Come letterboxing with us . . .

We have had so much fun letterboxing this summer. I really think it is the perfect family activity - free, fun, and educational. If you are not sure what letterboxing is, I talk about it here and here.

This past Friday my friend Irene planned our excursion up in Warrenton, VA. The local library provided clues to some boxes they had hid.

Our first stop was the Old Jail. Here is the clue we were given:

Commit a crime? Now do some time visiting this ‘old’ place
Behind the bars you may hear cars while climbing a scary staircase
Built in 1808 to house the inmate, now only memories dwell
But if walls could talk of times gone by, oh the stories they’d tell.
Usually open from 10 to 4 except for the first in the week
Within the walls you should find the treasure of which you seek
Through the front door you are greeted then to the right you will see
A room full of war memorabilia used to help keep men free
If you go straight through the courtyard, you’ll enter the part that is ‘new’
You are close to the prize now so pay attention to the next clue
Up a steep ladder, like that of a ship is the maximum security cell
Behind the door, in a cage, you’ll bid your journey a fond farewell!

We started at the Old Jail in Warrenton which is 200 years old. Yes, Spencer is not happy his picture is being taken. And yes, Ella is wearing two different colored shoes. According to her, it makes her look "happy." I brought both matching shoes in the car in case she changed her mind, but she was happy and I didn't feel like pushing the matching thing.

Irene read the clue and we headed into the jail. We stopped in the museum where they had a lot of fascinating articles (including a Confederate soldiers uniform) - Spencer was drawn to looking at the guns. The kids got to see the old kitchen and try out some of the "appliances" from 200 years ago.

Here are some pictures of the jail itself:



After climbing a really steep staircase into the maximum security area, the kids found the letterbox behind the door. How neat to think that most people touring the prison have no idea what is hidden there.


Stamping the books:

After the jail we followed another set of clues:

Built to house books in ’23, a gift for the town, plus you and me
The lower level the Red Cross did rent, while above hundreds of books were lent
Expanded for children in ’65, this endeavor continued to thrive
A fire marred a painting found there, a dark stain remains just under his hair
A building of history with a rich past, its’ love of reading continues to last
Today books still can be found in ‘the Cellar’ down under the ground.
Look all around you, pay attention and open your eyes
If you spy the numbers 1-9-2-3, you are very close to your prize
Half a brick circle lies on one side, the second half on the other
One lays in sun the other in shade, the opposite of its brother
Look to the right, don't step on plants and find what you see in the 'well'
Take out the box to finish your task, keep quiet and do not tell.

The kids had fun running around the building to find the numbers and then figuring out which 'well' it was hidden in :



Our final letterboxing stop was the Warrenton Cemetery. This was the hardest one for us to find. Here is the clue we were given:

Gray stones mark a pit of bones, ghosts may offer up some groans
Some reside since years gone by, some new space do occupy
All were once alive and well, all have stories they can tell
Don’t be scared just have a look and add this place to your logbook.
See some stones buffed to a gloss; keep your eye pealed for the Sheppard cross
Lizzie and Thomas Bruce are near, in 1933 they both came here
Nearby are two markers old, white stone, smooth and cold
So old dates can’t be read, but shade from a tree bathes their head
Amanda Lunceford is the name, the box lies near for you to claim.

We started to look around the cemetery and quickly realized that this was going to be a lot more difficult than the past clues. We decided to head to the main entrance and start from there. In the middle of the cemetery, we spotted this:

It is a monument to the Confederate Soldiers. I always forget that I live in the South - so it was kind of shocking. Apparently, 600 Confederate soldiers are buried here who died in the 1st and 2nd battle of Manassas. Their graves used to be marked by wood, but in 1863 the Union soldiers pulled up the markers and used them as firewood. The soldiers remained buried in anonymity until 1982 when a man started searching for the gravesite of his Confederate ancestor. He found missing records from Warrenton field hospitals that were misfiled in the National Archives and was able to identify 520 of the soldiers buried here. Their names are inscribed on a wall surrounding the monument.

We also saw the gravestone of John Singleton Mosby (complete with a Confederate flag placed on top). He was known as the "Gray Ghost" of the Confederacy.


I asked Josh and Ella to smile and got these super cheesy grins - I had to ask them to please STOP smiling :)



We finally gave up looking for the letterbox and decided to come back later. While walking to the car, I happened to notice a gravestone with the name on it that we were looking for. We were so happy to spot it:



One of the clues said to look for a "Shepard's cross." Irene and I took that to mean an actual Shepherd's cross but it turned out to be a cross with the name "Shepard" on it:



I love this picture of the kids. It looks like Ella is in charge which is her FAVORITE place to be:



I love the different places that Letterboxing takes us . . . all in all, it was a GREAT day!

Summer FUN

Spencer and Ella have been taking private swimming lessons 4-5 times a week for most of the summer. They each get their own half hour lesson. I am way impressed with how much more they learn on a one on one basis than in a group. I wish Kiley wasn't leaving for BYU Idaho - she's been wonderful!!!


This was Ella's first time having swimming lessons. Within two weeks she was swimming on her own underwater. My favorite part of watching her has been her "thumbs-up." The girl has no fear. There were a couple times in the beginning when she would be on the kickboard by herself in the middle of the pool and flip over. Kiley would get to her really quickly (while my heart stopped) and when she would pull Ella up out of the water, Ella's hand would come up first giving the "thumbs up" sign and then she would come up grinning from ear to ear.






Spencer last took lessons two years ago (I was too sick last summer). He was really nervous the first day of class but surprised me by jumping right in and swimming. He learned quickly that Kiley would not back down to his bargaining and impressed me with his willingness to try new things. He learned new swimming styles (my favorite was watching him do the breaststroke) and got to be pretty good at swimming the length of the pool.

On my radar

1. Pioneer Woman recently featured these series of books on her blog. If you missed her post, Shakespeare For Punks, be sure to check it out. How in the world did I not know about these books??? I am really excited to go out and buy them. It took all my self control not to order them immediately (Lance would be so proud). I have always loved Shakespeare and it seems like these would be the perfect way to begin studying him with the kids. Thanks P-dub!!!

2. Nothing screams wedding anniversary like a house full of 10-year-old boys having a slumber party. Our 11th anniversary is on August 15th which also happens to be the only free weekend available to do Spencer's birthday party. Good thing we are both flexible. One of my new favorite blogs ever has some great marriage posts. They are hilarious and sweet at the same time. Check them out here and here. Especially the latter, she gives advice to newlyweds. So funny!

3. Ella's nighttime escapades are finally over and she is back on a routine. Moosh in Indy has the funniest post EVER about a child getting out of bed, aptly titled Literary Birth Control. Go. Read. Laugh.

4. Stumbled across this post The Wannabe Gap Mom and Me and loved it.

5. Todays Creative Blog recently featured Wendy from The Shabby Nest. She has so many neat decorating ideas. I LOVE her boys bedroom, makeshift mudroom, chalkboard door, and numbered towel hooks.

6. Speaking of decorating, I am finally working on our playroom. We have a whole retro theme going on. I'm looking for Dick and Jane prints to put above our fireplace and have just found the perfect fabric for the window treatments (scroll down to see the lollipop fabric). Hopefully I'll be able to finish the room before preschool starts in the fall.

Babywearing 101 - Mei Tais

This is the second in a series of posts on babywearing. To see the first installment (all about wraps) click here.

Bit of history: What is now known as the Mei Tai(MT) or Asian Baby Carrier (ABC) is the modern version of a carrier that has been used for centuries in Asia. Traditional Mei Tais are a square piece of fabric with parallel straps emerging from each corner. Around 2003, a couple different takes on the Mei Tai were introduced to the market. These "modern" versions for the most part had a longer body, angled straps, padded straps, and longer top straps.

I bought my first Mei Tai around the same time that I purchased my first stretchy wrap. When researching carriers, I was completely drawn in by the cool fabrics and versatility that Mei Tais offer. I bought my first Mei Tai second hand from the For Sale or Trade Board (FSOT) at The Babywearer.

In this picture, Ella is 2 months old and I am wearing her while working on the computer:



I was instantly in love with Mei Tais. At the time, I was on the enrichment committee at church and I remember teaching a 2 hour long craft session while Ella slept tied to the front of me completely oblivious to what was going on.

I used Mei Tais regularly from the time Ella was 2 months until about 2 years old. She loved them so much that when she got tired or needed me she would sometimes drag one out of the stash and bring it to me.



Mei Tais are great because they are so easy to learn how to use. There are no buckles, zippers, etc., you simply tie them onto your body. There is not a big learning curve like there is with wraps. Also, Mei Tais are one size fits most so you and your husband can share one and it makes them pretty easy to sell when you are done with it. Because of how the baby's weight is evenly distributed throughout your shoulders and torso, Mei Tais are very comfy and especially great for the toddler stage. They are versatile because you can wear them on your front, back, or even on your side.



To prove how comfy Mei Tais are, here is a picture of me carrying both kids. Kozy on the back and Freehand on the front (Spencer is 7 here, Ella 1).



They are also great for putting under coats in the rain or cold weather. In this picture we had just gotten back from walking to the bus stop to pick up Spencer. I was able to keep her covered under my umbrella while we walked.



The market has exploded with different versions of the Mei Tai in the past couple of years. My two favorites remain the Kozy and the Freehand. You can see many more Mei Tais here.

Mei Tai Instructions:

Kozy Instructions: I would start with these instructions - they work for any Mei Tai. Kelley (the creator of the Kozy) shows step by step all the different Mei Tai carries. She also shows how to nurse while wearing a Mei Tai.
Various Mei Tai tips, tricks, and techniques.

Feeling overwhelmed by all this info? The Babywearer has a Choosing and Using Forum where you can ask any questions you might possibly have about Mei Tais.

Kozy Carrier:






Mei Tais are great for hiking! I wore Ella comfortably for hours on my back while hiking trails or walking through parks.

Freehand Carrier:





I used Mei Tais quite frequently when going to DC. It was easier to throw Ella on my back and ride the Metro to check out a museum or fair than having to lug the stroller around all day with me.

Sachi Carrier:




I forgot to mention that Mei Tais are reversible. Lance is wearing the same Sachi that I am in the picture right above his - just with the print on the inside. Nothing cuter than my hubby doing chores while babywearing (he had just taken out the trash)!

Panel Kozy (custom one of a kind - no longer made):


The cost of Mei Tais has definitely increased in the couple of years since I was using them. The average price now for a Mei Tai is $75. But you can definitely purchase one used on the For Sale or Trade Board (FSOT) at The Babywearer. I got a lot of my carriers trading and selling there. Mei Tais are well worth every penny, they are so much more comfy than the Baby Bjorns you see everyone using and definitely better on the baby's spine.

For anyone who didn't read the first post on babywearing or have stumbled onto this site and are thinking "why is this woman so crazy!," here are some links about it:

Great Things About Babywearing
How Being Carried Affects Babies (translated from German)

I am doing these posts on babywearing for my sister Brittany who asked if I could send her all my information and links on babywearing (she had no idea what she was getting herself into!). Brittany, the Kozy is finally on its way to you. I hope you love it as much as we did!

Target STEALS

Head to Target!!! Toys are clearanced at 75% off. I was in there yesterday and picked up a ton of Christmas gifts for $3.00 or less. My Target had a clearance aisle with 30% off signs but when I looked the toys were all marked at 75% off so don't let the signs fool you. The clearanced toys were on that aisle, on all the endcaps, and mixed in with the other toys. I know the sale has been going on for a couple days but I was still able to find some really good stuff.

Happy Shopping!

Fashion Show for Aunt GG . . .

. . . and anyone else interested in the *modest* dresses I found at Target the other day.

Target still does not have these up on their website so I roped Ella into being a model. We had lots of fun. I bought the dresses a little big because I plan on using them in the fall/winter.

Dress #1 - Little Black Dress $12.99 (they also have this same dress in cream):






Dress #2 Hot Pink Dress $12.99:

Ella begged for this one - it's her favorite color.



Dress #3 - Black Dress with tiny hearts ($14.99):



Long Red shirt with black leggings:

The pics don't do this one justice. We were inside due to rain and the flash went off. It really is more of a deep deep red - not red/orange like the pic shows.





We are doing back-to-school shopping tomorrow since it is TAX-FREE weekend. If I find any other great deals I will post them.

Events of Last Night: A Pictorial

Picture it. Wednesday, July 30th, 12:30 AM

Amy revels in the fact that everyone is in bed and the house is all hers.

Peace and quiet. At last.

Let's check in with everyone else.



Where is Ella?

Unfortunately for her, Amy is oblivious to the fact that her dear daughter is no longer asleep.

12:35 AM - Suddenly, Amy hears a THUMP from upstairs.

Amy blames it on the kittens.



12:42 AM - Amy (still oblivious) hears small footsteps and then a voice from upstairs.



Amy goes to check on Ella and is met by this creature:



Amy (staying calm) asks Ella what she has on her face. Ella replies "chocolate." Amy asks Ella if it possibly could be Amy's make-up. Ella drags Amy to the fridge where she pulls out a container of chocolate frosting. Amy jumps on this prime parenting moment and explains to Ella the difference between the truth and a lie. Amy pats herself on the back for a stellar job well done.



Ella agrees to tell the truth and takes Amy upstairs to show her what is on her face. Ella stops at Spencer's room and says very seriously "Spencer gave me chocolate and told me to put it on my face." Amy tries not to laugh as she realizes the whole truth/lie conversation went right over her head.

Amy takes Ella to Amy's bathroom to question her near the scene of the crime. The evidence being make-up everywhere and dozens of crumpled up tissues with make-up on them all over the floor.

Ella finally tells Amy what she used after about 25 varying stories.

Amy gives Ella a bath. Once all the make-up and hair gel is off, Amy sees this:



Amy realizes her daughter is having an allergic reaction and needs Benadryl. Because Ella is on Amoxicillin and Motrin for strep throat, Amy calls a rude advice nurse who Amy believes cannot possibly have kids.



On the way down the stairs, Amy's daughter said this:



As if it never occurred to Amy at all that Ella should be in bed at 1 in the morning.

The advice nurse okay'd the use of Benadryl. YAY!!!!!



Amy put Ella to bed after taking the Benadryl. Amy stayed up another hour to make sure the rash wasn't spreading.

Guess what time Amy went to bed???

Did Ella sleep in the next day?

Nope. But she did look like this:

More about The Grocery Game (Time)

I've had a couple e-mails in the past week asking how much time The Grocery Game takes. Ya'll know that I am crazy busy with work, kids, church assignments, etc. I don't have time for anything else - which is one of the reasons I LOVE The Grocery Game.

How much time does it take me?

1 hour on Sundays (cutting and organizing coupons)
Approx. 45 mins. in the store usually on Tuesday morning.

That's it.

Certainly way less time than I was spending shopping pre grocery game. I'm not very organized so I used to make several trips to the grocery store weekly.

The beauty of The Grocery Game is that they do all the work for you. I get 4 of the same newspaper every week. I cut my coupons by stacking all the inserts together so I am cutting out 4 coupons at once. Hopefully that makes sense. I file them immediately into my folder.

Sometime before Tuesday morning I look at the list for the week on my computer. I check the items that I am going to buy and print the list up. I take my whole folder (which is alphabatized) to the store with me. The list is already organized in the layout of my store so there is no going back and forth trying to find anything, it just leads you through the store.

There are definitely other FREE ways to figure all the coupon stuff out. There are several websites and message boards. BUT, I like that I don't have to do anything. I don't have to look at ads and try to match them to my coupons. I don't have to know the 12 week cycle of stores and figure out if the sale is really at the lowest price. The Grocery game does all that for me. It costs me $15 every 8 weeks - that works out to be $1.88/week. I subscribe to two stores (Harris Teeter and CVS). It would cost me less if I just did one store.

Whew . . . The Grocery Game should be paying me for all this free publicity on my blog (LOL!). I hope this answered everyone's questions. I think I promised someone pictures of my folder. I will try and get to that in this upcoming week.

WFMW - Clothes shopping with kids

The kids and I went to Target after swim lessons this morning. While there, I stumbled upon some darling MODEST dresses for Ella. I don't usually try on clothes with her in the store, I buy them and then return them if they don't fit. It's just not worth the headache otherwise. But Ella is now wearing an XS or S in girls clothes and at my Target those 2 sizes are gone quickly. I knew if I didn't buy them now we most likely would not be able to exchange for the size we needed. That's when I realized Ella was in a swimsuit under her swimsuit cover-up.

It was magic.

I slid her cover-up off and was able to quickly put the dresses on over her swimsuit right there in the aisle.

From now on, she will be wearing her swimsuit when we go clothes shopping . . . well, as long as she'll let me get away with it. So easy.

I wanted to include pics but the dresses aren't up on the website yet.

Trying on kids clothes in a bathing suit (on the kids - not me) is what is working for me this week. Shannon from Rocks in My Dryer is taking a break from WFMW for awhile. You can check out past WFMW ideas here Works for me Wednesday.

My previous WFMW posts:

Sweet Spinach Bread
Library Bags
Letterboxing
Curling Ribbon
Safe Plastics
5 Ingredients or Less
Laundry Tip
DIY Lip Gloss