A Busy Home School Mom's Laundry System

Schedule your laundry! This has been the biggest life-saving tip that I can give. I will share my system with you. If my system can keep a family of 9 from having laundry pile up, then it can certainly work for you too!

–There are three basic principles to my system.

1) Keep the dirty laundry pre-sorted. (more about this below)

2) Teach everyone in the family who is big enough to reach the machine how to properly do laundry. (All my kids help load, unload, and fold. At about age eight or nine, I will trust them to actually run the machine.)

3) Designate days of the weeks for different “zones” to do laundry.

–As an example, here is how it works in my household: The “zones” around here are GIRLS, BOYS and PARENTS. Each zone contains at least two dirty clothes hampers — one is for lights/whites and one is for darks/colors. In the boys zone, there is also a hamper for towels/linens. Even the youngest person in my house knows that their dirty clothes go into the proper hamper. We no longer spend time sorting laundry. It is pre-sorted for washing!

–My laundry schedule runs like this:

On Monday and Thursday, the girls must do all the laundry in their zone. That means wash, dry and fold and put away! They are also required to change their bed linens on one of those days.

On Tuesday and Friday, the boys must completely do all the laundry in their zone, including all the towels. They also must do their bed linens.

I do laundry on Wednesday and Saturday.

Even if your family is not as big as mine, making a laundry schedule and following it may revolutionize your life!!!

For more Works-for-Me-Wednesday tips, visit Rocks In My Dryer.

Kim, Are You Reading This???

I have a friend named "Kim." My old blog used to be listed on her list of blogs that she reads. But my old blog is dead and this blog is not on her list. It makes me sad. I feel left out. It may be an oversight, or it may be on purpose in an effort to make her list more concise.

I don't know what I need to do to merit getting listed again, but hopefully flattery will work!

Kim is smart.
Kim is witty.
Kim is pretty.
Kim is nice.
Kim has cute kids.
I like Kim!!!

Can You Smell It???

My wheat finally came in last week! So today, just like the Little Red Hen, I ground the wheat and made the dough and baked the bread. Mmmmmmmm! Can you smell it??



And just like the Little Red Hen, plenty of folk showed up once the baking was done, happy to help me EAT the bread! Truly, it took less than 60 seconds for the entire first loaf to disappear!!

Works-for-Me-Wednesday!

A good friend of mine is participating in this and so I thought I would jump on the bandwagon. The concept is simple: every Wednesday, post an idea or system or recipe or helpful hint...something that makes life easier!



Maybe in the next week or two I will tell you about my laundry system...a life altering plan that I developed that has made doing laundry for nine folks manageable. But for today, I am sticking with something very small and simple.

HOW DO GET OIL/GREASE STAINS OUT

I can not tell you how many solid t-shirts and turtlenecks I have **ruined** by splattering something greasy or oily on them in the kitchen. If you have spent any time in a kitchen, then you know how cooking oil, or any type of fat will leave a dark spot. Well, I have found that if I use Dawn dish detergent on the spot followed by scalding hot (preferably boiling) water, the oil stain usually comes out! In fact, you can just boil some water in a pot and then plunge the offending shirt into the water and let it soak a bit. (I recommend taking off the shirt first!)

Of course, wearing an apron is a good option, but some of us who are messy cooks need something more like full body armor!

**NOTE--"ruin" means that they become worthy of wearing around the house only. If worn out in public requires quick action when sighting someone who you don't want to think you are a total mess. The duck and hide technique, or the quick-pick-up-the-youngest-kid-to-hide-your-stained-shirt technique are options.)

For more WORKS FOR ME WEDNESDAY tips, go to Rocks in My Dryer here.

Now, if I could just figure out how to get her handy little banner up! Kim, please help! EDIT: Hey Kim! Thanks! I did it!

THANK YOU, Secret Pal!!!

I have a lovely secret pal! This Saturday, after waking at 5 a.m. and spending a hot and tiring day at an open-air artisan's market, I came home to find a package waiting for me! Woo! Hoo! Of course, I ripped into it and found these lovely things: hand-crocheted dish cloths, a crochet pattern book, a cook book and a nice card. The red in the dish cloths matches the cranberry color on my walls in my dining room and kitchen perfectly. Later in the evening I sat down and browsed the Gooseberry Patch Taste of Autumn cookbook and now I have a bad case of autumn fever! I can't wait for cool weather, crisp leaves and autumn colors!

Thank you, Secret Pal! You are a real sweetie pie!



And here is a close up of one of the cloths. Isn't it pretty???

Who's the Busy Bee??? Me!

I like photos in blogs. So, here is a photo-rich entry.

I have been busy, busy, busy the last week or so. Just look at all that I have made! (For those of you who may be wondering what some of these are...they are earrings, of course. And the ones with beads sitting atop wood are beaded hairsticks. Most of the metal is sterling silver. The glass beads are either Swarovski crystals or fire-polished Czech glass. The ceramic beads are hand made and one-of-a-kind by a local artist. So, although they may not be "perfectly" symmetrical, I think that adds much interest. Her glazes are to die for!

Note to Self...

Dear Me,

In the future, please remember that when going out for a special dinner with your inlaws, deciding three hours before departure to knit a bag to match your wrap may not be the brightest idea! You will create un-needed extra pressure on yourself. Also, you will run out of time and not be able to sew a proper lining in the the bag. In fact, you will find yourself seated in a limo tying the shoulder strap to aforementioned bag and trying to explain it all to the others who will of course think that you are loony.

Much love,
Me

Here is another completed project!

I seem to be going through a "wrap" stage. I am inspired and motivated to make wraps! Why? I don't know. I guess because they are fun and versatile to wear and relatively easy to make.

Here are some pictures of my latest. I knit it using Patons Evita, a funky, variegated ladder yarn. It is incredibly soft!

I apologize for the photo quality. My camera and my skills are not equal to those of my dear son. However, he is not here at the moment, so these will have to do! The photos look mysteriously like they are taken in black and white...but nope! It is only because everything in the pictures are black, white and shades of gray!



And a close-up to better show the texture of the yarn.


I can not decide whether to add fringe or not. What do you think?

Oh, and I would like to say that I have actually completed several projects in the last week! (1 wrap, 2 crocheted head bands, 1 crocheted circle pendant necklace, 11 pairs of earrings and 3 pairs of hairsticks!) How's that for productivity?? Now I just have to get photos of it all edited and up on my Blue Moon Artistry site! (((sigh))) No rest for the weary!

I'm Famous!!

Well, no. Not really. However I have been published in another blog! Work at Home wanted moms who have businesses at home to write a short article about themselves and how they get it all done.

I jotted off a not-so-short email with some little household and time management tips I have learned along the way. Lo and behold, it has been posted on the site! So, if you want to know how I manage laundry with 9 people, or feed a family this big, or other similar fascinating information, go to http://wahm-business.momswithaspine.com/ and enjoy!

As for me, it is too painful to read...I just see all the things I would edit if I had it to do all over again!

It's THAT time again!!

Warning: This is a post about home schooling. If you do not home school, nor have any interest in home schooling, please move on because I will probably bore you to tears!

Another warning: My mind is running in 10 different directions at moment on this subject. I apologize ahead of time for any incoherence!


It is that time again. Time to start planning for the upcoming school year...and I am floundering!

Here is what people on the outside see and say: "Wow! She really must have her act together. I can't imagine juggling 7 kids and home schooling them too! And they are all so smart and accomplished and polite. I don't know how she does it!"

Here is what I think on the inside: "I am a miserable failure. Yes, my kids are smart, but I should have done so much MORE! They are fine by the world's standards, but I should have pushed harder, been more disciplined. If I had been more pushy and not allowed them to be so self-directed they would have more accomplishments by now. They could be fluent in a foreign language or studying nuclear physics by now or playing an instrument at Carnegie Hall. The older ones got all my attention and zeal because I was younger and excited when I started to home school them. The middle ones have fallen through the cracks. I can't believe that I have compromised all my ideals and haven fallen back on boxed curriculum for my older kids so that I can get it all done. If I was more self-disciplined we could be doing more creative stuff."

Here is what people on the outside say: "You've been doing this for 13 years? You must have a lot of experience and wisdom. You probably know exactly how to do it all now."

Here is what I think on the inside: "I have NO IDEA what I should be doing this year with my 5th grader!! I want her to be more excited about learning. During her beginning school year I was pregnant and miserable. Then I got distracted trying to figure out the whole high school thing with her older siblings. Her last year was a big mess. She is so bright in all areas and even natural to math and yet she says she hates math! ARGH! I don't want her to think learning is a drudge...something to get out of the way so she can move on to what she enjoys. And my 7th grader...I certainly have not spent enough time with him. He is definitely the neglected middle kid. It isn't fair! And what about my 4 1/2 year old? She is so bright and eager. It doesn't seem fair to hold her back when she is so ready to learn, but really, I had not planned on starting her until after her oldest brother graduated this coming year."

Honestly, I was more self-assured in the beginning than I am now. I guess there is something to be said for being young and foolish and believing you have all the answers. With maturity and wisdom comes the realization that I do NOT have all the answers, that there is not just one way to do it, that I should not look down my nose at folks who use a "boxed curriculum," that what worked great for one child may be a total flop with the next.

When all those nagging doubts plague me, this is what I have to tell myself:

~My children are people. Yes, people. They are not empty boxes to be filled. They have unique personalities, abilities and needs.

~It is not necessary for me or my children to meet other people's standards. We must do our best to follow God's plan for ourfamily. NEVER compare ourselves to others.

~My children are happy and content with who they are. Most of their accomplishments are their own...they pursued their own interests and were not pushed by some over zealous parent who needed to be fulfilled by having a child prodigy to brag about.

~My children have had the good fortune to be allowed to be children. They have not been pushed by the media, pop culture, or peers into dealing with adult issues before they are old enough.

~My children can relate to and converse with anyone of any age. They do not require that someone be within 12 months of their own age to be able to communicate. They can talk to folks decades older and younger than they are. They do not look at adults as if we are aliens and they do not treat younger folk with disdain.

~My children know that in our home, relationships with God other people come first.

~My older kids all know the satisfaction of hard work and earning their own money. They also know that money and possessions will not bring happiness.

~My kids may not know everything, but if they are interested in something, they know HOW to pursue it and learn more about it.


Well, I guess I am not such a failure after all!

Love it? Hate it?

Here is a WIP (work in progress) that one can't feel ambivalent about. It is a scrap afghan and you either love it or hate it! My goal was to use up a bunch of scrap yarn I have lying about. At first, I must be honest, I hated it. I am not good at being truly random. I want to work with color, play with it, arrange it. But this is supposed to be an easy project where color placement is random and does not matter. The only rule I imposed is that every 4th row is black to offer a bit of continuity.

If I was making it for myself, it would have been ripped long ago. Sometimes I like it. Sometimes...ehh. However, it is for my teenage son, and he likes it. In fact, all my teenagers like it!

So, whaddaya' think?? Love it? Hate it?

Another completed project!!!

A few weeks ago, I went to a fiber store in another town. The kind I could just spend hours in. The kind that has all the lovely, expensive yarns and wools and silks. The kind where you walk around in a daze, touching, and ooo-ing and aah-ing.

I picked up a hank of Rayon Boucle' by Fiesta. I put it down again, saying to myself, "There is no way I am paying that!"

I picked it up.

I put it down.

Suffice to say, I did that multiple times. Finally, I walked out. So overwhelmed by all the possibilities that I bought nothing!

But that beautiful sapphire skein of rayon haunted me the rest of the afternoon. And thus I begged my hubby to swing back by the shop before we left town!

Here is what I made. Photos do not do it justice. Everyone who has seen it is amazed. I can't take credit. It is not a hard pattern, but this fiber is gorgeous! My teenage daughter keeps trying to sneak off with it!

And a close up of the fiber:

I did it! I did it! Hooray!!

Ack! Do I sound like Dora the Explorer???

I just wanted to announce that after a few weeks of self-induced exhile, I am back! I am happy to report that I actually have something to show for my time of absence from cyber-world. Presenting...

Blue Moon Artistry
...which is the new name of my business. You can find it at www.bluemoonartistry.com. Taa-daaa!

"Big deal," you may be saying. Well, for me it is! I am no idiot, but when it comes to site building, I confess great ignorance! Because I could not find a template I liked, I started with a blank page and built my own web-site from scratch. I learned some HTML so that I could have a shopping cart. I created several new pairs of hair sticks and earrings to build up some stock. I have also been working hard on some knitted items that will be added soon! Everything had to be photographed and described. Photos had to be cropped, resized, inserted. Yadda, yadda, yadda. Every one of those steps was a new skill that I had to learn (except for the actual crafting of items...that,I already knew!)

As best I can tell, everything on the site is working fine now. I have even had a few orders! Please, if you will, take a few minutes and look around www.bluemoonartistry.com and let me know what you think! Criticism is welcome too. I can take it as long as it isn't mean spirited!

Where is she???

Yes, I am still here. However, I have been hunkered down, desperately trying to get my website up and running for my little business. I will let you all know when it is ready to be unveiled. Until then, let's just say my esteem for web designers has grown by leaps and bounds and leave it at that!

Happy Birthday to...ME! (thoughts on turning 40)

Today is the dreaded day. The one everybody warns you about. Yep, it's the big 4-0! (Imagine, if you will, creepy music in the background and a piercing scream.)

All I want to know is this: How in the world did I get to be old??

Well, actually, I don't really think 40 is old. In fact 40 is quite young. I am in the prime of my life!

(Hey! I can hear you chuckling and saying to yourself, "She's in denial!")

But so many people seem to think that I am now ancient, over the hill, etc. Sure do wish we lived in a society that had more respect for the old and less obsession with the young and beautiful. It is really sad to see the extremes that people go to, especially women, to try to look younger than they are. They spend incredible amounts of money on cosmetics, color their hair, and have surgeons cut them up in desperate attempts to hang on to their youthful appearance.

Even I am brainwashed by this type of thinking. I can not tell you how very gratified I feel when someone says to me, "You don't look old enough to have 7 children!" I guess that deep down inside, I am just as vain as the next woman. I want others to see me as young and attractive.

But you know, the more I think about it, the more I think that there is a balance that God has built into the human race. Be really honest. How many of you would like to go back to being as stupid as you were when you were 18? Not me!! So you see, earlier on in life we get youth and outward beauty. As those begin to fade we gain (hopefully) wisdom and depth as a person (i.e. more inner beauty). The outer beauty fades as the inner beauty increases. It is only fair and just.

So I hope and pray that as this outer shell ages one more year, the inner me, the real me, will grow and mature and become a wiser, better person. Perhaps a stranger may look at me and see "old," but hopefully, those who know me will see "beautiful."

Breaking up is HARD to do!

Feel sorry for me. I have had a tough weekend!

Have you ever heard the saying, "Never go into business with friends or family"? Well, I guess that proverbs, adages, and old sayings become proverbs, adages and old sayings because there is some nugget of wisdom or truth contained in them.

My good friend and I both enjoy making hair sticks. So, we thought "Wouldn't it be great fun to start a small business together and sell our creations?" This weekend, I came to the conclusion that I was not having fun. (And to be quite honest, I don't think she was either!) Our relationship was morphing from a pleasant friendship full of banter and laughter to a business partnership in which we both drove the other half nuts! It was not her fault. It was not my fault.

I also realized that I was spending waaaaaay too much time thinking about the business, worrying about the business, trying to market the business, yada, yada, yada... I am a wife. I am a mother. I am a friend. I want to be a good wife. A good mother. A good friend.

It was not an easy decision to make. In fact, I walked around with a tornado in my gut for a day or two before finally doing what had to be done. It is hard to walk away from a project that you have spent countless hours and lots of hard work to develop. But it was the right thing to do. I know that it will take a LOT of stress off her back and mine.

So, on Saturday, I gracefully bowed out. I will keep the things I made, she will keep the things she made, the stuff we bought together we will split. She will keep the website since she was the one managing it anyway, and hopefully, I will still be able to place my creations in a local boutique that has been carrying our stuff.

We can go back to just being friends and having fun again.

Once the decision was made, I felt so relieved.

Then I began to think about all that I now have to do...

Essentially, I am back to square one. I have to decide exactly what it is I am going to do. I have to come up with a name. I have to get a web site. I have lost the customers and exposure that we worked hard to develop on the web. I have to develop a "look." I have to work on making more stuff...

Funny, for some strange reason, that tornado in my gut came right back!

On second thought, maybe you should feel sorry for my hubby and kids!

In praise of finished projects!

I know that I agonize over all the projects I have started and then sadly neglected. However, I do manage to finish a good many as well!

Check this out. It is my first ever knitted sweater made out of Lopi wool. I will confess that I worked for hours and hours and hours on it, got it done from the waistline all the way up to the shoulders and then proceeded to "frog" it and start all over again!

For those of you not in knitting/crocheting circles, "frogging" is what you do when you are not happy with how something it working out. It means to take hold of the yarn and unravel the work you have done. In other words, you rip it, rip it, rip it.

Maintaining a Balance

I am first, and foremost a wife and mother. And that, in and of itself is a full-time job! However, I am also a creative person. (Can I say that? Does that sound egotistical? I don't mean it to! In fact, I think every person is creative in some way or another.) I am periodically struck with a need to create something. It can border on obsessive! I guess in some ways, I have a one-track-mind. When it hits me, look out! I become a knitting, sewing, tatting, needlepoint, crocheting, or beading fanatic. It can also manifest itself as an overwhelming urge to learn a new musical instrument, or begin practicing on an old one that has been gathering dust (there is already a flute, piano, guitar and violin in that category). I take off like fireworks. Sparkle in all my splendor, and then slowly fade away. The sad result of this is that I have too many UFO's (unfinished objects) lurking in closets and on shelves. There are patterns and fabrics to make clothes that my kids have long since outgrown. Afghans to be finished. Needlepoint projects that are half-done. {{{sigh}}}

So, I am making an effort to be more consistent, steady, and determined to actually finish some of my many projects and use up all those containers stashed with fabric and fiber.

And if you hear the sound of someone cheering, don't be alarmed. It is just my husband!

A new direction for my poor, neglected blog.

I haven't been blogging much. I know all my readers, okay, my one reader, out there has missed me! Therefore, for the benefit of myself and my beloved fan (hugs to Kim!), I am going to start adding pictures...that is, if I can figure it out! My goal is to make a record of some of the items that I have spent my precious time making. I realize that I have hand knit, crocheted, needlepointed, beaded, yada, yada, yada, countless items and given them away or sold them with no photographic record to remind me of all the blood, sweat and tears hard work and love I have poured into them.

So, here goes. Hopefully this will work and you will see my first photo!


I designed this pair of hairsticks for my lovely niece, Christy as a gift on her 17th birthday. I also made matching earrings (which I neglected to photograph! Grrrr!)

To ALL my readers...(Ha! Ha! Har! Har! Ho! Ho!)

Just wanted to recommend a site to all of you...okay, I know nobody is reading this. It is my own fault. I used to blog quite regularly on another site and I had a group of friends who were frequent visitors. I have spent the past several months being silent and now nobody even knows I am here. (((sigh)))

Anyway, there is a new site out there for folks who like to save $$$ but not live like a bag lady. I have found her entertaining and informative. So go visit www.wantnot.net when you get a chance.