DAY 59 What will they think of next?

"The life of the creative [person] is lead, directed and controlled by boredom. Avoiding boredom is one of our most important purposes." -Saul Steinberg

Out of this boring lunch provided today the kids managed to concoct the twin towers, or so that's what they're calling it.

This is Connor's latest creative money making scam. I went down to tuck him in last night and this is what greeted me. I had to laugh. Today he was totally stickin' to it.

Other highlights:

• Haldan is still on the outage schedule, hopefully for not much longer.
• I had intentions to get the kids out of the house until I realized the spring on the garage door was broken. I was stuck without a way to get the car out of the garage until a repair man could make it over and fix it. $210 later we were able to get out of the house around 2:30PM.
• The kids and I went to see "Tale of Despereaux". After changing seats in the theater 4 times we settled on 3 rows from the front and I had a stiff neck by the end of the movie.
• The kids both had to write an apology letter to me for last night's trip to TJ Maxx (so I could finish my sister's b-day package- you owe me Shawna).
• They also had 2 other time-outs in their room and Connor lost his DS privileges for a while today.
• Connor and Camille played nice together most of the day playing soccer and building dams together, but the other half or so they were at each other's throats- literally. It's definitely a love-hate relationship. Wish they weren't so competitive.

I can't believe I've made it 2 whole months on my project 365! I really never thought I'd make it this far. I have to give myself a pat on the back. I'm still not sure I'll make it the entire year, but I'm still gonna give it a go. It's been quite the challenge. There's days it'll be 9 PM and I have no idea what I'm gonna do. I've found the best thing is just to take gobs of pictures and hope ya like one. I took these photos of the kids today and when I sat down tonight to do my blog I didn't know if I had anything until I reviewed my pics for the day. I love that I can sit and reflect on the day and remember sweet moments, even after a rough, exhausting day like today. They really are good kids with gobs of personality.

DAY 58



"Today a reader, tomorrow a leader." -Margaret Fuller

DAY 57 "Rain"



“Into each life some rain must fall.”

-Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

DAY 56 "Ick Day"

"Reality leaves a lot to the imagination." -John Lennon

It was just one of those days for me; nothing seemed to go right and for the life of me I couldn't see anything beautiful today; it was an all around ick day! This is a photo of our street, which unfortunately is very much like most streets in Cedar Rapids these days. After a rough winter in '07-'08 repairs were underway when the flood came in June. That did further damage. Now we have had yet another hard winter. We don't live near any desert or beach, yet we have an amazing amount of sand that makes it's way in our home. My husband and I took a short walk around our block today when he woke up and I only took a couple photos; there was really nothing beautiful that caught my eye. The street was one. (above) The other one was of a jet in the sky. (below) Was it just me or were there an amazing amount of jets flying today? Perhaps it's because the sky was clear enough to see them for a change.

I wish that was me up there in the sky flying somewhere; anywhere!

DAY 55 "Silliness"

Temps got in the high 40s today and the kids were outside playing after school. I attempted to get a pic of Connor on his bike and this is the face he kept making. His teacher sent home a short note in his daily journal that said he was being silly today (see note below), so I decided even though this was not the picture I intended, it was the perfect photo for the day. It may be just a phase, but I suppose there are worse things to be than silly. Connor tends to be my more serious, cognitive child, so I'm happy to see him relax a little. We'll just have to fine tune the timing now so it doesn't interfere with his schoolwork.

DAY 54

Picture of the day: "Sunrise in Iowa"

“With each sunrise, we start anew.” -Unknown

So yes, we have beautiful sunrises... even in Iowa. This is the view Haldan has every morning on his drive home from work. He wanted to share this one.

Story of the day: saturn wagon

This dirty, saturn wagon makes the story of the day.

Connor didn't want to be seen getting picked up in "this" car today. He was embarrassed that it wasn't a "big" car and doesn't like what his friends say when he gets in it. (I don't know what friends he's referring to or what they are saying exactly, but it doesn't sound like that's a kind of friend I'd want to have.)

When he told me this I think I was in a state of shock... I'm sure I was because I couldn't think of what to say. Once my brain started formulating thoughts I realized that I never thought I would have one of those kids that was too proud to be seen in any car. Then I was just mad. When did this happen? When did he become so ungrateful and worldly? (Maybe that's too harsh of a word.) But it goes against everything I've ever taught him. Then I realized he's only 9. Maybe he's just an impressionable kid who's heard a thing or two. I took a couple deep breaths and decided to use it as a teaching opportunity. And as I explained to him why I drive a saturn I realized it really comes down to choices in our life.

I could have finished dental hygiene school; I could have a 40 hour week; I could have a fancy SUV; I could have alot of things-- but I chose my children over all that stuff. That's why I drive an '02 saturn wagon.

1. Because being with my children is more important to me than what car I'm driving or what "things" we have. That's the number one reason.

2. It's paid off. We've been counseled by church leaders to live within our means and I know that two car payments would be a stretch.

3. It gets great gas mileage, better than any minivan or suv we test drove.

4. It holds an amazing amount of "stuff"- I once fit an entire twin mattress in the car.

5. It has a roof rack, which came in handy on our drive to Utah and back.

6. It doesn't have 4wd, but we invested in a set of snow tires this winter because it was cheaper than any other option. Since then I haven't got stuck in the snow or had any problems getting up my hill. It has traction control and chains if necessary.

7. As Haldan pointed out, it allows extra money for trips and other fun things.

8. It's plastic and consequently fairs well in hail storms.

9. It's compact and fits in the garage nicely, allowing enough room between the cars that the kids can open the doors without dings.

10. It has a great reliablilty record according to consumer reports and has only been to the shop a couple times for minor things, knock on wood.

So, there ya have it. Who knows how long it'll keep on kickin', but for now it's my saturn and me. That's my unexpected story of the day.

You just never know what kids are going to think up next. They go to bed so peacefully one night and by the next afternoon there's a whole new crisis. Now I wait and see if our explanation was sufficient enough to lessen any future embarrassment.

DAY 53

Have you ever worn fuzzy leopard print slippers?

Moments by Months January 09

DAY 52

"... Of all His creations, of which I'm a part. Yes, I know Heavenly Father loves me." LDS Children Songbook #228

DAY 51

Who knew that when I purchased this a little over a month ago that the store would be closed today? After I took down the Christmas decorations my home needed a punch of color. The eggplant and artichoke seemed to do the trick in my dining room.

Yes, it's official. The Pier One off Wiley Blvd is closed.

I'm a little bummed. I didn't shop there alot, but I've found some great treasures there. They always had great sales, which is probably why they didn't make it.

I know they have another one on the north side, but it's just not the same.

I realized today that I must not like change that much. I much prefer things that are comfortable and familiar; that stay put.

The things around us are part of our memories. The north Pier One and the Half Price Books is now located where the Phar-Mor used to be, which is where Haldan and I both worked and got to know each other.

I can think of many other stores that are now gone and replaced or that are new since we lived here in high school or since we moved back 10 years ago.

I know it's part of life, but I just needed a moment to be sad.

DAY 50

"It's marvelous what you see when you open your eyes." -Author Unknown

Today I was definitely meant to take a picture of a bird.

I spent a few extra minutes in my car talking to my dad before I went inside to work. The Iowa Realty building is right downtown across from the Five Seasons Tree on 1st St. As I turned my head I noticed a black line on the bridge right under the freeway. Upon closer inspection I realized the black line was actually birds. There must have been at least a hundred of them. They were just sitting there taking in some rays. I'm sure they've been there before but I've never noticed them. The picture didn't do it justice.

Then after taking nearly 50 other pictures throughout the day and not being satisfied with any I looked outside and saw the bird that hangs out behind the light on our front porch. I didn't realize he still came around. By the look of the bird crap all down the fixture I could tell he frequents that spot, but he comes and goes so quickly that I didn't realize it. Every time you open the door or the children run towards the door he's gone in less than a second. After trying to get numerous pictures and being unsuccessful I noticed that he usually goes to the front tree before he flies out of the yard. So, with camera in hand I slowly opened the door to try to snap a photo. Once he sees me he's gone in a flash, but I was able to get this picture.

The tree that he's sitting in is the same tree that had the cardinal nest last year. It's right outside our large front window and it was fun to watch the birds build the nest, come and go, and guard their little babies.

The kids think this bird is a black-capped chickadee and that he's been building a nest in that little tree. I'm not sure, but I do think it's a beautiful, curious creature and it would be fun to watch him from the window if, indeed, he is building a nest.

It seems like I must have been walking around with blinders on before I started actually looking around me for photo ops. It's a whole new world.

DAY 49

Do you ever feel like you spend more time in your car than at home?

DAY 48

Five rules of allowance: (according to Market Watch)

1.Start early.

2.Determine an appropriate amount.
3.Be consistent.

4.Help them track their expenses.
5.Give "extra-credit" work around the house for bonus money.

We are far from perfect when it comes to this, but we have a system that has been in effect for some time now. Who knows if it's really teaching them anything, but one can hope.

The kids get paid twice a month on the 1st and 15th. The 15th fell on a Sunday this pay cycle, so we waited and then I forgot to get change yesterday. (I hate keeping it on hand- it's so dirty!) Connor's not about to let me forget his allowance money though, so I made sure to have money today.

They can get up to their age per month, so we divide it up for each pay period. Connor can get up to $4.50 and Camille can get up to $3.50 each time. (It seems fitting to me based on their abilities.) They have basic tasks expected of them, some of which include making their beds, picking up toys and clothes, keeping their bathrooms tidied and putting away backpacks and coats. It would be great if it all got done, but unfortunately it doesn't always happen. Every time they leave clothes out or don't put their backpacks away, etc. I dock money. If I end up injuring myself in the process of tucking them in at night, I will usually give them a warning and then if it's not tended to I'll clean it the next day. Then there's a huge amount deducted from the total.

Today Connor made $4.00 and Camille received $1.00. They understand that they have room to improve, but we try to praise them for the work that was done. It's a little tricky because I have one child that seems to have gotten the "neat freak" gene and one that obviously didn't. I also try to take that into account.

Connor has a rubbermaid box with 3 dividers. When he gets his money he separates out 10% for tithing, 10% for savings, and the rest goes into the spending section. He says he's saving for a 4 wheeler, but he can't seem to keep more than $20 without needing some legos or pokemon cards. We'll have to wait and see how that goes. They both have some money in the bank though and Connor even opened a cd a couple years back now. We have yet to get a divider for Camille's money. She struggles with math a bit more, but perhaps this would be another way to enforce her math skills.

We also let them have opportunities to earn extra money on occasion. They can dust, rake, shovel snow, collect nuts/sticks out of the yard (per bucket), or clean toilets for extra money (as well as other things we see fit). This usually happens when they are desperate for something they want. (I usually assign jobs I really don't like to do.)

Like I said, not a perfect system; there's not an exact formula for their pay, but it seems to be encouraging better habits and enforcing a little work ethic. And it's still going! (I think it's been at least 2 years we've used this method, maybe longer.)

I'm always open to new ideas, I just don't like complicated systems that take too much time and effort to follow through with.

DAY 47

It was a whole gamut of raw emotions today for... CONNOR! I hate to admit it, but I sort of expect it from Camille. She's the drama queen. It seems more and more it's been Connor though. I do hope it's just a phase. It's exhausting!

The kid's had a half day of school today for President's Day. After school I took them for hair cuts and then we met up with some friends at the ice skating rink. (My attempt to keep the house quiet for Haldan.)

My kids have only ice skated a few times, but do ok. Up until today Connor's even been asking for ice skating lessons. So, I thought it was a great idea. I don't know where it went so wrong. Maybe their rollerblading has contributed in a negative way. (I've been letting them skate in the basement on really cold days.) It seems both Connor and Camille were leaning their feet inward and dragging their right foot; a habit that will be hard to break. I tried to show them how to keep their skates straight and find their balance, but both children are stubborn and wanted nothing to do with my help.

Every time Connor fell or anything went wrong, he would either cry or pout and he kept saying how he hated skating and he never wanted to do it again. In all fairness, he did get his finger pinched in a door and get hit in the face with a walker (when he got a little crazy with it and fell), but there was no blood, broken bones, or even bruising I could detect and he just was not very reasonable. Most kids can just shake that stuff off. After all, falling is part of the learning process. I did finally convince him to get back on the ice, but then he got smacked by some bigger kid.

I think Connor is one of those kids that wants to do something perfect or he doesn't want to do it at all, at least that's my thinking on the matter. That, and maybe he was embarrassed having friends from school around. I'm really not sure.

By the time we left Connor had whined enough that it was really getting to me. I guess I just don't like it when you try to plan fun events for your kids and they act like it's a punishment. The good news is that on the ride home Connor actually admitted he had a good time. Hard to believe by his actions, but I was very relieved to hear my efforts were not entirely in vain.

Being a Mom is so hard some days. I'm absolutely spent and can't wait to fall in my bed tonight. I wish so much that children came with manuals. It would sure make life easier!

DAY 46

"Learn as much as you can while you are young, since life becomes too busy later." -Dana Stewart Scott

DAY 45

I always start Valentine's Day with a fun breakfast for the kids. I was excited about making pink pancakes, but my sleep deprivation got the better of me... so I had Haldan pick up some pink frosted donuts on the way home from work. They also had strawberries and strawberry milk.

Another tradition is a fun book and a few treats. They both got nature inspired books this year. Camille's was "Birds of North America" and Connor got a book all about butterflies. That will be fun for them this summer.

The heart shaped suckers were one of their treats. Before Connor even had his out of the bag, it got knocked over and cracked. We mended it with frosting and he seemed ok with it.

When Haldan got out of bed we went to lunch together as a family and then he was off to work at 5:30 again. I think this schedule is starting to get to all of us. I'll be glad when it's over.

DAY 44

The kids had their school parties today at Madison. I helped make the strawberry floats at Connor’s party in Ms. Stabenow’s room. Connor made a pink tombstone on his valentine bag and was pretending to be dead during the party. He thought he was so funny. When I asked him why he put that on his bag he said he couldn't think of anything else to do. Logical, but I'm still not sure if I should be concerned. I checked in on Camille’s party in Mr. Fred's room towards the end and they were outside playing on the playground. The snow had just started coming down and it was so pretty. They both had a lot of fun, but the best part was by far the valentine’s cards and treats! What started out as a rough morning turned into a great day!

DAY 43

I don't remember much about my childhood (you can ask about anyone), but I do remember the Valentine's Day cards that were given and received. I could help my kids do something cute, maybe even homemade- but I much prefer the boxed cards that they can do themselves. They'll remember this just as much and it's carrying on tradition.

DAY 42

This is not all that original considering half of America is doing project 365, but I went to a friend's house to scrapbook today and this is my current project.

The funny thing is that I actually decided to do a photo a day as a New Year's resolution before I even knew about project 365. I dumbed into a blog by a girl named Alison last year that was doing a photo a day for 100 days. She was truly inspiring and her pictures were so good it made me want to try to be a better photographer. So, thanks Alison. You really have a gift.

After I saw this other project I knew I had to do that too. I was a few days late to get the kit, but was able to download some of the materials through Becky's blog. I finally got some sheet protectors with the 6 pockets at Hobby Lobby. It was the only place I could find them around here and they had to order them. I'm so glad they work with my existing binder.

So, now I'm struggling because I want to stretch myself creatively, but also want it to be centered around my family so that I can put all of the photos into a family album. I think it's a little more challenging, but I'm trying to have a happy mix. We've had many family drives in search of beautiful photo ops. I think the children will remember these fun adventures by the pictures, at least I hope.

This is definitely something I struggle with. Cedar Rapids has many areas that are still not so pleasing to look at since the flood last summer. Photography allows you to focus in on a small piece of a larger picture. I love what you can see through the lens of a camera and what amazing images a photo captures!

So, for now the journey continues. Wish me luck!

DAY 41

DAY 40

DAY 39

10 Facts about Ducks
1. Male ducks are called drakes, female ducks are called hens and babies are called ducklings.
2. Geese and swans are relatives of the duck.
3. Ducks have three eyelids.
4. A ducks feathers are waterproof.
5. When ducks quack they have no echo.
6. Some ducks can fly about 332 miles a day.
7. A ducks life span is 2-12 years, this depends on the species.
8. Ducks have webbed feet, which act like paddles.
9. Ducks never have cold feet since they do not have nerves or blood vessels in their feet.
10. Ducks line their nests with feathers they pluck from their chest.

DAY 38



"Blessed are they who see beautiful things in humble places where other people see nothing." -Camille Pissarro

DAY 37

DAY 36

Connor demonstrates a mission using the lego robot at Madison.

There was a little party after school for the families and one last chance for the kids to play with the robot before retiring it for the year.

DAY 35

Haldan's Avocado Stuff

1 avocado, diced

1 tomato, diced

1/4-1/2 onion, diced (to taste)

8 jalapeno slices

1/2 tsp minced garlic

squirt of lime juice

This has become a favorite snack in our home, especially on Sundays. It tastes great with roasted garlic melba snacks, too! If you're looking for an easy, healthy snack you should give this one a try!

DAY 34

Tree of Five Seasons

Cedar Rapids is nicknamed the City of Five Seasons for the traditional four seasons and a "fifth season" which is a time to enjoy the other four. The symbol of the five seasons is the Tree of Five Seasons sculpture in downtown Cedar Rapids along the north river bank. The name "Five Seasons" and representations of the sculpture appear throughout the city in many forms.

DAY 33

"It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has exceeded our humanity."
-Albert Einstein

Today I received a belated birthday present from Haldan. I've been wanting the iphone for some time, but never in my wildest dreams did I expect to ever get it. I feel totally spoiled! He's either A) being totally sweet, B) trying to keep me "up" with technology, or C) wants something. I'm not sure what his motives are, but I do know that I love it! Now I just have to figure out how to use it. Thanks Haldan!!

DAY 32

Even though it's Superbowl Sunday, this photo won over my heart for the photo of the day slot. When I woke from my short afternoon nap I found my mother in the living room reading Proverbs 3:5-6. She said this has always been one of her favorites. What a fitting scripture for her. She has always put her trust in the Lord and acknowledged His hand in her life.

What a great example she is! I have truly been blessed in my life to have such a wonderful mother that demonstrates such great faith.