August
September 3rd, 2010
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Peter asked Jesus how often he was to forgive a “brother” who had sinned against him, and offered up the number “seven” as a possible answer.
Jesus waved off Peter’s guess, responding: “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.” (Matthew 18:22, NKJV)
This month…
I took the girls to see OK GO…and they didn’t put on as good of a show as I thought they would.
I missed my family reunion to go to a meeting, that was worth it, but I still missed seeing the whole family together.

We saw the BIG NAZO interactive storytelling at Kidoinfo’s Stories in the Park.
I captained the Robots to victory over our arch nemesis, the Zombies, at our Indie Arts fest exhibition bout. Pictures stolen from the Providence Phoenix here. Then, Providence Roller Derby’s all star team, the RI Riveters, beat D.C. All-stars by 11 points. What a close game!
We hosted two people on our couch this month. Joe was a nice guy, but I’m relieved he cut his visit short to travel. Victoria was our other guest and I’d love to have her stay anytime. She has a great personality – nice, knowledgeable, talented, and gracious.
We (including my cousin Sarah) went to the Boston Science Museum. Why? Because Aly wanted to see a dinosaur. We have to go back and further explore. Alex didn’t get to see the electricity show, and it’s totally worth a trip just for that. It was an adventure, to say the least – especially when we missed the train home!
The girls had sooo much fun on the train. I think many more trips to Boston are in order.
Because Aly wanted to go to the museum, and I didn’t want to pay for it, I renewed our zoo membership, which means we went to the zoo the following weekend. You have to check out my flickr photostream to see the super cute red panda!
There was a baby shower for Alex’s stepsister, Mindy, but I haven’t processed the photos. It was such a great time! I really liked spending time with that side of the family. It’s rare that we see them (not as rare as seeing my parents, though). I really wish that we were a little more family oriented and visited more often. Life is so busy, as you can tell.
We went to the beach a whole bunch and spent lots of time outdoors because the weather was so nice. Now, on to hurricane season.
I am hoping: I do awesome in the bout against Dutchland next weekend. I’m wicked excited that I was asked to go! I was getting bummed out and frustrated that I wasn’t getting better, even though people were complimenting me. Playing with the Beez really raises my spirits.
I really trying to be more personable and happy. I come off as really serious and bitchy – but it’s because I don’t chit chat. I’m working on it.
I am creating: an updated blog layout. I wanted a very slim header/navbar – which I think achieved. I’m also sewing up some more TeeBags for Craftland. I’m super excited they’re selling so well that they want more! At this rate, I’ll be able to donate a nice chunk of change to New Urban Arts.
I am teaching: Cupcake her numbers, which is so cute. Pumpkin is working on penmanship, anatomy, RI history, habitat – city, and what money is worth. She’s really into learning, and I’m upset about the negative response I’ve gotten regarding homeschooling her this year (they won’t accept her in public school because she’s too young).
We went to the state house this week, and she loved looking at all the historical stuff. I have to take her back without the distraction of her little sister…and with my camera.
In the kitchen: I’m trying to lose weight, so I’m sticking to a meal plan that’s pretty great. A typical day has cereal, berries, and milk for breakfast; tuna, apple, and milk for lunch; carrots, string cheese, and crackers for snack; and salad, meat, and potatoes for dinner. Yum-o!
Around the house: I decorated for Autumn. I created some cool beach prints for my walls. I flylady zone cleaned my little heart out. I rearranged the girls room, which they seem to love, and keep cleaner.
Around the garden: I planted some fall crops, like pumpkins, squash, and salad greens. My tomatoes and peppers finally started to bud, and my broccoli is growing well. I know it’s a little late in the season, but I might try another succession of salad greens outside.
and because I can’t resist more photos…

Next month: Sticking to our budget. Boy did we spend way too much this summer. Coheed and Cambria concert tomorrow, if the weather cooperates. I’m going on a weekend trip to PA for roller derby. I’m running a 5k to benefit Salve Regina University.
You know what would be really cool? If Grandma took the girls for the weekend so Alex could come with me to PA. That would be awesome, but I don’t expect it. My kids are a handful.
A few things to share:
- This is such a great house for inspiration.
- A-Z Tracing Worksheets
- Versailles for fairies – gardens in low, wide containers with little arbors, benches, plants and houses for fairies.
- One of the many fantastic parts about homeschooling is that you can actually put skills to use in real life situations. So, as a part of our curriculum, my daughter is writing letters to her grandmother. Just like Quinlan.
- Good Night Smoothie
- What a good idea: create a binder w/sheet protectors to hold soft-cover books. The kids can’t pull them all off the shelf at once! I did this, and it’s working sooo well!
- and so much more… If you want more of the things I share, subscribe to this feed.
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Thank You ~ August 2010
September 2nd, 2010
Some Linky Love for the following blogs/sites as a THANK YOU for sending loads of traffic my way!
From my Google Analytics report ~ August 2010
Top 5 Referring Sites
Top Visited Posts on funkEpunkEmonkE/August 2010…in case you’re curious where other readers spend their time on this blog {I always love looking at these stats}
Of course, I’d recommend reading my posts on New uses for old things and Weekly Love List.
If you’re new here, you may want to subscribe to my RSS feed and email newsletter. Thanks for visiting!
Autumn Decor
September 1st, 2010
Some people, namely my husband, might call me crazy for already breaking out the autumn decor. As I said in 2008, I love Fall. Love love love Fall. The crisp air, the changing leaves – everything about Fall inspires me.
Each year I tweak my home with the changing seasons to breathe new life into its decor. I always have plump pillows, soft throws and thick blankets strewn across the sofa arms ready for someone to cuddle under and warm themselves.
The most wonderful side effect of Fall is the increased time spent together as a family. Just spending time together , having fun together and loving each other.
You might have caught a glimpse of a pumpkin in a post from last week. Here is the rest of my autumn decor.
Isn’t this a cool cutting board? I don’t cut anything on it because I’m afraid it’s going to kill my knives, but I use it as a hot plate. I bought it a few years ago at Christmas Tree Shop. <3. Please ignore the crazy chunks of rubber taken out of my spatula. I have no clue how that happened.
These are the pumpkins Alex and the kids painted last year. I cut off the stems of the bottom two and hot glued them all together. My pumpkin isn’t shown because I sprayed it with glitter and put it as the dining room table centerpiece.
I use the top of this piano as a mantle. I have to decorate around Alex’s flat screen. Oh, the horror! I pretend that it aggravates me to no end, but I really love the stupid tv.
8 Uses for a Blowdryer (Apart from Drying Your Hair)
August 30th, 2010
Apartment Therapy has a great article on 8 Uses for a Blowdryer (Apart from Drying Your Hair). I like this one the best:
Take wax off of furniture: melt the wax using the slowest, hottest setting. Remove the wax using a paper towel then wipe off the residue with a clean cloth dipped in a mixture of equal parts vinegar (or vodka) and water. Use the same method to remove crayon marks from the walls.
New uses for old Things: Part duex
August 23rd, 2010
Car wax, unclogging drains, and how to get your husband to do more work around the house. I can’t seem to get that last one to work right for me. I’m going to try the daily routine chart on him. It works for the kids, so I’m crossing my fingers.
Source: I don’t remember for all of the pieces, but judging by the fonts and kerning, I’m going to say it’s another case of Real Simple Magazine. They really put out a great product – one of my favs







