A New Leaf

I have been making several changes in our home the past couple of months, most health-related. Long story short, I have given a lot of thought to the things I am putting into my body and my childrens' bodies, both food and otherwise, and the consequences of long-term exposure. I feel a proactive approach to my family's health is long overdue.
I spent several weeks neglecting a lot of nutritional issues, claiming that I was too tired and overworked to have one more thing on my plate, which was true, but I also didn't realize that an unhealthy diet can contribute that very thing, fatigue. It seems to become a vicious cycle; not taking care of yourself makes you too tired to take care of yourself and downward it goes.
I've decided that the way I picture my home and everything in it: healthy, fresh, clean, tranquil, a place where the spirit can dwell, is going to take years of tweaking. For me it's going to be a journey of letting go of perfection and remembering the big picture. So here's to the new 'home improvement' section of my blog. I'm excited to be able to periodically update some of the things that I'm researching about health. There is so much more going on that I had realized, but it's important to be educated.

Proactivity of the Day:
So here's the thing, I have recently discovered I am allergic to most household cleaners! I don't even like the way they smell anymore because I associate most scented things with a headache. What's left to do but make your own all-natural household cleaners? Let me tell you, it has been a lot of fun. I feel like some sort of scientist mixing concoctions together until I get the right fit. The good thing is, when you make your own cleaners you are saving a lot of money, not to mention they are better for us to be breathing. Most of these things you already have in your home, so for some suggestions, see here
Which bring me to today's gemstone, tea tree oil. I've been researching a lot about household mold, mostly because I am 100% certain I am deathly allergic to mold, and have come up with a lot of useful information. Mold is not just an annoyance, it is a health hazard. Some studies have shown that household mold can be linked to headaches, depression, and asthma. (Cynical Ryan says everything is linked to headaches, depression and asthma.) Well living here in Texas mold has become my worst enemy, but here is a simple solution. Mix 1/2 tsp tea tree oil with 1/2 cup of water. Spray in affected areas, including clothing, closets, and so forth. See here for more about mold removal. I found a bottle of tea tree oil for 9.99 at my local Walgreens. It's a little pricey but a small bottle will probably last a lifetime. I put mine in a cute little mini-spray bottle and keep it next to the sink. A fresh sink combined with a clean afternoon breeze=a little piece of heaven. My kitchen smells divine.

Make Way For...

Ducklings. Ryan found someone selling baby ducklings on Craigslist and let all the girls choose out their favorite.


It took the whole drive home to name them, but the girls settled on Lola, Lola, and Frankie (the original plan was Charlie, Lola and Frankie but the girls fought over Lola).


The plan is to let them live in the garage until we get sick of them. Then it's off to Lake Pflugerville to live with Betsy (the spider)'s babies.


The leader of the pack seems to be Frankie (Olivia's duckling), though Ryan's the only one who can tell them apart. I feel for parents of triplets! Though it isn't hard when two of the three are named Lola!
Isn't she cute?



The girls chasing Frankie in the yard...


And she's chasing them...(More like running for her life).
The girls love their ducklings!


Make way for tornadoes...
Last week a tornado came through Austin, which really turned out to be some severe weather and a hailstorm. The hail was the size of baseballs in some places. The girls got really excited and helped track the storm along with the news. Luckily, they had just learned how to read maps. So here is what our yard looked like afterward.


L & M were disappointed because they had thought the news said gumball, not golfball-sized hail. Oh that would have been a dream come true.


I was so worried while the storm was happening and Ryan was gone, I had everyone hide out under the arch in the downstairs bathroom! I guess it's better to be safe than sorry, even though it wasn't as dramatic as the news made it. Heather's bf Marshall kept calling us to see where it was and I thought because they were running from it but nope. They were chasing it. It's been several days now and the girls still ask if Marshall's chasing the storm.

Make way for Spring Break...

The girls and I are headed to Utah to spend a week at each set of grandparent's house. We'll be there for Easter and General Conference, some of my all-time favorite things about our parents' houses. Plus, there are several family members that have not gotten to meet Olivia yet! I am already losing sleep I am so excited. Wish us luck!

A blonde Moment

So when Ryan's sister Becky was here she took a little footage of the twins singing a song about princesses getting married and dragons dancing forever, nothing out of the ordinary around here. The whole thing lasted two minutes and thirteen seconds as opposed to the usual thirteen hours and two minutes, so I guess they gave the Cliff's Notes version of the story.
Anywho, when Becky posted it on her blog, I was so excited to show the girls. Look! I said, you are on the computer!
L & M watched for a little while and vicariously raised their hands in a sort of timid wave. Then they both looked back at me, devastated.
What in the world could be wrong?
'They're not waving back!' they relayed, crushed.
I then realized...
They thought they were on ichat.

Spring Flower

Meet our new centerpiece.

A vibrant new addition to my kitchen, this little flower brings cheerfulness to every meal.


As it turns out, our centerpiece is also a songbird.



Happy Spring!!

p.s. Olivia's spring fashion tip #1: turn all of your winter pants into capris simply by growing out of them at an alarming rate.

Dismantling the Love...

Definition: Lovesac.
1- A piece of furniture that is otherwise meant for basements/movie rooms which makes its way into your front room and is spotlighted as a lumpy first impression;
2-A great door prize for the lucky couple we had staying with us last week who happen to have a basement, that's right Becky and Ryan.
3-In its original form too big for a small car, but by following these easy instructions you just may be able to transport your very own across a couple of states. **


1. Take off cover and unzip zipper.


2. Empty contents into large trash bags.


(This could get messy...)


3. Using a vacuum hose, suction the trash bags into the most compact state possible.


4. Repeat, repeat, repeat.


5. Transport, then jam into car trunk. Do not open trunk again until you are at your destination.


6. Clean up or DIE from inhalation of small foam particles.


7. Figure out how to explain to a crying London the next morning why the Love Sac has mysteriously disappeared.

**Can you believe it, I missed the whole thing due to another migraine...The proof is in the pictures this time around. Becky and Ryan, I hope you have a nice time putting the love sac back together in Logan and I would like to thank you for a very empty front room. Next stop: leather couches.

Spring Break 2009

Look who decided to venture outside of freezing temperatures and enjoy Spring Break Texas style -it's Becky and Ryan! (Oh and little London.)



Having two Ryans around was by no means confusing.
We divided up the week quite nicely (so we thought) between us and the Austin Barlows so that there was enough Becky and Ryan to go around. As it turned out, we got the rainy half of the week! That's ok, my idea of outdoor excitement would have been tinfoil dinners and Lake Pflugerville.


So here we are at the LBJ Library! What is a visit to the LBJ without, once again, trying to imitate the flapper girl?



Nailed it!



We were able to spend more time at the LBJ than last spring break. Who knew the library offers a trip to the moon, not to mention the chance to fly this jet...




Also, a wall with the portraits of all the first ladies. Today's trivia question: what does Baby Liv have in common with First Lady Van Buren?


That's right, Singleton!


Liv hops a ride with dad to read some trivia facts about the moon (there is even a sample of moon rock on display if you are interested). I love it when their outfits semi-coordinate.
I'd say our LBJ tour: Spring Break edition was another success, but keep in mind this is only our second year. Just a little teaser for those of you thinking about a visit, we certainly live on the edge here in Austin. Stay tuned for our next edition of indoor activities, just in case any of you need to entertain guests in a pinch.

Spring

And then we walked home.

Violets Are Blue

To the makers of Disney Princess Lipgloss:



I think your use of the term 'Disney Princess' is misleading.


Maybe you should go with something a little more representative.


Off the top of my head, how about 'Oompa Loompa gloss'? Just a suggestion...



Signed,
A concerned parent

Three Fairy Princesses

Today Baby Liv woke up from her nap inconsolable. We tried the usual things to cheer her up: food, rocking on the porch swing, more food, toys, more rocking...nothing. Suddenly it occurred to me what was missing.
A little peek into L & M's room at two Sleeping Beauties did just the trick. Liv squealed with delight so loud it woke both sisters up-just what she was aiming for. Once the girls were awake Liv was nothing but giggles, who am I kidding, belly laughs. It kills me to think the whole hour or so she had been looking for her sisters. Thank goodness we found them and set the entire universe back into place.
I guess we're going to have to break it to Liv gently that she's not the third triplet.