Random Thursday

Today, I am going to do a post of random facts you may, but most likely may not, be thrilled to know. Because I can't seem to focus too well today. I think it's because I'm going slightly stir-crazy. I think I am going stir-crazy because I miss getting out in the nature. I think I am not alone, as my kids feel the same way, and are grumbling about it like crazy. The last time I felt this way I went into the nature, and got stuck. So, I've resisted the urge today, and I feel I should get points for that. I thought about baking this Brioche recipe that I have instead, but 1.) That will run my milk supply periously short, due to two little milk monsters that live in this house. 2.) I didn't feel like going to the store because I would have to strap the car seats into the car and that doesn't sound fun because it is in fact, not fun. 3.) Brioche is somewhat fattening. I'm trying to cut back on that a little bit. Just saying the word Brioche makes me feel heavier though--isn't it a lovely word? Anyway, today I decided that Brioche was not a good substitute for going into the nature. I should also get points for not succumbing to the Brioche.


I made Chicken Cacciatore last night. If you haven't made Chicken Cacciatore, I suggest you rectify that immediately. It was delish. The leftovers were plumb divine as well.


I'm in the process of organizing my house. You see, I've realized that I had been using the excuse of "I'm not an organized person" to not organize. And, as my dear mother says, "We don't change until the pain of NOT changing becomes greater than the pain TO change." So far this year I have organized... wait for it... Two cupboards and four drawers in my kitchen, two drawers in my bathroom, my linen closet and my jewelry, a few random piles that have been sitting around and driving me crazy, and it seems like a few other things too that I can't quite remember now. I've been trying to organize at least three things a week. I'm loving it!! You see, I am NOT a hoarder. I tend to throw stuff out quite easily. But, I've been so disorganized I didn't realize how well we actually fit into our house now... I'm thankful for the lesson this has taught me, and I'm doing my best to make sure that this is part of my continual growth as a human being and housewife and mother, instead of a passing phase.

This is a picture of my system I came up with for my jewelry... I saw a long time ago in a home decorating magazine where someone had a huge collection of bangle-style bracelets they stored in big apothecary jars--their premise was that since jewelry is beautiful, they used it as art in the room, as well as jewelry. While trying to figure out how to store all my jewelry neatly, that article popped into my head, and decided to try to implement something of the like for my earrings and necklaces. I have a super cute box that my sister-in-law made me for all the stuff that doesn't go on here.

It took a few tries, but I'm mostly pleased with it. The next time I make one I'm going to do just a few things differently, and then I think I'll be 100% thrilled with it.

This was my project today... I've always thought of organizing as huge, one time things to be done every few years or whatever. Well, that's plain silly, right? I don't know why I thought that. So, instead of saying for months, I need to organize this room, and this room and this room, and never getting around to it, I'm trying to break the organizing into little 15 minute bites. I've started a new system of scheduling/organizing my days that's really helped me keep myself on track, and that's been nice too. I've tried approximately 350 of those since I became a SAHM 3 years ago, and I've finally found one that works for me--I've been doing it for a month now--yay!

My kiddo's finished their handwriting book last week. 1st subject for the year--DONE! Of course, I've been implementing other handwriting projects for them to keep their skills up since, but still, pretty cool. I still remember how much I loved the thrill of finishing my first subject for the year.

One thing that has been really cool this past week is watching Debris personal handwriting style develop. We've had one of those weeks this week where all the math stuff they've been learning has just come together... they've pretty much "gotten it" this week. As Debris confidence with her math has developed, I've watched her work more quickly, and as a result her handwriting of numbers has gotten more confident. I've just loved watching that this week--sharp corners, confident curves, straight lines. Her 8's and 4's are seriously cool.

Kiki also is enjoying handwriting, and found a poem she'd like to write out this week. A really, really, really long poem. I don't want to discourage her, so I'm trying to figure out what paper to have her write it on so she can fit it all... I'm thinking I might have to do a few lines at a time onto wide ruled paper.

Ok, so that's my random Thursday news. Don't you feel enlightened? I leave you with a picture of my zebra grass in winter....