Lit and Laundry

Finished for Friday: Patriotic Quilt

noreply@blogger.com (Threeundertwo) — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 04:56:00 +0000

Here is another mini-quilt that seems appropriate for this weekend. I also read "Lord of the Flies" on my Kindle this week, after Drama Girl picked up a copy to read from the library. I thought it would be fun to read the same book at the same time. She didn't finish it but I couldn't put it down.

Tell us what you've finished this week. I love to see everyone's accomplishments. Grab the button from my sidebar if you'd like and sign in to Mr. Linky below. Have a great weekend and enjoy Independence Day!

Loving Summer

noreply@blogger.com (Threeundertwo) — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 05:13:00 +0000

It's finally here. After months of cool days and cold nights, we finally have weather that's like summer. It couldn't have come any sooner for me.

Summer is about sleeping in, goofing off, and becoming a little more carefree. I remember summers as a kid, and that delicious taste of freedom from responsibilities. I love to see that in my own kids now. They lounge around and do nothing, and after the first week, I haven't heard any "there's nothing to do" complaints. Because when you're free, there's always something to do.

I don't even mind that there seem to be a few more things for me to do. A few more towels to wash, a hose to put away after a sprinkler session on the lawn. A ridiculous number of plastic cups to wash after they have been retrieved from the far reaches of the house and yard.

All too soon the realities of responsibility will return for all of us, but for now, hand me an iced-tea and let's kick back. This is absolutely my favorite time of year.

How about you? What's your favorite season?

Makes My Monday: Girly Campouts

noreply@blogger.com (Threeundertwo) — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 03:45:00 +0000

Jungle Boy was on a 5 day campout at Yosemite this weekend, but sadly his trip was cut short because one of the scouts got sick. Still, he came home filthy and happy and full of stories to tell.

The girls decided they wanted to use the tent to camp out on the lawn. Their concept of roughing it is a bit different than your average Boy Scout's. I took a peek to see what they'd set up. This is what I found.

Drama Girl has discovered how to use Facebook on her cell phone, so she'll probably be doing that all night. And I think if they actually drink that big thermos of ice water there will be a few trips inside.

Glad it's finally warm enough to have this kind of fun. Seeing the girls create a whole apartment in the yard makes my Monday. For other stories of smiles today, visit Cheryl at Twinfatuation.

Gratuitous Kitten Pictures

noreply@blogger.com (Threeundertwo) — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 01:25:00 +0000

Falling asleep on a needlepoint pillow. This picture makes me sleepy.

Dumbledore with a portrait drawn by a neighbor.

Dumbledore fell asleep in the doll bed and my son put a quilt over him.

Hestia with a teddy bear. Can you tell she's reaching out her paw towards the camera?

A bit naughty

Who's happier? Hard to tell.

Finished for Friday: I'm FREE!!

noreply@blogger.com (Threeundertwo) — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 05:42:00 +0000

No more thumbscrews by threeundertwo related [litandlaundry.blogspot.com]

I am so excited and thrilled that I don't have to go back and get stretched and manipulated and hurt any more. I'm not cured, but I can walk well enough to bid the halls of the therapy building goodbye. This is very exciting for me.

I also managed to put together a little doll quilt while I was tidying up my sewing space.

What have you finished up this week? Grab my button from my sidebar for your blog, and sign in on Mr. Linky below. Fingers crossed I have him working this week. It's late and I've spent too much of my evening ~~watching Michael Jackson videos~~ reading fine literature.

A Review of Amazon's Kindle

noreply@blogger.com (Threeundertwo) — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 05:57:00 +0000

My husband bought me a Kindle last week. For those unaware, a Kindle is an electronic reader that's compact, lightweight, and able to hold hundreds of books. If you're thinking of getting one, here's my review in a nutshell: Go buy it today. Want details? Here's why I love it.

It's comfortable. It's lightweight and slim so that I can read at any angle with one hand. Makes regular books and newspapers seem bulky and awkward. The print is black and white, like a paper page, so there's no eyestrain. I can even adjust the size of the font. Wish I could do that with some books! I find myself reading a lot more than I used to.

It's saving me money. I have a serious case of B.A.D.: "Book Acquisition Disease." I buy stacks of books, which get read sooner or later. Unless they don't. Even though I intended to. Not only were those purchases money down the drain, but I'm storing those unread books around my house. Let's not even talk about the boxes in the garage. You know you're pathetic when you buy a book you've already bought because you can't find the previous copy. Or you forget you've already bought it.

With Kindle, I can preview a good chunk of any book I'm interested in. Then I can either purchase it and it arrives wirelessly within a minute, or I click a button that says "save for later." When "later" comes, I'll be able to go to that list of saved items and pick something I want to read and pay for it then. Most books are $9.99 or less.

Which brings up my next thrill (and symptom of B.A.D). There are literally thousands of books available for free. You can find nearly anything in the public domain at websites such as Project Gutenberg, and Amazon has a very extensive list of free books to pick from. So I'm still collecting books - only now they don't take up space in my house, just a little space on my Kindle. Old habits never die.

No inky fingers. I'm getting used to waking up in the morning and reaching for the day's newspaper - right there on my nightstand. There are a lot of newspapers and magazines to choose from, and while you wouldn't want to read "National Geographic" on it (it only supports grayscale pictures), it's great for up to the minute articles.

A little bit of web. If I'm too lazy to walk all the way to my computer, I can check my email and read the news on cnn.com or check fandago for movie times. The internet connection is included in the cost of the device and runs through cell phone technology. So it's not lightning fast, but it's good enough, and I don't need a wi-fi hotspot to use it.

There are a lot more features, including a built-in dictionary; just click on a word in any book to see its meaning, and text to speech, if you want a book read to you (results vary on this one).

Now that I've had it for a bit, I can't imagine how I lived without it, and I also can't see myself buying traditional style books ever again. I even took the kids to a bookstore and didn't buy myself a single book. Some kind of record for me.

Fire away if you have questions. I know it's an investment, but trust me, it's well worth it.

Wordful Wednesday: Contentment

noreply@blogger.com (Threeundertwo) — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 03:59:00 +0000

Summer reading is a lot more fun when you have a sleeping kitten with you.

For more Wordful Wednesday posts, visit Angie at Seven Clown Circus.

Like Christmas All Over Again

noreply@blogger.com (Threeundertwo) — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 05:24:00 +0000

I'll have to admit my garden seems to be attaining it's heart's desire and reverting into a wilderness. I haven't been able to keep up with it due to my recent surgery and sadly, I haven't even wandered around it much.

So imagine my surprise when I walked past my pot cemetery on the side of the house a few days ago. Not only did I see the stacks of pots which have not been loaded with their annuals for this year, but I saw the amaryllis I had discarded after Christmas. It was ready to bloom again - proof that these things are so hardy they thrive on neglect.

If I had been organized after Christmas I would have carefully preserved the bulb in a paper bag someplace cool so it could go dormant until next Christmas. But just look what it did when it was abandoned in it's pot. It's gorgeous.

I wont tell it it's not Christmas if you don't.

(For those who like details, this variety is called "United Nations" and was purchased from The Amaryllis Bulb Company.)

Wearing my Tiara

noreply@blogger.com (Threeundertwo) — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 14:51:00 +0000

I looked out the window this morning and there it was again. The June Cleaver Nirvana motorcade, with Holly's personal limo in front and dozens of press cars following. My husband looked up from his paper and shook his head. "Again? That lady's coming over to give you some award again?"

"Hush dear, it's a big honor."

"D'you suppose she's going to give you another college scholarship for one of the kids?"

"Probably not, she's already given us three. We only have three kids."

"Hold out for a Caribbean vacation then."

I answered the door to the blinding flash of cameras and thunderous applause. Holly stepped forward, trophy and bouquet in hand, the flowers so voluminous that she almost toppled over.

"Threeundertwo, you are my PEEP OF THE WEEK!" She gushed.

"Aw, Holly, so sweet of you! and the children's choir on the front lawn is a nice touch!"

We spent the next hour posing for pictures, none of which I've had time to upload here yet, and she presented a check for lifetime kibble for the kittens.

My mouth is sore from smiling and I've had to close all the curtains to keep the paparazzi away.

What a wonderful way to start my week. Thank you Holly! And dear readers, please go join her over at June Cleaver Nirvana where today she is featuring fashion tips, my current favorite video, and a picture of her son that's so stinkin' cute - well, he's almost as cute as my kids. And that's saying a lot.

Being Peep of the Week at June Cleaver Nirvana makes my Monday! For more happiness today, visit Cheryl at Twinfatuation.

Finished for Friday: Folding!

noreply@blogger.com (Threeundertwo) — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 04:23:00 +0000

I'll admit this post is going to be like watching paint dry for some people, but I'm proud of this week's finish. I've spent hours sorting through and measuring my fabric stash and actually writing down my yardages.

For each cut, I used a pair of cardboard comic book liners (find them on ebay or comic stores) and folded the fabric around them, after writing down the amount. Now instead of messy piles I have these nice neat mini-bolts I can grab.

I need to sort them out by color, and I spared you pictures of all of them - there's a lot more. I clearly have a split personality when it comes to quilting. That's the fun though. A lot of these are leftover from quilts I made for kids or babies or friends. Some will be quilts for me, and some are going to go into charity quilts. I love them all.

Fabric to a quilter is like paints to an artist I think - the more to choose from, the better.

I'll also add that this week I adopted two kittens and learned how to use my new Kindle - more on the latter in an upcoming post.

Next week's Finished for Friday is a biggie for me. Hope you can play along. If you're in for this week, feel free to grab my button from my sidebar, and add your link to Mr. Linky below. I love seeing what everyone's been up to!

Hopefully I'll have the new Linky system working next week too. In the meantime, please click on the box below to add your link for today. Thanks!

New Additions to the Family!

noreply@blogger.com (Threeundertwo) — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 04:06:00 +0000

We welcomed some new additions to our family today. These are 8 week old rescue kittens. Meet Dumbledore, who is black with a lot of long white hairs on his arms.

And this is Hestia, who didn't stop tearing around and exploring for three straight hours. I had a lot of trouble getting a picture of her. She is black with white tuxedo markings. They're siblings. We let the kids name them and I think they picked good ones.

Finally, they both collapsed from exhaustion.

They're still isolated in the living room while our older cat Nina gets used to the idea. Everyone else in the family is pretty excited to have them here.

This post is part of Wordful Wednesday, hosted by Seven Clown Circus. Be sure to visit Angie today and see the massive home improvement project she is taking on!

Boy vs. Stage

noreply@blogger.com (Threeundertwo) — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 05:02:00 +0000

Friday evening:

"I'm nervous mom."
"There's no reason to be, honey, you'll be fine."
"But what if I goof up?"
"Don't worry about it! There's no reason to be nervous!"
"Why do you keep saying that?"
"Because this is just a dress rehearsal. Really, there's no reason to be nervous. In fact, if you're going to goof up, this is a good day to do it."
"okay."

Saturday evening:

"You were great honey! Were you nervous?"
"No, not really, but I only did triple pirouettes. I wanted to be sure to land them."
"That's fine dear. If you feel comfortable, you can always go for it at the matinee on Sunday. But it makes no difference whether you do a triple or a quadruple. You're still fabulous up there on stage."
"okay."

Sunday afternoon

He nailed it. An awesome quadruple pirouette. I wanted to jump up and cheer like I used to do at his gymnastics meets. I knew he could do it.

I'm bursting with pride. Sometimes the most challenging obstacle is the one between your ears. I know what it took for him to conquer that.

Finished for Friday: Coffee To Go

noreply@blogger.com (Threeundertwo) — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 04:54:00 +0000

Looks like business is good down at the old Bubble and Brew, the next block finished in my Hocuspocusville quilt. Prices are certainly competitive!

And another block completed in Gail Pan's Christmas block of the month!

In addition this week, I've sewn straps on ballet shoes and costumes to get everything ready for the big recitals this weekend. I also read this book:

The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith. A great light read. I'd be interested in hearing if any of you have read and enjoyed the sequels.

That's it for this week, what have you been up to? Feel free to grab the button from my sidebar and play along. Let's see if Mr. Linky behaves today. Clicking on the button below should bring up the list of participants.

How Harpists Recycle

noreply@blogger.com (Threeundertwo) — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 02:50:00 +0000

When a string breaks,

It makes a great cat toy, even for my 18 year old granny who never moves. Thanks in part to the dentist cotton that I use to make the knots at the end.

Poor old cat, you can almost count the teeth she has left. This is the most playful she's been in a while. And for those of you worried that she's being a cannibal by indulging in catgut, fear not. Harp strings are made from sheep intestines. Now you know.

Phone Boy

noreply@blogger.com (Threeundertwo) — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 11:36:00 +0000

"Hello?"
"Hello, I don't know who I'm calling, but I found this phone at the ballet studio and we don't know who it belongs to so I'm calling the number that says 'home.'"
"It belongs to Jungle Boy. Could you please leave it with his teacher? Thanks so much for calling."

Later that afternoon, "Jungle Boy, can I see your phone for a minute?" Jungle Boy commences rummaging around in his massive ballet bag, pulling out several pairs of dilapidated shoes (why do they have male ballet dancers wear white shoes?), water bottles, candy wrappers, therabands, and other various items.
"It's not here. Oh yeah! I remember, I left it on the counter at the ballet studio. I was texting Drama Girl."
"But, wasn't Drama Girl also at the ballet studio?"
"Yes, but she was in the other room."

At this point Drama Girl spoke up. "Mom, he's always on his cell phone between classes. And girls are always asking to give him their numbers."

"What girls?" I'm thinking some of his friends from 5th grade are sharing their numbers.

Jungle Boy blushes and mumbles. "This girl D..., I didn't want her to but she really insisted."

"I don't know her, is she nice?"
Drama Girl can't contain herself. "Mom! D... is in HIGH SCHOOL!"

I can't help but smile. Someday he'll appreciate the unique position he's in of being a rare male dancer. At the moment he doesn't understand all the attention he gets from giggling girls, big and little.

In the meantime, I'm going to have a little talk with my girls about leaving their numbers on boys' phones.

Makes My Monday: The Last Lap

noreply@blogger.com (Threeundertwo) — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 18:30:00 +0000

Four more days of school. I think I'm as excited about summer as the kids are. No more teachers! (asking for parents to volunteer/drive/donate) No more books (overdue/lost/loaned and not returned). No more alarm clocks going off at 6:00 only to be ignored. (Honestly, that alarm clock is right next to my son's head and I've counted 26 of those loud buzzes before he finally shuts it off).

I'm spinning this week, with all the last minute trips to the grocery store ("Mom! I said I'd bring 4000 cupcakes to the party this morning!), writing checks for the PTA (why are teachers giving me receipts from last July?), and doing extra mountains of laundry (Drama Girl had 20 sweatshirts in her PE locker alone).

But on Thursday afternoon we are all free free free! And that thought makes my Monday. To see what other bloggers are celebrating today, visit Cheryl at Twinfatuation.

Finished for Friday: Otter

noreply@blogger.com (Threeundertwo) — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 05:11:00 +0000

This is a sea otter Christmas ornament for my husband, because nothing says Christmas like marine mammals wrapped in tinsel.

For those of you who aren't familiar with sea otters, they wrap themselves up in kelp to keep from drifting away when they take naps. My husband and I have had a lot of fun trips to Monterey to enjoy the sea otters, his favorite animal.

I still want to put some trim around the edge of this (which will hide the lumpy edge), but my husband came home from his business trip sooner than expected so I had to stash it away for now. I'm probably finishing it as you read this.

This is all I finished up this week, although as usual, I have a lot of projects in the works. This coming week will be the last week of school for the kids - hooray! I think we're all about ready to end the academic routine for now.

What have you finished up this week? Special pats on the back to those of you tackling big decluttering jobs! I love seeing the before and after pictures!

Grab a button from my sidebar if you'd like to add it to your blog. We'll try Mr. Linky again this week, even though he's been a bit temperamental lately. Just click on the little box and he'll open in a new tab for you. Thanks for playing along and have a great weekend!

Way Back When-esday

noreply@blogger.com (Threeundertwo) — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 04:10:00 +0000

From 2003, when the twins were five years old. Their expressions are so indicative of their personalities; Jungle Boy is looking off to see what he can do next, and Wasabi Girl has his back, calm and confident.

It's always been fun watching these two interact. I can't even imagine one without the other. I'm grateful every day that they are so close and sympathetic to each other. Someday they will make great spouses for some lucky people, having learned so much about sharing life with another person.

Way Back When-esday is hosted by Cheryl at Twinfatuation. I'm posting this on Wednesday, so it counts. Please join me on Friday with something you've finished up this week!

Turnabout is Fair Play

noreply@blogger.com (Threeundertwo) — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 04:18:00 +0000

I've been known to take a tiny mommy vacation or two. I've escaped with friends for a few days of fun, and I've attended the occasional quilting retreat. My husband gives me this freedom from the mommy grind because he ~~doesn't want me to go postal~~ loves me.

Being the hyper-organized list-maker type that I am, I always leave him a long detailed list of what needs to happen while I'm away. I write down all the kids' appointments and tasks around the house.

Since I had my hip repair surgery in March, I've had very limited mobility. Dear husband has been cooking and doing extra driving. He's been wonderful really.

But this week he's on an extended business trip to Las Vegas (poor dear), and what did he do? he left me a list!

He's carefully written down the scout meetings for Jungle boy, listed the forms he needs to pick up from the Scoutmaster, noted times and addresses for me to go drive the kids.

He even added a to-do list; who should empty the dishwasher, garbage needs to go out on Wednesday, "everyone needs to keep their room clean."

I have to smile. Either he's noticed the work it takes to keep everyone on task, or he doesn't trust that I will be able to figure out what the kids need to do (she can't walk, so she can't think either) or he has picked up my listmaking habit.

I think it's the latter. I think he's discovered the peace of mind you get by spelling everything out for the parent left alone.

Maybe I'll be a little less of a micro-manager the next time I feel compelled to leave a list. Now I know how it feels to get one.

Zap Zap

noreply@blogger.com (Threeundertwo) — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 03:51:00 +0000

I've produced a long string of fabulous birthday parties for my kids. The fairy party, the mermaid party, the knights and princesses party - all took weeks and weeks of planning. I went all out in designing craft projects and scavenger hunts. I made costumes for all the attendees, created exotic treats, and created favor bags worthy of Academy Award attendees. It's one of the joys of parenting small children.

And in payment, every year after all the guests had gone home Jungle Boy would turn to me and say "Mom, this was the best birthday ever!"

But age 11 is a bit old for cute co-ed themes. All the little knights and princesses are growing up now. This year the birthday party for my twins had to be different. And it had to be simple - for me, since I can't walk well yet.

Enter the great idea. Laser tag. No house to clean before or after.

"How many will be attending?"
"I don't know, maybe 20?"
"OK, that will be $$$."

Ditto the pizza parlor that would deliver to the laser place. Also the ice cream cake company that would deliver the cake. I have an urge to buy stock in each of these companies now. Obviously they do a great business with the laser tag birthday crowd. But it was worth it because I wouldn't have to clean my house.

For a typical birthday, I get 25-30% of people responding that they can't make it. So I always over-invite, you know, to make sure the kids have a nice group of friends there. Guess what? When you host a laser-tag party, everyone can make it. My list of attendees grew and grew. But it was worth it, I think.

The day arrived, the kids went nuts counting down the hours. Those guests who arrived early found themselves in the midst of the lobby arcade (clever how they arrange the traffic flow in those places). So my husband became the guy with all the quarters. I was starting to wonder if it was worth it.

Two sessions of laser tag later, we learned who had been there before (because they had crazy high scores), which girl went renegade on the girl team and shot them all in the back (I see a future in the business world for her), and who seemed to be a better target than a marksman.

Off they went to the party room, hot and sweaty and loving the pizza and ice cream cake. The boys yelled, the girls got silly, the parents all arrived on time and whisked them home.

We came home to my nice clean, unsullied house and I felt a wee bit of a letdown for not having that after-party feel. But it had all been so easy and everyone had a great time.

"Mom," said Jungle Boy, "this was the best party EVER!"

That's all I needed to hear. It was all worth it.

Finished for Friday: Embroidery Week

noreply@blogger.com (Threeundertwo) — Fri, 29 May 2009 04:47:00 +0000

I'm still having trouble walking down the stairs to the dungeon where my sewing machine lives, so this week was all about embroidery. First the Christmas block for this month:

This is the next block for my "Hocuspocusville" quilt.

And this is a tea towel that will be a gift for someone special.

What have you finished up this week? Join in and let us know what you've checked off your list. Doesn't have to be crafty - that's just me. Feel free to grab a button from my sidebar.

How to Memorize State Capitals

noreply@blogger.com (Threeundertwo) — Thu, 28 May 2009 14:08:00 +0000

According to Wasabi Girl, there are simple ways to remember all the state capitals. You just have to remember something about the state. Here are some of her examples.

Michigan: Just think of the movie "A Knight's Tale." What are they doing? Lansing of course.

Minnesota: Just think of a mini-soda. Obviously St. Paul. (No, it doesn't make sense to me either, but it does to her).

Pennsylvania: What do you do with a pencil? You stick it in your hair. Harrisburg.

If North Dakota is Bismark, then South Dakota is Pierre, because a boy named Pierce is the meanest boy in class.

North Carolina is Raleigh, because they rally around a lot. I keep trying to fix her pronunciation of this one.

Arizona: Remember Harry Potter. Order of the Phoenix.

I could go on and on, but you get the picture. Most of them don't make any sense to me at all, but they do to her. The funny part is when she and her twin are quizzing each other at the breakfast table and they both use these hints.

I'll always think of Heath Ledger when I think of Michigan now.

It's nice to be noticed.

noreply@blogger.com (Threeundertwo) — Wed, 27 May 2009 12:58:00 +0000

I've worked for the schools every year that my children have been enrolled. I just feel it's a responsibility of every parent to contribute to their children's education.

Volunteer work has its own rewards, and it's gratifying to know that I've helped with the education of all of the kids in our community. But it's even nicer when someone else notices.

Last night I was honored with a PTA Honorary Service Award in front of a huge audience at the middle school band concert. It was a complete surprise and very appreciated. Of course, we were packed in there like sardines so when they called my name I didn't even try to limp up to the front. My husband went and collected my bouquet and certificate and pin for me.

The pin is a "California Distinguished Schools" pin. Appropriate because our school just received this distinction, thanks in part to the role my tutoring program plays in assisting at-risk students.

It is nice to be noticed.

A fistful of Orts

noreply@blogger.com (Threeundertwo) — Tue, 26 May 2009 15:28:00 +0000

I know, I know. The new moon came and I didn't report on my ort collection. I received thousands of emails from distressed readers who were staying up all night hitting the refresh key.

I'm sorry I'm late. Really unpardonable. Here is the monthly ort collection in all its glory.

I'll try harder to stay on top of things next month. In the meantime, check in with YoYo at Dragon My Needle to keep up with all the stitchers participating in the Totally Useless Stitch Along.

And here I thought this was one stitch along I could keep up with. Apparently not.

Makes My Monday: My Robot

noreply@blogger.com (Threeundertwo) — Mon, 25 May 2009 13:03:00 +0000

Goodbye dirty floors. Goodbye cat hair tumbleweeds. Goodbye pain from standing and vacuuming. I just wish I'd thought to get one of these sooner.

Vacuuming has been a particularly difficult job since my surgery, but it's been even harder to convince the cat to stop shedding and the kids to stop bringing in dirt. Of course, I set myself up for disaster when we installed a skylight that opens over the kitchen and dining room. That thing lets dirt and dust dump into the house from above. But oh do I love that skylight.

I had fun for days telling the kids that a robot was coming in the mail. They apparently pictured something much different. They've named him "Kach" for King of Cat Hair.

Now if I could just teach him not to finish and turn off when he's dead center under our king-sized bed, he'd be perfect.

Clean floors make my Monday. What else makes my Monday? Being proud of my son for going out with the scouts and placing thousands of flags at Golden Gate National Cemetery. Don't forget to fly yours today to honor those who have served.

Makes my Monday is hosted by Cheryl at Twinfatuation.