Our Memorial Day Tradition
Our most humbling family tradition occurs on Memorial Day Weekend. Three generations gather at the cemetery to honor and remember those who paved the way for our freedoms, our lives and our heritage. American flags have been placed beside the headstones of those who served in our country’s armed forces. Colorful flowers brighten the landscape. We clean the headstones, reminisce and pause in quiet reflection. My children have never met the family members buried there – not even their grandma. Yet, with a willing heart, they kneel on the ground and scrub the headstones clean. They trim tall grass and pull weeds. They listen to the stories of our family members who are…
DIY Wood Bench
Remember my son’s bedroom? He rests his head, for at least part of the night, on a knock-off Pottery Barn bed we made. For the other part of the night he transform into a stealthy ninja and plays musical beds. We never hear him coming. I blogged about the bed about a year after we made it. The only thing I don’t love about the bed is how heavy it is. This wouldn’t be a problem if we were the type to stay in one home forever. 4 years is our record. The moving itch is real, folks. The main reason the bed is heavy is because the mattress sits on a frame made…
Live Around the World
Would you do it? Would you live a nomadic lifestyle for a season? A couple of months here, a couple of months there? I’d like to think I would if I could – if we didn’t have kids in school and both of us could telecommute. An article in my Stumbleupon feed caught my eye recently when it introduced the idea of signing a lease that lets you live around the world. What an unique concept for a business. The company is called Roam. According to their website, “$500 per week per room gives you access to incredible co-living spaces and local communities around the world. Come and go as…
Tips for Paper-Mâché School Projects
Three times this year my laid-back 3rd grader came home from school with a list of projects she could choose from: make a model/diorama, dress up as a historical character and reenact a key event, do a powerpoint presentation, etc. Me: Powerpoint presentations are fun! How about a Powerpoint? Daughter: I think I’d like to make a paper-mâché model of (insert whatever topic it was). Me: Great! Super great! That’s cool too, I guess. You’re really missing out on this PowerPoint thing though. Daughter: I don’t think so. Me: (thinking to myself) The ONE time I don’t want her to be an over-achiever and she picks that moment to be one. Well, that backfired.…
Pressing Pause
Happy Friday Folks! I’m taking the day off to do a little of this. While the kids do a little of this. I think they picked the perfect spot for a happy birthday celebration. I’m 99% certain I’ll be back on Monday. Maybe 98%… Share this:
Nine and Six
For the love. For all the love. My kids fill me with so much love, joy and sometimes exasperation that I want to burst. If you’re new to these parts, then here’s a bit of trivia for you. My kids were born three years and one day apart. I am either a brilliant planner or an abysmal planner. I’d like to think my kids share a special bond because of their close birthdays. I hope they will always have fun together, fight and makeup, cheer each other on, watch each other’s back and take care of me when I’m old. Like I said, a special bond. They have been counting down since, well, they…
Deconstructed Fresh Berry Oatmeal Crisp
What do you get when you combine fresh berries, pie, oatmeal cookies and homemade whipped cream? Heaven. You get Heaven on your tongue. Yes, it is that glorious. My inspiration for this treat was my inability to pick a dessert. Kidding. Not kidding. Actually, way back in the day, around 2 B.K. (before kids), my husband and I would frequently dine at an amazing restaurant in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, called Wildfire Grill. The chef made a berry crisp with sweetened, fresh (not cooked) berries and ice cream. The kicker was that the crisp part of the recipe was tiny oatmeal crisps. Kind of like mini oatmeal cookies. It’s hard to describe,…
Why a Good Book is a Secret Door
We have books in almost every room in our home. It wasn’t a conscious decision…just a reflection on the importance we place on learning and imagination. And, in all fairness, when it comes to my husband’s ugly computer books…I like to decorate by hiding them in plain sight too. My grandma was a first grade teacher and she retired before I would have been in her class, but she didn’t stop teaching in retirement. No. She taught me how to read before I started school. To say she gave me the greatest gift is an understatement. Reading unlocks all the world’s possibilities for a child. That’s why this TED Talk given by…
Vintage Wood Gate
I found a wood gate recently. Actually, Handy Husband found it and said, “hey, you should do something with this.” That sweet talker. This gate is the real deal. Kind of like me. The gate has the weathered patina that can only come from years spent in the elements. Kind of like…uh…wear sunscreen kids. It got me thinking, what could I do with this gate? Use it outside? Use it inside? I liked the idea of inside, but that moment of spontaneity struck when Handy Husband wasn’t home. My girl muscles are impressive, but I could still only lift one end of the gate. Getting it in the house without…
Dining Table Refinish
It’s confession time. I try not to become emotionally attached to inanimate objects. It’s silly in the grand scheme of things. I do know this, but still…I really, really love my dining room table. It used to be the lunch table at one of my favorite jobs. Over time, one too many hot paper plates was set on the table and the finish started to wear off. I bought the table and 4 chairs for $150. I was over-the-moon excited. The legs on the table alone were worth it. They make my heart go pitter-patter. But I’m not emotionally attached or anything. The good thing about the finish wearing off the…
