Robot Fun

We had ourselves a little robot fun today. I simplified an idea I found in Family Fun magazine. We washed out some cans of different sizes, and taped the edges for safety. Then with the kind help of the folks at Home Depot, I picked out some assorted bolts, nuts, washers, etc. I started to hot glue the pieces onto magnets that I got at Michaels, but then stopped when I realized there was a good chance that I'd want the magnets for something else someday. Fortunately for me, the robot construction worked just as well unglued. Family Fun suggested all kinds of other fun "attchments" for our little metal Mr. Potato Heads--curly wire, etc. I had to keep it simple, though.

The kids are having a creative blast! And for only a few dollars, too.

Jam Session

I've been asked a lot of jam questions lately. So, here are a couple thoughts on jam. I am certainly not an expert, but I happen to have an entire counter-ful of canned jam I made this summer, which I think prompts the questions.

Pectin Matters: I've found my jam turn out the very best when I use a "no sugar needed" pectin. That way, I can put way more fruit than sugar in it, and the flavor is amazing (it's actual flavor instead of just sweet). Those pectins don't need the sugar to set up, so you can sweeten it to taste. It just makes it more expensive, since fruit can be pricey.

Agave: I've been substituting agave for sugar in some jam recipes. And by substituting, I mean instead of 8 cups of sugar, I use maybe 2 cups agave. (Agave is at least 4 times sweeter than sugar). It's definitely a different texture. More liquidy--like a fruit spread. I LOVE it, and it produces a more flavorful, less sugary "jam". I think it's perfect for jam, ice cream, toppings, pancakes, etc. But, if you are craving good, old-fashioned jam (as J does), it may leave you wanting.

People have asked me for specific jam recipes. I don't really have a favorite ONE. It seems that each pectin is a little particular, so use the recipe that comes with your pectin. I just made a couple batches of blackberry jam (photo above) with Ball brand no sugar needed pectin, and it turned out wonderfully!!, I'm lucky enough to live in the Pacific Northwest, where blackberries are literally undesireable, uncontrollable weeds that grow all over the place and produce oodles and scads of delicious berries. I also used the Pomona's Universal Pectin (also a "low sugar" one) earlier this summer for cherry jam and it was terrific. So, those two definitely have my recommendation. I do still use sugar in these, just not nearly as much.

For spiced peach jam, which has been wildly popular, use the recipe that comes with the pectin, but add a 1/2 teaspoon each of cinnamon, allspice, and cloves for each 3 lbs (4 c chopped) of peaches that you use. Am I making sense? So, if you're using a recipe that calls for 6 lbs of peaches (or 8 cups of chopped peaches) add 1 teaspoon each cinnamon, allspice, and cloves.

I've used both water bath canning for jam, and the "turn it upside down" method many times each--all successful.

If you are a jam beginner, I'd recommend starting with a water bath canner, a utensil set (jar lifter, lid magnet, etc), pint jars, brand new lids, and rings, and no sugar needed pectin. Then decide on a recipe (comes with the pectin) and go for it!! If you live near me, I'd be happy to help you. If you don't, ...well, maybe you should move closer, because I probably really miss you.

I've made a truckload lately and will be giving some as gifts. I'll post on how to decorate them quite adorably later.

Here is a favorite recipe for quick, yummy, and easy Peach Pineapple Freezer Jam.

3 c peeled, finely chopped peaches

3 c sugar

1 can crushed pineapple with juice

1 sm. pkg peach or apricot jello

Bring peaches, sugar and pineapple to boil. Cook, stirring for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and add gelatin. Stir until dissolved and pour into jars or freezer containers. Freezes.

More Fall Decor

I heart Halloween. I do. Not creepy, gory, scary Halloween, but cute, playful, pretend Halloween. This year is Superhero Year. My kids and I pick out our theme at least a year in advance. Girlie will be SuperGirl, Sammy Batman (surprise), and Little Buddy will be a tiny little Superman. If I had the body for it, I'd go all out and be Wonder Woman. But, alas, it is not to be. One friend suggested I could get a cape and put bandaids, hand sanitizer, coupons, a glue gun, etc, on the back. It's entirely appropriate. You know I think moms are totally heroes.

But, before I move onto Halloween-themed posts, I thought I'd post a few more fall decor ideas. These can be table centerpieces, top buffets, decorate serving tables, accent side tables, you get the idea. Knock yourself out. If you have any specific questions about these, just ask.

More of the Darndest Things

Okay, I promise I'll try to catch up sometime soon. Heaven knows there's plenty that needs catching up, but for now, here are some choice tidbits of conversation from our recent past.

During our Family Van Evening yesterday (for those of you unfamiliar with Family Home Evening, it is a designated night--Monday--that we spend as a family having fun, teaching our kids, playing games, etc. We happened to be out and about, so we called it Family VAN Evening instead).

Daddy: Kids, tonight we're going to talk about gratitude. Do you know what gratitude is? What is gratitude?

Sam Sam: Is it like 'Ratatouille?' It sounds like 'Ratatouille.'

Daddy: No, not like 'Ratatouille'.

Girlie (shoots her hand up in the air): Oooo, I know!! It's like when you float up in the air if you don't have it!

Me: You mean gravity?
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We were talking about the apostles Peter, James and John.

Sammy (having just seen Peter Pan) corrected us: Mommy, I think it's actually Peter, John and Michael.

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Girlie and Sammy must have been having a conversation involving the definition of 'old.' I walked in as Girlie was explaining "You know, like when your skin is all dry and wrinkly, and you walk like this (she imitates a hunchback), and you have to use a walking stick (acts this out also)." Upon my arrival, she jabbed in my direction, "MOMMY. Like, Mommy is old, too." She appeared satisfied that Sammy now had a visual aid of the definition of "old".

Glad I could help.

Seriously?

The kids went on strike. That's right. I don't even know of a creative way to jump into this. Long story short, the kids got a hold of a huge empty box (we finally got around to the rest of the boxes in the garage...eight months later...) which, for some reason completely beyond me, resulted in a huge disaster in Girlie's room. And I mean huge.

Being the Love and Logic parents we are, the box was removed, and the kids were instructed to clean the mess up. The offspring were completely devastated at the loss of their box/cave/rocketship and the next time we turned around, we saw this:

That's right. They formed their own little picket line, each waving signs of protest.

"I am on strike"

"No more back massaging." That's right. We make our kids give us back massages, and here they are waving ultimatums in our faces. I think this one was my personal favorite.

And, finally, "I Quit."

It was too funny. We busted up laughing and had to applaud their creativity. I then explained that they didn't have a union to back them up, and they still weren't getting their box back.

One of Those Moms

Well, school started, and we're gradually getting into the swing of things. The scheduled time, the crowded parking lot, the whole business of learning. It's good. It's really good. My kids were ecstatic about starting school--Girlie in 1st grade, Sammy in a co-op preschool. Girlie was thrilled that one of her best friends from Kindergarten was in her first grade class, too (above) and I was thrilled that she got the cutest, most loving, awesome teacher (below).

This is Sammy on his first day of preschool. His backpack was chock full of...stuff (extra underwear and shirts, stuffed animals, Leap pad, water torpedo)...anything, really, that one might need on the first day of preschool.

I think this stance says "I'm just a little too cool. Oh, yeah."

But. All this brings me to my 'issue'. I think I'm one of those moms. We've been in school now for about two weeks, and I'm still hovering. In my head I know I need to give my kids a little shove out of the nest--they certainly have no problem with separation, but it's...me. I still (with the two boys in tow) linger on the playground until the morning bell rings. My heart actually constricts as I watch my tiny, 39 lb First Grader navigate a playground full of gigantor 6th graders. I tear up when I see her find a group of fellow tiny friends, hugging and chatting very excitedly about whatever first grade girls chat about. I should leave at this point, I know. But I stand there mesmerized until the bell rings and I follow at a respectable distance as she walks with her little friends to line up at the classroom door. She watches me from the corner of her eye, and still blows me kisses before I go. I, again, should leave at this point, but I kind of hide behind the shrubbery, making sure that she makes it the two feet from the line to the door.

First grade is something new. It's like the beginning of the end. She will now spend less awake time with me than with someone else, and it's hard to wrap my mind around that. My overly dramatic imagination grieves at the idea of being separated, and when I forecast it out to letting go of her at wedding time...it doesn't bode well. For her and her groom, in particular. I've clearly established the benefits (financial and otherwise) of her growing up and living close by. I think she's sold.

Some parents, I know, are all too eager to kick their kids out the door and onto the school bus. I wish I could be a little more like that. But, luckily for me, we live out of bounds, so I get to drive her there every morning, and see her just a little longer.

I know I need therapy or something. Or at least I'm going to when she leaves for BYU. Or maybe I could just move to Provo... But, I digress. The point is, I'm one of those moms who can't let go so well. It makes my heart hurt.

Then again, I'm sitting here, both older kids gone and Little Buddy down for a nap, and, I'll be honest, I'm enjoying the silence.

My Wild Man Turns 4

Sept. 13, 2005, 1:18 p.m. Sam Sam the Wild Man entered the world peacefully. Then he cried for 4 months. He was a super intense little baby, and we should have realized, that was just...him. What a wonderful little guy we've had the pleasure of raising for the past 4 years. If there's one thing I could say about Sammy (and, believe me, there are a LOT of things I could say about him) it's that with him around, life is never boring. There is a home video clip of him laying on the couch, sick, when he was about 18 months. On the tape I say, "I just had to get this on film, because we've never, ever seen him sit still before."

We started off his birthday morning right with a great big sugar rush, compliments of Daddy. Not that he needs any help with energy. He is always full of life, so enthusiastic (about his love for us, about the messes he makes, the disaters he creates...), and really, really hilarious.

With his mesmerizing eyes and sense of humor, this kid keeps us on our toes. He wakes up early and whispers loudly to me that it's "WAKE UP TIME". He attends a co-op preschool (although he will swear to you that it's a co-ock preschool). He is fully self sufficient, which is a joy, but also makes for really interesting outfits. He loves anything athletic, and loves to pretend, and loves to eat.

He was beyond excited about his scooter. We were too, until a crash left a big gouge in my kitchen floor.

He is passionate about the ups and downs of life. Sammy reminds me of an ad I saw once that said "Some people duck down when life comes at them. Others stand up tall and say 'Dish it up, and don't be stingy with the jalepenos.'" That would be Sammy. He has a super strong will, and pretty impressive little muscles to go with it. J and I know he will be a force when he grows up.

Sammy insisted we have candles and sing to him at every meal. So, we put a candle (the self re-lighting kind) in his cinnamon roll at breakfast, his hot dog at lunch and his ribs at dinner. I asked him what he wanted for his special birthday dinner. His reply? Chocolate. So, we went with my Plan B.

We are having a friend birthday party (Batman themed) next Saturday, so instead of another cake, he chose to have a giant cookie cake.

We have so much fun with this little, I mean big guy. He is truly a joy. And even though sometime he makes 1/2 my hair turn white, and makes me pull the other 1/2 out, I adore him. Happy birthday, darling boy. I love you.

Here is the first post I dedicated to my guy-guy: Grocery Shopping with Sam Sam

Dining Room Makeover

This was our dining room "before." Then I came up with an idea for reverse wainscoting, to which J replied "That sounds really weird." That's what he always says to my design ideas right before he gets roped into doing them with me and ends up loving them.

This is the "after." It was really hard to get a picture of what it looks like, because of the backlighting from the window. So, here's a mediocre picture of what our dining area looks like now. The second picture shows it a little better. I chose a greenish-grey color for the bottom, and matched our existing trim color for the top part.

With the help of our friend Mike, we put up the chair rail first (the window is beautifully wrapped, but hidden by the window panels) and then measured the vertical slats, which we attached with liquid nails, and a finish nailer (any excuse to use power tools). J caulked everything before I did the painting. Then we attached the drapery rod and black ticking window panels. I found my white hemstitch runner that I thought I mistakenly gave to DI, which was a total bonus for the table.

And what window doesn't benefit from glass jars full of fake fruit?

This project was really fun, and totally worth the tendonitis that I suffered with for two weeks after.

Fall Mantels

I don't know if I should really be decorating for fall yet, as it will reach a balmy 81 degrees later this week. But, I can't help it. And, as there were some requests for fall decorating tips, I thought I'd share this year's Fall Mantel with you. Let's go step by step.

This is the before. A lovely, albeit boring mantel.

Start with a nice, full garland with realistic leaves (the same goes for evergreen ones at Christmas). I attached it with clear packing tape--I still have much at my disposal. I taped it at the front corner of the ledge. I also taped an acorn and leave swag in the middle as a kind of "centerpiece." You can click on the mantle close-up (below, a couple pictures) for a better look.

Then, add some tall elements. One of the most important thing about accessorizing is thinking about positive/negative space. Positive space is where the things are. Negative space is all the space around the objects. When you have a varied assortment of sizes and shapes, it makes it more visually interesting to look at. You need interesting positive and negative space. Does that make sense?

Here's a closer-up of the mantle. One idea is to tip objects in different directions. It may be kind of hard to see, but the pumpkins on the inside of the candlesticks are tipped forward so their tops are showing.

Then add some smaller objects. This arrangement is fairly symmetrical. It's not exactly the same on each side, but it is similar, and more importantly, visually balanced. I wanted some more height on the left side of the hearth area, so I used a cardboard box covered with a pretty kitchen towel as a stand. A crate would have been better, but I made do with what I had. :)

I used indian corn and some more stems of leaves for fillers. And, voila, I'm done! Hopefully you got some ideas that will help you in your fall decorating! Happy Autumn!

Was this useful/interesting? Let me know!

Click here to see 2010's mantel!

Ask Me

It is cold and rainy here. Like, sweater and jacket kind of weather. Gloomy? No. It makes me positively giddy with excitement for fall decorating and baking. I baked zucchini bread this afternoon, and I'm this close to breaking out my bins and bags of autumn splendor. And it's prompted me to post another design how-to. The problem is, I don't know what you want to know. Because, not to sound like a design snob, it all seems kind of obvious to me. So I don't know what burning interiors-related questions you might have. So I'm asking you what you'd like to see a post on. Holiday decorating? Halloween crafts and activities? Color schemes? Leave it in the comments, and who knows? You might see your name up in lights. Okay, your name isn't going to be in lights. But maybe an answer to your question will be.