Day 56-57

Day 56 is money...
I wish I had lots of money to take pictures of...or a big bank account balance to share.  But instead, this is closer to my reality: Elizabeth's piggy bank.

I got this bank at one of my baby showers for E....and if you are the one that gave it to me, I apologize for not giving you credit because I've forgotten who it is.  Recently, Elizabeth has started earning an allowance- half goes in here and half she gets to put in her 'wallet' for spending.  So far, the only thing she wants to use it on is the vending machine at church...because Cheezits out of the machine are SO MUCH BETTER than the ones out of the box at home.  She has to make sure no toys, shoes, cups, etc are left in the living room before bed and brush her teeth.  pretty difficult, eh?


Day 57: Something I'm listening to
More often than not I really only listen to 2 things (aside from a scratched up wiggles cd that we can't seem to steer away from)
1) Sirius Satelite Radio Ch 22- Pearl Jam Radio (and Eddie if you're reading this, please know I'm only kidding about listening to anything else because really there's only you XOXO)
2) JJ Gray and Mofro---any and every song they've made
                                             Here's the only case I could find to take a picture

If you like music AT ALL...you better check them out. It will change your life....I cannot even put into words how incredible they are. They come to B'ham only a couple times a year, and if you ever get the chance to go see them....DO IT.  You won't regret it!

I have Jerry to thank for showing me the depths of music in general but especially with these 2 groups.  They move me and change me in ways I can't really describe----I couldn't live without it! (well, not happily or willingly!)

Day 55

Today is supposed to be "night" but my last attempt at night photography didn't go so well...so I'm skipping it. The next entry is "something I ate."  Tonight's dinner for the kids was shells and cheese, oranges and raisins  -Elizabeth's menu of choice. Jerry got home late so he is fending for himself. I am having my favorite meal: cereal!    Here is tonight's choice-

I looooooove cereal. I could eat it multiple meals a day. There aren't many kinds I don't like.  I don't care for cardboard Kashi...but I'd eat it if it was all I had left.  And since last night's post already has everyone thinking I'm a hoarder, let's just go ahead and confirm that thought with my cereal obsession/collection. Cereal  is another item that I will never pay much for, and last weekend, Publix had their annual (or semi annual, I'm not sure) 50% off sale on Kellogg's cereals.  Combine that sale with stacked coupons and you get REALLY cheap cereal, that I am unable to pass up.  My collection grew tremendously after that day, but I promise none of these will go to waste. I don't open more than a couple at a time for variety, so the rest stay unopened and fresh.  So here is my stash....

Cereal party at my house!  :)

Days 55/56

This has been a crazy weekend....I am not doing well with keeping up with the blog, and I hope to try and be a little more committed with it! 
Day 55 is inside my bathroom cabinet. 
My bathroom cabinet also could be re-named "toiletries stockpile" The Smiths will stay clean and fresh when the apocalypse comes.  When I went to my first couponing class, the presenter told us "you should NEVER pay for most toiletries. You should never pay for deodorants, toothpaste, soap, etc.  This class will teach you how."  I swear I didn't believe her, but it is definitely true. I will never EVER pay for those kinds of things again!  Now I've had to start giving a lot of these things away, because I just don't have room for them. I donate a LOT of the stuff I get, that I know I will never use. So don't get all judgey and say I don't need to have this much, okay?  :)

Here's the basket breakdown from left to right: Toothpaste/toothbrushes, floss, etc; Vitamins; razors; deodorant; soap/bodywash, etc


Day 56 Green
I noticed today that our pear trees are blooming...bad news for my allergies, but good news for spring weather!  We have had a crazy mild winter this year, and today was a gorgeous day. Not too warm or cold, sunny, breezy, etc. Here is a pic of the tiny green leaf that is starting to grow. 

Day 53/54

Where I work:
I love my job.  I've said it before, and I hope I always feel this way about it. Is it stressful?  YES!  Do I feel successful every day?  NO!  But I cannot imagine doing anything else. I work with some amazing people every day, and my kids are inspiring in ways that I really can't put into words. This is my 11th year, and 10th at Meadow View. The teachers, staff and students here are my family and I can't imagine every having the desire to leave.

and speaking of school....here is a little video of Elizabeth's first project: a famous American presentation.  Keep in mind, Jerry has a degree in history, and is back in school on his way to a PhD in history---so as you can imagine- No George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, or anyone OBVIOUS like that....I was so proud of her standing up with her powerpoint! Take a look :)
http://youtu.be/vtZJ2CIWLWM

day 51-52

Favorite picture of myself and handwriting.....

Neither of these things are very appealing to me to post about...Maybe I need to re-think this photo challenge.
I have very few pictures of myself, as I am usually the one behind the camera. But looking around the house I found this one....

This was Mothers Day, 2007...I am skinny and tan!  2 things I'll probably never be again!  I love E in this pic too...I want to squeeze those chubby legs and tummy!

As for the handwriting---lame-o.  No one wants to see a picture of my handwriting. I am a teacher, and I do teach handwriting. But I don't like my own!  I print everything, and rarely even sign my name in cursive. It's not sloppy handwriting, and it's award winning compared to Jerry's....But I'm not taking a picture of it....

Day 49-50 Time

Since I've already posted a picture of a drink, and it happens to be my current favorite, I think I'll skip to 'time' and do a double post.

I used to be a night owl, before kids...well before kids, job, life, etc. Now, I am up at 5am if my alarm wakes me up, and sometimes earlier if a short person wakes me up. Staying up late has lost it's glamour, and I am fading fast by the time the sun goes down.  Some days I find myself watching the clock, thinking HOW can there still be 2 hours left until bedtime?!  I often feel horrible guilt, knowing these days are far too short and will soon be over--one say very soon I'll be wishing for them to come out of their bedrooms to spend time with us.  BUT...as for now....one of my favorite times on the clock is

because that time soon leads to this:

and silence (and sleep for that matter) in this house is a rarity.  I've given up on Jack sleeping in his own bed. I fought the battle for a while, and decided that sleeping with Elizabeth is better than not sleeping, even if it is on the SAME pillow as she is when she has a double bed, and especially if she doesn't mind.

Day 48- Something you hate to do

My least favorite thing to do around the house:

I hate unloading the dishwasher. HATE.  H-A-T-E.  

I don't mind loading it, I don't mind washing dishes by hand.  But I cannot stand unloading it and putting them away. I hate the feeling of the cold, wet dishes and how loud the plates, etc are clanging together. I hate how the water drips on the floor.  I would rather clean a toilet than unload a dishwasher. 

There is even a Facebook page dedicated to those in unity against unloading!

http://www.facebook.com/pages/HATE-unloading-dishwashers/236878092145

Now don't go thinking I'm being all petty and taking the fact that I HAVE a dishwasher for granted. 

Dirty dishes means we ate. A dishwasher full of them means we ate well. Three meals plus a stray snack here and there. We're not entitled. We are blessed. I never think about my next meal except to wonder which of the various options I'm going to choose. 

After all,  this post was titled: something I hate to do....so here it is. And here is a dishwasher full of nice and wet dishes all ready for me to put them away.  

Any volunteers? 

Day 47 something new

Difficult post today....since I havent purchased anything except groceries lately... Here is my only puchase today... My favorite treat- large sweet tea, extra ice. I love the styrafoam cup, love the large straws, extra ice is a must, and love the fact that it's 1$. See?.... It doesnt take much to make me happy :)

Day 46 phone

Here is a screenshot of my i-phone...posted from my i-phone. No long post today....I am EXHAUSTED!

Day 45- Heart

Happy Heart Day!
I love Valentine's Day...not because I get flowers, chocolate, or romantic cheesy-ness (I do not get any of those things).  I couldn't care less about those things, really. Don't get me wrong, I love a good gift...but I'd rather it be on a day that means nothing, and not on a day when it's expected. I don't love fancy restaurants...McDonald's is my fav remember!?  But I do love being an elementary school teacher on Valentine's Day. The kids were sooo excited all day to pass out their cards, and I loved the expressions on some of their faces...as if they were getting gold in those preciously decorated white sacks. I loved seeing Elizabeth's face as she opened each card, one by one, and discuss the kind of valentine that ___ gave, just for HER! Days dedicated to showing others you thought about each of them...even if it's with a commercialized Angry Birds folded valentine...should be mandated more often. Spirits were happy and high all day long....starting at 6:30am

all the way until 4:00

Please overlook E's green fun dip teeth and the fact that Jack isn't wearing pants....
Now, dinner is finished, kids are bathed, PJ's are on, and are watching my ALL TIME favorite:
 Lady and the Tramp!

Day 44- Blue

I used up the last of my laundry detergent this weekend, and since some people asked how I make my own detergent, I thought I'd use today's topic to squeeze that in.  Today's assignment is 'blue' and since my creative brain is brain dead by 3:00, you'll have to settle for knowing the bucket I mix it up in is dark blue :)
 Here is what you need: all purchased at Publix in the laundry isle for around 10$.

Borax
Arm and Hammer Super Washing Soda
Oxi Clean (optional)
Fels-Naptha (bar soap/stain remover)
1 bar of soap (any kind you've already got on hand at home)
large bowl or bucket to mix ingredients in
hand grater (like for cheese)

Next, add about 1/3 of the box of Borax, half the box of washing soda, heaping scoop of Oxi-clean, and grate half the bars of soap into the mix

I use this BLUE BUCKET to mix it all together. It's 2.5 gallons...not too big but big enough :)
Next, add another 1/3 box of the Borax, the rest of the washing soda, another big scoop of Oxi-clean, and grate the rest of the bars (the worst part of making this, my arm was killing me!) and mix it all up.

Here's how it looks when it's all mixed up and ready to go.

I keep mine in this Sterilite container (got it at Target for 5-6$) and use a 1/2 cup measuring scoop for each load.  Be prepared for NO suds.  It isn't supposed to make any, and cleans wonderfully. It also doesn't have much of a scent (just the scent of the bar soap you choose), so you might add a little fabric softener if you like a stronger scent. So, for around 10$ or less (I didn't use all the Borax or Oxi-Clean, and will use them again in the next batch) I get about 80 loads of laundry.   In a week or so, I will need to make more dishwasher detergent powder and maybe I'll find a way to incorporate that in the blog.

Day 43- my closet

My closet- enter at your own risk.

We have 2 closets in our bedroom.  Mine is a walk in connected to the bathroom, and Jerry's is a built in accordion style door kind.  These 2 closets couldn't be any more different. Mine is packed full...his is barren.  And that's how we like it.  He loves having the bare minimum of everything. I love having excessive amounts of things. Opposites attract, I guess. I have tried my best to conform to this minimalist attitude and mode of thought. It just hasn't made it into my closet yet....and I'm ok with that.

Mine:

 His:

Day 42

Day 42: makes me happy

mmmmm.....coffee

especially in my "Mom Rocks" cup, and especially at 5am on a SATURDAY when your 2 year old apparently doesn't require sleep.

We drink a LOT of coffee at our house. I drink a lot on the weekends, and have at least 2 cups before I go to school, then make a pot at school. Jerry will drink it in the mornings, and then brew more at night. To give you an accurate picture of how much...this is the amount of creamer I buy each week-and I wouldn't say we use an excessive amount in each cup.  I refuse to drink anything low fat, sugar free, etc. It must be real 1/2 and 1/2, and it must be full fat and full sugar. That's how I like things.

My favorite kind of beans are Colombian or French Roast...and I am not a fan of weak or flavored brews.

So....now that it's all of 6:45, I will start on my 3rd cup and try to stay awake the rest of the morning before a nap can be had.

Day 41

Today's topic was self portrait....and anyone that knows me on any level know that is NOT gonna happen. Sorry.  So I decided to capture one of my favorite parts of being a mom.  I love watching my kids experience things for the first time. I love seeing the joy, awe and amazement on their faces knowing and remembering how much I loved that same experience as a child. Tonight they are watching Aladdin for the first time.  Jasmine is Elizabeth's favorite princess  (most of the time) but she's never seen the movie so we rented it from the library tonight. This picture captures the moment when the cave (Tiger's mouth) comes alive...a pretty intense moment in the movie. I love the expressions on their faces---Jack's hands are clasped, eyebrows furrowed with worry...and Elizabeth's face shows how engrossed she is in this movie. Classic Disney movies like these are magical.  I don't care how cheesy or lame that sounds...they just are. (oh and please disregard the pudding on Jack's face.)

Days 38-40

YES....I've been a slacker on my 365. I can think of lots of excuses to blame it on, but I'll spare you.

Day 38's topic: button

I thought and thought about how I could take a picture of a button and it not be stupid. Nothing came to me until this little guy pulled his shirt up....and if this isn't the cutest button you've ever seen, then you may need to have your eyes checked. I love the look on his face too....how can one boy be so mischievous and so lovable at the same time?

Day 39: Sun
When I decided to do my post yesterday, I realized it was a picture of a sun. Was the sun still out?  no.  Soooo...
here ya go....this is the sun setting in our backyard.

Day 40: Front Door
Here is a picture of our front door....my parents gave us the plaque when we got married...I love it!

Day 37- Dinner

Tonight's post topic is dinner...and thankfully tonight I am cooking something non embarrassing. ha!
For dinner I made a mix of a few recipes I've read...and call it Inside Out Stuffed Bell Peppers

Ingredients:

1 lb ground beef
Bell Pepper
Italian Seasoning
Marinara Sauce
Long Grain White Rice
Italian Shredded Cheese

 brown meat, chopped pepper, italian seasoning, dash of Worcestershire, tsp of minced garlic together

 drain...don't you just love this colander??  it was my grandma's....my mom says she wants it, but I'm not giving it up--I love it!

stir meat, 1 cup of marinara sauce and 2 cups of cooked rice together and place in casserole dish

add shredded cheese -about 1/2 the bag

 and I baked in the oven along with the garlic bread for 5-8 min until cheese melts

Voila! A nice salad would have been good with this...but I didn't make it or take a picture of one, sorry.

And, of course...cupcakes for desert!

Day 36- 10:00am

Today's challenge was 10:00am....thank goodness it didn't say pm---no one wants a picture of my pillow because I am SURE I'll be asleep at 10pm-

At 10am I was here:

and while I can't say I was partaking in any kind of organized activity....I was inside the building. Jack is suffering from a REALLY bad case of mommy-itis these last few weeks, and cannot seem to part with me without total emotional breakdown.  So, I was paged out of sunday school about 15 minutes after taking him to nursery-- then attempted to take him into worship service with me at 11, which lasted all of 10 minutes before giving up and going home. I'm not sure what the solution to this phase is (and it BETTER BE A PHASE) but I'm hanging tough and hoping it passes soon.

Day 35-a stranger

Today the kids and I went to McWane Science Center with some friends---We had a great time, although every time we go I feel like they need an ADHD/ADD evaluation because they start out spending all of 3 seconds at each exhibit. I end up losing sight of both at different times and go through mini panic attacks thinking they are lost....but we end up having a great time despite this :)
My topic for photo challenge today was a stranger..and needless to say, most of these pics have a stranger in them. I wanted to capture a picture of the stranger who decided it was a good idea to try and talk to Jack mid-tantrum and almost got his size 7 new balance to the nose. Thankfully, he thew the shoe over her head.  I tried to tell her he was in time-out and probably needed to just be alone for a few minutes (we were in a side hallway).  ANYWAYS....onto the pictures