tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81870182193402060712024-03-12T18:17:53.670-07:00Fuzzy Pickles and Stinky CheeseJessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04939361541926609995noreply@blogger.comBlogger16125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8187018219340206071.post-41476786265801431602013-04-04T13:53:00.001-07:002013-04-04T14:05:55.314-07:00Affording Adoption<p>Adoption is expensive. That’s no secret to anyone who has adopted or who has explored the idea of adoption. We’ve adopted two kids in a four-year time span with one adoption being a special needs adoption. That’s meant traveling internationally twice in just over two years. There’s no denying that we’ve been blessed, but we’ve also learned a thing or two about paying for adoption. </p> <p>There are many wonderful organizations who assist with grants depending on the type of adoption (international, domestic, special needs, etc…) Additionally, many adoption agencies have their own in-house grants or low-interest loans/no-interest loans for qualifying applicants. This post isn’t about that. This post is about how to fund your adoption and minimize adoption costs on your own. </p> <p><u><strong>Saving for/during the adoption process</strong></u>: </p> <p><strong>Employer assistance</strong> – Many large corporations (and some smaller ones) still offer adoption assistance. It’s frequently a reimbursement that is offered <u>after</u> the adoption is finalized. This many not help you with up front costs, but it can be a nice chunk of change on the back end. </p> <p><strong>Notaries</strong> – You’ll need so many documents notarized that soon your grocery list will look incomplete without a notary’s stamp. If you’re lucky you’ll find a notary among your friends, at your church or hidden in your company’s HR department. If you end up paying for notary services, check with your local bank or AAA. Notary services may be offered as part of your banking services or for a reduced fee. AAA also offers notary services to its members in some locations for a nominal fee (roughly $4). </p> <p><strong>Sell </strong>– This may seem fairly obvious but now is the time to get rid of those items cluttering the garage or spare bedroom via a yard sale or Craigslist ad. (Never used Craigslist before? <a href="http://www.younghouselove.com/2012/11/this-is-how-we-craigslist/"><font color="#33aaff">This post</font></a> explains how to get started.) But don’t just stop with the obvious items like the weight set that props up the dog food bag, look at the bookshelf and media console too. Did you know you can sell books, CDS and DVDs on Amazon? Here’s a great post explaining how to sell using the Amazon Marketplace <a href="http://www.chieffamilyofficer.com/2008/07/sell-your-stuff-at-amazoncom/"><font color="#33aaff">here</font></a>. And while you’re in seller mode, check the closets for outgrown kids clothes to sell to an online consignment shop. I like <a href="http://www.thredup.com/r/OARW4L">Thredup.</a> </p> <p><strong>Buy</strong> - It would be easy to say don’t buy anything from now until you have your adoption money in-hand. But that’s simply not realistic. Instead, when you do shop, maximize how you spend your money. Are you using a credit card or debit card that gives you cash back, travel rewards or shopper rewards? Now is also the time to be looking ahead, if you’ll be travelling internationally, make sure your credit card doesn’t charge a foreign transaction fee as that will rack up additional charges. </p> <p><strong>Change Your Buying Habits</strong> – Anyone can clip a .50 cent coupon and call it a day. But it’s going to take more than pocket change to pay for an adoption. Plus, let’s face it, growing your family is one of the best reasons to get your finances in order. Are you doing everything you can to be moneywise? </p> <ul> <li>Are you learning to stockpile and coupon using money blogs like: <a href="http://www.moneysavingmom.com"><font color="#33aaff">www.moneysavingmom.com</font></a> or <a href="http://www.chieffamilyofficer.com"><font color="#33aaff">www.chieffamilyofficer.com</font></a>?</li> <li>Are you using <a href="http://email.ibotta.com/wf/click?upn=5Y2jqtDQXb3F55Qp7Mw15opBmNVNv0OfxQZcCJyiJgAtm6EowhEQV9aTljXci0Me_NmRXZUki1408nn5o4zp7XUSugpMKlh8By-2BNRUzBkwZNxA9TJcR5DeBq-2FRYIhgvB36JTUSRc-2FjXf7t69JaTM-2ByRPMpByI8uvpcdw6-2FZVLdHGKiewkmQ7WcltgRexAf3H-2BXDYuR6aGfJdg-2BL0j7z7npCXSH4cytpad0-2FfkzOtj-2BDqMybTOpoRlTDD2OOQi0DLyg9Dh0tatcsxMp5E9-2BkC2-2FQ-3D-3D">Ibotta</a>, an online savings app for Android and iPhone users that allows you to upload your receipt for cash when you’re purchased certain items?</li> <li>Before you shop are you checking <a href="http://www.retailmenot.com"><font color="#33aaff">www.retailmenot.com</font></a> for an online coupon code or in-store coupon?</li></ul> <p><strong>Earn While You Surf</strong> - Let’s face it, you need to remain caffeinated during the wait. So while you wait, you may as well get your coffee for free. Are you using <a href="http://www.swagbucks.com/refer/JessicaG"><font color="#33aaff">www.swagbucks.com</font></a> to earn points each time you surf the web toward Amazon, Starbucks and Target gift cards?</p> <p><strong>Keep</strong> – Keep every document, every receipt, every parking stub that is adoption-related. You will need these when you claim the adoption tax credit, which you claim when you’re filing for the tax year in which the adoption was finalized. (If you finalized your adoption in 2012, you’ll claim the credit in 2013 when you file your 2012 taxes.) When you do write adoption-related checks, be sure to get copies of the checks shortly after they’ve been cashed. If you wait too long, your bank may charge you for copies of archived checks.)</p> <p><strong><u>Saving after the adoption</u></strong>: </p> <p>It’s never to early to start a college fund. Are you signed up for <a href="http://www.upromise.com"><font color="#33aaff">www.upromise.com</font></a>?</p> <p>Your family is finally all together and you’d love a family photo to prove it, but you’re tapped out financially. Check out <a href="http://www.redthreadsessions.com"><font color="#33aaff">www.redthreadsessions.com</font></a>. </p> <p><em>(Note: Several of the links in this post are referral links.)</em></p> Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04939361541926609995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8187018219340206071.post-33281532642443713782013-03-08T06:14:00.001-08:002013-03-08T06:14:46.105-08:00Cutie<p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-UeA-oK-w36k/UTnyU8qbkJI/AAAAAAAAIcw/pftW4meIGbo/s1600-h/_DSC9349%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="_DSC9349" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="_DSC9349" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ReO5valWJDA/UTnyVFT6haI/AAAAAAAAIc4/AT7XlnpCbRM/_DSC9349_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="554" height="306"></a></p> <p><font size="2" face="Arial">My neighbor and I have a good thing going. Almost by accident we started a food swap. At Christmas, I took them homemade potstickers. She brought us bruschetta and goat cheese with spring onions. </font></p> <p><font size="2" face="Arial">Since then, each time we’ve returned a bowl or plate, we’ve refilled it with something new. She tends it fill it with something savory. I’m more of a baker, so I tend it pile in the sweets. I love running across the street with something hot from the oven and even better is seeing her show up on our door step, offering in hand. </font></p> <p><font size="2" face="Arial">Last week we swapped lobster bisque (her) and ricotta cheese cookies (me). Our little exchange is mutually beneficial and when we manage to swap on the same day, we almost make a meal out of it. </font></p> <p><font size="2" face="Arial">Now I need to return the bowl but I’m short on baked goods. I think I’m going to fill it with clementines. They aren’t homemade, but who can say no to a Cutie?</font></p> Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04939361541926609995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8187018219340206071.post-72249712842897507292013-03-07T06:14:00.000-08:002013-03-07T06:14:00.432-08:00Ready or Not…<p><font size="2" face="Arial"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-LZJsyqF4tes/UTgiLkTJZBI/AAAAAAAAIcY/DnerHqIF0xY/s1600-h/_DSC9325%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="_DSC9325" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="_DSC9325" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-0iRJdi5y9hU/UTgiLwX_MbI/AAAAAAAAIcg/v3LNFH8cwAI/_DSC9325_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="534" height="499"></a></font></p> <p><font size="2" face="Arial">Little hands eagerly picked some spicy Thai peppers from the garden box today. Peppers that are still green. Peppers crying out to be left to ripen and redden a little longer. </font></p> <p><font size="2" face="Arial">I have an affinity for those peppers. Some days I feel like I could withstand a little more sun, a little more rain, a few more kisses from the midnight moon before I’m ready to be plucked and plopped into something new. </font></p> <p><font size="2" face="Arial">But there is much truth in the Buddhist expression, when the student is ready, the teacher will come. In each new circumstance, at every bend in the road, may I be willing. May I want to linger in the dirt no longer. </font></p> Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04939361541926609995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8187018219340206071.post-24988768960195903412013-03-06T11:42:00.001-08:002013-03-06T11:43:05.213-08:00What’s In Your Wallet?<p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-kZGxdQVTHuo/UTecED5fWSI/AAAAAAAAIcA/ZlW0mnb2QY8/s1600-h/wallet%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="wallet" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="wallet" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Q3OvebgUVZ8/UTecElBAv7I/AAAAAAAAIcI/g1W01Kn5JIc/wallet_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="554" height="389"></a></p> <p><font size="2" face="Arial">I can’t remember where I read this tip, but I’m in the author’s debt. The suggestion was to fill an empty wallet with odds and ends and then let your kids play with it during wait times at restaurants, doctor’s offices, etc.. </font></p> <p><font size="2" face="Arial">We’ve done it and it works. Our play wallets (we have his and hers) are filled with hotel room keys we forgot to turn in, credit cards from the unsolicited promotionals that come in the mail, bandaids, stickers and an assortment of coins. I rotate the contents occasionally and I’ll soon be adding a small roll of Scotch tape and a heart-shaped notebook and pencil that were left buried at the bottom of the candy bag after the school valentine exchange. </font></p> <p><font size="2" face="Arial">If only these wallets could be used to be pick up the tab.</font></p> Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04939361541926609995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8187018219340206071.post-18334586817565843712013-03-05T06:11:00.000-08:002013-03-07T11:06:30.236-08:00Love and Money<p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-6IRiooEm0Gg/UTV-q2ZbVuI/AAAAAAAAIag/x_QqDIQ_WJQ/s1600-h/_DSC9318%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="_DSC9318" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="_DSC9318" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-WvgC00Vl6MY/UTV-rjsBwII/AAAAAAAAIao/vAisrs4BM3A/_DSC9318_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="554" height="334"></a></p> <p>This weekend was our annual tax and dinner date. It’s probably not the most romantic of dates but I’ve come to look forward to it. Because we usually go at the end of February or the first weekend in March, it’s a belated Valentine’s dinner of sorts. While I never look forward to tax day, I don’t dread it either. </p> <p>I have my parents, my dad in particular, to thank for teaching me a healthy respect for money early on. When I was little, my dad struck a deal with me. For each grocery store coupon I used not only would I get to pocket the savings, but he’d match it. That little bargain has made a life-long couponer out of me. </p> <p>Back in those days for some unknown reason, I took my coupons to the store in an empty checkbox. This odd organizational system once led the produce man to think he’d won the lottery when I misplaced my box for a few minutes. </p> <p>I’m sure I spent ample time talking my parents into unnecessary purchases just so I could use a coupon. But I spent just as much time cutting my coupons and accompanying my mom to the grocery store to use them– all good lessons in money and life. </p> <p>Do I love you, Uncle Sam? Nope, I sure don’t. Especially not in light of 2012’s taxes. But I do love the knowledge that living well and money are both hopelessly intertwined and entirely separate. </p> <p>Coupon that. </p> Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04939361541926609995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8187018219340206071.post-23480560951706930552013-03-01T05:49:00.001-08:002013-03-01T05:49:09.457-08:00Dear Me of a Few Minutes Before,<p>You know how people sometimes write letters to their 16, 18, 30 year old selves? My letter wouldn’t go back that far. I wouldn’t intone the wisdom of years. I’d write a letter to the girl of two hours ago, the girl from half an hour before. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-J458PX4Sl7M/UTCx0SRxQMI/AAAAAAAAIaI/ipI6UK4xf4M/s1600-h/_DSC8122%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="_DSC8122" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="_DSC8122" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-SkQtgV9IZjw/UTCx05m6e3I/AAAAAAAAIaQ/IUVUft5-0uc/_DSC8122_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="335"></a></p> <p>Dear Me of a Few Minutes Before, </p> <p>That insensitive, ugly thing that happened on the playground, the one that left you sucker punched. Yeah, that was hard. Then later hauling two kids home in the hot sun that on the walk down to the park felt golden, yeah, that sucked. </p> <p>Remember how you kept going when all you wanted was to fall down on the hot concrete and weep? That a girl. You know how all you felt capable of was donning sack cloth and ashes and wailing but somehow you managed some inane comment about those yellow flowers? I’m proud of you. </p> <p>I know you think you can’t do this. You can. I know you feel like you’re not cut out for this. You are. </p> <p>You’ve surrounded yourself with smart, caring people. They are there for you. Your faith has not failed you. It’s steadfast truth. You believe in unfailing grace. Show it to yourself. </p> <p>Yeah some moments are hard – they are. You can’t change that. </p> <p>But you can keep going until you get to the beautiful ones. </p> <p>Rise up, phoenix, RIse. </p> Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04939361541926609995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8187018219340206071.post-84337623714628147352013-02-28T05:42:00.000-08:002013-02-28T05:42:00.459-08:00Sweet and Sour<p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-bU0RFGPoz3I/US7usOXDLXI/AAAAAAAAIZA/DFdgWIHTxeI/s1600-h/_DSC9288%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="_DSC9288" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="_DSC9288" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-zduHqpHz_xY/US7uspy95NI/AAAAAAAAIZI/h9WWjfrAi4g/_DSC9288_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>I’ve been known to wax philosophical although, as a rule, rarely before breakfast. But the other morning as I was spreading jam and lemon curd onto toast in proportions equal to just the right amount of sweet and sour, I realized my most important meal of the day was a metaphor for life. </p> <p>Life’s hard and heavy are inevitable. Even when we bring it on ourselves, sorrow arrives an unbidden guest. But happy can be invited. Joy and gratitude cultivated and maintained. </p> <p>Darkness still may knock, but let light ring the bell. </p> Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04939361541926609995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8187018219340206071.post-5464113556510677172013-02-27T06:10:00.000-08:002013-02-27T06:10:00.912-08:00Book Smarts<p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-9Qucpt2h3zk/US2HNEjmYZI/AAAAAAAAIX4/dkeTSGig320/s1600-h/_DSC8894%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="_DSC8894" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="_DSC8894" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-6Aqr2oXFWKk/US2HNTnTSMI/AAAAAAAAIYA/SoWOYqrgPdA/_DSC8894_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="554" height="371"></a></p> <p>We love the library. We’re there a lot. But while I keep a running list of books I’d like to read, we were kind of hit or miss on kids books. Largely we’d just come home with whatever called our names from the shelves that day. This frequently meant a book that was grand in size or had a wild cover. Then, I came up with a no-fail system of sorts. </p> <p>When the book fair catalog comes home from school, I use it reserve children’s books we’d like to read. The book fair catalogue always has Caldecott Winners and Newberry winners listed as well as all-time favorite books for sale. </p> <p>We still employ the trial-and-error method of library book selection (and have stumbled upon a number of treasures that way). But our new method all but guarantees enjoyable bedtime reading for everyone. </p> <p>Currently we’re enjoying The Tiger Who Came to Tea by Judith Kerr. What else should we add to our list?</p> Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04939361541926609995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8187018219340206071.post-15350897396205317632013-02-20T08:45:00.001-08:002013-02-20T08:53:28.045-08:00Monkeyshines<p>I heard the expression monkeyshines yesterday. It’s such an underused phrase. I think I’m going to work to bring it back. I describe my kids’ actions as shenanigans and antics, but now I’m going to refer to them as monkeyshines. </p> <p>My grandfather used to ask us if we were “hooligans” or “wild Indians.” I’m pretty sure that is a fairly un-PC thing to say these days. But I look back on the memory of an 80-something year old man asking my boyfriend and friend this question as we were headed back to college after a weekend home with great affection. </p> <p>Whatever your day includes, I hope it includes a few monkeyshines. </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ea3oN9l33jw/UST9xIlhVpI/AAAAAAAAIWM/9tzM27J0H6w/s1600-h/DSC_5144%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_5144" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSC_5144" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-iuNgJ-j_BQE/UST9xagL93I/AAAAAAAAIWU/wOs8K9qe0IU/DSC_5144_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="454" height="683"></a></p> Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04939361541926609995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8187018219340206071.post-24483614801663344442013-02-18T05:34:00.000-08:002013-02-18T05:34:00.315-08:00The Good Earth<p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-PSxBP3FUT2A/USGhUTFrEGI/AAAAAAAAIVE/-2mTrbDpJPI/s1600-h/tomato%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="tomato" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="tomato" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-YhrxlATfmn8/USGhUzR-iDI/AAAAAAAAIVM/QbiEFq7yFYA/tomato_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="454" height="304"></a></p> <p>So in college I killed a cactus. Since that time, I’ve killed many more plants including one called Mother-In-Law’s tongue. It’s the one botanical death that amuses me. </p> <p>But this year I have vowed that we will have a garden. Currently I’ve managed to keep a lone cherry tomato plant alive in my Miracle Box. Anyone and everyone who knows me concurs, that as the name of the box suggests, it is indeed a miracle. </p> <p>I want my kids not only to taste fresh, homegrown produce but to feel the earth beneath their fingers. I want them to weed and water and plant. I want us to watch seeds sprouts and stalks take root. </p> <p>We’re going to start small – basil, cucumbers, bell peppers and a few more tomatoes. Our crop may be small, but it’s big bounty compared with the cherry tomato we’ve been splitting 4 ways. </p> <p>Come oh glorious spring, come. </p> Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04939361541926609995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8187018219340206071.post-24593259164837220392013-02-15T06:56:00.001-08:002013-02-15T08:38:18.663-08:00Go Back to Bed Un-Sleepy Head.<p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Xsut0UYE-SM/UR5MjUDGxyI/AAAAAAAAIR0/zh8DZ8wemp4/s1600-h/_DSC8320%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="_DSC8320" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="_DSC8320" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-qLnRBfRgaS8/UR5Mjhu5WII/AAAAAAAAIR8/EYpFiUzPk_A/_DSC8320_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="379" height="518"></a></p> <p><font size="3">We have early risers in our house. I’m all for it, but when you hear “Mom!!” before 5:30 AM, it’s all rise and no shine. A couple of friends recommended a clock that changes from sleepy blue to the wake-up yellow to us. It was slightly pricey especially given that there was already a clock in my son’s room. So then we looked into getting a combo nightlight/clock, and I found one I liked but never got around to buying it. </font></p> <p><font size="3">Then we went away for a little trip and put the light in my son’s room on a vacation timer while were were gone. Once we came home I was getting ready to put the timer back in the closet when it dawned on me. What if we put the nightlight on the vacation timer. So we did, and it works!</font></p> <p><font size="3">Problem solved for everyone.</font></p> Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04939361541926609995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8187018219340206071.post-54872936874646002802013-02-14T07:02:00.001-08:002013-02-14T07:02:08.898-08:00Happy Heart Day<p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-c6LO-DpzfSc/URz8bmGDbMI/AAAAAAAAIQs/Wxuh_5N7QKA/s1600-h/hearts%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="hearts" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="hearts" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-XUgtwdf4wVU/URz8b5-oIvI/AAAAAAAAIQ0/ck82HYsBs9k/hearts_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="354" height="575"></a></p> <p>Today there are cut-out hearts and playing cards (in the heart suit) leading to the breakfast table. There is milk tinted pink with maraschino cherry juice. The cup cabinet is stuffed full of pink, white and red balloons all prepared to rain down on the first person who opens it. These are small expressions, but hopefully they spell it in a big way what we want to say everyday - you are special. You are loved.</p> <p>Every night at dinner we light a candle. At the end of the meal, two small people take turns blowing it out. It’s the highlight of the meal for them and a fought over honor. Tonight while lovers gaze into each other eyes over candlelight in romantic quiet restaurants, we’ll light several candles at our house. I’m filling the fireplace with them, and I’ll set a few extras around. There won’t be any handholding by the light of a single flame, but the glow from many tiny flames will be a happy accompaniment to the kitchen’s laughter and noise. </p> <p>Best of all, tonight, there won’t be any fighting over who blows the candle out! Happy Valentine’s Day. I hope it’s spent spreading joy with those you love. </p> Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04939361541926609995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8187018219340206071.post-78674898046294850922013-02-13T05:42:00.000-08:002013-02-13T05:42:00.519-08:00Homemade Valentines<p><font size="3">The only box these valentines are out of are your camera’s. </font></p> <p><font size="3">Just add thought bubbles or circles and voila – be still my beating heart!</font></p> <p><font size="3">More ideas seen <a href="http://www.dinneralovestory.com/easiest-homemade-ish-valentines/">here</a> along with an explanation for using PicMonkey for the thought bubbles. </font></p> <p><font size="3">These were added using Photoshop Element’s Custom Shape Tool and the Ellipses Tool. </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-h7hqf2uebRM/URrFWiX_FgI/AAAAAAAAIN8/Sc7M3fbH5II/s1600-h/Valentine%2525204%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="Valentine 4" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Valentine 4" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-H9ZQXZdUiaA/URrFYtuJ-jI/AAAAAAAAIOE/ab0sV2N6-hc/Valentine%2525204_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="454" height="302"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Qmgo_X5MxQY/URrFZPSoptI/AAAAAAAAIOM/XoYghp9drtc/s1600-h/Valentines%2525203%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="Valentines 3" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Valentines 3" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-IOMW6uFqsM4/URrFZUKDbdI/AAAAAAAAIOU/BlZy8MuWQmg/Valentines%2525203_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="454" height="302"></a></p> Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04939361541926609995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8187018219340206071.post-33051255388730432082013-02-12T13:25:00.001-08:002013-02-12T13:25:46.156-08:00Make Tracks to My Heart<p><font size="3">We were at a children’s hospital a few weeks ago. In their parking garage, like at the zoo, were animal tracks that led to the lobby doors. </font></p> <p><font size="3">These heart tracks have already led us to a snack that was a truck-load of fun, and come Valentine’s Day AM, they’ll lead us to a sweet breakfast. </font></p> <p><font size="3">Lately I’ve been playing Tallula the short-order cook at breakfast. I write all breakfast orders on my pad and tuck the pen behind my ear. </font></p> <p><font size="3">While it’s considered hilarious by my “customers,” my favorite part is announcing – the kitchen is closed!</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-SlwzfIaTM3M/URqzU41bUJI/AAAAAAAAIMo/vr4yYmtjEus/s1600-h/_DSC7317%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="_DSC7317" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="_DSC7317" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-u9_an0ReO4c/URqzVJBApGI/AAAAAAAAIMw/LRxpcZl9aas/_DSC7317_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="269"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-mRfY0sZ2VRQ/URqzVVShOvI/AAAAAAAAIM4/KoaNaCzSn4U/s1600-h/_DSC7314%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="_DSC7314" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="_DSC7314" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-C7A6MiphIVw/URqzVxuWQCI/AAAAAAAAINA/kTWmU95-eII/_DSC7314_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="559"></a></p> Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04939361541926609995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8187018219340206071.post-28194565005235404692013-02-11T05:36:00.000-08:002013-02-11T05:36:00.141-08:00Plant A Kiss<p>We’ve been inspired by another children’s book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Plant-Kiss-Amy-Krouse-Rosenthal/dp/0061986755/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1360473630&sr=8-1&keywords=plant+a+kiss">Plant a Kiss</a>. This weekend we grabbed our shovel and did indeed plant a kiss. </p> <p>There was a little dirt. </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-vv4MUEWzj5U/URhnTI44ScI/AAAAAAAAIJQ/CSd3u6Kcl4U/s1600-h/shovel3.jpg"><img title="shovel" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="shovel" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-qFcU9uq87b4/URhnTfJfZdI/AAAAAAAAIJY/Apx_w84qW4k/shovel_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="604" height="402"></a></p> <p>The planting of the kiss, which looked shockingly like gold glitter.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-OOXA92P-9BI/URhnT6b2JYI/AAAAAAAAIJg/85S2qmrV_xI/s1600-h/glitter4.jpg"><img title="glitter" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="glitter" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-gYOieWKBGRg/URhnUMsTiqI/AAAAAAAAIJo/_HOI2VeIhPE/glitter_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="470"></a></p> <p>Then, there was the best part, reaping the fruits of our labor. The chocolately fruits of our labor. </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-93M7-QyUUCs/URhnUkQKXcI/AAAAAAAAIJw/l2e5oHosWg8/s1600-h/kisses%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="kisses" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="kisses" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-RsiTrjwVzlI/URhnVA0jyII/AAAAAAAAIJ4/UUmo3JtSQRE/kisses_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="549"></a></p> <p>So, go on – plant a kiss – in the dirt or on someone you love!</p> Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04939361541926609995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8187018219340206071.post-19074018627280199802013-02-08T06:52:00.003-08:002013-02-09T21:22:48.304-08:00Operation Mr. Hatch<p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-og79jThdJM0/URURRwTBWdI/AAAAAAAAIHI/JSwRcmHKqMw/s1600-h/candy-hearts%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="candy-hearts" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="candy-hearts" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-yryfZezzyRk/URURScxK_NI/AAAAAAAAIHQ/wAm2LR1RxRA/candy-hearts_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="554" height="483"></a></p> <p>We recently read the charming children’s book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Somebody-Loves-You-Hatch-paperback/dp/0689718721/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1360271800&sr=8-1&keywords=somebody+loves+you+Mr.+Hatch">Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch</a>. From that, an idea, well, hatched. Want to join us in Operation Mr. Hatch?</p> <p>Poor Mr. Hatch is “tall and thin and did not smile.” He’s a gray, dull, lonely sort of fella who eats alone. For big excitement “sometimes he brought a prune for dessert.”</p> <p>But Mr. Hatch’s world changes when the mail man delivers a valentine to Mr. Hatch that proclaims, “Someone loves you.” From that bit of news, Mr. Hatch’s world suddenly has sparkle, pizazz and joy. He dons a tie, goes for a walk and eats ham instead of his usual turkey. </p> <p>We are going to find our own Mr. Hatch. We’ll find someone who needs a little sunshine and gift him or her with a chocolate heart and a Be Mine card. We won’t let our recipient know why he’s had the honor of being chosen for our dubious award - we’ll just do it. </p> <p>Our mission? To find the sourest, dourest person we can. If we don’t find any likely candidates during our daily routine, we’ll head to the DMV with our chocolate, we’re guaranteed to score there. </p> Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04939361541926609995noreply@blogger.com0