On to book 3!!

You're going to think I'm nuts. Unless, of course, you've read the books yourself. You understand if you're a Harry Potter reader.

I just finished book 2 today and I'm on to book 3 this evening or tomorrow morning. What I'm really excited for is snuggling up with Mr. Wonderful (Nate) and watching the 2nd movie.



I'd better be careful. These long summer days at home are allowing me far more reading time than I ever imagined. I'll snap out of it soon, only 5 books to go! (HA!) I'm sure eventually Charlie and I will make a trip up to see my folks for a few days, and I'll get to my classroom at some point as well. But for now, I'm relishing in the opportunity to kick back and enjoy some light summer reading!

Harry Potter 2!

Started reading Harry Potter 2 the other day- haven't had much time to read, however. My lazy summer keeps getting in the way. :) Actually, I've spent a lot of time with friends at Bible study, over coffee, breakfast, and gallivanting around town to all the girlie stores I could find. It's been a good week.

Summer Project

This is my summer project:



I've never read the Harry Potter series. I'd like to. And, as a teacher, I feel that it is necessary. :) I purchased book one today at Bluestem Books.

I'm excited. :)

Some of my favorite things

Nate and I are crafty. We love to create. I haven't been very good about posting photos lately, so you get a load of them now- a few of my favorite things from la casa de Eigsti.

This is one of many garden lights that Nate created this year. They've got a solar pannel in the top and they hang in the trees to create a sweet ambiance when the sun goes down. I love them.

I love to read. And I love elephants.

 

This plate comes from our good friends in Japan. We miss C & M so much!


Nate made this clock for me during the winter blizzards. It hangs in my sewing room and I love it.

Here is one of Charlie’s favorite blankets.

Whipped up this little tea towel for my good gal, Martha. Next time, I’ll get one of those rings before I try to hand-stitch again. Sheesh.

I knit and crochet and loved this bowl of yarn in the cozy cold winter.

 

It is my goal this summer to get my stitch on. I’ve got ideas buzzing around in my head and I just need to get some coffee and lock myself in my sewing room while Nate is at work. That would make me very, very happy.

Live feed

Recently I added the "live feed" on the right of the screen. And it shows where my blog is being viewed- which is exciting for me because it tells me that people are reading! But it drives me CRAZY to not know who it is.

Just thought I'd let you know. :)

We just got back from Nate's brother's wedding in KC. I've got lots of pictures to share- but not tonight. Maybe tomorrow.

XOXO

Going Green- one load at a time!

Here's a recipe I'm trying from my good friend, Melissa's, blog.

1 bar Fels Naptha
1 1/2 cup Arm and Hammer (All Natural) Washing Soda
1 1/2 cup 20 Mule Team Borax

(or any variation of these amounts, so long as the proportions are the same)

All you do is grate the Fels Naptha and mix it with the two powders! Note that the Arm and Hammer Soda is WASHING soda, not baking soda. I put all the ingredients in a bag, shake it up, and store it in my linen closet (which sort of acts as an air freshener too). Or you could store it in a little container or something too.

The thing with this home-made stuff is that you don't need as much in each load as you would with the store-bought stuff, and it has natural fabric softeners in it, so you can forget the staticky sheets that you never find until you put your arm through a sweater sleeve. The recommended amount for each load is about 2-3 tablespoons. Honestly, I put more than twice that amount out of personal preference, but just play around and see what works best for you. Also, this powder won't make suds like regular laundry detergents, but don't worry... it's still working.

The absolute BEST part is that it's a small step towards making your life a little more environmentally friendly, consuming less and saving money! It totally makes sense! All of the ingredients can be found at a grocery store, but don't forget to take your reusable shopping bags when you go!!

She's a real gem. I'm excited to see how it turns out. In fact, my first load might be done now! Happy laundering, everyone!

June-Bug-2

For the record, I do have more good days than bad. :) I just usually feel like blogging and processing when I'm in a funk. So- that's when you usually hear from me. :)

I finished school last week so I'm on summer vacation! I'm going to miss my 1st graders, but will LOVE my time off. I plan to spend it in these ways:

reading
writing
digging into my Bible
going through a 90-day Proverbs 31 woman devotional with my best bud April
drinking lots and lots of iced coffee
playing with Charlie
planning meals for my man
Jazz in June
evening walks with my guys (Nate and Charlie)
Jason & Michelle's wedding (!)
tending to my garden
eating lettuce from my barrels
sewing
singing (really loudly) to lots of great music while I'm home alone
blogging

I'm excited for the new season. I'm looking forward to growing as an individual and REALLY looking forward to having the capacity to invest more in the people I love.

Happy summer!!!!