I have a lot of crap in my head that wouldn’t make a decent blog post but that makes for some decent pondering …
1. I have a Mossimo Casual Tee. When it gets dirty I call it a Casualty.
2. Somehow watching a Pilates workout while eating a cheeseburger and fries with my kids in the middle of the day feels clandestine and wonderful!
3. What’s up with high heels? I like to be able to walk without breaking an ankle. People depend on me. I can’t go convalescing for weeks on end because I wanted to look pretty for an hour.
4. It annoys my husband, but I peel off all the Best Choice labels from all items in the house so I can donate them to the Belton Cat Shelter. I do write on cans what’s in them. I’m not totally mean.
5. My son Joel sometimes refers to himself in the 3rd person. He does it because I can’t always differentiate their voices, so when I ask a question he’ll say, “Joel wants a sundae.” or “Joel’s done with his math.”
You got any deep thoughts, or what? Please, tell me something you do that annoys your husband or kids, at least!
Friday, December 19, 2008
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
How to Be An Amazing Father
Why wait for Father’s Day to express my love for my dad? Besides, I did a post for my mom a while back, and methinks Dad is wondering where HIS is!!! Well, Dad, as you would say … here she be! (there are some great You Tube videos in here for your enjoyment, especially for my older more mature demographic. Just click on the different-colored words.)
My dad used to let me listen to his Ventures records in my room when I was a kid and dance like a freak. Walk, don’t run! I think I’m reincarnated from the 60s.
One weekend day, I was very bored. Instead of yelling at me to find something to do or assigning a chore (like I do with my kids), he shocked me by taking me to Toy City and letting me get a few things. All I remember is getting one of those orange worm-on-a-string things that you attached to a button to make it seem like it was moving on its own.
He used to take me to Bitterman’s Candy Store in the summer and let me pick out a bunch of unique stuff. Their slogan was : Have a Sweet Day. This is probably why I’m the Sugar Mama today.
He used to take me out of school once a year to go Christmas shopping and see a movie. Once I was in high school, the Administration didn’t want to let him take me out for no good reason, but he gave them hell and did it anyway. I remember seeing Adventures in Babysitting.
He played Beatles music all the time (and lots of other music, too), which turned me into a major fan. We even went together to see Paul McCartney play in Kansas City back in 1993.
He was usually home from work when I got home from school (he was a mailman and went to work early), which headed off a LOT of problems on my end when I was in junior high and high school.
We used to watch Dance Party USA and make fun of everyone.
Sometimes he’d put up a tent and we’d camp out in the backyard. I’m sure he wanted a son to take camping for real, but he never said that.
He is funny. Just check out some of his comments from back when I started the blog.
He took me fishing once. I’ll never forget it, even though fishing isn’t quite my thing.
He once won a radio contest and got to run around a record store collecting as many records as he could in a short amount of time. He got me a Charlie Daniels Band record.
He’s an amazing grandpa. After only having one kid, you’d think it would be hard for him to adjust to so many grandkids, but it is not so. Joel loves the spend the night with “Poppy” (Michael did once, too). The boys adore him, Callie has him wrapped around his little finger (he’s one of the only people who can handle my bittersweet daughter), and even Eva (Mama’s girl) will sit on his lap and get tickly kisses.
I love you, Dad. From Snookums. Oh, and thanks for teaching me to appreciate the song “Feliz Navidad” … dancing around the room singing it has become a highlight in my own home!
My dad used to let me listen to his Ventures records in my room when I was a kid and dance like a freak. Walk, don’t run! I think I’m reincarnated from the 60s.
One weekend day, I was very bored. Instead of yelling at me to find something to do or assigning a chore (like I do with my kids), he shocked me by taking me to Toy City and letting me get a few things. All I remember is getting one of those orange worm-on-a-string things that you attached to a button to make it seem like it was moving on its own.
He used to take me to Bitterman’s Candy Store in the summer and let me pick out a bunch of unique stuff. Their slogan was : Have a Sweet Day. This is probably why I’m the Sugar Mama today.
He used to take me out of school once a year to go Christmas shopping and see a movie. Once I was in high school, the Administration didn’t want to let him take me out for no good reason, but he gave them hell and did it anyway. I remember seeing Adventures in Babysitting.
He played Beatles music all the time (and lots of other music, too), which turned me into a major fan. We even went together to see Paul McCartney play in Kansas City back in 1993.
He was usually home from work when I got home from school (he was a mailman and went to work early), which headed off a LOT of problems on my end when I was in junior high and high school.
We used to watch Dance Party USA and make fun of everyone.
Sometimes he’d put up a tent and we’d camp out in the backyard. I’m sure he wanted a son to take camping for real, but he never said that.
He is funny. Just check out some of his comments from back when I started the blog.
He took me fishing once. I’ll never forget it, even though fishing isn’t quite my thing.
He once won a radio contest and got to run around a record store collecting as many records as he could in a short amount of time. He got me a Charlie Daniels Band record.
He’s an amazing grandpa. After only having one kid, you’d think it would be hard for him to adjust to so many grandkids, but it is not so. Joel loves the spend the night with “Poppy” (Michael did once, too). The boys adore him, Callie has him wrapped around his little finger (he’s one of the only people who can handle my bittersweet daughter), and even Eva (Mama’s girl) will sit on his lap and get tickly kisses.
I love you, Dad. From Snookums. Oh, and thanks for teaching me to appreciate the song “Feliz Navidad” … dancing around the room singing it has become a highlight in my own home!
Sunday, December 14, 2008
McLoughlin Family Christmas Letter 2008 = Lame-o!
Sorry, but my heart just isn’t in the Christmas letter and photo spirit this year. Last year I was kind of disgusting: within days of giving birth I had a family photo (with label on back telling who everyone was), Christmas card, addressed envelope, stamps and Christmas letter for about 100 people/families. We all sat at the dining room table assembling the whole mess.
I don’t know what I was trying to prove.
So our photo and letter will be on the blog this year. If a word is light blue, click on it and it’ll take you to a blog post for more information. The latest pictures of the kids can be found to the right under the "photos" label/tag. Happy looking!
Aron
Aron traveled all summer and then some, but we are thankful he has a job. He found time to make a gorgeous TV stand and FINALLY put up Christmas lights … a project he’s been wanting to get to for 8 years.
Kerrie
I’m working on a bunch of writing projects (online and print), and homeschooling is a blast. I learn new things from a 2nd grade curriculum all the time!!! Every now and then I get to work on my 2006 scrapbooks.
Joel
Joel turned 7 this summer and learned to swim in Phoenix and also learned to ride his bike without training wheels. He had his First Reconciliation at church in November.
Michael
Michael turned 5 this year and is still wise beyond his years. The things that come out of his mouth and the projects he concocts make him seem like a 90-year-old man sometimes.
Callie
At the ripe old age of 3, Callie has discovered Hannah Montana, High School Musical and makeup. She is a bossy little mommy-type, and I have not a clue on Earth where she gets it.
Eva
Eva just turned 1 and is a big 26-pounder crawling around and pulling up on the furniture. She has 3 teeth and likes to say “giggle giggle giggle.”
The Family
This summer we went on a mini-vacation with my dad’s family to Branson, Missouri. We spent a lot of time at the local pools, and recently got a 3-month membership to the indoor pool. In July we got sick of being apart, and we all drove 22 hours to Phoenix for 3 weeks. We were only 5 hours from San Diego, so we drove there each weekend. We go to the zoo, on field trips (dairy farm, museum), visiting family and friends. Aron and I stripped wallpaper in our bedroom and will soon be painting and getting new windows. Our garden yielded … crap, I don’t know. We were gone 3 weeks, and I sort of let it go to pot the rest of the time.
Merry Christmas to everyone who reads this blog and to family, friends and neighbors. I pray you are all healthy and safe and content.
Here is our Christmas photo. My mom gave us this snowman thing, thinking we’d be happy with our family of 5 at the time. So Callie added the baby doll to represent herself. And before you even ask, I will answer your questions. The answers are: yes, we would love to have more kids and no, last time I checked we were not clinically insane.
I don’t know what I was trying to prove.
So our photo and letter will be on the blog this year. If a word is light blue, click on it and it’ll take you to a blog post for more information. The latest pictures of the kids can be found to the right under the "photos" label/tag. Happy looking!
Aron
Aron traveled all summer and then some, but we are thankful he has a job. He found time to make a gorgeous TV stand and FINALLY put up Christmas lights … a project he’s been wanting to get to for 8 years.
Kerrie
I’m working on a bunch of writing projects (online and print), and homeschooling is a blast. I learn new things from a 2nd grade curriculum all the time!!! Every now and then I get to work on my 2006 scrapbooks.
Joel
Joel turned 7 this summer and learned to swim in Phoenix and also learned to ride his bike without training wheels. He had his First Reconciliation at church in November.
Michael
Michael turned 5 this year and is still wise beyond his years. The things that come out of his mouth and the projects he concocts make him seem like a 90-year-old man sometimes.
Callie
At the ripe old age of 3, Callie has discovered Hannah Montana, High School Musical and makeup. She is a bossy little mommy-type, and I have not a clue on Earth where she gets it.
Eva
Eva just turned 1 and is a big 26-pounder crawling around and pulling up on the furniture. She has 3 teeth and likes to say “giggle giggle giggle.”
The Family
This summer we went on a mini-vacation with my dad’s family to Branson, Missouri. We spent a lot of time at the local pools, and recently got a 3-month membership to the indoor pool. In July we got sick of being apart, and we all drove 22 hours to Phoenix for 3 weeks. We were only 5 hours from San Diego, so we drove there each weekend. We go to the zoo, on field trips (dairy farm, museum), visiting family and friends. Aron and I stripped wallpaper in our bedroom and will soon be painting and getting new windows. Our garden yielded … crap, I don’t know. We were gone 3 weeks, and I sort of let it go to pot the rest of the time.
Merry Christmas to everyone who reads this blog and to family, friends and neighbors. I pray you are all healthy and safe and content.
Here is our Christmas photo. My mom gave us this snowman thing, thinking we’d be happy with our family of 5 at the time. So Callie added the baby doll to represent herself. And before you even ask, I will answer your questions. The answers are: yes, we would love to have more kids and no, last time I checked we were not clinically insane.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Denim Jumper Apology
I realize it was mean of me to call certain homeschoolers “denim jumper wearers.” Nobody jumped my case; I just started thinking about what I wear around the house … and out of it. So here’s a chance for the Jumper Wearers to make fun of ME.
First of all, I couldn’t wear a jumper even if I wanted to (so maybe I’m just jealous). Picture me trying to hoist the jumper up to my chest to try to breastfeed. I haven’t worn a dress in about 7 years. Wait, there was that ONE nursing dress. But seeing as how I hate to shop, I won’t be heading out to buy a nursing jumper anytime soon.
Second, I’m distantly related to the Jumper Wearer because I wear a long skirt a lot when my sweatpants are dirty or when I’m going to church.
Third, I just fit back into my largest pair of jeans (yep, one YEAR postpartum), which means I’ve been wearing sweats for quite a while almost EVERYWHERE I GO. Thank the Lord for summer and shorts!
Finally, I just found a long-sleeved shirt at Target that I like and bought FOUR of them in different colors. How is THAT for lazy shopping?! And if they’d had my size in ALL the colors, I would’ve bought about 8 of the darn things.
So, go ahead and comment away about my lack of style and shopping sense. I can take it.
First of all, I couldn’t wear a jumper even if I wanted to (so maybe I’m just jealous). Picture me trying to hoist the jumper up to my chest to try to breastfeed. I haven’t worn a dress in about 7 years. Wait, there was that ONE nursing dress. But seeing as how I hate to shop, I won’t be heading out to buy a nursing jumper anytime soon.
Second, I’m distantly related to the Jumper Wearer because I wear a long skirt a lot when my sweatpants are dirty or when I’m going to church.
Third, I just fit back into my largest pair of jeans (yep, one YEAR postpartum), which means I’ve been wearing sweats for quite a while almost EVERYWHERE I GO. Thank the Lord for summer and shorts!
Finally, I just found a long-sleeved shirt at Target that I like and bought FOUR of them in different colors. How is THAT for lazy shopping?! And if they’d had my size in ALL the colors, I would’ve bought about 8 of the darn things.
So, go ahead and comment away about my lack of style and shopping sense. I can take it.
Friday, December 12, 2008
Interview: Lisa Russell, online freelance writer
I found Lisa when I was new to the blog world and was looking for other Mommy Bloggers. I am grateful I stumbled upon her because she has become a friend and a mentor. She homeschools 6 daughters and makes good money writing solely online and selling ad space on her blogs and websites. She's even written an e-book called "How to Write Nasty Letters."
Lisa’s husband worked as a Director of Photography in Los Angeles and was losing work because he put his family first. They moved to Washington and got into the 15-hour-a-day restaurant business. Eight days after their last daughter was born, they closed the restaurant down due to overwhelming financial burdens. Over the next few months they lost their home and had both their vehicles repossessed. It was devastating, but Lisa started writing for income soon after so her daughters could eat. She says, “After slaving away at the restaurant so much and neglecting my kids for that business I refuse to work outside the home ever again.”
Below is a short interview with this impressive and energetic woman.
KERRIE: How do you find the time to homeschool, write and raise 6 daughters? Do you have a structure or schedule?
LISA: We have a pattern, but I really don't keep track of the time. I write before they wake up and I keep the computer on all day long, pop on and off while they're occupied (or nursing).
KERRIE: How do you keep the kids occupied while you write?
LISA: I usually only try to write things I need to concentrate on when the smaller ones (under age 8) are asleep.
KERRIE: When did you start your freelance writing business?
LISA: About one year ago.
KERRIE: How much time do you spend on it in an average week?
LISA: Three-five hours a day, seven days a week, so 21-35 hours a week.
KERRIE: Does anything suffer because you write? (e.g., the dishes sit for a while, the laundry piles up)
LISA: I feel very blessed that I always have something more important to do than dishes and laundry! I make sure the dishes are done when I go to bed and the kids fold their own laundry because they don't care if it's done right.
KERRIE: Do you older kids help with chores so you can get writing done?
LISA: My 14-year-old has been volunteering to do a lot of the cleaning lately, my 11- and 8-year-olds will clean when I ask them, if I can give them some candies or something.
KERRIE: How many online, blogging sites, etc. have you written for?
LISA: I would estimate between 50 and 100. [like eHow, Today.com, Suite 101]
KERRIE: If you've done print work, what (if any)percent of your income would
you guess is based on reprints?
LISA: Alas, I am a wannabe in this department. Online income is so much easier.
KERRIE: Where do you get all of your ideas?!
LISA: My head is a crazy place. I have way too many ideas, and I bet I talk in my sleep. I think I must have some kind of mental disorder that creates too many ideas. It's hard to finish things when you're always thinking of the next thing. You don't want to know how many screenplays I'm writing right now. My characters even get confused.
To learn more about Lisa, check out her blog, Mrs. Hannigan. From there you can link to her other blogs, check out her past posts, leave comments, etc.
What I learned from this interview:
I’m the same way as Lisa as far as having too many ideas … on scraps of paper (the baby eats some of them), on the computer, in spiral notebooks, on a legal pad I write on while I drive. I like working on quick projects online and also longer-term stuff like essays and articles to submit to print publications.
It’s good for kids to learn chores anyway (otherwise how will they take care of themselves when they leave your home?), but when they see that they’re helping their mom so she can do something she loves and is passionate about, kids benefit from that, as well.
When my kids ask for “extras” (like expensive homeschooling supplies or field trips) I tell them if they let me concentrate on writing every now and then we’ll have the money for those things.
Lisa’s husband worked as a Director of Photography in Los Angeles and was losing work because he put his family first. They moved to Washington and got into the 15-hour-a-day restaurant business. Eight days after their last daughter was born, they closed the restaurant down due to overwhelming financial burdens. Over the next few months they lost their home and had both their vehicles repossessed. It was devastating, but Lisa started writing for income soon after so her daughters could eat. She says, “After slaving away at the restaurant so much and neglecting my kids for that business I refuse to work outside the home ever again.”
Below is a short interview with this impressive and energetic woman.
KERRIE: How do you find the time to homeschool, write and raise 6 daughters? Do you have a structure or schedule?
LISA: We have a pattern, but I really don't keep track of the time. I write before they wake up and I keep the computer on all day long, pop on and off while they're occupied (or nursing).
KERRIE: How do you keep the kids occupied while you write?
LISA: I usually only try to write things I need to concentrate on when the smaller ones (under age 8) are asleep.
KERRIE: When did you start your freelance writing business?
LISA: About one year ago.
KERRIE: How much time do you spend on it in an average week?
LISA: Three-five hours a day, seven days a week, so 21-35 hours a week.
KERRIE: Does anything suffer because you write? (e.g., the dishes sit for a while, the laundry piles up)
LISA: I feel very blessed that I always have something more important to do than dishes and laundry! I make sure the dishes are done when I go to bed and the kids fold their own laundry because they don't care if it's done right.
KERRIE: Do you older kids help with chores so you can get writing done?
LISA: My 14-year-old has been volunteering to do a lot of the cleaning lately, my 11- and 8-year-olds will clean when I ask them, if I can give them some candies or something.
KERRIE: How many online, blogging sites, etc. have you written for?
LISA: I would estimate between 50 and 100. [like eHow, Today.com, Suite 101]
KERRIE: If you've done print work, what (if any)percent of your income would
you guess is based on reprints?
LISA: Alas, I am a wannabe in this department. Online income is so much easier.
KERRIE: Where do you get all of your ideas?!
LISA: My head is a crazy place. I have way too many ideas, and I bet I talk in my sleep. I think I must have some kind of mental disorder that creates too many ideas. It's hard to finish things when you're always thinking of the next thing. You don't want to know how many screenplays I'm writing right now. My characters even get confused.
To learn more about Lisa, check out her blog, Mrs. Hannigan. From there you can link to her other blogs, check out her past posts, leave comments, etc.
What I learned from this interview:
I’m the same way as Lisa as far as having too many ideas … on scraps of paper (the baby eats some of them), on the computer, in spiral notebooks, on a legal pad I write on while I drive. I like working on quick projects online and also longer-term stuff like essays and articles to submit to print publications.
It’s good for kids to learn chores anyway (otherwise how will they take care of themselves when they leave your home?), but when they see that they’re helping their mom so she can do something she loves and is passionate about, kids benefit from that, as well.
When my kids ask for “extras” (like expensive homeschooling supplies or field trips) I tell them if they let me concentrate on writing every now and then we’ll have the money for those things.
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