Temporary Road Block.

Posted by Ethne~

Hey dudes.

You may have missed me around these parts.  It's possible you didn't notice since Lori's been doing awesome projects.

Anyway, I thought I should let you know what's up.

We've been having some trouble with K & E.  They're not sick (thank goodness), but we have been dealing with what's up full-time (for their privacy, I'm not going to get into it ad nauseum).  This hasn't left me a lot of time for blogging and projects.  And by the time they go to bed at night, I just about pass out.  Parenting is hard.  Good thing I love them so $%& much.

Consequently, I also haven't been my sassy self.  I keep trying to think up a good post about nothing for us to all laugh at, and I haven't really had it.  I did swear a whole bunch at Bode Miller's competition (the a$$holes) the other night, though, so it's deep down in there, promise.

I will keep up wom-ing.  I love and am really proud of this blog.  I have a post about making almond milk all photographed except the first part, which I keep forgetting to snap before I do it.  Grr.  I have lots of other posts running around in my head.  Plus, we're still doing a gluten-free diet, so there's loads to talk about with that.  Mostly the meals are going well.  {Mostly.}

Until next time, I sure do love Lori - and y'all.

xo, Ethne

Prevent Canker Sores!

Posted by Ethne~

Hey dudes.

Do you guys get those painful canker sores inside your mouths sometimes?  I used to.  It occurred to me that I should tell you how I stopped getting them.  It's just something little, but if I can help you guys out with my fount of knowledge, I'm duty bound.

I used to get them frequently - canker sores are the kind inside your mouth, not the ones on your lip - those are cold sores - different beasts.  

When I would get them, I would be in total agony.  If you have them, you know what I mean, it would hurt to even talk if the sore rubbed up against your teeth just so.  I once left work, mid-stride - to walk over to the nearby pharmacy and find a painkiller - a good one is called Cank-aid - it covers it like a liquid bandage, but in your mouth.

I asked my dentist and he said they're usually caused by an irritation to the tissues in your mouth - like acids from tomatoes in the summer.  And also, there is a pointless ingredient in toothpaste that's added to make it foamy that can cause them [canker sore irritations], it's called SODIUM LAURYL SULFATE.  Why don't you try to find a toothpaste without that?

So I went on a hunt.  I only found one toothpaste in all of Target/Walgreens/any pharmacy anywhere - Sensodyne Pronamel - that doesn't have the nasty ingredient.  It's $4-5 per tube, but I can often find $1 off coupons.  

Right now, I have the white cap one.  Easy Mac uses it too.

And guess what?  I've only had one canker sore in the two years since my dentist told me this, and that was from accidentally biting my cheek [out came the Cank-aid].  The Sensodyne is totally worth the money, and it still foams up when I brush, so I really don't know what difference the sodium laurel sulfate makes in other toothpastes anyway.  It's one of those inactive ingredients.  It's possibly a conspiracy against Americans.

I might have to take this up with my Congressional representatives.

*This is not a paid endorsement of Sensodyne.  I wish.  I just thought you'd like to know.

I should've just stayed in college indefinitely.

Posted by Ethne~

Background: Wikipedia and I are good friends.  I research totally random subjects and then report my discoveries to my family.  They LOVE it.  Most recent case-in-point led to the following convo with Shaun.

Shaun: What are you reading?

Me: Wikipedia, about airplane disasters.

Shaun: You're researching about airplanes crashing?

Me: Yes, in particular, I find it interesting when pilot error leads to the crashing of perfectly functioning aircraft.

Shaun:  You research the most random things.  First it was Mormons, then it was WWII, now it's airplane crashes.

Me: I know.  The other day I told my sister all about the various head coverings that Jewish women wear over their natural hair.  It was interesting.  She enjoyed it.

LATER

Me: I told my dad about my airplane crash research and asked him if he remembered a crash in 1983 where the Soviets shot down a South Korean airliner.  He said he did and that I should make myself useful and research the cattle drives up and down the central Great Plains, which is a subject in his latest book.

Shaun: Ha.  He's probably right.

NOTE - Whit and I decided that in college, we should've studied the history of make-up, as in ancient history to present.  That would've been totally rad.  We did not take advantage of our liberal arts opportunities at all!  (To be fair, I did ace my research paper about deodorant.  I got to pick the topic.  True story.  FYI, I don't wear deodorant that contains aluminum, it's bad news.)  I bet Wikipedia knows about make-up.  Bless its heart.

Weekend Wrap-up - toeless pantyhose do exist!

Posted by Ethne~

Hey everyone!  Last two days of the year, I can hardly believe it!  

I'm working on a couple foodie posts for you, but the family are testing them out first, to see if they're good enough to post about.  Teaser: homemade almond milk (and possibilities from the almond pulp) and creme brûlée (with my new torch I got for Christmas).  I'll also give you an update about our gluten-free adventure once we get into the new year - we're still sticking with it.  [They have siphoned off several recipes I could've posted about as not good enough - and this is the recipe's fault, not mine.]

I met up with bff's Steph and Grizz this weekend.  It was so great to see them.  I'm fairly certain I took no pictures, seeing as my yap was too busy flappin'.  Darn.  But we had a good time, ate some really good food (Ciao Bella in Edina, MN) and decidedly did not solve any great problems.  But, we did evaluate whether I could find toeless pantyhose (which I know exist) to wear to Shaun's brother's wedding next weekend (I'm wearing peeptoe shoes in January, I know, I'm silly - Shaun belabored this point until I suggested that I could alternately just go out and buy another pair of shoes, just for the wedding).  My Dad said, "no luck", but we felt I had a shot at Macy's or Nordstrom's.  I was nearest to Macy's so I went there first and, wouldn't you know, but they had some: Hanes [also found online apparently].

I talked to Lori and Steve.  They're back from their cruise and a great time was reportedly had by all.  I am still unconvinced to come on a cruising vacay with them anytime soon (ocean deep water + Ethne = NO) and, quite frankly, very relieved to have my beloved Lori back on dry land.  She'll tell us all some tales with pics this week, she said.

I'm debating what to do for New Year's dinner (along with the creme brûlées).  The girls think that any of these meals are "feasts" now, so I don't want to let them down - but I'm really hankering for tamales - and I know several friends who have tamales at New Year's.  I even have a from-scratch recipe (thanks D&F).  So that's what I'm leaning towards, even if it doesn't exactly jive with my dessert choice.  Heh, it's me, I make up my own rules.  Shaun doesn't even question this.  Why am I?

We take the girls to the dentist tomorrow and Easy Mac has her first loose tooth hanging by a thread.  I'd be surprised if it lasts till the appointment tomorrow, but honestly, I kinda love the timing.  It does mean I have to sew the head back onto her tooth fairy STAT though.

And we are anxiously awaiting the family wedding on Saturday.  I just have to get tights for the girls and pantyhose for myself for the groom's dinner and we are SET.  I'm pretty excited.  I've been to far more summer weddings (mine included), but I have to say that the January weddings I've been to have been awesome.  It really is a great time of year to get married.  Shaun's brother and his fiancee are very stylish, so I'm sure there will be lots for me to report back about.  I'm bringing the good camera, dudes.

Have a great Monday!

I'm almost certainly losing it, and other updates.

Posted by Ethne~

A few things – keeping in mind that I have a cold so I’m insane mostly:

1.  KD is doing really well!  We started using some essential oils – Vetiver is one recommended for kids with ADHD – and it seems to work.  Applied to the big toe morning and evening.  I do it for Easy Mac too (that kid can sass with the best of them).  The pediatrician says it can’t hurt!  Both of their teachers report marked improvement.  I’m also going to get Young Living’s Peace & Calming blend, but that hasn’t arrived yet.

2.  I got my hair(s) cut.  It was too long and stringy and, let’s face it – growing it out to try Pinterest styles is pointless if I don’t actually try any Pinterest styles.  This is one of those inverted deals coming down to a point in the front.  There are quite a few layers for when I curl it, a la Kate from the Small Things Blog, but this is what it looks like on a given day when I blow it dry with a round brush.  When I curl it, it looks pretty much like hers.

I'm sick, so I look bad, but the hair's accurate.

3.  I shopped after Halloween sales and got this T-Rex costume for Theodore for $3.  He LOVES it.  I call him Sweet Baby T-Rex, so it was almost like I couldn’t afford NOT to buy the costume.  Like it would be a crime (see #5 below).  Shaun agreed COMPLETELY.  So did Theodore.

Complete joy.

4.  I’ve started working on my Christmas gift list.  I hate that several family members read this blog (not really) because I can’t tell you about it.  What I can say is that the girls got free 8”x11” photo books from Snapfish with their school pictures, so I’m making one for each of them for a Christmas gift from Shaun and me.  Since they are learning to read and we read lots of books each night, I’ve turned the books, with pictures of them, into storybooks.  The first one is SUPER CUTE.  When it arrives, I’ll show you.

5.  I’ve mentioned before that I can never commit crime because I talk in my sleep and would confess.  I asked my co-worker and he figures it wouldn’t hold up in court, but I still don’t feel safe.  I realized today that it also means I could never cheat on Shaun.  YOU’RE WELCOME.  Per Shaun, I did ask my assistant to confirm an appointment one night this week, though.  Lame.  I should be dreaming about cool stuff, like exotic vacations.

6.  I am super excited for Shaun’s brother’s upcoming wedding.  I’ve gotten all of the girls’ and my dresses and such.  Shaun’s in the wedding and, let me tell you, watching him do the suit acquisition has been a riot.  I normally buy his clothes, but I have left him to his own devices (with the protection of his mom and sister to assist).  Men!  I totally do not get credit for keeping our household properly attired.

Have a nice weekend, y’all.  We’re having our first Thanksgiving feast – this one’s just Shaun, the girls and me.  I wanted to have a tradition of just doing that since that’s how it was with me growing up (only because we had family so far away).  I figure we can make our own family holiday where we can make a big old deal out of a meal, just the four of us – normally our meals are nutzo just trying to get the kids to eat, then bathe, [essential] oiled up, stories, etc.  Phew!  We’re going to slow it down and be thankful for each other; and have some turkey & pie too.

Deep Thoughts, by Ethne.

Posted by Ethne~

This is not a regular post.  It’s just what’s at the top of my head.

1.  Just when I had become accustomed to the idea of Charlie Hunnam as Christian Grey, that mysteriously falls apart.  If it’s because of the fan backlash, I do have one thing to say – Christian would whip your a$$ for not having the balls to follow through with your decisions.  If it’s because of the reasons they really said (busy schedule, blah blah), oh well, hurry up and find someone new.  Maybe I’ll be right on Cam Gigandet after all.  I dreamt the other night that it was some really obscure actor and even I was in an outrage over it.  Imagine.

2.  KD has been diagnosed as having ADHD.  That explains why you haven’t heard as much from me around here since school started as normal.  We’ve been dealing with her teacher, doctors, assessments, etc.  I’m not really that upset about it as I am glad for having a plan of action.  I know she’s still beautiful, smart, healthy and feisty.  Doing the things to help her calm down and focus will only help the cool KD come out even more. 

3.  Land’s End is KILLING it still with their sales this fall.  I found a pair of MADE IN THE USA jeans for Shaun for $25.  If you’re reading this blog from another country, I’ll explain why that’s worth a mention: we Americans rarely see MADE IN THE USA on our clothing labels anymore.  I also found a $190 down parka for $42.  This is all true.  Still, I wish I was buying a bathing suit.

4.  Shaun’s brother is getting married just after the first of the year.  I’m super excited. I found really cute dresses for the girls at a legit party dress site (with matching Land’s End ballet flats of course).  The reason I’m glad it ended up being legit is that my mother-in-law ended up ordering two dresses from what ended up being some sort of scam site out of China and when the dresses didn’t fit, there was some serious drama about that return/refund process.  BEWARE and READ THE REVIEWS when ordering online – use ebay and Amazon.

4.5.  And speaking of the wedding – on the RSVP card Shaun required me to say that the 4 of us would regretfully decline from attending the wedding “because we anticipate being too hungover from the groom’s dinner. Oops.”  I’m 95% certain no offense will be taken by this response.

5.  The girls were really cute cheerleaders.  Naturally our good camera’s battery died almost instantly.  When I finally download and see what pics Shaun actually got off of it, I’ll put up some of those.  The couple off my phone were a little grainy.  Some mini tramp in an owl hat stole Easy Mac’s pom poms – grrrr.  Easy Mac grabbed one of the varsity cheerleaders and brought her to the rail to talk to me and asked if I could cheer with them.  “No, honey, I’m retired, it’s their job now.”  So cute.

Have a nice day!

I'm a Nerd for a Good Cause.

Posted by Ethne~

Sorry for the lack of posting this week, Friends.  It’s TOTALLY my fault.  Partly because we’ve been busy with back-to-school stuff – the girls LOVE kindergarten but they are NOT QUITE adjusted, including but not limited to KD cutting herself a hunk of bangs.  And also because I was immersed in 9/11.  Nerd alert.

As it turns out, Sherry, from Lor’s and my fave blog, Young House Love, was in Manhattan on 9/11, and she finally shared her experience from that day.  It’s worth a read, here.  Out in Minnesota, we don’t know as many people who have a personal connection to the attacks, though there are a few of us.

I wasn’t just feeling somber about that very dark day in American history, though, I was researching the conspiracy of the hijackers and planners that led up to the day (out of interest).  I happened upon the 1200 trial exhibits released by the Department of Justice from the Zacarias Moussaoui trial back in 2005, which were FASCINATING (in a what-in-the-hell kind of way, not in a this-is-cool kind of way).

I did not read all 1200 in one night.  I’m not that big of a nerd.  Close.

But I had always wondered how they had tied Moussaoui to 9/11 itself, since he was actually in jail at the time of the attack. (Originally jailed in the town I work in actually, so there I have a connection I guess.)  Well, it was the conspiracy they linked him to (with a mountain of evidence) and he ultimately admitted to being the 20^th hijacker.  The link here, for the prosecution's exhibits, has two that were particularly interesting (click on the links and they'll come up but I couldn't link them directly from here for some reason): document GX00001 (note how he signs it) and document P200071 (note how he describes his first viewing of the Twin Towers falling), though there were 1198 that were nearly equally able to keep me up at night.  The link for the defense's exhibits is here.  These weren't eventually used at a trial since he pled guilty.

We also told the girls about 9/11 for the first time.  I let them watch the images of the planes crashing into the towers.  Then I explained that sometimes bad people do really horrible things.  I figured they’ll be seeing it and hearing about it; I’d rather they see and hear it from us first.  Do others of you out there have a hard time determining what’s age-appropriate for your kids anymore in today’s society, where everything is right there at the touch of an iPad/kindle screen?

So anyway, sorry you didn’t hear from me.  I’m doing my own (nerdy) part to remember this history, and to teach it to my kids, so we won’t be doomed to repeat it.

Never forget.

Note: school pictures are next week and I plan to do my best to make sure KD’s one piece of scraggly cut bang is visible, so it will also be recorded for all time.  No point in hiding real life.

I already try to forget my age, don't rub it in.

Posted by Ethne~

Conversation with KD:

KD: Mommy, can I be a cheerleader like you?

me: Yes honey.

KD: Like you were in the ‘80’s?

me: It was the ‘90’s when I was a cheerleader, honey.

KD: I was gonna say ‘90’s.

me: Good job!

The cat had to post for me.

Posted by Ethne Theodore~

Hey dudes.  I was supposed to do a real post today, but I got a cold and my whole body hurts real bad.

Here are a few pictures instead.

See, I told you.  I made Theodore get in the picture so it wouldn't be completely atrocious.

Easy Mac, not so sure of the T-Rex.  KD, less afraid.  Note: giant hair bow.

Despite the great green bean plant scare (here), I found these babies growing.

Thrifty Nana (my mom) has cucumbers growing - and her sweet Asian neighbor brought over more cucumbers and dill too!  There is still kindness out there.  Don't worry, we shared jars of pickles back last year and will again this year too.

ZOMBIE CRAWL

Posted by Lori~

Here's some FUN photos for a Friday.  ENJOY!
 

I'm up to no good but working on being sunny.

Posted by Ethne~

Hey blog friends! 

I’m working on a post about how to use blush and bronzer in the summer.  You will totally thank me for this one – I learned it from a celebrity make-up artist (and my sis Whit as well).  We want to look sun*kissed in the summer without being sun*damaged.

In the meantime, here’s a little of what I’ve been up to, primarily, school shopping for the girls, hanging out with the kiddos, fighting off summer germs (ick) and loving up my cat and hubby (not pictured).

My baby T-rex.

With bronzer; it looks even better with lipgloss and not in my car

 

KD practicing with her new school backpack.  I'm loving the sunglasses.

 

Easy Mac, Birthday Girl A and KD - future cousins too!

Nothing, except Hangovers.

Posted by Ethne~

This post is about nothing.  I, literally, have nothing new to tell you today.

I think it’s the weather.

This is my kitchen table this morning - my spring flowers with snow outside!  Disgusting.

I haven’t been cooking any new recipes.  I haven’t made any new crafts.  I am uninspired.

I tried to go to a fairy gardening seminar two Saturdays ago but the girls were so naughty that we had to leave before I learned anything.  But even still, I’m normally chomping at the bit to get into the greenhouses to buy my plants and this year it hasn’t crossed my mind.

To really get the point across, here’s just how dangerous this is – I texted the following to Lori the other day: “Is it just me or do u hardly care about Jodi Arias anymore?”  I know, right?!  True, we’ll riot if she gets off, but with the combination of this winter and her trial taking.too.effing.long, I could just about care less.

Anyway, I hope you all have a really nice Wednesday.  Pray for some spring weather for MN so I can get my sassypants attitude back.  I am totally ready to start rolling my eyes at stuff (and wearing bronzer) again.  

(PS, I debated with someone today whether a wine or tequila hangover was worse.  I recall both being horrible.  Feel free to vote in the comments as to your poison of choice for worst hangover ever - stories optional but always enjoyed!  My most recent awful hangover was from a White Russian(s); my worst ever hangover was probably from wine (it makes #1 on the list because I felt horrible and I had vivid recollections of my atrocious behavior while 'polluted' on said rancid grapes the night before).)

No other post will do.

Posted by Ethne~

There is no prose in this language or any other, I expect, fit to convey our feelings at such times as these.  They’ve called what happened at the Boston Marathon an act of terror; something we as Americans are familiar with.  We shouldn’t be, but we are.

As I sit here writing, CNN is releasing all sorts of grim details I’d rather not regurgitate.  Another life has just been lost (#3).  The youngest patient is reportedly aged 3; the oldest aged 60.

It so happens that Shaun and I are watching our perennial favorite series, Band of Brothers, right now.  It’s the true stories of the experiences of the men of the 101^st Airborne Division in WWII from their D-Day jump through liberation of the concentration camps and the end of the war.  We watch it all the time, it’s that good.  I suspect Shaun thinks he won the lottery that he found a wife who likes to watch WWII drama with him.  He can thank my dad for that.

The reason I like it is that, despite the very ugliest depravity of that war, there are innumerable stories of heroism and brotherhood, sacrifice and patriotism.  It renews my faith in humanity.

That’s what I hope comes out of the disgust I feel right now.  I don’t feel fear.  If I were on a street with my children as it were bombed, I’d be afraid for their safety, of course.  But I am not terrorized; I’m pissed off. 

Don’t worry.  Eventually the Boston PD, or the FBI, or the 101^st Airborne, or Seal Team 6 will come find those responsible for today’s attack in Boston.  It’s a fact.  And then we can focus on the things that really matter, like the people whose lives were lost or injured, and those who love them; and the people who helped them on the streets today; and the many other stories of heroism, brother/sisterhood and patriotism that played out today in the streets of Boston.

I am ready for my faith in humanity to be renewed.  Gosh darn it, though, terrorism is not necessary for that.