Outside My Window:: Mrs. Thaw has come for a two week visit. Dirty slush in the parking lots are disgusting, but the dew that freezes on the trees is breathtaking.
I am hearing :: The children playing, the clock chiming and the cat grooming himself.
I am wearing ::
My standard uniform again - a black Lands' End knit skirt (that is forgiving
through pregnancy) and a long sleeved v-neck maternity shirt. Smart Wool socks too.
I am Thankful For:: Getting out yesterday for a night off. Dinner at Panera, a home school mom's support group, seeing babies.
I am Pondering:: The "Living on a Dime" frugal talk I heard last night. While we do many of the suggestions mentioned, there is only so far I am willing to go when it comes to other money-saving ideas that were suggested such as making your own laundry detergent (I like my Bi-o-Kleen), washing and reusing disposable swim diapers (we don't swim that often), driving an older unreliable car (this is Minnesota - I don't want to break down in sub-zero weather with a van load of kids) or mixing up leftover paint colors instead of buying a new can (huh?). Then again, maybe all these things would be fine and I would get used to it if we really needed to survive.
Also - I don't think it is always wise to eat the cheapest food possible, especially after reading The Omnivore's Dilemma and watching Food Inc. I am much more interested in learning ways to save on organic/local food. I am in a buying club, but getting to a Costco takes a 2-3 hour hunk of the day. One thing I know I need to get over is my intimidation about canning food. Freezing just seems so much easier and less dangerous.
Another thing about food and prices (this has gotten me all worked up, can you tell?) is that I'm not inclined to opt for a $4 box of donuts over $30 worth of fruit for a large fruit salad just to be frugal. On the other hand, something is totally wrong with our food system when healthy food is exponentially more expensive than junk food. It's just not right.
I am Thinking:: About how glad I will be when we get back on the Do Not Call list we signed up for a month ago. We switched phone service last month and our number immediately became available to telemarketers. We have been inundated with sales call and people who hang up when I answer. Makes me feel so yucky and frustrated I just turned off the ringer.I am also creeped out by some phishing emails in response to a Craig's List ad I just placed. Don't people have anything better to do?
I am Reading: The phone service manual about how to block calls.
From the Kitchen:: Saturday I made a Chicken Lentil Rosemary Stew that was delicious. Sunday for the in-laws I made Pioneer Woman's Pound Cake. Tonight I'm punting with crock pot Frank & Beans.
I finally figured out why I shy away from baking things like muffins for breakfast. Evidently I cannot concentrate before my first cup of coffee. Sunday morning I was whipping up a double batch of muffins and remembered to double everything except the flour. Oops.
On my iPod/iPhone:: Renee sent me a big long list again, of apps to try. Now I have the brain space to check them out. Thanks, Renee!
In the classroom:: 4th grade - Midwestern states, reading about Captain Cook, counting to ten in Latin, lots of growth in math, lots of quizzing at mealtime - boiling point, freezing point, radius, diameter, perimeter. 2nd grade - weekly saint reports, memorizing Stopping by the Woods, days in a year, weeks in a year, cups in a pint, pints in a quart, quarts in a gallon, working on her Family Tree book. 1st grade - Pipsqueak won't leave him alone while he works. Weekly Bible story and Aesop's Fable, almost finished with an Explode the Code book, memorizing Foreign Lands, can read Hop on Pop. Everyone is enjoying snowflake arts and crafts this week.
To Live the Liturgy:: Looking forward to Thursday - Our Lady of Altagracia and St. Agnes.
I am Hoping and Praying:: I just received news that my cousin's wife has been diagnosed with colon cancer. Praying for her upcoming surgery.
Around the House:: With a few more glass canister jars and my label maker I updated and reorganized my pantry. Blue and white winter decor is out.
On Keeping Home:: Things are going smoothly. My husband actually put his to-do lists in his iPhone to-do app so I can officially resign from the job! I developed some nature photos in 8x10 to frame and hang. Never, I repeat, never polish any wood furniture with 6yo orange wax that smells rancid. Don't make explain, just trust me!
One of My Favorite Things: My Snoogle.
Toward Personal Care:: Cut/color/brow wax appointment on Saturday : )
Pregnancy this 29th week:: Heartburn city. The tea doesn't really help, neither does papaya juice. I try to save Tums until bedtime, but hear that too much can cause kidney stones.
Pipsqueak this Week:: Almost speaking in full sentences. Definitely more of her thoughts are being expressed. She saw a photo of my mom on the computer and said, "Love her!"
A Few Plans for the Rest of the Week:: Normal routine this week.
A Picture to Share: King Winter
