A Moment To Breathe

or...What the Heck Happened to Pinterest Projects Week #2?

Okay, first of all I have to say I am completely sorry that I did not post the last three days of the Pinterest Projects week.  I had every intention to complete the week, and then...(cue blinking lights font) I GOT A NEW TEACHING JOB!

I know, reader, you are thinking, "Doesn't she already teach private lessons?"  And, yes, you are right, I do teach private lessons.  But this is a vocal music teacher position in a school - the same school the Ladybugs attend to be specific.  And when did I find out?  Tuesday.  Yes, reader, one week before the start of the school year.  I have been waiting ALL summer, and I actually had just finished my Fall household schedule a day before.

To be fair, I actually made the pasta this evening...

From Espresso & Cream - link

and it was pretty darn good.  We omitted the corn and added red pepper flakes, but all in all it was a very successful dinner.  So I suppose I did MOST of the week of Pinterest Projects.

What Happens Now?
Well I had to redo my private teaching schedule - I eliminated my Friday afternoon/evening students, I kept my Monday evenings and Tuesday afternoons/evenings and Saturday mornings/early afternoons.  However, with teaching two days at the school I will be more than overwhelmed with stuff.  Therefore, Friday was the day I eliminated.

I am diligently wrapping my brain around the fact I will be responsible for classrooms of students - which is a lot different than one-on-one lessons.  Regardless, forgive my inability to focus more on the blogs this week.

I Peter Bible Study - Weekly Update
Believe it or not, I did not complete the study this week.  However, like everything else, I was able to get through 3 days worth.  One of my favorite parts was the scripture what starts at 1 Peter 1:24:

"All men are like grass,

and all their glory is like the flowers

of the field; 

the grass withers and the flower fall, 

but the word of the Lord stand

forever."

I just love the imagery from this verse.  It is poetic and very truthful at the same time.  It moved me.

Another moving verse is found in 1 Peter 3:8:

"Finally, all of you live in harmony with one another; 

be sympathetic, love as brothers, 

be compassionate and humble."

As a musician, I love the parallels of harmony found in music and in nature.  Some of you know that my forearm tattoo says HARMONY in kanji.  I believe in order for us to survive we need to live together in harmony.  It seems like such a simple thought, but still so much hatred exists.  I have definitely been challenged with Hello Mornings, but I am confident once school starts this week I'll be able to achieve the success I need.

The Name Game
I have been Miss Michelle as a teacher for close to 20 years.  However, this school is a Christian school and children are expected to address the teachers as Mr or Miss/Mrs. So-and-so.  So now I have to use my last name.  Not my legal last name, mind you, which has a hyphen in it.  Just my Mommy last name: Martin.  I have become an adult (at least in the school setting).  I am officially Mrs. Martin.  I have this feeling a kid will call me the name and I won't respond.  We'll see how THAT goes.

Wish me luck!

Day #2 - Pinterest Projects Week 2

Today's project is Cloud Dough.

I saw this craft pinned on 99% of all my friends' boards.  So I thought it is a must.

Here is a picture of the original pin:

The recipe was very basic:

1 cup baby oil
8 cups flour


The How:
I took a large baking dish and measured out 8 cups of flour and then 1 cup of baby oil.  I kneeded the mixture together until it felt soft but the dough held together when released.

The Verdict:
If I ever decided to make this craft again I would have measured and mixed outside.  I'm sure you all know the frustration of vacuuming up flour.  It is so messy!  I also would not have ignored the Ladybug's attempt to change the consistency of the dough by adding copious amounts of water from the garden hose.  Flour and water make glue, and that is exactly what they made.

Here are some pictures of our fun:

Day #1 - Pinterest Projects Part 2

One of the most pinned children's crafts on Pinterest is Sidewalk Chalk Paint

picture from Pinterest pin

The recipe is quite simple - it is 1 to 1:

1 cup water
1 cup cornstarch
food coloring

The How:
First, I added a few drops of food coloring to each muffin tin divot.  Then in a separate bowl I combined the water and cornstarch.  I doubled the recipe - because why not?  The mixture takes awhile to come together, as cornstarch is a strange ingredient with properties of a solid when mixed with water.  Then I added a scoop of the cornstarch/water mixture to each divot of the muffin tin.  Finally I mixed each divot until color was incorporated.

The Verdict:
This paint works a lot better on flat cement.  My girls had a hard time getting it to work on the heavily depressioned walkways at our home.  However, our porch is much more level and thus provided the perfect surface to paint.  We also ruled that fat paint brushes were the way to go.  The skinnier the brush the more difficult the paint adhered. 

Here are some pictures of our fun:

Colors waiting to be painted

Initial attempt on very bumpy sidewalk

SUCCESS!!  The paint dries beautifully too!

I Just Don't Get It

or how 50 Shades of Grey is Beauty & The Beast with Porn

After vehemently refusing to read 50 Shades of Grey, I decided to read it to see why so many of my friends were calling it a great trashy love story.  And no, I did not get all swept away by Christian Grey; sorry ladies.  This book was not even close to the romance and erotic Sleeping Beauty Trilogy by Anne Rice, which were far superior "mommy porn" in my humble opinion.

I read trashy romance novels when I was 17 (see above), and honestly reader I cannot say that I found this book to be very innovative.  In fact, it was poorly written and not very believable.  I wanted to repeatedly slap Ana (the young, naive point of view character) back to reality, and I never once thought Christian Grey (the rich and kinky beast in the story) was hot.  However, I am sure my romantic 17 year old heart would have LOVED this book.  I was very captivated by romance and love stories when I was in high school, which explains why I pined for a certain "beast" during that time.  In fact, when I was 17 I also saw Disney's Beauty & The Beast and fell in love with the beast.  Was I the only one who thought the prince was weak and ugly in comparison?

But I digress... Before I read 50 Shades I heard the author, E.L. James was a fan of Twilight, and that her debut novel was in fact fan fiction.  I was anticipating more of a Twilight feel - but besides a hard-body male lead (Edward was hard because he was dead) and my desire to slap both heroines (for completely different reasons mind you), I was at a loss to why it was fan fiction.  However, I really thought 50 Shades was more of a contemporary Beauty & The Beast with erotica.

To prove my point, here is a list of some of the reasons why the stories are very similar:

Hero (Beast/Christian):
Rich
Complicated
Quick to anger
Childhood secrets
Has secret area (West Wing/Red Room of Pain)
Releases Heroine to visit parent
Dresses Heroine in beautiful clothing
Gives gift of old books
Spontaneously dances with Heroine (i.e. not at a party nor ball)

Heroine (Belle/Ana):
Book Geek
Naive
Wants more
Sees something in Hero no one else sees
Wins over Hero's family/friends
Defiant
Refuses to date local boy

Picking Pinterest Projects - Week 2

A few weeks ago I did a blog series testing Pinterest pins, and I received a lot of positive responses.  So in response, I have decided to do another Pinterest series next week.  Next week is the last full week before the Ladybugs return to school, so I thought I would devote the week to them (well besides the yummy pasta salad).  Regardless, I wanted to make their last full week memorable (and as free as possible).

If you are interested in seeing the first 5 Pinterest Projects:
PICKING PINTEREST PROJECTS - WEEK 1

In no particular order, here are the 5 projects for next weeks blog posts:

Summer Pasta Salad

Sidewalk Paint

Cloud Dough

Naked Egg - Science Project

Homemade Rock Candy

Peter Was Human

or - What Simon Peter and Laura Ingalls Have In Common

St. Peter  - Guido Reni

I am currently studying about Peter in my morning Bible studies.

Yes, reader, THAT Peter who was a beloved friend and disciple of Jesus, who denied knowing Jesus when Jesus was taken prisoner, and yet still the ROCK to which the church is built.  The same Simon Peter who with his brother, Andrew, fished on the Sea of Galilee.  In Matthew Chapter 16, Jesus approaches Simon and asks what others are calling Jesus.  Simon tells Jesus he is the Messiah and the son of the living God.  Jesus renames Simon, Peter, because only God could have shared this information.  The name Peter means Rock.

There are so many "human" characters in the Bible.  Men and women who screw up, make mistakes, and seem an awful lot like us.  Even the most important characters were sinful in their nature, and many questioned God and His intentions.  I can relate to how Peter denied his his friend and teacher, his rabboni, and so can Laura Ingalls from the TV series Little House On the Prairie.

Last night, after I returned home from book club, I turned on the TV to look for something to watch until Grimm started at 10pm.  I noticed a Little House was on, so I clicked over.  The episode, called The Music Box, was a story about how Laura betrayed her friend, Anna, all over a stolen music box.  In the beginning of the story, we are introduced to a little girl, Anna, who has a lisp.  All the girls (headed by Nellie Olson, of course) make fun of her; all the girls that is except Laura.  However, when Nellie realizes Laura has stolen her music box (something she simply threw aside) she uses that knowledge to blackmail Laura into also making fun of little Anna.

I was bullied, but I do recall a couple of times I tried to tease another child hoping to get the heat off of me.  I ALWAYS felt uncomfortable when it happened, and I regretted behaving so horribly.  Laura also realizes her mistake and apologizes to Anna for her behavior.  I believe it is human behavior to survive in this world, and I believe that is exactly what Peter was doing when he betrayed Jesus.  He wanted to live.

As we know, Peter does not continue to deny Christ.  It is widely accepted that Peter was the first pope.  However, at this point I really don't care if he was the first pope or the first leader of the world-wide church. What one can gleam from the Bible is that Peter was loved by God and by Jesus.  Even though Peter denied knowing Jesus, he was still seen as the one to whom others could rely: the ROCK.

I certainly look forward to learning more about Peter in the days to come.

Reclaiming My Mornings

A Declaration to Myself

Today I began a new chapter in my life - Reclaiming My Mornings.

What does this mean to me?

• Taking time to walk at least 2 miles per day
• Spending time with God
• Planning out the day (including dinner)

I have also decided to incorporate making healthy choices for meals and snacks, and no after dinner snacking (unless it is a very small healthy choice).  I will also wake at 6am and go to bed by 11pm.  I also must wear my mouth guard 5 out of 7 days in order to help my teeth cope with the grinding.

I sincerely hope this public declaration will encourage me to continue with my progress.

The Peculiar Purslane

or How I Cannot Stand Greens

A few weeks ago on a Wednesday evening, I was putting the Ladybugs to bed (brushing teeth, reading story, etc.) and Jim was playing one of this myriad of video games.  A little girl began looking in the front living room windows.  When Jim looked to the side, obviously because he saw someone or someTHING looking in the window, the little girl had begun to look into the front dinning room windows.  After a few minutes of letting this continue, Jim went to the door, opened it, and saw a little girl on the porch with her mother standing in our walkway.  He asked if he could help, assuming the little girl was selling something.*

The mother asked if there was a "piano lady" who lived here, to which Jim said "yes."  It was at this point he figured the little girl was perplexed because not only was there no lady nor was there a piano (our music studio including piano resides in our basement).  The little girl asked where I was (which is very forward for a little child), and Jim told them that I was busy putting the children to bed.  The little girl asked how old the children were, since it was only 8:40pm and the sun was still out, and Jim responded they were 7 and 5.  The little girl looked shocked and said, "It is really early for bed!"

Okay, at this point I'm not entirely sure how Jim kept his composure, but he did.  He gave my phone number to the woman and said she could call me the following day to get information.  

What Does This Have To Do With Greens? 

I'm getting to that.

Exactly a week later, and interestingly the day before our vacation, I was on the couch reading a legend to the Ladybugs (if you have never read the Legend of Petoskey, or The Legend of the Sleeping Bears, or quite frankly any of those Legends - you should), when there was a little girl's face in the living room front window again.  I smiled and she smiled back.  Again no knock on the door, no ringing of the doorbell - nothing.

I got up off the couch and told the Ladybugs I'd be right back (Evie of course looked really lethargic and I was thinking she'd never make the rest of the book), and I went to the front door to answer it.  It was the same woman and daughter (confirmed in the background by Jim).  I invited them into my house (I am trusting, don't judge me) and asked if I could help them.  The mother said she had called a bunch of times, but that I did not call her back.  I informed her that I did not get a message from her.  Which was true.  I did, however, get a message from a woman speaking broken English that said, "Hi.  Call me back."  Without a phone number and the word, "PRIVATE" on the caller ID I was unsure who or what that was all about.

But I digress...I told the woman that maybe it would be easier to send her an email.  I didn't want to embarrass her by suggesting she had no phone etiquette knowledge.  I got a piece of paper and pen, had her write down her email and then asked what was the little girl's name.  "My name is Jane," replied the little girl with the big brown eyes.  I told her Jane was a very pretty name.  We exchanged niceties and they both walked away smiling as they got in their car.

Not wanting to have another impromptu visit, I quickly wrote an email and attached my teaching policy and procedure document.  The document pretty much sums up what is involved with lessons, and I also offered to try and fit her into my VERY full schedule.  Little Jane seemed very motivated, and that is something every teacher likes to see in her students.

This Is A Very Long Introduction!

I know, I know...but I had to tell it...just read onward.  You are SO impatient...just kidding.

Exactly a week later and without a call nor return email, little Jane's face was once again in my front windows.  This time I was candling Evie's ears.  If you don't know what candling is: 

Don't judge me - I really believe it works if done correctly.

Anyway, I was candling Evie's ear when they came to the door.  I invited them in (I know...I know) and asked the mother if she got my email.  She said she had, but that my prices were way too high.  I must admit I did raise my rates this year after keeping them too low for the economy, but I did not share with her this information.  I did tell her that my prices reflected my knowledge and experience.  She said she could get a better price down the street, and was hoping I'd lower my rate to be more affordable.  I told her no, that I charge the rates I charge and all my other students pay me without complaint.  She said, "But my Jane wants to have YOU as her teacher!"  I explained that piano lessons are one of those things that you can choose your price just by shopping around.  I told her that you are paying a rate for the quality of the lessons, but that I completely understood her desire to have a lower rate.  

Between us reader, the rate down the street was $3 less per 30 minute lesson.  $12 less per month.  What does that equate?  Not much, and if Jane really wanted ME her mother would have paid the $12 difference. I know I would, even if it was more than I had hoped to pay.

Now I will admit that I am a sucker for sob stories, especially those that build up my ego.  However, this bartering crap was not going to happen.  I simply told her I was sorry, but I would not be able to lower my rates.  She started to leave, but turned and stated, "Yow know, green weed in your lawn is very good to eat.  In my country we eat that for calcium and good for body."  I looked and said, "Do you mean the crazy weeds that have overtaken my lawn this summer?"  To which she replied, "Yes, my grandpa grow them and we eat them.  Very good."

Jane and her mother left, but honestly I wouldn't put it past them to show up next Wednesday.  However, the fact we are growing such a succulent weed was intriguing.  That was until Jim told me it was a green.  Yuk!

I hate greens.  All greens.  Okay, not all greens.  Just mustard greens, dandelion greens, Swiss chard, collard greens, kale greens....okay, I'll stop now because I sound like that guy from Forrest Gump, Bubba.  I am sure I will get comments and emails that are filled with recipes of ways greens taste amazing.  I've tried them.  Unless they are deep fried and paired with bacon, I don't even want to try them.

After a bit of research, Jim uncovered that the succulent, calcium rich weed green is in fact purslane.  

Is your mouth water right now?  Nope, not mine either.  However, Jim "harvested" a bit for lunch today and had a salad.  He is not dead, yet.

And of course there is always this article to make you want to eat this lovely weed green even more!

Article

*Now, I realize that now every child who comes to the door is selling something, however, in this case it would have been easier if she had.

My Grocery Stories

or Stupid Questions People Ask at the Grocery Store

I used to go grocery shopping all the time, that was before I had a music studio in Plymouth.  Then, Jim did the shopping on Tuesdays after work.  Once the kids came, he took them shopping on Saturday mornings while I taught lessons.  However, this summer I have been redesigning our schedule to make the most sense and waste the smallest amount of time possible (if that is even an attainable goal).  Anyway, the girls and I have been going on Friday mornings (which I can continue to do alone once school starts).  Due to our vacation last week, we were in desperate need to go today rather than waiting tomorrow.  And for the Nth time I was asked, "Are they twins?"  I have come to answer it many different ways - in fact, I am hoping to get ideas from readers as to what I should respond when asked this question.  Keep it clean please.

But the new comment I get at least once a visit is either, "Is this your once-a-month visit?" or a bit more direct, "Are all these groceries for ONE week?"  I am also asked how many children I have at home, I assume to add to the two mouths who are tagging along.  I suppose if I had 7 children, my loaded cart would be acceptable, maybe.  And I wonder, am I the only one who gets asked this question?  Do I purchase an abnormal amount of weekly groceries?

I will admit that some weeks we need more than others, especially when we need paper products or cleaning products.  However, I am baffled at the fact people would think my full cart is for more than a week of meals.  Jim has commented that maybe most families go out to eat multiple times during the week - breakfast at McDonalds, dinner at Wendys, etc.  And maybe that is the case, but I am still amazed at that my amount of groceries would provoke such ignorant questions.  Why is it that wanting to home cook meals for my children such an anomaly?

Why Do People Ask Questions?

I have begun to wonder why people ask those kind of questions at all.  We went to breakfast before the grocery store and a woman asked why I have Zoe's hair without bangs and Eva's hair with bangs.  I was like...um...because they LIKE their hair different.  Why would I make my kid have their hair a certain way?  REALLY?!

Maybe it is because people are curious, and maybe they are down right rude.  I don't know.  I do know that I'd like to have better come backs to the ridiculous questioning - which has only become more frequent as the girls have aged.  So I'm totally up for suggestions! :)

What strange questions have YOU been asked?

Get Your Priorities in Order

I recently signed up to start the HelloMornings Challenge on Monday, August the 20th.

Part of the process is to go through the Inspired to Action's Maximize Your Mornings handbook.  It is a program that focuses on reclaiming your mornings.  As moms we tend to focus on the house and the children and the meal planning, but what if we could spend time in the morning BEFORE the children awoke?  What if that time included exercise, daily planning, and time with the Lord?  Sounds too perfect to be true, at least with my experience of getting startled awake at 6am with a little finger poking at (or up) my nose.

At the same time I've been perusing the handbook, I received an email from The Power of Moms.  The Power of Moms is a group I'm friends with on Facebook as well.

The email had an article attachment called, "Seven Questions for Clarifying Our Top Priorities."  And I began to wonder, what would my friends answer to the question:

What Are Your Top Priorities?

I KNEW the answer of #1 SHOULD be God. But I was super impressed with what my friends answered. We are all so unique that their answers completely reflect their individuality. Here are some answers:

Karen: Supposed to put God first - but I have a tough time with that. Usually ends up being kids/job first - then husband/house, then me, then God. If I ever figure a way to turn that upside down I'll probably be a happier person. 

Amanda: I think by putting your family/husband first you are in fact putting god first....leading a christ like life to me means giving of yourself to those who need you like jesus would...thus putting god first. That's how I think of it anyways....I think being pro active about gods word is about getting out there and making a difference...would god want me studying scripture all day or out in the world sharing his love...just how I feel 

Jennifer: My kids, my husband, my family, my career/students... 

Jahna: My family, depending on who needs me when, friends, my fur babies, the communities I serve online as well as my non profit organization.. 

Kelly: Right now I am putting me first.. been a long time coming. Otherwise my partner/family then career. 

Casey: Family...Work...Friends...and last but not least ME. ;-) 

David: work,house,food, of course,with kids,they get the first extra.

The Way They Fall

So I suppose you are wondering what my priorities are (they way they CURRENTLY fall in my world).

1. MY LITTLE FAMILY: with kids USUALLY taking the front seat, but I am doing my best lately to put hubby first at least 50% of the time.

2.  MY HOME: Doing daily/weekly maintenance: Getting dishes done, laundry done, cleaning done, beds made, food on the table, etc., as well as yearly maintenance: painting, upgrades, etc.

3. MY EXTENDED FAMILY: which includes blood relations and fictive kin (click here for definition)

4. MY CAREER: teaching, writing, etc.

5. MY SPIRITUAL, EMOTIONAL, and PHYSICAL NEEDS: This is a sad but true reality.  I'm hoping that reclaiming my mornings will push this up to number 3 at least.  My fingers are crossed.

So what are your current priorities?  What do you wish were your priorities?  How can you change this?

Proud Parenting Moments

As a teacher, I am often asked, "what do you want your kids to be when they grow up?"  Most often when I say, "hairdresser" or "nail tech," I am met with scrunched up faces with blank looks.  I usually respond with, "Well, then I will know who to go to for my beauty needs!"  And what do they expect from a musician?  Seriously people!

But in all honesty, I want my Ladybugs to be happy, healthy, and kind to others.  I want them to treat others with respect, and choose a career that they enjoy (at least on some level).  Doctors, lawyers and scientists are great choices, but I will NOT feel like a failure as a parent if my girls choose a career choice that most think of as alternative like tattoo artist.

Be Kind, Be Like Christ

As you know, my Ladybugs attend a Christian school, where there is a cheer that is clapped, "Be Kind, Be Like Christ!"  The children can hear the rhythm of the 5 syncopated claps and immediately know the words to call back.  I am very thrilled that manners are taught in the school, because it mirrors what we teach at home.  Too often teachers in public schools are busy teaching benchmarks that kindness is overlooked.  In my humble opinion, if everyone treated each other with kindness, the bullying curriculum would be null and void.

Even with a mantra about kindness, I am always warmed when I hear my Ladybugs utter, "please," "thank you," and "excuse me" in front of others (especially when not prompted).  My children are also raised without entitlement - whereas many other children are not.  

Kindness On Vacation

It was no surprise to me that many of the children at the water park were pushing, shoving, shouting, and treating other children with disdain.  When I politely asked a tween to stop splashing me, I was answered with a snotty face and a tongue.  Yes, reader, she stuck her tongue out at me.  Of course her mother was nowhere near the pool - she was probably drinking a beer and texting on her phone.  This tween's behavior made me ultra-aware as a Mom, so much so that I would not allow my Ladybugs to play on a lily pad that was being fought over by a mean group of children.  My girls were saddened by my decision, but I told them it was because the children were not being kind, and they didn't want to get involved with that mess.

However, time and again, I watched as Zoe approached a line of children and asked if she was at the end of the line (not wanting to line cut).  Zoe also made friends wherever she went, as she passed the boring time of waiting with friendly conversation.  Quite often the child(ren) were surprised to have such kindness being offered, they seemed almost shocked.  Evie was very respectful of the lifeguards manning the different slides, and rather than push their limits by walking farther down the slide she immediately jumped off when told.  I was very proud of both girls.

I even noticed that when I helped a child or two get into (or out of) the pool, their parents were appreciative of my kindness.  I didn't treat the children with care to get accolades, but rather because we are all created in His image (no matter how nasty we can act).  At one point, I had a few children hanging around me just to talk - I wondered where their parents were (and if they ever talk to them like that).

Kindness Matters

It is hard to be kind to everyone - believe me many days I'd rather take off the smile and bring out the swearing tongue.  I read a quote earlier in the week that was falsely attributed to Mother Teresa.  However, what it said is what I loved about it (no matter who uttered them).  It is a quote I think we should ALL live by.

People are often unreasonable, illogical, and self-centered; Forgive them anyway. If you are kind, People may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives; Be kind anyway. If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies; Succeed anyway. If you are honest and frank, People may cheat you; Be honest and frank anyway. What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight; Build anyway. If you find serenity and happiness, They may be jealous; Be happy anyway. The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow; Do good anyway. Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough; Give the world the best you've got anyway. You see, in the final analysis, it is between you and God; It was never between you and them anyway. (This is an adaptation of the Paradoxical Commandments by Dr. Kent M. Keith)

Drum Roll Please....

Finally, I have a few moments to post the updates we have done to the basement.  It has been a very stressful and frustrating process from the asbestos tile removal to the fact Zoe had the stomach flu on Monday and I wasn't able to wash the linens.  But it is done - pretty much.  And tomorrow we are headed up north to Traverse City for a mini get-away.  Two days late, but better late than never right?

Here is a picture of my amazing husband, Jim, in his hazmat suit:

Here is the floor before removal:

And here is the floor after Jim's hard work:

Here is the beautiful vinyl tile right after the installers left:

I also received the ladybug vinyl stickers in the mail....so...it was time to do another cool project.  Here is the way my washer and dryer looked before:

I had so much fun deciding where to put each little bug.  I just had the best time, and these results were very quick.

And here is the complete room - after the renovations. I am in love with it.

Thanks for reading!

Reorganizing the Pantry

Yesterday I reorganized the basement pantry.  Our home, as I have mentioned on many occasions, is from 1923 and lacking in storage or "normal" spaces.

When we moved in 10 years ago, we decided to utilize the spaces under our front porch.  Originally used to store coal, the little rooms under the porch are perfect for a pantry, totes, and storage in general.  The big issue is that moisture gets in, and salt forms on the walls and floor.  *I realize this would be the perfect time to show a picture of the salt, but my camera was dead yesterday morning and I did not get the image.*

In May 2011, I participated in 31 Days to Clean and purged a ton from the pantry area.  The end result looked like this:

Not horrible, but over a year later the can area on the second shelf had taken on a life of its own.  Again, I wish I had been able to take a picture.  Technology is so frustrating sometimes.

My biggest gripe with the old shelving was that it was missing a shelf (as you can see on the right side).  Another issue was that I could not get a broom or sweeper vacuum under the shelves, so the stuff on the bottom left is actually sitting on the ground.  This means little critters were able to make their homes in and around my stuff.  The other issue, but not as pressing, is that the canned goods area was very hard to see what we had/needed.  If I am to keep a good pantry, I need to know what I have and what is needed to stock it.

So what was the solution?

First I needed to purchase a new shelving system.  When I Googled pantry storage the one store that came up the most was IKEA.  I found this unit to be quite nice:

I measured the area and knew I would need to of these shelves to make the space work for me.  I needed to take the Ladybugs out of the home on Saturday, because Jim was removing the asbestos tile in our basement.  They chose Jungle Java, so I thought after a morning of jungle play and Wendy's for lunch we would make our inaugural visit to the IKEA store nearby.

My Trip to IKEA

I knew the IKEA store was an experience, but I had no idea it would be so overwhelming.  It was kind of like Target on crack.

Upon entering the store, there was a huge escalator.  The Ladybugs were so excited, so we went up.  But then Zoe had to pee.  Since I have never been to IKEA before, I had to be a newbie and follow the signs.  There was so much stuff - showrooms with ideas, as well as stuff.  STUFF EVERYWHERE!

We finally found our way to the restroom, which was located near the cafeteria.  I have never seen so many people eating at once.  The noise level reminded me of being in 4th grade and eating lunch in the school cafeteria.  Of course, again, it was amplified dramatically.  We weren't at IKEA to eat, and our quick tour of the showroom area proved to be unproductive.  The Omar shelf was on the main level - figures.

When we descended the stairs, there was a craft going on below.  And we all know how the Ladybugs LOVE their crafts!  The craft was spin art, and I must say it was super cool!  Now mind you, we have yet to find the shelving unit, and my girls are spending time making a craft.  Yes, we spent 20 minutes in that area.  However, it was long enough to talk to a VERY lovely woman who gave me the low down on how the shopping works.

Some items you get immediately - as you pass the area.  However, many larger items (like my Omar shelf) have tags with numbers on them.  You must write the number down and at the end of the IKEA journey you go to a huge warehouse and locate your item(s).  I was quite thankful to her assistance, however, I really just wanted to go home.  I was also told we HAD to purchase the cinnamon buns, so I kept that in mind as well.

The craft seemed to put the Ladybugs in a great mood, so we successfully located the shelf, went to the storage are, pulled two off the shelf, and I decided to also get two of the little baskets as well:

The Pantry Reorganization

Yesterday I pulled the old shelving unit and pantry items out of the room.  Then I gave the walls and floor a new paint job.  Once I was completed with that, I spent time up-cycling two mason jar boxes.

When I put everything back, I tried to focus on putting the stuff I used the most on the top self, and making certain that the canned items were grouped by veggies, fruit, and soup.

I then laid down a carpet and called it complete. 

Today the guys are coming to lay the vinyl flooring.  I suppose that is a blog for another day - but wish us luck as we give this old girl new life.

In a Post Modern Feminist World

I was born into a home with a mom who did everything.  She sewed our clothing, she baked cookies at least once a week, she made every meal from scratch, and even played with us crazy girls.  My sister and I were 19 months apart, and couldn't be any more different.  I guess you could compare us to my Ladybugs - best friends one minute and worst enemies the next!

I was raised with Christian values, and I had an educationally rich and loving childhood.  Looking back, I had a very wonderful upbringing, of course at the time I felt deprived.  We didn't own an Easy Bake Oven, nor a Slip and Slide; we never drank Koolaid, nor did we get that Starwars AT-AT that was on my wish list.    But what we did have was two parents who lived for us, unselfishly.  I never would have guessed that being a girl wasn't a great thing, even during Sunday School and the like.

I suppose the first time I knew there were double standards was when my male friends, Mike and Joe, were able to stay out later or take the car more often.  My parents claimed it was because, they were boys.  I was disgusted at the time, but my parents also had double standards for my sister and I.  So I came to just accept (though not without groundings) that things were different for me.

I just finished The Dance of the Dissident Daughter, by Sue Monk Kidd, and I must say I was definitely inspired to do some soul searching.  Do I live a life reflective of a predominately patriarchal society?  And worse yet, am I teaching this to my Ladybugs?

Carolyn Heilbrun as written about the "scripts" for womanhood that are handed to women to live out, culturally defined scripts that are written in advance and passed to females from birth.  And historian Gerda Lerner writes that men and women live on a stage, acting out their assigned roles.  They play can't go on without both of them... ~Sue Monk Kidd

If this is true, what "scripts" have my Ladybugs been given?  Do they have any clue they are growing up in a patriarchal society?  I had no clue at their age.  I have always fed their interests, whether that be dressing up or playing with legos.  I think "traditional" female roles are a thing of the past.  These roles began to crumble in my mother's generation; however, my mother felt compelled to take on the role of Mom-Who-Does-Everything.  I'm not so sure that is the right answer either.

Kidd illustrates her journey to The Feminine with different mythological stories and artistic symbolism.  I think one of the most interesting allusions was to the "mother line" illustrated in a Matryoshka doll (Russian nesting doll).  Each layer of the doll represents a mother throughout generations.  For what it is worth, I love Russian nesting dolls and each Ladybug has a set along with a beautifully written and illustrated book.

I am hoping to describe the beauty of the line of matrons in our family.  How interesting it would be if our histories were told by the line of women and not men?

Sorting Out Life - One Load at a Time

Recently I read a blog post (10 Habits of a Clean Home) that got me thinking - how often does the normal person wash clothing?  In the post, the writer suggests doing one load of dirty laundry a day to keep organized and efficient.  I decided to go to the masses, and ask my friends on Facebook what they thought.  The question was - How often do you do laundry? The four answers to choose from were:

1. every day

2. every few days

3. once a week - laundry day

4. when I run out of clean clothes

5. laundry?  A fairy does that, right?

And the verdict?

Cleaning is Very Personal!

Just like anything else in this world - how often one does laundry, or dishes, or mows the lawn is based on their personal needs and desires.  In fact, I have two children so my laundry is much more in volume then that of a single person's.  And if you have 7 children like my friend Rhonda, laundry is viewed much differently.  Rhonda comments:

"Laundry??? What is that? I have to do about 2-5 loads of laundry every day to keep up with clothing, linens and towels and blankets too."

However, even with children making loads of laundry actually accomplishing one load per day is an impossibility.  My friend Casey explains:

"Since I work full time, I only have time to do laundry on the weekends along with the rest of the house cleaning. If I have a day off during the week, I will through a couple of loads in to give me less to do on the weekend."

When I was a little girl, there was always a laundry day: Monday.  That was a day my mom did all the laundry in the house.  From clothing, to linens, to bedding - my mom laundered, folded and put away all the dirty laundry.  She also spent a day ironing my father's shirts and many other clothing items as well.  Even though the importance of ironing was not passed down to me, allocating a day for laundry did.

However, in lieu of the blog, I decided to try and do a load of laundry a day.  Of course that worked for Sunday, Monday and Tuesday, but then today came (the normal day I do laundry) and I had 4 loads.  As I write this, my last load is in the washer.  However, the reality is that one-load-a-day can lower the amount of laundry that has to be done per week, but all in all it still is LAUNDRY.  Maybe the one-load-a-day method tricks you into thinking you are doing less, which is very possible with me.  However, I'm not entirely sure that my house is more efficient or organized adhering to the method.

I must say that I was happy no one voted for the last option (fairies doing the clothes).  Of course, I know some children (and husbands) who do not realize what a stay-at-home mom does during the day.  And there are many assumptions about the delineation of tasks in a home.  More women (even working women) tend to do the laundry then men.  Maybe the one-load per day method would encourage more delegation in families with older children?  Quite possibly I'll have to try this once the Ladybugs are older.

How often do you do laundry?