Blog: Shoestring Living - Dansville, NY - Dansville

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the graduate

The last thing that I have time for is a blog post, but I'm so enamored by the images captured tonight of Finn at his kindergarten graduation that I just had to write. I have hours of laundry left anyway, before heading to the airport and a much anticipated weekend in Asheville, NC with Mike.

Montessori Children's Garden just plain does it right. What a special experience they gave our kids tonight, in perfect weather, sitting in their kid-sized chairs on the lawn. Each of the twelve graduates were talked about in detail, with their teachers telling all the guests what makes each one of them so special. Then, the kids got a chance to speak as well, telling us all their favorites about school at MCG. I cannot express how much I love this school and the amazing staff members who grace its halls.

Finn and his "A" last name were up first and Miss Teresa talked about how his excitement for school has grown so much over the last two years and how creative he is. Then she ended, with Finn's permission, with a story about his most recent Mother's Day letter to me. Really, let's allow the letter to speak for itself.

As you might have guessed, Finn's "ferret" comparison was a killer and we all laughed out loud. Never in my life would I have thought my son would find me similar to a rodent that requires de-skunking, but hey, I'll wear it with pride because I'm sure he means it in the nicest possible six-year-old way. After graduation, a few moms that I didn't know even asked, "Are you the Ferret Mom?"

"Yes, yes I am," I proudly replied. What a hoot this kid is!

So here are some pictures of our little graduate, who was blessed enough to have a crowd there in his honor to cheer him on, and to whom, I know, only great things will come! Love you like crazy little dude!

Check out last year's Mother's Day Letter - he's growing up!!

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Updated May 16, 2012 @ 11:46 AM

young naperville singers

What a thrill it was to watch Logan in her sixth concert with the Young Naperville Singers last weekend. She just completed her 3rd year with this group, as part of the Cantabile Singers of Young Fox Valley and the experience has been top-notch all the way through.

At one of our annual parent meetings, YNS artistic director, Angie Johnson, mentioned that she believes singing keeps kids' hearts soft. In a world full of heart-hardening competition, I believe she's right. Of course I'm anxious and excited for Logan's concerts, hoping she'll have a great performance, but it's such a different experience than other activities our kids participate in. Just watching them up on stage, you can see how it changes kids for the good and builds them up inside for the future.

Taking Logan to that vocal audition in 1st grade, I felt scared for her and wondered how she'd do, without me in the room to hear her and cheer her on. But she did just fine! Three years later, my daughter fearlessly performs, smiling and relaxed, striving for a solo or a chance to stand out. Along with piano lessons, she has taken her talents further on her own, writing lyrics and composing her own music. As a non-musical music lover, I could have never helped her develop these interests. I am so grateful that YNS and YFVS has given her the opportunity to bloom in this way.

The bottom line is, this is not your typical choral group experience. The exposure to different cultures and musical styles is endless and the performances are breath-taking. If you have a child that loves to sing, consider this amazingly talented group that focuses promoting the highest level of artistic excellence in choral music, through extraordinary educational and performance experiences that enrich the lives of young people.

Past concerts:
catching my breath
young fox valley singers
and the angels sang
voices of angels

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Updated May 15, 2012 @ 08:45 AM

and our baby turns SIX!

There isn't a day that goes by that I'm not thankful that Mike and I took that leap of faith and decided on baby number three. Finn delivers bursts of joy every single day and even more humor. He is cuddly and cute and all boy, hates to cry but will share endless details of his most recent injury, and still carries Whoa Whoa around in his more quiet moments. He's into any sport that you want to play, would rather be engaged in an activity over television when he can, but loves a good Sponge Bob episode, too.

Finn asks "Do you think..." and "Why does..." questions all day long. Last Friday, he had a half day and we ran birthday party related errands all afternoon. He asked me questions from 12:30 to 4:15, when his kid-party began. I called Mike at one point to say that I really didn't think I could take much more. Here's a sample:

"Do you think a spaceship made that mark in the sky?"

"Can people go inside that water tower?"

"Why don't birds get electrocuted when they site on electrical wires?"

"Do you know why I think the black angry bird is the coolest?"

"Isn't Squidward funny when he does that?"

"Do you know why this t-shirt has an "A" on it?"

"Why can't we kneel in the communion the whole time?"

"Do you want to go check on your flowers at the end of the porch?"

And my favorite, "How does this work?"

Finn is more interested in the garden and landscape that his sisters. He weeded the whole vegetable patch on Sunday with Mike and then helped me plant all the veggies. When I say that he 'helped', I actually mean it. His work ethic comes directly from his Daddy - they will both help until they can't help anymore. They are the two best men I know.

Finn is a great reader and now reads to us at night almost 100% of the time. He's figured out that reading anything is possible, and he proved it last week with Dr. Seuss' Fox in Sox. I can barely get through that book, but he did it perfectly! He is math-minded though and requests or makes up his own math questions throughout each day for fun.

"Mom, do you know what 200 + 300 is? Do you know what 12 - 6 is? Do you know what 8 +7 is?"

He loves to cook and expands his tight line-up of favorite foods daily. He will always say "I'm sorry" when it counts, even if it's hours after his offense. And he says "thank you" when it counts, too. I just love him for that. And at night, even if he's toasty and warm inside his covers, he'll pop out once more to jump into my arms for another goodnight hug. For now, holding him is a breeze, but I can't imagine how soon he'll grow too big for me to handle a legs-around-the-waist squeeze. So I won't imagine it.

Instead, I'll wish my strong, sweet, smart, sensitive, loving, laid back, generous, funny boy a Happy 6th Birthday. Finn, anything you want is possible. Everything you wish for will come true.

May you always have a life of love, laughs, health and joy.

____________________________
See how he's grown!
finn turns 5!
finn's four!
on the verge
happy birthday finn!

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Updated May 14, 2012 @ 11:45 AM

post mother's day blow up

Yesterday was a great day. I felt loved, a little spoiled, immersed in a favorite past-time, and eventually, a little guilty. However, the party is over and today is another story entirely. On the morning following a celebration of the role I cherish most, I feel spent and sad and exhausted. Lost homework turned into WW III, big changes have presented new and confusing challenges, this might be the busiest week of life so far, and Mom exploded on the (late) ride to school.

None of the concerns that I loudly voiced on the way to school were incorrect. Everything was something that needed to be said. My kids are getting older and even though they fight it, sometimes they have no choice but to rise to the challenges that face them. If they can, I've done my job.

And I know that they will. That somehow, just when they think they can't, they'll realize they can. That they had the power all along, right inside. It's my responsibility to make sure they discover that inner power as soon as possible and help them harness it to use in whatever way their dreams lead. So, sometimes I'm tough and tell them what they need to know, once again, because it hasn't sunk in quite yet.

Then they hop from the car, obviously tired of my words, possibly feeling their sting just a bit. As I watch their tiny (and huge at the same time) bodies walk away and into the world, my heart falls deep, deep down into a place I hate to go. Why do I ever yell at them ever? I just love them so much it hurts. Literally.

I can't imagine growing up in the world that they face. Technology and its implications beyond imagination, more pressure to succeed than ever, and growing requirements and expectations at every turn, are just some of the things they face. And they're just little kids. Kids who, more than anything else in the whole wide world, I just want to be happy.

I know that I'm good at this job, most of the time. And I'm human, so I have to forgive myself the mistakes I make, just as I forgive my kids. I mean, how can we improve if we never falter? So here's to falling, getting back up and being better than you were before. Every single day.

________________________________________________
Interested in some past Mother's Day posts? Here are a few:

Just in Time for Mother's Day
Mother's Day Breakfast
Mother's Day 2009

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Updated May 11, 2012 @ 12:45 PM

why pinterest rocks

I wouldn't call myself an early-adopter. It takes me awhile to ramp up an interest in something new in the virtual world. I waited a long time before venturing onto Facebook and just started Tweeting last week. (Follow me @MollyLoganAnder.) But Pinterest, for me, is another story.

I've been wondering what it is about this seemingly pointless online bulletin board that continues to hold my attention week after week. I look for pockets of time to spend searching through not only my Pinterest friend's boards, but also through the "Everything" category, where I can peruse thousands of endlessly generating pins from folks throughout the world. I could easily spend forever on this site. Here's why I love it:

It's so pretty
It feels as if the most hip and stylish peeps in Internet Land combed tirelessly through the net and came up with this perfectly categorized collection of PICTURES of the best of everything on the planet and then called it Pinterest. From home improvement solutions, to fashion finds, to travel inspiration, to garden ideas to, MY FAVORITE: recipes; Pinterest has it all sorted out, depicted and labeled for our searching pleasure. One word, like "chandelier", results in a veritable banquet for the eyes and endless suggestions for whatever it is you're looking, without the stuff you don't want to see.

It's like shopping
For someone who writes a column about frugality each week, limiting shopping is key. However, I like to shop as much as the next girl. I've found that a good twenty minutes on Pinterest leaves me feeling like I've actually spent some cash. And the money-saving ideas and organization suggestions offered, help save time and money, too.

It's usable
I've implemented or tried so many Pinterest-found ideas, I can't even count them. It's my go-to source for new recipes now, more than any other site. The images make the decision for me and so far, most recipes have been delish, with some even being adopted as family-favorites. I've got a stockpile of garden projects in the works, like this cucumber trellis and a plan to make our builder-grade bathroom better with some simple woodwork.

It's inspiring
The best part about Pinterest is that it gets my creative juices flowing. In terms of interior decor, design, fashion and food, I absolutely love the style-provoking ideas from pinners that I follow. They don't inspire me to copy, just get me thinking about my own style and how to create a home tailor-made and designed by me. And the quotes, well, I'm a sucker for a good quote any day of the week. Love them. My boards feel like the ultimate vision collage - don't you remember making those works of art a million years ago?

But the jury is still out on...
Businesses. For now, it's an instant turn off to see a price tag on the corner of a pin. I've read about how brands big and small are getting on the Pinterest bandwagon and I just don't get it. The last thing I'd put on my bulletin board is an ad from the Gap (even though I'm a big fan!) My Pinterest boards are for ideas, styles and design, of any type, from non-retail pinners, that speak to me. I look back through them as a reminder of what makes me happy and to inspire me to make all walks of my life more authentically me. So, for regular old folks like you and me, I get sharing who you are through your pins. But for big brands with sales on the brain, the jury is still out.

If you're pinterested... follow me on Pinterest via the pin in the upper right corner!

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Updated May 10, 2012 @ 03:45 PM

i wish i didn't hate may

I shouldn't hate May, I mean, May marks Finn's arrival into our lives, but I growl inside every time another May appointment - game - concert - event - anything must be put into the schedule. My calendar software chuckles at me (literally, with reminders beeping about something new every 15 minutes) as I try to find spots for necessities, as if it holds the secret to making it all fit, but refuses to share it. I feel like the frog in that archaic video game, Frogger, do you remember it?

I begin the day at 5 AM, staring at a full lineup of overlapping meetings and responsibilities and I hop here and there, backtracking and side-winding, just trying to get where I need be (asleep) at 10 PM. I'm not dodging cars and trucks, I'm dodging teacher requests, celebrations of any type and new season start-up meetings. And I don't get three lives like Frogger. I only get one.

It's honestly laughable to imagine Mother's Day plopped in the middle of this mix - what a joke! Although I fully intend to enjoy a full day of garden-dirty hands, and get my floral and vegetable fix, I can't imagine where the time or energy (or money) will come from. If I write one more check for an end of year t-shirt, appreciation item or unexpected activity expense, I think I might just throw in the towel.

I've said it before and I'll say it again - MAY IS WORSE THAN DECEMBER!

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Updated May 09, 2012 @ 12:45 PM

my take on fifty shades

I'll just put it out there.... I've read Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L. James. I've read the second one, too and I'm half way done with the third. Curiosity got the best of me after I heard about it in every corner of my life and I just had to know what it was all about. Then my book club adopted it this month, actually swapped it out with another read, and we discussed it last night.

All month long, I've worried that a.) my book club would think me a total pervert for suggesting it, b.) my children may suddenly peek over my shoulder and catch a glimpse at what I was reading and c.) the media concern and coverage of what many outlets are touting as disturbing is likely a total waste of air-time.

The fact is that Fifty Shades of Grey is mindless entertainment at its best. Promoted as steamy erotica for suburban moms, Fifty Shades is exactly that and nothing more. In my opinion, it's not disturbing or degrading in any way. It's not the great American novel either, but it's thoroughly engrossing for sure. If anything, my curiosity is satisfied and I'm more educated and less judgmental about a consenting-adult lifestyle that I previously knew nothing about.

As someone who has never read ANYTHING like this, the initial scenes, descriptions and subject matter were a little shocking; but shocking in the same way that we like to watch steamy love scenes in movies or people wiping out on American's Funniest Videos. No, this is nowhere near a PG-rating, but does everything need to be?

Fifty Shades was a true departure for me and everyone in our Book Club, but it was completely refreshing to experience and partake in the discussion that followed. It's unlikely that this book is saving marriages as I've read in the press, but I think I can say that for some, it's heating them up and reminding us all of a time in our lives when passion, not the carpool schedule, was first and foremost on our minds. What's wrong with that? And discussing it with a group of friends might just be the funniest few hours I've ever enjoyed. (Imagine quips about Fifty Shades Charades, strong pelvic floors and multi-use chip clips - it was nothing shy of hilarious!)

I've also heard concern that exposure to this book will lead women down new paths in their lives that they never intended to go. Let's give women a little more credit. It was interesting, fantastical, ridiculous, provocative, and a little inspiring, if I'm being honest. But on the flip side, I have no desire to change my lifestyle as a result of this book. I found parts of it annoying, repetitive and desensitizing, too.

Finally, Fifty Shades does not belong in the hands of youngsters, probably not even college students - they already have enough out-of-the-box ideas and activities in their lives. The thought of my daughters reading this in the years to come is appalling and I wouldn't recommend it until they know themselves very, very well.

Other than managing the ages of the eyes that fall upon it, Fifty Shades of Grey should not to be analyzed to death and taken so seriously. Instead, it should be taken on vacation and devoured. Purely for the complete departure from reality and the plain and simple fun of it.

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Updated May 08, 2012 @ 06:45 PM

setback

My head is killing me. Well, not literally, but it feels like it sometimes! It's definitely killing my joy!

My initial rush of excitement about the right meds doing the trick on this noggin of mine is starting to fade, with a sudden increase in the severe migraines that I typically only experience once or twice a year. I've had three in the last four weeks, on top of my regular headaches, and they are not reacting to the abortive medicine, Frova, that once worked for me. I called the doctor to today to let them know that things are sliding. Hope to hear back soon. I fear the word "injection" is on the horizon.

This migraine thing is a challenge. I feel like a complainer. I hate saying, yet again, "Please be quiet, Mommy has a headache." What a bore. I really just don't want a headache. Is that too much to ask?

The last round of information was that our current plan seemed to be working, and that I needed another EEG to see if an abnormal brain wave and low seizure threshold had corrected itself after two months of a new medicine. Another tidbit of unwelcome news: I'm not allowed one drop of alcohol for about a year! I'm not a big drinker, but hearing that it was totally out of the question feels a little bit restrictive. I mean, really? It's summertime!

As Mike and I prepare for our first weekend away in years, I'll be ordering a Perrier, I guess. And that trip with our high school pals on the Kentucky Bourbon trail in July? Well, that won't be quite what I imagined. But at least the group will have a designated driver in tow.

This temporary personal prohibition really isn't a big deal. It's the thought of a headache arriving on vacation that is worrying me sick. I'll do anything to have a headache-free, marriage-building weekend away. Cheers to the doctor calling soon.

Oh, and there is some good news: a new pal seems to be an expert on the best non-alcoholic beveridges around. Can't wait to try her favorite, Buckler, St. Pauly Girl NA, and surprising top-choice, Busch NA, sometime soon!

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Updated May 07, 2012 @ 05:45 PM

shoestring living: making mother's day more meaningful

Here's my most recent Shoestring Living video: Make Mother's Day More Meaningful!

Look for links, like this one, to my latest published articles, columns and videos in the coming months.

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Updated May 07, 2012 @ 10:45 AM

gymnastics state meet 2012

Just had to share these fabulous professional shots of Riley at this year's USAG Level 4 State Meet in Peoria. She competed fabulously and ranked 8th All Around in a super-tough age group. She also placed on beam and floor and put up her personal best on bars as well. She's a star and we are SO proud of her! Mostly, we just love that she's founds something she loves so very much!

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Updated May 07, 2012 @ 08:45 AM

boys will be boys

Just days away from his 6th birthday, Finn continues to provide constant comic relief for us all. Last weekend, he had a friend over and they were all playing in the "ditch". No, it's not really a ditch, but a ravine that runs perpendicular to our street just one house away. They of course call it a ditch though, to anyone who'll listen, and I'm continually concerned that people think I let my child play in a murky mud puddle alongside a busy road. However, I digress.

So, Finn and his buddies, two from the street and one from the other side of the neighborhood, were playing in the ditch. It's like their own little world of forest. Over the years, the boys have built a fort in there, and to be honest, I've never gone to see it. They've never borrowed wood or tools, so I'm assuming it's just a natural structure built from whatever they could find in the ravine. After a day full of ditch-loving fun, it was time to take his buddy home, who lives several blocks away.

As we got in the car, Finn's pal said, "There's pee on my sweatshirt."

"There's what on your sweatshirt?" I asked. "Why?"

"Well, [insert another child's name] peed on it."

"He peed on it? Like on purpose?"

I receive two blank stares.

"What happened? Did you two pee in the ditch?"

"No, just he did," answers Finn (the liar.)

Fast forward to our arrival at my friend's house. I return her son, tell her what happened and to wash the sweatshirt. Thank God she's a good friend.

Finn gets a lecture about ditch-playing and peeing outdoors on the way home, as he continues to steadfastly deny his involvement. I am grossed out that my child is playing where people are peeing.

Fast forward a few days and we're at a school function with the friends who own the peed-on sweatshirt. They inform me that their honest son immediately cracked under the pressure and said all four of the boys peed in the ditch, not just the one. I can't wait to get Finn home.

And when I do, I learn that the ingenious little tikes have built a fort that actually has a bathroom in it. And they all use it. Regularly.

-------

One more of the road.

Last night Finn says, "You know what my friend says? He says, "Ball-SSSS" and then, "Get it?"" He chuckles.

And I say, "What do you mean? What does he mean by that?"

And he says, "Why don't YOU know, Mom?" He appears shocked by my ignorance.

I sit like a deer in headlights and Mike laughs hysterically, making a joke that involves the word "nuts". Yes, this is helpful.

Boys will be boys.

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Updated May 04, 2012 @ 08:45 AM

the last bowl

I've been dreading its demise for weeks as I washed it and noticed the cracks becoming more and more apparent. Just as the bowl's heyday moves further and further away in the rear view mirror, its existence has been threatening to do the same. When I removed it from the dishwasher (what was I thinking?) this morning, I noticed that a few bits of food remained post-washing. While cleaning it by hand, I saw the death-crack. Not another chink in the armor, but a life-ending, through-and-through crack from one end to the center of the bowl. Crud.

You see, this bowl is the last of its kind from another lifetime, a million years ago, when everything was different and all that's happened was only a dream yet to unfold. It once belonged to a set of four Pottery Barn bowls that seems almost silly to be obsessing over, but it is so significant as a constant reminder of that special point in time.

The beautiful blonde that we met on a hot and steamy Tampa day, wearing grassy heels and cut off shorts became a partner for endless fun, our mother figure far from home and a cherished friend. We talk to her far too seldom and have seen her even less in the last 12 years, but she's on our mind often. Miss Debbie Carter gave us our bowls and at the time, I think they were the nicest thing Mike and I owned. We ate nearly every meal from them and they made us feel cool, you know, Pottery Barn classy, even in our much-loved $350 per month rental house, where we barely made ends meet.

Three of our bowls were gone about four years ago; dropped or knocked off the table's edge by a playful toddler or an excited dog's tail. But this last one, it hung on. Until now, I've used it daily to house my giant lunch salad - it sits perfectly in my hand as I catch up on emails. To learn it had served its purpose for the last time brought tears to my eyes. As one of the few remaining talismans from such a memorable time in our lives, it will surely be missed.

I know it must seem ridiculous. But isn't it really the little things that make us who we are? I'd never miss a piece of our china, which has been used only once in 15 years. This bowl is a sign of where we once were, where we hoped to go, who we hoped to be and how far we've come.

It represents THIS time in our lives, which sometimes seems so long ago and at other times: just like yesterday.

It's the definition of memorabilia and even though I'm not a saver, you can bet this chipped and pitted remnant will be placed in a box somewhere, only to be uncovered by my children or grandchildren someday.

"Why in the world would she save this?" they'll ask.

And if I'm not around to tell them, maybe my blog will.

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Updated May 02, 2012 @ 12:45 PM

the right folks at the right time

I recently read somewhere that in order to welcome the right situations and people into your life at the right times, you've got to say "yes" as often as possible. For this homebody, saying "yes" is sometimes a challenge, but hindsight and wisdom get me out the door even when my tired bod says "no."

That being said, there's no way that I would have turned down to the opportunity to meet with two of my personal writing mentors. I jumped at the chance to help respected friend and colleague, Patti Minglin, CEO of Go Girl Communications, at a recent meeting. In the midst, I finally met my amazing Chicago Parent editor, Alena Murguia, who I've known - only virtually - for more than four years. I can't tell you how much fun it was to hash out creative ideas with a group that extended beyond me, myself and I. What's more, the meeting ended with a serious take-away for me - a big time lecture regarding my lackadaisical attitude about self-promotion.

It's ironic that I put myself out into the world, my naked words alone on pages and screens all over the U.S., and never think a thing of it. Conversely, I can barely contemplate sharing these same articles and columns with those that frequent my social media networks. Every day I advise clients to use social media to their advantage, to extend their customer bases and further establish their brand through Twitter, Facebook, blogs and more. Some serious soul-searching has left me with a realization: rejection from those closest to me might just be my ultimate fear, but putting myself out there might just be the most trusting endeavor of my life. Not only is it an opportunity for career growth, but for enormous personal growth, too.

With the help of technology, the stern words of wise friends and a healthy dose of courage, I am turning the proverbial page. I know what I want and I intend to get it. The time is now. Much gratitude to Alena and Patti for the words I needed to hear.

I am currently reading The Alchemist by Paolo Coelho. While I've barely gotten into it, the message is already ringing clear. The old king says to the boy in search of his Personal Legend, "When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it."

I believe that's true. And when you combine 'want' with 'effort' while focused on your passion?

Success is the only possible outcome.

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Updated Apr 30, 2012 @ 10:45 PM

parenting hall of fame

Mike and I were surely inducted into the Parenting Hall of Fame in the wee hours of this morning. You see, after a weekend full of painting Logan's room, we had finally gotten all the furniture back in place, blinds and valances back up and the finishing touches done. Anyone who knows my husband knows that this was not a weekend project, but instead hours of work working efforts, patching and sanding over the last several weeks, all aimed at perfection. And when it was done it was pretty darn close.

So at midnight, smack inside a very deep sleep, I thought I was dreaming that someone was saying my name. But then I heard it again and slowly climbed my way out of those comfy depths, and I as I neared consciousness, I knew that something unsavory awaited me. Boy was I right.

Poor Logan, who ate Chicken Marsala off the adult menu at Carrabbas last night and loved it, obviously had overdone it. And awaking abruptly herself to the feeling of severe nausea in her loft bed, she was unable to get out in time. Her attempts to escape to the bathroom failed spectacularly and the ENTIRE room paid the price. I cannot explain the scene I walked into and I won't even try. I'll only say that the freshly painted walls, couch, blinds, carpet and all her bedding were not spared. And after two hours of cleaning efforts throughout the night, the carpet cleaners are coming tomorrow.

Mike said it best, "Of all the childhood bodily fluids we've had to deal with, this is by far the worst ever!"

And I agree. Hence much Internet research on where we can buy airplane vomit bags and our self-prescribed induction to the Parenting Hall of Fame. After this, there's no denying that we deserve it!

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Updated Apr 10, 2012 @ 01:45 PM

what i've got

I've talked about it here, in my column and other places I write: you must love what you've got. I really believe that it's the secret to life. That being said, life doesn't always make it easy. We all have constant curve balls coming our way, making our vision blurry and our thoughts collide. But then something, anything, sets us straight again on the path we're meant to be. For me, that path is loving what I've got.

The more time I spend with my family; wait - the more unencumbered time I spend with my family - the easier it is to stay on the path. This weekend, even with holiday busyness, we had some time to just hang out and be a family. For me these truly are the best of times. And yes, the kids argued about silly things. One threw a fit when a playroom sleepover was abruptly terminated. Another fought the first of two annual attempts to get the child to wear clothing other than sweats. The third stomped and sighed in shock when we had the audacity to request bed-making and wet towel pick up. They're kids.

They're kids that frustrate me at times and push my buttons like no other humans could. They're kids that shock me in both good and bad ways. They're kids that make me cry hard and laugh harder. They're kids for which I worry tirelessly, pray so hard and dream beyond imagination. They make me beam with pride and ache with exhaustion. They are our kids and for all their human faults, man do they deliver on joy. Seeing them this weekend, dressed in their Sunday best and making me proud at every turn, I realized that all that matters is right now and loving right now.

I surely do love what I've got.

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Updated Apr 03, 2012 @ 08:45 AM

an early, unexpected spring day

Last weekend, we visited Mom and Tony in Evanston for the day. Mike's cousin Chuck and his family were in town from Ohio and we had a great time getting to know them better and running around at the lake. The weather this spring has been nothing short of amazing! Eighty degrees in early March is just unheard of, but we'll take it. As a matter of fact, keep it coming!

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Updated Apr 03, 2012 @ 07:45 AM

laudery winnings

Talking about what we'd do with $640 million in lottery winnings was a highlight of our weekend. I doubt the kids really even knew what the lottery was before the Mega Millions jackpot grew so large that they were hearing about it everywhere. In an attempt to kill the hour drive to the city on Friday, we talked about what we'd do with a potential windfall.

There was lots of generosity and philanthropy. Life would get better for everyone we love, for sure. We would build a huge, luxurious lake house somewhere beautiful and warm and another somewhere mountainous and think seriously about where we wanted to live full-time. Jobs would be quit and dream jobs would be created. World travels would commence. Financial worries would be a thing of the past.

I commented to Mike how funny it was that the kids threw out a few ideas, but didn't have the same intensity that we did in planning out our ideal financial life. It made us feel good that whether things are tight or not, they don't feel financial pressure, or at least not for too long.

Lately though, Riley has been paying more attention to how much things cost. It's like, when I give them an idea of how expensive things are and try to help grow the roots of sound financial decision-making, she's the only one who actually hears me. She thinks about it.

At the end of the day on Friday, just before the big drawing, we stopped to buy some tickets. The girls were excited and even though we assured them that it was just for fun, they wanted to go in with me. While we waited in the long line, I noticed that Riley's fingers, all of them, were crossed. They were both a bit giddy, kind of jumping up and down. I reminded them that the chances were EXTREMELY low that we'd win and Riley blurted out loudly, "But I want to move to Hollywood!"

Everyone in line burst out laughing.

"Listen, even if we win, we're not moving to Hollywood!" I jokingly answered.

"Alright then, North Carolina!!" she responded with her best Groucho Marx eye brow raises.

Needless to say, we didn't win. But it took Riley a few days to believe in our loss. On Sunday morning, she raced out to get the newspaper and compare our numbers with the ones in the paper. Finally, she got it. Not this time. But what enthusiasm! What confidence that the future holds great things! They all have that and I love it. And I have it, too.

After the loss sunk in, Riley sneaked over to my phone and texted Mike at the gym.

"We won the laudery, Mike!" she wrote.

"What's that? A windfall of dirty laundry?" he responded. (Um, when it comes to winning, we've got that category covered!)

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Updated Apr 03, 2012 @ 07:45 AM

playing hookie

After 18 years, I finally talked Mike into a day off for no good reason! We hit the city on Friday, the kids' last day of Spring Break. After a few awesome hours at the Adler Planetarium and bumming around the beach for awhile, we had to try out Big and Little's, a killer dive from Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives on the Food Network. What a thrill it was to eat where Guy, one of our favorite celebs, visited!

This family of foodies even felt adventurous enough to try the foie gras and fries! (Well, everyone but Finn, that is!) I love trying something new, and I love it even more that our kids do, too. Will I eat foie gras again? Um, no. I think it's safe to say that it was too much for this vegetarian-ish girl, even though as a food lover I felt compelled to try it. But will we return to Big and Littles? Absolutely! The fish and chips was the best I've had and generous enough for Logan and me to share. (And anyone who has eaten with me knows, I don't like to share!) Mike had a sausage sandwich smothered in blue cheese - OMG. And Riley and Finn devoured "the biggest and best burgers they've ever had!"

We shot over to Sprinkles Cupcakes to try the award-winner, but the city would not allow us to park and the line out the door was a bit of a deterrent. Driving around the block for awhile, while I waited in the chilly air, near Michigan, right before rush hour, wasn't so appealing. So we headed to our old fav, Molly's Cupcakes. As usual, my namesake did not disappoint and we stuffed our faces with the most ultimate indulgences on the way home. The winner? A peach cobbler cupcake that blew our minds. It's quite possible that it might be the best thing that I've ever eaten. I'm serious.

Needless to say, a van full of very stuffed Anderson's headed west, chatting all the way about what we'd do with $640 million of Mega Millions winnings, should we be so lucky in the drawing at night. Man can we dream big!

Nothing better than a day like this with my most favorite people in the world!

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Updated Apr 03, 2012 @ 06:45 AM

flippin' at the flip'r invite

Riley chalked up some personal bests, placing on all events with a most memorable 2nd place on Floor and a 3rd place AA at the Naperville Flip'r Invite. We're so proud of her achievements and all the hard work she puts in to this sport that she loves so much. Looking forward to a nice six-week break before our Peoria road trip for the State Championship in April.

Here are a few shots of her GREAT meet!

Waiting for her awesome floor score -9.375!

Waiting to vault!

Happy with a 9.05 on beam - one of only a few 9's that day!

Assisting the announcer with the raffle winner...

Floor - 2nd Place!

Third All Around! What a great meet!

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Updated Feb 13, 2012 @ 07:45 AM

coverage of Help Haiti

Logan's class had a great Skype with Dr. Campbell on Friday at school. I can't imagine how much they've taken away from this experience and the knowledge they've been given about how their money will actually help the people of Haiti. I am so grateful to everyone that was involved.

The kids were covered in our local paper, the Ledger-Sentinel on Thursday and are currently up on our Patch: http://oswego.patch.com/articles/snapshot-churchill-fourth-graders-raise-300-for-haiti

Yay Logan! Next stop, Disney's Friend for Change!!

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Shoestring Living

Molly Logan Anderson is an at-home mom of three active kids who tries to live as frugally as possible.

the graduate

young naperville singers

and our baby turns SIX!

post mother's day blow up

why pinterest rocks

i wish i didn't hate may

my take on fifty shades

setback

shoestring living: making mother's day more meaningful

gymnastics state meet 2012

boys will be boys

the last bowl

the right folks at the right time

parenting hall of fame

what i've got

an early, unexpected spring day

laudery winnings

playing hookie

flippin' at the flip'r invite

coverage of Help Haiti

About this blog

Recent Posts

the graduate

young naperville singers

and our baby turns SIX!

post mother's day blow up

why pinterest rocks

i wish i didn't hate may

my take on fifty shades

setback

shoestring living: making mother's day more meaningful

gymnastics state meet 2012