Halloween Trick or Treating

Since my sister, BooSheep, just managed to put up her Halloween photos - I thought I would follow suit, so this is how we spent Halloween evening.

B10 and CW went to spend a week with their Daddy in Kentucky.  Their grandfather was sick this past summer, so this was their chance to visit with their grandparents.

Halloween afternoon was Queen's Bowling Birthday Party.  It was a huge surprise, and lots of fun!  I even bowled an ALMOST 100!  (That's the highest score I've ever gotten!)

Afterwards, Hubby and I took our little Abby Sciuto to Publix for their fall festival.  She liked looking around, but her favorite part was icing the cookie.

I really appreciate how Publix takes a true customer service approach to their business - and if I pay an extra dime or so, I'll do that to know that the people there truly want me to have a great experience.

THANK YOU, PUBLIX!

~Lone Butterfly  )i(

He's Not Little Anymore...

B10 and Hubby went on his first Webelos campout, for two whole nights.  It was just the older (4th and 5th grade) boys.  He pitched his own tent, managed to get a nice burn on his fingers from the fire, got to use his pocketknife - plus the never-ending search for bugs.

He absolutely loves Cub Scouts and talks all the time about wanting to be an Eagle Scout someday.  I only hope he will stick with it, because I think it will truly help him develop into a well-rounded man.

But it's amazing to look at him...he's such a BIG kid!

~Lone Butterfly  )i(

Virtual House Party!

A few weeks ago I was selected as one of 1,250 people in America to host a Kodak Gallery House Party.  This exciting event will take place tomorrow night, where my guests will enjoy delicious food (THANKS COOKIE!), check out the nifty Kodak Gallery photo stuff that I have and then leave with 40% off coupons of their own.

BUT - lots of people can't join us tomorrow, so I thought I would have a virtual party on my blog.  If you've like what you see, leave me a comment and I'll send you the guest prize (a 40% off coupon code) - good after the "live" version of the party.

First - the Kodak Gallery site.  This is where you upload pictures.  Kodak Gallery holds onto your pictures, though they do have a minimum per year (rolling 12 months) that you have to purchase.  Personally - I have TONS of photos uploaded there and the $19.99 every 12 months is very easy for me to meet.  That is the higher threshold, if you have a smaller number of photos "stored" on the site, it's only $4.99 every 12 months.

I have personally used the Site for many gifts.  I absolutely love the photo books, even if the "new" version of the site took a little getting use to.  In the past, I've made photo books of all our vacations.  B10 and CW still pull out "their" books and read them.

I made an absolutely beautiful photo book of GO's birth.  I love the fact that I was able to use lots of text to tell the story (on special text pages) and lots of photos.  I am not a huge fan of "baby" books, the pastels and such just aren't my thing.  Being able to make a black photos book, with beautiful black and white swirls personalized GO's birth book for me.

I also use the site to print out photos for Christmas Cards and other cards during the year.  I have been trying to send out photos of the Caterpillars at least twice a year (if not more often).  To save money, I buy Christmas Cards in January.  Now, this may seem crazy, but it means that I can already have my Christmas Cards addressed and signed by October.  Then, I just take my family photo in October (the leaves have changed by that time, so it's a pretty Fall photo - and since it doesn't really snow here in Georgia - that works for Christmas).  Hubby and I pick our favorites and upload them to print at less than $0.10 per photo.

Basically, I spend less than $6.00 to send photos to all our friends and family - the grandparents and other relatives LOVE that.  Plus, I get everything in the mail by Thanksgiving and I seem on top of things!  (What a great feeling during the holidays!)

I've also made photo mugs - they've turned out well, BUT you need to use the right photo.  I recommend lighter photos rather than darker ones.  Also, the higher quality photo the higher quality end-product.  Most (while not all) of the complaints I have heard about from the site have been either user-error or poor quality photos to begin with...  Kodak is great, but they aren't magicians!

For my family, who's invested in a very nice camera, this is a great alternative to having professional photos taken.  Being homeschooled, we don't have anyone taking school photos twice a year, so this is a great alternative (and much cheaper!).

Before this "fancy" camera, though, I had two point and shoot basic digital cameras.  And I was still able to get great photos printed with them.  I even have a few black and white photos that are 8x10 hanging in my hallway - when I took B10 to Gatlinburg he took my camera and snapped a few shots.  They turned out to be beautiful nature photos (from The Great Smokey Mountains National Park).  For less than $10 I have 3 framed photos that most people think are professionally done (or at least not done by a 7 year old!).

So, thank you for joining my "party".  Browse the website and feel free to ask me any questions.  If you leave a comment saying you attended - expect the coupon code in your inbox!

Sorry I couldn't also send the chocolate covered strawberries!  :D

~Lone Butterfly  )i(

Making Soap

Princess Flower has come to spend the night with us, and I had talked to her Mum (Aunt CC) about a special Science Project.

I decided to let the Caterpillars and Princess Flower help me make our own homemade laundry detergent.  I found the recipe online and it seemed pretty simple.  After doing it - I can tell you - if this works, it was so easy that I'll never buy laundry detergent again.

The recipe is easy: 1 bar of soap (I used Ivory), 2 cups Baking Soda, 2 gallons of water, plus 12-15 drops of essential oil (optional)

First, the kids had to shred the soap.

I will be purchasing a cheap grater just for this purpose, assuming it works.

Then, we placed the soap in a pot and covered it with a bit of water.  The heat is suppose to melt the soap.  The directions say this will take a while, but anyone who uses Ivory knows - it basically melts in ANY water, so it didn't take very long at all.

After that, the kids took turns putting in the rest of the water and the baking soda.

To store the laundry detergent, I am using large Cat Litter containers.  These are easy to clean and are unscented, so they won't affect the detergent.

Plus, this way I was able to let the kids decorate the containers (so I could tell them apart, Princess Flower's Mum - Aunt CC - requested a different scent).  I wrote the directions on the side.

I mean, where else can you get laundry detergent decorated with a laser battle?  That, my friends, is truly unique! 

The cost is amazing -  it cost me $1.06 to make the entire container ($2.13 between us).  That's less than $0.02 per load.  Purex (for HE washers) cost me $0.18 per load.  AND this took less than 15 minutes of my time.  I did scent the detergent, but only because I had essential oils in the house (I won them in a raffle basket from Whole Foods).  It smelled just fine without the oils, but it was a nice touch to add lavender to mine and lemon citrus to Aunt CC's.

I'll post an update as soon as I've done a load of clothes.

~Lone Butterfly  )i(

My First One! (Only 100 left)

So, today I am able to cross of my first task on my list.  I added it on there, knowing that I wanted to do it - but that it would be helpful to have an extra incentive to actually DO it.

Ever since I was 17 (and got my driver's license) I have been listed as an Organ Donor.  But, I wanted to make it more official, so I have now registered with the Georgia Website (an official form).

www.donateLIFEgeorgia.org

I cannot imagine what would happen if I were to die.  I can't.  It's painful to even think about my children growing up without their Mum.  BUT if that tragedy were to ever happen, I want my family to know - without a shadow of a doubt - what my wishes are.

PLEASE, if there is a piece of me that can save another Mum, so she can be with her children - let them take it.  If my eyes can help another person see God's creation for the first time, PLEASE let them take it.  If my heart can beat on and another family can be spared losing a loved one, I am asking that you said goodbye to me and give that person a chance.

There are so many parts that can be donated: heart, lungs, eyes, intestines, liver, pancreas, kidneys, skin grafts, heart valves, even bones.

God will have a new body for me, I have no need of the one I'm leaving behind.  It is my greatest wish that I'll be so old when I die that no one wants me, but if God has other plans, PLEASE honor my wishes.

If you've never given thought to organ donation, or have more questions - or if you've never made your wishes public - I encourage you to do so.  www.donateLIFE.net is a National Website that can help.

Give your family the peace of mind (either way you choose) that they are following your wishes.

~Lone Butterfly  )i(

My 101 in 1001

Current Status: 1 Down ~ 100 to Go

The Mission: Complete 101 preset tasks in 1001 days. November 9, 2009 to August 6, 2012


The Criteria: Tasks must be specific (no ambiguity in the wording) with a result that is either measurable or clearly defined. Tasks should also be realistic and stretching (represent some amount of work on my part).


Why 1001 Days: Many people have created lists in the past - frequently simple goals such as New Year’s resolutions. The key to beating procrastination is to set a deadline that is realistic. 1001 Days (about 2.75 years) is a better period of time than a year, because it allows you several seasons to complete the tasks, which is better for organizing and timing some tasks such as overseas trips or outdoor activities.


My List:

Take the Kids to Disney World

Go to Las Vegas with Hubby

Take B10 on two vacations alone (0/2)

Take CW on two vacations alone (0/2)

Take GO on one vacation alone

Go to Chateu Elan with a friend (or two)

Become a full member of the DAR

Direct two plays at New London Theatre (0/2)

Finish Agapi

Write 250 pages of an original novel (0/250)

Learn better time management by reading books

Develop a better calendar/schedule for my family

Take the kids swimming once a month

Visit the library twice a month (1/68)

Get rid of debt (except house and student loan)

Finish my Master's Degree in Christian Studies

Camp in our Camper 10 times (0/10)

Read 10 books – just for pleasure (0/10)

Find 300 geocaches

Learn to sew fleece pajama pants

Adopt our missing child

Finish knitting 5 scarves (1/5)

Hike up Stone Mountain

Take the boys to Six Flags to ride Roller Coasters

See the Grand Canyon

See the Little Grand Canyon

Take the kids Kayaking

Hike 100 miles total (0/100)

Declutter my house of 14 Rooms (0/14)

Renovate the Garage into a bedroom for B10/CW

Audition for a Musical

Audition for 5 Straight Plays (0/5)

Sew a Dress for myself

Enter 2 Photography Contests (0/2)

Be an Extra in a Movie

Finish a Quilt

Learn about WarHammer with the Boys

Become a BSA Merit Badge Counselor

Take the Kids to 5 High School Football Games (0/5)

Take the Kids to a College Football Game

Go to a Swim Meet

Visit New Orleans/Slidell

Let the Boys have 10 Friends spend the night (0/10)

Do Dave Ramsey's Program with Hubby

Listen to the FISH (and nothing else) for a Month

Model Daily Quiet Time for my Children

Let all the Kids do Gymnastics for 6 months (0/3)

Take the Kids to American Adventures

Donate my Hair Twice (0/2)

Register as an Organ Donor at my State Website

Finish Cross-stitching a tablecloth

Donate 100 books (0/100)

Take B10 to see the UGA campus

Take CW to see the Georgia Tech campus

Send Christmas Cards every year (0/3)

Adopt a Family for Christmas every year (0/3)

Bake proper Tea Cookies for Christmas

Become CPR Red Cross Certified

Properly Fast and Pray on 5 Holy Days (0/5)

Take the Kids to see the Harlem Globetrotters

Apply to be on The Amazing Race

Go 1 month without eating out (holidays excluded)

Get my eyes checked for New Glasses

Finish my Tattoos

Go to a Writer's Conference

Sew my own purse

Finish our Sunroom

Use our Hot Tub

Install Crown Molding in the Master Bath

Run the Princess ½ Marathon at WDW

Adopt a Third Compassion Child from Brazil

Get FLYing Water Bottles for all the Family

Begin Clearing out the Backyard

Research Chaplin Program for CBF

Teach in VBS

Jingle 25 families (0/25)

Boo 25 families (0/25)

Join the Media Team at SRBC

Learn to Golf

Go horsebacking riding

Take photos of the Kids every month (0/34)

Memorize 10 new Hymns (0/10)

Visit a Farmer's Market

Get a Baseline Mammogram

Host a Mardi Gras Party

Find a new Lipstick

Learn how to French Braid Hair

Host a Black-Tie Fundraiser

Take a 2 week road trip anywhere in the US

Learn how to tie 5 knots (0/5)

Own a Snake

Repaint the Master Bedroom

Take 50 Evening Walks with the Family (0/50)

Learn to make Proper Pizza Dough

Hug my Kids everyday and tell them “I Love You”

Help my Cub Scouts earn their Arrow of Light

Research American Heritage Girl Program

Stop biting my nails

Spend 48 hours by myself (all in a row)

Take an Art Class

Task Completed
Task in Progress



Other bloggers doing this challenge:

Sister-in-Law: www.lifethrowsyousurprises.blogspot.com
City Girl: www.asouthernboyandacitygirl.blogspot.com


If you decide to join us in the 101 in 1001 Challenge, leave me a link to your blog, so others can support your progress!


~Lone Butterfly )i(

GO's Beth Hadid

This weekend we held GO's Beth Hadid Ceremony.  Her baby dedication was during the 11 am service on Sunday, so Saturday evening we had our family and a few friends over to celebrate GO's life and the joy she has brought to our home.

We have a delicious spread - GO's Godmother (her Mimi) flew in from Maryland/DC to help me with the food.

We had a few things from Publix...they have the best bakery around for cakes.  Plus we ordered wraps (the extras would serve as Hubby's lunch for a week).

Lots of fruits and veggies rounded out the tables, and homemade deviled eggs (mostly for Uncle Sheep).


Baby Sheep (who, as most of my readers remember shares a birthday with GO) was there with her whole family.  I loved this picture, because the two of them are so alert and ready to walk, but the difference in size is huge!

I just love their little toes!

Mere came also, and she held GO (who communicated with Sprout - the baby due in January, and who will be GO's playmate next year).

So many people came to join us.  Thank you to all our guests at the Beth Hadid and to the family members that attended the baby dedication on Sunday.

It means so much to us that you would share our special day and write letters for GO to open on her 18th birthday and truly experience our blessing with our family.

~Lone Butterfly  )i(

GO's Little Problem

GO just had her 9 month doctors appointment and there were a few issues.

She's absolutely healthy and her cognitive development is on par with a 9 month old (even though she was 5 weeks early) so that's wonderful!

However, at her 6 month check-up she weighted 13 pounds 8 ounces and the doctor wanted her to gain approx 1/2 an ounce every day for the next three months. That's a little less than 3 pounds in 3 months.

When they weighed her again at her 9 month check-up she weighed 13 pounds 10 ounces. Virtually no growth at all.

She hadn't gained much weight before then either! At her four month appointment (which was a little early) she weighed 10 pounds 13 ounces. And she was wearing 0-3 month clothes. That was when we really started to feed her solids, which took her up to the six month appointment, but then nothing! Nada! Length-wise she's only grown an inch in five months!

Here's a photo of her at four months in her 4th of July Sunday Dress (the photos was taken in late May):
And here she is wearing the SAME dress at nine months:


Now, granted, she can sit up on her own (and is crawling and trying to walk), but the dress, it still fits perfectly. She's still in size 1 diapers!

Please continue to keep her in your prayers. We are seeking a second opinion, because in my heart I just know something isn't right. She's been at the bottom of the curve since she was born, but by 6 months she had fallen totally off the curve, and she's basically plateaued physically in the last 3 months.

It's a bit scary, but we are trusting God. It's wonderful to know she's otherwise healthy and in the end, that is what counts.

~Lone Butterfly )i(

Happy (Early) Halloween!

Happy Halloween! For GO's first Halloween, we dressed up as the cast of NCIS. GO went as Abby. I was so proud of her not pulling her braids off. And she loved her little studded wristbands. My favorite was her "Bert the Hippo", just like Abby on the show!
The boy Caterpillars came as DiNozzo and McGee - you guess which is which. (CW dressed himself in his "cool" Hawaiian print shirt...thanks again Aunt CC...).
We headed up to the church for our Fall Festival. It was hard to get pictures of the boys, because they were running from game to game. GO spent time in the Toddler room with Cookie and Hubby.
Princess and Prince came to visit us. Princess was a pretty orange witch.
Prince came as Harry Potter.
These are some of the better pictures. Most of the others are of them rushing past the person with the camera!
The one good shot I got of the Caterpillars on the haybale. I wanted GO in the picture, also, but there was no holding them there while we got her!
Happy (Early) Halloween!

~Lone Butterfly )i(

Saturday Football

Wow, football is a bigger hit with the Caterpillars than Hubby and I ever expected!



It was pretty chilly, but dry (such a good thing), so GO was all dressed up in her long sleeves and hat cheering her brothers on from the sidelines.
I am really hoping we will be able to let the Caterpillars play football in the spring. I think they are going to LOVE it again.THANK YOU Granddaddy and Minnie Mouse for giving B10 and CW this opportunity.

~Lone Butterfly )i(