The Move is Coming Soon

If we happen to lose you (especially those of you who read through subscriptions), come find me!  Just come here, and you should be redirected to the new site.

See you in my pretty new home soon!

7 Quick Takes: March 26, 2010 (Vol. 35)

~ 1 ~

At the end of last week, I declared to Eric one night at dinner, "I need a PDA." Then, in my defense, I did follow that up with, "Hang on -- did I see need?  I meant I want one."

I went looking around on Amazon that night and saw that one of the things that came up again and again as something that other customers bought instead of one of the PDAs was an iPod Touch.  Hey!  I have an iPod Touch! 

That's when I sat down and realized that all of the things that I really wanted from a PDA were also things that my iPod Touch can already do.  I did buy one extra app, but $4.99 is definitely a lot cheaper than a PDA. 

I was so proud of myself!

~ 2 ~

I have yet to find anything to watch regularly from 11:30 pm - 12:30 am on TV. 

I still miss you, Conan.

~ 3 ~

I've been having a strong desire lately to unfriend some people on Facebook.  It's not that they have annoyed me or even that I know specifically who it would be (I have some ideas though).  But, when I have people that I only kind of knew in passing on an online message board or people that I went to school with but never remember talking to, it just seems silly.  But, then I don't want to make waves and take the chance at hurting anyone's feelings.

Then again, if I feel like I barely know them and would likely never comment on their statuses, they probably wouldn't notice if we weren't "friends" anymore.  (And, chances are, if you're reading this and feel that we actually are friends, I'm probably not thinking about unfriending you.  So, don't worry.)

Thoughts on this?

~ 4 ~

Holy Cow!  This week's episode of The Big Bang Theory was hilarious!

"A neutron walks into a bar and says, 'How much for a drink?' The bartender says, 'For you - no charge.'"

I laughed at this episode until I almost cried.

(I was extra thrilled then to find a Flash Gordon shirt for Noah at Once Upon a Child this week.  If you watch the show, you will understand my excitement.)

~ 5 ~

In anticipation for moving my blog to self-hosted WordPress, I am going to start selling ads for Many Little Blessings more actively.  They will be higher on the page than they are now (much higher), and I am starting the pricing off pretty darn low.  (Really low, especially considering that I tend to get my best traffic at this time of year.)

If you have a small business, this is a great opportunity to get a great rate on advertising.  Please contact me if you want more information about advertising here (or on any of my blogs, such as Catholic Mothers Online or The Homeschool Classroom).

~ 6 ~

Last weekend found us at my new favorite furniture store.  I mentioned it in #5 of my quick takes two weeks ago.  (It was the furniture store that gives a huge discount for paying with cash.  Love it!)

I'm now not allowed in there for a while. 

No, I didn't cause a scene or anything crazy like that.  It just seems that what with buying a desk for Molly and an awesome bunk bed last time, and then buying a love seat and a head board at our last trip, Eric thinks it's best for us not to go there for a while. 

On the up side though, the kids now have a great love seat for the play room (which used to be the school room), and we saved $45 off the price by using cash!  Love it!

~ 7 ~

I had realized that today (the 26th) was going to be my Grandma's birthday a few weeks ago, but then forgot about it until my Mom mentioned it on the phone.  I don't know why the whole thing still seems pretty surreal.  What I seem to have the biggest mental block on is that I just can't imagine that someone else lives in her apartment now.  That seems like such a funny sticking point, doesn't it?

Happy Birthday, Grandma.  We miss you.







This post is linked to 7 Quick Takes and Weekly Wrap Up.


lemonade stand photo by shaletann

My Guess As to How Seamus Colored Our Cool Whip Without Opening It

Last week, Seamus the Leprechaun came to pay us a visit for St. Patrick's Day.  I have had a few people who wanted me to theorize how in the world Seamus did his little trick with our Cool Whip.  So, here's where I take my guess.

Well, first, in case you didn't read about it, we got our totally sealed package of Cool Whip out of the refrigerator after being told by Seamus in a note that he left us a trick in our Cool Whip.  (Seamus is lucky we had Cool Whip, as I never buy it.)  We cut open the seal and opened it to find regular Cool Whip.  Just in case a trick was hiding, we got a spoon and stirred it around to see if anything was hidden inside.  Imagine our surprise when our Cool Whip started turning green!  How crazy!

So, while I totally think that Seamus is just a prankster, I do have a guess on how he might have been so tricky, just in case you ever wanted to see if you could reproduce what he did for another holiday or April Fools Day.  (For the record, I don't like April Fools Day pranks, but this would be pretty harmless, so I'm all for it.)

My guess on this step by step process:

1.  We already had the Cool Whip in our refrigerator.  If we hadn't, I'm sure Seamus would have had to have allowed it to thaw first.

2. I bet he might have turned over the sealed Cool Whip container and used a steak knife to cut a long slit along the bottom.

3. From there, I imagine he would have taken a gel food coloring and stuck the tip of the green right inside the slit on the bottom of the Cool Whip.  I suspect he just went a little crazy putting a bunch in.

4. He would have had to have fit the opening back together, and wiped off any mess that got out (being careful to throw away paper towel that got food coloring on it).

5. Then, maybe he used packing tape to seal it all up on the bottom very well.  He probably would have known that my kids wouldn't have inspected the packaging.  But, if kids were apt to do that, I wonder if he might have put some white paper over the opening before sealing it up.

6. Just because Seamus cares about the chance of leaks in our refrigerator, I bet he would have finished up by casually setting the container on a plate in our refrigerator.  He may be a prankster, but I bet he would be nice enough to not want to take the chance of getting food coloring on my shelf.  (For the record, he wouldn't have needed the plate, but better safe than sorry.)

This is all just my guesses, of course.  Maybe you have a better guess than I do, or you might want to try a different guess for just certain steps. 

Have fun!

Encouraging More Facebook Fans

It seems like so many businesses and blogs are making sure that they have a Facebook presence.  The best way to do that is to set up a Facebook fan page (not to be confused with your personal page).

So, let's just say that you already have your Facebook fan page set up (and maybe you do).  I set mine up for this blog a few weeks ago.  I got man fans from within my Facebook friend pool, but only a few other people were becoming fans, even after I mentioned it in a blog post.  (That was mainly when I added a few more from my readers.)

This afternoon, I was on The Homeschool Classroom and thought, "Hey -- I have a lot more fans for my Homeschool Classroom page than my Many Little Blessings FB page.  I wonder if it's partially because I have a fan box on HSC and not on Many Little Blessings."

I tested the theory and added a Facebook fan box to the sidebar here at Many Little Blessings.

In about three weeks (or so), I had 51 fans.  (I know, it's not a huge number at all.)  Twelve hours after adding a fan box to my sidebar here (but not mentioning it otherwise), I am at 73 fans.  Not bad growth, huh?

So, here's the take away message: If you have a Facebook fan page for your blog, and if you have some free sidebar space, add in a Facebook fan box!



Other Information

How do I set up a Facebook fan page?

While I'm sure there is more than one way, one easy way is to go to your personal account's "home" page (where you see your friends' updates).  On the left side, click on "ads and pages."  You will then be taken to a page that has an option to "Create Page."  The directions from there are pretty self explanatory.

How do I get a Facebook fan box?

Once you have created your fan page, click on "edit page" from the left side of the page.

This will bring you to a page with a lot going on.  Just look on the right side, just above where it shows who the admins are.  There is a link that says, "Promote with a Fan Box."  Just follow the directions from there.

This post is linked to Works for Me Wednesday.

Moving Day is Coming Soon (for the Blog, that is)

I was always one who shrugged and said, "Who cares," as others moved from Blogger to WordPress (the .org self hosted version).  It was even more set in stone that I would stay here on Blogger after I had a wonderful makeover last year. 

But, once I moved The Homeschool Classroom to a self-hosted WordPress site, I just couldn't deny any longer that it would be good to move Many Little Blessings to a self-hosted WordPress site as well.

It will be happening soon.  I'm working closely with a great designer and she's going to do her best to make sure that none of you get lost (especially those of you who subscribe by various methods).  However, if you all of the sudden notice that you're not receiving posts in your Google Reader or by email (depending on how you receive the feed of this blog), make sure to come here to check if you got left behind.  Then, just go to the new site (you should be redirected if you try to come here) and resubscribe. 

Wish me luck with the big move.  It is scary to move this than to move The Homeschool Classroom.  I guess this blog is just more of my "baby" than The Homeschool Classroom is.

Many Little Links: March 21, 2010

Catholic Resurrection Eggs - Catholic Icing
I'm a huge fan of Catholic Icing.  I have even asked Lacy if we could be new best friends.  I'm not sure what she thought about that, but this post is what made me think that.  Oh, and the fact that Lacy has just been darling every time we have talked (on email).

Homemade Tiered Cupcake Stand - My Blessed Life
Brilliance!  What a seemingly simple idea that turns into something quite so cool.

Homeschool Calendar and Morning Board - Homeschool Creations
I'll be homeschooling a kindergartner for the first time ever very soon.  I totally need to use these ideas.  These are great just for home enrichment ideas as well.

Resurrection Rolls: An Easy Easter Treat - Homegrown Mom
I have heard of this idea for teaching about the resurrection with crescent rolls and marshmallows before, but never in such detail.  We may have to try this during Holy Week.


The Family That Plays Together - Simple Homeschool (by Brenda from The Tie That Binds Us)
Just loved Brenda's ideas for finding time for families to spend together.  And, don't be fooled by the fact that it is on a homeschooling site, this is a great one for all families.

How to Make a Blogger Happy - Oh Amanda
So true.  So very, very true.

Save Your Cake Wreck - The Happy Housewife
I'm starting to wonder how many times in a week I can say that Toni is smart.  But, she is.  Great save for your next mildly burnt cake.

The Little Guide to Inspiration - Zen Habits
Need inspiration?  Let Leo help you come up with ideas of where to find it.

7 Quick Takes: March 19, 2010 (Vol. 34)

~ 1 ~

I decided on Sunday that I was going to go to reconciliation (confession) on Wednesday evening.  I then spent a ton of time during those days dreading going to confession.  I dreaded it more than I have since the first time I went (on Palm Sunday in 2007).

When I went though, it was wonderful.  It was probably one of my best times in the confessional ever.  It was exactly what I needed.  The advice was wonderful and just what I needed to hear.  Now I'm just praying hard for the strength to do the things that I need to do.

~ 2 ~

Daylight savings time has been kicking my hiney this week.  I have been staying up too late and have had a really difficult time getting out of bed in the morning.  I've begun to think that I might never readjust to the time. 

When you throw in my natural sleep issues (delayed sleep phase syndrome, which I have self-diagnosed due to my extensive medical training -- years of things like ER and Grey's Anatomy), it has been a little, well, tiring this week.s

~ 3 ~

Holy Moly!  I got to try the new Almond Joy Pieces candy the other day and I couldn't stop eating them.  Thankfully, they belonged to my Mom, so I couldn't really eat them all.  Otherwise, I think I would have eaten them all. 

If you like Almond Joy candy bars and don't want to eat a ton of the Almond Joy Pieces, just don't try them, okay?  Trust me on that one.

~ 4 ~

It's been a long time since I talked about our weight loss journey.  We aren't making fast progress, but since January 1st, I have lost around 11 pounds and Eric has lost around 15 pounds. 

We both could have lost a lot more, but we haven't made a crazy amount of changes in our eating (though we have made quite a few, and are taking the time to count calories and watch fat content) and we have sometimes forgotten about exercising.  So, all that considered, I feel like it's going really well.

Then again, if I could kick it into higher gear, that would probably be a really great thing.

~ 5 ~

Speaking of kicking things into high gear, I am proud to say that on Tuesday, I managed to have whole grains at every meal!  Who knows if that will ever happen again, but I can hope.

For breakfast, I had a 100% whole wheat English muffin with a couple of teaspoons of peanut butter.  For lunch, I had a sandwich on 100% whole wheat bread while we were busy driving around to some appointments.  For dinner, we had homemade pizza.  I made the crust with -- yeah, you guessed it -- whole wheat flour. 

~ 6 ~

As a follow up to our visit from Seamus the Leprechaun, I must share that I told our priest friend that my kids were sure that Seamus had come to give me "payback" (as they said" for having toilet papered his (our priest friend's) office. 

Imagine my kids' delight when we got a message back from the priest.  He let the kids know that, indeed, he had met Seamus at his new parish (after he was transferred from ours) which is named...wait for it...St. Patrick's (yep -- it's true!), and knew that Seamus loved pulling pranks.  So, he had given Seamus the names of some families to "visit."

The kids went insane after this message.  They were laughing and carrying on.  They were also pleased to finally understand one thing that had bothered them all day -- Why had this been our first visit from a leprechaun.  Now they knew it was because Seamus had never been told to visit us.

While the kids plotted their own payback, I thanked God for all of the wonderful priests that we know. 

~ 7 ~

While discussing leprechauns this week, Molly at one point was excitedly talking about when the "Decepticon" had come and pulled pranks in our house.

"Leprechaun," she had to be reminded.  Although I had to wonder what kinds of pranks a Transformer might decide to pull on St. Patrick's Day.











 This post is linked to 7 Quick Takes Friday and Weekly Wrap Up.

photos by:  confessional - elmada / sleeping doll - :: Hello Mizu ::

Seamus the Leprechaun Visited Our House This Morning

We have never been visited by a leprechaun before, but the kids had been talking a lot about the pranks that leprechauns can pull in the last few days, so apparently Seamus the Leprechaun decided it was time for a visit.

The kids excitedly woke me up this morning to find all of the shenanigans that Seamus had left for us.

Was Seamus the Leprechaun trying on everyone's Crocs? And what a place to leave them! The kids thought maybe he was leaving a clue about where chocolate gold coins were, because there was one inside the piano and if you followed the shoes (like an arrow), you could find two more coins.

(Who knows if Seamus even realized he left such great clues!)

The kids in the mess that Seamus left for us.

(Jack declared, "I know! Seamus is probably getting payback on you for toilet papering (our old priest's name)'s office." Touche, Seamus.)

(Oh yeah -- that's right.  I have toilet papered a priest's office not once, but twice even!  I like to live on the edge like that.)

 
The kids searching out all of the chocolate gold coins that Seamus left for us.

Wow! Seamus has really bad handwriting. As I told Eric on the phone when we told him about the big trouble at home, it looks to me like Seamus must be left handed. He was probably sorry that he decided to write such a long note too.

Crazy Seamus!

(We were afraid of what he might have done to the Cool Whip.)

We were all tickled that Seamus had some of the kids Webkinz sit down with the book An Alphabet of Catholic Saints. They were, of course, reading about St. Patrick.

The kids got the Cool Whip out of the fridge, and it was still sealed, just like when I bought it at the store.

Add a caption

Was Seamus the Leprechaun trying on everyone's Crocs? And what a place to leave them! The kids thought maybe he was leaving a clue about where chocolate gold coins were, because there was one inside the piano and if you followed the shoes (like an arrow), you could find two more coins. (Who knows if Seamus even realized he left such great clues!)

 Cut off the seal. All seems fine. We think Seamus is playing a trick by saying he played a trick.

Noah opened the container. I forgot to take a picture, but it was white. We were then certain that Seamus has just tricked us into opening the Cool Whip.

But, just to be sure, we got out a spoon and went digging around for something.

Darn Seamus! When we went digging around into the Cool Whip, it started turning green!

The living room mess, from a different angle.

One of the 15 gold chocolate coins spread out around the house.

Another piece of chocolate hidden.

Good thing we were out of Holy Water, Seamus, or nobody would have wanted to eat that one. (This was the last coin that was found.)

Hard to see on their bunk bed steps, but here are the 15 gold chocolate coins.

Thanks for the fun, Seamus!

 







This post is linked to Finer Things Friday.

Networking with Other Bloggers is Amazing

I have heard about bloggers networking privately with one another for a while.  I wished that I was in a private network like that, but I hated the thought of trying to ask people.  Who would want to network with me?  It would be embarrassing to ask someone and have them say no.  So, I just kept wishing for it, but not having it.

Every so often, I would think, "You know, maybe I should just try to start something."  Then, I would again doubt myself and worry about putting myself out like that, only to be rejected.

Instead of risking my own pride, I sat around and waited for someone to ask me.  You know what?  That usually doesn't work.

Then, between Blissdom and this great post about using networks to grow your blog (by Toni ~ The Happy Housewife, whom I absolutely love), I finally just said to myself, "If it's going to happen, it's because you'll be the one to do it."

I then promptly sent out emails to around 13 bloggers that I knew (some better than others) that I felt would get along well (and that I would enjoy hanging out with too!).  I held my breath sending out that email.  I thought that if I sent out to more than I thought I needed to have in a group, then it wouldn't be a big deal when some said, "Are you kidding?  What do you think you're doing?  You're insane."

Well, of course, wouldn't you know -- I heard from almost everyone, and each of them with something along these lines, "I'm so excited about your email!  I would LOVE to do this!" 

The network is wonderful, and it's great to have friends that you can ask the questions that you just can't ask other bloggers.  I can't recommend it enough!

So, I guess this Works for Me Wednesday is two-fold.  #1 - A private network of blogging friends definitely works for me!  #2 - It actually works to sometimes be the person to make the first move.  The worst that you can hear is no, but sometimes, when you try something that makes you nervous, you might just get an "I'm so excited about your email!  I would LOVE to do this!" 

Apple Nut Bread Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup shredded carrots
• 1 1/3 cups applesauce
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 eggs
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 2 1/4 cups flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg
•  1/2 cup pecans or walnuts, chopped

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2. Combine carrots, applesauce, oil, and vanilla. 

3. Add in eggs and sugar to carrot mixture and mix well.

4. In a separate bowl, mix the rest of the dry ingredients together.

5. Stir dry ingredients into carrot mixture until blended.  Do not over mix.

6. Put mixture into a greased loaf pan and bake for 45 - 55 minutes (or until done).*

7. Allow to cool completely before cutting.

(*The recipe I got from my MOPS group said to put it into two loaf pans, but I just didn't have enough to put into two loaf pans.  Either I did it wrong or they made an error in the directions.  Or, they wanted it in really small loaf pans.  If you put it in two loaf pans, be prepared to cut the baking time.) 





 


This post is linked to:  Tasty Tuesday and Tempt My Tummy Tuesday.

How to Start Planning for Next School Year

I think it’s that time of year for a lot of homeschoolers — the end of the school year is in sight (even if, for some of us, it’s still two months or more away) and we’re starting to get antsy to start planning for next school year.

Around the country, curriculum fairs and homeschool conventions have popped up and our visions turn toward next school year.  What will we study?  What books will we need?  What do I want to change?  What really worked for us this year?  Will we add in new subjects or courses of study?

It’s overwhelming and exciting, all at the same time, isn’t it?

Here is my plan for getting ready for next school year...

To view the rest of this post, please visit The Homeschool Classroom.

The Official Club Fun Pledge

The kids have been making clubs a lot lately.  Their latest club was called Club Fun.

The reason that Club Fun is especially memorable for me is that Jack came out to tell me the Club's pledge:

I vow to Club Fun to keep each other comfort in the darkest of times, and to also work together as a team.

Oh man -- I love those kids.

 

7 Quick Takes: March 12, 2010 (Vol. 33)

~ 1 ~

I got to have the loveliest experience this week.  I sat for two hours in the waiting room of an occupational therapy/physical therapy clinic while Jack had two different appointments.

That may sound like I'm being sarcastic, but, the beauty in it was that Eric had taken the afternoon off of work.  So, it was just me and my iPod.  I listened to some of my playlists while I did things like cutting out little books for my preschool co-op class and making felt cookies (and text messaging Eric from time to time).

It was just the kind of break I needed.  Not just from the kids, but from the computer too.  It was nice to just be.

~ 2 ~

This week, we had not only our first thunderstorm of the year, but also the first time that we ate at a restaurant and sat outside too.  I keep thinking that it's going to suddenly snow again, because this just seems too good to be true.  It's been an awfully long winter.

What are some of your signs of Spring?

~ 3 ~

I am already in the mood for the chocolate molten lava cakes again.  That is not such a good choice for working on eating better and losing weight.  I think I just need to wait until we have my parents over for dinner again, that way there is less of them to go around.

~ 4 ~

On Saturday, we went to Home Depot for their monthly kids workshop.  We made rain gauges, and they are so cool! (This was more fun than the time we went and they ran out of the project, so we had to make a project with paint stirring sticks.)

It was so fun to see the kids working on projects.  And, even more fun was watching Eric show them how to do it.  I love that man.

If you have kids in the target age for Home Depot's kids workshops, they are the first Saturday of each month from 9 am until noon.  You don't have to register -- just show up!  (And it's free!)

April's project will be a butterfly house and May's project will be a picket fence planter.

~ 5 ~

After we whipped up some rain gauges, we went to a furniture store that we have never been to before.  They have a lot of discounted new furniture, as well as used furniture.  It was just about the coolest thing ever!

One of my favorite parts was that they give a discount for cash.  And, I'm not talking about a tiny discount either.  It made me absolutely giddy for some reason.

We left with a child size desk (Molly sized) that has five drawers, is made of real wood, and was too cute.  It looks like it has been painted at least five times -- so it has obviously seen a lot of use.  It was $45.  Or, for cash, it was $30.  That little girl has been using it constantly.  That is best $30 I have spent in quite a while.

~ 6 ~

While we were at the furniture store, we also saved about $40 by paying cash for a (new in box) bunk bed!  It was one of their most expensive bunk beds they had, but it was still far below what bunk beds cost elsewhere.

Do you know my favorite part?

No, you're wrong -- it wasn't the $40 cash discount.  It's stairs.  This bunk bed doesn't have a ladder -- it has stairs!  And the stairs each have a drawer in them.  So cool!

~ 7 ~

If you're Catholic, you absolutely must go check out one of my new favorite sites -- Catholic Icing.  Not only does it feature the coolest Catholic projects and crafts, but Lacy (the gal that runs it) is super sweet.




The only thing I don't like about Catholic Icing is that I get hungry every time I go visit the blog.  Be warned, you might get hungry too.







This post is linked to 7 Quick Takes and Weekly Wrap Up.

How Not To Do a Big Baking Evening

My friend Myra, at My Blessed Life, started a weekly carnival (or meme) a couple of months ago called Friday Fails (with a tag line that is so true - "Because a blessed life is not always a perfect life.")

I usually don't have to search too long to find my little fails throughout the week.  This is one is just one of many.

I love Simple Mom.  I love her blog.  (I even wrote a guest post there before about composting with a garbage can.)  I loved hearing her at Blissdom.  I could not, however, bring myself to actually approach her, even though I could have said, "Hey -- I wrote a guest post for you before."  Nope -- couldn't do it. 

Anyway, I digress.  It wasn't too long ago that Tsh (Simple Mom) talked about cleaning up the kitchen as you go while doing a lot of cooking or baking.  I think that's a fabulous idea.  I was envious when I saw that she does it.  I have to admit to it being one of my weak areas. 

Here is what the kitchen looked like after backing several batches of quick breads, two batches of muffins, and a sheet cake (I still can't believe I'm about to show this, by the way):

What's wrong with me?  Seriously.

So, the next time your kitchen looks like a disaster zone, just think of me, and feel a little better about yourself.

Later on at about 2 am in the evening, I had to slave away at that mess (which actually got worse than pictured).  I'm sure it would have been easier to clean up a little at a time rather than all at once.  I'm thankful that I did finally get it clean.

If you have a "fail" that you want to share, make sure to go visit Myra at My Blessed Life.