gratitude - cousins

204. The importance of cousins when you're an only. They are the closest thing to siblings he has.

205. Cousins who are finally big enough to play.

206. Grom loves his Girlies.



206. Princess B who lights up when she see Grom.



207. Princess M gives Grom a pat of love.



208. Grom's patience is exercised. He has to slow down for them. It's good for him to not always be the center of attention. He may act perturbed, but he's not.



Unless one of them gets a hold of Momo, then Aunty Beth better intercede... QUICK!



209. Cute kids in footy pajamas.

Discover you Happiness. Consider joining the Gratitude Community! Watch for the things you're thankful for and start your own counting!

How to begin your own 1000 Gift List ::: How Gratitude Can Change your Life

gratitude - february 13

I'm still getting around to posting some pictures from our trip to San Francisco last month.

193. The bashful way Grom stands back observing and waiting... struggling to make his desire to do something known.

194. The bashful way I stand back observing and waiting wanting to help my son do what the things he wants to do.

195. Stepping outside my comfort, to deny my self and my insecurities to make it happen for Grom.

196. The meticulous way he prepares his work surface for the impending masterpiece.

197. The blank slate God gives me... constantly.

Through the LORD’s mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23

198. Simple fun. Glass, green tempera paint, water, brushes and squeegees.

199. People who think of such things.

200. Seeing how things take shape.

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11

201. squeegees - it's a really fun word... both to spell and to say.

202. collaboration and sharing.

203. This is art. I wish we could've taken it home. It does give me a great idea for an old sliding door we are changing out.

Children's Museums are the best. So much fun tailored just for little guys. We had a great time at the Bay Area Discovery Museum in Sausalito. Consider joining the Gratitude Community! Just jump in with your own counting!

How to begin your own 1000 Gift List ::: How Gratitude Can Change your Life

Friday Fave Five

1. Happy Birthday Eli! Grom's friend buddy turns 5 tomorrow. His parents threw a marvelous party for him and his little brother last Saturday. Yummy lunch, beautiful cupcakes AND a bounce house. It was a great time.
Eli is great kid. He's funny and bright. He's the brother Grom doesn't have. We nabbed him from his house today and brought him home to play. They (usually... they are boys after all) get on great and have so much fun playing each others games. Grom wants to be a robot or a hero. Eli usually wants to be an animal. Today on the way home, they were talking about how great it would be if they were attached to each other. Of course I asked questions. They both thought the best place to be joined was the feet. They also agreed that they'd have to move back and forth between houses. I am so glad they are best buddies.
2. Dream Dinners! I did a session last night. It's great to have the freezer stocked with easy food for my family. Surferman and Grom have enjoyed most of the meals. It's a lot easier for me to get dinner on the table and avoid temptation. My guys get to look forward to all kinds of yummy things.
3. Sick Kid. This one is going to sound a little strange. Grom caught something towards the end of last week that became a nasty barky cough, phlegm globbers and a fever this week. He missed school Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. He was droopy, but not crabby.
It was sweet to have extra time with him because he wasn't at school and because he was quarantined in the house. We read lots of books, cuddled more than usual and just plain had some nice time together. Chores waited.
4. A great trip to the Dentist. The news was terrible. I'm too embarrassed to tell you the results. If I could some it up... Flossing IS really important. Anyway... back to the great part. Grom's first trip to the dentist was a disaster. The kid wouldn't open his mouth for anything. It was frustrating and discouraging. Then I mislaid our dental card. I finally made him an appointment and I think we've found the best Pediatric Dentist ever. They were all so patient and did a great job of explaining and educating. Grom even got cool shades to protect against that evil light they shine in your eyes (well mouth, but you know...) And if you look at the picture, you'll see a WIDE OPEN mouth.
5. Rain. We are still getting rain. This winter has been nice and wet. I don't know how we are doing for totals, but it sure seems like more than last year. We've had some great weather patterns where it rains for a day and then clears up. We even had a 7oF day earlier this week where I was able to pull out a pair of capri pants that I hadn't been able to wear. I can hear the gentle rain falling on the roof right now.
If all of the raindrops were lemon drops and gum drops, oh what a rain it would be eeeee. I'd stand outside with my mouth open wide. aaa aaa aaa aaa aaa aaa aaa aaa aaa aaa

These are a few of my favorite things for the week. Join the fun at Living to tell the Story as she hosts Friday Fave Five every week.

Rain photo by spratmackrel

I didn't weigh today.

originally posted at my Medifast blog...

photo by tanakawho

I decided not to weigh. It probably wasn't going to be good news and I didn't want to deal with the discouragement. It's silly, but this way I'm still at almost 60 pounds. And... if I want to keep thinking that, I need to get back at it.

I'm not going crazy with food, but I'm having trouble staying on plan.

I decide that I'm going to stay on plan, do a good job most of the day and then something just snaps and I screw up.

I'm finding there are foods that I just can't have around. I'm going to purge my house. My family can deal with it until I'm stronger.

I'm not spending enough time with the Lord and communication with my husband has been spotty. I'm sure these relationship problems are part of my recent struggles with my diet.

I actually processed all of this as I wrote a Medifast friend. We started at the same time and weighed exactly the same. She knows the boat I'm rowing and how wide the river is. I'm really glad she messaged me today and prompted me to think about all of this.

So... you can pray for me...
time with the Lord
communication and closeness with my husband
that I'd turn to those who love me instead of food in times of trouble.

WOW! a bit of a breakthrough! I think it's my discovery of the week.

Random Dozen - 2/24/10

1. Have you ever fired a gun or shot a bow and arrow?
When I was in college, I did a "Turkey Shoot". I shot a rifle. No turkeys were harmed. In fact, if I had hit anything it would've been paper. I've also shot a bow and arrow when I was a camper as a kid.

2. Do you know where your childhood best friends are?
I know where my best friend from elementary school is. I haven't talked to her in years. Our parents are still friends and we keep up through them. I know where my best friend from jr high and high school is. She and I talk occasionally. I don't know where any of my friends from college are. I am really bad at staying connected.

3. Do you usually arrive early, late, or on time?
Some would say I'm always late. I don't want to be late. I don't give myself enough time for the unexpected and a dawdling 5 year old boy.

4. Are you more of a New York or California type?
Dude, I hope I'm a California type. Although I'm not sure what that means. I'd rather wear flip flops than pumps. I'd rather be hot than cold. What else...?

5. Do you have a special ring tone?
When Surferman calls, my phone plays "our song", Mission of My Soul by Peter Himmelman.

6. What is your favorite type of chip?
I don't eat chips. But paint chips are really fun to have around... all those pretty colors. I'd really like to figure out how to make art with them.

7. Best comedy you've ever seen is...
Wow! That's hard... Princess Bride?

8. Have you ever cut your own hair? To quote Dr. Phil, "How'd that work for ya?"
I trimmed my bangs once. Did you get the "once" part?

9. If you were going to have an extreme makeover, would you rather it be about your house or your personal self?
If I had to do it now, I'd choose my house. If they'd wait until after I'm at goal weight, I'd pick my person. I'm sure I'm going to need some tucking and lifting.

10. Are you allergic to anything?
Eggplant sometimes makes my throat itch. Isn't that a bummer? I'm going to keep eating it until it consistently causes me trouble.

11. Why is it so hard to change?
Because it's easier to stay the same. Change is new. Change is different. Like I said it's easier to stay the same... but not as pleasing to the Lord. He wants to refine us. He wants us to grow and be fruitful.

12. One last question dedicated to February love: CS Lewis said, "To love is to be vulnerable." Please share one example of that assertion or share any thought you'd like to about this topic.
Oh, come on. I thought these were fluffy random questions. This one is rather deep.
To love you have to soften your heart, open it up and let someone else have access to your secrets, to your fears, to all those things that make you... you. It's hard, but it's also the stuff of love. "Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things." 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 NKJV

Linda host a Random Dozen every week. Join us.

Don't you think I need these shoes?

I Like:

Ultimate 81® LE W by Onitsuka Tiger by Asics

Daybook February 23, 2010

FOR TODAY... Tuesday February 23, 2010

Outside my window... It's gray and getting overcast. It's starting to rain. Rain is in the forecast for the next 2 days.

I am thinking... I need to renew some library books. Good thing I can do it online.

I am hearing... The Office. I'm watching it while I blog. I'm on season 2.

I am thankful for... big coffee cups from Starbucks... even better if they are orange or have orange on them.

I am wearing... blue jeans, dusty pink long sleeved tee, trainers. I'm cold and should go get a sweatshirt.

I am remembering... the pile of Hawaiian shirts on our bed. One of Surferman's friends gave him a bunch of clothes that are his size. Tonight we'll go through them, save the best and eBay the rest.

I am going... to buy new trainers. My old ones have had it. Where do you buy your sneakers? Online or local?

I am reading... The Christmas Quilt. I'm ready to be done. I think I'll finish it this week. It's one of those books that is frustrating if you read a lot of an author. It is full of story from other books, so most of it seems like rehash. I have a new Neta Jackson book waiting for me at the library.

I am hoping... dinner comes together quickly tonight. The kitchen and dining room are kind of a mess right now.

On my mind... kitchens, bathrooms and closets.

From the learning rooms... Grom has been out of school the past two days. I'm afraid he'll have trouble with the letter U for the rest of his life. We've been reading a lot and got some worksheets from his teacher.

Vocabulary word of the week...
Capacious(Adjective)

Meaning:	Able to hold much
Looks Like:	Spacious;Capacity → The ability to hold
Sounds Like:	Ca(California)_spacious → California_spacious
Imagine This:	California is a spacious state
Other Forms:	Capaciously (adverb)

Noticing that... my desk is a super mess. It's on my hit list for tonight.

Pondering these words..."Hard doesn't mean impossible"

From the kitchen... Orange Asian Chicken and Potstickers. I don't feel much like cooking.

Around the house... my laundry problem has gotten much better. Surferman has taken over. YAY! Surferman! YAY!

One of my favorite things... Bare Escentuals makeup. It makes my face feel so nice and actually helps my skin be clearer. They just came out with liner pencils. They are the bomb.

A picture to share...

Read other Daybook's at Peggy's Blog, The Simple Woman.

gratitude - february 14

187. A fun Sunday in San Francisco.

188. An historic carousel at Zeum

189. A boy who loves horses (a least the carved wooden variety)

190. Seeing my eye roll on his face

190. Two rides for only $3

191. An empty bench near the carousel for a tired Mom to sit on

192. A bottle of cold water

It is hard to be depressed when I'm grateful. Become a Joy Finder? Consider joining the Gratitude Community! I'm still counting!

How to begin your own 1000 Gift List ::: How Gratitude Can Change your Life

What's for Dinner - February 22. 2010

Monday
Pub Style Chicken
Mashed Potatoes
Spinach

Tuesday

Orangey Asian Chicken

Rice
Veggies

Wednesday
~Everybody Pitch-In 4 Dinner~
~Kids Club / Bible Study~
Honey Baked Lentils
Rice

Thursday
~Dream Dinner Session~
CORD

Friday
~Grom - no school~
~Game Night~
Stuffed Baked Potatoes
Salad
Brownies

Saturday
~Care Team Meeting~
bring Easy Pumpkin Muffins
~Bridal Shower~
~Baby Shower~
Meatball Sandwiches

Sunday
~Family Dinner~
my folks cook

Need some inspiration for dinner? Want to save money on your grocery bill? Plan ahead. Check out all the menu plans at Menu Plan Monday hosted by Laura the Organizing Junkie.

Goose Egg

originally posted at my Medifast blog...

Well... it has happened. Welcome to Week 15 where I lost nothing, nada, zilch this week.

My weekly weight loss average has fallen below 4 pounds a week.

I'm having a hard time being 100% OP. I don't go crazy, but bites of this and a little bit of that are sneaking into my mouth. Correction! I'm willfully putting them in my mouth. This isn't something that is happening to me. I am responsible.

I can't quit now. I won't quit now. My head and heart must get back into this. My flesh must die. Pray for me.

My Lenten challenge has started and so far I'm flailing. Today is a new day though and I'm picking myself up and getting back at it.

(as I was reading through one last time - I had a thought about the difference between failing and flailing. One little "l" is the difference and that "l" represents effort and commitment and sticktuitiveness. I want that "l". Maybe that "l" is for loser?)

The challenge itself is straight forward. However, I'm flopping around with origin and purpose of the challenge. I've never been apart of a religion or group of people who observe lent. I understand the thought behind it, but have never applied it to myself. I still don't. My freedom is from Christ and I don't find that He asks such things from us. Instead I'm looking at it as another 40 days.

In any arranged challenge, there is accountability to others - but in this challenge... I guess I'm working through my feelings regarding the idea of Lent, Jesus and His ultimate sacrifice on the cross.

Anyway...

Today...
My scale is tucked away.
I'm going to drink gallons and tubs of water.
I will only eat food allowed on plan keeping it simple.
I will keep track of every bite.
I'm going to move more than usual.
I'm going to pray often and rely on Him to help me through this rough patch. Pray for me.

My discovery of the week: Chocolate Mint WATER from Metromint. It's spendy but a great treat. No carbs, no sweeteners... just a yummy treat.

Random Dozen - 2/17/10

1. If you could compete in one Olympic event (not necessarily winter sports) what would it be?
Hmm.. I'm not what most would think of as athletic. The most random answer I can think of would be Rhythmic Gymnastics... you know the gymnastics where they twirl the streamers as they do back flips etc.

2. Do remember a specific Olympic moment from the past?
I remember when Nadia got her perfect 10s. I think that dates me. I also remember when Mary Lou got hers. I probably should've just gone with Mary Lou.

3. Have you ever known anyone who competed in the Olympics?
Nope. But I had a friend in college who was a volunteer worker and got to be in the opening and closing ceremonies in LA 1984. Does that count?

4. If everyday activities were Olympic-worthy, which activity would you have a gold medal in?
Googling. I'm the self-proclaimed Queen of the Google search.

5. Do you know anything about your ethnic heritage?
Some. My mom is 100% Dutch, from sturdy farm stock in the Dakotas. My maiden name is French and there is a beagle with the same name and there is some funny story about carpet makers smuggled from France to England in wine barrels. But there isn't any French in my family. My dad jokes about smart Germans who pretended to be French to escape death. I don't know if it's true.

6. Do you enjoy sleeping late?
To a point - usually about 8:30. After that I feel wasted the rest of the day.

7. Have you ever performed CPR on anyone? Do you know how? (Yes, that's two, I know. Whatevs.)
No. Yes (although my certificate is expired).

8. Name one country you'd like to visit and explain why.
Ireland. Surferman is Irish. Ireland is always so beautiful in movies. Anyone see Leap Year? It's on my latest list of 101 Things to Do.

9. Have you ever fixed up a couple romantically?
No. I try hard to stay out of others romances.

10. What is the last book you read?
The Christmas Quilt by Jennifer Chiaverni

11. Do you enjoy sleeping late? NO, YOU write the question! How's that for random??
It's random. It's hard to write you're own random question because I keep thinking of what the answer would be before. How about a random answer? orange lunchbox with yellow hibiscus flowers.

12. What is your favorite meal at your favorite restaurant?
Lately, I've been thinking about Thai Food. I haven't been able to figure out how to have it and stay on my diet. Favorite meal? I'd say Tom Kha Gai soup, Pad Thai Noodles and a Thai Iced Tea.

Lid at 2nd Cup of Coffee posts random questions every week. Come play along.

Daybook February 16, 2010

FOR TODAY... Tuesday February 16, 2010

Outside my window... it's dark again, but today was a beautiful day.

I am thinking... how glad I am that the Daybook's hostess moved it's post day to Tuesdays.

I am hearing... TV in the background.

I am thankful for... the teamwork that got dinner on the table in record time tonight.

I am wearing... black capri (that used to be too small), white tee and croc flip flops

I am remembering... that I wanted to get to bed at 10pm tonight. It's 10:30 now.

I am going... to celebrate some special boys birthdays this weekend. We're looking forward to a joint party for Grom's friend buddy Eli and his wonder brother Simon. I'm bringing raw veggies.

I am reading... all the same books, maybe it's time to give one or more of them up?

I am hoping... to hit 60 pounds this week. crazy.

On my mind... bathrooms, closets, offices, headboards, paint color, flooring - which will eventually become our suite. It's still a great room.

Also I'm working on my blog's first ever sponsored giveaway. It's a bit exciting. Watch for your chance to win.

From the learning rooms... keeping up with Grom's homework from school and that's about it.

Noticing that... I feel busy and overwhelmed and that I don't like that feeling. I'm "behind" on a lot of things.

Pondering these words... natural consequences

From the kitchen... the worlds speediest dinner... spaghetti and meatballs with salad and garlic bread - from pantry to table in less than 20 minutes.

Around the house... remodel plans are progressing. I think the kitchen plans are mostly settled. Now Surferman and I have to figure out our suite. Doesn't that sound better than a bedroom?

One of my favorite things... iced decaf americano from Starbucks with a gluggle of half and half

A picture to share...A couple of big boys.

Read other Daybook's at Peggy's Blog, The Simple Woman.

Random Dozen - 2/11/10

1. Are you pleasant when you're ill, or are you a grumpy, fussy patient?
I don't get sick. Wait... I don't admit when I'm sick. I think I'm pleasant.

2. When you find out that school is canceled (due to inclement weather) what is your gut reaction?
Our weather is not extreme enough to cancel school. Maybe Grom and I should plan some "Snow Days" of our own. Hmmm... that could be fun.

3. What is one domestic skill you wish you could improve?
Laundry. It's no secret that I don't like laundry.

4. Do you decorate your home for Valentine's Day?
Not really. We put a few of those clings on a window, but I don't think that counts as decorating.

5. What song is on your mind today?
I had a worship song stuck in my head earlier today, but of course I can't remember which one it was now. Just remembered... Your Love is Extravagant by Casting Crowns.

6. Do you prefer contemporary movies or classic?
Both really. It's seems easier to watch contemporary movies.

7. How well do you "compartmentalize" your feelings? For example, how well can you put aside a really trying moment to deal with the immediate situation which is not related to the trying moment, e.g., putting aside a tiff with your spouse in order to finish wallpapering a room.
Maybe too good. I'm really good at being "up".

8. What is the first thing that attracted you to your spouse? (Or if you're single, to your best friend.)
His height. He's 6' 6 1/2" tall.

9. When was the last time your heart raced?
Does exercise count?

10. What are your memories of Valentine's Day at school?
My memories are all very predictable... classroom parties and valentines from the grocery store. I remember a Valentine's Day when a police car pulled into our driveway. A boy in my sister's class got out and delivered a handmade valentine card to my sister. He said he had forgotten to bring her valentine to school so his Dad (the policeman) brought him by to drop it off. After he left, we went through her bag of valentines from school and found a card from the boy. I think he had a crush.

11. If you were going to receive candy for Valentine's Day, which would you prefer?
None this year please. How about a case of caffeine free Diet Dr. Pepper instead?

12. Red or pink?
orange

Check out more random questions and answers at 2nd Cup of Coffee.

Blah Blah Blah

originally posted at MyMedifast blog
I just don't want to post an update this week.

It's not that I haven't lost weight. I have. 1.8 pounds. 58.2 pounds total in 14 weeks. I'm still averaging over 4 pounds a week.

I'm in a bit of a funk.

It's been a busy week. My exercise has dropped off with the busyness. I don't have as much time to think about food and I've been bad about planning. I know that planning is so important to my success. I need to adjust and regroup.

Guess what? I have a new plan.

I joined a 40 day challenge. It starts on Wednesday, but I'm going to actually start on Tuesday. (We're going away for the weekend. I'll stay on plan but I'll have to stay flexible).

Here's my commitment...

• I will weigh every Thursday am during the 40 days and THAT IS IT.
• I will not doctor or mess with my Medifast foods for 40 days
• I will drink all my water for 40 days
• I will regard the condiment/snack allowance as a MAY have, not as a MUST have each day
• I will move my body (exercise) in an "extra" way every day
• I will not eat cheese (except cottage cheese)
• I will record everything I put in my mouth

In other news...
I bought some new jeans. 3 sizes smaller than the ones I was wearing when I started MF. I decided I didn't want to wait until I could get into the jeans in my closet. They arrived today and they fit. WOO HOO!

My discovery of the week: Water is really important.
When I drink a lot of water...

• I feel better.
• I lose better.
• I'm less hungry.

Even so, it's really easy to get busy and not drink. I'm looking for tips and tricks to increase my water consumption. Share yours in the comments.

I think Grom and I got held up on a local road when they filmed this commercial.

We get to live here.

Daybook February 8, 2010

FOR TODAY... Monday February 8, 2010

Outside my window...it's dark. I'm cold.

I am thinking... geez I'm cold.

I am hearing... the heater kicking on.

I am thankful for... heated mattress pads. Our bed will be cozy warm tonight when I crawl in.

I am wearing... black pants, medium blue tee, flip flops (probably why I'm cold) and I just went to get a sweatshirt.

I am remembering... that I'll need to have Valentine's gifts ready to take with us this weekend.

I am going... to San Francisco with Surferman and Grom this weekend. We are saving "the good stuff" for a future trip with friends, but I'm sure we'll find more good stuff to do. It will be nice to get away from normal.

I am reading... the same books as last week.

I am hoping... to get going on my quilt.

On my mind... all the things I need to do. Where does my time go?

From the learning rooms... Grom and Grandma made his valentines for school. We have a book bag full of random books this week to read together. We are still reading The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. It's S week.

Vocabulary word of the week...

Banal (Adjective)

Meaning:	Boring; common; ordinary; dull
Sounds Like:	Ban_Al
Imagine This:	NBC station manager banned Al’s television shows from prime time TV because it was extremely boring.
Other Forms:	Banality (noun)

Noticing that... it's too cold to be wearing flip flops yet.

Pondering these words...

"Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!"

- Psalm 34:8 (NKJV)

From the kitchen... lots of goodies. Tonight Surferman and I made a couple of Peanut Butter Cup Pies and a batch of Peanut Butter Oatmeal cookies. Both are for events, with a little left behind for my guys. I'll post the Peanut Butter Cup Pie recipe later this week. It's really good and really easy.

Around the house... My sister and her husband and the girlies are almost ready to move into their new home. The finishing touches are happening. It's bittersweet.

One of my favorite things... cheek kisses from my sweet boy.

A picture to share...This is a block I made for a friend's Christmas Quilt years ago. She still had her quilt out when we visited her home recently so we could see it. Can you figure it out? How 'bout a Partridge in a Pear Tree?

Read other Daybook's at Peggy's Blog, The Simple Woman.

What's for Dinner - February 8, 2010

Monday
~Grom - no school~
~Grom - gymnastics~
Chicken Tetrazzini
green salad
french bread & butter

Tuesday
~PTA Founders Day~
Oatmeal Peanut Butter Cookies
~WIM Meeting~
Peanut Butter Cup Pie

Buffalo, Beef or Pizza Burgers
green bean "french fries"

Wednesday
~Everybody Pitch-In 4 Dinner~
~Kids Club & Bible Study~
Potstickers

Thursday
frozen pizza
salad

Friday
~scoop ice cream - PTA Valentine's Day Ice Cream Social~
~leave for San Francisco weekend~

Saturday
~San Francisco~

Sunday
~San Francisco~

There are hundreds of menus and thousands of ideas each week at Organizing Junkie's Menu Plan Monday. Go check them out.

"On the Road to Spring" Quilt-Along Wk 1 & 2

Randi at i have to say is hosting a fun quilt along called "On the Road to Spring". I missed posting for week 1 (selecting fabrics). It's week 2 now and we are started cutting our pieces this week. If you've ever wanted to make a quilt, this is a great way to give it a go. I'm using it for motivation. I need to keep up... right? It's not too late to join.

Here's the quilt we are going to make...

Here's the fabrics I'm using...

They are not my usual colors. Not a drop of orange anywhere.
My computer monitor isn't doing the colors justice.

Think dark brown, turquoise/teal blue, dark green and acidy yellowgreen.

I like all the fabrics except for the one second to the right in the above picture of close ups.
I'm afraid it's too light compared to the others. Opinions?

This fabric is my "neutral" for the squares that separate all the rectangles.

I'm supposed to have all this fabric cut up and be ready to start sewing soon. I also need to clean up my studio so I can get my sewing machine set up. Better get at it.

May this be the beginning of a lot of sewing.

iPhone camera hint

Any iPhone users out there? I learned something that was revolutionary to me this week about the camera in my iPhone. I have to share it.

My iPhone camera gets used a lot. It's frustrating and I get a lot of bad pictures for every good one. The shutter never seemed to trigger when it was supposed to. Or the action of tapping the "take a picture" button would jiggle the camera and mess up the photo.

So, here's the trick. The button triggers when your finger comes off the button, not when you touch the button. When you want to take a picture, hold your finger on the button. When you're ready to take the photo, take your finger off the button and the picture will take. So simple.

My blog photos should get better and better.

Friday Fave Five

1. Pasta and Meatballs - This is quickly becoming a go to meal for potlucks and Helping Hands meals. It's really easy. It's really yummy. And frugal. I use Party Meatballs (a little smaller) from Trader Joe's and sauce and pasta bought on sale. I add a can of cut tomatoes for that something that makes people think it was more work than it was. Some Parmesan cheese on top and you're ready to go. I took it to dinner before Bible Study this week.

2. New Socks - I've been wearing new socks this week. Love them. They are so white and soft and fit perfectly. I wonder why I don't buy new socks more often. And best of all... they match!

3. Forts - We haven't had a lot of rain this week, but still things are all wet outside. Indoor forts are the perfect activity for such climate. Grab a few tablecloths, a few clothes pins, a few clothes bins (Grom misunderstood me and brought in all of our laundry baskets) and a couple of chairs and you're good to go. Throw in a snack of multi-colored goldfishies and you're the best mom ever... at least for a little while.

4. LOST - Unless you live under a rock or don't have cable, you know that the final season of Lost started this last week. I love where they are going and it feels like we are starting to get some answers while they keep my head spinning.

5. Inventions - I found this cool website, Think! a while ago. Grom was too young at the time for any of their projects. He's not anymore. I gathered up a bunch of stuff, essentially garbage, and let him go. He made Wall-E's eyes from some TP rolls, Popsicle sticks, paper cups and a bunch of tape. I showed him some of the challenges from the blog and he wants to start giving them a go. It's fun to watch his creativity. He wants to try to make a fishing pole next.

It was a great week! Friday's Fave Five is hosted by Susanne at Living to Tell the Story. What were you're favorite things this week?