5 things I learned from my November Issue of REAL SIMPLE

1. You can rent classic and new title books online from Bookswim.com. You receive free shipping both to and from your home. Subscription plans range from $15 - $36 month.
2. It is best to store coffee (ground & whole beans) in an opaque airtight container away from light, heat, and moisture. Oops, Bob!
3. Gail Blanke shared the story of losing her brother at the age of 24. I felt a lot of myself in her story and agreed with things she said. I especially liked what her mother said during that time, "We'll never lose him." Blanke also listed 4 steps to making it through a loss. 1. Be true to your convictions 2. Shift your attention to others 3. Talk about the one you lost 4. Write to him or her (this one was especially helpful to me after we lost Ellie and Kate - I wrote to them often the first few months).
4. There is a woman out there, Carment Staicer, who has 6 children and still has time to write a blog. Check it out www.momtothescreamingmasses.typepad.com .
5. The best way to avoid a stressful Thanksgiving Day is to enjoy the day at someone else's house - thank you Karen & Loren!

Calm My Anxious Heart - Linda Dillow

As a woman and mother of small children I worry a lot! I was introduced to Calm My Anxious Heart a few years ago. I am someone who likes to control situations - this book helped me see I am not in control and worrying is "like a rocking chair . . . . it gives you something to do but doesn't get you anywhere." I refer to this book often and have found that the bible verses mentioned are the ones I often go to for strength. I will be posting some of my favorites on our blog. I hope they provide a little peace and comfort to you.

New Playset

After years of asking (ok, begging) we finally got the kids (and us) a play set. Of course the kids loved it - so much so that we were out for most of the day which means messy house and PB&J for dinner!

Davis-o-saurus turns 3!

Davis had a blast at his backyard dinosaur birthday party with all his friends. As you'd expect the moon bounce and the cupcakes were the big hit of the day. No children were harmed in the making of this entry - except for little sister Meg who graciously left the moon bounce to play hostess.

Princess Meg's Dress Rehearsal

Our girlie girl is going to be a princess for Halloween. Her Doll Doll sent her jewelry - hopefully she won't wear it out before Halloween.

Pumpkin Picking

We had a great time yesterday at North Farm! Meg & Davis enjoyed the hunt. We visited with pigs, chickens, cows, ducks and lambs. We also got to ride on a huge tractor hay ride.

Living Green

I hope to continue adding to the list as I learn and grow in my attempts to live a more sustainable life.

1. Carrying reusable bags.
2. Using recycled toilet paper.
3. Eliminating paper towels.
4. Using phosphate-free laundry and dish washing detergent.
5. Switching our light bulbs.
6. Using biodegradable trash bags made from corn starch.
7. Eliminating our junk mail.
8. Listing items we don't use on Freecycle and Paperback Swap.
9. Using eco-friendly toothbrushes.
10. Eliminating sandwich bags.
11. Choosing safer eco-friendly products for our children.
12. Turning off our car engines.
13. Using socks as Swiffers.
14. "Greening" up our family holidays here, here and here.
15. Purchasing organic food whenever possible.
16. Joining a CSA for local produce.
17. Using vinegar as a natural cleaner.
18. Eliminating napkins.