saturday & sunday
212 & 213
Goodbye July, Hello August!
It has been the coldest July around here that I can remember. I’ve been running the HEAT in the morning, because it’s been so chilly that I can’t seem to warm up even with cozy socks and hot coffee. The fog burns off by noon, but it’s stays cooler than it normally does for summer time. If you’re planning a trip to SF this summer, bring lots of layers!
We’re having a birthday party for my dad today, and are celebrating a belated birthday with Adam’s extended family tomorrow.
lots of sugar on the menu.
This weekend:
keep up with the daily 7
while back to school shopping, keep an eye out for potential holiday gifts. snatch them up, and mark your list accordingly.
Friday, July 30
July 30, 2010 by Stephanie · Leave a Comment
211
I’ve been completely uninspired to work lately. I’ve checked out from the Internet and have checked (more) into real life. The rewards are great—the kids are happier, the house is cleaner, I’m getting dressed and out of the house on a daily basis, I’m connecting with actual instead of virtual friends, and I even have a bit of a tan.
The downfall is purely financial. When you get out more, you spend more. And when you work less, you make less.
I’ve found the more I’m away from the Internet, the less enchanted it becomes, and it’s less likely I want to hang out all day clicking link after link.
which isn’t good, since I’m supposed to be working and all.
In other news? The Beezus and Ramona movie is a good one. It’s wholesome, goofy, and shows fantastic family dynamics. It could be considered dorky, but I’m kind of dorky anyhow. We went with friends, and I sobbed the entire time.
because I’m a dorky sap! 
Today:
plan family fun for the weekend
day 210
210
It’s Thursday. Thursday is meltdown day in the O’Dea household. I can already feel it in the air—the kids and I have been going non-stop since 6am Monday morning, and we’ve got a full weekend lined up.
we need to stay in today and veg.
if I’m lucky there’s a Life on the D List marathon on Bravo…
Today:
meal plan for the weekend, and for next week. We’re hosting 2 parties, are you entertaining this weekend?
be nice.
hug your kids close.
Wednesday: clobber the cobwebs
July 28, 2010 by Stephanie · Leave a Comment
209
Break out the shop vac today, or get out The Webster. Dust the tops of all your window trim and crown molding today, and get down any cobwebs or dead moths that are hanging out in the corners.
Today:
clobber the cobwebs
Tuesday. the 208th day of the year
208
We’re baking a bunch this morning to make treats for an impromptu playdate. I am just THRILLED that the new Betty Crocker GF mixes are in every grocery store. It makes life so much easier!
Today:
clean out the fridge and wipe down the outside. If you’ve got stainless steel, use an approved oil-based cleaner, or you can use furniture polish, Pam, or olive oil and a super soft (think cloth diaper or t-shirt) cloth. If you don’t have stainless steel, scrub away with disinfectant wipes an a Mr Clean magic eraser if your handle needs it.
Monday, July 26
July 26, 2010 by Stephanie · Leave a Comment
207
Welcome to a brand new week! Anything big on the agenda?
Thank you so much for all of your game suggestions over the weekend! Not only do I have a bunch of great thoughts for additions to our family shelves, I’ve got some fantastic ideas for holiday presents. Thank you!
Here’s the list of game suggestions—maybe you can pick up some for your family or for future gifts for the gamers in your life:
parcheesi
dominoes (the Mexican Train game)
Qwirkle
Scrambled States of America
Blokus
Othello
Apples to Apples Jr
Camp
anything from Cranium
anything from Gamewright
Cranium Family
Hullabaloo
Hoopla
Pictureka
Jenga
Monopoly Jr
SkipBo
Guess Who?
Guess Where?
Trouble
Moose in the House
Dicecapades
Whoonu
Ziggity
Scrabble Apple
Bananagrams
Today:
the weekend!
July 24, 2010 by Stephanie · 11 Comments
205 & 206
The kids are dying to see the new Ramona and Beezus movie, and we have two birthday parties. Other than that, we’ve got a pretty free weekend!
I’m thinking we need some new board games. The girls are 5 and 8, and we’ve outgrown Candyland and the like. I’ve read the reviews of Apples to Apples Jr., and that looks like a good fit. We haven’t tried Clue, but my 8 yr old is into detective and spy-type things, so I think she’ll get a kick out of that.
Any other suggestions? Is there any type of family-style trivia pursuit game? I wish I was better at trivia games, and should probably start easy!
This weekend:
family fun
TGIF day 204
July 23, 2010 by Stephanie · Leave a Comment
204
oh my. It’s Friday again. Yesterday was Adam’s birthday, and we opted to celebrate at home with just us five. I served birthday cake at 5pm and dinner at 6.
and then more cake at 7:15.
it was a good day.
Today:
gear up for the weekend
and gear up for back to school shopping–do it now and stay away from the crazies.
Thursday, July 22
July 22, 2010 by Stephanie · Leave a Comment
203
Good morning! I hope you’re having a wonderful week so far.
Dig out your punch list today and get stuff crossed off. Paint the baseboards that look crummy, touch-up the paint in the front entry to get rid of the grimy handprints, and replace the burnt out lightbulb above the vanity in the guest bathroom.
that kind of stuff! You can do it all by yourself. It’s tempting to pawn all that stuff off, but use today as a learning opportunity for the kids. Moms (girls) can do anything!
Today:
cross stuff off your punch list
There are very few jobs that actually require a penis or vagina. All other jobs should be open to everybody. ~Florynce Kennedy
Wednesday: dust, vacuum, and mop
July 21, 2010 by Stephanie · Leave a Comment
202
The kids camped in the tent with the neighbors last night in our backyard. I love overhearing the kids talk amongst themselves, and I’m always left really proud at the way they act. This parenting thing is much tougher than I ever thought it could be, but it’s nice to see that at least some of the lessons and values are sinking in and sticking where it counts.
hopefully.
Today:
put the wand attachment on the vacuum and suck out the dust bunnies from behind the furniture and under the couch and bookcases. If the kids want to help or do it, let them!
The will must be stronger than the skill. —-Muhammed Ali
