Tuesday, February 28, 2006
Honestly, the last post of the day.
My thoughts tend to come all in a rush. Here's a closeup of a portrait I finished quite a few months ago. A bit overworked (the first drawing I'd done in quite awhile) but I like it. Her name is Rosemina Raphael, and I met her during two trips to Haiti. She is an orphan.... and one of the most stunning children I've ever met.
Today in Art Class...
I love spring.
The daffodils are up and blooming.
Spring Break is a-nearing. Husband's grad school break coincides with mine, which is awfully nice. We're hoping to build a frame for our very first square foot garden.
Also, other than 2 hershey's kisses--I was stressed and hungry, people--I am still sugar-free and, for the most part, refined-flour free.
Spring Break is a-nearing. Husband's grad school break coincides with mine, which is awfully nice. We're hoping to build a frame for our very first square foot garden.
Also, other than 2 hershey's kisses--I was stressed and hungry, people--I am still sugar-free and, for the most part, refined-flour free.
Monday, February 27, 2006
Easy Custard Pie.
My husband's sweet grandma gave me this super-easy pie recipe. It's rich and yummy--I brought it to a church potluck this weekend. If I can't eat it (sigh,) you people can!!
MeeMaw's Custard Pie
1 unbaked pie shell
1/2 C unsalted butter, creamed
2 C sugar
4 egg yolks
1/3 C flour
2 T vanilla
1 C evaporated milk
dash salt
Beat butter, sugar, and egg yolks well. Add flour, vanilla, milk and salt. Pour into pie crust. (There will be some leftover filling.) Bake 350 degrees, 40-50 min.
MeeMaw's Custard Pie
1 unbaked pie shell
1/2 C unsalted butter, creamed
2 C sugar
4 egg yolks
1/3 C flour
2 T vanilla
1 C evaporated milk
dash salt
Beat butter, sugar, and egg yolks well. Add flour, vanilla, milk and salt. Pour into pie crust. (There will be some leftover filling.) Bake 350 degrees, 40-50 min.
Sunday, February 26, 2006
L'abri
I'm staying at L'abri in Southborough, Massachusetts for the next week while Stephen is out of the country. I took this photo yesterday and it made me happy, so I thought I'd share. I hope y'all are all having a nice weekend.
L'abri website
Saturday, February 25, 2006
Supposedly I'm currently reading Sophie's World by Jostein Gaarder. Life's been crazy lately, and I haven't been reading much. Before life got crazy, I was really starting to enjoy this book. Here is a review by Kristen:
Subtitled “A Novel About the History of Philosophy,” Sophie’s World is a a unique and intriguing book that blends a basic history of philosophy with an enjoyable story, a philosophical mystery. The history of philosophy is very basic and most appropriate for those without much exposure to the field or a very rusty and rudimentary knowledge of it. The upper school where Mike teaches owns a class set and used it in a Western Civ class last year, which is how I was introduced to the book. I would recommend it to homeschoolers (appropriate for teenagers) and adult who are ashamed of their grasp of the history of the big questions. At the very least, it will give you a rubric and help to direct you to philosophical movements you might want to investigate more deeply. Borrowed from the School. (9/10)
Subtitled “A Novel About the History of Philosophy,” Sophie’s World is a a unique and intriguing book that blends a basic history of philosophy with an enjoyable story, a philosophical mystery. The history of philosophy is very basic and most appropriate for those without much exposure to the field or a very rusty and rudimentary knowledge of it. The upper school where Mike teaches owns a class set and used it in a Western Civ class last year, which is how I was introduced to the book. I would recommend it to homeschoolers (appropriate for teenagers) and adult who are ashamed of their grasp of the history of the big questions. At the very least, it will give you a rubric and help to direct you to philosophical movements you might want to investigate more deeply. Borrowed from the School. (9/10)
Friday, February 24, 2006
And again....
Added a Blog....
....on the sidebar. Lauren Winner!
gDiaper Feedback
Hey, I just wanted to share Kellsey's comments on the gdiaper. She just ordered the starter kit a couple of days ago:
"Okay, people, I have officially used the gdiaper. WOW. That is awesome. Just awesome. The marketing is great, the packaging is phenomenal, and the ease of use was truly unbelievable. I loved having the velcro on the back. For the first time in months I was able to let Aidan run around in his diaper without him pulling the velcro tabs apart and undoing the cover. He was SUCH a cute boy in his bright green diaper cover. Also, the gatherings on the leg openings were FANTASTIC!! Best fit for a diaper cover yet.
I also want to say that I have a low-flow toilet (arg!) and even so, it was not a problem to flush the "flushable". I wound up putting the suction cup on the side of the toilet, that way the swish stick drips into the toilet brush holder. I figure that the toilet brush is already nasty, so what's a little more nasty on top?
Having said that, Linds, i think you have a great idea about the special container that is periodically cleaned out with bleach.
If you don't want to do cloth, but you're interested in doing something better than Pampers/huggies/luvs/etc for the environment, I HIGHLY recommend checking these babies out. It's $25 including the shipping for the "starter kit" with two covers, four liners, 10 flushables, and of course, the swish stick with it's fabulous suction cup.
Even if I do cloth for baby number 2 (and, no, we're not pregnant), I may use the gdiapers for the first 4 to 6 months when it's all breast milk all the time because then the poo is SO liquidy and these would be great for that.
Any questions? fun facts i did not cover that you want to know? ;-)"
"Okay, people, I have officially used the gdiaper. WOW. That is awesome. Just awesome. The marketing is great, the packaging is phenomenal, and the ease of use was truly unbelievable. I loved having the velcro on the back. For the first time in months I was able to let Aidan run around in his diaper without him pulling the velcro tabs apart and undoing the cover. He was SUCH a cute boy in his bright green diaper cover. Also, the gatherings on the leg openings were FANTASTIC!! Best fit for a diaper cover yet.
I also want to say that I have a low-flow toilet (arg!) and even so, it was not a problem to flush the "flushable". I wound up putting the suction cup on the side of the toilet, that way the swish stick drips into the toilet brush holder. I figure that the toilet brush is already nasty, so what's a little more nasty on top?
Having said that, Linds, i think you have a great idea about the special container that is periodically cleaned out with bleach.
If you don't want to do cloth, but you're interested in doing something better than Pampers/huggies/luvs/etc for the environment, I HIGHLY recommend checking these babies out. It's $25 including the shipping for the "starter kit" with two covers, four liners, 10 flushables, and of course, the swish stick with it's fabulous suction cup.
Even if I do cloth for baby number 2 (and, no, we're not pregnant), I may use the gdiapers for the first 4 to 6 months when it's all breast milk all the time because then the poo is SO liquidy and these would be great for that.
Any questions? fun facts i did not cover that you want to know? ;-)"
Oil Pastel Still Life
I'm proud of the Fourth Grade. They finished their oil pastel still lifes today, and I think they did a remarkable job for a bunch of squirrely nine year olds. :)
Thursday, February 23, 2006
also....
.....today was DAY 6 of Operation Healthy Me.
It's the little things....
- If you're game, I'd like to start my own meme:
List 5 Little Things That Bring You Satisfaction or Pleasure.
Here are mine:
1. Turning on all my lamps after dark.
2. Lifting my sleeping 3.5 lb.chihuahua's warm limp body and snuggling with her on my shoulder.
3. Laying the newly-washed, fluffy bathroom mat on the tile in the bathroom.
4. Watching my herbs spread across the garden/ petting the lamb's ear.
5. Holding M.'s hand, and getting a big smack on the cheek from him.
Can you tell I'm very tactile?
I'm tagging Wedding Girl, Kellsey, Kristen, and Laura, and Mia.
It's a Blog World after all.
I must report something fun to you people! After conversing on this blog and a few "coincidental" web surfs, Kristen has reported that she has just randomly realized that she knows who Kellsey is--from IVF camp long ago (or maybe not so long ago :) ) when she was at UNC. And Kellsey's husband led a class she took there. Who knew?
"The Sweetpea[s] blog........bringing
"The Sweetpea[s] blog........bringing
people together who........sort of used
to know each other."
(That doesn't really work, does it?)
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
A piece of art for you.
I thought I'd share this landscape with you--created by a second grade student when we were studying.....landscapes! (Blown-Ink and Watercolor.)
Operation Healthy Me.....
....in full effect! Today is DAY 5 of my low glycemic, sugar-free, refined-flour-free, almost dairy free, but full of good protein, fruits and veggies lifestyle!
Tuesday, February 21, 2006
gDiapers
Hey moms, I'm curious to know what you think about these flushable, environmentally friendly diapers: (click on the title to go to their website)
"Imagine taking your baby's soiled diaper and simply flushing it down the toilet. No more smell. No more diaper. No more diaper pail. You’re putting waste right where it belongs, in the toilet. Not in a landfill. That’s exactly how gDiapers work.
gDiapers are a two-part system. The flushable inner refill fits into a pair of colorful ‘little g’ pants. When the flushable becomes soiled, simply flush it down the toilet. It's that easy.
gDiapers. Fashion and function on one cute bum."
"Imagine taking your baby's soiled diaper and simply flushing it down the toilet. No more smell. No more diaper. No more diaper pail. You’re putting waste right where it belongs, in the toilet. Not in a landfill. That’s exactly how gDiapers work.
gDiapers are a two-part system. The flushable inner refill fits into a pair of colorful ‘little g’ pants. When the flushable becomes soiled, simply flush it down the toilet. It's that easy.
gDiapers. Fashion and function on one cute bum."
Friday, February 17, 2006
Encouragement.
Hey again. Thanks for your sweet comments regarding my health issues. Today I came upon this article by John Piper, pastor and author. I admire Piper and have been influenced and encouraged by his books.
Dr. Piper recently had surgery for prostate cancer. He wrote an article, "Don't Waste Your Cancer," on the eve of his surgery. While by no means do I intend to equate my health struggles with his, I was still encouraged by his article. I just substituted "illness" for the word "cancer."
Here's the article, if you'd like to read it:
http://desiringgod.org/library/fresh_words/2006/021506.html
Dr. Piper recently had surgery for prostate cancer. He wrote an article, "Don't Waste Your Cancer," on the eve of his surgery. While by no means do I intend to equate my health struggles with his, I was still encouraged by his article. I just substituted "illness" for the word "cancer."
Here's the article, if you'd like to read it:
http://desiringgod.org/library/fresh_words/2006/021506.html
Thursday, February 16, 2006
The Diagnosis.
Some of you know I had a miscarriage last July. For the past year, I have generally not been feeling well--extreme fatigue being the most dramatic symptom among many others.
So, I've had a nagging feeling something is wrong. Anemia? Fibromyalgia like my mom? Thyroid problems--also like my mom? I started going to a wonderful MD who does integrated medicine. After lots of tests, here is the verdict:
-borderline anemia.
-low thyroid.
-extremely low potassium and other important minerals.
-most significantly, PCOS: Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. This reproductive issue causes
infertility and miscarriages.
In the doctor's words, "I'm not sure how you're functioning!"
Dr. B. and I have decided to treat these things nutritionally for six months, along with thyroid meds. If my hormones are not more normalized after 6mo., I will go to a traditional endocrinologist.
So there you have it.
So, I've had a nagging feeling something is wrong. Anemia? Fibromyalgia like my mom? Thyroid problems--also like my mom? I started going to a wonderful MD who does integrated medicine. After lots of tests, here is the verdict:
-borderline anemia.
-low thyroid.
-extremely low potassium and other important minerals.
-most significantly, PCOS: Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. This reproductive issue causes
infertility and miscarriages.
In the doctor's words, "I'm not sure how you're functioning!"
Dr. B. and I have decided to treat these things nutritionally for six months, along with thyroid meds. If my hormones are not more normalized after 6mo., I will go to a traditional endocrinologist.
So there you have it.
Wednesday, February 15, 2006
A Thought.
If I hear anything else about Dick Cheney's accidental shooting of his hunting buddy and the White House's delay in reporting the incident (and its apparently "sinister" implications,)
I am simply going to scream.
I am simply going to scream.
Monday, February 13, 2006
Two things I learned from having the flu.
1. Get a flu shot, people!
2. Tamiflu isn't what its cracked up to be. What with all the bird flu hysteria, the hoarding of this drug made me assume it was really great. In reality, the directions say that Tamiflu "may reduce the duration of influenza by 1-2 days." I was thoroughly underwhelmed by this claim.
2. Tamiflu isn't what its cracked up to be. What with all the bird flu hysteria, the hoarding of this drug made me assume it was really great. In reality, the directions say that Tamiflu "may reduce the duration of influenza by 1-2 days." I was thoroughly underwhelmed by this claim.
Sunday, February 12, 2006
When life gives you snow...make snow angels!
A blizzard hit Boston early this morning. When we went to bed last night there was no snow on the ground and we awoke to a winter wonderland. We braved the elements to walk to the only Starbucks open and I couldn't resist the urge to roll around in the snow. Sometimes a 29yr old has to do that.
Wednesday, February 08, 2006
New York Fashion Week
Fall Fashion 2006
This is fashion week in NYC. I was looking through some of the designers and found this wonderful toboggan hat from Marc Jacobs's fall collection. I love it! Is it just me? (Remember photo of me in goofy hat in front of the Golden Gate Bridge?) The third photo is of a dress by Luca Luca. I think it's fabulous.
This is fashion week in NYC. I was looking through some of the designers and found this wonderful toboggan hat from Marc Jacobs's fall collection. I love it! Is it just me? (Remember photo of me in goofy hat in front of the Golden Gate Bridge?) The third photo is of a dress by Luca Luca. I think it's fabulous.
Monday, February 06, 2006
Happy Birthday, Sweetpea!!!
I'd like to make a toast to my best friend, Sweetpea. She's one of the coolest people I've ever met. People love to be around her. She's beautiful, brilliant, lovely and hillarious. I'm truly honored to call her my friend. I'm looking forward to good times ahead as the rest of us all turn 30 and realize that it's the new 20.
May God continue to shine His light and love through your beautiful life.
Now, if we could all raise our glasses..........to Sweetpea.
May God continue to shine His light and love through your beautiful life.
Now, if we could all raise our glasses..........to Sweetpea.
Friday, February 03, 2006
The Man Comes Around
If you're a Johnny Cash fan, and particularly if you're a Christian, you should hear the song "The Man Comes Around." Cash wrote it himself. It gives me chills.
Thursday, February 02, 2006
I like Lists.
I put a new link on the sidebar. (43 Things )
Wednesday, February 01, 2006
Gettin' on up there.
On Monday, I turn 30.
