At Considerable Cost

Amongst my major flaws is my resistance to popular things just because they are popular.   Any endorsement by a large majority is enough to turn me off anything.   New York Times Bestseller's List?  It's going to take some recommendations by people whose literary opinions I trust for me to read a book with that distinction.   Number one at the box office?   Again, it's going to take a trusted actor, director, screenwriter or reviews from trusted sources for me to approach the ticket window.  Everyone's doing it?   Then, I'm definitely NOT. The major drawback when we first toured our current home was that it has a floor plan which is very common in our town.   It was a stumbling block for me.  As an adult, I've learned to consider my strong opinions in light of this flaw.   So, for instance, a common floor plan is not a reason to ignore a home that offers everything we needed at a good price. Over the past ...

My children did this the past two years, so I guess it's on its way to becoming a family tradition.   It's super easy and gives everyone a chance to have a turn.   They are so proud to pass "their" butter around the table.   I could go into the details, but one of the blogs I follow, My Montessori Journey , has a post with directions and pictures.   Why reinvent the wheel?   Enjoy and I hope this becomes a tradition in your home, too! http://mymontessorijourney.typepad.com/my_montessori_journey/2010/11/shakin-up-some-yum.html

The children had such a fun night Sunday.   We live in a very quiet neighborhood, where many of our neighbors are retirees who enjoy seeing our children dressed in their costumes.   In the past, we've used the same costumes for both All Hallow's Eve and All Saint's Day, but this year, we gave the girls the chance to choose separate costumes if they wanted them. Joey and I have such sweet, simple memories of trick-or-treating.   I also have special memories of the annual hot dog roast held at Mrs. Carmel's house.   Her children and I would watch the pile of limbs grow over the month of October.   I looked forward to that special evening for weeks and the taste of toasted marshmallows still takes me back to those times.   Our children made similar sweet memories this year! An angel, Minnie Mouse, and a friendly gator! Ready to head out!  Then came Monday night and the big celebration of All Saint's Day...

What other use is there for a bowl with a straw? Wow!   Busy week and we aren't even on the back-to-school merry-go-round as is everyone around us! I made tremendous progress this week toward better organization in my home.   More clutter is gone!   We were also able to give friends a piece of furniture from my parents' house.    I am so happy that it did not end up with strangers.   We already have so many pieces of my parents' furniture that we treasure.  I think we'll be able to park the car in the garage again in a week or two! Saturday, I received a high compliment.   As I was showing a friend around our home and telling stories about pieces that belonged to Mama, she said, "I wish I could have met your mom."   Then, she turned to look at me, and said, "but I know you, so I guess I have met your mom."   Thanks, Megan.    I have an azalea plant!   I grew up with huge, old-fashioned azalea bushes o...

Why run through the sprinkler when you can sit? This morning was not as oppressively hot as what has become normal lately.   The kids actually wanted to stay outside and play like they used to do.  C's "googles"--one of my headbands