Tackle It Tuesday - Bedroom Laundry

I do love our loft ceilings.

Our bedroom suddenly became the laundry catch-all. It was a bit of a catch-all. Period. I honestly would forget to clean our bedroom. I walk out, go hang with the kids in the kitchen or living room, and poof! Forgotten. Until I am stumbling in the dark, trying not to break my neck on laundry that should have been folded or hung a long time ago!

and AFTER...

We could just close our bedroom door when people came. Lock it when a sitter came. Only, last Friday, Motor Mouth broke into our bedroom to get his toothpaste for the new sitter. Everywhere else was clean. It was just our bedroom. 

Arrrgh!!! It was our first time meeting her. Ever.

and AFTER...

Clutter, even in one room, can have a devastating effect on the mind. I felt like I was a horrible mother and a terrible housewife because I could not get a handle on the laundry. I just didn't know where to start. My self-esteem dipped way low.

I felt like a fraud. Here I was with immaculately organized cabinets and drawers, a bookcase that is an organizational haven, and my laundry was overpowering me. My small business is helping others manage their lives but I couldn't even tackle my laundry. For my mental well being, I had to win this battle. 

And I did. 

For this week at any rate...

Please head on over to the home of

Tackle It Tuesday

Anti-Super Bowl Party

Instead of watching the Super Bowl and eating chili or pizza, we had an Anti-Super Bowl Party. 

J made potato soup and 4 different quiche. 

Served with artisan bread and salad. 

No beer. We did have raspberry iced tea... 

Oh, and no Super Bowl. We showed the half-time show. 

And Mamma Mia! It was all J's idea.

Blast From the Past

These are the ladies I hung out with 18 years ago.

I can't believe it's been that long. 

Or how young I looked!

We all worked in the computer department at Sears Canada.

Back Row (L-R): Me, JJ 

Front Row (L-R): DD, GG

Here we are at a Mercedes bar/club for DD's surprise birthday party.  I'm thinking she had not yet arrived, considering she's not in the photo...

Thanks to the magic of Facebook, I'm back in touch with DD. One of my first, most vivid memories of DD was when she came into my office to inform me she was pregnant. She was going around letting the whole team know so we wouldn't think she was just getting fat. How can you not immediately love someone for that kind of honesty and humor!

Papa Martian

Papa Martian came to town!!!!

Motor Mouth and Mini Me's godfather flew in to Chicago on business. We met him for dinner. The kids LOVE their Papa Martian.  Motor Mouth was all excited when he heard Papa Martian was coming and started naming off all the things he wanted to tell him. Mini Me ran around yelling, "Pawp Maben! Pawp Maben! Pawp Maben!"

Mini Me smothered her godfather most of the evening. It was really cute. I tried to get pictures of it, but it was too dark for my camera to capture. Papa Martian sent these to me bright and early this morning!

Who IS Papa Martian?

I first met Papa Martian when I was interviewing for a job. I got the job and then found out he attended our church. J and I became friends with him and his lovely wife. When Motor Mouth was born, we asked them to be his godparents. Same with Mini Me. We wanted people of character and integrity to raise our children in the event of our untimely death.

We all had a really great time and can hardly wait until Papa Martian comes back with his family, very soon!!!

Wordless Wednesday - THIS Rounded the Corner

25 Random Things About Me

I was tagged for this in Facebook. I was only going to do it here, but then I got tagged 2 more times in less than 24hrs!! This is different from the Facebook list.

Here goes....... 

1. I don't remember the first time I met my father-in-law.

2. J and I joked we would name our kid 'Sidney Widney' before we knew my father-in-law had made the same joke years before.

3. I collect tea pots. 

4. When I show people pictures of my father-in-law, they say he is very handsome.

5. My father-in-law taught me how to operate a bull dozer.

6. I seriously think I'm peri-menopausal.

7. My father-in-law has shown me all over Disney World and taken us to Cape Canaveral so I could go to NASA.

8. My father-in-law introduced me to eating alligator, crawfish, and gumbo.

9. My father-in-law loves my son and I love that they have a special bond because I had a special bond with my grandfather.

10. My father-in-law is one of my biggest heroes 'cause people said he couldn't do it but he did - more than once. 

11. My father-in-law showed me all around Colorado when Motor Mouth was 6 months old.

12. My father-in-law took me with him on 2 cross-country helicopter rides once with the tour guide with the mostess and once with J and SarahBeara.

13. My father-in-law is the reason I have been all over Texas and a bunch of other states.

14. I'm fat.

15. My father-in-law is one of the most generous, kind-hearted men I know.

16. My mother-in-law has been one of my best friends for 12 years.

17. I like riding on my father-in-law's Harley with him because people think he's my sugar daddy!

18. My father-in-law let's me drive his Hummer and he sits in the passenger seat.

19. My father-in-law taught me how to fly small airplanes.

20. My father-in-law taught me how to shoot a gun.

21. My father-in-law taught me how to fly a helicopter.

22. My father-in-law was once my boss.

 
23. My father-in-law dragged us around Vegas on one of the best tours ever.

24. My father-in-law treats his kids' spouses like they are his kids.

25. My father-in-law prefers me not to talk about him on my blog.

Why Twitter?

First, let me tell you what Twitter is.

Twitter is a free social messaging utility for staying connected in real-time. It is a social networking tool that enables you to provide up-to-the-second status on what you are doing. 

I love Twitter. I have my Twitter linked to

 automatically update my blog page and my Facebook Status. One-stop shopping, if you will. 

Twitter is great because you can get messages out to a vast number of people with one tool. For example, @ParkChurch posted a preview of this week's sermon open video ONLY to those people following on Twitter. Want special info? Join us on Twitter. Is it clickish? No. Not at our church where the majority are 20-35 and use Facebook, Twitter, and other social networking tools in their daily lives. It keeps our church hip and relevant and with its ear to the ground.

A few weeks ago, I joined in on a Twitter Wine Night. It was so much fun!!! Women from all over the country, popping open a bottle of wine and chatting about everything and nothing and wine. I made some great connections. There were other women who are small business owners like me, homeschooling moms like me, and others living in Illinois like me.

Why do I Twitter? Well, Ragamuffin Soul got me into it with his twittering all the time!! I thought he was texting it in each time, but it's through an iPhone app. Free!! Once I figured that out, I started Twittering frequently. It's fun and builds a sense of community. I like people. I like to know what they are doing. And you know, it gives me something to do while I'm in line, or in the bathroom. And it is fun to have people comment back.

I think Twittering and Facebook Status updates make you use your creative juices. I like to give people something funny, peculiar, odd, or off the beaten path. Keep it light and fun is what I like to do. 

What are you doing?

Check out my post:  Why Facebook?

Why Facebook?

I LOVE Facebook. 

Some don't. Some don't get it. 

Some get it too much and it ruins their lives. 

Like the other day, my mom calls me to tell me to be careful on Facebook. Why? I asked her. On Dr. Phil, she starts off. Oh dear lord, I think. This is going to be jacked up. Apparently, some woman was being taken for a ride into thinking someone on Facebook was a big time movie star when really it was was some teenager - or something like that is how the story went. I love my Mom. I even gave her a nickname: Mutti - German for Mom/Mommy. But she need not watch Jerry Springer - I mean Dr. Phil.

I started off Facebook as an alternative to Classmates.com to get back in touch with old friends from Canada. More specifically, my high school friends, my siblings, and my nieces and nephews.

I only wanted it for my Canadians. Some of my Americans asked me to be friends and I was kinda not wanting to be Facebook friends with them. This was special to me. My Canadians.

Facebook was great! I could keep up on everyone's lives, their new pictures, what they were up to. I got to develop relationships with people I wasn't that close to in school, but are great people. For years, I preached that teenagers should not count on these people being in their lives long term. All those high school friends are back in my life!!

And yes, I Facebooked my ex's. One time, I was playing around, throwing in names, and bam! there he was, looking like he did over 15 years ago when we were together. Of course, this almost 50 year old man was using a picture from college...But that is another blog for another day... Okay. Okay. I lied. He is not almost 50. He turned 44 today. But he hasn't posted any current pics so he must look 50, right?

Finally, I started letting the Americans in. They are a pushy bunch, you know. And it grew and grew and grew and grew. Now, I have about 335 friends. 325 are people who are real friends that I have met in person or communicate with frequently.  If I can't tell you about a person's life, I don't accept the friend request. And yes, I do know when someone drops me as a friend - I go and check to see who is missing in the ranks... Why would you drop me? I'm so cute.

Having over 300 friends is not as personal and I don't get to keep as close tabs on everyone as I used to, but I still love it. I feel a real sense of community. I enjoy being happy when others are happy and being sad for them when they are sad. I like knowing Jr's son is doing great in football. Or that Michelle's boys are winning hockey tournaments every weekend. I care. I really do care.

And that, is why I love Facebook. Because I care about these people and want to know what is going on in their lives...All day. Everyday.

Coming tomorrow...Why Twitter?

Kids Kraft Day - Jan 2009

The kids were Krafting again.

I laid it all out nice on the table

Then called them in for their 

surprise paint night!!

They were so very happy!!

Yes, our tree is still up...

Looks like a pretty halter top, eh?

Notice how clean the bowls are...

Hmmm....Did you HAVE to mix EVERY color?

Oh, but it was worth it!

Mini Me's Masterpiece

Motor Mouth wrote 'Chinese Letters'

Really? Don't tell Chinese people that, ok?

(Don't hurt yourself - It's the white markings)

The kiddos did about 10 masterpieces each. I was running out of drying space!! Daddy thought it was a great idea until he had to wipe down the table and floor. Hmmm...next time, I think Mommy needs that big kraft paper you find at teacher supply stores...

Freaky Friday - Parking

In Chicago, when the snow accumulates, it reduces the number of parking spaces. Parking is already at a premium as it is. So, to ensure your spot is there when you return, this is the sort of thing people put out on the streets...

Fortunately, we have covered parking at home and at J's work. 

Thankful Thursday - Chicago Peeps

My dear friend at The Mommy Project (say a prayer for her, she's having a baby tomorrow) read where regularly noting things for which you are grateful actually increases your level of happiness by 25%. 

This week, I have much to be thankful for...

Cre8tve Chaos & his Peeps that rescued me. 

Monday evening, as I was getting ready to do client errands, the car wouldn't start. J came down and showed me how to jiggle the battery connectors. I said we could get the kids ready, pick up the part, and if there was another problem, J would be there to rescue me, instead of being 6 miles across town. J said I would be fine. I left. The vehicle wouldn't start when I was alone. I needed help, so I called Cre8ve Chaos. Then I managed to lock our only set of keys inside. While waiting to be overcharged for locksmithing, I sat in a warm car with Cre8ve Chaos and his Peeps.

Jackson Crum

Our pastor is so awesome. He didn't talk about the election (pre or post) from the pulpit. No one knew who he was voting for. Even though he didn't vote for Obama, he opened his church to the neighborhood for the Inauguration. As a result, I was able to witness history with my husband and son.

Westloop SnB

A group of knitters I met through Ravelry.com. Last night was my very first night. We share a love for yarn and live within a mile of each other. Let's see, there's ProgrammerB, InvestorB, and OprahB.  OprahB lives across from Harpo Studio, in the building Oprah redid the balconies.

My Mechanic

My husband can fix a car. People don't know this about J. They see the artsy, creative stuff, and know he doesn't watch football - or any sports. They know J decorates, but they don't know he can fix a car better than most jocks.

I wouldn't plan on The Mommy Project having a Thankful Thursday post. Like I said, she's having a baby tomorrow. Only she doesn't feel really ready. This is her last baby, so she wants to keep this one safe and warm a little longer. I'm really thankful The Mommy Project was able to carry this baby to term and both are healthy. It was touch and go there for awhile. I'm thankful in advance for the safe delivery of Baby K and a perfect healing for The Mommy Project.

Family Fun Night - History

We watched history being made as a family.

In years to come, when we are asked where we were, our response will be: "We were in church, as a family, watching the Inauguration on the big screens, holding hands."

Martin Luther King, Jr Day

Martin Luther King Tribute from Jason Widney on Vimeo.

Turn volume up!

Martin Luther King, Jr did not mean so much to me as a Canadian. Peripherally, I knew I could not live my comfortable Canadian life without the efforts of Rev. King. I remember a black ex-boyfriend's father telling of discrimination and segregation in Toronto in the 50's and 60's. He was the only person who had ever spoken to me about such things in Canada.  Still, it was surreal. But then I married a white man and learned just how important MLK's efforts were to my life.

Two years before I was born, it was illegal in some states for a black person and a white person to marry. In fact, married couples were arrested and put in jail for having married 'the wrong person'.  In addition to African, my blood is mixed with Spanish, Caucasian, South Asian, and Chinese. However, like President Elect Obama, the color of my skin determines the color of my life.

This year, with the inauguration of the first black U.S. President, Martin Luther King, Jr.'s efforts come full circle. While MLK's "I have a dream" speech has seemingly come to fulfillment, there is still a long way to go. I pray HARD for our new president and his family. There are those who do not want a black man in that office. There are those who would scheme to bring harm to him. 

I know many of my friends and family do not like President Elect Obama. But he is our president and we must put aside our differences and support our president. Otherwise, we will be just like those....Democrats. God forbid.

The previous video was shown at our church yesterday. My husband, Jason, did the video and interviews of people in Chicago's downtown Loop.  Curt Carson, our music and band development director, came up with the idea to use Rage Against the Machine's song. That is our band playing.  Michelle McKinney Hammond is the female vocalist that belted it out.  The video was the opening to our series, "Unhindered" so that is what you saw at the end. 

What's He Telling Ya??

It's Sunday. Let's go spiritual...

Motor Mouth wonders how I 'know' what he is doing when I can't see him. For example: "Lay down and stop playing with your train." - his door has frosted glass I can make out shadows through. Or, "Stop choking Mini Me!" - she is making gagging sounds and he is laughing. Or, I ask Mini Me, "Did you break xyz toy?" and when she breaks into tears, I tell her 'I KNOW you broke it. That was naughty." Not real rocket science stuff.

As any good mother, who is loathe to reveal her secrets, would do, I told him the Holy Spirit talks to me. The Holy Spirit tells me when they are being naughty and when they are lying. 

Now, Motor Mouth asks me what the Holy Spirit has told me before I even read their body language or hear the telltale signs. I could really use some divine intervention at those times.

Quilting is my new thing

I'm branching out into quilting.

LitandLaundry makes the best quilts and has reminded me of my deep desire to quilt. Quilting is something I've wanted to do for YEARS!! I think I really started wanting to do it when I received my very first quilt. When J and I were married, his 2nd cousin gave us a quilt. We use it ALL THE TIME. It has lived in our living room since we received it. It is my most prized possession, next to my Longaberger baskets and pottery, and Henn Workshops dishes from my MIL. 

I had signed up to take a quilting class in Tulsa. But then I couldn't make the classes due to our schedule. A couple of weeks ago, I bought a book on how to quilt. I'm looking around town for a reasonably priced beginner quilt class. 

AND, I signed up on Quiltgroup.com. It is a brand new site that I got in on in the beta stage. Nice to get in on the ground level. Not only did I sign up, but I started a group - Chicago Quilters!! If I'm going to do this, I'm going to do this. 

Freaky Friday - Faker Style

My daughter should act. She has a gift...

I told the girls to 'Look Mad'

These kiddos were told to look mad, too...

"Mommy, I pretend nap, otay??"

And here is the 'ugly kiss'

How Fast They Grow!!!

When Mini Me was born, 

she weighed 5 lbs, 5 oz @ 18" long

She has gone from a size 2T to a 4T

in 4 months!!!!

How quickly they grow!!

Wordless Wednesday - Mini Me @ Karate

What's Cooking Wednesday - China Edition

This is the China edition

It's Tuesday in America but Wednesday in China!

This was my first time making Angel Food Cake

Peaches were going bad

I wanted a light, low-fat dessert

I surfed the web and voila!

WHATCHA NEED

ANGEL FOOD CAKE

by Fayrene De Koker from allrecipes.com

12 egg whites (or as needed to equal 1 1/2 cups)

1 1/4 cups confectioner's sugar

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 1/2  teaspoon cream of tarter

1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (or 1 tsp lemon extract)

1/2 teaspoon almond extract

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 cup sugar

PEACH SAUCE

2 cups peaches (chopped in blender)

(approx. 5-6 small peaches)

1 1/2 tbsp corn starch

1 cup sugar

1/2 tsp concentrated lemon juice

WHATCHA DO

ANGEL FOOD CAKE

Separate eggs. Place in mixing bowl

Let stand 30 min at room temperature.

Sift confectioner's sugar and flour together 3x. 

Set aside.

Add cream of tarter, extracts and salt to egg whites

Beat on high speed. Gradually add sugar

Beat until sugar dissolved & stiff peaks form. 

Fold in flour mixture 1/4 cup at a time.

Gently spoon into ungreased 10" tube pan

Cut through batter with a knife to remove air pockets

Bake at 350 for 40-45 min 

Or until cake springs back when lightly touched.

Immediately invert pan

Cool completely before removing cake from pan.

PEACH SAUCE

Combine. Cook.

Stir constantly on medium high heat until thick 

(approx. 1 min)

WHATCHA DO DIFFERENT

1. 10 egg whites - that was 1 1/2 cups for me

2. 1 tsp almond extract

I was out of vanilla, so I substituted lemon extract. 

3. Sprayed Pam on muffin tin

4. Cooked 35 min when sprung back

5. I put the extra in ungreased dish - it stuck!!

WHATCHA THINK

J said it tasted much lighter and had a slightly sweeter taste than the traditional blandish Angel Food Cake. That was because of the lemon extract.

Kids LOVED it!! Wanted more and more!

Be sure to visit Fairy Blogmother's site for more

  What's Cooking Wednesday inspirations.

Rushing Ahead

Motor Mouth is doing well in school. For the most part. And the part he's not doing well on is because of me. I was so busy in December, he barely got an education. Not good. Especially considering I set a goal of completing math, language arts and phonics by April so he could move ahead faster. The curriculum is already at a grade 1 level, when he is only in kindergarten. 

Why finish early? You know, I started asking myself that this week. Why? Why does a Kindergartener need to start on double digit addition? Or division? Does he really need to be able to count to 1,000? Or is 100 enough? Like, seriously, when is my son going to be using the extra 900 numbers between now and September when school starts back again?

We were moseying along at our pace. Hitting the 'Exceeds Expectations' milestones. Then I talked to another mother in the school, who said that if he grasped the work in 2 hours, we should do the 5 hours the program requires so he can finish early and start on the next grade level. I didn't want to be holding him back. He is so smart, I wanted him to be challenged.

The competitive side of me decided to take up the challenge. I created a spreadsheet and figured out exactly what percentage MotorMouth mouth needed to hit each month to finish early. And we were headed there. We would be there right now, if it weren't for that 1 insane month before Christmas. 

More and more, I'm thinking we don't need to do 5 hours of hard core schooling every day. If he exceeds expectations, with 2 hours, that is what we should be doing. The other time should be spent hanging out with the kids. Reintroducing our family fun nights and family fridays. Spending time building relationships with friends the kids' ages. That's my goal! Not fast-tracking through the curriculum.

Secret Revealed

I was asked what secrets I'm keeping. 

Shhhhh....Nobody knows this one....

Not even J.

I want to be a MASCOT!!!

Ever since I worked part-time at Copps Collisseum, in my hometown of Hamilton, and saw Bruiser the Bulldog, the team mascot for the Hamilton Bulldogs hockey farm team, I've wanted to don a costume and dance around anonymously.

Bruiser

Mascots are so cute!!!

Mascots have so much fun!!!!

Well, most of the time....