24T23:16:00.002-05:002014-09-24T23:16:41.164-05:00I've moved! New website!Head on over to see the new site. New look, new domain name.<br />
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<a href="http://myhousefull.rocks/">http://myhousefull.rocks</a>Kristinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15975806548855709834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1739114735492091671.post-59361815092715786912014-06-07T23:04:00.000-05:002014-06-07T23:04:49.012-05:00What I'm Working on, and Goals for JuneSo, doing take 3 on these quilting/sewing goals. Third time's the charm, right?<br />
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My first goal, and official <a href="http://fiberofallsorts.blogspot.com/2014/06/june-lovely-year-of-finishes-goal.html" target="_blank">ALYOF June goal</a>, I want to put together my <a href="http://www.animasquilts.com/InBloomLg.html" target="_blank">"In Bloom"</a> block of the month into a quilt top. It's unusual for me, but I am actually following the pattern from beginning to end with this one. I started This quilt in January 2008 as part of the block of the month program at <a href="http://www.meissnersewing.com/" target="_blank">Meissner's of Folsom</a>. I purchased the finishing kit and remaining blocks when we moved later that year. I'm excited to move this one along, as it has been waiting a long time!<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/65991362@N00/14370692805" title="DSCF2163_edited-1 by Kristine Palmer, on Flickr"><img alt="DSCF2163_edited-1" height="251" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5033/14370692805_3c9418f79c_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://fiberofallsorts.blogspot.com/p/2014-lovely-year-of-finishes.html" title="A Lovely Year of Finishes"> <img alt="A Lovely Year of Finishes" height="180" src="http://blog.sewbittersweetdesigns.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/image002.jpg" style="border: none;" width="180" /></a><br />
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A second goal is to finish the tote bag I'm making from my "color story" we did at our <a href="http://www.okcmqg.com/2014/05/meeting-recap-may-2014.html" target="_blank">MQG meeting.</a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/65991362@N00/14370672835" title="DSCF2173 by Kristine Palmer, on Flickr"><img alt="DSCF2173" height="480" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2897/14370672835_2174c22084_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Other things I've been working on include an ironing board cover, of sorts, to put on my dining table. I have some large applique that I'm planning on doing, and I really wanted a larger surface than my ironing board. I'll be taking pictures and sharing my experience with that soon.<br />
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My kids have taken charge of the garden this year. The weeding may not be getting done, but the plants are doing really well. Kudos to my 11yo, who has really taken the lead with this.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/65991362@N00/14369206072" title="DSCF2170 by Kristine Palmer, on Flickr"><img alt="DSCF2170" height="240" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5553/14369206072_9224bd69c8_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/65991362@N00/14347593196" title="DSCF2167 by Kristine Palmer, on Flickr"><img alt="DSCF2167" height="240" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3863/14347593196_20294872dd_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/65991362@N00/14370688565" title="DSCF2166 by Kristine Palmer, on Flickr"><img alt="DSCF2166" height="320" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3846/14370688565_1da6287644_n.jpg" width="240" /></a>Kristinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15975806548855709834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1739114735492091671.post-31395017297671070142014-03-25T17:17:00.000-05:002014-03-25T17:17:12.187-05:00Christmas Stocking #1 - finished!I had hopes to finish this for Christmas 2013, but it just wasn't meant to be. The usual busy-ness of the Christmas season plus a packed schedule for a Christmas choral concert just didn't leave me with enough time.<br />
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This is an interesting pattern. When I ordered it, I thought it would be cross stitch. I was a little intimidated by the stiff canvas, wool thread, and simple diagonal stitches. I finally started stitching it in Novemeber, and was surprised at the quick progress I made. Despite that, I was less than halfway done on New Year's Day.<br />
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I didn't use the included felt. It always confuses me as to why anyone would want the back of their work exposed. This is not just a wall hanging. It is meant to be stuffed full on Christmas morning.
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="800" mozallowfullscreen="" msallowfullscreen="" oallowfullscreen="" src="https://www.flickr.com/photos/65991362@N00/13412836135/player/" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="600"></iframe><br />
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The part that makes me happy? Done! Linking this post to SewCalGal's <br />
<a href="http://sewcalgal.blogspot.com/p/the-christmas-challenge-consist-of.html" target="_blank">Handmade Christmas Challenge.</a><br />
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Kristinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15975806548855709834noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1739114735492091671.post-14122997800921297122014-03-07T23:32:00.003-06:002014-03-07T23:32:40.038-06:00A Lovely Year of Finishes March goalSo, do you remember <a href="http://myhousefull.blogspot.com/">this post?</a> Yeah, those goals have been untouched. So, I'm keeping it simple. My only goal that I'll set it to lay out and fuse the applique pieces for the Bionicle quilt. It has been sitting around for a long time, and obviously this is a mental block for me. Watch for a post showing that I got it done at the end of this month!
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<a href="http://fiberofallsorts.blogspot.com/p/2014-lovely-year-of-finishes.html" title="A Lovely Year of Finishes"> <img alt="A Lovely Year of Finishes" src="http://blog.sewbittersweetdesigns.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/image002.jpg" height="180" style="border: none;" width="180" /></a>
Kristinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15975806548855709834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1739114735492091671.post-52662634617199522332013-05-28T19:53:00.001-05:002013-05-30T19:17:04.631-05:00Make Your Story Bloom<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiex2nPWdQdHWx8ncrNQIh_JejfCqO2X4lQBnSNeRZg8HXmQ4qy41Yeol0DyswOKZU15RyGx4xhuXMDjO98Bkwr8udlymmA7R8oisZ2DcCPBvUxgCaLRGC1ms1hfwl9FPeyvG_cFkbplp8/s1600/DSCF1041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiex2nPWdQdHWx8ncrNQIh_JejfCqO2X4lQBnSNeRZg8HXmQ4qy41Yeol0DyswOKZU15RyGx4xhuXMDjO98Bkwr8udlymmA7R8oisZ2DcCPBvUxgCaLRGC1ms1hfwl9FPeyvG_cFkbplp8/s320/DSCF1041.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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That's my current title for this quilt. I love it. The quilting turned out great, even though there are some flaws (which I know I'm really the only one that can see them). Free motion quilting is still fairly new to me, so I love it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS6EE5Y0yrrKubQMihUp7l712J22cvsFjttoe8Svxo624pRXkeQ67T-U-Yctpv9ZfepcDCIbtC4tjbzyUDPYxNeYuu6_H-31ljPQHZ9G-r-ninSb6ltppUMjtinv3LKLPxSu8ghWVZyY8/s1600/DSCF1040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS6EE5Y0yrrKubQMihUp7l712J22cvsFjttoe8Svxo624pRXkeQ67T-U-Yctpv9ZfepcDCIbtC4tjbzyUDPYxNeYuu6_H-31ljPQHZ9G-r-ninSb6ltppUMjtinv3LKLPxSu8ghWVZyY8/s320/DSCF1040.JPG" width="240" /></a>This was from the Modern Quilt Guild Madrona Road Challenge. Our guild decided to limit it to mini quilts. I really wanted to use the fabric as the inspiration for the design. I thought about a castle or roads, but settled on some modern flowers. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNedms_4tNNXHwE6-QXDN5iO82eZYXxfJOuLtZo5Ci5soE8vvdmoNAJDssXuyAkrL5XGJKpINf-iPfqQ3PN5WzXEFPvAY8fNaFMHnS21LbznNJMbbfRPSf-g6Ef7omtj6P6g2MgY6NqqI/s1600/DSCF1044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNedms_4tNNXHwE6-QXDN5iO82eZYXxfJOuLtZo5Ci5soE8vvdmoNAJDssXuyAkrL5XGJKpINf-iPfqQ3PN5WzXEFPvAY8fNaFMHnS21LbznNJMbbfRPSf-g6Ef7omtj6P6g2MgY6NqqI/s320/DSCF1044.JPG" width="320" /></a>The yellow and blue flowers and the leaves are hand appliques using a freezer technique I found at (well, I looked through my browser history, and I can't remember anymore). I pulled the paper out when I had sewn most of the way around. The stems were cut on the bias, then pressed with the seam allowance underneath. I pinned them in the shape I wanted, then stitched them down.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7btpVI2be4fcLG-oRNMO7hTO6drY_Ikh4FCfKtkzyArKOV09veL9wD0fJke1gJSxOIVKsYjkJCOM0v8-BPiHXH1jly3jMJ-zDUGEc-UZLr-itouJ5BMszfGu3i7dkPAoqfmXRZGK_ZF0/s1600/DSCF1046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7btpVI2be4fcLG-oRNMO7hTO6drY_Ikh4FCfKtkzyArKOV09veL9wD0fJke1gJSxOIVKsYjkJCOM0v8-BPiHXH1jly3jMJ-zDUGEc-UZLr-itouJ5BMszfGu3i7dkPAoqfmXRZGK_ZF0/s320/DSCF1046.JPG" width="320" /></a>I really enjoyed playing with different textures. I so glad I was brave enough to attempt the roots in the "soil." You can still read the text, which I love. The pebbling in the blue flower gave just the effect I was hoping for. <br />
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The back side is so fun to look at.<br />
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For the first time, I quilted with my feed dogs up on my Bernina. Eureka! No more tension issues that I had with the last quilt. I used a super slider, taped down on the edges so it wouldn't flip up, and set the stitch length and width to 0. If you haven't tried it, you should! I can't wait to free motion my next quilt.<br />
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<br />Kristinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15975806548855709834noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1739114735492091671.post-31653799510686960122013-05-07T23:14:00.001-05:002013-05-07T23:14:35.514-05:00May UFO Goals!I have been slowly working on my UFOs, and I want to participate in Fiber of All Sorts and Sew Bittersweet Design's "A Lovely Year of Finishes" challenge. So, my goals for this month are:<br />
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Put together the center panel of the Bionicle quilt. It has been sitting in pieces for a couple months.<br />
Getting to that point would put a completed top much closer.<br />
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My second main goal is getting a sleeve onto my Madrona Road challenge quilt, so I can actually hang it! A full post on this beauty will be coming soon.<br />
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Bonus:<br />
Finish the pink & purple dresses for the girls. One mostly needs hemmed and a zipper. The other has yet to be cut out.<br />
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Finish a block or two of the Farmer's Wife sampler. It's been waiting a long time to get started!<br />
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PS Don't be alarmed if the pictures look different in the next couple of days. I just got my new camera today, as my old one had broken. The color was all wrong, and the image was distorted with lines across everything. Daylight meant a whited out picture. The new camera is awesome, but I want daylight to take some proper pics of these projects!<br />
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<a href="http://fiberofallsorts.blogspot.com/p/lovely-year-of-finishes.html" title="A Lovely Year of Finishes"> <img alt="A Lovely Year of Finishes" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH5mqfIic8iaNLyZfeGen6by23OB4dI18aGUeVasVWC35agpm67xoEI9TzDHzOmFakHUnWKvFyWhMNThnJuOQjVnmO_D8nV_7D_MHAGb7XMpPlf7LgrsIwtU2lj-DA5QiE_TIpHBZlRSAq/s400/2013btn600.gif" style="border: none;" width="180" /></a>Kristinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15975806548855709834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1739114735492091671.post-41418479635420698912013-01-06T18:00:00.001-06:002013-01-06T18:00:38.342-06:00Time for a review of last year's goals. Yeah, didn't do all that I had planned, but I did do some. New goals to come, with more frequent review of how I'm doing.
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<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 130%; font-style: italic;">Child of God:</span><br />read the entire Bible<br />
<span style="color: purple;">Done. Not in the 90 days that I had hoped, but finished nonetheless.</span><br />read the Book of Mormon (multiple times? or read at least 20min/day?)<br />
<span style="color: purple;">Nope. Not even close. Scripture study was spotty for most of the year.</span><br />read the Relief Society lessons each month <span style="color: purple;"> </span><br />
<span style="color: purple;">Haha. I don't think I even read one.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 130%; font-style: italic;">Wife:</span><br />(keeping these goals private)<br /><br /><span style="font-size: 130%; font-style: italic;">Mother:</span><br />help my Scouts earn their next ranks<br />
<span style="color: purple;">Success with David and Sam. No Progress with Jacob</span><br />help Anna learn to read<span style="color: purple;"> </span><br />
<span style="color: purple;">We've been pretty consistent with bedtime stories and scripture study, so I'll call this a success</span><br />potty train Zeke and Lydia <span style="color: purple;"> </span><br />
<span style="color: purple;">Got 1 of 2, but I won't beat myself up over it</span><br />help Zeke learn all his letters, numbers and some sounds <span style="color: purple;"> </span><br />
<span style="color: purple;">He has gone beyond this and now knows about 30 sight words</span><br />get kids to all Dr needed (this is more than just check-ups) <span style="color: purple;"> </span><br />
<span style="color: purple;">A definite success here. This has kept me very busy!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 130%; font-style: italic;">Visiting Teacher:</span><br />100%<br />
<span style="color: purple;">Huge fail here!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 130%; font-style: italic;">Housekeeper:</span><br />deep clean house <span style="color: purple;"> </span><br />
<span style="color: purple;">Nope - at least there are multiple areas that still need some serious attention</span><br />do weekly cleanings <span style="color: purple;"> </span><br />
<span style="color: purple;">Nope, and it shows</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 130%; font-style: italic;">Repairman:</span><br />repair all the currently known issues, including: light switch, broken door, mirror, mixer<br />
<span style="color: purple;">Nope. Sigh.</span><br />
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Begin kitchen remodeling <span style="color: purple;"> </span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;">Still working on getting a plan worked out & drawn up by a professional</span><br /><div style="text-align: right;">
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<br /><span style="font-size: 130%; font-style: italic;">Cook:</span><br />start making sourdough bread<br />
<span style="color: purple;">I did make some starter, but I have yet to actually use it. I have to fix this soon!</span><br />dinner by 6pm<br />
<span style="color: purple;">Fail for most days of the year. And this is a serious problem.</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 130%; font-style: italic;">Blogger:</span><br />3 posts each week <span style="color: purple;"> </span><br />
<span style="color: purple;">Way too ambitious. I b</span><span style="color: purple;">arely did that in an entire year.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 130%; font-style: italic;">Bookkeeper:</span><br />reconcile all accounts <span style="color: purple;"> </span><br />
<span style="color: purple;">Nope</span><br />update accounts weekly <span style="color: purple;"> </span><br />
<span style="color: purple;">Nope</span><br />create a budget we can follow <span style="color: purple;"> </span><br />
<span style="color: purple;">Nope</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 130%; font-style: italic;">Daughter/Sister:</span><br />call at least 2x/month <span style="color: purple;"> </span><br />
<span style="color: purple;">Didn't call even every month, I think.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 130%; font-style: italic;">Friend:</span><br />participate in a social group (book club? sewing club?)<br />
<span style="color: purple;">I tried to start one up, but it quickly died. A friend wants to try again this year.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 130%; font-style: italic;">Artist:</span><br />Finish at least 30 projects, focusing on ones previously started <span style="color: purple;"> </span><br />
<span style="color: purple;">Hmmm. I think I finished 4 or 5?</span><br /><br />
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<span style="font-size: 130%; font-style: italic;">Student:</span><br />Read 30 books, including at least 12 classics<br />
<span style="color: purple;">I read 23 books, with 3 or 4 classics. Not quite there, but not too bad.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 130%; font-style: italic;">Individual:</span><br />Aerobic exercise at least 3x/week<span style="color: purple;"> </span><br />
<span style="color: purple;">Improved on this goal - I started lifting weights with the husband 2x/week</span><br />Eat more fruits and vegetables <span style="color: purple;"> </span><br />
<span style="color: purple;">Probably not, and this goal needs to be more concrete.</span>Kristinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15975806548855709834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1739114735492091671.post-236509249717243792012-12-14T12:59:00.000-06:002012-12-14T12:59:47.338-06:00I Ran (yes, really) in a Virtual RaceI got inspired by a friend's blog I follow, <a href="http://didyougetanyofthat.blogspot.com/">Taking It On</a>, to run in her annual virtual race - <a href="http://didyougetanyofthat.blogspot.com/2012/11/jingle-bell-hell-2012-is-coming.html">Jingle Bell Hell</a>. The requirements were simple: had to be at least 5k, be challenging, and I had to laugh at some point.<br />
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So first, the total mileage that I ran/walked: somewhere around 3.5+ miles. I walked probably about 1/4 of the time. This was 42 laps at our YMCA including warmup and cool down. Since the only real running I've done in a long time is the Jog-A-Thon at the kids' school in September, this was HARD. I have never called myself a "runner." My walking laps were spent panting, and towards the end, trying to keep my stomach calm. My "training" for this consisted of 3x/week Zumba classes and 2x/week weight lifting. Which is not the same thing as running. At all. I timed myself for an overall count of 35 laps (about 3 miles), and that took me 35 minutes. Not fast. At all.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Yeah, I'm sure I looked somewhat like this. Except white. And take away all the muscles.</span></div>
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So, the laughing. I wish I could say that I laughed out loud. I didn't. I didn't have enough breath to. But I did smile and do a voiceless laugh more than once. The first was around lap 12. I was convinced that I was absolutely crazy for even attempting this. Was I even going to finish? I think some people as they saw my face wondered if I was going to pass out. I know it got flushed more than once. What really surprised me, though, was that by mile 3, breathing actually started to get a little easier. I couldn't get my legs to move much faster, but I wasn't dieing (as much) during my jogging laps. The walking laps got much worse instead. Second laugh was when I decided that I was done jogging. I totally did it! I did more than 3.5 miles in a total time of about 45 minutes. Hopefully I'll be able to walk tomorrow, but I did much more today than I thought I could. I may have to run again. (Did I just say that?)Kristinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15975806548855709834noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1739114735492091671.post-86730191263770462842012-01-06T16:54:00.006-06:002012-01-06T17:11:51.799-06:00UFOs!!!!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkV39zahk02fwngZErzI6-xWy5244QBpuRjI_O1qkmJoBxKmqHoG-AfsNVPaJRENbw3yTVeAo6yKcnOpnTe8q71UYHndd8USOf9CcJica87FCM1cNTJXnF2CS9zmQ3rfQNLTYtJtutR7s/s1600/UFOs-1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 154px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkV39zahk02fwngZErzI6-xWy5244QBpuRjI_O1qkmJoBxKmqHoG-AfsNVPaJRENbw3yTVeAo6yKcnOpnTe8q71UYHndd8USOf9CcJica87FCM1cNTJXnF2CS9zmQ3rfQNLTYtJtutR7s/s200/UFOs-1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5694659128581618066" border="0" /></a><br />I'm surrounded by them! I've counted about 100. Yikes!<br /><br />For the uninitiated, UFO = UnFinished Object. That means some sort of project that was started (or in my case, about to be started), but not completed. The list includes:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeJziXFIcNOA2FDDknfcc_1wHSSZZjK0Zt1FfKGJ6e2r7EOEE59ltfj7DkE404rgGF0ws8BirENw4_k3_jkFwnSFg4e99zVvCE9VKX9tkuO-wSXR4-mL-Mdr3040eIhvkJ8uYUKdGt-ME/s1600/UFOs-5.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 154px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeJziXFIcNOA2FDDknfcc_1wHSSZZjK0Zt1FfKGJ6e2r7EOEE59ltfj7DkE404rgGF0ws8BirENw4_k3_jkFwnSFg4e99zVvCE9VKX9tkuO-wSXR4-mL-Mdr3040eIhvkJ8uYUKdGt-ME/s200/UFOs-5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5694658696051803778" border="0" /></a><br />5 Block-of-the-Month Quilts. I don't think any have all the blocks completed.<br />About 30 sets of pajamas. Um, yeah.<br />13 skirts and dresses for me and the girls.<br />3 more quilts, 3 x-stitch Christmas stockings, and more.<br /><br />I hope to make a big dent in this pile this year. I've joined a Facebook group that was created just to encourage each other to finish things this year. I need to be accountable to someone!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghJaAHeRflP_V6F31hYxv97-O5TLYTSPASJ9CNiqJHyVJArDsGqYpNcJlxlU_uXvwf96QjXe7wBYuNiEDyJZbz6VnOLg0ux8CQJwWlazCxwyVSvoJ2gBNx0YgmUriOG96OQB3YYdlvXjI/s1600/UFOs-10.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 154px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghJaAHeRflP_V6F31hYxv97-O5TLYTSPASJ9CNiqJHyVJArDsGqYpNcJlxlU_uXvwf96QjXe7wBYuNiEDyJZbz6VnOLg0ux8CQJwWlazCxwyVSvoJ2gBNx0YgmUriOG96OQB3YYdlvXjI/s200/UFOs-10.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5694659880179498354" border="0" /></a>Kristinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15975806548855709834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1739114735492091671.post-50809558692335761752012-01-04T13:37:00.010-06:002012-01-04T14:28:47.032-06:00Goals for 2012Most of these goals will be a stretch, but if they are too easy, what's the point, right? They are categorized by the many "hats" I wear.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://mormon.org/bc/assets/images/faith/articles/commandments/scriptures.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 365px; height: 200px;" src="http://mormon.org/bc/assets/images/faith/articles/commandments/scriptures.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Child of God:</span><br />read the entire Bible<br />read the Book of Mormon (multiple times? or read at least 20min/day?)<br />read the Relief Society lessons each month<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Wife:</span><br />(keeping these goals private)<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Mother:</span><br />help my Scouts earn their next ranks<br />help Anna learn to read<br />potty train Zeke and Lydia<br />help Zeke learn all his letters, numbers and some sounds<br />get kids to all Dr needed (this is more than just check-ups)<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Visiting Teacher:</span><br />100%<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://image.shutterstock.com/display_pic_with_logo/83045/83045,1171661190,1/stock-vector-tool-belt-2698107.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 225px; height: 209px;" src="http://image.shutterstock.com/display_pic_with_logo/83045/83045,1171661190,1/stock-vector-tool-belt-2698107.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Housekeeper:</span><br />deep clean house<br />do weekly cleanings<br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Repairman:</span><br />repair all the currently known issues, including: light switch, broken door, mirror, mixer<br /><div style="text-align: left;">Begin kitchen remodeling<br /><div style="text-align: right;"> <span style="font-size:78%;"><a href="http://www.shutterstock.com/pic-2698107/stock-vector-tool-belt.html">image source</a></span><br /></div></div><br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Cook:</span><br />start making sourdough bread<br />dinner by 6pm<br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Blogger:</span><br />3 posts each week<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Bookkeeper:</span><br />reconcile all accounts<br />update accounts weekly<br />create a budget we can follow<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Daughter/Sister:</span><br />call at least 2x/month<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Friend:</span><br />participate in a social group (book club? sewing club?)<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Artist:</span><br />Finish at least 30 projects, focusing on ones previously started<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4023/4694440988_fd2f0a6889_m.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 160px;" src="http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4023/4694440988_fd2f0a6889_m.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:78%;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chrisphin/4694440988/">image source</a></span><br /></div><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Student:</span><br />Read 30 books, including at least 12 classics<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Individual:</span><br />Aerobic exercise at least 3x/week<br />Eat more fruits and vegetables<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5144/5555397140_15ac1481f9_m.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 159px;" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5144/5555397140_15ac1481f9_m.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:78%;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/usag-yongsan/5555397140/">image source</a></span></div>Kristinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15975806548855709834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1739114735492091671.post-52112181274878652962011-04-27T13:57:00.002-05:002011-04-27T13:57:00.250-05:00Sugar as poisonI watched <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dBnniua6-oM">this video</a> a number of months back, and I have been meaning to share it since that time. If you have the time, it is very informative. If not, here is the gist:<br /><br />Our body processes different sugars differently. Glucose is not the same as fructose or lactose (our 3 most commonly ingested sugars). Dr Lustig asserts that in order to break down fructose to be usable by our bodies, a number of harmful by-products are created. These by-products, in his opinion, are responsible for many of the issues Americans are facing today. Weight gain. Insulin resistance, and eventually diabetes.<br /><br />I can't say that I know enough biochemistry to know if he's right or wrong. But he does work through the chemistry, and I think he may have figured it out.<br /><br />Why is this a big deal? Well, some companies have been pushing fructose as a safe alternative to diabetics, since it doesn't create a blood sugar spike. It may very well cause more damage than the white sugar may have done.<br /><br />My take-away from this? Cut back white sugar, fruit juices, high-fructose corn syrup and regular corn syrup. We already know they aren't good for us, and now we can see at least one theory of the kind of damage they do. Eat lots of fiber. It counteracts the damage caused by fructose. Also, I will continue to avoid sugar alcohols, or what we call in our house "fake sugar." If something natural like fructose can cause so much damage, I can only imagine what something created in a test tube can do.Kristinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15975806548855709834noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1739114735492091671.post-729783715982103742011-04-26T13:18:00.002-05:002011-04-26T13:55:47.434-05:00I stand corrected<a href="http://bycommonconsent.com/2007/11/22/peter-jacob-and-john/">Here is a wonderful explanation</a> of the name of James in the New Testament. I always thought that the King James translators had changed it. While it is still very correct to say that James' real name was Jacob (Yakov), the name of James was more very convoluted mispronunciation of his name over the years. I would still argue that if the King James translators noticed this, they kept it as James in consideration of the King. Who would want to be the one to tell him that the famous apostle didn't really share his name?Kristinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15975806548855709834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1739114735492091671.post-83842981060680123692011-04-08T15:41:00.003-05:002011-04-08T16:50:24.325-05:00I finished!!!!! Bible in 90 daysI have now read through the bible twice. Yay! This time was a struggle. I visited California in January, and didn't read much while there. I've had some other projects going - I was in charge of rechartering our pack, and I've been making a quilt for a friend. I still need to work on a blanket for my nephew (it's taking much longer than I hoped!), but I'm still glad I took the time to read again this year. I forget about different passages and learn new things each time. <br /><br />This reading was different than last years - my husband bought the official Bible in 90 days as a Christmas present for me. This meant instead of the familiar KJV translation, I was reading the NIV translation instead. I do have to say, it was easier reading. I only have a couple complaints with the translation: I don't agree with the verses left out. I believe they were part of the original text. And I don't like how the word Jehovah is not found in the entire book. (please correct me if I'm wrong!) Instead of Lord of Hosts, they put in Lord Almighty, and for Lord of Lords, they put in Sovereign Lord. I think some of the meaning is lost with those changes. Still, there were interesting changes in some verses, as well as some very interesting footnotes on alternate meanings. Reading this has really driven home the article of faith: "We believe the Bible to be true as far as it is translated correctly." The KJV has mistakes in it, as well as the NIV.<br /><br />For my friends that have not read the bible all the way through - do it! Set a time to start and finish. 90 days means about 45 minutes to an hour each day. Consistent reading is the key to finishing. I was amazed at how much easier it was when I wasn't trying to catch up. And I love how the scriptures end up being in my head all day. I plan to continue this as a tradition for myself every year. Hopefully it will get easier each time I do it!Kristinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15975806548855709834noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1739114735492091671.post-31705613575418700172011-04-08T15:14:00.004-05:002011-04-08T15:40:55.827-05:00Tabs I have up in my browser1. Money Saving Mom shares <a href="http://moneysavingmom.com/2011/03/walmart-new-coupon-policy.html">Walmart's new coupon policy</a>. Important things to note: coupons for free items cannot be printed from the internet. Any overage will count towards other items in your purchase.<br /><br />2. Positively Splendid shares <a href="http://www.positivelysplendid.com/2011/02/lets-make-something-together-lined.html">a tutorial on covering boxes with fabric</a>. I realized how cheap muslin can be - so I think I'm done with buying boxes that break for the kids' toys. These will likely last just as long, and I can reuse the liner in a replacement box as necessary. <br /><br />3. A friend from <a href="http://okcmodernquiltguild.ning.com/">my quilting guild</a> used <a href="http://www.jacquardproducts.com/products/paints/textilecolors/index.php">these paints</a> in a <a href="http://www.missbutterflybs.com/Miss_Butterfly_Bs/My_Portfolio/Pages/Heart_and_hands.html#0">quilt</a>. The quality was amazing. These are not what you'll find at the neighborhood craft store. I don't have a project planned that would use these, but it looks like it could be great fun.<br /><br />4. Once I have a working stove again, I plan to get back to canning preserves, jellies, pickles, salsa , etc. <a href="http://www.reusablecanninglids.com/">These reusable lids and rings</a> might work out to be money-saving. The cost isn't much more than what I buy at the grocery store - and those aren't reusable! I'm not sure how well they work and how long they really last. Perhaps more searching would tell? I might just try them out and see how it goes.<br /><br />5. The more I look at disposable diapers, the less I want to buy any more of them! After doing some research online, I found that hemp fleece should work the best as a "soaker." Absorbent material is a must in this house. Bed are frequently wet by morning.<br /><br />Yes, I always have ongoing projects. Some take months to start, and some never happen. A post in the future may just be a list of those projects floating around in my head!Kristinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15975806548855709834noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1739114735492091671.post-67515507969827665632010-11-11T11:37:00.003-06:002010-11-11T11:44:17.690-06:00SongsJust a few songs I've enjoyed listening to on YouTube the past few days:<br />Mister Sandman <br /><object width="640" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/9xMCNmUaGko?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/9xMCNmUaGko?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object><br />Nature Boy - this is so hauntingly beautiful. I love it!<br /><object width="640" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/LNpwBpZUrzk?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/LNpwBpZUrzk?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object><br />Never on Sunday - this one cracks me up.<br /><object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/p57nf-FvVxw?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/p57nf-FvVxw?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br />They Say It's Wonderful<br /><object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/DED6NJwkLWM?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/DED6NJwkLWM?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object>Kristinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15975806548855709834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1739114735492091671.post-31328335600567976282010-05-21T22:04:00.003-05:002010-05-21T22:28:01.856-05:00A few more summer freebiesThis is as much for myself as anyone else. My kids have fun getting rewards, and these are all great things to do!<br /><br />From REI:<br /><a href="http://www.rei.com/passport">http://www.rei.com/passport</a><br />Print the "passport" here:<br />(just realized they linked to last year's) <a href="http://www.rei.com/pdf/kidsPassport/pta_journal_09.pdf">http://www.rei.com/pdf/kidsPassport/pta_journal_09.pdf</a><br />And then print the form to send in for your prize:<br /><a href="http://www.rei.com/pdf/kidsPassport/passport_to_adventure_mailer.pdf">http://www.rei.com/pdf/kidsPassport/passport_to_adventure_mailer.pdf</a><br /><br />From Half priced Books:<br /><a href="http://www.halfpricebooks.com/free_PDF_downloads.html">http://www.halfpricebooks.com/free_PDF_downloads.html</a><br />Their flyer:<br /><a href="http://www.halfpricebooks.com/pdf/flyer4up_english.pdf">http://www.halfpricebooks.com/pdf/flyer4up_english.pdf</a><br />And the reading log:<br /><a href="http://www.halfpricebooks.com/pdf/generic-log2-C_english.pdf">http://www.halfpricebooks.com/pdf/generic-log2-C_english.pdf</a><br /><br />Barnes and Nobles:<br /><a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/summerreading/">http://www.barnesandnoble.com/summerreading/</a><br />Their passport (reading log):<br /><a href="http://images.barnesandnoble.com/pimages/resources/events/2010/summerreading/pdf/2010_PassporttoSummerReading.pdf">http://images.barnesandnoble.com/pimages/resources/events/2010/summerreading/pdf/2010_PassporttoSummerReading.pdf</a><br /><br />Cinemark Theaters:<br /><a href="http://www.cinemark.com/summermovieclubhouse/index.htm">http://www.cinemark.com/summermovieclubhouse/index.htm</a><br /><br />Bowling (check to find one near you):<br /><a href="http://www.kidsbowlfree.com/">http://www.kidsbowlfree.com/</a><br />The list of participating locations - there's a lot!<br /><a href="http://www.kidsbowlfree.com/all_centers.php">http://www.kidsbowlfree.com/all_centers.php</a><br /><br />Lowe's - free projects for children:<br /><a href="https://www.lowesbuildandgrow.com/Home.aspx">https://www.lowesbuildandgrow.com/Home.aspx</a><br /><br />Home Depot:<br /><a href="http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ContentView?pn=Kids_Workshops&langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053&cm_sp=knowhow-_-leftnav-_-kids_workshops">Kid's workshops</a><br /><br />Of course, check your local library. Ours offers weekly activities, story time, and prizes for reading.<br /><br />I'll be posting more as I see more. Summer can be lots of fun!Kristinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15975806548855709834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1739114735492091671.post-12964311356222701922010-05-13T13:29:00.002-05:002010-05-13T13:35:57.709-05:00Summer means reading, and free stuff!First offer that I have seen this summer - I know, it's still spring, let's not get too technical - is from Borders. This one is very simple. If your child is 12 or under, all they have to do is read 10 books, list them on the form, and get you to sign. Then bring it in to Borders and get 1 free book. You choose from 10 titles. Most of them seems like great classics. this promotion lasts until August 26th. I hope to post about more summer fun as I hear about it.Kristinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15975806548855709834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1739114735492091671.post-14803040414542922392010-02-15T15:03:00.007-06:002010-02-15T16:01:01.758-06:00Bible in 90 days - #3I've been thinking a lot about King David, and his fall from grace. When you read the whole story in such a short time, the contract is stark. He was an amazing man, with such strong faith and trust in God. He refused to kill Saul, even though he would be justified in doing so, and had multiple chances. But when life became much easier, he let Satan creep in. It's interesting to think about what was a sin, and what wasn't. David stayed home from war. A sin? Not sure, as we don't know the circumstances. Then he was hanging out on the roof of his home, and noticed a beautiful woman bathing. A sin only when he continued to watch. He wanted to know who she was. No outright sin there. But when he found out she was married, he should have stopped there. Even after he laid with her and got her pregnant, he could have admitted his wrong. But instead he tries to cover it up. When that doesn't work, he makes sure her husband is killed in battle.<br /><br />The man that was unwilling to defend himself against the King that chased him down, was willing to kill one of his trusted soldiers to steal his wife and cover up his sin. How quickly he fell!<br /><br /><br />On a different topic, two Psalms that struck me as I read them:<br /><br /><br />Psalm 13<br /><blockquote>1 <span class="smallcaps"> How</span> long wilt thou forget me, O <span class="smallcaps">Lord</span>? for ever? how long wilt thou hide thy face from me? <div class="verse"><a name="2"></a> <div id="ps/13/2" onclick="return toggleMarked(event, this)"> 2 How long shall I take counsel in my soul, <i>having</i> sorrow in my heart daily? how long shall mine enemy be exalted over me? </div> </div> <div class="verse"><a name="3"></a> <div id="ps/13/3" onclick="return toggleMarked(event, this)"> 3 Consider <i>and</i> hear me, O <span class="smallcaps">Lord</span> my God: lighten mine eyes, lest I sleep the <i>sleep of</i> death; </div> </div> <div class="verse"><a name="4"></a> <div id="ps/13/4" onclick="return toggleMarked(event, this)"> 4 Lest mine enemy say, I have prevailed against him; <i>and</i> those that trouble me rejoice when I am moved. </div> </div> <div class="verse"><a name="5"></a> <div id="ps/13/5" onclick="return toggleMarked(event, this)"> 5 But I have trusted in thy mercy; my heart shall rejoice in thy salvation. </div> </div> <div class="verse"><a name="6"></a> <div id="ps/13/6" onclick="return toggleMarked(event, this)"> 6 I will sing unto the <span class="smallcaps">Lord</span>, because he hath dealt bountifully with me.</div> </div></blockquote><br />If you think of the enemy as being Satan, the verse takes on a whole new meaning.<br /><br /><br />Psalm 37<br /><blockquote>37 Mark the perfect <i>man,</i> and behold the upright: for the end of <i>that</i> man <i>is</i> peace.<br /></blockquote><br />I want to make this into a plaque on my wall. Beautiful, simple, and profound.<br /><br />I am now halfway through the bible, and almost caught up again. I'm in the middle of yesterday's reading.Kristinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15975806548855709834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1739114735492091671.post-14213372504499875362010-01-11T21:22:00.003-06:002010-01-11T21:37:40.132-06:00The bible in 90 days - #2I have fallen behind again, and caught up again. The Old Testament is hard for me to get into. So much of it is so repetitive, that I have to force myself not to skip.<br /><br />Still, there are some things that I've noticed, that I don't know if I had realized before. Joshua didn't first show up when the spies went out to survey the land and people. No, he was there as a companion to Moses on mount Sinai. I do not think he went up the mount, and saw what Moses saw. But I'm sure he learned much from those experiences as well as from Moses' teachings. He shows that in his response to the 10 spies who were afraid.<br /><br />One thing that is so difficult with the Old Testament is how harsh the judgments seem to be on the people. But then you have to think of what they have seen and heard. The Israelites saw the Red Sea part. They saw springs suddenly start in the desert at Moses' command. The Lord talked to the people from a cloud. Food showed up from nowhere. And yet, they complain multiple times about how it would have been better if they had died in Egypt. How could they be so faithless? How could they forget those miracles so quickly? But then, would any of us done better? I would like to think so, but there are many times that I'm not so sure.Kristinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15975806548855709834noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1739114735492091671.post-27773770348662188472010-01-04T12:32:00.005-06:002010-01-04T13:02:28.311-06:00The bible in 90 days - #1I decided to take the challenge from Mom's Toolbox, that I came across from a blog I subscribe to. I'm reading the King James Version, since that is what I'm used to. I am on day 4, and have just finished reading Genesis.<br /><br />A few things strike me. First, is how many good parents have their own faults, as well as children that make terrible mistakes. Cain killed his brother out of jealousy. Lot's sons-in-law laughed at him. His wife turned back. And his daughters made him drunk so they could become pregnant by him. Isaac favored Esau, even though Jacob was the one who truly feared God. Reuben slept with his father's wife. Simeon and Levi killed a town because one man slept with their sister. Rachel stole her father's idols when they left his home.<br /><br />What is to be learned from all this? Perhaps we need to be all the more watchful and vigilant in doing what is right. But also that we all make our own choices. I cannot force my children to be good, but I can teach them.<br /><br />Today's reading was mainly the story of Joseph in Egypt. I seemed to understand more this time of why and how Joseph tested his brothers. He either hoped that they had changed for the better, or that he could keep his younger brother with him. It is amazing how much Joseph endured for so many years, and how quick he was to forgive his brothers. I hope I can become as forgiving.Kristinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15975806548855709834noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1739114735492091671.post-62949779334135755332009-10-23T12:04:00.003-05:002009-10-23T12:54:35.004-05:00PPD<a href="http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?hideNav=1&locale=0&sourceId=f32c6d5c3d5b2210VgnVCM100000176f620a____&vgnextoid=f318118dd536c010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD">This article</a> in the Ensign really hit me last month. I realized that they described me over the past few months. I have been doing much better the last couple weeks, but it still isn't easy.<br /><br />I thought back to a PPD risk assessment given by my OB back in California. I could mark yes to many of the questions during my pregnancy.<br /><br />Long distance move? Check<br />Unplanned pregnancy? Check<br />Financial troubles/reduction in income? Check<br />Little assistance from family? Check<br />Death in family? Check - even though he didn't pass until months after<br />PPD after previous pregnancies - probably<br /><br />It didn't help that I never trusted my OB, and was even more disappointed with how he treated me during delivery.<br /><br />Before I go further, a note to my sweet husband:<br /><br /><blockquote>Postpartum depression may be difficult for a husband to understand, and sometimes he may react with confusion, frustration, anger, guilt, anxiety, or embarrassment. It may be helpful for him to engage in counseling or reading to increase his understanding of postpartum depression and to learn how he can be most helpful. His doing so can benefit both him and his wife.</blockquote>I know that this is probably hard for him to understand, and that he probably will blame himself for my troubles. I guess I've been trying to protect him. This is not his fault. I think that I've always known that I'm prone to depression. It's never been this bad before. But I'm doing so much better. I feel like I'm one step away from being "me" again. I think a lot of that has to do with me admitting to myself what it is that I've been struggling with. It has taken away the guilt of all the things I haven't accomplished over the past 8 months.<br /><br />Oh, and as I have been thinking about this, I've been thinking about comments my dad made years ago about my mom. About how it seemed that she didn't take good care of herself after having a baby. I suspect that she suffered from PPD as well. I love you, mom.<br /><br />I can say that the hardest thing about this is actually admitting it. To people I know, even. Hitting "Publish Post" is a struggle.Kristinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15975806548855709834noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1739114735492091671.post-79830288454527743752009-09-04T07:00:00.001-05:002009-09-04T07:00:00.573-05:00Melon soda<a href="http://smittenkitchen.com/2009/08/melon-agua-fresca/">Smitten Kitchen</a> recently had a delicious recipe for what she calls "Melon Agua Fresca." We called it "cantaloupe soda." Because we're refined like that. Anyhow, Tom put it together for our family night. He skipped the water, and didn't bother to strain the fruit. In case you're wondering, melon purees amazingly in the blender. We don't have a very fancy one, and it was so smooth. Oh, and we used bottled lime juice. It tasted wonderful. The fun part was that it was frothy. I wish I could share pictures, but I didn't pull out the camera before we finished it off. It was sweet, but not super sweet.<br /><br />Next is to try this with watermelon. Or make the watermelon lemonade I saw. Yummy!Kristinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15975806548855709834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1739114735492091671.post-23051949271690263032009-08-17T18:06:00.001-05:002009-08-17T18:08:26.833-05:00504? IEP?I've learned a little about it, but need to learn more. Last year was quite the struggle with David, and I don't think it's going to get better anytime soon. My understanding is that he doesn't qualify for and IEP. The medication just wasn't enough anymore - we didn't see much difference - so I'm trying to gear myself up for the new school year. Honestly, if he's not getting any work done at school (and it's getting sent home for him to do), I would rather homeschool him. For those that don't know, he's been diagnosed with ADD for 3 years now - he's 8.<br /><br />I'm having a hard time understanding the difference between an IEP and 504, other than an IEP seems to offer and guarantee more. The best that I can understand is that an IEP expects and improvement in performance. While the 504 is just modifications in place. But I'm not exactly sure that that is correct. I've been reading books, asking questions, and not getting very far. One group just talked about getting a different diagnosis when I posted a question. His teacher didn't want to start the process last year (felt it was too late in the school year). Tomorrow is "back to school night" when we find out about teacher assignments, and the teachers are there to meet the students. I plan to ask questions of the teacher and principal then, but I feel like I'm going in blind.<br /><br />Last year was much better than the year before (his 1st grade teacher hated him, I swear!). But we still struggled to get to finish his work. Any of it. He's been identified as gifted, and was finishing less than his Kindergartner brother.<br /><br />I can't blame school - he's like this every day, for every one. The only difference with homeschool is that I would be able to control the amount of work required for him. But he loves being with his friends at school. And I'm not sure I'm ready to take on that responsibility yet, either. I've been barely keeping up with the basics lately. If I feel I need to, I'll do it. I just know it'll take a lot of work from me to get him to succeed.<br /><br />Anyhow, I know I'm rambling. Any advice for talking to the school? Starting the process of getting a 504?Kristinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15975806548855709834noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1739114735492091671.post-19650359296573310932009-07-14T12:59:00.004-05:002009-07-23T18:01:53.803-05:00Am I ready to fly?It is so easy to try to shelter myself and my family from everything. It's time to risk falling.<br /><br />Anyone that truly knows me knows I don't usually take big risks. Case in point: Junior High Track and Field. At the beginning of the season, they had everyone try everything. I guess I did pretty well in the hurdles for my height/weight/age class, so they had me be part of the hurdle relay at a meet a few weeks later. In my defense, I had not practiced the hurdles between that time, even once. Well, when my turn came, I choked. I ran up to the first hurdle, and stopped. I then stepped over the first hurdle. I tried to break into a run for the next one, but skidded to a stop again. Swung one leg over, then the other. By this time, the tears started to come. My teammates were cheering me on. But I repeated my embarrassment with every one of the remaining hurdles. I could barely see them with the tears streaming down my face, blurring my vision. I crossed the line, handed off the baton, and my team finished last. By a long shot. Friends put their hands on my shoulders, but I just wanted to hide. Why couldn't I have done what I did a few weeks ago? Nothing amazing, just jumping over them? Fear. Fear overtook everything else.<br /><br />Of course, leaving my hometown so my husband could work on his PhD was a leap of faith. But what have I done here? Keep to myself for the most part. Time to change that.<br /><br />http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LA_uwWPE6lQ<br /><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/LA_uwWPE6lQ&hl=en&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/LA_uwWPE6lQ&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="344" width="425"></embed></object>Kristinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15975806548855709834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1739114735492091671.post-68850706717894387782009-06-25T11:33:00.002-05:002009-06-25T11:41:38.130-05:00Stop the ride - I want offThe past couple weeks have been hectic. Our sewer line broke, so we had to be super careful with our water usage until we got it fixed (done, thank goodness!). One grandpa has a mysterious illness on top of his advanced Alzheimer's. The other has colon cancer. Our Stake President from CA got in a car accident, in which his wife died and he punctured a lung, did some serious injury to his back, and other problems, I'm sure. My best friend from high school's older sister died of an aneurysm. The kids mashed the little fins on the AC, so it's barely working - and it's 100 degrees outside all this week. My husband's stepdad is in the hospital from a stroke. My sister lost her baby. All I can wonder is, what's next?<br /><br />A friend reminded me of a "thanks journal." I think I'll have to make a post later today of just our blessings. Since, somewhere in all this, there are many.Kristinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15975806548855709834noreply@blogger.com0