May 10: Last Day

Day 365

Whoooooosh! That's the sound of a year flying by.

My last purge is this stool. I thought it would be a good idea to have a kitchen stool, but this one is much too tall and it just sits around taking up space.

Today being mother's day, we have full docket of events. Mass, Peter Pan (the play) and dinner with a few relatives. I love spending time with my boys!

Here's the actual link for my new blog: www.kansplanted.blogspot.com

Thank you for reading.

May 9: My boys, one more time

Day 364

Wow! Only one day left. I feel a little sad AND a little relieved that I won't feel pressured to purge something every day. I wonder, though, if I've actually purged regularly enough that it will now become habit? Probably not...I like to get rid of stuff, but once a day is a little much.

I thought I'd take this opportunity to share one last picture of my boys eating breakfast this morning:

And here's one of my boy-to-be:

I don't look big in this picture, but trust me, I am getting big. I think my belly button is actually going to pop. Yech.

So, since tomorrow is Sunday, I won't actually write my last purge post until Monday. I'm also hoping to post a summary of all the items and show some pictures of how ridiculous the amount of stuff is. I can't wait to move it out of my bedroom...and into the basement? I'm still holding out hope for a yard sale one of these days.

Today's purge:

We don't have much of a sidewalk and I think Peter would just chew on the chalk.

May 8: New Blog!

Day 363

Today I'm launching my new blog - Kansplanted: Life in the Sunflower State! You can find my newest blog at kansplanted.blogger.com. I've got my first post up, but I probably won't write too much more on that blog until this one is over!

Today's purge is a dish that I don't know quite what to do with. Too concave to be a cake dish, too shallow to be a trifle bowl...

May 7: Big Snake

Day 362

Last night I saw the biggest snake I've ever seen in the wild. It was over six feet long and as round as a tennis ball. Our dog discovered the snake in the fenced in area of our back yard. Clint's been doing a lot of work down by the creek and all his ruckus must have driven the snake away from it's home. Clint didn't want to kill the snake (?) because it was a bull snake and they can kill rattlers. I suppose that's some kind of consolation. At any rate, we watched the snake disappear into the neighbor's field, but I'm still afraid to go into our yard.

Today I'm purging some coasters that I recently made at a crafting event at the library. They look cool, but the ink comes off when they mix with water...not very practical.

May 6: Maternity Shirt

Day 361

Down to the wire! Today was pretty stressful because I had to take the 3-hour glucose tolerance test after finding out that I failed the one-hour test. I had to fast from food and drink, which was harder than I thought. I was so thirsty! After the test and the FOUR blood draws were over, I was finally able to eat and drink. I got a McDonald's sausage biscuit and hashbrown. It was delicious...seriously the best fast food breakfast I've ever had. Hunger is the best spice, or so they say. No worries, though. Later today, I found out that my results are normal...but I should probably cut down on carbs anyway ;)

Today I'm purging a maternity shirt that I haven't worn at all this pregnancy.

May 5: Tie

Day 360

Clint willingly decided to purge this tie. Hip Hip Hooray! Only 5 purge days left!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

May 4: Bear Outfit

Day 359

Clint and I almost went to battle over this item. He wants to keep it, I don't. I think I win. Peter is too big for it and baby boy will be too little for it come winter. Unless he's a monster-baby. Also, I think this is a monkey-suit, not a bear-suit.

May 3: Ave Maria

Day 358

Peter loves his DVDs. His Holy Baby DVD includes several images of Our Lady. As you can see, he seems to (literally) be drawn toward them.

Still no first steps. He gets mad when I try to make him take a step. The kid frustrates easily...much like his mom...and dad.

Happy birthday Great-grandma Flaim! She's 91 today.

My purge:

May 2: Boots

Day 357

After a lot of thought, I've decided to purge these boots, which I think I've had since 9th grade. Boots have always been my trademark, but I just don't wear these anymore and it's time to pass them on.

May 1: Day Off

Day 356

Today I had a day off due to some scheduling changes. Peter and I had a good day. He had donuts for breakfast.

We went to the thrift store and I bought a bunch of Baby Sitters Club books, including four super-specials. Life is good.

My purge today:

April 30: CCD is Over!

Day 355

Last night was my last night of CCD! I decided not to go back to teaching next year...two boys under two will be about as much as I can handle! I enjoyed my class, but I'm glad to have one less thing to deal with each week.

Today's purge:

April 29: SO far behind....

Day 354

You'd think that with only a couple of weeks remaining of my purge, I'd pull it together and post everyday. Not so.

Clint put up Peter's tree swing. He loves it!

Today's purge:

April 28: The Clique

Day 353

It's no secret among my family that I still love to read juvenile fiction. Really, who doesn't? I have a huge collection of Baby Sitters Club books that I pull out every now and then when I want to read something familiar and comforting. One series that I don't read often, but that I do read every now and then is the Clique. It's about shallow, materialistic middle school girls. I call it brain candy. I just finished one of these books last night and I have no need to hang on to it.

April 27: Grow Babies

Day 352

Peter is quite taken with his Pa-pa. Instead of crawling to me to have me hold him, he crawls to pa-pa. Instead of bothering me in the kitchen, he bothers dad who's working on his closet. I'm beginning to feel a bit rejected ;) Dad's doing a bang-up job on the closet in spite of all of Peter's "help." At one point, I walked into Peter's room and dad was drilling a hole in the wall while holding Peter. Peter, of course, thought this was the best thing ever. I need to get a picture of the two of them before Dad leaves!

My purge today is this board book:

April 26: Dad's Here!

Day 351

My dad arrives today for a short visit. He's going to help care for Peter and do some projects around the house...namely putting up shelving in Peter's closet. We're going to make chicken-kebabs for dinner and then hit the Home Depot for some supplies. Mostly, I'm just excited to have dad here for a couple of days!

My purge today is this prenatal yoga DVD. It's not bad, it's just too long! It's a full hour and I just don't have the time for that.

April 25: Scrabbulus

Day 350

Only 15 days left in the purge! What? How can that be?

We were supposed to get some mega-storms yesterday with the possibility of a tornado, but all we ended up getting was some light hail and a good soaking rain. Thanks be to God! Everything is FINALLY greening up in Kansas. We had a over half and inch last night.

Scrabble is not a game Clint and I play together. In truth, we don't have much of an opportunity to play many board games and even if we did, Scrabble would be at the bottom of Clint's list.

Here's a picture of two of my boys this morning...just lounging away while I got ready for work!

April 24: Cat Stories

Day 349

I love cats. There's never been a stray I haven't wanted to adopt or an opportunity to pet a cat that I've turned down. Since my husband disdains cats AND is allergic to them, I will probably not own a cat again for a very long time, but whenever we head to the farm, I love to catch the wild barn cats and pet them. They're pretty tame...

Of all the cats we ever had, Fuzzy and Tiger were my favorites. Tiger kind of went crazy as she got older. She would climb up to the second-story porch, jump on my parents' window screen and hang there meowing. Eventually, she ran away when we had thirteen dogs take up residence with us one summer, but that's another story. Fuzzy was the hairiest cat I've ever seen and she wasn't particularly friendly. I forced her to cuddle with me, but she hated it. We had fuzzy for about 16 years and I've never been as attached to a pet as I was to her.

I picked up this copy of James Herriot's Cat Stories at a thrift store and just finished reading it. It was good, but not as funny as his other stuff because Siegfried and Tristan play a very small role. It was a good, quick read.

April 23: Earth Matters

Day 348

Yesterday's Earth Day event at the university was awesome. I loved being able to spend a few hours outdoors during my work day! I ran out of mugs and handouts!

My mug pyramid.

Tonight my brother-n-law Matt gave a presentation at our library about his job at the Smokey Valley Ranch, which is owned by the Nature Conservancy. The ranch is 17,000 acres and it is amazing. The earliest evidence of human life in North America was found on the ranch. It was also a stop on the Butterfield Overland Dispatch stage line, the site of several Indian settlements and attacks, and Custer camped there. Not to mention all the cool animals, plants and daily operations of the farm! We had about twenty people at the presentation, which was not too shabby.

My purge today (the last of the baby clothes!)

Matching plaid overalls. Peter wore the grey ones once in our church directory picture.

April 22: Earth Day

Day 347

Happy Earth Day everyone! It is also my late grandfather's birthday today (I think). For earth day, I get to go man a booth at the local university. It should be fun. Tonight is my penultimate CCD class! I'm showing a movie for both the last two classes, so I'm pretty much finished!

Today's purge (I'm almost out of baby clothes, I promise!):

This was a really expensive baby outfit that I received when Peter was born. Unfortunately, there's just not a good reason to put him in it and the store where it was bought is over three hours away so I can't return it.

April 21: Old Ladies Love Me

Day 346

When I was little, I had a name for old ladies who I didn't like: "Big Butts." On more than one occasion, I would yell at a woman (always a mature woman) for being a "Big Butt." This early impression of older women has somewhat stayed with me over the years, though now I'm much more tolerant and kindly towards older women. The Golden Girls is my favorite show, after all. However, old women seem to FLOCK to me. They are attracted to me for some inexplicable reason.

Today, I was working when an older woman (probably in her late 70s), came into the Kansas Room and said she'd read my article in the paper. Once a month, I publish an article about my upcoming programs and this month I mentioned that one of my "green" habits is to buy used clothing from thrift stores. This lady said that she too buys used clothing and that she's been cleaning out her closets. Then she says "I have some things out in my car for you to look at if you want them." Clothes. She meant she had old-lady, used clothes out in her car for me to look at. What was I to do? I heartily agreed to go look in her car. Fortunately, she only had four items she wanted to donate to me. Unfortunately, the items consisted of three vests and a homemade jacket. It was a nice gesture, but I will not be keeping any of the items...for obvious reasons:

I think the pink, fuzzy vest was made from the bunny suit seen in "Christmas Story."

The moral of the story is that not only do old ladies love me, but they also love to give me their clothes. Remember the Leopard shirt?

April 20: Busy Day

Day 345

Today was my day off and I took full advantage. I swept and mopped, planted my garden, went to town, brought out all my summer stuff and stored all of my winter stuff and made banana bread. Whew! When I get a burst of energy, I know to take advantage of it!

Since I can't motivate myself to do very much indoor exercise, I've been trying to walk for at least 20 minutes every day. I'm closing in on my third trimester and I'm starting to feel it. Walking just isn't as easy as it used to be. At work, climbing the stairs seems like a monumental task. I'm glad I have my new sandals, because I'm swelling much less and I'm able to stand for more than 5 minutes at a time. Pregnancy is an amazing experience, but it's also uncomfortable.

My purge today:

I have a lot of baby overalls, so I'm purging a pair.

April 19: First Communions!

Day 344

Today was the big day of First Communions for FOUR of my nieces and nephews. That's right. All of Clint's siblings had siblings had babies in the same year...including a set of twins. Clint went to the twins' First Communion while I went to Henry's. We were both planning on going to Gus's, which was later in the day, but Peter's been kind of sickly this week and with the weather being cold and windy, I didn't want to tote him around too much. Everything went well, and Henry's First Communion was really beautiful. The church and the music were gorgeous and Henry looked like such a little gentleman in his suit. Congratulations to Henry, Gus, Ella and Ainsleigh! (I wish I had a picture of the four of them...if I get one, I'll publish it!)

Today's purge:

April 18: Green Smoothies

Day 343

A while back, Clint and I purchased a Ninja blender. We used it frequently, for a while, before putting it back on the shelf. I got it back out last week because I had all the ingredients to make a green smoothie. Let me just say that I love my Ninja and I love how easy it is to clean. After I make a smoothie, I rinse everything, then add some warm soapy water. I blend the soapy water then I rinse everything again and that's it! This is what my green smoothies look like (I had one for breakfast this morning):

My typical recipe for a green smoothie is as follows: some frozen fruit (peaches and mangoes are my favorites), some spinach or kale (this smoothie had both), a banana, an apple, maybe some ice if I didn't add a lot of frozen fruit, and some milk. This is quite a lot of stuff, so there's usually enough for both me and Clint. Clint also makes a delicious non-green smoothie which is just like the smoothie I described except that it doesn't have spinach or kale. I had my smoothie with peanut butter toast and I know it will keep me full until lunch. I'm just like a hollywood celebrity or a northwestern hipster now...with my green smoothies and Merrell sandals (which I've been wearing everyday!)

My purge today:

April 17: Happy Birthday Matt and Henry!

Day 342

Today is the birthday of my brother-in-law Matt and my nephew Henry. There are tons of April birthdays on Clint's side of the family. Henry has always been a bit of a favorite of mine. He was only 5 when we met and he took to me immediately. I'm excited to attend his first communion this Sunday! Three other nieces and nephews are making first communions too. It's a big year for Bains!

This is a picture of all the S. kids with Peter on his birthday. As you can see, Peter is looking straight at Henry. Peter loves his older boy cousins! (and his girl cousins too)

 Today's purge:

I am in the process of developing my new blog, which will debut when this one ends. Less than a month of the purge to go!

April 16: The Best Siblings in the World

Day 341

I'm acutely aware that I have a great bunch of siblings. Not all families are as close as mine and I am so grateful to my parents for fostering such closeness between us all our lives. Even though we're all adults now and have our own families, I feel as close to my siblings as I ever did. In fact, now that we're all older, our age differences seem less important and we all seem more like equals...sharing in the daily ups and downs of life as spouses, parents, working professionals and CCD teachers.

I miss you all so much and I love you...even when I don't answer my phone right away or call as often as I should. You have each helped make me the person I am and I can't imagine my life without you.

Sam, Abby, me, and Mary on my wedding day.
This photo is courtesy of Mary. I finally figured out how to import it.

Today's purge:

I'm not sure how I ended up with two pairs of these pants.

April 15: Sam's Turn

Day 340

Guest Blogger: Sammy; Birth Order: Fourth (youngest)

I can’t believe you are almost done with your Purge Pledge. After giving away so much stuff, I’m sure you now have lots of room in your house to put all the new stuff you are going to buy once the pledge is over : ) Just kidding! I will be sad when your blog adventure is over. Reading your blog posts has become part of the whole family’s daily routine.

I’ve been told that it was a rare occasion when I actually slept for an extended period of time when I was a baby. Mom considered it a blessing if I were to simply take a nap or sleep through the night. Not only was I a poor sleeper…the times I would fall asleep, Luci would often wake me up!:

            Luci: “Sammy…..sam…..are you awake?!?!”

            Me: “WHaaaaaaaaaaa!”

            Mom: “Luciiiiii! Leave your brother alone! I had finally got him to sleep!”

This habit of uninvited awakenings did not stop as Luci and I became older. We shared a room during much of our childhood. Mornings often began in this manner:

            Luci: “Sam…sam”

            Me: *Eyes begin to open*

            Luci: “Good, you’re awake…let’s go downstairs!”

            Me: “Ugghhhhh….OK”

When Luci and I got older we each got our own room. Even when we were both in high school, Luci continued to take the place of my alarm clock:

Luci: *Jumps on my bed and puts face right next to mine* “Sam…are you awake? Good! It’s time to get up! By the way, you’re breath smells bad.”

Me: “Mmmooooooooooommmmmmmm!!!”

Mom: “LUCI! Leave your brother alone! Let him sleep!”

Finally the time had come for Luci to go to college. I can still remember those peaceful mornings. Sleeping in until 9 or 10 in the morning…it was a wonderful thing. However, this pleasure soon lost its appeal. I began to miss having someone so eager to start the day with me…always there smiling when I woke up.

Luci was not only there to wake me up in the mornings…she was always there.

Luci was there to give so many things: advice, a ride to school, help with papers and homework, or anything else that I needed. Now, living some 500 miles away, Luci is still always there for me. Whether it be through a phone call, a prayer, or letter…Luci is still that person eager to be part of my day. Some mornings, right when I roll out of bed, I bet Luci is somewhere in Kansas drinking her coffee…smiling : )

Happy birthday to my best friend and big sister!

Thank you to my wonderful siblings for helping out with my blog this week! Never fear, I have plans to start a new blog when this one ends...though it probably won't be a daily. I have to have a mechanism for sharing pictures of my new little boy and my old-little boy too!

My purge today:

April 14: Abby's Turn

Day 339

Guest Blogger: Abby, Birth Order: First

This blog has been such a gift.  Checking everyday, hoping for an update, new pictures and kind words from my wonderful sister Luci.

Luci it’s your birthday

God bless you this day

You gave me the gift of a little sister

And I’m proud of you today

Luci it’s your birthday

Happy Birthday Luci

(from The Simpsons episode “Stark Raving Dad”)

Luci has been many things to me over her 28 years.  An adorable baby, a little sister who would get into my room while I was at school and pull the tape out of my cassettes, an avid cowboy boot-wearer, and eventually a beautiful friend who I can always turn to in happy times or times of worry or with my questions of faith. 

I feel so lucky to say that my sisters are my best friends (and my brother too.)  I love you today and everyday.  

“For there is no friend like a sister
In calm or stormy weather;
To cheer one on the tedious way,
To fetch one if one goes astray,
To lift one if one totters down,
To strengthen whilst one stands”
― Christina Rossetti

Christmas Eve 2005, Me, Abby and Mary

My purge:

April 13: Birthday Surprise!

Day 338

So, for my birthday (which is today), my siblings are going to take turns guest blogging for me! Mary is up today, then Abby then Sam. Their portions will be in italics.

Guest Blogger: Mary; Birth Order: Second (I'm third)

Today is Luci's birthday!  We (her 2 sisters and brother) have followed her blog closely and have been touched by the tributes she has written about us and our family. So, for the next few days we would like to be her guest bloggers so we can return the favor.

Sweet Luci, what a wonderful sister, daughter, wife and mother you are!  Most of my memories of you as a child involve you working on one craft or another. Decoupaging a surface, making a collage for your wall from old greeting cards, or creating another paint by number masterpiece (majestic wolves).  Some activities were a little less constructive...words carved into the top of a desk or bedroom wall or the hair cut on our favorite Barbie dolls.

These days you are just as creative, you just have different outlets for that creativity. In the imaginative and fun programs you plan at the library to the lessons you prepare for your church class to the pumpkin lasagna you created for Clint. I want you to know that I strive to be as faithful and humble as you are. 

A few years back, on my birthday Luci called me. I answered, but she told me to hang up and the next time she called to let it go to my voicemail. I did, and when I listened to the message I bawled. She had written a beautiful poem dedicated to me. I want her to know that I still have that voicemail saved and when I miss her or have a particularly bad day I listen to it and it still brings a smile to my face. I'm so proud to call you my sister and friend! 

Love, Mary

All I can say is "At work, at home, at play, at rest: Mary, Mary, you're the best."

Mary sent some pictures, but I'm having trouble loading them to the blog...one was of me riding a gorilla statue at the STL zoo. I'm not sure why I ever believe this picture to be a good idea. I was at least 24.

My purge today:

April 12: Boys galore!

Day 337

My sisters visited today and our boys all played together between meals and naps. It's fun to watch each boy discover his similarly sized cousins. It was wild trying to get a picture of them all.

Getting the boys settled..."Greta get your hands off Peter's neck!"

I just love Greta and Petie in this picture.

Greta's eyes are closed, but at least they're all looking at the camera.

Devolving.

Here's some more pictures from outside playtime.

Greta chases Jude.

Petie examines Pa-Pa's sunglasses.

Max kept making a bee line for the barbed wire while the other kids were interested in the cozy coupe.

Jude takes driving very seriously.

Peter is more laid back when it comes to driving.

Check out the sweet red van!

One hand on the wheel, the other out the window!

Did you notice how green everything is in Missouri? Crazy. Things are still pretty dry and brown in KS. Love my sisters and their kids!

Today's purge: