Election Bus Sighting!

The 2008 Presidential Elections are closing in on us quickly, and we were surprised, while running errands today, to drive past an election bus for John McCain!:

photo copyright 2008 The Munchkins and Me

Apparently, the driver of the bus was en route transporting it to McCain's next stop--we didn't get to see the candidate himself.

So, here's one destination you should wander to on November 4: Exercise your Constitutional right and Go Vote! I know I will!

Copyright 2008 The Munchkins and Me

Squeeky Clean- Housekeeping 101

The munchkins and I have been cleaning out the garage, getting rid of some things we don't need that were in storage, and reorganizing. Isn't it a good feeling when you lighten your load of stuff?

There is a website I came across a few years ago that has a whole housecleaning system of decluttering your home and keeping it clean...all for free! You can even sign up, for free, to receive daily e-mail reminders about what "zone" you're working on for the day and other daily helps. She's called Flylady, and the good thing about her system is that you don't have to burn yourself out getting everything perfect at the start...you just jump right in where you are. In time, as you work on different problem areas of your house along with the normal cleaning routine, you'll soon see such a difference! Is a wonderful feeling to have an organized house and home!

Flylady uses a timer a lot, so that you set your timer for, say 15 minutes, and work on a certain area in the house. When the timer goes off, you're done. I used to follow her routines pretty closely, but as I have gotten rid of much of our unused, unneeded things, I've found that I have been able to simplify my cleaning routine. If you're looking for something to help you be a little better organized in your housekeeping and your daily routine in general, then you should check out her site sometime!

Copyright 2008 The Munchkins and Me

Multi-tasking On the Road- The St. Louis Arch

I'm a multi-tasker to the core! So, while we were driving across the country recently, it was my turn at the wheel, the passengers were asleep, and we were about to pass by a major landmark in Missouri...the St. Louis Gateway Arch! So, I quickly grabbed my camera, and snapped a shot of the Gateway to the West!:

Photo copyright 2008 The Munchkins and Me

Apparently, the Arch is the tallest national monument in the United States. It stands 630 feet high. I wish we had been able to stop and actually take a ride to the top, but, it wasn't meant to be that day. However, it was a treat for my road-weary eyes to drive past and see it!

It's the unexpected, fascinating sights on those long drives that wake you up and keep you going!

Copyright 2008 The Munchkins and Me

The Desert Blooms!

It's strange that it's almost November, we just planted some flower seeds a few weeks ago, and low and behold, those little seeds are now flowering! The desert does bloom, even in late fall! In fact, it appears that early fall is the best time to plant a garden! I am thankful for the continuing warm weather and the opportunity to enjoy some brilliant color among the dust!

I attempted to plant a container vegetable garden this past February, when the weather had already begun to warm up, but the winds and burning sun all spring and summer were harsh. I harvested one green bean the size of my pinky, and a cucumber the size of my thumb! But, this beautiful flower is my gardening glory for the season!

Copyright 2008 The Munchkins and Me

Autumn Leaves in the Desert- A Decorative Craft

In spite of the dry, brown desert outside, colorful autumn leaves have made an appearance at our house! I found a great autumn craft project at Mother Rising for the Munchkins and Me to remind us of home, where the leaves turn the most brilliant of colors!

We hung a cascade of leaves in the windows beside our front door:

A close up:

The leaves were made from inexpensive coffee filters, which diffuse either markers or watercolor paints when misted with water. (Using regular paper will cause the colors to run together into an ugly mess!) Before adding the markers to the coffee filters, I used a crayon to draw the veins on the leaves. Then, we traced around leaf-shaped cookie cutters, cut them out, and strung them on thread. The diffused light from the window really showcases their beauty!

Have you and YOUR munchkins made any fall crafts this season? We all love a great idea to try...tell us about it!

Copyright 2008 The Munchkins and Me

The Journey of Life

Life is a journey...and it wasn't until I became a mother and had children that it really became interesting! These are the most meaningful, adventurous , and active years I've known, and I wouldn't trade them for anything. The Munchkins and Me is a place to commemorate that journey and spread a little fun along the way! Welcome...and enjoy your stay!


Copyright 2008 The Munchkins and Me