a LOVE-hate relationship

Ah, got to love those American Girl catalogs that conveniently show up in the mail (in droves)this time of year! Those almost one hundred page catalogs that showcase the latest cutesy-pootsy clothing for your darling daughter and her precious dolly.
I (um, I mean my daughter) was first introduced to AG a few years ago now. Some neighbor friend had one (or was it two?) along with almost an entire doll wardrobe that literally put mine to shame! We're talking dresses that not only had matching shoes, BUT matching fancy gloves and tiaras too. Let's not forget the purse's, tights, hair thingies, fake glasses, and, and, aaaaaaaaahh!!! From that first doll-to-daughter meeting, my little girl was hooked. Life from then on never seemed to be the same. Life, that is, within the world of American Girl.
The whole process was (is) daunting! Ok, first your daughter has to make "the decision"! She has to choose her DOLL!!! This is not no ordinary decision mind you. This decision is just about as up there as what college she will attend and is this boy the "marrying kind". Will it be a doll that looks just like her? She has about 20+ choices right there. OR, will it be a historical character doll? Maybe she is opting for the Bitty Baby? Twins?? I'm telling you this decision is very important, especially if you are only planning on buying your daughter just one. It may (will) come back to haunt you. My oldest STILL wonders why Santa did not bring her the african-american doll, when all along Santa thought the nice light skin, light blonde hair, blue eyed doll would suit her better.
Then comes the clothes. Thoooooose cloooooothes! Those overpriced- matchy-matchy-but really so cute, clothes. Typical outfits run somewhere around the $30 mark. Fancier outfits will strip your wallet further. Then, you have to decide if you want your daughter to look just like her dressed up doll! Tack on another 60 bucks. Does her doll need a pet? Twenty-something dollars more please. For doll furniture and bigger ticket items a small loan may have to be taken out. Or, as my girls know by now...DON'T even bother asking Santa for that!
The madness does not end there. Oh no! One day on a whim venture into an American Girl store. Oh.. maybe around noon on a Saturday right before Christmas! Bring your ear plugs and wear steel toed shoes. Trust me!! If you had any hope of finding that special outfit on your daughter's wish list...fuggetaboutit! It will be gone. Those matching slippers? No chance! Online shopping for AG is no better and no easier. Unless you plan on shopping months prior to Christmas your chances grow slimmer and more unlikely as the big day grows closer. One can get lucky though getting a coupon code that allows you to get free shipping. I didn't get lucky this year. The one outfit my daughter really wanted..sold out.
Don't get me wrong! American Girl dolls really are nice. They are quality-made and the customer service department is really great. When my daughter got her doll for Christmas a couple of years ago, it had a "hair-issue." The hair came out in clumps. I called customer service and they sent me a new doll, no questions asked/no hassles. That was really impressive. Other than the high price of these plastic princesses, my girls really do enjoy them. The cult following is a little creepy, but overall they are harmless wholesome American cuties.

oh...those LIGHTS!

O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree!Thou hast a wondrous message:
O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree!Thou hast a wondrous message:
Thou dost proclaim the Saviour's birth Good will to men and peace on earth
O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree!Thou hast a wondrous message

As I was setting up the Christmas tree today I had something happen that instantly took me back to my childhood days. I pulled a wad of Christmas lights out of a box and they were all jumbled together in one giant mass. I sat myself down on the carpet and began the daunting chore of separating this end from that. What seemed like hours later I plugged the cord into the wall, only to find that one half of the strand would not light up! This is where I had my childhood flashback! For it was "I" that used to have the so-not-fun job of un-wadding lights, testing them, and fixing them so they work! You see, lights back then were not as inexpensive as they are nowadays. Plus being from a home that was on a tight budget, fixing was in our vocabulary..not buying!
So there I would be, not more than five or six years old, sitting on the floor with a pile of lights on my lap. I can still remember taking out each and every bulb, and testing them in a working strand. What a frustrating, time-consuming, and drive-me-nuts, job that was! I definitely learned patience at this chore! Honestly, I am surprised I did not get electrocuted as well! What fun though to get that nonworking strand to light up and shine. Ah, success! It did happen, occasionally.
My mom always did such a great job getting the house all decorated for Christmas. She would have do-dads and thingies all over. The house felt so warm and inviting. Those were the days when shiny silver tinsel was the rage. Remember?? Oh how many times one of our two dogs would wind up gagging and hacking up those long shiny strands. Ga-ross!! Christmas cards would be hung with tape on the doors. The creche would make its loving debut and put somewhere where tiny hands wouldn't touch. The windows would be decoratively (um, wildly!) sprayed with that white fake snow stuff. As a young child this was always such a very special time. Ah...the memories! Maybe that is why I have 10+ Rubbermaid totes lined up in my hallway right at this very moment! Ten totes chock full of Christmas thingies of my own. Ten totes of "what the heck am I gonna do with all this stuff?"
Getting back to the lights.. I once heard a saying that said that it isn't the big things in life that are really important. But, rather those small, everyday things. For it is in those small everyday things that memories are made and stored, to come out sometimes not until years later. As I was struggling with those lights today it sparked those fond Christmasy memories of my youth. Those wonderful memories that today made me smile.
Now, I probably could have sat there on the floor, going bulb by bulb, trying to get those strands to work. I could have recruited the help of my kids. I didn't though. I got up, happily tossed those strands in the recycling bin and grabbed my keys and headed for Meijer! $1.99 later, I had my brand new, colorful, happy, memory-producing, Christmasy lights. And, I am OK with that!

a sassy pincushion

My newest creations!

a little GET up and GO

For the past two days I have seen two cars carrying campers on the back of them. It is mid-November and in these parts, this is not too common of a sight! It just got me thinking though. How great it would be to be so free spirited as to get the whole family in one of those campers (albeit one that would accommodate 5) and head out on the long open road.
We are a camping family by nature. Every summer we plan at least a couple trips, usually somewhere new here in Michigan. We are tent campers and still, after all these years, can't seem to get it all right. Oh well, there is always next year, right?
When I saw those people with the campers recently, though, it sent my day dreaming in high-mode. There are so many places I want to see. So many places I haven't seen. So many place to be seen. How long, though, would we all last being couped up together in one of those things? Realistically, probably not sanely for more than one week. I am a "spacey". I need my space. I get anxious if I don't get a little me-time from time to time.
All said and done the "idea" of getting up and going full-blown camping sounds idyllic, but in my reality it is just not as charmed as it sounds. So the next time I see one of those free-willed campers in my neck of the woods I will look at it, smile and choose to live vicariously through the proud travelers. Happy traveling all and God's speed to ya.

a good DEAL

I made a completely random trip to Big Lots yesterday. I sometimes like to just browse the aisles and see what's what. I tend to find some really interesting deals along the way! Like yesterday. I found a box of 48 Stretch Island Fruit Co. fruit leather bars. They were only $6.00! There was 6 flavors and 8 of each flavor. When I have purchased these at my usual store they can be close to $1.00 each. So, if I bought 48 x $1.00 that would = $48.00! So, 6 bucks was a great deal to me! My kids love them (and I have to admit, I do too!) and the sugar is low, it only comes from the fruit, non added. So there you go.. have you found a good DEAL that you would like to share? Ah, come on!

still the best

What a lot we lost when we stopped writing letters. You can't reread a phone call. ~Liz Carpenter

I just read a story about a new service available over the web that would allow ANYONE to be able to listen to my cell phone calls, read my text messages (if I even wrote a text message) and even find where I am at all times via GPS!! Now, grant it, I NEVER am on my cell phone. I just never use it. I never have sent a text message. Don't even know how. But how many people out there live on their phones and send countless messages.

We live in a world today that seems to be dependent on technology. More so than in times past. Why is it necessary for everyone to know where I am at all times? Why do I "need" to answer my cell phone when I am in the grocery line or in the middle of a conversation? Why do some feel compelled to put others at risk and text while driving? What could possibly be so stinking important??! Pay phones are a thing of the past. Honestly, I am surprised that they are still making and distributing phone books anymore. One can find any address or phone number online.

Now, what about that lost art of a handwritten letter. When was the last time you received a nicely handwritten letter or card in the mail? When was the last time "I" received one? When was the last time I wrote one??? Looking back to previous generations it is so fascinating to look at old handwritten letters. The style of script was so unique. The words so full of meaning. In a nice wooden box in my basement I have a stack of cards, letters and notes that are from when I was young. When my kids get older what do I do? Print out email messages? How odd, how sad.

I was talking to a friend one day and she stated to me that she did not see the importance of stressing neat penmanship in school! She said that everything is typed on the computer, so why bother!! That really struck a chord. It really was a wake up call.

Going back to the "service" mentioned above. I have been thinking about it and came to a conclusion. If you want to tell someone something very personal and are afraid of someone listening. Pull out a nice sheet of paper. Go grab a pen and start writing your thoughts down on paper! Put it in an envelope, seal it, stamp it, and send it. As far as I know it IS illegal to open someone else's mail. While you're at it, send me a letter too!

old fashioned goodness

"Don't spent two dollars to dry clean a shirt. Donate it to the Salvation Army instead. They'll clean it and put it on a hanger. Next morning buy it back for seventy-five cents." - unknown

I clearly remember one Christmas opening up a gift my aunt gave me. It was from my eighty-something year old aunt from Texas. The gift was a bar of Fels-Naptha soap! Now, I was not married at the time and had no children. What the heck was I going to do with a bar of "heavy duty laundry bar soap"? That bar of soap sat dormant for many years. It moved from apartment, to house, to yet another house and so on. Perfectly intact in the wrapper, unused and really forgotten about.

Many years (and three children) I found that bar of soap. I believe I was washing something stained and was desperate to try anything! I unwrapped it and noticed the odd color. Golden-brown. I quickly began to rub the stain with the soap and was amazed at what happened next. The stain began to go away!! After that I became hooked. If you have never tried Fels-Naptha soap I think you should. It can be found in the laundry aisle at your local store. Some stores though, like Meijer, has is by the bar soap aisle.

Have you used Fels-Naptha soap? Tell me what you think.

-Poison Ivy Treatment: Fels Naptha has been used for over 100 years in the treatment and pervention of poison ivy, sumac and oak. If you are exposed to poison ivy and you have a reaction, simply shower with Fels Naptha to remove any resin left on the skin and it will help to dry up the rash as well.

-To clean your shower, rub a non-abrasive scouring sponge with a wet bar of Fels Naptha and start cleaning. It will take a little hard work the first time you use it but it will be a breeze after that.

-Washing with Fels Naptha can greatly reduce the itching and discomfort from bug bites.

-Though it is NOT a hand soap, it can cut even the grimiest of messes. Wash hands with Fels

Naptha to remove ink, grease, or a variety of other nasty stains. Again, remember that this can be a skin irritant and should be used carefully and only after reading the warning label on the soap.

-To clean paint brushes, simply drag the wet brush through a lathered bar of Fels Naptha and work in. Rinse well with warm water. The brushes stay soft and supple using this method.

-Fels Naptha Soap is a fantastic stain remover and pre-treater. It works especially well on oil-based stains. Just rub the stain with a wet bar of Fels Naptha Soap. Let it sit for a while and launder as usual. It works great on baby clothes which have formula stains.

* For chocolate smudge on clothes, rub the stain with Fels Naptha Soap and let sit in your filled washer with 20 Mule Team Borax for 30 minutes. Launder as usual.

* To remove Halloween makeup from clothing, simply work a little Fels Naptha into the stain and launder as usual. It may take a repeat washing to completely remove the stain.

* To clean white canvas tennis shoes, simply work the Fels Naptha Soap into a lather and use a soft brush to work into the canvas. Launder as usual without chlorine bleach.

* To remove old stains on colored clothes, make a solution of 2 cups warm water and 1/2 cup white vinegar. Pour on stain. Let soak for 30 minutes to 1 hour. Rinse well and work in Fels Naptha Soap. Launder as usual.


Powdered Laundry Detergent 1 cup grated Fels Naptha Soap 1/2 cup washing soda 1/2 cup 20 mule team borax Mix and store in airtight container or bag. For normal loads, use 2 tablespoon. For heavy loads, use 3 tablespoons.

i need my MORNING MAMA TIME!

"My mother's menu consisted of two choices: Take it or leave it." ~ Buddy Hackett

The kids have a day off of school tomorrow. This means only one thing... no Morning Mama Time! Don't get me wrong! I love having them home. We get to sleep in (maybe). We get to have a fun day to do whatever we want to. The pj's can stay on until whenever. The clock can go on and tick away. BUT! Mama does not get her morning (alone time) coffee! This may sound like such a trivial thing to the vast majority of people. But I know that other moms out there could totally and completely relate to my story here! Right?

There is something so important, so relaxing, and so necessary about morning mama time to me. First of all it means I am, well, alone! No kids. No fighting! I can sit in my quiet, dark, and messy kitchen and let it all just go away. No worries and definitely NO cleaning until after my coffee is finished! I have time to reflect, ponder or pray. Plan the day or just doing nothing at all. The time I have for me seems to vanish in no time at all. The phone will ring, the sight of all of those dirty dishes will become too much, the cats need to be fed. Somehow, though, all of those tasks that need to be conquered become more obtainable. I am more calm. That itsy-bitsy bit of morning alone time seems to be the trick. All I seem to need to recharge my battery. Give me an old fashioned kick in the seat of my pants.

So I don't get my MMT tomorrow. So what! I know I will survive. But,when Monday morning rolls around though, I will savor "my mama time" all that more (and maybe have an extra cup of coffee!!)

time to make the DONUTS!

Today as I was driving around town I passed our local Dunkin' Donuts. I pass it regularly and everytime I do the place is jammed! Why? Well, I know they have good coffee, but aren't those sugary donuts supposed to be bad for us??

I remember when I was young my mom would take us to Dunkin' Donuts to pick out our "dozen". My favorite was always a toss-up between the pink frosted with colorful sprinkles, or the cream filled long john. Yummy! It always seemed, too, that one was just not enough! Also, I remember going their for Halloween and getting a plastic Halloween bucket filled with munchkins. Does anyone else remember that?

So, many years later what is the "still strong attachment" to DD's? Is it a comfort food? Is it just a treat? Or, is there really some hidden nutritional value bit that I was not made aware of!?

Well anyway you put it, America "still" runs on Dunkin'!

Today is Monday and "Mom's Taxi" is ready to roll. Actually, it has been running since shortly after 7am this morning. The "Dad Taxi" is in the shop getting some work done. It should be up and ready to rock again, hopefully, by Wednesday!

Here is a breakdown of the stops the MT needs to make today.

7:20 drop husband off at work.

7:40 drop kids off at school...stay and help in my youngest's classroom.

9:30 drive home.

11:00 back to school...bringing cat in for youngest daughters show/tell.

11:10 leave school, run some errands.

2:50 back to school (again) to pick kids up.

3:00 rush to dentist for three kids dental exams.

4:30 rush home, get some homework done, kids change clothes.

5:45 hop in taxi again and take son to his basketball game.

? try to find time to pick husband up at work.

? home.

So, there it is. My Monday in a nutshell. Gee, I wonder how my Tuesday is shaping up?

super HONEY

“No bees, no honey; no work, no money”
- Proverb quote

I can remember as I child, one of my favorite sandwiches I made was a honey sandwich. I would take 2 pieces of bread (not toasted) and slather on a heavy dose of butter and then squeeze on a ton of honey! Yummy! I can still taste how good that was.

Recently I have been reading about all the health benefits of eating honey. I had no idea there were so many! From burns and cuts, to coughs and insomnia, honey is a cure-all, of sorts.

Here is a great article with some of the many benefits of honey. Sweet!

The benefits of honey.