Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Just 'Cuz Blog Hop {June 30th}

Mommy Head Adventures

It's that time of the week again! Thanks for joining us, your hosts, Organic Homemaking and Mommy Head Adventures

Glad you could make it to our no-rules, family-friendly, blog hop. That's right...no-rules! Simply link up below and enjoy meeting some awesome bloggers. Like always, we love it when you post our button on your blog to spread the word but it's not required. But you will get those illusive brownie points :-) 

If you're new here and you want to follow your hosts, leave us a comment below so we can follow back! And if you're new to following me on Twitter, leave a comment as well so I can follow you. I'm way behind on that. 

Hope you all are having a tremendous Thursday. Happy Hopping! 






Thursday, June 23, 2011

A Horrible Accident and A New Mirror

You may seriously wonder what kind of crazy title I wrote today. How can those things even go together? Oh, I so wish they didn't. It's been one of those horrible days. I'll start from the beginning....


Thursdays are Rod's late day. Late to work at 11 and late home, usually at 7 or 8. And today we were dealing with some issues. It was hectic. When we finally all made it back to the bedroom to re-group and let the kids play, we were tired (and it was only 9am). 


In true Isaac fashion, he was twirling his rubber snake around our bedroom. I had asked him to stop only because I was concerned he was going to eventually smack his brother in the head with it on accident. It's happened many times before. But since Caleb decided to sit on the bed with me and watch a movie and no one was near Isaac, I let him continue on with his snack charmer antics. 


It wasn't 2 minutes later, in the middle of talking to Rod, I saw Isaac sling that rubber snake at our full length mirror, catch it like a lasso and topple the mirror over on top of him. What are the odds??? I have never seen him do that and didn't even know it was possible. He scared us to death but in true mommy form, I rushed over to help him up. And that's when I saw it. Blood. In his mouth. On his hand. On his leg. Not cut up badly but just enough to bleed...and bleed and bleed and bleed. It was awful. 


Needless to say, he broke the mirror but was lucky because it knocked him backward and had it directly fallen on him, he may have been hurt a lot worse! His upper lip is busted pretty good. He complains about it the most. He's got a good scratch on his shoulder, a nice cut on his thumb and a small cut on his knee. That equals lots of camo bandaids. He thinks he's one of his army men. 


He was so upset that he broke the mirror and kept saying his was sorry. Like we even care about that silly mirror! So we kept reassuring him it was ok. No big deal. We're just glad he wasn't badly hurt! But I took him with me to the store today to pick out another one. He's much happier now. And this one will actually hang on the wall and maybe get played with less. 


As you can see from the above picture, we had an old fashioned mirror my grandparents gave me a couple years ago. I remember using it when I was a little girl. But there is something about it that attracts little boys. Caleb frequently sits behind it. Isaac uses it to check out his 'big muuuuuuscles'! So it will be missed but it's only a mirror. 


I would have a picture of poor Isaac's lip but he wasn't having it AT ALL. And I can understand that. I would also have a picture of my new mirror but it's not on the wall yet and it's in the bedroom where the boys are sleeping. Maybe another day! 


So, how do you feel/react when your kids hurt themselves? Do you have any heart-stopping stories? 


Just 'Cuz Blog Hop {June 23rd}

Mommy Head Adventures

It's Thursday! Welcome to our Just 'Cuz Blog Hop hosted by Organic Homemaking and my cousin, Mommy Head Adventures. We're glad you could join us! 

As always, this is a no-rules hop so you don't have to do anything but link up and hop away! We encourage you to post our button somewhere on your blog so word will get out and more and more bloggers can enjoy this hop! If you're new here, feel free to look around and maybe subscribe or follow your hosts. It's not required but we love meeting new people! Just leave a comment below so I know you stopped by! 

We hope you're having a great week so far. Sit back and relax for a minute. Happy Hopping! 






Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Do I Follow my Own Green Advice?

It's been an interesting two years in our house. I don't think we've ever been this sick. Ever.  
I think this is partially brought on by the age of my kids. They're young, touch everything, stick their fingers in their mouths and don't understand germs...at. all. Their immune systems are still relatively new. And kids just get sick sometimes. It would be interesting to see how much they would get sick if we didn't try to live a healthy, organic lifestyle. 


But that's just the kids. I'm 24 and my immune system isn't new. So what's the deal? I may have missed every bout of stomach virus this winter but if the kids even sneeze, I catch it.  And I began to wonder if I'm really doing those immune building things I always talk about.... If I am, should I be sick this much? Hmmm...




I had this ah-ha moment last week. I had run to the store because we were out of everything and picked up a little treat my husband and I like...ice cream. Oh, I cringe that I'm even telling this story. It gets worse. Despite every logical reason not to eat ice cream when you have a cold (or any illness, really), I sat down that evening to a small bowl of Butter Pecan. And boy did I pay for it. Almost immediately after I ate it, I couldn't stop coughing. Sugar and dairy will do that, duh. And in this self induced fit of hacking, I remember doing this EXACT SAME THING the last time I had a cold. What is wrong with me? Would I really keep repeating this same mistake over and over again? Apparently I would! 


This one act of stupidity (doing the same dumb thing over and over expecting ice cream will cure me instead of make me sick...I'm paraphrasing) got me thinking. Do I even follow my own advice? I mean, I write an organic blog for goodness sake! Not that this outlet makes me an expert or perfect but it should at least be real. I should at least take this seriously. I should at least know how bad sugar is after writing about it for a whole month


Ok, so maybe I'm being a little hard on myself. Maybe I'm not. I know I'm far from being where I want to be. That's just a daily process. And just because I write about organic food doesn't mean I won't ever eat french fries again (gasp! you didn't know I did that, did you?). Just like I daily strive to add to what I'm already doing, I have to daily work on not reverting back to what is comfortable, easy or just plain tastes good. 


But it's good, every once in a while, to re-evaluate where I actually am compared to where I think I am. Do we really eat healthy and frugal? Are we striving to consume less? Are we accumulating clutter? Am I recycling like I could be? Do I actually take those immune boosters I always talk about? Those are all good questions to ask myself and if my answer is consistently 'no' I need to ask myself why. 


For me (because everyone is different), life is busy, time becomes short, I get tired. It feels easier sometimes to not be organic and sustainable. I get tired of thinking, 'what should I be doing?' I'm sure I'm not the only one. 


I also get lazy. Yep, that's right. Lazy. I get tired of the looks, the eye rolls, the questions, the assumptions and judgments that come from 'being different'. Recycling may be cool. Re-usable bags are chic. Shopping at Whole Foods is the thing to do (and I love that store too, don't get me wrong). But co-sleeping, not so much. Drinking raw milk? What's that? Sounds gross. And your a veg-e-tarian? (I swear people say it just like that) How can you not eat meat????? Btw, I haven't been a vegetarian for some time now and people STILL ask me about it. I'm not sure what that means. 


This is why I talk so much about finding passion in green living. If I'm simply doing this because it's trendy and I think it's cool, well, it won't really last. I'll get tired, beat down, looked at funny...and decide it's not worth it. And it is worth it! So worth it! 


So it's time I start finding my passion again. It's time I get serious about this 'thing' I write so much about. Do I really believe it? You bet! I just lost focus for a while. I'm back now. Whew. It feels good to be back. Green living is my passion. I don't have to be embarrassed by that! 


If you're reading this and you know exactly what I'm talking about, you better leave a sympathy comment! Haha. No I'm teasing. But there is something to be said about community and this huge blogosphere is great about support! 


Well, that's about all my boys will let me say. :-) Excuse me while I go take some Vitamin C and not eat ice cream...






"It is inexcusable for scientists to torture animals; let them make their experiments on journalists and politicians."
— Henrik Ibsen

Monday, June 20, 2011

Life With Boys Link Up

life_with_boys_button2




I have had the pleasure of getting to know Christy over at Raising Knights through her adorable and funny blog and also because we're practically neighbors ('neighbors' in Kentucky can mean next door or 20 miles, it's true). She has a beautiful family of, you guessed it, boys. I can relate! 


Christy is hosting a Life with Boys Link Up. If you have a funny, serious, adorable, teachable (etc) post to share about the boys in your life, head over and link up! Even if you don't have a blog, you can leave a comment on her's to say hello and share a story! This is just a fun way to relate as moms that love and take care of one boy or a full house of them! 


I'm heading over there now.... See you soon! 





Sunday, June 19, 2011

Happy Father's Day

This post may find you at the end of Father's Day. It's kind of late. I'm sick. Bubby is sick. Isaac, recently recovered and the bestow-er of germs, is running around the house like a crazy maniac. We've been sick ALL week. I didn't get Rod a gift. Haven't purchased cards. I fixed spaghetti and green beans....that's something right? At least I tried not to cough on the food...


This day may look like an utter failure (and for the record, I plan to make up for it!). But a day like today characterizes what I love most about the men in my life. They are selfless. 


Rod hasn't complained once today. Hasn't put off a pout-y attitude. Hasn't made me feel bad for being sick. He's tired from being up with sick kids but he doesn't use that for his own gain. He just continues to serve. Serve me, the kids, the congregation, our extended family...the list goes on and on. And if you know my husband, you know how true this is. 


That's why I married him. He never stops working to make himself better. Happy Father's Day to you, my love. 
First Father's Day

Second time around

The second special person in my life is my own dad. He'd probably disagree that he's selfless. But let's look over the track record, shall we? Some men will not father and love their own flesh and blood. I've always felt a special love for my dad. Why? Because he loved me when my own father didn't. He chose to take on a huge responsibility (and trust me, I was a Pill) and fill a special place in a little girls life, Dad. 23 years later, he's become one of the most selfless people I know. Rod recently said my father had challenged him to be more of a servant through his example. I feel extremely blessed! 
My Dad and a brand new Super Bubby

Happy Father's Day, Daddy :-) 

These are the moments I love having a blog...so I can dote on people I love! 


Saturday, June 18, 2011

Oh How I Love Free Books

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On any given day of the month, you'll find me heading back from the mail box with a smile on my face. And it's definitely not from bills. You see, two days out of the month I find a children's book waiting for me. I can't wait to open the package and see what's arrived. 


The minute I step foot inside and tell my kiddos a new book has arrived, they literally run to the couch so we can read it together. They know the drill. :-) 


So, what's my secret for getting magical free books in my mailbox? I'll tell ya. Almost a year ago, a friend told me about...get this, Dolly Parton's Imagination Library. What? Dolly Parton gives away free books??? Yep. One book a month per child from birth to age 5. The books are age appropriate but they won't replicate books between siblings. Do you realize how many books that is??? Like a trillion. Just a guess. 


This is such a perfect program for our family for several reasons. McLean Co. has one library. It's not in our town and, from what I hear, it's not worth the drive. I haven't personally checked it out so I'm not sure if that's even true. But the library is in the opposite direction of anything I would need to get out of the house for...so, you get the idea. 


We've been visiting Evansville's library but my cards up for renewal and it costs $70 (gasp) for an out-of-state library card. I. Could. Die. Oh...and it's $100 for a family. (gasp again) I would almost rather spend the 100 bucks on actually buying books for our home collection. Although, I'm not even sure that's in our budget (as in...it's probably not) because we're in the process of getting out of debt. 


I say all of that to finally say, getting two free books a month is an enormous blessing for our family. Not to mention, it's like the funnest thing to open my mailbox and see a book instead of junk mail. 


We don't get to pick which books are sent. So, of course, we've gotten a couple books that didn't suit our personal taste. I'd say about 95% of what we receive, we love. And I've been pleasantly surprised to receive a few award winners! 


Most cities (or counties) offer this program. I went online to Imagination Library, selected my country (yes, you can also participate if you live in Canada or the UK) and looked up the contact information by state. I had to call a wonderfully nice lady here in Calhoun, but I think you may be able to sign up online. Give it a couple months and you'll start getting books in your mailbox too! 


And if you want to go a step further, Dolly's website (that just sounds funny) will give you information on how you can help the Imagination Library! 


So what book did Isaac get this month? It was so cute. 

Read to Tiger



Read to Tiger by S.J. Fore was an adorable, funny read. Isaac was smitten by the Tiger (and insisted I talk like a tiger, whatever that means). 


Here he is showing you all his new book...


Sorry, he was 'blinded' by my flash. In case you all are wondering why he's wearing a helmet that says "Will"...he has some church friends/family to thank for that. We went to their yard sale to say hi and walked away with a free helmet. And I'm not joking when I say he hasn't taken it off since they gave it to him. He even slept next to it last night. 


Anyway! I'd encourage you to try this wonderful program, especially if you don't have access to books galore. It's well worth it! I guess I'll say it...thank you, Dolly Parton :-) 


Couldn't help myself. 


Disclaimer: I did not receive any prompting from Dolly Parton's Imagination Library to write this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 





Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Just 'Cuz Blog Hop {June 16th}


Mommy Head Adventures

Happy Thursday everyone! Thank you for joining your hosts Organic Homemaking and Mommy Head Adventures. We're glad you stopped by! 

This is, as always, a no-rules hop so you don't have to worry about anything but simply linking up below and hopping away! We love it when you post our button somewhere on your blog but it's not required. And we also love it when you follow us because we love meeting new people and following back! 

Enjoy Hopping! 







Sunday, June 12, 2011

Weekend Links {June 12th}

Sunday morning in the Sills' home. I have one sick kiddo and we're snuggling in bed watching, here it comes...Megamind. For like the millionth time. It's a favorite (and not just for the kids). 
I hope you all are having a good weekend as well! Here are the links I loved this week. It's always so hard to narrow it down to only a few but here they are. Enjoy! 


Can Honey be Organic? - Simple Organic


Working, Staying at Home, Comparisons and Measuring Up - Steady Mom Guest Post


What to do With Old Cards and Letters?  - Simple Mom




Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Just 'Cuz Blog Hop {June 9th}


Mommy Head Adventures

It's that time of the week again! So glad you could join me and my fellow co-host, Mommy Head Adventures for our weekly blog hop. 

We love hosting this no-rules hop and we love meeting all of you so we make this really easy. Just link up below and hop away! It's that simple. 

Of course, we seriously love it when you put our button on your blog and follow your hosts. But it's not required. It's just love :-)
If you are new here and decide to follow Organic Homemaking, let me know so I can follow you back! 

Before I go, I want to apologize for the half-lack of posts. One, my husband is on vacation. I don't get work done when he's home. That's a compliment. But I'm sure you can relate. And two, I'm missing some posts I know I published. Maybe Blogger is deleting them? I don't know. But I plan to find out! Let's hope they don't delete this hop! 

Enjoy! 








Saturday, June 4, 2011

Weekend Links {June 4th}

It's Saturday again! I hope you all are having a wonderful weekend. Is the weather wonderful where you are? It's sunny and hot here. And, thankfully, we have no plans today so I'm frantically catching up on housework and bills :-( Told you last week my Saturdays usually aren't fun. Oh well. If yours is, that's good enough for me! 


I hope you're ready for some good reading. Some of my favorite bloggers have been in the Philippines this week for Compassion. I have enjoyed reading about their journey (although a lot of it is sad) and I'm going to pass those links along to you. It is soooo worth the read. 
Here is Stephanie's story @ Keeper of the Home
Here is Tsh's story @ Simple Mom
Here is Lindsay's Story @ Passionate Homemaking 


These posts are so encouraging! I hope you get as much out of them as I did. 


Have a happy weekend! 




Friday, June 3, 2011

Landscaping, Teamwork and Sunburns

It's a rare occasion that our family stays home on Wednesday. We typically venture to Evansville and visit Rod's family. But since Monday was a holiday we did all our visiting then and Wednesday became free to do whatever we felt like doing!


I should probably take a moment to give my husband props. His plan for family fun was going to the zoo or children's museum. Those would have been much more relaxing than what we actually did. My brilliant plan was to landscape the front side lawn. Family project. That could be fun, right? 


So spur of the moment we drove to Owensboro and to Lowe's (my favorite place on earth!) so we could start planning. Or rather, start buying. That was the fun part. I could seriously look at plants all day. My littles could not. Isaac cried the whole time we were in Lowe's. He got to stay in the car for Walmart :-) 


So, staying in sync with our completely thought out plan, we got home to start on the landscaping at the hottest part of the day. I have seriously never been so hot in my entire life. I probably sweat out every toxin in my body. And we drank a ton of water. 


I wish I had thought to slow down and take pictures of our process. It may have been beneficial to prove how crazy all this was. And you might have had a good laugh seeing me dig up our 'flower bed' with a shovel. I'm so glad my husband is better at this stuff or I would have given up. 


So after five hours of hard labor, a million water breaks, an extra trip to the store for more supplies and two pretty toasty sunburns...we finally got close to completion. The project still needs about 6 Windsor stones and a bag of mulch to be finished but it's basically done. 


The most rewarding part of my day: getting to work with my hubby. This was one of the rare occasions when he knew more about our project than I did :-) I kid. I kid. But he did seriously know his plants! I was totally impressed with how much he taught me and how focused he stayed (because like I already said, I would have given up several times). 


Coming from a couple that tag-teams almost everything, it was gratifying to complete a project together. And somehow, being tired and sunburned together was a bonding experience too. So yay for teamwork (boo for sunburns). 


Well, I've kept you in suspense long enough. I took pictures of the final product, right? Of course! 
Our pretty yellow bushes. They're just babies right now so I can't wait to see them grow. 

Rod's selection. Our purple flowers - that's their technical name, of course. 

I picked the Tiger Lilies. See how small our yellow bush is there on the end? 

Sort of finished product. You only see one angle because the other side is unfinished. And because I'm lazy. 

I'm not sure the pictures do it justice. I'm not the best photographer. And I swear our stones don't look that purple-ish in real life. But you get the idea :-) 

So thank you, Rod, for taking your day off and working in the sweltering heat with me so our yard looks nicer. 

What do you all think? Have you done any lawn improvements this year? 





Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Just 'Cuz Blog Hop {June 1st}


Mommy Head Adventures


Welcome to this weeks Just 'Cuz Blog Hop hosted by, yours truly, Organic Homemaking and my dearest cousin, Mommy Head Adventures. So glad you could join us! 

We like to make things easy (after all, it's almost the weekend!) so this is a no rules hop. You only have to link up below and enjoy some great blogs! Of course, we love it when you put our button on your blog. The more we spread some bloggy love the more successful this hop will be! 

I also want to let you know about Mommy Head's current giveaway for the Vintage Pearl. You can enter here. Don't miss out! 

Happy Hopping! 







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