I don't mind doing laundry, but I do mind putting it away. Very often I will spend all day washing and folding clothes, sorting them into their correct piles and even putting them into individual family member laundry baskets to then have them sit in my family room for a week (because that's where I fold laundry while watching Jason Bourne movies) waiting to actually make it to their correct rooms/closets/drawers.
Just prior to AH's and my trip to Italy (more to come on that trip later) our washing machine started making a huge racket with every wash load no matter the size or balance. We were able to see that some pieces on the interior of the washer had worn themselves out and were detached and causing considerable noise. We debated the value of having the machine fixed vs. the cost of buying a new machine. Ultimately the cost of fixing a 14 year old machine was not worth it when we could buy a new machine for roughly $400.
As much as I would love to have a high-end fancy washing machine (and dryer) just for the cohesive look and beauty of owning what I see on home décor websites, TV shows and magazines, the reality is we don't need a $1000+ washing machine and honestly, the research and reviews on many of those machines said they "sucked big time" anyway - especially the front loaders. Add to our frugality is the reality that we have an ugly laundry/pantry/utility room so who cares what's in there so long as it gets the job done and I don't have to buy a new one for at least a decade? (and I can spend the money I saved on our trip to Italy)
What I didn't remember, until the new machine was delivered, is that our old machine was purchased when we bought our first condo and was condo sized. All these years I have stuffed that machine to the brim and it has performed beautifully, but this new machine. . . well it makes me giddy. I purposefully, after reading all the bad reviews on front loaders, sought out a top loader that was not energy efficient. The beauty of this plan is that it's a lot cheaper, adds plenty of water for a thorough cleaning and has a humongous capacity that now allows me to wash the mattress cover (twin bed), sheet set, and blankets all in one load (it's also self balancing - our old machine could hop around the entire room with a good off balanced load). In addition to that, it gets the laundry so much dryer during the spin cycle that things are fully dry, after much less time, in the dryer.
For now I am enjoying the honeymoon stage with the new washer as each day I am looking for items to wash because it's just so fun. Of course I am so giddy about it that I don't even mind putting the clean laundry away the very same day!
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
The Difference Between Boys and Girls
A conversation in our house today:
Me to Mr. B: How was school today?
Mr. B: Good.
Me: Why was it good?
Mr. B: I can't remember.
Me to Beeb: How was school today?
Beeb: Great.
Me: Why was it great?
Beeb: Well first we did __________ and then we had ____________. Oh, and we had an assembly (which she proceeded to act out for me in its near entirety).
Wednesday, September 4, 2013
2013/2014 School Year. . . Maybe
School officially started today. . . except that the teachers may go on strike by this Sunday if a new contract is not signed. I fervently pray that a new contract is signed before this Sunday.
Well my two little nuts (or as AH currently calls them "Slurp" and "Slurpee") are finally at the age of not being super excited for school to start up again. Admittedly I felt like summer flew by and could have used a few more weeks but I would have thought my kids would we anxious to see their classmates again. Not so much. I actually had to wake them both up this morning (so shocking, Mr. B is usually up by 6am all on his own).
Traditional 1st Day Photo
Their idea of a great 1st day photo.
After school got out Beeb announced it was a fantastic day. She was picked to be a cafeteria helper (wipe tables, sweep floors - she's excited about this at school, not so excited about being this kind of helper at home) and so she gets free lunches the rest of the week. Mom is not so excited about her eating school lunches the rest of this week.
Mr. B had the same first day as last year, which means that I got a call from the Principal. Nothing serious, just some silly boy shenanigans, but still . . . the first day? Really? Two years in a row? That boy keeps me on my toes. :-) Upon arriving home he promptly announced that he hates 5th grade but after some conversation revealed that he likes his teachers and has some good friends in his class, he's just disappointed with his choice that got him in hot water. He'll get over it and hopefully there won't be a repeat for the rest of the year.
All-in-all a good first day. I cleaned house (serious cleaning) and feel good about all that I accomplished on my first day of school.
Saturday, July 27, 2013
Running Around... And Around... And Around
Early this month (last weekend) I ran as part of a all women's team in relay race that was 196 miles long. I did the same thing last year, though it was 200 miles long, and somehow I thought it would be a good idea to do it again. Crazy, I know.
This year seemed completely different than the year prior, when it was overcast and cool the entire race. This year temperatures reached into the high 80's and was really not ideal for long distance running; however, we survived, though with lots of stomach aches and just generally feeling pooped that first day. The second day was much cooler and we had heavy fog all through the morning which worked out beautifully. As our entire team finished the race the sun was just breaking through - perfection!
Oh, one major wrench in my race this year was what happened to me on my very first of the three legs I ran. 3 miles into my run (on that hot day) I felt a "snap" in my lower calf, just above my Achilles tendon, and I was no longer able to run. My van support was still a half mile away and I was only able to limp along. Thankfully a bicyclist stopped and offered help. I sent her on up ahead of me to find my van and have them come get me. In the meantime I continued to hobble along and then did a limp/run thing so that when the van came by I didn't want to stop so I waved them on and just kept on going for the rest of the race (about 4 miles). My teammates stopped frequently to give me water and offer morale support. It was the longest, most frustrating 4 miles I've ever run (I was completely pissed off that this happened, and so early in the race). I knew that I had about 8 more miles to go before the end of the race and I would not put that burden on anybody in my van. I would find a way to run it, even if my time was super slow.
As it turns out one of our "new" team members this year is also a physical therapist and she knew just what to do to keep me going. We bought some special tape, I stretched and then she taped my calf up and I felt so much better; not perfect, but able to continue. As a result of tearing my calf muscle my overall pace was off by more than 2 minutes per mile, but I did run all of my legs and I still managed to pass some other runners along the way.
Despite the heat, and the ailments that came from it for everyone, and despite my injury and slow time we managed to take 1st place for the women's open division!!! That was so awesome. Can't wait until next year's race. :-)
This year seemed completely different than the year prior, when it was overcast and cool the entire race. This year temperatures reached into the high 80's and was really not ideal for long distance running; however, we survived, though with lots of stomach aches and just generally feeling pooped that first day. The second day was much cooler and we had heavy fog all through the morning which worked out beautifully. As our entire team finished the race the sun was just breaking through - perfection!
Oh, one major wrench in my race this year was what happened to me on my very first of the three legs I ran. 3 miles into my run (on that hot day) I felt a "snap" in my lower calf, just above my Achilles tendon, and I was no longer able to run. My van support was still a half mile away and I was only able to limp along. Thankfully a bicyclist stopped and offered help. I sent her on up ahead of me to find my van and have them come get me. In the meantime I continued to hobble along and then did a limp/run thing so that when the van came by I didn't want to stop so I waved them on and just kept on going for the rest of the race (about 4 miles). My teammates stopped frequently to give me water and offer morale support. It was the longest, most frustrating 4 miles I've ever run (I was completely pissed off that this happened, and so early in the race). I knew that I had about 8 more miles to go before the end of the race and I would not put that burden on anybody in my van. I would find a way to run it, even if my time was super slow.
As it turns out one of our "new" team members this year is also a physical therapist and she knew just what to do to keep me going. We bought some special tape, I stretched and then she taped my calf up and I felt so much better; not perfect, but able to continue. As a result of tearing my calf muscle my overall pace was off by more than 2 minutes per mile, but I did run all of my legs and I still managed to pass some other runners along the way.
The very beginning. We are all so excited!
Emily lead our team as runner #1 and she rocked each of her runs!
Me just prior to the start of my first leg (see that happy smile!).
Me finishing up that first leg (see that grumpy face).
Lisa, the awesome PT van mate. She was so excited just to be at Ragnar that she made us all super happy too.
The original Lisa. I want her long beautiful legs.
Laura is so buff! She's actually kind of scaring me in this picture. I don't think I'd want to run into her in a dark alley at night. :-)
Just before the start of leg #2 - which was so so beautiful. We ran through farm country at sunset. So perfect.
Water support!
Other runners were so nice - giving high fives to strangers. Really we are all a big family out there suffering through our crazy need to push ourselves while calling it "fun" - which it was, lots and lots of fun.
Shannon is a consistently strong runner. I cried on her shoulder last year just before my last leg that had a "major" big hill. Shannon had that hill this year and ate it up! She's amazing.
The end of our last leg and passing of the baton to van #2 runners. Sommer was crazy excited (as usual) - such an awesome team captain!
We are done! Hanging around at the finish line, waiting for van #2 to finish.
Exhaustion finally set it.
Some teams really dressed up in elaborate costumes! (Yes the guy in white is wearing an adult diaper... ouch! The chaffing had to have been horrible.)
This team shared a little booty along the way. This always caused me to take a double-take each time I saw them running.
Here's my leg 24 hours after the initial injury happened. Ouch!
Despite the heat, and the ailments that came from it for everyone, and despite my injury and slow time we managed to take 1st place for the women's open division!!! That was so awesome. Can't wait until next year's race. :-)
Monday, June 24, 2013
Bucket List Part Deux
Well as we enter week two of summer break the fun continues.
June 20th - I ran 6 miles this morning with my friend Jen B. I was really worried that I would be too tired from backpacking but I put on my *new* compression socks that my MIL bought for me and my legs actually felt really great. We did school work in the AM and the rest of the day was spent recovering (aka lounging around) with some cleaning up from the trip. Mr. B attended cub scouts and had a great time!
June 21st - Did our usual morning school work and then spent most of the day vigorously cleaning the house in anticipation of my family all showing up the next day for our June birthdays celebration. The kids did a great job helping.
June 22nd - I intended to run 9 miles this morning but instead Jen and I did hill work. It was incredibly beautiful out and I had no problem getting up at 5:50am! What a fantastic way to get a jump start on enjoying a beautiful day to its fullest. The family started rolling in at about noon and we BBQ'd some really delicious Thai food. It was nice to have everyone together. The awww moment of the day was when my SIL and her baby fell asleep together while lounging on the grass.
June 23rd - We had a shortened church service so that we might be home to watch a special church broadcast. Of course we missed the broadcast due to another appointment, but I watched it later on and it was really inspiring.
June 24th - Started out the day doing our usual morning school work. We got a lot accomplished in math and English, however what the kids enjoy the most is our reading group time. We are currently reading "Obi, Gerbil on the Loose" together and the kids are getting a lot of laughs out of it. It is the highlight of our work time in the mornings.
Piano lessons are still on for the summer, we had them today. We also got a lot of household chores done that usually don't require so much attention when everyone is at school all day, but now that everyone is home all day things do get dirty/messy rather quickly.
Tonight Beeb and I tackled dinner together by making homemade spaghetti with meatballs. Yum! I used The Pioneer Woman's recipe, altered to be gluten and dairy free. It turned out delicious!
After dinner we had our Monday night FHE. It was Mr. B's turn to pick the game and he chose Settlers of Catan. Beeb, who's only played it 3 times before, managed to beat us all (with a little help from her parents) and was thrilled.
I must say the key to our success thus far is a very under scheduled summer. This certainly allows me the time I want with the kids in the morning, for the essentials, and then playtime in the afternoon. If I had things planned throughout the day at different intervals I would never be able to maintain a learning environment because I would just be too frazzled. Here's to hoping I can keep it up for 9 more week!
June 20th - I ran 6 miles this morning with my friend Jen B. I was really worried that I would be too tired from backpacking but I put on my *new* compression socks that my MIL bought for me and my legs actually felt really great. We did school work in the AM and the rest of the day was spent recovering (aka lounging around) with some cleaning up from the trip. Mr. B attended cub scouts and had a great time!
June 21st - Did our usual morning school work and then spent most of the day vigorously cleaning the house in anticipation of my family all showing up the next day for our June birthdays celebration. The kids did a great job helping.
June 22nd - I intended to run 9 miles this morning but instead Jen and I did hill work. It was incredibly beautiful out and I had no problem getting up at 5:50am! What a fantastic way to get a jump start on enjoying a beautiful day to its fullest. The family started rolling in at about noon and we BBQ'd some really delicious Thai food. It was nice to have everyone together. The awww moment of the day was when my SIL and her baby fell asleep together while lounging on the grass.
That evening AH, a nephew and I (plus the kiddos) played some ultimate Frisbee with a group of friends. It was so much fun - a perfect way to end a stunning day in the PNW.
June 23rd - We had a shortened church service so that we might be home to watch a special church broadcast. Of course we missed the broadcast due to another appointment, but I watched it later on and it was really inspiring.
June 24th - Started out the day doing our usual morning school work. We got a lot accomplished in math and English, however what the kids enjoy the most is our reading group time. We are currently reading "Obi, Gerbil on the Loose" together and the kids are getting a lot of laughs out of it. It is the highlight of our work time in the mornings.
Piano lessons are still on for the summer, we had them today. We also got a lot of household chores done that usually don't require so much attention when everyone is at school all day, but now that everyone is home all day things do get dirty/messy rather quickly.
Tonight Beeb and I tackled dinner together by making homemade spaghetti with meatballs. Yum! I used The Pioneer Woman's recipe, altered to be gluten and dairy free. It turned out delicious!
After dinner we had our Monday night FHE. It was Mr. B's turn to pick the game and he chose Settlers of Catan. Beeb, who's only played it 3 times before, managed to beat us all (with a little help from her parents) and was thrilled.
I must say the key to our success thus far is a very under scheduled summer. This certainly allows me the time I want with the kids in the morning, for the essentials, and then playtime in the afternoon. If I had things planned throughout the day at different intervals I would never be able to maintain a learning environment because I would just be too frazzled. Here's to hoping I can keep it up for 9 more week!
Friday, June 21, 2013
Inner Peace
It's one of those moment when my heart is overflowing with gratitude for my little family. No particular reason, though as I sit here feeling this way my mind turns to this afternoon when Mr. B helped me do some yard work (he's a great helper), this evening when AH returned home late from work only to have both kids anxiously waiting to play some Xbox with him (the kids were giggling so loud during it) and he readily obliged, though he was worn out, and just now when Beeb (my little night owl) came to ask for a hug (she gives the best hugs!).
I am truly blessed. I love my children and husband beyond measure and I am so very thankful for them.
I am truly blessed. I love my children and husband beyond measure and I am so very thankful for them.
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Summer Bucket List
School has officially been out for 7.5 days and we have already accomplished much much more than I ever expected. In my head, long before school let out, I planned to have the kids spend the mornings with me doing school work and then they would have the afternoons to spend with their friends. We would have specific days of the week to work on skills such as cooking, art, field trip, etc. and become very well rounded and ahead of the game before school starts up again in September. Never in my wildest dreams did I expect this to actually work, but it has. . . for now (I'm really hoping this continues). (I'm kind of giddy!)
Here's the breakdown:
June 11th - kids got out of school just before 1pm, home by 1:30pm and playing with friends the rest of the day.
June 12th - spent the morning doing worksheets together, 30 minutes reading aloud a book I picked out for us to work on together and some chores around the house. Afternoon spent playing with friends. Beeb decided that our first official summer activity would be for us to make a dress for her new doll. I think it turned out pretty cute, but what a pain to make! It took 4 tries to get this dress right.
June 13th - "Field Trip" to Wild Waves (bucket list item) with friends (because it was discount day, and not too crowded since most other school districts hadn't started summer break yet). Super fun!
June 14th - Spent the morning doing school work, Mr. B mastered his 7's in our goal to complete the multiplication table by the end of summer, spent the afternoon playing with friends.
June15th - Went to a free fun run put on by our Stake. Mr. B ran the 1K and got 4th!!! Beeb managed to run right into a pole with her face before the 5K started and gave herself a black eye. She and I were planning to run the 5K together but this sidelined her for the day so we'll find another fun 5K to run later this summer (bucket list item - must do).
June 16th - Went to AH's sisters house in the evening to celebrate Father's Day and my upcoming birthday. Super fun!
June 17th - Spent part of the morning doing school work and then went strawberry picking (bucket list item). We came home and capped the berries, washed them, cut them up and put them in the dehydrator. Yum!
June 18th - Field trip to Goldmyer Hot Springs with AH's boy scout troop. 5 mile hike in with full packs on, set up camp, had dinner and then spent the rest of the evening in the hot springs. Everyone LOVED it - so much fun. Got a little rain during the night but it tapered off by mid-morning. We packed up and then spent the rest of the morning back in the hot springs until it was time to leave. Hiked another 5 miles out - nobody cried, though we were all tired by the end. It was a really fun trip for us all; can't wait to go back again.
I am so tired tonight but it is the very best kind of tired. If this summer continues the way it has begun I will be one super happy momma by summers end.
Here's the breakdown:
June 11th - kids got out of school just before 1pm, home by 1:30pm and playing with friends the rest of the day.
June 12th - spent the morning doing worksheets together, 30 minutes reading aloud a book I picked out for us to work on together and some chores around the house. Afternoon spent playing with friends. Beeb decided that our first official summer activity would be for us to make a dress for her new doll. I think it turned out pretty cute, but what a pain to make! It took 4 tries to get this dress right.
June 13th - "Field Trip" to Wild Waves (bucket list item) with friends (because it was discount day, and not too crowded since most other school districts hadn't started summer break yet). Super fun!
June 14th - Spent the morning doing school work, Mr. B mastered his 7's in our goal to complete the multiplication table by the end of summer, spent the afternoon playing with friends.
June15th - Went to a free fun run put on by our Stake. Mr. B ran the 1K and got 4th!!! Beeb managed to run right into a pole with her face before the 5K started and gave herself a black eye. She and I were planning to run the 5K together but this sidelined her for the day so we'll find another fun 5K to run later this summer (bucket list item - must do).
June 16th - Went to AH's sisters house in the evening to celebrate Father's Day and my upcoming birthday. Super fun!
June 17th - Spent part of the morning doing school work and then went strawberry picking (bucket list item). We came home and capped the berries, washed them, cut them up and put them in the dehydrator. Yum!
June 18th - Field trip to Goldmyer Hot Springs with AH's boy scout troop. 5 mile hike in with full packs on, set up camp, had dinner and then spent the rest of the evening in the hot springs. Everyone LOVED it - so much fun. Got a little rain during the night but it tapered off by mid-morning. We packed up and then spent the rest of the morning back in the hot springs until it was time to leave. Hiked another 5 miles out - nobody cried, though we were all tired by the end. It was a really fun trip for us all; can't wait to go back again.
I am so tired tonight but it is the very best kind of tired. If this summer continues the way it has begun I will be one super happy momma by summers end.
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