Silas is sick with strep for the third time this winter. I hope this time he'll kick that bacteria out of his system! The upside? I get a day off with my Bee. Right now he's in his pajamas quietly playing with his hand-me-down Playmobile toys. He's decided that all the captains and now, "good" and that there are no bad guys. Isn't that nice?
I'm home with this little fella and glad for it! Every time one of the kids gets sick, it's always a scramble to figure out who will stay home and IF we'd keep the kid home that was sick. Sometimes we have to make those hard decisions because things at work rely on us so much that we feel bad when we need to take a day off. My decision to stay home this morning was based on, "What would I do if I WAS a stay-at-home mom?" It's obvious! I'd stay home with the sick kid! I am thankful I have a job that allows for sick days.
Larkin turned nine yesterday. It's hard to believe it was nine years ago when I was at DHMC having her. It seems like just yesterday when my Danbury Elementary friends filed into the hospital room to see my sweet baby girl. Happy birthday to Lady Larkin.
Tuesday, January 21, 2014
Friday, January 3, 2014
Snow Day
Looks like it's been a while since I last wrote. It's always lovely when you get a bonus day off and you HAVE to find SOMETHING to do. Mascoma had a planned two week holiday break. Lebanon was two days shy of two weeks UNTIL Hercules stepped in bringing over twelve inches of snow and cold temperatures. The slippery white stuff landed me two snow days. I know it'll cost me in the end, but having those two extra days off with my kids while they are on break has been delightful!
Yesterday we enjoyed being outside. We took a short snowshoe through the bridle path and returned to roast marshmallows in the wood stove for s'mores. YUM!
Today, it is BRUTALLY cold. We woke up to -2 and are expected to get to -20 tonight. BRRR! So, what do you do on a COLD, SNOWY day? You make snow day cookies! Here's a recipe I used to make the cookies currently baking in the oven. The recipe comes from my mom, and boy are they good!
Snow Day Sugar Cookies - no chill required!
Cream together:
1/3 c. unsalted butter
1/3 c. shortening
1 1/4 c. sugar
2 eggs
1 T. milk
1 t. vanilla
Add in:
2 3/4 c. flour
1 t. salt
2 tsp. baking powder
Bake @ 375 degrees F for 4-5 minutes.
Ice with your favorite frosting or icing.
Here's a tip from my mother-in-law: use a ketchup bottle (the kind like they have at restaurants for hot dogs (red with white cap - not a name brand). Fill the bottle with your frosting and pipe your design on your cookies.
Enjoy!
Yesterday we enjoyed being outside. We took a short snowshoe through the bridle path and returned to roast marshmallows in the wood stove for s'mores. YUM!
Today, it is BRUTALLY cold. We woke up to -2 and are expected to get to -20 tonight. BRRR! So, what do you do on a COLD, SNOWY day? You make snow day cookies! Here's a recipe I used to make the cookies currently baking in the oven. The recipe comes from my mom, and boy are they good!
Snow Day Sugar Cookies - no chill required!
Cream together:
1/3 c. unsalted butter
1/3 c. shortening
1 1/4 c. sugar
2 eggs
1 T. milk
1 t. vanilla
Add in:
2 3/4 c. flour
1 t. salt
2 tsp. baking powder
Bake @ 375 degrees F for 4-5 minutes.
Ice with your favorite frosting or icing.
Here's a tip from my mother-in-law: use a ketchup bottle (the kind like they have at restaurants for hot dogs (red with white cap - not a name brand). Fill the bottle with your frosting and pipe your design on your cookies.
Enjoy!
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Summer Vacation is Over!
WAAAA! Keep up with me in class! Check out my classroom website to find out all the fun things my class is doing! http://petuniapolkadotspot.blogspot.com/2013_01_01_archive.html
Sunday, August 11, 2013
Back breaking work
I think the Shakers had something when they insisted on Sunday as being a day of rest. I wish I had opted for that instead of the work I did today. LOL!
Yesterday I decided to make my perennial garden bigger. I didn't have anything blooming so I decided I needed more plants. And when I bought more plants, I needed more room in the garden....you know the story, except there's no mouse involved.
First, I pulled out all of the day lilies. I dug a new garden bed and planted them. Then I (well actually Jamie did) hauled out purple irises. They are still on the front lawn. I'm not sure where I am going to tuck them. I've moved various little plants around, etc. Aunt Bonnie gave me pink Astilbe and coral bells and I'll plant those tomorrow. The digging and yanking having me aching all over.
When I haven't been gardening I have been applying coats of paint to the bathroom walls. Today we installed the toilet, painted the window trim, caulked the shower and cleaned up.
I am also working on another project. When I was a kid, my dad made me a small, wooden toy box. Today I trucked it home from Mom and Dad's and I am in the process of re-painting it to use for towels in the upstairs bathroom (at least while we figure out the linen closet). I might even have to venture into making a cushion...
Yesterday we also went to the Producer's Fair. What a great time we had! Yummy food and a few visits with knitting friends. I love my knitting friends! Donna, if you are reading this, call me! I'll help you with your quilting question! My favorites at the fair: VegetaBalls pesto, Walpole Creamery mocha chip ice cream , and the iced coffee (with maple syrup) (I can't remember the vendor)!
That's enough for tonight. I'm tired. It's time to rest.
Yesterday I decided to make my perennial garden bigger. I didn't have anything blooming so I decided I needed more plants. And when I bought more plants, I needed more room in the garden....you know the story, except there's no mouse involved.
First, I pulled out all of the day lilies. I dug a new garden bed and planted them. Then I (well actually Jamie did) hauled out purple irises. They are still on the front lawn. I'm not sure where I am going to tuck them. I've moved various little plants around, etc. Aunt Bonnie gave me pink Astilbe and coral bells and I'll plant those tomorrow. The digging and yanking having me aching all over.
When I haven't been gardening I have been applying coats of paint to the bathroom walls. Today we installed the toilet, painted the window trim, caulked the shower and cleaned up.
I am also working on another project. When I was a kid, my dad made me a small, wooden toy box. Today I trucked it home from Mom and Dad's and I am in the process of re-painting it to use for towels in the upstairs bathroom (at least while we figure out the linen closet). I might even have to venture into making a cushion...
Yesterday we also went to the Producer's Fair. What a great time we had! Yummy food and a few visits with knitting friends. I love my knitting friends! Donna, if you are reading this, call me! I'll help you with your quilting question! My favorites at the fair: VegetaBalls pesto, Walpole Creamery mocha chip ice cream , and the iced coffee (with maple syrup) (I can't remember the vendor)!
That's enough for tonight. I'm tired. It's time to rest.
Thursday, August 8, 2013
Petunia puts her feet up!
Yeah right! For those of you who know me all to well, you know I don't sit very easily. Unless....I have tuckered myself out. That happened today. I took a run at mid-day (thanks to two wonderful babysitters) in the heat for 45 minutes. When I got back I didn't even want to eat lunch! I was so tired. The sitters took the kids for a walk and I grabbed a glass of iced tea, a magazine and SAT for 10 solid minutes. I even said, "Ahhhh" aloud. Then, I realized I was wasting time and scooted upstairs to practice piano and sew!
The bathroom is coming along. Jamie is working on drywall. The word on the street is that the vanity will be in at the hardware store on Monday. YAY! We're still trying to figure out our countertop and have held off in ordering something until we have the cabinet in place.
School is around the corner. Hopefully I'll be able to go in to school to set up soon. I've been scouting out sales and purchasing art supplies. Staples is doing a funky little thing this year. You can buy up to 25 things, but you pay full price after the limited quantity and you get that money back in rewards. Well, let me tell you, that does not FLY with me! I'll be hiring shoppers this year! LOL! What is this world coming to?
I got news today that a carving we ordered in PEI is done! Exciting news! It will be a nice reminder of the island until we get back there.
I'll be posting photos soon. If you are a FB friend, you can see some of the shots that I have uploaded.
Tomorrow we see Joel and Alli! Super excited to take photographs for their new Dobra Tea business! Cheers!
The bathroom is coming along. Jamie is working on drywall. The word on the street is that the vanity will be in at the hardware store on Monday. YAY! We're still trying to figure out our countertop and have held off in ordering something until we have the cabinet in place.
School is around the corner. Hopefully I'll be able to go in to school to set up soon. I've been scouting out sales and purchasing art supplies. Staples is doing a funky little thing this year. You can buy up to 25 things, but you pay full price after the limited quantity and you get that money back in rewards. Well, let me tell you, that does not FLY with me! I'll be hiring shoppers this year! LOL! What is this world coming to?
I got news today that a carving we ordered in PEI is done! Exciting news! It will be a nice reminder of the island until we get back there.
I'll be posting photos soon. If you are a FB friend, you can see some of the shots that I have uploaded.
Tomorrow we see Joel and Alli! Super excited to take photographs for their new Dobra Tea business! Cheers!
Monday, August 5, 2013
It's August!
I can't believe it's August already! Unreal! Where did the time go? School starts on the 26th. Back to school sales have started and the cooler weather seems to have come. We even have a tree that has completely changed color. What is up with that?
Sitting in front of the computer hasn't really been fun for me lately. Well, I guess sitting and typing hasn't. I certainly have been logging hours online. I've been looking up various directions on how to make things. This morning, for instance, I was checking out how to make a canvas floor mat. Tomorrow, my sister Chelsi and I are supposed to get started on floor mats (with three kids in tow). I'll be making something to go on the NEW bathroom floor.
The last time I wrote, I mentioned the bathroom overhaul. It's going well, but taking WAYYYYY longer than expected. In fact, while I write this, Jamie is slaving away installing a piece of new drywall. We have most of the room painted (we'll continue this work again tomorrow) and the floor is in. We're still waiting for the vanity. Once that arrives, I'll arrange for a countertop, sink, and faucet. We ordered a non-standard vanity. It's 46" long and it will be up against a wall. I'm hesitant to order a new top until we have the base installed. If anyone has any recommendations, I'd appreciate it. Feel free to email me about it!
I got the nicest text from a student I had last year. He went to PEI and visited Hope River Studio. He even got to see the angora bunnies that I loved so much! I love when my students keep in touch (even all the way in PEI).
Yesterday, we went to the Lake Sunapee Crafts Fair. We joined Jamie's Aunt and Uncle there to take a peek at local art. SOOOO inspiring! Speaking of crafts...I've been working on a felted puffer fish. It might be a pin cushion, it might not. Either way, I'm having fun with it.
Larkin and Silas went with me today to see my friend Wendy (Mrs. Johnson to the students reading). We had a yummy lunch and DELICIOUS blueberry cake! She even took us to Dr. Shell's house to see the animals and made Larkin a stained glass dragon fly. I think she should go into business!
Wouldn't it be fun to have a business? What kind of business would you have if you could have a business (I'm feeling a little like Dr. Seuss)....
Sitting in front of the computer hasn't really been fun for me lately. Well, I guess sitting and typing hasn't. I certainly have been logging hours online. I've been looking up various directions on how to make things. This morning, for instance, I was checking out how to make a canvas floor mat. Tomorrow, my sister Chelsi and I are supposed to get started on floor mats (with three kids in tow). I'll be making something to go on the NEW bathroom floor.
The last time I wrote, I mentioned the bathroom overhaul. It's going well, but taking WAYYYYY longer than expected. In fact, while I write this, Jamie is slaving away installing a piece of new drywall. We have most of the room painted (we'll continue this work again tomorrow) and the floor is in. We're still waiting for the vanity. Once that arrives, I'll arrange for a countertop, sink, and faucet. We ordered a non-standard vanity. It's 46" long and it will be up against a wall. I'm hesitant to order a new top until we have the base installed. If anyone has any recommendations, I'd appreciate it. Feel free to email me about it!
I got the nicest text from a student I had last year. He went to PEI and visited Hope River Studio. He even got to see the angora bunnies that I loved so much! I love when my students keep in touch (even all the way in PEI).
Yesterday, we went to the Lake Sunapee Crafts Fair. We joined Jamie's Aunt and Uncle there to take a peek at local art. SOOOO inspiring! Speaking of crafts...I've been working on a felted puffer fish. It might be a pin cushion, it might not. Either way, I'm having fun with it.
Larkin and Silas went with me today to see my friend Wendy (Mrs. Johnson to the students reading). We had a yummy lunch and DELICIOUS blueberry cake! She even took us to Dr. Shell's house to see the animals and made Larkin a stained glass dragon fly. I think she should go into business!
Wouldn't it be fun to have a business? What kind of business would you have if you could have a business (I'm feeling a little like Dr. Seuss)....
Monday, July 29, 2013
You know you're busy when...
You know you're busy when you can't write on your blog. Even now, I have a million things to do, but I made it a goal to write every day and I haven't fulfilled my goal.
We've been working on the bathroom. The UPSTAIRS bathroom. Yes, the one that is the MAIN bathroom. The one with the SHOWER AND TUB and all the OTHER stuff you need to bathe and freshen up with every day. That's the one! It was my crazy idea and it's gone a little haywire. Mr. Fix It has been working so hard his body is aching and he woke up moaning and groaning from muscle pain. Nothing a little ibuprofen can't help with! When it's all said and done, it will be nice, though.
Lark's on her last week of camp. Then, it will be August and then. NO, I'm not allowed to say it. So, I won't...but it's that other S word that no one likes to hear when it means the end of summer is near.
Jamie's aunt and uncle are here from Pennsylvania. It's been nice visiting with them and discussing the Amish. I find the Amish ways intriguing and can't wait to make a visit.
My niece Addi and future brother-in-law came for a visit tonight. That was fun, but not without drama! Lark, while attempting to play outside with the kids, got stung twice. Again, Mr. Fix It went to the rescue! This time wielding a spray can of wasp killer instead of a crow bar and sledge hammer.
Ahh. The dog days of summer!
I'll write more (not necessarily tomorrow) when i get a chance. Fair warning, though. It may be days.
We've been working on the bathroom. The UPSTAIRS bathroom. Yes, the one that is the MAIN bathroom. The one with the SHOWER AND TUB and all the OTHER stuff you need to bathe and freshen up with every day. That's the one! It was my crazy idea and it's gone a little haywire. Mr. Fix It has been working so hard his body is aching and he woke up moaning and groaning from muscle pain. Nothing a little ibuprofen can't help with! When it's all said and done, it will be nice, though.
Lark's on her last week of camp. Then, it will be August and then. NO, I'm not allowed to say it. So, I won't...but it's that other S word that no one likes to hear when it means the end of summer is near.
Jamie's aunt and uncle are here from Pennsylvania. It's been nice visiting with them and discussing the Amish. I find the Amish ways intriguing and can't wait to make a visit.
My niece Addi and future brother-in-law came for a visit tonight. That was fun, but not without drama! Lark, while attempting to play outside with the kids, got stung twice. Again, Mr. Fix It went to the rescue! This time wielding a spray can of wasp killer instead of a crow bar and sledge hammer.
Ahh. The dog days of summer!
I'll write more (not necessarily tomorrow) when i get a chance. Fair warning, though. It may be days.
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