Strawberry fields forever...

Likes and dislikes from the week:

Jackson's Likes...
airplanes, chicken nuggets, helping to put away groceries, puppies at the humane society, going bye-bye, petting farm video, Dr. Jeff the chiropractor, bikes and more airplanes.

Jackson's Dislikes...
staying inside, avacado, his molars making their way through, skin on potatoes and dogs barking.

Strawberry Fields Forever
Sunday morning saw our little family heading to the Afton Apple Orchard for a morning of back-breaking strawberry picking. Jackson started out strong, but his slight fever and new molars breaking through his poor little gums, got the best of him and he decided just to walk along holding our little flag marker. He was happy to see horses, cows, boats and airplanes on the ride and was able to enjoy the freshly picked strawberries with his lunch when we got home.

A Belated Mother's Day
I finally received my Mother's Day gift that I've been waiting for. Ron finished building the chalkboard that goes perfectly in our kitchen on our way out the door for love notes (hint, hint) and Target lists.

I did get a Twin's Cuddyer t-shirt on Mother's Day, so I wasn't without a gift, it's just that I had asked for the chalkboard in my attempt to organize and keep my brain on top of things. It seems ever since Jackson came into my world, I can't even remember what day of the week it is.

Garage sale find of the week:
These cute little fire truck slippers that Jackson has been wearing all weekend, he just loves them. I also found a Thomas the Tank train track set, but we've cleaned and packed it up for a cold day this winter that keeps us indoors.

In a nutshell...

There are so many things I want to write about, but when I finally get the time, I forget what they all were. Here's a brief update on what's been happening on the homefront.

Father's Day:
It went something like this: The three of us eat breakfast and get ready for an early morning trip to meet my dad at the Farmer's Market. Ron and Jackson in the driveway, Sara gathering up a few things for the diaper bag. "Ron do you have your key?" Replies "Yes". Door slam. Crap. Not the RIGHT keys!! Ugh. Luckily my dad has an extra to our house and because he is forever early for everything he drove from the Farmer's Market to our house to bail us out of yet another jam. On to the Farmer's Market and breakfast with the rest of my dad's family.

The remainder of our special day was spent watching the Great River Energy Bike Race in Stillwater and having dinner at The Dari-ette (which has been featured on Diner, Drive-ins and Dives on the Food Network).

Father's Gift:
For Father's Day Jackson and I got Ron a copy of The Dangerous Book for Boys, a book every parent should own. This copy is a used copy, so it follows along with my pledge to The Compact, however it looks brand spankin' new. The book covers topics like How to Tie a Square Knot, How to Build a Tree House, Morris Code, Famous Battles and much more. The gift was a success, so run out and get your copy now for next father's day!

The Compact:
It's possible we have a quitter in the family! (Hint: It's not me) I'll let you know what happens, maybe this post will help him back on the wagon.

Potty Training:
Jackson is doing great getting on the potty. He typically goes poop and pee every morning while he plays with his hand held magna doodle. He's interested in using the big potty and some times he points to it when I ask if he wants to use the potty. Yesterday I put him on the big toilet and he peed! We may need to think about getting a converter for the big potty instead of using the small one on the floor. He is so proud of himself, and of course we are too.

Have a good week!

Next best thing to dumpster diving...

I heart Twin Cities Free Market (TCFM). Even better than Craigslist, where you can find used stuff for cheap, TCFM is FREE!

Ron was talking about putting edging in around some of our gardens and around the pine trees in the backyard and then filling them in with woodchips or rock. I reminded him of The Compact and I also felt sad about the thought of buying an enormous amount of plastic that perhaps someone else would be willing to get rid of.

And, that's when I started checking Craigslist, and after a few days wasn't having any luck. It was then that I was reminded of TCFM, and sure enough 350 feet of plastic edging someone wanted to get rid of, in our own city, no less. The recycler had looked all over, even went to the city to see how he could recycle this massive amount of plastic and was turned down. However, they did tell him to try posting it on TCFM. And this is how we ended up with 125 feet of just what we were looking for!

The pictures taken are just of the plastic placed on the ground, we have yet to dig in and make it a permanent part of our landscape. We'll do that whenever this rain stops and we start getting some June weather.

Now, I'm on the lookout for free rock or woodchips, I am so resourceful.

Our lives as Compact(ors)

Week 5 of our pledge not to buy anything new for a year:
The Compact pledge has gone well in our house thus far. We had purchased a few Mother's Day cards, because I was too lazy to make them, though our Father's Day cards will be hand made (I hope). Ron also had a real need for new hiking shoes, and because hiking shoes count as an exception (they are a consider a health and safety item) we felt justified in making the purchase. Aside from these two buys, we have been dilligent about following the Compact.

So far this pledge has allowed Ron and I to really think about the things that we want and need and how to get them. Ron has not been as excited to take this journey as I have, but I think he is coming around.

I am in real need of summer clothing. Normally I would head out to the mall and make the purchases I need (want). However this pledge has forced me to find another way, and I have -- Savers.

Last Friday's Saver's Purchases All for $31.00:
Ann Taylor tank top (tag attached)
Abercrombie khaki shorts
Larry Levine black capri pants
Merona shorts (tag still attached)
Gap shoes for Jackson (like new, size 7 for this Fall or Winter)
Rugrats Puzzle (still in the wrapper)
Diggers and Dumpers book
Elmo's Takes a Picture book (with a little camera that flashes)
Tonka Tractors book

Did you hear that? Only $31.00!

Here is another local story about a family following The Compact.

The compactors...

Have you heard of The Compact? It's a group of people from San Fransisco that started a social movement of sorts, last year. In 2007 they pledged to not buy anything new for one whole year.

The objective of the group:

To go beyond recycling in trying to counteract the negative global environmental and socioeconomic impacts of disposable consumer culture and to support local businesses, farms, etc.

To reduce clutter and waste in their homes.

To simplify their lives.

The main principles of the group are:

1. Not buy new products of any kind (with exception for sanitary and health reasons
2. Borrow, barter, or buy used

I've been thinking that this is something I would like to try, and for the past few weeks I've been trying to convince Ron that this is something we CAN do, and might even have FUN doing. I'd like to add to my objective list, to save money. I imagine myself rolling around in a pile of dough like Scrooge McDuck after this year!!! Think we can do it?

I've been giving it a try for a few weeks now, and have done well. The only thing purchased new by our family were Mother's Day cards. Ron had not agreed to the project yet (he still hasn't, but I'm working on him) and was convinced that the added stress of making cards was not something I needed to do, so he made the Target purchase.

Here is a story from the Star Tribune about a family from Waconia that gave it a try.