What I Bought in Chicago

I never shop. I really hardly ever do. I would say this was my first real shopping trip. Usually, I don't buy much on vacations because I feel like I already spent too much on everything else. I became a consumer this weekend, though. And it was fun! Most of our shopping happened in the hip, artsy area of Wicker Park/Bucktown. My complaint about stores is this...nothing opened until 10 or 11. And almost everything closes by 8. It's really hard to maximize your time. Stores, please lengthen your hours! because you can never have too many tanks...got these at the Levi store (one of them was on sale)
I got Ryan two shirts, short sleeve leisure shirt (that's what it's called) and hooded sweatshirt, from American Apparel - both in my favorite color, dark gray.
got this short sleeved jacket on sale at Una Mae's Freak Boutique
Mojo Spa smelled delicious. It seemed like most/all of their products were very natural. I got the lemon body scrub. I wanted to buy this delicious smelling yellow cake with chocolate frosting soap. I was afraid Dash would try to eat it, though. I did get the kids these fun little soaps.
My favorite store, apparently, was Una Mae's Freak Boutique because I also bought this hat, earrings, necklace, and another sweater, not pictured. I made three different purchase transactions because I kept seeing something else that I wanted.

some of the kids' gifts...got the book and dress from Psycho Baby...I had to get the dress for Sissy because she had the same one when she was just a few months old, and I loved it so. It was the first thing I had bought for her (got it on Robertson Blvd. in Los Angeles), upon finding out I was having a girl. The book Adventures of Cow is really cute. I got the puzzle from Red Balloon. The kids always love a good puzzle, and I thought it would be a good color vocabulary lesson as it has more shades of colors listed, like teal, magenta, and taupe, etc.

Got this vintage shirt from Buffalo Exchange.

I bought this scarf from Free People. It was on sale (I think I keep mentioning that to justify my consumerism.) They use shopping bags made of cute fabric, which was such a little bonus. I'm going to give it to Sissy as one of her gifts.

I was sad that the one thing I planned on getting from Land of Nod was on backorder. I saw a lot of things I wanted to buy, and I spent entirely too long inside the store. I ended up buying this pack of origami airplanes. There are so many sheets there are plenty for the kids to make and play with, along with hanging some from the ceiling in their room.

I bought the big frame from CB2...(how I wanted to buy so much more, but I was having shopper anxiety over what to choose)...and Mom bought me the cool hour glass as a Mothers' Day gift. Got the little fork and spoon (that matches our other ones at home...yeah, that's what those little things are in the pic) and these glass containers.

t-shirt and scarf from Whole Foods...because I never have enough t-shirts to wear to the fitness center, etc., and one can never have too many scarves

I Need a Nap

I haven't had a nap in DAYS - like, a week. My eyes want so badly to shut, but I still have miles to go before I sleep. We went out of town this weekend, and I am behind on reporting about the happenings in our lives. Thursday and Friday, beyond my regular duties, I was getting ready for our trip to Missouri. Had to shop, get a new tire, make party favors, etc. (more on the bridal and baby showers later).For Friday Night Mystery (They were waiting on the couch for their surprise.), Ryan brought home a mega-box of sidewalk chalk and a new soccer ball for the kids. (They've really enjoyed playing soccer lately with Ryan at the park - especially Dash, and their old ball was tearing up.) He also rented Bedtime Stories. We ran out of time to watch it, though, and we had to postpone. I just had too much packing/preparing to do in order to leave our house first thing Saturday morning. I wanted to SIT on the couch with my children and watch the movie, too. I'm trying to be more "present" during things like this - instead of always rushing around, doing something else. We watched it Monday night, though, while we ate strawberry cupcakes and popcorn. Lots of laughter out of Tornado. (And he ate three cupcakes and a big bowl of popcorn.)

Tornado and I had a morning full of fun learning Tuesday. I'm trying to get back into our RightStart Math, a curriculum we had started long ago but somehow deviated away from. I know why we stopped; it's because I hate math. And this whole kind of approach - it doesn't come natural to me, and it feels like a stressful chore/nightmare to look at it. I think my heart starts beating faster, and it brings back memories of having math tutors in college and STILL not being able to pass algebra. We started doing other things and doing "life" math and math out of his workbooks. And he hated it and didn't understand it. THIS makes sense to him, though, and I feel ashamed for burying it out of my own discomfort. I'm going to do better.

We love our Highlights Hidden Pictures Game. It is just as challenging for me as it is for them (arguably MORE challenging for me), and I like playing it with them. Tornado and I were racing to see who could find all the pictures on our cards, and I was having trouble finding a few of them. He leaned over and helped me find one. I said, "Thanks! I'll help you find one now." He said, "No, that's okay." That little turkey felt sorry for me and was trying to help me! That made me smile.

Cinco de Mayo '09 was a hit. Tornado just finished off the leftover bowl of jicama yesterday. He couldn't get enough of it. Dash and Sissy ate it okay, nothing special to them. I'm trying to go a little more "green" with my parties. As a lover of all things balloon-y and decorative, it's a challenge for me. However, I made steps this time by not getting paper plates and napkins and decorating with items like potted flowers and pineapples and bananas. (and reusing what I already own) I don't know - do bananas work for "Mexican"? I think so. I was thinking of the song we always sang in elementary - "Mama Paquita," but I just looked it up, and apparently it's Brazilian.

It may look like I photoshopped in those moustaches, but they were really wearing them. And that's also Ryan's real chest hair, heehee. :) These two had a little too much fun posing for me.

Mi senorita bonita even insisted on wearing a moustache, but she took if off to down her pineapple margarita. (I used Santa Cruz pineapple coconut juice mixed with frozen pineapple, and it was one of the best smoothies we've had in awhile.)

I think the moustache was having a sobering effect on Tornado because Ryan took about five pictures of us, and he couldn't quite get a good one.

yummy nachos

For dessert, I veganized this recipe for banana quesadillas. (And I added chopped bananas inside because it seemed to make it healthier.) It was good; everyone polished theirs off - especially Dash, in record speed. I wished I would have waited to serve them until they were cool because I think they tasted better after they had sat for awhile. That's what I would do next time.

This picture sort of displays how I felt today. Dash was, once again, supposed to be in bed taking a nap. I found him asleep in the hallway, covered up with a pillow sham. And that's our still-not-put-away luggage, spilling out, mixed with toys spilling out of their room. I WILL get organized one of these days.

Happy Cinco de Mayo!

Tornado and I are busy today, getting out our "fiesta" supplies and making our grocery list in preparation for tonight's celebration. I thought I would share pictures of a past Cinco de Mayo party in case anybody needed a little inspiration to get in the mood.Dash was just a little over a year old (Tornado was five.) during this particular fiesta. We enjoyed nachos, tortilla soup, jicama slices, and "flan."

And margaritas! I don't remember what I made them out of (probably banana, pineapple juice, and ice), but I know I dipped the cup in sugar instead of salt.

Sleep, Glorious Sleep

I rolled over in bed this morning to discover it was 8:33. (Well, the clock is around ten minutes fast. I never understand that - setting your clock fast to trick yourself to get up. I always know it's fast, and I compensate accordingly. Maybe Ryan forgets, and it helps him. I don't know.) Anyway, as I continued to stay in bed for another good 15 minutes, I knew it was going to be a good day. I went downstairs and ate an entire grapefruit before I heard all three of the kids waking up. Ryan called soon after, and in a very chipper voice, I answered the phone (I knew it was him), "Good morning! It's a great day at the (our last name) house!" He was probably a little concerned, but really - a good night's sleep makes me very giddy. We accomplished a lot, and the kids didn't even watch t.v. all day. (edit: Tornado did watch an episode of "Word World" later when I was making supper.) This story is only significant if I point out one particular day last week. I was so tired because the kids woke up early (made worse because Dash has been in a bad habit lately of waking up in the middle of the night once or twice to tell us something...he's thirsty/has a mosquito bite/wants to go to the park tomorrow/whatever - it's like having to wake up to a nursing baby). I staggered down the stairs, flipped on PBS Kids, sleepily poured granola, raisins, and veggie booty on a plate and set it on the floor (like I was feeding the dog or something), then went back to bed. (I didn't fall asleep; I just had to have time to actually process...waking up.)After breakfast, the kids used stickers, stamps, and crayons to decorate a birthday present I wrapped for cousin Winnie. Winnie, we know you are excited!

Next, we had a dance party. Here they are participating in "Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear" (turn around, touch the ground, etc.).

Lots of fun today with homemade play dough...I had it in my head to take it outside this time, but I somehow forgot that, and they made the usual mess. I'm not really sure how it spread from this small area to almost both rooms. Well - one of the only good things about having a concrete floor...you can't do anything to hurt it.

Today at the Academy

A few years ago I put together these art drawers made from a tool/tackle box I got at Wal-Mart. Tornado has always loved digging into it and creating pictures. It is full of leftover scrapbook die-cuts, craft sticks, buttons, dried beans and noodles, pipe cleaners, pom pons, toothpicks, glitter, beads, sand, craft hair and eyes, raffia, shells, string, foil, and any little pieces of whatever that I find around the house that could be recycled into a craft project. At our old house - when Tornado was the only one big enough to get into it, it was sitting out on the desk so he could delve into it anytime he wanted. He's just always been trustworthy like that. Now it's in the closet and is only brought out under Mom's supervision or when the other two kids are at preschool, like today. Dash would have eaten, glued to the walls, thrown, etc. all of the contents by now, otherwise.

Dash drew this picture of a "bat chasing a horse. The horse is trying to get away from the bat."

Afternoon snacktime...yogurt parfaits...layered with back to Nature Sunflower & Pumpkin Seed Granola, chopped bananas, three different flavors of yogurt - blueberry, keylime, and banana strawberry, and flax meal sprinkled on top. I have been trying to phase in coconut milk yogurt (SoDelicious brand) more into their world, but they don't like it as well as soy yogurt. When I can mix it with other things - in smoothies, baking, or parfaits, etc. they don't really notice the difference.

Banana Splits

Banana splits made with SoDelicious vanilla, bananas, Santa Cruz organic caramel syrup (sadly, has been discontinued since we purchased it), Ah!laska chocolate syrup, crushed pineapple, walnuts, and frozen strawberries and mangoes.

I Am What I Am...but by the Grace of God

Wow, Paul (in Romans 7) was just as confused as I am.

I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do...I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature...For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out....For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing...Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it...What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death?

But I'm counting on 2 Corinthians 12:9.
And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

and
...and His grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain. (1 Corin. 15:10)

Friday Night Mystery #2

This week the kids were ready for another Friday Night Mystery. They handled it great from the start this time and immediately began asking for clues. We got it narrowed down to 1) It doesn't involve water - not really. 2) We aren't staying at a hotel. 3) We aren't going to Woolly Hollow again. 4) We're not going somewhere to play, but it will be fun. 5) We're going to Little Rock. In the car, on the way, I asked them who was excited about our surprise. Sissy immediately began making these surprised and excited faces. I couldn't really capture how hilarious it was; there were faces I'd never seen her make.

She even had Dash, the King of Funny Faces, laughing.

As soon as we pulled into the parking lot at Alltel Arena, Tornado made the correct guess about where we were going because he'd seen and expressed interest in the Disney On Ice: Mickey & Minnie's Magical Journey advertisements. And he and I had gone to see The Incredibles on Ice when I was pregnant with Sissy, and he remembered the location. We were about ten minutes late because there was a wreck on I30, backing up traffic. However, I think it was good that it had already started because it was so MAGNIFICENT to open the curtain and walk down the steps toward all the lights, music, and splendor. They were definitely captivated.

Tornado, munching on our contraband snacks - we polished off a big bag of grapes, big bag of baby carrots, two packs of Tofurky jerky, freeze dried pears, a bag of yogurt covered almonds, and a bag of chocolate covered cocoa nibs (That one was almost entirely me.). There was only a moment of freak out over not being able to purchase the $10-15 cotton candy and brightly colored sno-cones. I know; I'm a mean mommy. They soon moved on.

Tornado and Dash always have the same reactions to television, movies, etc. Tornado is roaring with laughter, twisting in his seat, unable to control his amusement and excitement - just as he was last night. When Dash is enjoying himself or interested, he gets very still and quiet, sometimes leaning slightly forward in expectation. Perhaps a slight smile - but mostly just wide-eyed, and he does the thing I love with his little hands held together. He loved the whole thing.

After the performance, most people leave, but those who stay get to watch a "Behind the Scenes" look at the making of Disney on Ice. A sweet girl that Tornado went to preschool with, remembering him from four year ago, spotted us from far away and came to talk to him. She went to sit in the empty seats on the front row, a few rows ahead of us, then patted her seat and motioned for Tornado to come sit with her. I just found the whole thing very sweet, like he was going on his first date or something, I don't know why.

Very fun night! 2/3 of the kiddos fell asleep on the way home. Ryan and I hit the couch for another two episodes of Friday Night Lights. It is our new favorite show. We are just on season one right now. If you don't watch it, I highly recommend it. Definitely a good one for husband and wife to agree upon. We love the characters, and it's the most realistic show we've ever seen.

Aloha Friday

I figured it was time I participate in Island Life's Aloha Friday. Her question was "What makes you happiest?" My answer (although I could come up with 50 answers, I'll spare you with just one) is slowly waking up on a weekend morning, cuddling with my husband, and then my children slowly making their ways in to join us (but only after I'm good and awake.) I remember doing this as a child, and I think it's one of those things I always equated with having a family of my own. My other answer is the times my family gets together with my parents and siblings and their families. There's nothing like being with the people who know you the best, the people you love the most in the world.

Now my question to you is this: What is the greatest thing your spouse could do for you? (And you know, you could always mistakenly leave your answer on the computer screen for him to "find.")

I guess my best answer would be - pray for me. Beyond that, I think the greatest thing he does for me is take the kids out of the house for a few hours. It is unbelieveable how much I accomplish and how clear-headed I feel when they return. House is clean, lessons are prepared, and I'm ready to get back to it. I guess that would be a close tie with a foot or head rub. Or you know, back, arm, whatever.

If you feel like answering, all you have to do is leave your response in the comment box. And if you want to get in on more questions, link up at Island Life.

Disclaimer

Sometimes I have friends who tell me how guilty it makes them feel to read my blog because of the activities we do, how healthy we eat, the amount of exercise I accomplish...which is meant as a compliment (I think) and is a nice thing to hear because I do want fun, exercise, and healthy living to be parts of my life. However, I would definitely never want to make my fellow woman - the sisterhood - feel worse about herself or the job she is doing. I often look at other people's lives and think I am failing miserably. I am the quintessential "work in progress." I get motivated and inspired by ideas from other people, and I can also laugh along with empathy when I read "mom" stories I can relate to so well. I would hope that both of those things can be felt here.

I never really wanted to be anything other than a mom and wife (friend/sister/daughter, etc.) who was trying her best to follow the path God had laid out for her. So I try to do it well...however, the results aren't always pristine or perfect. I'm definitely not the best disciplinarian - it's something that does not come natural to me. I let things "go" too often because I'm passive and easygoing. And I already told you I'm not a morning person. Sometimes we even...gasp...use paper plates.

We have definitely have our share of whining, tears, and meltdowns - like this. and this.

And...sometimes I get so disorganized, I find something like this in the back of my fridge. :0

This is exactly what our laundry room...I mean, my daughter's room looks like right now...and yet, here I sit.

Tornado and I ARE going to get the homeschool room clean TODAY...I just know it...

Thanks for reading my blog. If you've never commented before, consider doing it sometime. We bloggers love comments. Many of you give me your comments over the phone, on email, etc. - consider leaving one here sometime as this is currently my main form of "scrapbooking," and it might be fun for the kids and I to look back upon the comments one day. And it would make me feel popular, too. :) All the time, I find out about someone new who reads my blog, and it's really fun to know. So come on out of the closet. My settings even allow "anonymous" commenters (but sign your name) in case you don't have a google/blogger account; I don't even mind a little constructive criticism now and then, but if you're very mean, it will ruin my day. :)

Now off to spend some time with my little guy. He wants to draw category 9, 10, and 11 hurricane pictures. He does not want to draw category 12 pictures because those involve "violent destruction," according to his book.

A Day in the Life of a Tornado

Ryan and I often say we wish we had our kids' lives. What lucky, little, stress-less people. I sometimes agonize, though, over whether I'm doing the best thing for Tornado, keeping him at home. Would he learn more/make more friends/have more fun if he went to school? There are questions I continue to pray about, but I have to admit, the little guy's got a pretty decent life. This morning after we got back from taking the little ones to preschool, he got into my clawfoot bathtub filled with bubbles - celebrating our return of hot water...one week without it :0 He always wants to take a bath in there and try out my magazine caddy with the wine glass holder. He read Highlights and Ladybug and drank rice milk out of a goblet. :) After he got out, I gave him a full body massage with lotion. (I know you're a little jealous now, Aunt Cary.) Tornado used to get daily massages for years before the other kids came around and took over. We read our devotion together while he ate his breafast of oatmeal with walnuts, apples, and flaxseed. Our devotion was about using the special gifts God has given each of us to be the special people he intended us to be. When I asked him what he thought he did well in a way to help others, he answered that he always helps Dash when he needs a lift at Jumpzone or Playworld. I agreed that he always does that very well.


Next, he was eager to delve back into his The Ultimate Book of Kid Concoctions. He chose to make - what else - a tornado in a bottle. He read the directions, measured, and put in the ingredients of water, glitter, and dishwashing liquid. His brother and sister enjoyed playing with it when they got home.

Next, he chose to make cotton clay. It was strange stuff. I think it ended up too mushy, and I would have deemed it a failure. However, the three of them played with it for a good 30 minutes while I made supper tonight.

He watched Sid the Science Kid while I ate my lunch. I love the catchy jingles on that show. I can't help but "rap" along. "I love my mom. My mom is cool. Now it's time...for having fun in school!" "I'm lookin' for a friend. I'm lookin' for you! There's Gabriella. Watch what I can do. La-la-woo!" After he watched the episode that involved scientific tools like making charts, he wanted to make a chart, and so he made a chore chart on www.dltk-kids.com. He picked his chores to be sweeping the front steps, dusting, cleaning his 4-wheeler, taking out the recycling, and cleaning the kitchen. And then he immediately set to work doing his "chores" and checking off the list.

He ate his lunch (avocado on rice crackers, earth balls, baked tofu, carrots, and apples) up on his bunk bed while he watched a little bit of Tom and Jerry. It's good for him to have a little bit of quiet atmosphere when his brother and sister are at school. Next, he wanted to make another recipe out of his Quick and Easy Cookbook, and he chose the carrot-raisin salad.

I made him read the recipe, gather the ingredients, measure - everything. It turned out great!

After we picked up the kids from preschool, they spent time playing outside - riding their 4-wheelers, playing in the sand, hitting sticks on the ground - you know, whatever it is they do. They played with their clay, ate supper (rice pasta with lima beans and edamame plus garlic-cooked spinach), dessert (vegan "jello"), and he just did his thing around the house - reading, drawing, playing outside some more. Daddy was going to take them to the park after supper, but he has a sinus infection(ish). Those seasonal allergies can really get Ryan down. He played with them outside, though.

It was carrot salad for their nighttime snack because we forgot to put it out a supper...and then a plethora of other snacks - he snacks like crazy at night. Mommy read library books on the couch (we especially enjoyed Hog-Eye), and after our little bedtime regime, tucked them all into bed. It's just another day in the life of Tornado.