21 Weeks, 1 Day – Oh, Heartburn, How I Loathe Thee

Our little baby boy is growing fast! My belly seems to grow daily. I’m always surprised by someplace I can no longer fit. Our small house is full of nooks and crannies, and I have to be careful of how I fit through them. It’s getting difficult to reach upper shelves in the cabinets; I [...]

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homeschooling resources

I found a great blog:
Trivium Academy
Written by a classical homeschooling mother of two, and pastor’s wife. I love reading the info she’s compiled, as she’s a few steps ahead of me (her oldest is seven). It gives me hope that I, too, will be that organized one day.

A great, quality, free curriculum resource:
Ambleside Online
I have [...]

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simple blinds

A tutorial on how to sew simple blinds. Brilliant, easy, cheap. All you need is some fabric (and not that much) and some hooks.
From one of my new favorite craft/decorating blogs, Two Straight Lines.

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alternative building – cob

I’ve always been interested in strawbale houses. But only recently have cob houses started to interest me. They’re amazingly beautiful. Here are some links, if you’re interested in figuring out what cob is all about:

Greenhomebuilding.com – Cob
Cob Cottage
Barefoot Builder
Seventh Generation Natural Builders

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garlic scape pesto

Mmmmm. Mmmmm. Mmmmmmmm.
MaryJane’s Garlic Scape Pesto*

1 cup grated parmesan cheese
3 tablespoon fresh lime or lemon juice
1/4 pound garlic scapes
1/2 cup olive oil
salt to taste

Puree scapes and olive oil in a food processor (or blender) until smooth. Stir in parmesan cheese and lime or lemon juice and season to taste. Serve on bread, crackers or [...]

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my dream play room/area – and decluttering challenge

I love this play area.
So simple, uncluttered. Nothing beeps at you or lights up at weird times. Nothing smells plasticky. Just great toys for spurring on the imagination. I’m determined to simplify my kids’ play area, organize it, and get rid of toys that I don’t think are conducive to creative play or thinking.
I’m [...]

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another toy recall for lead paint

Thomas Toys Recalled Because of Lead in Paint
Lead is a huge danger for children. Ingestion is common in high-risk areas, and even the most aware parent can be taken by surprise. Consider the Thomas train toys–my kids have played with those at Barnes & Noble. It’s really hard to stay up on it.
It takes just [...]

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father’s day fare

Happy Father’s Day, all of you dads out there! Today, I think especially of my own husband and the wonderful way he loves our children. I’m also thinking of my dear dad and my great father-in-law. I love you all!
We let Jason pick out a restaurant for lunch today. He chose Abay, an Ethiopian restaurant [...]

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What the World Eats

Very interesting photo essay by Time Magazine:
What the World Eats
I was especially hit by the varying amounts different people groups spend on food per week, and the vast differences in favorite meals. I loved that some of the families that spent the least showed the most produce and fresh foods (like the Namgay family of [...]

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Baby’s First Photo

Here’s a cute shot of our son sucking his thumb during our ultrasound Tuesday (6/12/07):

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