Jess (& Marie) Finds

[JessFinds] Updates and More

2011-02-21T15:08:00.001-05:00

We made it west and have set up shop on the other coast!

In odd news - my domain was suddenly disrupted, now it appears to be owned by someone other than me and they are trying to sell it. Very strange.

So, I have decided not to care. JessFinds.com was a hoot. It ran for a long time, we had a lot of fun with it. The postings will remain up, hosted by Blogger. It is probably time for a new blog anyway since Marie and I are technically no longer cross-country blogging!

I will redirect to any new blogs when they are up and running.

Update: You can find me at Jess Out West.

xoxoxo,

[JessFinds] First real snow of the year

2010-12-20T16:11:00.001-05:00

Whew. Cutting it close! We sold our truck. Have donated and found homes for almost all of the stuff that we don't want to move. We need to sell our snow blower but I am watching the weather and hoping we don't need it to get out of our driveway! Just light snow for now.

Get to work kid...

I have both girls at home now. It could go great or go very badly. Gonzo is a bully and just pesters Miss Crab till she loses it. When they play nicely - it is bliss. I am really hoping for more of the latter.

My husband married the right girl when it comes to this life we have built. He does not drop roots and neither do I. I am looking around me at this house, our improvements, our little plot of land and thinking ... meh. My little brother is my exact opposite. My mom too. They build up around them, engage in their surroundings, plant things and form attachments. I am a nomad. I moved six times while at the same college (why???). I must have just loved paying security deposits.

[JessFinds] I am a mean one...

2010-12-15T14:17:00.000-05:00

I am the Grinch. It is freaking my husband out.

See, normally I am all starry-eyed and filled with good cheer. He can rely on me to deck halls, shop, cook, show excitement, rally the family round the hearth and generally be Mrs. Claus.

I ain't feelin' it.

Listen, I have things to sell, stuff to donate, endless stuff to clean, organize and pack ... Christmas? I have a moving truck arriving before Christmas. Why would I possibly hang a single bell? Plus the doctors are running massive tests on me and I am out of blood. I am tired. Bah Humbug.

He is tip-toeing around me like I am some crazy person who invaded his home. But here is the funny thing ... he is turning in to a little Christmas Elf. Throwing extra toys in to the cart. Putting up a small tree. If he busts out with "Jingle Bells" I am going to start worrying more about him ...

IN OTHER NEWS:

My daughter may be completely quirky, meow like a cat, speak in robot monotone to strangers and walk like a t-rex when nervous ... but she is smarter than all of us.

Miss Crab is having a sudden learning spurt that is throwing me for a loop. I don't know if they decided to start challenging her (she was bored) but suddenly she is reading at the top of her class and tells me how easy it is. Also, her math skills make me question if she is even my child. Super advanced math skills. Yay Montessori!

So, she can't socialize worth a damn, but she is smart as a whip and showing a ton of independence and humor. I am totally okay with that.

And now I will take her out of school for two months and then put her in a new school. See? We try to screw up our kids as much as possible. Can't win. I am going to be plagued with mommy guilt...

On a side note, I remember when I was in first grade and I was given my first math test. It was a 0+ test. 0+1. 0+2. 0+3. I panicked - at age 6. Total panic. Had no idea what to do. Thought I was going to throw up. I remember it like it was yesterday!

[JessFinds] Wordy, Wordy ... No Pictures

2010-12-13T18:28:00.002-05:00

UGH. Total emotional drain! But we did it. We got through one of the toughest weekends ever with dignity and with grace. I am so incredibly proud of my husband. He might be up for the "Worlds Kindest Man" award. I think he deserves to sleep for a week straight!

I kept a smile on my face and acted as gracious as possible. I also answered questions bluntly and honestly. I am not obligated to sugar coat anything further. This situation was ugly. I have been so lucky to travel the world and live in a lot of different places. I look forward to closing the chapter on this place. I have a few friends from here who I will keep in touch with, cannagetta YAY for Facebook, but I can't imagine coming back.

It is so much easier to just be nice. Think the best of people first. Work collaboratively. Find solutions rather than focus on problems. I need my family to experience some kindness for a while. We signed on to live in a fishbowl, be public figures, have our lives held to a higher standard. I get it. But honestly? It kinda sucks the happiness out of you when you become the subject of rumor, a target for aggression and a general punching bag. But enough with the dwelling on the ickies.

So, I am excited now. I am exhausted, but excited.

I am having a firesale on everything I don't want to move across country. I am selling off so much stuff. It is so liberating!

I sold all of our white wicker sunroom furniture. In California, a sunroom is called a deck (hee). Still need a buyer for the Preacher's truck.

My husband bought me a case of Malbec. It is like he knows me.

My health is in the crapper - it appears that we can't stablize my thyroid function. Plummet after plummet. Just got the latest news today. I am going to invest in a fancy-pants Endocrinologist when we reach the West Coast. I have an irrational fear that I have thyroid cancer and I just need to simmer down and jump off the hypochondriac train at the next whistle-stop. We are going to be switching to the Kaiser health program. The Kaiser is not going to kill me, right?

In other health news, I am getting my hip checked on Wednesday. Because I am apparently 120 years old and now have hip problems. It is okay, laugh at me. It is a family tradition to fall apart in our 30's only to be STRONG LIKE BULL from 40 on out. I will have the hips of a belly-dancer again. And the knees of a spry gymnast. A girl can dream.

Did I mention the hubby bought me a case of Malbec?

We have a moth infestation of grand proportions - my house is covered in them (outside). Anyone know what is up with that? I am hoping that tomorrow's freezing temps will reduce the moth population because it is feeling a little too Silence of the Lambs for my tastes.

[JessFinds] More than you ever needed to know about my face

2010-12-11T09:47:00.000-05:00

I am ~~pale~~. Umm... I am really pale. I baby my skin with SPF year round so that I will look like a snow goddess in my 60's and beyond. I used to hate being fair when all of my contemporaries were bronzed, but you gotta rock what you got. Just born in the wrong century.

So I take care of it.

My skin is also very dry. And as I get older, apparently sensitive. Fun. I found myself (at 36) looking like I was going through puberty. I have always had clear, albeit pale, skin. Not any longer. Stress does a number on me. So does winter weather combined with dry indoor heating, etc...

So I have this dry, flaky, dull, broken-out T-zone face. No moisturizer or exfoliant has helped. I was looking tired. A quintessential stress-worn face. I had a few "I am not stepping outside of this house" days of late.

I tried tea tree oil hoping that it would clear me up, but no luck. So I did a little research and remembered reading that olive oil was good for dry skin as it is incredibly nonreactive.

O.M.G. (Yep, I omg'd). I have been rubbing a small amount of extra virgin olive oil in to my face each morning for about seven days now and my skin is almost 100% healed. It feels like cheating. Shouldn't I be back at my dermatologist spending a fortune on small bottles of imported French cleansers?

Olive oil.

[JessFinds] Traveling with Wild Animals

2010-12-10T13:58:00.001-05:00

Car travel with kids can be daunting, especially when your children start whining within moments of hitting the asphalt. Mine yell things like: "I feel like I am gonna barf." It is their charming variation on "Are we there yet."

I am building up an arsenal of go-to travel toys for when we depart for our cross country adventure. I plan on keeping these toys hidden until we are actually on the road.

Here are some of the newest additions to my bag of tricks:

The Victorian Wonder Ball has been a time eating joy for parents since the 1800's. Each of my girls will get a ball to unwind, gather the trinkets, play with and then attempt to strangle each other with the yarn. I picked this up from ThinkFastToys.

These little card sized games were picked up for under $2 each. Also at ThinkFastToys. I love the little Magnetic Mini Dozer - you use the magnet to push the dirt in to piles. Catch a Mermaid has you flipping the little plastic mermaids in to the net.

A certain Uncle and Auntie are sending the classic Etch-a-Sketch and a Crayola Glow Board. A certain grandmother has tended to their comfort w/ soft car blankies and fleece coats.

Now all I need is that tranquilzer dart gun... (it is a joke people)

[JessFinds] Boot Obessions, Darn Cold, Swatting Gwinny

2010-12-09T09:15:00.001-05:00

I am in the midst of moving hell. And apparently, hell just froze over. It is COLD! I think we had a high of 28 yesterday. To quote one of my favorite men: "Burrrrrrweeenies." Did I mention I am moving to California? (sticking tongue out)

It is cold enough to reconsider my stance on (shudder) classic Uggs. Footwear that makes you legs look like they end in tree stumps. Almost. I did buy these in from Lands End.

Women's Chalet Faux Shearing Boot in Stone Gray

They arrived yesterday and are super cozy. I may sleep in them. These may be my go-to boot for the cross country trip. As a matter of fact, people on the San Francisco Peninsula better get used to seeing me in these boots any time it dips below 45 degrees.

Today on GOOP (oh yes, guilty pleasure ... I do subscribe) Gwinny talks about all of her favorite winter boots. I love having early morning unbridled hatred of Gweneth Paltrow while sipping eggnog in my coffee. I love her clueless pretension as she goes on about her $1,000 boots and how you can have a knockoff for under $200. She is so darling. Did she mention her BFF is Stella McCartney? No? Don't worry, she will in the next paragraph. Thank you for handing me early morning snarkoportunites Gwinny. I feel protective of you. Like if someone else talks poorly of you, I will need to kick them with my knockoff boots. Or at least nail them with the $53 leather flyswatter you promo'd in your last newsletter.

[JessFinds] Goodbye to our play structure

2010-12-05T13:47:00.000-05:00

This is the first thing I have had any emotional reaction to. We have sold our play structure / slide / swingset for $100 to the lucky person who found it on Craigslist first and is willing to come disassemble it. We spent over $1000 building the mamajamma but figure that it would be a really great find for someone on CL.

It is going to a really nice military family over the bridge from us. Sigh.

My husband built it before we even started unpacking. Still had boxes to the ceiling and he was off buying lumber. Could not wait to build it for his girls. We had many buried treasure hunts in the sandpit. And, shockingly, nobody ever was hurt on the structure. Plus, I love the University of Oregon colors on the canvas! Go Ducks!

Now there will be a giant sandbox. I am sure that the neighborhood cats will appreciate that.

[JessFinds] Backpacking through Europe seems like much more fun.

2010-12-04T14:29:00.001-05:00

My moving truck arrives in 2 and a half weeks. Gulp.

Today I started attacking my wardrobe. So painful. I figure if it has not been on my radar in a season or two, it is outta here. Lots and lots of clothes will be donated. I am working on a travelers wardrobe that all coordinates together for our month of living out of suitcases. Minimalism! Everything else is being boxed up and shipped.

I have one guilty pleasure I am holding on to: a beautiful medium gray wool sheath dress that is lined in bright sky blue satin. I have not fit in to it in 3+ years. But I will. Oh yes, I will.

Preacher and I spent six weeks traveling in Europe living out of backpacks. These backpacks specifically:

Rick Steves' Classic Bag / Backpack

Now, admittedly I was never in the same place for very long so I did not worry too much about fashion. We traveled during the Spring so we had to layer, but most of it was light layers. Still, if I can do six weeks out of that, I can certainly handle four weeks! With two children and two angry cats... Sure. No problem.

[JessFinds] A family architecture firm

2010-12-01T20:56:00.000-05:00

Miss Crab shows restraint, careful thought and placement in her home.

Gonzo threw a bag of candy at a pile of frosting.

I opted for a small cabin with a fire pit.

My mother-in-law proved to be a wicked master of the icicle.

My husband's fine work. Note the stained glass window, gravestones and yes...red door.

[JessFinds] Open letter to my family and friends

2010-11-26T09:12:00.001-05:00

Dear Family and Friends*;

There is no tactful or polite way to say this, so I will just blurt it out: Unless you plan on sending seasonal clothing or travel toys ... please hold off on the kid presents until we are in our new home. I know they are darling girls who deserve lavish gifts that would embarrass the Hiltons and Trumps of the world. I know that you wanted to send the full-size carousal and the matching set of twin ponies. But we just can't pack a carousal and the ponies on a big moving truck. Okay. We could, but it might be a bit inhumane for the ponies. I am sure PETA would take issue with that.

To put it plainly... I don't wanna pack it. I would also feel cruel giving a great toy to my girls only to take it away promptly and put it on a truck for a month (we will be living in extended stay corporate hotel housing while our stuff will be living on the truck until our new home is ready for move in).

*Friends: I love your babies. I know you love mine. I would love to spoil your offspring rotten but this season is all about the move for us. You are off the hook!

We are planning a much scaled back version of Christmas this year. Not even sure if we are breaking out the decorations as, well, they are already boxed up and it seems like an exercise in redundant packing.

Travel toys are greatly appreciated as 4 and 6 year olds don't generally take well to being strapped to a seat for 7 hours out of a day while careening down the interstates at 80mph with two angry cats.

Clothing - comfy! Soft! Gonzo loves pairing a cotton dress with legging/pants. Crab is all about soft pants and tops. Both girls could use some fleece. Gonzo is a size 4 T and Crab is a size 6. Adjustable waistbands are a big deal because as much as Crab loves wearing pants, the pants like falling down to her ankles. Gonzo loves everything and anything pink. Crab still likes purples and greens. Anything that coordinates is great for being on the road.

So that is my tacky open letter. Thank you for holding off on the ponies this year (and the custom embroidered personalized saddles).

Love to all,

[JessFinds] A Guest Posting by K ...

2010-11-25T10:04:00.000-05:00

Guest Posting: My dear friend K introduced me to my husband and is one of the most life-embracing, soulful, funny, smart sexy women I know.

Tacksam (is Swedish for grateful)

It started last year with a scrap of paper in my pocket and a lonely night in Eugene. I began jotting down the little, everyday things that make me feel grateful. Today is Thanksgiving Eve ... a perfect time to share a few of these notes with all of my friends. If you're interested, here are 10 things I'm grateful for in 2010:

1. The way Eva sounds in the middle of the night when she says, voice as gravelly as a 90-year-old smoker, "Mama? Snuggle me!"
2. The ability to turn strangers into friends. Also: Friends who don't turn into strangers.
3. Things that grow in my garden even though I never planted them there.
4. That Eva still believes in the tooth fairy, Santa, the garden fairies, the garden gnomes, the Easter Bunny, the "Halloween Fairy" (good one ... replaces candy with a gift!) and in all things magical.
5. That Eva also still believes her mother is the most beautiful woman in the world.
6. Shiny red rainboots that not only keep my feet dry but also make me want to go go-go dancing.
7. Baked potatoes. Hot. Drenched in Bragg's Liquid Aminos and Nancy's sour cream.
8. Taking dog walks in the rain, with red boots on and Ipod pumping old Social D. tunes.
9. The ability to laugh -- deep, long belly laughs -- with my friends. And, also, the ability to laugh at myself. Often.
10. The fact that, when I am forced by circumstance (working in Washington County) to stop at Starbucks for a pick-me-up, I do not order a no-fat, no-whip, no-fun drink. Instead, I order a big tall cup of salted caramel hot chocolate and I don't care if it adds a whole millimeter to my hips.

Happy Thanksgiving loved ones ... hope it's a great one.

[JessFinds] Finally made the headlines...

2010-11-23T14:26:00.001-05:00

We are famous. Famous for being canned! Woohoo! It is always fun when you make the newspaper for a big life achievement, like being the face of the new disastrous economy.

Actually, the article in our local paper was not that bad. There were a few errors, a few misquotes - but whatever. Nothing to cry over. They were interested in numbers during the interview, and I am interested in 100% transparency, so we gave them numbers. How much the Preacher makes. How much we bought our house for. I did not think that they would be used, but again - whatever. It is tacky but if that is what people care about then by all means, lap it up. I don't play coy when they are just facts.

Also, our local paper had the story before we knew what our next step was. So maybe it is easier to read because I know we are fine. All will be fine.

Another local paper contacted hubby for an interview, so we will see how that goes. It is hard being so famous. I swear, the paparazzi are camped out on our lawn.

UPDATE: The other article was written by a bigger paper and was actually really well done with the exception of an unflattering photo of my hawt husband. Two papers in one week. Famous us. Email me if you would like a link to the articles.

Jess

[JessFinds] Thanksgiving - Too!

2010-11-23T08:37:00.001-05:00

I agree wholeheartedly with Marie about Thanksgiving. It is definitely my favorite holiday too. Unfortunately, this year, I am just not wrapped up in the hearth-and-home of the holiday since this will not be my home in a few weeks. I have boxes everywhere. And packing paper. And I have a small group of four adults. Two children. I want to thank everyone for the invites, but this year it seems right that we just keep our little group hunkered down.

So... our menu is very basic this year:

(pre-cooked) Smoked Spiral-Cut Country 1/4 Ham and mustards

(pre-cooked) Smoked Country 1/4 Turkey Breast and gravy

My version of my mom's stuffing/dressing

Trashy green bean casserole

Smashed Potatoes (Yukon Golds are the only way to go)

Cranberry sauce

Baked Mac n' Cheese for the Kiddles

Not very impressive, but it will be small and simple in comparison to my gourmet feasts of years past! I drooled over Marie's appetizers. I love putting out chevre with honey and making Nigella Lawson's rosemary, brown sugar and cayenne "hot nuts."

Sigh. Next year. I will go big. Especially because next year I am going to be 20 minutes from my Aunt. My Aunt who works for Williams Sonoma. (maniacal laughter inserted). So excited.

Brine your bird and then load this Potlatch seasoning on it before roasting.

When I cooked big turkey beasts, I always used William Sonoma's Turkey Gravy Base as backup gravy. It fits right in - you just blend in some of the pan drippings. It is great stuff.

Preacher and I have always hosted fantastic Thanksgivings. We love a crowd. We had a tiny townhome in Alexandria, VA and packed it with 25 people one year. Dinner was on a combo of paper plates and actual plates, people were perched on the stairs ... but it was so much fun.

And there was the Tur-Duc-Hen year. It was delicious (layered with etoufee) but cooking it was a bit traumatizing.

I am old enough now to have firm ideas about Thanksgiving. For example, a bird should ALWAYS be brined before roasted. Otherwise it is just a big chicken. Stuffing should NEVER go inside the bird as it hampers even-roasting and runs the risk of containing uncooked turkey juices (eeeeew). Instead, it is "dressing" and cooked separately, never, ever wet and gloppy. Real butter is essential on at least this one day of the year. There ain't nuttin' wrong with trashy green bean casserole. And I have even come to accept that sweet potatoes are palatable with that crunchy marshmallow topping. Why not? They are side dishes and side dishes are all about crowd-pleasing. Salad is ridiculous on Thanksgiving unless it is some sort of fruit salad or you are having a Sonoma County type of T-Day. I know that some people might run me out of town for some of my beliefs, but I am master of the Thanksgiving Table in my home and I rule the holiday with conviction!

My mom taught me that Thanksgiving was a time to open your doors to all wayward children. Abundance is to be shared. In a way, it was our own Día de los Muertos - a time to thank all those who came before us and passed on their traditions to us.

Apparently my Great-Grandma H. was a Queen of Thanksgiving. I was never lucky enough to be at her table for the holiday, but my mom continued many of her traditions throughout my childhood.

(MarieFinds) Thanksgiving!

2010-11-22T13:37:00.003-05:00

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. It's all about food, friends and family. There are no presents or other issues clouding the issue. This is a day to be grateful for everything and everyone in your life. And a day to eat and drink like crazy.

This year I am hosting Thanksgiving. I never get to do this. The Lawyer's sister and her family are coming out, so I bullied my mom into letting us host the combined family. Menu is as follows ...

Appetizers
- Marcona almonds / olives
- Crudite platter
- Spicy crab dip
- Deviled eggs
- chevre with chutney
- pate

Dinner
- Herb roasted turkey with sage stuffing
- Pumpernickel / cabbage dressing
- green beans with pancetta
- brussel sprouts
- roasted carrots and parsnips
- cider mashed yams
- mashed potatoes
- corn
- cranberry sauce
- cranberry relish

Desert
- Bourbon Pecan Pie
- Pumpkin Pie
- Sugar Free Apple
- chocolate cake (it is also Baby Boy's second birthday party)

[JessFinds] Some hae meat and canna eat

2010-11-22T12:33:00.000-05:00

Top Ten Things I am Thankful For

(Inspired by my friend Heather)

1. My girls. My brilliant, beautiful, hilarious, perfect-in-almost-every-way girls.
2. My hubby. My tolerant, sweet-natured, funny and wikked-smaat hubby.
3. My great huge extended family (my crazy and not-so-crazy relatives, non-relatives, relatives-in-law and my amazing friends)
4. My cats. They keep my blood pressure down.
5. Health Insurance. Hate that I have it and others don't, but thankful that I have it.
6. Malbec Wine. Thank goodness they rediscovered that grape varietal. My life is better for it.
7. Options. I am thankful I have so many of them when so many people in the world do not.
8. For having Scottish ancestry. It makes my eccentricities seem cool.
9. My Nana, rest in peace, for bequeathing me her power of finding prime parking spots
10. My new home, the chance to have a great adventure and still being young enough to appreciate it.

"Some hae meat and canna eat,
And some wad eat that want it,
But we hae meat and we can eat,
And sae the Lord be thankit."
— Robert Burns

[JessFinds] Lancaster, PA

2010-11-21T16:02:00.001-05:00

We visited the Amish of Lancaster County, PA.

Whoa! Where's the fire, Elder? Someone give this guy a ticket!

I am pretty sure you can't steal their soul by taking a picture of them from behind. Apparently this is not actually true ... but still. Just in case. No souls stolen on my watch.

We also visited Thomas the Train. The girls loved this. Had a lovely afternoon train ride on Thomas.

Thomas, you are creepin' me out with those googly eyes!

We giggled at the names of places. Bird-in-Hand. Intercourse. Blue Ball. Paradise. Geesh. Suppressed much?

We visited THE train museum of all train museums:

In addition to climbing on trains (so cool) there was a great miniature train play area. I could have stayed there all day. So many trains to play with.

Aside from being stuck for two full hours in the Bronx just to get across the Hudson River, the trip was a blast. Repeat after me: Tappan Zee bridge. It is there for a reason. Don't spend two hours of your life in the Bronx unless it is at the Bronx Zoo.

[JessFinds] Hold Fast

2010-11-17T16:49:00.000-05:00

I am the queen of the scatterbrained post of late, so here are my musings for today:

Yawn Alert:
I have not made a big deal about it here on the blog because I hate sounding like someone who constantly complains about their medical issues. Nothing more (yawn) boring to read about. But in the midst of all the family upheaval I have documented over the last two months, I also found out I was really sick. My thyroid levels plummeted and, oddly enough, I am vitamin D deficient. Not just deficient - nonexistent. The two issues are related ... and combined make for a lethargic, achy Jess. It mimics Fibromyalgia. It also mimics depression, etc.. So much fun! See, I am not a depressive person by nature. By nature, I am a pollyanna nutbag. I was just assuming that my lack of energy and constant body exhaustion was due to all the stress and lack of sleep. I am sure those did not help. Anyway, I am being bombarded by the MEGA PILL of D. I take it once a week for four weeks. I don't feel much better yet (week 2) but I hope things pick up. If you have Hashimotos like I do or Hypothyroidism in general, ask your doc to run a vitamin screen on you. Apparently D and Magnesium can be all out of whack.

I am not cool enough to wear these:

Photo from Etsy - SweetAddictions Shop

But I loove them. So very much. I am told I am named after my Great-Great Grandmother, Jesse MacLeod.* A good solid Scottish name. And "Hold Fast" is the motto of Clan MacLeod. It is also a salty old sailing term.

*I am also told I am named after Jessica Walters, an actress.

Other Scottish clan motto's in my family include "Endure Fort" and "Do Not Forget" (Ne Oublie). I like that. Hold Fast. Endure Fort. Do Not Forget. All pretty good motto material.

One that is not in my family but belonged to a friend of mine (a Bruce of Kinnaird): "Fuimus" meaning, in Latin "We have been." Some say "We Were." Sort of anticlimactic, no? Might as well be "Meh."

[JessFinds] Foot Painting. Everyone is doing it.

2010-11-16T13:00:00.000-05:00

Me: "Uhhh. Gonzo? What are you doing in there?"

Answer: "Foot painting."

[JessFinds] Pack it up

2010-11-15T15:58:00.001-05:00

We have a huge Home Depot credit after returning all of the supplies for home improvement projects that we will NOT be doing now. That credit is going towards buying all of our packing supplies - which is good because we are going to need a lot of boxes!

We are starting with Miss Crab's room. It is a little hard because her room was the first "finished" room in the house. I decorated it with such attention to detail and ... funny enough... it ended up not fitting her personality at all. She was not even 3 years old when we moved in and she thought princess fairies were fun. She still loves the light purple /light green colors but is definitely not a butteries and fairies kind of girl! Right after her 3rd birthday we discovered that she was a pirate.

Pretty sure this is the last time I saw her, willingly, in a tutu. Okay. Maybe not willingly.


Wall mural, framed out with chair-rail molding.

The tot-requisite IKEA leaf. I chose those drawer knobs from Anthropologie.

So I am slowly disassembling the room that I put together, feeling a little bittersweet about it. It has been slowly pirate-afied over the last few years to reflect her personality. The subversively placed dinosaur and light saber, here and there. She will get a new room and some input on how it is put together. She said something about sunsets and mice for her next room...(???)

I love that my eldest daughter has the soul of a pirate. She is an adventurer. She goes to her own drum. Does this look like a girl that lives in a fairy bower?

Yeah. I didn't think so.

It is okay. I never was a butterflies and fairies girl either.

[JessFinds] Leiderhosen, Sir Topham Hat and Other Disconnected Stuff

2010-11-13T12:09:00.001-05:00

Couple of things:

1. Viel Spaß auf Deutschland Laura und Nick! Ich bin neidisch. Cheers! Zu viel trinken Bier und essen Kugel bis sie explodieren.

Laura, can you get Nick in a pair of these for me? Photo? Huh?

2. We are going to take a mini-vacay in Amish Country. Got any Dutchy advice? We are going to (giggle) Intercourse, PA (snort) and nearby Strasburg to see Thomas the Train.

Sir Topham Hat, aka: The Fat Controller

3. Ohmifreakingah these shoes are consuming my brain! Miss Sixty "Kiki" at Rue La La (member site - you can use my link to join the site for free). I want to drop 50lbs and wear them with burgundy tights and a green/burgundy plaid kilt.

4. Packing sucks. I have so much stuff to get rid of that I just want to look at shoes and work on planning out Thanksgiving. This is what we in the professional field refer to as "procrastination." Okay, I am not a professional but you get the idea.

(MarieFinds) Children's Programming

2010-11-12T15:09:00.003-05:00

When Squirrel was a wee one, we limited her TV / other programming pretty dramatically. She was close to two before she found the joys of Sesame Street. With Baby Boy, video consumption started younger, because she was already watching.

Here's my thing: I don't mind the programming, I hate them watching commercials. So, no Nickelodeon, no Sprout. PBS, yes. DVDs yes. Netflix streaming is my freaking hero. We keep it somewhat limited, and try to find new creative things. Recently found Wonder Pets, which the Lawyer and I both like for the creativity.

Our list to date for the kids runs something like this: (+ and - are indicative of whether Lawyer and I like it) Sesame Street (+), Dora (loses creativity points every time they go to something or other mountain), Diego (-), Wonder Pets (+), Eloise, Kipper (+), Blues Clues (+), Mustard Pancakes (+) and Caillou (-).

So, my question to the room is, enjoyable programming for kids ... for when we all need to placate, chill them out and cook dinner. Suggestions for quality stuff that won't make my ears bleed, and hopefully not dull their brains too much.

In the words of Wonder Pets, "This is sewious."

[JessFinds] Holiday Gift Guides

2010-11-12T13:10:00.007-05:00

Each autumn, I put together a Crave List for each of my children. It is both a wish-list and a gift guide. Admittedly, we do have family that go off the list for Christmas ideas. But more importantly, the feedback I have received over the years from bloggy parents and grandparents has been great. I am no expert, but I do love curating fun finds. Our Crave Lists (Marie has Lust Lists) are some of the highest repeat traffic areas of our blog.

There are very practical items along with crazy $$$ out-of-this-world ones (check out the pirate bed or cottage bed for this curated round!) I think of it as inspiration boards and ideas.

Note: If you are family and actually interested in the girl's stats... Miss Crab is a girls size 6 but has an itty bitty waist so we look for pants that are adjustable. Shoe size is 11.5 toddler. Miss Gonzo is a size 4T and wears a size 9.5 toddler shoe. Parker loves all things purple and green. Paige goes nuts for pink.

I am trying something new this year and hosting the gift guide off-site via Kaboodle. You can just click the link to go directly or wait for the slide show below.

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What do you get a six and a half year old tomboy for Christmas?
6 (1/2) YEAR OLD GIRL - Crave List 2010

Six Year Old Gift Guide jessfinds

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What do you get a 4 year old force of energy for Christmas?

4 YEAR OLD GIRL - Crave List 2010

4 Year Old Gift Guide jessfinds

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What do you get for a really long cross country road trip with two kids?

ROAD TRIP - Crave List 2010/2011

Road Trip Gear jessfinds

[JessFinds] A new BFF

2010-11-12T11:54:00.001-05:00

First - enjoy this photo of my beautiful family. All I need in the world is right there.

Now, I need to have you meet my new best friend, Kat of Mama's Losin' It! She does not know that we are BFFs yet. Kat makes lip-synching videos like this:

Read her post about it - imagining the person singing the lovely song is rather unfortunate and looks nothing like the divine Miss Swift. Get it? Come on, ugly is funny. But Kat is cute, even with her mullet.

Soul mates. Clearly.

[JessFinds] Wordless Wednesday

2010-11-10T08:33:00.001-05:00

[JessFinds] Marie is right. Things ARE looking up!

2010-11-09T00:24:00.002-05:00

Tonight I was able to pop that bottle of champagne that has been sitting in my fridge, chilling, waiting for good news.

Tonight, my darling hubby was offered a fantastic job opportunity. In an amazing community. With a beautiful home. And a top-rated, rock-star school district. And it was a generous offer. Plus, it is in a culturally rich area (!!!) with real job possibilities for me. I am dazzled and a little frazzled! Pinch me.

(That sounds like bragging above, and it kinda is. I am just blown away by how something this awesome could land in our laps.)

Part of me wants to yell "neener-neener-neeener" to the stinkers that yanked the rug out from under us. That part of me is 4 years old. But the other part of me is so overwhelmed with thankfulness. Positivity is what got us to this new place. I blocked out a lot of negative influences, focused on my family and kept my chin up. I just knew that we would land on our feet. It is what we do. We are a good family with a lot of love, we laugh a lot and we have each other's backs. It feels like sunshine.

The fact that my dear man was snapped up with such excitement, so quickly, speaks for itself. I am beyond thrilled. There were happy dances, victory dances and more than a few hugs, high-fives and fist-bumps in our home tonight.

I cannot thank my friends (and some new blog-mama friends too!) enough for their incredible support. We had to make some very tough decisions. But this has gone from devastating to an inconvenience to hopeful to celebratory.

So tonight - we celebrate!

(MarieFinds) Things are looking up

2010-11-07T12:42:00.003-05:00

Employment is good. And did end up securing a job. I'm lucky. I work in internet / digital marketing. A still growing industry, even in tough times. I start the new gig on Monday. This is a big sigh of relief.

On other fronts, this layoff has finally caused me to investigate the career change I have been considering for the last 5-6 years. I still haven't made up my mind about that, but I have at least taken the first couple steps to make it happen in case I decide to follow that path. And that first step is College Algebra. Sigh. I have to test into the class, and then classes will start in January. Even if I decide to stick with what I have been doing, a little algebra never hurt anyone, right?

This update is brought to you by my shiny new laptop ... the beauty of landing a job quickly is that my vacation buy out got to be used for something fun, rather than the mortgage.

[JessFinds] Blog Hop for a Sunday in November

2010-11-06T20:46:00.004-04:00

Welcome! Let me know you were here. I love the bloggy love and will be happy to visit your site and let you know I stopped by too. I look forward to meeting you!

[JessFinds] The Look Faux Less

2010-11-06T19:13:00.003-04:00

This is really silly - but I was sorta enamored with this crazy scarf at Anthropologie.com.

Image Anthropologie.com - Shrewd Stitches Stole - $238

But then I saw the price tag. $238? Really? Enter the Look Faux Less! This one has my vote because it has x's on the eyes. That is just funny. Plus the droopy whiskers are a bonus.

On Etsy at $38 - this one is Faux Fox Scarf in Luscious Black Fur

Or maybe this? Very realistic. Like, "This fox is hyper-alert and could jump off my neck and tear off your face." I like that. My fashion should be fierce. You know, like rabid animal fierce.

Silver Forks - $95 on Etsy

And I am as dead serious as I am dead sexy. I actually think the idea of a faux fox is just perfectly wonky enough to pull off this winter with all the drab grays and blacks of the season. You know you want one too, even though you are not 24 and nerd chic either.

[JessFinds] Saturday Zen

2010-11-06T09:02:00.000-04:00

Hubby is back home and all is right in the world.

We have been together for 14 years (!!!) and I always feel like my world is off balance when we are apart. I don't know if that is a sign of a strong marriage or co-dependance, but I just know that we work pretty well as a team. Which is good. Because we will need to be like a team of oxen in the next few weeks. I think all the bad will be balanced out by some really good news. Soon.

Hey - Speaking of good news ... rumor has it that my co-blogstress Marie has landed a job. She did not think you guys were worth announcing it to. So, lets throw some blog hate over to Marie. Lots of middle fingers and hissing. Congratulations sweetie! You are one of the most focused, determined women I have ever met and you are an inspiration to the rest of us lazy slackers. You were unemployed for what? Ten minutes? XOXO.

Back to me.

I have so much stuff that needs to be weeded out before we move and it would be great if someone could line up a robbery. Put that ad out on Craigslist that I need a burglar who disassembles and steals cheap IKEA furniture and kid toys. No home invasions. I don't want to have to go all Chuck Norris to defend my Bjorkinorkinbillyblat bookshelves.

www.yelp.com

What ROCKS this Saturday? The Internet does. Specifically Yelp.com. We live in an area where you can post a question to a targeted audience and get instant gratification in tons of quality expert answers. For example: "I am interested in neighborhood A and neighborhood B. What can you tell me about them? Which would you choose and why" I think I easily got 30 responses from people who live in those areas within 24 hours. It is so incredibly helpful! I would not use Yelp to, say, diagnose a medical condition, but learning about local resources = awesome.

[JessFinds] Blurt and Guy Fawkes

2010-11-05T13:22:00.000-04:00

I keep meaning to put up the Christmas Crave List for Kiddos ... but have just not had enough time to work on it.

That and I don't know where I am going to be for Christmas. I think that might be one of the things holding me back from publishing the list. Will I be here? Will my husband have a new job? Will we already be relocated? Will we be in the middle of relocating? Will we be living in that minivan down by the river? Will we be in an apartment? Will we be in an airport? In Tennessee? See ... it is all up in the air.

I am just not wrapped up in the notion of hearth and home this year. Which is strange too, because the holidays are my thing. I love hosting Thanksgiving and throwing Christmas parties. But now? Mainly, I am wrapped up in the notion of survival. Must pack. Must purge. Must sell. Must donate.

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday, and I do have a lot to be thankful for. But I don't really feel like doing my normal humungo-cooking fest. I think I might want to go out for Chinese food.

Did you know that Guy Fawkes actually played a pretty minor role in the gunpowder plot? Still he is the most vilified (and celebrated) of the anarchists/Catholics that planned the takeover of parliament and assassination of King James. I think it is because he has a cool name and rocks a wicked-cool stache.

[JessFinds] You flushed what?

2010-11-03T17:58:00.001-04:00

Sometimes I think I might be too juvenile to be a "real grownup" with "parenting responsibilities."

This was posted to our bathroom door:

Translated: "No in go bathroom"

Hmmm. Apparently someone knocked the bag of teeth flossers (see picture) off the cabinet and in to the toilet ... with some escaping the bag. Then someone did their business. The flush then caused all sorts of backup on the New Jersey Turnpike.

Teeth flosser thingies, FYI: do not flush.

We have spent all day trying to fix the toilet and I am proud to say - with no help from me - it is now working again (thanks to the mother-in-law).

But I think the note should stay on the door for a while. Because that is just plain funny. My kid is a genius. I can just hear her thinking "Nothing to see here, keep moving!"

[JessFinds] Get off yer behind and vote...

2010-11-02T11:24:00.000-04:00

I voted.

Why? Because I can and there are millions of people in the world who don't have the luxury of voting for elected officials or issues that impact their communities.

I voted because I want my children to see that while you can moan about how horrible your government is, it makes you a putz if you do so without at least voting first.

I voted because we live in a very polarized America right now. The media would have us believe that the only people who care about the nation are extremists. I want that to not be true.

Educate yourself about the world around you. Then go to the polling station.

Apathy is only cute if you are 15 and writing crappy poetry.

Stepping off of soapbox.

[JessFinds] The Halloween that almost wasn't...

2010-11-01T16:17:00.002-04:00

Now that I have stripped my children's haul of all airhead candies, I can tell the tale of the Mom who Ruined Halloween! Bwahahaha!

It was the perfect end to Craptober.

Preacher and I drove the girls to the big Halloween party. Pulled up to the driveway. Hmmm. Awful quiet. Preacher asks if I have the invite. I do. I look at it. The party was SATURDAY not Sunday! Whoops! My girls have been so excited about his party and I totally blew it. I have a moment of stunned silence.

I started laughing hysterically, Preacher joined in.

[Keep in mind that he just informed his entire congregation, only hours before, that he has been "let go" due to economic worries - we have not had too much to laugh about!]

Miss Crab piped up with: "I don't think it is very funny at all."

Okay. Back to reality. Must save Halloween!

Zoooooom off to the house, throw on sweatshirts and walking shoes. Zooooom over to our favorite neighborhood for trick-or-treating. Caught up with a few friends and braved the cold. One and a half hours later, two exhausted little goblins and a truckload of candy. WHEW. Halloween saved!

Cheers to all the mama's with too much on their agendas. Cheers to Plan B, Plan C and maybe even D. Cheers to the manufacturers of all that candy goodness. This was our third year making the rounds in this particular neighborhood - Cheers to all the folks with the wonderful decorations and backup candy for hundreds of kids.

HAPPY NOVEMBER!

[JessFinds] Scenes of Halloween (2010)

2010-11-01T09:07:00.008-04:00

Pixie, Kobold, elf and sprite
All are on their rounds to-night-
In the wan moon's sliver ray
Thrives their helter-skelter play.

Fond of cellar, barn,or stack,

True unto the almanac,

They present to credulous eyes
Strange hobgoblin mysteries.

Cabbage-stomps-straws wet with dew-

Apple-skins, and chestnuts too,

And a mirror for some lass,
Show what wonders come to pass.

Doors they move, and gates they hide,

Mischiefs that on moon-beams ride

Are their deeds, and, by their spells,
Love records its oracles.

Don't we all, of long ago,

By the ruddy fireplace glow,

In the kitchen and the hall,
Those queer, coofllke pranks recall?

Eery shadows were they then-
But to-night they come again;
Were we once more but sixteen,
Precious would be Halloween

-- Halloween by Joel Benton

[JessFinds] All I want for Christmas

2010-10-31T14:22:00.001-04:00

Dear Santa,

2010 has kicked our hindquarters. It started out well. I really loved that job at the private school and we had a great summer spent with people that I dearly love out West. Since mid-September, our world has pretty much been turned on it's ear. Without sounding like affirmation-central, we are really nice people. We still have each other and our humor. We have always done what is expected. We always pay our bills on time and try to eat whole grains and wave at our neighbors. We would like some things to go right.

See Santa, I am 36 years old. I have not written a letter to you since I was 8. So I am hoping I have built up a little credit.

Here is my official Christmas List for 2010:

- A great job for Preacher. One that celebrates his gifts, offers reasonable pay for his skill-set and allows him to do what he loves. This job would be ideal if it does not include keeping the boiler working via body heat. Occasional "thank yous" and general human kindness would be icing. Bonus if the job is on the West Coast, focuses on working with youth, young adults and families, in an area with good resources & schools for our daughters (specifically Asperger's resources) and has decent housing options for our family. But I am not picky.

- Endless resource for our Miss Crab. I want to know that wherever we end up there are going to be schools and resources that celebrate her quirks while helping us find ways to make learning and socializing easier for her.

- A great preschool for Gonzo. She is such a little social butterfly and is dying to make friends of her own. She really does poach her sister's buddies! I want her to be in a great school in 2011. She has planned out a "perfect cupcake birthday party" for the end of February and it would be wonderful if she had classmates to invite.

- My health. I want all these wacky health things (thyroid, vitamin deficiencies, etc...) to just even out already. A lot of people depend on me and I can't be as sick as I am right now. Not an option. So a healthy Christmas would be very nice.

- A break. I would love a little break from all the nutbaggery. My nerves need it. My family needs it. We need a styrofoam pre-packaged vacation where the only decision is "what to eat."

Sincerely,

Jess

[JessFinds] Halloween, Visits and What an Old Lady I Am

2010-10-29T09:35:00.000-04:00

Hey blog hoppers - scroll down for the Friday Blog Hop!

This is going to be a very hard weekend for my family. But after this weekend, I can blog all about it!

So we are trying to focus on the kids having a good Halloween. Miss Crab's costume is complete - she is going to be a fabulous bat thanks to her grandmother's efforts on the sewing machine. Gonzo is building her witch costume. We are going to look for a broom today. Gonzo insisted she wanted to be a seagull yesterday. I say "Yes! Brilliant!" to everything because when it comes down to it - girlfriend is going to be a witch!

I also get a very much anticipated visit with friends this weekend. I love how Ashley is always okay with our last minute repertoire. She knows my stress level has been off the charts and offered up a simple "let my husband cook dinner for you, we'll pour wine and let the kids play." Sigh. Perfection. That is exactly what I want these days. That is all I really want any given day! My girls are excited for an overnight and we are just looking forward to spending time with people who have braved the trenches with us.

Old lady moment: So I have had Hashimoto's for a while. It has been managed pretty well. No big deal, just take a little pill to level out the hormones. I recently went to my primary doctor to bring the management in-house because I really don't care much for my endocrinologist and we need to consolidate our medical records for ease of access. So he ran some tests to re-establish the baseline. I asked him to tack on cholesterol and vitamin screening. So glad I did!

I have been attributing my low energy and outright exhaustion to all the stress we are under. I am sure it plays a part, but my thyroid level plummeted and apparently I am vitamin D deficient. Those two things on their own = sluggishness. Together? Lethargy. Now I don't feel like such a lazy ass. It also creates an environment for depression, etc... Doc has requested a meeting to discuss the findings. Pretty sure all of it can be fixed pretty easily.

Bodies are weird.

[JessFinds] Friday Social Parade & Blog Hops

2010-10-29T00:57:00.004-04:00

Welcome! Look forward to meeting you so be sure to say hi. I follow blogs back, and look forward to reading yours.

(MarieFinds) Allergy Testing

2010-10-28T16:06:00.002-04:00

Super Squirrel has been complaining of stomach aches several days a week for nearly a year. Something is amiss. We took her off dairy for almost 60 days, no change. I have her scheduled for an allergy test in early December. Whatever it is, it is something that is omnipresent in her diet. I am suspecting gluten. I hope not, but I think that would be easier than some of the other possibilities. I live in the Northwest, it's a pretty tolerant place for gluten allergies.

I can learn gluten-free baking. It isn't life threatening. As she gets older, she'll be able to make her own choices. There are several gluten free bakeries in town. I already do some gluten-free cooking because we have friends and my sister has gluten issues.

But I don't want my little girl to have a stomach ache every day. More as we learn more.

[JessFinds] Halloween

2010-10-27T16:30:00.001-04:00

Our first born was seen more as a Halloween prop ... 2004. Clearly she is pleased.

I love Halloween. It has been a family tradition for Preacher and I to go "all out" for Halloween in years past. It is hit-and-miss these years. We don't really live in an area that supports grownups in costumes. It is considered eccentric from what I can gather. We finally made friends with a couple that believe in celebrating Halloween to the fullest but, unfortunately, this year is not going to be our year for a big all out costume extravaganza.

Halloween 2009

Gonzo is still working out her costume - seriously, this kid has changed her mind six times. The other day she announced that she wanted to go as a cranberry. Ooookay. Miss Crab is going to be a bat and has stuck by the decision (love that kid).

I am thrilled that my girls have both been invited to a kids Halloween party on Sunday. It should be a lot of fun for them. I have been told it will be spooky ... but not "too" spooky. Sidenote: I want to move someplace where the town does Halloween parades - I love seeing kids strutting about in their costumes.

Photos to come! I think we may have Gonzo convinced that being a bat is a good idea too.

[JessFinds] BlogKeeping and BonBons

2010-10-26T14:42:00.001-04:00

Housekeeping:

1. Our Klout was at 30 the last time I checked! Yay influential mom-bloggers. You can follow us on Twiiter too...

2. I checked our Word Cloud on Wordle and was delighted to see that the most commonly referenced word on JessFinds is (drumroll) ... shoes. Really? Hilarious.

3. Any problems leaving comments? Let me know.

Regularly Scheduled Programming:

Single Malt Scotch Bars from BonBonBar at Foodzie.com,

Hello my pretty. I have coveted these for a few seasons now. Dah-rool. I love Foodzie and I think that these small batch delights are almost as fun to look at as eat. And that little pincho of sea salt? YUM. Perfect. TDF. I want to buy these for everyone I know this Christmas. Unfortunately, that will not happen (this will be a lean season) but know that I love you and wish Single Malt Scotch Bars under your tree.

Disclaimer: I did not receive any compensation for my review of this product.

[JessFinds] Sometimes things go right

2010-10-25T17:39:00.000-04:00

So (to repeat) my daughter has been diagnosed with High Functioning Aspergers (HFA) and may have some overlap with anxiety and attention deficit issues, but that will all come to light as we move forward.

Today I had the preliminary meeting with the county and our school district - lovely, lovely people. I explained our unusual situation and they all agreed to help get observations, testing and recommendations done by the first week in December if possible (!!!). Again, lovely, lovely people. I also informed Miss Crab's private school that they will be having a child psychologist sitting in on a class in the near future.

Found out a lot about the education services laws. I am interested to see what Miss Crab's school will do. They are private and receive no federal or state funding, so they have no obligation to provide services (and they don't offer services). I double checked this with the pros and they confirmed. We have access to a lot of programs locally because we are taxpayers. I guess we just have to see what happens. I have a hard time imagining them embracing the idea of a specialized education plan.

I hate not knowing what is next, but at least we are on the right path.

Anyway - very nice, receptive and friendly team of people. I needed something to go right in the glorious month of Craptober.

[JessFinds] Kindness

2010-10-23T11:00:00.003-04:00

"If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion." -- His Holiness The Dalai Lama

We have been up against a lot of unkind people, things and situations of late. I am starting this Saturday with a little meditation on kindness and it's cousin compassion.

I think it is time to throw some honey at it all. I have some South Carolina blood and it certainly could not hurt to pull out a few "Well bless your hearts" and "You don't say!" in response to all the negativity.

I think channeling my inner southern belle could be the answer I need. Sometimes you need to practice kindness, really practice it.

So I am going to spend this Saturday, actively practicing kindness. I will not speak negatively. I will re-frame my words. Instead of yelling at my kids for being rude, I will say things like: "Don't you mean to ask if I would please make you a peanut butter sandwich? Let's try that again!"

I will tie up loose ends. I will try to remember that just because I am overwhelmed I can't expect others to understand or even be helpful. All I can do is model it.

I will respond to the icky and nasty with the positive and reaffirming. At least for today.

[JessFinds] Recessionista Footwear

2010-10-22T09:37:00.000-04:00

I had to give up heels a while ago (remember that post about being a clogs mom?) but that does not mean that I don't drool over darling shoes like any red-blooded woman should. I am hard on shoes - I find a pair that I love and I wear them to death. I tend to purchase the same high-end brand comfort shoes (Ecco, Propet, Dasnko) and spend my money there. Fashion shoes elude me as I can't imagine spending $600 on a seasonal whim.

These are amazing, a-maze-ing, shoes that ooze personal style and look far more expensive then they actually are.

CC Flat bootie - $39 - Swirl by Daily Candy

You need to sign up to join member site Swirl (no cost) but they are sending out $20 credits to all new sign-ups right now. That means these boots are - gasp - $19.


Charlotte Russe - $30

These have a bo-ho aesthetic I don't normally go for but I keep going back to them. Look at that little rainbow arch around the toe and the careful ruching. It just looks like someone cared more than $30 to make.

Forever 21 -$24.80

These look like they danced out of an Anthropology catalog shoot. I am not above pillaging a Forever 21 store for shoes!

Charlotte Russe - $22.50

I love, love, love these. When all the magazines said "leopard" I thought "snakeskin." These are also a very similar tribute to a certain pair of Jessica Simpson brand $75 shoes.

What have you found out there? Let me know and I will link out to it!

[JessFinds] Thursday Thirteen

2010-10-21T22:54:00.000-04:00

Thirteen for Thursday - The top 13 things on my mind right now:

1. Why did I eat all the Shrimp Mozambique and then add dessert? Why? I am in pain.

2. I wonder if I took a bath right now if it would wake up the kids.

3. My friends are the cream of the crop, I am so incredibly blessed to have such a tight knit group of people dear to my heart. They lift me up. They love me. I don't need to be reminded, but it is awesome that they remind me when they think I need it.

4. Our new lawyer really has 15 kids? And a cow? I have to shake that thought before I go to bed.

5. I can't believe we had that much stuff to return to Home Depot in our basement.

6. I feel ambivalently numb about this house. Meh.

7. Crap, I forgot to pick up my perscription at Rite Aid.

8. My husband is really a sweetheart. I should go hug him.

9. If the weather is nice, I need to walk tomorrow. I have to move some of this energy.

10. If I don't get my eyebrows done soon, someone is going to swat at the albino caterpillars on my forehead.

11. "I'm an alien...i'm an illegal alien...i'm an Englishman in New York... ooohooooh"

12. I am glad I learned the term Mondegreen today.

13. Tomorrow I will buy winter tights. In gray, black and maroon. Bright maroonish-purple.

[JessFinds] Break out the banjo - a style reflection

2010-10-21T10:08:00.007-04:00

My husband (aka Preacher) has informed me that we are "hayseeds." Really. Unkay. This is a derogatory term for people who have been put out to pasture too long, been roaming the ranges ... country folk. Style-less. Gasp.

Let me get my banjo and play a little tune to help paint this picture ...

I have been many things, but hayseed was not one that popped up in my mind.!!!

Grunge: In the early 90's, I tried on grunge. It was the Pacific NW ... we wore flannels and docs and thermal underwear under ripped skater shorts. I wore skull caps. I tried to tone down my natural perky behavior. Perky was not grunge. I dyed my hair orange and maroon and went to Primus (Nirvana, Alice in Chains, etc...) concerts and threw myself in mosh pits (where inevitably I would get shoved in to the back of that sweaty shirtless fat blond guy ... you know the one that was in EVERY mosh pit the summer of 1992). I still have indentations on my shins from being used as a human ladder. I got a stoooopid tattoo that I still love because it reminds me of being really stooooopid. I dated musicians and drank a lot of black coffee.

Glam-Goth: In early to mid college I went for glam-goth-pirate. I was overdressed, always looking like I was about to go clubbing even though I was just going to class. It was the antithesis of the hippy look that was pervasive at my college. I wanted to look glorious. I wanted perfectly applied makeup and teetering heels. I eventually dyed my hair black with blue highlights and looked like Japanese animation. Or a vampire. Some people swear I was seen wearing a cape - I swear I was never that lame. However, that time frame is a wee bit foggy. I do recall wearing thigh-high boots and poet shirts without irony. I went to warehouse parties. I dated misunderstood boys and drank espresso.

Shabby Prep: Then I went for the broke-down preppy look as I started to exit college. Vintage thrift store finds. Back to my natural hair color (white blonde). I thought I was channeling a whole Katherine Hepburn vibe with menswear. I owned suspenders. Thought I was a hipster. I dated grad students and drank black coffee.

YUP: Enter Seattle circa 1998-2001. I am a young urban professional! I am riding the Dot.com boom! I make great money! I have a personal shopper at Nordstroms and I buy MAC cosmetics by the truckload! Hello cashmere! I am married! I go on vacations! I talk about the stock market! I put cream and sugar in my coffee!

Momista Chic: Then we go to the Virginia /DC years - 2002 - 2005. I dyed my hair red for a while. Worked in not-for-profit land. Got preggo, had Miss Crab and adopted a mommy-chic aesthetic. I had a Kate Spade diaper bag. I gave up coffee completely.

Mommy: We move to rural New England. I have another child. I am jeans and tee-shirts. Add a sweater in winter. I own clogs. And a minivan missing one hubcap. I suck down coffee any way I can get it. Frequently Iced Lattes from the Dunkin Donuts drive-through.

Ohmigod. We are hayseeds! I need an intervention.

[JessFinds] Favorite Places / Happy Places

2010-10-20T16:17:00.000-04:00

Happy places (notice how mine mostly involve food):

Makena Beach Resort in Maui. Room service. Hawaiian breakfast of Portuguese sausage (linguiça ) rice and eggs. Counting geckos.

Salema in the Western Algarve, Portugal. Expats drinking wine, naked babies playing on the beach. Boia Bar Ristorante on the sand. Pouring piri-piri sauce over grilled fish.

Cafe du Monde in New Orleans. Best. Tourist. Trap. Ever. Piles of beignets heaped with mountains of powdered sugar. Chicory coffee. Cafe au Lait. Street musicians. Early morning humidity. Dodging pigeons.

Central Oregon - Dechutes River. My favorite place on Earth. Sound of lava rock crunching under my shoes, lodge pole pines, smells like sage. And juniper.

Hiking down to the base of Puente Nuevo in Ronda, Spain. Sacred space. The bridge has been a repeat theme for me over the last decade.

Children's Fairyland in Oakland, California. Late 70's / early 80's. I associate this place entirely with my dad (who ran the Oakland Convention and Tourism bereau during this period). It apparently slipped in to disrepair in the late 80's and early 90s but has since been revived. Nothing better than those yellow keys.

[JessFinds] Free Stuff Rawks

2010-10-20T12:35:00.000-04:00

Somehow, through the powers-that-be, I scored on GILT today. Two presents for my kiddlets.

Melissa & Doug - Spelling Puzzle

"My Green Doll Cradle" - Cardboard Eco-Cradle

And the best part? Somehow there was Internety magics and a strange unknown credit appeared and my total cost for both items? $0. Zero. Nada. Zilch. I should not brag, just in case it really was an accident and they are tracking me down as I type this...

$0!!! No shipping. Nothing!

Trying to stay calm. Thank you Internet Fairies.

[JessFinds] Vote for Miss Crab

2010-10-19T23:28:00.000-04:00

Title: Hot summer ... cool kid!

My daughter is one of this weeks finalists in a Parents Magazine summer picture competition. As of this posting, she was ranked #19. Lets pump up that number people!! Click here or on the link below to vote.

PLEASE VOTE FOR ME!!!

[JessFinds] Top Two Tuesday

2010-10-19T10:21:00.001-04:00

Top Two Favorite Old Pictures

Miss Crab - Age 6 months. We staged a lot of silly photos of Miss Crab!

Baby Gonzo - age 7 months. Adorable. Edible.

[JessFinds] Blog Hop Tuesday - Tag! You are it!

2010-10-19T09:58:00.001-04:00

Hey blog-hoppers, welcome! Say hello. Linky up. Grab my Tag Button below and repost if you like!

Follow me ... follow others. It will be awesome. You can join me on Google Friend Connect (right hand column) or Facebook or Twitter!

[JessFinds] Blog Awards! Who Me? Why Thank You!

2010-10-18T20:50:00.002-04:00

Wow. I have been preparing my whole life for this moment, and I find myself speechless (pulling out a piece of paper from my ballgown) I would first like to thank all of the little people...

We got awarded from My Life on Harbor Way!! Thank you!! Three awards at that!

Rules for Accepting:

1. Thank and Link back to the person who gave you the award.

2. Share 7 things about yourself.

3. Award 7 other bloggers the award.

4. Contact those bloggers and let them know about the award.

Seven things about Jess:

1. I believe blogging is cheaper than therapy, but probably will go to therapy anyway.

2. I have the most amazing, supportive friends spread all over the world and this blog started out as a way to keep in touch.

3. I talk to my mom every day. No really. Every day.

4. I never wanted to be a mom, but now that I am - I can't imagine how I existed without my little goats.

5. I really like goats.

6. And goat cheese.

7. I am hungry right now.

See how I did that stream of consciousness thing? Yeah, that is why I win the big awards, see.

I solemnly bequeath these awards to the following blogs:

1. Freckles & Fudge

2. Non-Typical Mom

3. I'm Just Sayin'
4. Crunchy Carpets
5. Wait in the Van
6. Life...Crazy, Fun, Amazing...
7. Miss Adaptation

If you have already received this / these awards - yay! You are a freakin' rockstar and I am redundant girl. Either way, know I love your blog and think you are cooler than me.

[JessFinds] Oh Hello Monday

2010-10-18T10:08:00.001-04:00

[Hello Blog Hoppers! Let me know you were here!]

Oh Monday. Whew. Another week survived, another fresh start.

I am taking Crab to the doctor today. It was supposed to be her 6 year old checkup but I think it is turning in to a sick visit - poor thing has a barking cough. Can a cough be described as chewy? Eeew. I just gagged.

I really need to make sure I put my health in the primo #1 position. Vitamins, temple food, liquids, fresh air, lots of sleep - the full routine. With all that has been going on (read: dumped on our heads) I cannot afford to crumble. Stress always does a number to my immune system. Any tips or tricks you would like to share? Add walking and washing hands like Howard Hughes to that list.

I did something completely irreponsible and purchased a expensive pair of shoes. My hubby rewarded me for working so hard and looking so cute (hahahaha!). I have had a multi-year obsession with a beautiful pair of Frye 8 inch rise Engineer boots. I have blogged about this love affair. So, I finally ordered the darn things. We call it committing Salvation Armani in our household. My husband does it far more frequently than I do (tisk-tisk). I just can't justify spending money on myself (ever). We never use credit. But I have to tell you - it felt GOOD placing that order.

[JessFinds] Week Long Blog Hop

2010-10-17T22:36:00.001-04:00

Blog hops are fun. If you are a blogger, you should hop. Goes without saying.

Say hello! Let me know you were here.

(MarieFinds) Holiday Spirit

2010-10-16T18:57:00.003-04:00

Today, little miss Super Squirrel suggested that we should take her old tea set and give it to kids who don't have one. And when I suggested that in the coming weeks, we should sort through her toys to give some away, she offered up that we should take them to Santa Claus for other kids who don't get toys. Melted my heart.

[JessFinds] Another Saturday Birthday Party ...

2010-10-16T17:05:00.000-04:00

I love birthday parties for little kids. It is one of my secret shames. I know that I should be bored or at least act put out that we have "yet another" party to attend. I just think they are so much fun. With the exception of Chuck E Disease parties (or as we refer to him: Charles Edward Queso) I think kiddo parties are the best. And I love girl parties - they all get hopped up on sugar and squeal and run about like squirrels on meth. It is fantastic.

I happen to be on the neurotic planning side - witness my child's party being picked up in a national design blog or my need to recruit six parents to staff my eldest's summer party. That is my own person demon to wrestle with ... birthdays bring out my Martha. But I believe that any reason is a good reason to have a party.

I hope I never turn in to one of those people that shuns their own birthday. Rather than moping about it being ONE YEAR OLDER I choose to see it as WOHOO! STILL ALIVE AND KICKING!

I really enjoy observing my children socializing. Miss Crab really has come a long way. She goes off and does her own thing, but every time a child needed a ride partner at today's indoor fun park, someone was calling her name and holding out their hand. So sweet. They love her.

She won the jackpot in tickets at the arcade and chose - of her own accord - to buy a tiara for the birthday girl with her winnings. She used what was left over to buy a paper fan for herself and her sister. I wanted to scoop her up and cry, but I refrained from having a public meltdown.

I overachieved with my offspring. Just sayin.

[JessFinds] Keeping Perspective

2010-10-15T18:55:00.001-04:00

Things got heavy around here of late! Okay. I am going to lighten this up.

First off - this is my go-to video for when the world is getting me down:

Coming Soon - the annual holiday guides for kids who happen to be in my children's age range. Shocking. Really.

[JessFinds] Puck Lost and Found

2010-10-14T12:32:00.001-04:00

One of my best friends is hurting. And I am far, far away. So - this is for her. It has always been my poem for her. Life can be a greedy goblin, stealing things away from us, but we keep our gardens stocked for fairies. Puck always comes back, makes us laugh. A life without fairies would suck. Thank you Mr. Dodgson for being more eloquent than I am.

[JessFinds] My First Baby ... Part II

2010-10-13T17:15:00.003-04:00

When you suspect something is true for a long time and then get confirmation from professionals that it may be true, do you feel better or feel worse? The word (phrase) for the day: High Functioning / Aspergers.

She is still the same girl. So that hasn't changed. I am still her devoted mom. So that hasn't changed either.

Okay. I am processing. I have done a lot of processing of late.

And shortly there will be more tests. And more opinions. And I am glad for that. Because I don't believe in turning over one stone and saying I moved a mountain. So we will explore all of the avenues. There will be more psychologists, psychiatrists, OTs, IEPs, developmental pediatricians and teachers. Miss Crab is (in her own brilliant, unique, quirky way) actually pretty classic Aspergers. I am not a fan of labeling kids, but in this case it is going to open some doors. It is not a label if it is true, right?

The good news? She has amazing coping skills. She is scary smart. I believe she may have a photographic memory. She pushes her own comfort zones. Blah, blah ... fantastic, soulful, beautiful child and she is all mine.

The bad news? She is bored easily. Everything is black and white and we are a long way from solving her social issues. And we are about to throw some major transition at her. Did I mention in previous posts that Miss Crab does not handle transitions well?

It is a start. And I already knew the answer. Hugs to all the parents out there who stand up for their kids and fight for them. We are band managers for rockstars.

[JessFinds] My First Baby...

2010-10-12T18:51:00.002-04:00

... is walking a big ol' beam by herself!!

Proud Parent = Me.

Miss Crab shows y'all how it's DONE, son!

Ok. Enough gloating. Miss Crab loves her gymnastics. She had a huge grin on her face the whole class. Life is a bit harder on her, but when she enjoys it - look out world! She owns me outright. Sigh. So much love.

[JessFinds] Gonzoschool

2010-10-12T11:33:00.000-04:00

One child staying home for a headache and slightly raised tempurature.
The other child ... well ... she is channeling her inner dictator (just like her mama).
Me? I am already exhausted.

BUT since we are all here, lets try to combine preschool/kindergarten/first grade learning all together today!

Hahaha!

We have had weather, circle time, songs, reading, scissor time, snacks and crafts. Now I need to get running around outside time in as well as a bit of math. And lunch. Can't forget to feed them.

Show and tell time - Gonzo has a plastic red fish in a lunchmeat tub filled with water (Ponyo)
Miss Crab has an otter. And a ball. The otter likes to chase the ball. Nuff said.

Cutting and craft piles -- plus masks.

Sorting activity - I had to put together gift bags for Halloween anyway!

[JessFinds] Zoobie Pet™ Giveaway Winner!

2010-10-12T10:49:00.002-04:00

Congratulations Audra!

Who is a big winner? YOU ARE!!

Audra W. of North Carolina has won the JessFinds.com Zoobie Pet™ Giveaway with lucky number 13.

[JessFinds] Blog Hop Tuesday

2010-10-11T21:47:00.014-04:00

Blog Hop Tuesday! Welcome Bloggers!

Tuesday Blog Hop

Stop by, say hi! We love blog love and give blog love back - let me know you were here and I will come check out your blog!

You can grab our Tag You Are It Tuesdays image and put it on your blog (code below)

List your blog in the linky below, follow me and I will follow you back.

[JessFinds] Blog Hop Monday

2010-10-11T16:39:00.003-04:00

Monday Blog Hop!

Let me know you were here, leave a note, say hi - ask me to follow you back! Don't forget to check out our giveaway - it ends TONIGHT!

[JessFinds] LAST DAY to enter Zoobie Pets Giveaway!

2010-10-11T08:35:00.000-04:00

Today is the last day to enter to win a Zoobie Pet of your choice!

Giveaway closes at 11:59 EST tonight

SEVEN chances to win!

click HERE to enter.

Click HERE to enter.

[JessFinds] Sunday Blog Hop

2010-10-10T13:41:00.000-04:00

Sunday Blog Hop

October 10th, 2010

Introduce yourself - say hello. We are friendly and follow-back.

Grab the code for your own blog and follow some of the fabulous blogs below!

[JessFinds] October Purge & Declutter

2010-10-10T12:01:00.002-04:00

I am selling a few things - have them up on craigslist. If you live in Southern New England and are interested, just pop me a line.

Vintage children's school desk - asking $80 (light green)

Ikea storage console on casters - asking $50 ($99 new)

BOTH the 8 foot pew and the IKEA slide are up for grabs. $100 each.

[JessFinds] A tribute to Fall

2010-10-10T09:15:00.001-04:00

Miss Crab and Gonzo start the day off with a fresh haircut

We visit our friends, one of whom is the rector of this beautiful church.

Posing on pumpkins - required activity for a crisp October day.

[JessFinds] Craptober!

2010-10-09T11:58:00.000-04:00

Marie and I will dub this month: Craptober.

Craptober has been a bit tough on us, but my family is made of steel and poky-bits. There is a lot of good news hidden among the oogy stuff, but I can't go public with all the good stuff yet. Sorry! If you know me, you know how hard it is for me to keep my trap shut about things going on in my life. And no, not pregnant.

Am I mysterious yet? Hmmm? So bad at it.

Yesterday, my mother-in-law (MIL lives with us) had a close call with the Grim Reaper. Her car is a twisted mass of not working. Very scary stuff. She was transported to the hospital strapped to a board with her head in a halo/hat thingie. She is okay though and was released last night. The accident was not her fault at all - the other party was cited at the scene for reckless driving. MIL has burns on her hands/arms and is sore from head to toe, but nothing else. Shaky. Very lucky.

So today is "WOOHOO I AM ALIVE" day at the JessFinds household. Champagne anyone?

On another note, we bought this:

Our first trial run ... stinks. It burned the cupcakes to the pan. We are trying to scrub it clean. I am going to give it a few more runs before I decide if it is a keeper or not. It is a frivilous little pastel darling of frippery and fun. An absolute non-essential. But it is cute. And can apparently make epinadas.

[JessFinds] Blog Hop Friday

2010-10-08T11:37:00.005-04:00

Blog Hop Friday!

Thanks for coming by - we heart all the blog love. Let us know you were here and we will give the love back!

Join us on Facebook and Twitter - Follow us on Networked Blogs and GFC.

[JessFinds] Sensitive Kids III - Montessori Adventures

2010-10-08T08:47:00.000-04:00

You know when you get the feeling that "something is up" and you are not getting the full picture of a situation? I naturally and easily assume everything is kosher unless proven otherwise. But there have been some red flags with Miss Crab's Montessori school of late.

1. Teachers speaking very sharply to the students
2. Teachers speaking very sharply to parents, even talking down to them (one mom was reprimanded for speaking French to her daughter).
3. Really negative attitudes.
4. Refusal to assist or leave a paper trail with our issues with Miss Crab*
5. Becoming more rigid in expectations.

I knew for a few days that the kids were going to make applesauce on Friday. Fun, right? I thought it was a pretty traditional Montessori thing to do but a bit suprised because they have never done anything like this.

Then my daughter tells me that there is a "Special Montessori Visitor" coming to the class today and that all the kids have to be extra-good for the SMV.

Hmmm.

Methinks the school is attempting to get some sort of certification? Accreditation? Investment? It would explain all of the high anxiety that Preacher and I have been picking up on. I am so curious to see if I am right.

* And yeah. The Directress has refused our request for a note from Miss Crab's teacher indicating that she believes Miss Crab would benefit from some sort of intervention. Even though she said it, they won't write it down. Said "it is the parents job to push and push for any outside assistance needed."

Ahhh. Adventures in parenting.

[JessFinds] Fancie Fannies: Me, only smaller. And wooden.

2010-10-07T16:39:00.001-04:00

I am having a custom order done on Etsy as a Christmas present for my almost 4 year old.

This is NOT me or my family, but you get the idea.

Fancie Fannies on Etsy does these darling little wooden peg-people and will customize them for you. I thought it would be great to have a little wooden doll set of our family. Especially Preacher in his little white collar and black shirt (awww). I will post photos of mini-us when they are done. I know Gonzo will go nuts over these.

Her little creations are so sweet they are almost edible - check out Goldilocks and the Three Bears:

Fancie Frannie's Goldilocks and the Three Bears - $20

And right now I am smitten with her astronauts and space shuttle!

Fancie Frannie's Rocket Ship - $30

If I had an ounce of painterly talent in me, I would love to buy blanks and try to create my own little wooden people and playsets. I did not inherit painterly talent from my artistic mother (sigh). My brother did! He can draw and visualize ... I can only grunt and point. So, today I grunt and point at these adorable figures.

Disclaimer: I did not receive any compensation to review this product / product line.

[JessFind] A little Internet meme for your reading pleasure.

2010-10-07T08:35:00.002-04:00

Taggy Taggy Meme Meme! These can be fun, so I am going to follow Vic's advice over at Freckles and Fudge and pretty much tell you that you are tagged if you want to be.

I am also a day late, but what is new.

1.) What is your greatest fear if any.I have a completely irrational fear of spiders and a rational fear of anything that could hurt my girls. 2.) Coffee, Tea or Cappuccino.Coffee, please. In an IV. Before my feet even hit the floor is preferable. 3.) Do you bend over backwards to lend money to family/friends.Family - yes. Friends I consider family - yes. Lend? No. I give if I can. I don't expect it back. It saves me and them from future weirdness. If it comes back, great. If not - no biggie. Now, I need to come clean that I have not been able to give much of anything since the before the dot.com bust, but whateves. I gave when I had! 4.) Reader, Writer or BothBoth! I have been fortunate enough to make a living as a wordsmith.
5.) If you could go anywhere to escape, where would you go.Ronda, Spain or maybe Cambodia. I have a wanderlust issue.
6.) Do you sleep with a flat or fat pillow. Flat. I want to be a big puffy pillow person, but flat is my go-to.
7.) How many times a week do you have sex.Goodness! (blushing). Okay, I don't have anyone fooled. I have been married for 13 years. 8.) How well do you deal with confrontation.If by "deal" you mean "can you bring it" then "hell yeah." I don't fear confrontation at all but I have had people tell me that I don't start confrontations, I finish them. I think that is a true assessment.
How about you? I am lazy - you don't even have to blog about it. You could just write your answers in the comments section.

[JessFinds] Jess & Marie in a van down by the river

2010-10-06T12:29:00.003-04:00

I think, considering how much life has changed for Marie and I, we should continue this co-blogging project from our van. You know the one. Down by the river.

Hee. Make that minivan. I almost have it paid off.

I wonder how hard it is to get good wireless access in a van.

So, unemployment, uncertainty, instability and general uneasiness? Great blog fodder! We actually both have very blessed lives, they just happen to be doing a dog paddle in quicksand at the moment. I trust that opportunities will come along with a big branch and pull us out of that quicksand.

While rapidly dog paddling, I manage to keep my sense of humor intact and try to focus on what matters. I know Marie does the same, in between deep breaths. I love change and welcome it. I get nervous when things get too still. Marie loves certainty and digs her heels in a bit with change, but she lands on top. Everytime.

So between the two of us, we have a housing crisis, job losses, relocation possibilites, in-laws, income nosedives and children in special schools. Bring it.

(MarieFinds) Of Upheaval and Big Change

2010-10-05T17:46:00.006-04:00

As most of my friends can attest, I'm not much for change. I find jobs and stay in them. I have a routine. My kids have routines. I like my life that way, thankyouverymuch.

I've been pink slipped. Fired. Laid off. Let go. Terminated. "thankyouverymuchforyourtimeandeffoert." "Itsnotyouitsus." Gah. Like most industries, in mine, client loss = job loss. The math makes sense. It really isn't personal. Except the consequences are personal. They are actually being great about it. 30 days notice. 2 weeks severance. They owe me 8 days of vacation pay. All in all, I get over 7 weeks of pay while I job hunt and wrap up clients. And then there is unemployment.

Before that, hopefully there is a job. Because blogging and momming doesn't pay the bills. Especially not the frequency with which I post.

I fret. And then I say we will be OK. And then I fret. And then the Lawyer says we will be OK. And then I kiss my kids. And wonder how many days a week I can keep Squirrel in her Mandarin pre-school. And then I say we will be OK.

(MarieFinds) The Lust List 2010

2010-10-05T17:24:00.009-04:00

Jess has a Crave List. I do my Lust List. Lust is a little less practical I think. Fall is in full swing here in the fabulous Pacific Northwest. Today is downright chilly. But beautiful October chilly - cool, clear, blue, gold and green.

Things I want under the tree this year:

A classic / retro apron. (I actually asked for this this year ... though I won't have it in time for Thanksgiving, unfortunately.) For Portlanders, they sell some fab ones at SweetWares (http://www.bakerandspicebakery.com/sweetwares/).

These boots from Ugg. I have a pair of classic Uggs that I never would have bought for myself. I love them. They are perfect fall /winter boots. Perfect slippers. The most comfortable shoes in the world. And I only feel a little weird about the Paris Hilton thing. These are a little dressier, and hopefully just as comfortable.The most beautiful coat in the world ... but I will never buy it for $700. God, I love Kate Spade.

Another item I am actually hoping to acquire this year ... a new crock pot. My good one crapped out, and I need a replacement. I love that this one goes stove top to insert, but I have heard there are some issues with the finish peeling. On the market for a good one, if anyone knows of one off hand.

[JessFinds] Stress Relief for Mama Bears

2010-10-05T12:11:00.008-04:00

Alana over at Domestically Challenged blogged Tip Tuesday - Do You Have a Mom Stress Relief Plan?

She writes; "To say that last week was stressful would be an apocalyptic understatement, but it served as a great reminder. Moms are in a unique position of needing to be reminded to practice regular stress relief tactics."

Amen to that.

We have been under a little apocalyptic stress of our own over the last two weeks. Take everything you ever knew about the structure of your life (your home, your work, your income sources, children's school, etc...) and toss it out of a moving car like a cheap hooker. Okay, pretend I wrote something more eloquent, but essentially that describes the last 15 days for us.

I am trying to focus on one thing at a time like a good little grownup. Right now, I need to just clean my house and sell off some stuff so that we can then stage our home and try to sell it. That is one, well-encapsulated, issue that can be tackled. The rest are unknowns that can fall in to place as they will. Except I hate cleaning. I am reluctantly dealing with nutters on Craigslist. Selling my home in a down economy sounds like a mouth full of root canals.

Fortunately, I tend to deal well with change. All at once - not so sure. I think I have everything managed and then I get that "is there an elephant on my chest?" feeling. Or the "Why am I staring at the ceiling at 3am" feeling.

Look for my new book: Guatemalan Worry Dolls and their Therapists

JessFinds Stress Relief in Ten Easy Steps!

1. Blogging. My husband is a serial hobbiest, but me? No. I turn to the blog. The blog that has grown and evolved over the last ... get this ... EIGHT YEARS. Someone should be paying me for this by now. I should probably be embarrassed. I am not.

2. Making old-fashioned popcorn on the stove with oil and a big pot. And then adding butter, salt and parmesean cheese. And then eating it. All.

3. Channeling someone I admire. I have a dear friend who could project confidence for miles around her. From her I learned to stand straight. Wear great lipstick and black boots. Put a swagger in your walk. The lipstick used to be "wear red lipstick" but I am reaching the age where it looks like I am trying too hard.

4. Hugging the kids. No matter what is going on, they are still young enough to think that I am a golden goddess and can do no wrong.

5. Being present and aware of others. When I am stressed, sometimes I offer to help out others. It helps brush some of the doom and gloom off my own shoulders.

6. I want to crawl back in bed and mope, but I get up and put on shoes. The act of putting on the shoes means I can go outside if necessary and that alone opens up possibilities.

7. I have a "to hell with it all day." A day where everything gets swept off the agenda. Sometimes you just have to tell stress to back the eff up.

8. I remind myself of the truth of the matter. Whatever the source of stress is (money, work, kids, home) I know myself. I know my wonderful family and by extension the friends that make up my bigger family. In the end, that is all that matters. My network stays the same when everything else is wonky in the world.

9. Random acts of kindness. Letting someone go ahead of me in the grocery store. Letting someone merge. Buying someone's coffee ahead of them in the Dunkin Donuts drive through. Complimenting someone on a beautiful outfit or well-behaved child.

10. I buy something on Etsy. Retail therapy with the added bonus of supporting a handcrafter. Yay.

In reality, I am lucky to hug my kids, get shoes on and blog. I should try to add exercise to that list of things to reduce stress because it works. It really works. But like housekeeping, I am not a fan of exercise for the sake of working out. I need to find something that gets my motor going though. And before it gets so cold that I just want to huddle by a heater.

[JessFinds] Adopt a Zoobie Pet™ - GIVEAWAY!!

2010-10-04T12:24:00.005-04:00

GIVEAWAY NOW CLOSED

The winner (#13) has been emailed and has 48 hours to respond! Congratulations!

Remember how I mentioned that I was on Team Zoobie?

As if I could not love them more, the fine folks over at Zoobie headquarters have generously offered to provide a Zoobie Pet™for a JessFinds.com GIVEAWAY! (Insert screams, fainting, clapping, ovations and hurrahs here.) Could those Zoobie-makers be any cooler? I would quit my day job and move to Utah to work for them, but my day job right now is "mom" and quitting that is generally frowned upon. Okay - back to the GIVEAWAY!

GIVEAWAY! Ends on Monday, October 11th at 11:59pm EST. Seven (7) chances to win a Zoobie of your own!

Image courtesy of Zoobie Pets™Online Store

Zoobies are incredibly well-designed toys with multiple uses. A Zoobie is a plush toy, a flat pillow and a cuddly blanket. Zoobies are recommended for ages 3 and up but safety tested for all ages.

As mentioned in the previous post, Miss Crab has Kojo and Gonzo has Raj. When I told them we were doing a Zoobie GIVEAWAY for a lucky family they were very excited. Then Gonzo got quiet ... "But I don't have to give Raj away, right?"

No honey, you don't need to give Raj away.

Okay - so let's get to the good stuff. You really want one. I know.

MANDATORY ENTRY REQUIREMENTS - US ONLY

EASY! Visit www.zoobies.com and look through their collections. Choose a Zoobie Pet™ and in the comments section of this post, write (1) First Name, Last Initial (2) Your email (3) Your Zoobie Pet of choice and (4) who the recipient of the Zoobie will be.

Sample "Bonus Entry" Comment

BONUS ENTRIES BECAUSE WE LOVE YOU! We use a random number generator to pick a winner and you can get up to 7 total entries. That means, you can leave SEVEN separate comments on this post. Just label them as Bonus Entries! Follow the instructions for each bonus entry to be valid. Have fun! If you alrady fan or follow us, just mention it in your comment. You don't have to be a new fan to win.

BONUS ENTRY 1: Follow JessFinds.com via Google Friend Connect (GFC) or Networked Blogs (links on right hand column). Include your details as above and add "I follow you on _____" Then let us know via comments.

BONUS ENTRY 2: Become a Fan of JessFinds.com on Facebook and comment on our Facebook Page that you are now a fan. Then let us know via comments.

BONUS ENTRY 3: Become a Fan of Zoobies on Facebook. Leave a message on their wall saying: " I am a fan thanks to @Jess Finds." Then let us know via comments.

BONUS ENTRY 4: Follow Zoobie Pets via Twitter - www.twitter.com/zoobiepets. Let us know via comments and include your Twitter handle.

BONUS ENTRY 5: Follow JessFinds.com via Twitter -www.twitter.com/jessfinds. Then let us know via comments and include your Twitter handle.

BONUS ENTRY 6: Copy and paste: I entered to win a Zoobie Pet™ from www.JessFinds.com! @zoobiepets @jessfinds #giveaway on your own Twitter. Or Blog about it and link to this giveaway. Then let us know via comments!

A total of 7 possible ways to win the Zoobie Pet™ of your choice! Good luck!

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PROBLEMS OPENING UP COMMENT BOX ON BLOGGER? Some people have reported that Internet Explorer will block the pop-up comment box or mess with the verification. No problems with other browsers have been reported.

THE IMPORTANT DETAILS IN SMALL PRINT:

This GIVEAWAY is for one (1) Zoobie Pet™. Does not include the Jumbo Zoobie Pets™. Winner will be picked via Random.org and has 48 hours to respond before I re-draw a name. I will include a screen capture of the winning random number. This givaway is for the US ONLY. International entries will be discarded (sorry). Giveaway is valid for those 18 and over. Giveaway ends at 11:59 PM EST on Monday, October 11th. Zoobie Pets™ will be responsible for shipping the product to the winner. I will provide Zoobie Pets™ with the address, winner's selection and additional contact information if needed. Prize selection subject to availability (you may need a second choice, be nice about it).

I did not receive any compensation for this review or giveaway. I am just a great-big fan of the product and Zoobies LLC offered to provide one to a lucky reader.
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[JessFinds] Sensitive Kids II

2010-10-02T16:11:00.004-04:00

I wanted to publicly thank everyone on the posting boards over at HSCBook. They have helped me keep perspective over the years and reinforce that I am not completely nuts, my kid really is as quirky as they come and she will be a better for it in the long run. Awesome people. They don't judge me when I get put out or feel sorry for myself or even make it about me. They don't judge my kid. They just are there.

They got angry for me when I was horrified at how the Kindergarten teacher treated my little girl on the first day of school. They rooted for us when we started Miss Crab in Montessori. They pushed me to seek further testing. But more than that, they share their ongoing stories, struggles and victories.

Tasmanian Devil

We are having a rough month. I think in the last 15 days we have hit some big marks on the "top life stresses" list. But my family is a tight knit group and we land on our feet. One of those stresses was finding out that Miss Crab is not only backsliding in her behaviors at school, she is becoming defiant and unmanageable. A distraction to the other students. My sweet, soulful, quiet, introverted little butterbean is the Tasmanian Devil of the class. G-R-E-A-T.

Tasmanian Devil?

We are pretty strict parents. We don't cut our kids much slack and have pretty high expectations. I imagine I will be paying for lots of therapy bills later, but they seem to do better with boundaries firmly established. When we get loosey goosey, my girls fall apart. We trust our instincts and have had to do a lot of creative parenting. The acting out at school actually shocked me. I was prepared for "she refuses to speak" and "she won't make eye contact." I was not expecting to find out she was holding the class hostage with her antics. But aside from that, I was a little put off by the implication from the teachers that we are not firm enough with her. I guess they figure if she acts out at school, it must be worse at home - right? Still, irritating. I was also put off by the lack of suggestions or solutions, it was as though we were called in for a complaint session.

My little sweetie definitely needs intervention. She needs some occupational therapy for socialization issues and sensory issues. She may need her hearing checked. She may even have mild Asbergers or be on the spectrum. Or maybe she is just really, really sensitive. Or maybe has Executive Functioning issues....anxiety.... God only knows what genetics have piled on this bonbon. I just know that she is the best and I want the best for her. The county has finally gotten back to me and we are on track now to get her the help we need. I have attempted to get "in" with the developmental pediatrician again (is there a shortage or something?). Still waiting on that one.

[JessFinds] Yard Sale

2010-10-02T11:34:00.002-04:00

The Big Deal - Part III

I need to get a big yard sale ready to rock and roll - quickly. Maybe by next weekend (the weather report looks like we might have a stretch of sunshine).

Calling all moms ... help! It has been eons since I staged a succesful tag sale and back then I was without kiddlets.

Once upon a time, I moved from Seattle to Virginia. Right before the move, we sold 2/3 of our things. Seriously. 2/3. So freeing. We were moving from almost 1,900 sq feet in to 900 sq feet.

The 90.5 inch Pew ... Any takers? Ignore the Ikea slide...

Now I have 2,300 sq feet of packed to the gills and it has to go. We can't stage this place for sale until we do a major purge.

Ideas? Suggestions? Anyone in need of a 8 foot church pew?

[JessFinds] Welcome Blog Hoppers!

2010-09-30T09:47:00.002-04:00

I am new to GFC - so please join and leave me a message that you found me! You can also follow via Twitter, Networked Blogs, Facebook ... I love the love and will happily follow you back.

xoxo

Jess

My Family from WiddlyTinks.com

[JessFinds] The Highly Sensitive Child

2010-09-30T09:11:00.001-04:00

My eldest, Miss Crab, is a pretty typical Highly Sensitive Child (HSC). She has been my little puzzle from the day she was born. I have always described her like an exposed nerve. Everything is bigger, brighter, louder and stranger than it is to the rest of us. Add the redhead gene, and it means she feels pain stronger than any of us too. So not fair. On the other hand, she is delightful. Intuitive, gentle and smart as a whip.

She was the most colicky baby any of my friends or family had ever encountered. I remember reading the definition of colic at the time (unexplained crying for more than 3 hours a day, 3 days a week) and lasting up to 3 months of age. I laughed. Try 12 hours a day, every day until age 18 months. I nearly lost my mind!

The 5(+) years of night terrors have subsided. We lived through it. The sleep studies were nightmares in themselves and the "lead doctor in the field" said she had only seen a dozen kids with Miss Crab's extremity. They recommended putting my 4 year old on benzos (xanex, klonopin). Um...now do I say this nicely? NO. If you are a parent dealing with night terrors, I give you a big blog hug. Send me a message.

Preschool was okay. She made friends and quirky kids are pretty normal in preschool.

Kindergarten. Sigh. The transition from preschool to kindergarten has highlighted a lot of problems that are going to require intervention. We have Miss Crab with a very nice psychologist who has come up with a few new ideas but who I pretty much view as my portal to getting help from other professionals.

We are in year II of Montessori Kindergarten and I was just told that there are "issues" that need addressing. My husband and I will be meeting with her teachers to talk about what is going on. I feel constantly on the defensive about my daughter. I know how well she functions and it makes me sad that she does not function well in a traditional school setting (or even at times in her Montessori school setting).

Miss Crab does not want to draw attention to herself at all, but many of her protective mechanisms - unfortunately - draw attention. She draws up her shoulders, brings her arms in tight to her side, puts her hands up high on her chest in a "begging" position. We call this her "T-Rex." She does this when nervous or stressed.

Age six has been good in many ways. She is able to use her coping mechanisms and she can verbalize a lot of her anxiety. She is becoming this amazing kid - game to try out new things, great sense of humor, very caring. In some ways, she is perfection. I could not imagine her being anything but the way she is. I just wish I could make her path easier, because lots of people are going to find her problematic and try to put her in boxes.

Resources:
I have complied a list of fantastic books that have helped us in our journey.

The above book is amazing - I had no idea that there were other kids out there like my daughter!

Yahoo Groups has a great board for parents with HSC's. I cannot say enough good things about this group. SO supportive. It is called HSCBook.

[JessFinds] Zoobies

2010-09-29T13:00:00.001-04:00

I am on Team Zoobie.

Website: www.zoobies.com

A few months back, we recieved two Zoobie animals (Koko the Croc and Raj the Tiger). Miss Crab and Koko partnered up. Gonzo chose Raj.

Any child facing airline travel as the - gasp - holidays approach? Keep this in the back of your parent travel arsenal. The animals are soft and cuddly, easy for my 3.5 and 6 to carry through airports. They function as cozy travel pillows with the added bonus of a soft fleece blanket inside the animal that can be removed and re-stuffed easily.

Without fail, every child we encountered in airports pointed and yelled "PILLOW PETS!!" which just shows how effective that TV commercial is AND how susceptible kids are to advertising! We did encounter a few Pillow Pets on our travels, but my girls were standouts with their Zoobies. And they educated every child (and adult) on how theirs was special along the way. My little marketers.

The big difference? Zoobies have the blanket. Pillow Pets do not have a blanket inside. Zoobies also look like "normal" stuffed animals, not like folded in half pillows.

We were out of town for about two months and were staying with various - tolerant - friends and family during our travels. These functioned as insta-beds for my kids as well as soft companions for all of the car and plane travel. We even saw a few being sold in the various airports we passed through, so travelers are on to the idea. Me? I. Will. Do. Anything. To. Keep. My. Kids. Behaving. On. A. Plane.

I am also a fan of any product that serves multiple purposes. There is a huge selection to choose from on their site. I have not encountered any discount codes or giveaways of late but a friend suggested I contact the company to see if they would be willing to do a giveaway for JessFinds.com.

Disclaimer: I did not recieve any compensation or free products for this review.

[Jessfinds] Header III

2010-09-29T12:32:00.000-04:00

Sigh.

This is the newest - and it is going to stick for a while. It reflects the original design but it is more colorful and more like other modern mamablogs out there.

I tried the Unicorn Punch and it just did not settle. Then the Edward Gorey. Turns out that a mama blog should just not try to be very artistic.

So, here is your new header folks! Love it or love it!

PS - Marie, I made our waists tiny. And apparently we are twins. Hee.

[JessFinds] Header II

2010-09-29T08:50:00.000-04:00

And here is another concept. Preacher took one look and said "It is a bit Edward Gorey, no?"

That is one of the reasons I love him, FYI.

So, I think another rework is in order. Marie?

[JessFinds] Header

2010-09-28T13:42:00.000-04:00

I think our new header may be too cutsie for us.

I was going with "whismical" and ended up with unicorns. My male friends will land on this blog with a giant WTF? It is a start, right? I will admit that I outright stole the word sundry from a former blog project I worked on. I just love the word sundry.

[JessFinds] Marc Jacobs is a Genius

2010-09-28T08:39:00.002-04:00

CocoPerez just informed me that Marc Jacobs has (finally) opened an online retail site. When I went to play (because I can't resist when designers bring it to the masses) I found this:

!!!

I can't really justify spending $60+ on a tee shirt for my rapidly growing six year old, but this is Miss Crab's shirt!

I so rarely come across girl pirates. It makes me so happy. Thank you Marc Jacobs, I am just happy to know that it exists. Call me when you get the shirt under $30. Thanks.

[JessFinds] I give you permission - follow JessFinds!

2010-09-27T14:06:00.000-04:00

We finally have a facebook presence here at JessFinds (bout-time) for those that had trouble following us via Networked Blogs or GFC.

So, just be a fan! Fan us on Facebook and we will grow our numbers and then we can start giving away some fabulous stuff. I am not above bribery.

Much love if you tell your friends to like/follow us too!

[JessFinds] Buy My House

2010-09-22T14:39:00.002-04:00

THE BIG DEAL - PART II

We are in situation that many American's are finding right now, needing to sell their home within a certain time frame and dreading it. I watched enough HGTV to know that I need to purge and clean and stage. I have never sold a home before! I have no idea what I am doing. I can fake my way through a lot of things, but this is one where I just feel paralyzed.

Picture w lush trees and fresh landscaping in the front.

We have the added bonus of being located in one of the worst states for the housing crisis - our home in particular has taken a 30,000 - 40,000 dip since May of this year. Ouch.

We live in a beach town. It has an interesting mix of haves, semi-haves and retirees. Rural suburbia and coastal farmland. So you will frequently see a $800k+ home near a $200k+ home. It just is the layout of the land here. Our little town is sandwiched between an economically depressed city and a very desireable zip code.

Our home is a 1950's box that was turned in to a Colonial style home by additions in the 1980's and 1990's. It is just over 2,300 sq feet of hard-to-heat-in-the-winter home. It is a 3 bedroom / 2.5 bath with bonus family room. The master suite is sickeningly huge. The other bedrooms are 1950's small. An appraiser told us that our walk-in-closet can be listed as a den because it has a window and lighting/heating. Bulkhead basement that was encased for indoor access before we purchased. Sunroom. We have upgraded the kitchen and the master bath.

Bonus - Great lot. Lots of space for the $$. Flanked by incredibly well tended homes on both sides.
Bad - Needs new roof (no leaks but definitely at the age of normal replacement) and is on a busy street.

Ok. Purge. Clean. Have a realtor or two do a walk through. Choose a realtor. Stage. Right?

[JessFinds] Follow Me, Or Else

2010-09-21T15:41:00.000-04:00

37 followers does not a blog make!

Come on folks, lets get some love in here. Follow this blog via Google Friend Connect (GFC) or Networked Blogs ... both are on the right hand column.

[JessFinds] Of Change, Mystery, Freak Flags and Drew Barrymore

2010-09-21T09:24:00.000-04:00

THE BIG DEAL, PART ONE

I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ.
-- Mohandas Gandhi

I like that Gandhi.

oooo

We have had some crazy news around here of late, some stuff that is going to change our lives. Big impact stuff. No I am not pregnant. Nobody has cancer. No alien abductions.

I don't mean to be mysterious (those who know me are having a guffaw right about now because me and mystery don't exactly go hand in hand). I will be able to talk openly about it as soon as some of the dust settles.

There is nothing like a good life upheaval to put everything in perspective though!

I am naturally a free spirit and but struggle between being conventional and being myself more often than I would like. Free spirit me wants to knock some heads, have a beer and get on with the adventure. Conventional me wants to "see how things go" and be responsible.

This may be due to the fact that I am married to a lifestyle that requires me to be conventional, the whole Preacher's Wife thing. Yawn. I am so very bad at it. It is like for every ounce of effort I put in to being sorta-proper I need two ounces of crazy, eccentric authenticity. Yeah, yeah. I talk about this all the time. I wonder how many clergy spouses are out there who feel the same way. We don't exactly have a network.

Beyond that, I have a very rich life. My hubby is made of sugar and has his own crazy, eccentric self that I am privy too. I have friends who allow me to be authentic. My family demands nothing less than my wackiness. I have had a wonderful career with mentors who have pushed me along. I am a rockstar mom to my rugrats. I am confident at times I probably should not be. Life is good.

A few years ago, I read that Drew Barrymore made "live fearlessly" as one of her New Years Resolutions. I loved that. Live fearlessly. It has been my NYR ever since.

And that is why I don't have a pit in my stomach when change comes a-knockin.

[JessFinds] GonzoSchool ... Completion of Week ONE

2010-09-17T10:40:00.000-04:00

I have waxed on about how much I adore my husband's iPad - today I enjoyed it even more when I used the Montessori lesson apps to do some math and alphabet work with my 3.5 year old. She took to it like a natural! Two things amazed me...

1. Montessori techniques are over 100 years old, yet regardless of techologial advances kids just gravitate towards the hands-on learning and are naturally pleased with the reward of completing a task independently.

2. Technology has made it possible for my littlest daughter to trace alphabet letters (sandpaper letters) with the rewarding scritchy sound, she can sort the red wooden bars and do basic math using visual reinforcement... all via an iPad! Maria Montessori would be so thrown for a loop on this one.

Obviously it cannot replace the actual texture of sitting with sandpaper letters, but the fact that Gonzo was pleased with her tracing of the letters and learning the accompanying sounds is pricesless. A nice reinforcement tool. Plus, there is the fact that we can trust 3 year olds with technology that would have blown our great-grandmother's minds.

I saw that the same app group (Montessorium) is coming out with a moveable alphabet app. Can't wait.

[JessFinds] Fall / Winter Crave List - 2010

2010-09-15T18:18:00.001-04:00

ANNUAL JESSFINDS FALL & WINTER CRAVE LIST

It is that time again! I only do this because (a) it is fun to have a curated list of things that make me swoony and (b) you, fair readers, keep asking me to (thanks!).

I hear that a job is the latest in luxury accessories, so I am thinking that I would like to get my name on a waiting list for one of these employmentish joby thingies.

I am really craving blazers - nice lined wool blazers. I think gray is my go-to but I like this in the Antique Rose and Mink colors as well. Via Eddie Bauer.

I think that the Dooney & Burke Allweather bags from the 80's are endlessly preppy-chic for fall - especially when done in cream and tan leather, like saddlebags. I scored a $20 bag from a vintage shop and I plan to use it for the rest of my life. But I still have a soft spot for Harris Tweed and Fall always makes me think of the tweeds! PeskyCatDesigns has nailed it on Etsy.

Pine Cone Chic! Last year I lusted after the infinity scarf (which I still adore) but this year, I want to snuggle with a pine cone: Etsy.com via Circular Accessories.

Last year, I got my Frye boots for Christmas. Unfortunately, they were too tight - apparently I wear an 11 in Frye styles. I am 5ft 10in so back off about the big feet. They did not have the boots I wanted in stock, and so everything was canceled out and returned. A little part of me died. This year, I have my eyes on you Frye Engineer in Burnt Red. Yeah, I am lookin' at you.

It is hard not to love Oregon in all of it's soggy green goodness. I tree Oregon. I really do. This little number and it's adorable friend (I Pine For Oregon) are both at CafePress.

In an effort to dress up some of the things I already own, I am awfully fond of these ruffled flower fabric brooches that can go from t-shirt to button-down to belt loop. I want a pile of them in various colors. As usual, these are an Esty find. I think I need to learn how to make them...

My hubby got an iPad. Me? I got JEALOUS. It is so fantastic. I don't need one, but I really, really (really) want one. I call it "precious" and steal his frequently.

[JessFinds] GonzoSchool ... Day III

2010-09-15T12:13:00.000-04:00

(Marie Finds) Fall is in the air

2010-09-14T14:44:00.007-04:00

Fal is my favorite season. I can begin planning Thanksgiving, which I will be hosting for the first time in about 10 years. I can switch back to red wine. Pull out the sweaters and realize I need new clothes. Squirrel has been boycotting pants in favor of dresses for the last year or so. I finally stopped buying them, and the other day realized she now only has two pair of pants that fit. Sigh.

Baby Boy has a bit of a wandering eye, so over his protestations, we are trying to get him to wear an eye patch for an hour a day. I'll get photos one day. In the mean time, here are some summer photos...

[JessFinds] GonzoSchool ... Day II

2010-09-14T13:15:00.002-04:00

The book "Cow" by Doyle and Rinaldi has beautiful artwork that make for a good stage...

If only we had a green rug...

Gonzo experiments with the farmer trying to milk the pig.

Work projects - counting up to 5. I made the flowers so each has the right number of dots to reinforce the numbers. Gonzo has no problem counting to 20 when it comes to counting objects but does not recognize the actual numbers yet.

What is preschool without glue? (safety scissor project in foreground)

[JessFinds] Me? Homeschool? NEVER.

2010-09-13T11:58:00.001-04:00

The summer hiatus is over and I am back!

My contract was not renewed for fall, so I am (once again) unemployed. Sigh. This means that Miss Gonzo will not be attending a "real" preschool because, well, we can't afford it. This also means that she will be attending the School of Mom.

First day of preschool: September 13th, 2010.

We started off with the theme of cows. We checked out 5 books about cows from the local library. Today we began with this one:

We watched an old episode of Sesame Street on YouTube that showed where milk comes from. We also looked up information about cows who sleep on waterbeds. I will let you Google that one.

Today we achieved the following:
1. Baked biscuits
2. Cleaned the living room
3. Read "When the Cows Come Home"
4. Did two safety scissor projects, practiced cutting straight lines
5. Talked about Red (worksheet)
6. Worked on writing readiness (4 worksheets)

And now, we are relaxing with a snack and watching Ponyo on a rainy day. :-)

[JessFinds] Summer Scenes

2010-07-20T22:43:00.000-04:00

(not my mom's new dog Mac ... this is my bro's neighbor dog)

[JessFinds] The Weather is Here, Wish You Were Nice

2010-07-03T20:02:00.000-04:00

I am supposed to be packing and doing laundry as we are getting ready for a little adventure (shhh).

I don't know if I will be able to blog from the road because I am not as hooked in as I should be. Really. I would love one of those mini-notebooks that travel well. My main traveling tech these days is my iPod Nano...and my 6 year old has claimed it as her own for the trip. We will have computer access but I am hoping I don't think about it too much.

My job has wrapped up for the summer - I hope it gets picked up again in the fall. My daughter's carnival party is finished. Now all that is left is to get into a vacay state of mind!

I need to pack.

[JessFinds] Carnival Wrap-Up

2010-07-03T19:43:00.001-04:00

Our Backyard Carnival for Miss Crab's 6th Birthday was great fun thanks to all the wonderful people who came (24 kids PLUS their parents!) and helped out...