83-and-a-half, 83-and-three-quarters and #79

83.5 - I don't know if this counts, but I made Vinnie, Trinity & Maggie pillow-cases and crayon-holders.  I have decided not to make quilts for Devin and Mia, mostly because I'm kind of on creative burn-out.  I made Mia a horse for Christmas (which I need to finish.) It isn't really as cute as I had hoped, but I think with practice, they'll be adorable.  But, I am also the kid of girl who makes 3 or 4 & then says "I'm on creative burn-out" ;)

#83.75 - I finished Hannah's quilt. She loves it. Her mom's the best. :P

#79.  Mom & I set out to make a dress for Hannah this past Easter (2011).  Mom was very anxious and started to create.  She made 89.9% of the dress.  I helped a little.  So it counts.  Plus, I purchased patterns & material for outfits (Shirts) for the girls.  I just haven't had the energy, desire, *whatever* to start them. 

#29 ,#30, #31

I used bad words in those #s. I was told once not to use the words ALWAYS or NEVER.
Because rarely are they appropriate. The context was in a mediation at work.  The mediator said we were not allowed to say "Jane NEVER gives me my phone messages." or "Billy ALWAYS comes to the meeting late".  The truth is, Jane forgot one or two important messages over the past 4 months & Billy was late 3 weeks in a row...
I digress.

#29 was: ONLY (translated always) grocery shop from a list.  I must say I have used lists MUCH more frequently than before.  I do blame that on how much I multi task & forget things.  And the fact that MY DAD WAS RIGHT - lists make the world go 'round.  It is not feasible to ALWAYS shop from a list. 
I made a list last night that included "Eggs, Bread crumbs, Flour, Honey."  But then I was in the coffee/tea isle and decided my HORRIBLE head cold needed some chamomile tea.  Was it on my list? No.  I bought it anyway. 

Then I remembered that we have been out of Hayley's School Lunch Yogurt (she likes the Go-Gurt tubes.  They are easily frozen and they stay nice and cold until lunch.).  I bought them, too.  Is this a true "Fail"?  I don't think so.

I must say - a week ago, I had a DETAILED list.  I haven't been REAL grocery shopping in 2 months.  It was getting bad in our house.  Old Mother Hubbard had NOTHING on Ol' Mother Harriger here...
I had my items categorized by area of the store (i.e. frozen, dairy, meat, etc) & my trip took no more than 45 minutes - including checkout, bagging and returning the cart.  It was heavenly. I also didn't have the girls with me, so that *might* have contributed to the speed.

#30 Never go into Walmart or Target without a list.  Right. 
How do you spell the sound your tongue makes when you stick it out (They call it a 'raspberry', but I spell it.. Bpfththhththththth). I occasionally go to those places just to walk around for 2 hours.  That is what they are for & I'm stickin' to it.  Plus... if "Clearance Isle" is on my list, that counts, right?

#31 Coupons.
I do. Sometimes.  I am not a huge coupon girl and this is why.  Usually (always) the coupons are for brand name items.  Usually (always) the store brand items are on in-store specials and are cheaper than the coupon/name brand item.  The stores do this on purpose I AM SURE.  They know Charmin TP has a $1.00 off coupon.  They want to sell their product which is usually 40-cents cheaper or more.  So, they'll just knock off an additional 75-cents and be less than Charmin.  And I will buy it.

So, that is why I rarely coupon.

Yes, I've seen Extreme Couponing.  Yes they get thousands of dollars of stuff for free.
There are so many things wrong with those people.  The only thing that separates most of them from the people in "Hoarders" is extreme organization!  Seriously! 

Couponers jump into dumpsters for Coupons, Hoarders jump in for old teddy-bears.
Couponers get an emotional "rush" from their good deals, Hoarders get that same rush - in a negative way - when you touch their stuff.
Couponers spend hours in the grocery store, Hoarders ... in the thrift store.
Couponers fill truck loads with stuff they don't need (Sports Drinks, Pet food for pets they don't have, products for the opposite gender, Kid-stuff when they are childless)

(I'm not making this up - a 16 year old boy claimed to be an extreme couponer & was showing his "collection".  He had about 50 packs of Feminine Hygiene products on that shelf.  He said "I don't even really know what these are, but they have Wings and they were FREE!"  I want to shake him & say "DONATE THEM TO A FOOD SHELF!")

Hoarders (sadly) think everything they touch is valuable, an antique, could be used someday (but won't ever)...

Couponers take those truckloads of items and set them neatly in their garage or spare bedroom in nice shelving units and rotate their stock like a "real" grocery store would.
Hoarders just open the door and toss their stuff on top.

One thing Hoarders have that Couponers do not... pancake-cats.
(If you've ever stomached Hoarders, you'll probably know what I'm referring to.  If not, please envision lovely golden pancakes, cooked with love on a Saturday morning, shaped with cookie-cutters to resemble cats.)

This was the Digression of all Digressions.  Sorry.

#25

#25 Well, we did it.  We paid off our credit cards.
Don't tell, but we do have a Best Buy card WITH a balance.  But it is interest free until 2013 and we are on-par for paying that off before paying finance charges!

(is "on par" how you spell that? Is if fancy? like en-parre or something dumb?)

I don't talk about this amazing accomplishment often, because it was such a long process (just over 4 years) and it is tiresome.  I hate admitting how much debt we had and will never stop to think about how much money we spent in interest charges.
  And do NOT tell me. :)

#6, 8, 10

#6 I volunteered for Hayley's Halloween Party in Kindergarten.  I went to the "Nature Center" with her class in the spring, as well. Go me!  I LOVED when my mom would come hang out with my class.  Sadly, I think it was because I didn't have friends in my class and she'd actually talk to me...
#8 It is harder for me to volunteer for Hannah's Preschool than Hayley's.  I think it is because I don't drop her off or pick her up, so anytime they have a call for volunteers, I'm not there... and by the time Tim tells me - they have their list filled.  I am SURE if I said I'd like to come, they'd put me to use.
I did go on Hannah's Birthday and sat through the class.  She is such a cute little friend.  Of course it was only the 2nd day of preschool, so most kids looked like deer-caught-in-headlights over the whole situation.
#10 I have gone through these clothes tubs a hundred times.  Each fall & spring I have participated in a large consignment sale and have gotten rid of most everything.  So now I have it down to 3 Tubs: 1) "They might fit next year" 2)"Next season's sale" & "I'm too attached". 
The important things - coming home from the hospital outfits, Parent/Child dedication outfits, First birthday & Christmas outfits... those are all in ziplock bags in one tub.  I'm in no rush to get rid of the rest.

#3

Okay, so in reviewing my list, I can safely cross off the following:

#3 - volunteer in children's ministries on a regular basis.  I have been teaching Sunday School every/other week for almost 3 years.  That counts, I think! 
This fall, I also volunteered to help be the "CRAFT LADY" in AWANA Cubbies!  So Far, So Good.  If it wasn't for Melody Biggar planning, preparing & organizing the crafts each week, I KNOW the crafts would be "Fruit Loop Necklaces" or "Color on this piece of paper" every week.  Who Knows, maybe I'd throw in a "Cheerio Bracelet".

I have REALLY enjoyed this time.  The sunday school class is the pre-school (4 Year Olds)/Kindergarten age.    This is such a weird and fantastic age.  They come in at 4 years old.  Either newly 4 (Summer babies) or "almost" 5, just not yet in Kindergarten.  The range of emotional & social maturity is amazing in this age group. BUT - despite what you are thinking, it isn't necessarily due to their age! Some of the "Just 4" are very competitive with the "Almost 6" year olds! Some of the 6 year olds... Well, I pray for my attitude some weeks.
Cubbies is mostly the same kids I have in Sunday School, plus a group that is just one step younger. I think they are supposed to be 4 when they start Cubbies.  Some kids turn in September/October and they were allowed in.
This has made me think about Hannah's situation.  Her birthday is September 15.  The district cut off for Kindergarten is September 1.  They are pretty strict about it, too (i.e. no early enrollment).  So, I just go with her starting Kindergarten in September 2012.  However, when I am with these kids who are 4 right now, and will be 5 years old by September 1... I think "They are SUCH little babies!"  How is my fiercely independent, bold & outgoing daughter with an amazingly strong personality going to fit in with these kids who still (literally!) hide behind their mom's legs?  Of course... maybe they only hide behind their moms when Hannah is RUNNING full force toward them to give them one of her super-dooper-world class hugs... (the kind where everyone ends up on the ground with Hannah on top). ;)
I know, someone has to be the oldest in every class and someone has to be the youngest.  Someone the tallest, someone the shortest.  I also know "Size-Wise" her peers will catch up eventually.  Hayley is no longer the tallest in her class and she was ALWAYS 97+%tile for height.
I was one of the youngest in my class AND I was the biggest. I survived (barely). At least Hannah can say "I AM a year older than you..." when she pushes them down for being mean.

101 by WHEN?

So, it appears I have skipped an ENTIRE year of my great unaccomplishable list.

However, I did create a new word:

Unaccomplishable- meaning... unable to accomplish.

I haven't totally given up.  I will choose the ones to remove from my list.  Things that are no longer as important as they were back when I started this!  Maybe that is my answer to those items.

... that is... if I remember how to work this blog.

# 5, #25, #26

#5 - Sit in Hayley's Preschool class 2 afternoons.
I did one, on her birthday.  I did 2... well, not officially.  I did go early a few times for parties, presentations, etc.  On the last day, I went for their "songs" & party.  Does that count?  If not, Too Bad!  Preschool is OVER.

#25 - We officially have paid off 3 of the 5 credit cards.  Praise God for giving us patience and perseverance.  We are ALMOST done with the other 2 & are looking at one or 2 months!

#26 - We have been ultimately blessed with awesome people in our lives.  Our personal debts have been forgiven.  Would anyone mind if I paralleled this to the forgiveness of our Heavenly Father?  We were in earthly debt beyond imagine.  Our earthly fathers' forgave us.  Thank you, Dave.  Thank you, Tom. Thank you Lord for blessing us with these wonderful people. (Well, thanks Elaine & Joy, also.  I am sure you had a little part in this).

#92!

I decided reading my list every few months would inspire me to get going!

So I noticed #92 was "Attend one Twins' game"!!

I SO tackled this one!
A friend gave me a pair of tickets for the Twins v. A's game the day before Tim & my anniversary. It was so fun to see the new stadium and just "be" there. It was a reminder of how boring baseball games can be... I think 5 innings is enough. Maybe I should start a petition? LOL

Here is some proof that we were there:
We stayed for fireworks - they are shot off over by the "Minnie & Paul" figures over my left shoulder... that is why that half of the stadium, is completely cleared out.

The crickets... The cobwebs...

Helloooooo Hellooooo Helloooo?

Is anyone Here Here here?

LOL!  I'll get to it.


Someday.

June 2. 2010.

Okay.  So now is the time to get serious on a topic I've been avoiding.
I watched Jillian Michaels rip a family a new front door tonight & realized - OMG what if she shows up at my condo? Thank GOD it is a secure entry building.

FOR HEALTH'S SAKE.
I am tired of being "that" girl.  The one that knows the Weight Watcher's material in & out.  The one who weighs 3852 pounds, yet her friends ask "How does that counting points work?"

 I learned a new term this weekend "Interfriendtion" (get it? intervention/interFRIENDtion?? Thank you Hollywood.).  

Please feel free to hold me accountable, ask me how I'm doing, ask me when the last time I've spoken to Ben & Jerry, Ronald McD and the Nestle family.  If you see me at the grocery store - please feel free to ask me where the fruits are - grab that bag of Doritos from my cart & RUN!!! LOL!

Summer is miserable to be overweight!

Help me knock off Numbers 42, 43, 44, 45, 46...

MAY I interest you in an update?

#77 I have been reading to the girls.  Not necessarily EVERY night, but they aren't willing participants every night.

#9 I abandoned the "no overdue library materials" goal.  It is a good goal and I will still TRY! but I've blown the "NO overdue materials" goal!

#84 Tim & I had a "date" a few weeks ago.  It wasn't much of a date since we had to drive to Eden Prairie to pick up some items from a consignment sale.  But in the process we ate at a "hole-in-the-wall" Mexican restaurant.  It was SO awesome.  I think they are set up mostly for take-out, but they did have about 12 booths.  They don't have fountian drinks, only in cans (& "REAL" Mexican bottled soda... Mexico-buddies, where was the bag & straw?! LOL! 

Anyway, the place was called Aurelia's. It is on Hwy 5 and ?Eden Prairie Blvd???  It is across from Kowalski's Market - by Walgreens. YUM!

We also have been blessed by a new Thai Cuisine restaurant RIGHT across the street.  We've eaten there once.  Nong's Thai Cuisine.  It is SO delicious.

Sadly, after years of providing convenience store convenience, the Sunny Hollow Market has closed.  In it's place will open "Lake Ridge Liquors".  So I think I need to add "become a sloshy-drunk" to the list... you know - support local businesses & all! Okay - I'm kidding about that and if this is something you struggle with - or HAVE struggled with - I apologize for making fun of a serious situation.

#10

#10 "Go through baby clothes...etc"
This is kind of related.

There is a big consignment sale this week.  I decided to sell some stuff.  I could only handle going through the 12month, 18, 24months, 2T, 3T & 4T summer stuff.  I looked at the 0-9 month tub & thought... "wow, this tub is very neatly organized.  I'd hate to disrupt it." & put it back.

So far, after day 2 of the sale, I've sold the bouncey-seat, a stroller, the swing, the bed-rails, the out-door slide, the rocker-chair, the Fisher Price zoo (DO NOT tell Hayley).  I've also sold a bunch of books, clothes & DVDs.

Let me tell you -
The out-door slide.  I picked up at a garage sale 2 years ago for $5.  I sold it for $10 :)
The stroller - I bought at Once Upon a Child for $5... I sold it for $20.
Another stroller - my dad got in the give-away area of the dumpster room when grandma lived in the condo... I sold it for $6.
The bed-rail was Free when I bought Hannah's bed at the thrift store.  I sold it for $12.
The rocker-chair was my parents'.  They were ready to get rid of it.  They haven't asked me for their cut... but I think emptying out their basement is payment enough for them!! LOL

!WHOO HOO!

Gone, but not Forgotten...

I'm sure if anyone is still checking this blog, you'd wonder if I moved to a village in South America's rain-forest.
I haven't.  AND I haven't neglected my list, either!
The truth is - I've been spending more time away from the computer!  Between attempting to keep a blog up every day/week... and Facebook... and my friends on BabyCenter... I could easily spend 5 hours a day on the computer!
So, here's a little list update.  Numbers 12, 13, and 14 are completed!  My dad (who is awesome) renovated our kitchen this winter.  We got new cabinets, a new sink, new microwave - and it all started with a new refrigerator that was 2 inches too tall for the existing cabinet.  In the process, we got the floor-board trim installed, the in-sink-erator replaced!
One of my residents at WestRidge moved out and left her table and chairs behind.  They quickly found their way to my apartment!  Because my new kitchen is so pretty, I can't bare to have the table messy!  It is much smaller.  Our old table sat 6 people (or two small children and months of junk I didn't want to deal with).  This one has drop-leaves and seats 4 in a square, then turns to a rectangle if you have extras. SO nice. SO clean.

There have been other things attempted (and failed).  My friend and I attempted to meet at WestRidge to work out.  We did it once.  We attempted to "Mall-Walk"... I did it once.  The hard thing for me is what to do with the girls.  At WestRidge, they sat in the van and watched a movie - got bored - got out of the van... got in trouble.  At the mall, I had to rent 2 strollers, buy 2 pretzels & a lemonade, reward their "almost" good behavior with a t-shirt from Build-a-bear for their new babies... run to the bathroom 2 times (maybe three?).  $20 and almost 2 hours later... We won't do that again.

But I did find a Vikings jersey for Tim in a 4x!!! Now, I am starting a fund raising campaign because it costs $350? maybe only $275.  Unless Adrian Peterson or Brett Favre is wearing that jersey and after purchasing that jersey, he is contracted to clean my bathroom for the next 3 months... it really REALLY isn't worth it.

Maybe we can walk the neighborhood, now that the winter-snow is officially GONE! (Even the big ugly piles in the parking lots are melted!) I KNOW it is March in Minnesota and there will be at least one more snow-fall and cold-snap, but I choose not to dwell on that.

We received 2 Dr. Seuss books from Joy, (Tim's mom), for Valentine's day.  I will have to cross those off the Dr. Seuss list!!

I'm Back!

Here's my update!
 #84! Eat at a new restaurant.  I get double credit, because it was a NEW new restaurant, not just new to me.  We have a restaurant across the street that has been a Pizza place, a Chinese place, a Mexican Buffet and "American" fare - (all in the past 20 years or so).  The American fare closed up a few months ago & "Nong's Thai" opened on Feb.1.  YUM.  I love it.  They made the place look awesome.  The food was great, the owner was super nice. AND they have an alternative to fortune cookies.  He called them Thai Fortune Rolls. YUM!! SO if you are ever on 169 & Medicine Lake Road - stop in at Nong's Thai Cuisine!

#83.5: I made pillow cases for V, T, & M for Christmas.  I also made a "Crayon-Roll-Up" & will be making a "Marker-Roll-Up" when I have a few minutes to shop for fabric.  I will keep thinking of fun things for them. (If you have NO idea what a crayon/ marker roll-up is... Email me & I'll send you a link to the directions. SO fun & easy).

#58:  I have been really enjoying my Bible Study.  I don't know if I mentioned it, but I am going through Beth Moore's "Esther" study.  I am loving it.  I'm learning a lot, too! It is actually almost over.  Sad.  But there will be another one soon!

#38: I caved.  I was pulled over to the dark side. I can't crawl out. I am reading the Twilight series. I SWORE I'd never EVER read those books or watch the movies.  But, Tim wanted to watch the movie, so I said - fine & we Net-Flixed Twilight.  Then we watched the 2nd movie on a date.  And I didn't hate them.  BUT I wanted to see how the books followed the movie & darn it... like every other book-to-movie... the books are a bazillion times better & I can't stop reading them. BUT - Does Twilight count as a grown-up book, if they were written for teenagers & housed in the "Teen" section at the library? And every "scene" I question the sanity of the writer & reader and remind myself the subject matter is for TEENAGERS.  (Thanks Amanda, you mentioned that on Facebook a while back.).

#34: I am sure we did in December, but I have no memory of being alone with Tim.  (well...)  BUT In January, we managed to break away and go see New Moon.  I got popcorn.  Our babysitter is cheap.  She works for a refill of our popcorn.

#33: I went out with my friend Jill again in January.  I went to my friend Sara Jo's house, but I had the kids, but I ignored them for most of the night, that mostly counts, right?

#30: I have been using the "Notebook" feature on my phone.  It is AWESOME to have a plan.  I just hate that people think I'm in the middle of the store texting...

#24: As much as it kills me, I've been doing well at this! Either picking up the girls' room, fixing up the kitchen (We had a remodel job going on), going through laundry, etc... I've been busy.

#14 probably won't happen.  Through this remodel job in my kitchen, the cabinets are smaller than the old ones in certain areas.  SO there are larger gaps between the flooring & the cabinets than before & I don't think "Quarter-Round" will do the job right now.  We probably could lump this into "Improvements for the move"...

Black Monday...

Yes, I know it is Tuesday, but since my last post was a dedication to the Vikings & their awesome win over some team.  Today must be reserved for silence, prayer & meditation to the loss of an awesome season due to a cheap overtime "Sudden Death" rule.  Waaaaah. If only we had like 2 more chances to win.  Oh, well.

So, Back to my challenge.  I believe one of my unwritten challenges was to spend less time on the computer.  That will be my reason for being absent.  Because I have been spending more time with my girls!  We had a lovely holiday and now I must focus on THE LIST.

(Thanks, Carrie Rae, for calling me out, busting my chops & making me feel SO guilty for not blogging.! LOVE YOU!)

Purple Tuesday

If we can have Black Friday, I hereby nominate the Tuesday before Thanksgiving "PURPLE TUESDAY".


It's purpose. Well, I plan on thinking about how AWESOME The Minnesota Vikings are. You do whatever you see fit to do with Purple Tuesday. Maybe it is going to the grocery store just to get some milk and snacks. Maybe it is drinking some grape Kool-aid or holding your breath until your lips turn... PURPLE!

#25 Have I mentioned my panic when I look at #25? Pay-off my credit card debt in JULY of next year?! WHAT?! I am really nervous. About what, exactly? Well, for 9 years, Tim and I have been in serious debt! It has been such a burden that we've pulled around with us.  I can barely believe that in 9 months - it will be GONE.  What does that mean for us? Freedom to save, freedom to buy new socks...



#29 is going great.  I won't go into the store without first sitting in the car & scribbling on an envelope or typing a list into my phone.  It totally helps the extra spending.  and when the kids ask for treats or extra things... I just say "It isn't on the list!"  Of course, one time, Hayley said... "MOOOM-IE! Just write it ON the list!"

#57 - SHhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh Don't tell Tim! 
I cooked a half-vegetarian meal last week!  I mixed a half-pound of hamburger with a half-pound of soy-crumbles!  The girls gobbled up the dish & Tim liked it, too! 



#90 - I totally forgot! I kind of sort of did this! I went to see "Bert & Ernie: Good Night!" at the Children's Theatre Company in October!  We won tickets at the State Fair.  It was SO MUCH FUN.  The girls loved every minute of it.  They sat on the edge of their seats (or my lap) the whole time.  My mom came with and to be honest... the adults loved it just as much as the kiddos!  But I'm not satisfied with that being my #90.  I want to see a grown-up play.

Mid November

I was at JCPenney on Saturday & the Salvation Army bell ringer was outside.  The girls each dropped in a quarter.  I smiled & said "I am not ready for saying 'merry Christmas', so... have a good weekend."

I'm thinking the bell ringers could be out 365 days a year & I wouldn't mind.  They raise SO much money with the extra change in my pocket.  I'd rather give it to them than the Caribou "Tips" jar!

THE LIST:
I kind of cheated on one of the Dr. Seuss books.  I read it while we were sitting outside the library before I had to return it.  It is an "Inter-LIbrary-Loan", meaning it came from another library in the state of Minnesota (Willmar, to be exact).

That's about it for now.  I need to re-read THE LIST and get working!

A Refreshing Weekend

Just in case you were dying for an update:

I went to camp.  I scrapbooked.  I caught up Hannah's professional-portraits book! That was a small task as I only had her 1-year photos & her 2007 Holiday portrait.  BUT it took me a whole day to do!
I also did some sewing.  I started with the girls' Christmas presents.  I made a little fleece blanket for Hannah with Fancy-Nancy fabric.  A lady in our sewing-room taught me a new fleece blanket making technique.  The traveling quilt store had some "Fairy-Feathers".  Oh, my.  This is like a feathered boa, only not feathers.  They are some soft, frilly, shiny-white material that is absolutely fancy & fabulous.  I sewed that around Hannah's Fancy Nancy blanket. 

I made Hayley a fleece "Rag-Time" blanket out of Bright Green, 2 Pinks & a flamingo fabric.  If anyone knows what a rag-time quilt is - same concept, different material.  It is cute, but after I cut the 9-inch blocks, I realized all my flamingo heads will be in the seams & all Hayley will have is a flock of flamingo-butts. Oh, and for the record, no JoAnn store in Minnesota has the flamingo fleece.  :/   Oh, and the lady at the store in Orlando, Florida didn't know what "Fleece" was.  What?

So, while I can't cross anything off my LIST today, I totally enjoyed my retreat & had some much needed rest. 

(note, I didn't say SLEEP.  I didn't sleep.  My body wants to be awake at 7:30am despite the 2:am bed-time).

11/6/09 ~ November Update #1

CRAZY: (CrAy'-Zee) noun' - See Also: Harriger, Sara Lou
What a few weeks it has been.
(insert icon of person who's head is either banging into a wall, or rolling off their shoulders...)

Today, a great event is happening 50 steps from my work.  A new Trader Joe's is opening!!!

As one resident put it: "A whole building filled with people in a good mood."

I am going down there - just to soak up the good mood (and get a milk-chocolate truffle bar).

Today, I am also going in my semi-annual quilting & scrapbooking trip with my mom!
(I also learned that biannual isn't a word.  It is Semi-Annual).

I get super excited because we are going to Camp Lebanon in Upsala, Minnesota.  I couldn't care less what we are doing - but I get to go to camp.  I'd be happy sitting in a chair on the shore staring at the water. 

The first time I went to C.L. I was 6 weeks old.  I haven't missed a summer or winter since.  Camp's "logo" is: A Meeting Place with God. It has never dissapointed.

I will be working on Hannah's 1st-year scrapbook (#69) and her quilt (#83 & 3/4).  I also have 2 scrapbooks of the girls' professional pictures that I'll be working on.

Bring on the camp food.  Pass me a tall glass of iron-filled, rusty water.  Here I Come!

As far as the rest of the list:

#3 - I have finished my 2nd week of teaching.  I LOVE it.  I am able to get up and attend the 9:30am service as well! the girls enjoy going to sunday-school for 3 hours.  I might just have to do a full-time volunteer.  Shhhhhhhh don't tell.
#5 - I sat in Hayley's Preschool class on Tuesday.  They had "Celebrate Hayley" day for her birthday.  It was really fun to watch her in her own little environment. 

Mrs. Orenge told me at conferences that "Caden really likes Hayley" and she is right.  That little boy followed Hayley, sat by Hayley, was always moving where Hayley was standing, constantly looking over his shoulder to make sure Hayley was still there... when they did craft-time, he sat next to her and said "Hayley, your necklace is SO pretty! You did a much better job than I did." *sigh* How precious?!  & yesterday, they were playing together and would NOT leave the class.  His mom was a little annoyed, but I thought it was the most precious thing I've ever seen.

But really, how good or bad can a fruit-loop necklace look?  Mine was awesome because I picked out all the purple & yellow fruit-loops & made an edible Vikings necklace!!

I have failed at #9. Even though they send me an email saying "Renew or Return"... I can't seem to hit the "Renew" button.  Oh, well.  Maybe next week.

#47... Shhhh dont' jinx it.  I did it.

I am doing a bunch of the other challenges - the daily ones are sometimes every-other day... but I have NOT neglected them altogether.

Okay - and if I see one more Dr. Seuss book, I'm going to cry.  I've read one a night for the past couple weeks.

October 24 2009 - Updates!

It has been really fun for me to tackle some of these challenges.  Really, if you break them down - they aren't very difficult.  Like the shredding of our papers.  I turned on Biggest Loser on Tuesday, sat there & shred (shredded?) papers.

I was super busy at work this week with some projects, and there was a large consignment sale in the area that I took part in.  I am SO excited.  I sold enough 'junk' at the sale to buy the girls each a big doll they want for Christmas!  I think I'm adding the JBF sale to my list.  I need to participate if I can.

Back to the List.

63.  Participate in Angel Tree or Shoeboxes (1/3)
This week, Hayley, Hannah  and I went to the dollar store and spent $10 and filled a box!  The girls had the final say on everything (except the toothbrushes).

22.   Shred all the papers in the 'SHRED' bag.

See above. I'm about half-way through.

24.   Spend at least 45 minutes each night cleaning.

I hate cleaning.  But I'm doing it.  Usually I get the trash, laundry, dishes taken care of.  or pick up the girls' room.  If I spent 5 hours on Sunday "cleaning" can that count for the WHOLE week?

97.  Read the Dr. Seuss children's collection to my children (2/66)

I tackled a couple others this week. SERIOUS sleeping pill for Hannah.  I love it.
The funny thing.  One book is called "I Can Lick 30 Tigers Today."  I am thinking... why would you want to lick a tiger & why would it take all day to lick 30 of them?  Yeah... HALF WAY through the book - I realized LICK = BEAT UP.  Geez.  I'm such a pacifist.

Ready for a Sara Lou Ramble?

83-1/2. This is a new entry on my list.  I realized I seem to be neglecting a few important members of my family.  I have on my list 'make quilts' for Devin & Mia... but Don & Shelley's kids are missing from my creative-pursuits.

I started a "tradition" with the Harriger Nieces when Alex turned 4 WAAAY back in 2000.   I made her a quilt.  Then in 2002, I gave Cassie a quilt for HER 4th birthday...  I just presumed at the time, those would be the only 2 quilts I'd have to make.   But the Stork apparently got our parents' Christmas cards because....

Vinnie and Hayley were born in 2004.  Amelia was born in 2005.  Trinity & My Hannah arrived in 2006, Then Devin and Maggie came along in 2008.  And now there is little Saben in 2009.  Hmmm.  Our siblings weren't supposed to be so reproductive in such a short time!!

I know my mom quilts and she made quilts for Vinnie, Trinity & Maggie... and I made them taggies and a fleece.  But I don't want them to think Auntie Sara doesn't care!  Maybe I'll make them matching Easter Outfits next year! LOL! (Could you imagine?)

Actually - I THINK I could get away with just making the piggie-quilt for Mia & ending the quilt tradition. .  I gathered the Piggie fabric the second after I found out Tara was pregnant, so it was really more a quilt for TARA than the baby inside.  The boys can get HotWheels and Toy Guns

Did anyone read all that? I have a friend in Pennsylvania that will make you all Vegetarian Chili & deliver it to your doors if you did.