Sunday, November 29

a weekends work in progress...

I am hoping that our family can send a little homemade love in the mail this year for Christmas.
Here is a little bit of our start.

I made a star last year and while revisiting the Crafty Crow yesterday I rediscovered this project and a cute little twist and making them into snowflakes. I really like the woodsy look, but might have the kids add some glitter to the snowflakes. I'll be better prepared and PICKY with my sticks next time I go on a hunt (literally a hunt in these parts).

Finally made these!!! After more than a year ago peeling off all that crayon paper, we have tree shaped crayons!!!! We are going to make some sort of book (either blank like a sketch pad or handdrawn images for a coloring book) to go along with them and give them as gifts.
Woot Woot!!! These were very exciting to watch melt.

And my current obsession. So far I haven't followed a pattern, it overwhelms me a little. However this is my second long practice scarf, the other was half this size in width. It only took me two days to get this far and that I am excited about that because I really don't feel like I spent that much time at each sitting. There are several mistakes but I am getting there.

Saturday, November 28

Wednesday, November 25

Graditude

(picture taken at Canaan of the Desert , Arizona)

Be Thankful

Be thankful that you don’t already have everything you desire,If you did,


what would there be to look forward to?



Be thankful when you don’t know something


For it gives you the opportunity to learn.



Be thankful for the difficult times.


During those times you grow.



Be thankful for your limitations


Because they give you opportunities for improvement.



Be thankful for each new challenge


Because it will build your strength and character.



Be thankful for your mistakes


They will teach you valuable lessons.



Be thankful when you’re tired and weary


Because it means you’ve made a difference.



It is easy to be thankful for the good things. A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who are also thankful for the setbacks.



GRATITUDE can turn a negative into a positive. Find a way to be thankful for your troubles and they can become your blessings.



Author Unknown

Sunday, November 22

Life... enjoy...

I took a rather long hiatus from this here spot of mine, and trying to gather up pictures to some up what we have and had been doing is rather time consuming. I mean how do you pick just a few pictures....



For the better part of my absence we had extra special house guest for the end of October, beginning half of November. (Ganga and Grampa Mikemal)

with whom we trotted all over our neck of the desert (woods didn't seem to fit). They arrived the morning of Halloween and the kids could not have been happier. It makes me sad that family lives so far away... witnessing just how much my children love their family, instinctly, just makes me love them even more. They love with their whole little beings!!!


Myla only wanted Ganga to help her (insert everyday activites here) ... Corbyn was constantly wanting to play jokes and get Mikemal. We played 'eye spy with my little eye' only a few hundred times. Read books. Went on a hike. Went to the zoo/aquarium. Ate out. Alot! Shopping was done.... laughs were had... movies were watched... coffeepot always warm... and loads memories were made.




My kids want them "to come and stay forever".... Myla's exact words.



That pretty much sums it up in a little bitty nutshell.





Thursday, October 22

Seems like yesterday...


this is the little person that named her brother Toe Toe... this is also why we called her Pie, what could be sweeter than Mya mya punkin pieya? This was one of my favorite outfits, her dad bought it for her. She picked nearly every flower that she passed... she still does this.

Monday, October 19

Smile, its Monday...



This was taken over a week ago and when I came across this picture I had to post it. Co'b had been sick and was with his Dad and I talking... the thought occured to me that Pie Pie was really quite... where is she? I started looking and much to my surprise look what I found...
(they were cloud gazing... a new thing for my 3 yr old)


Not sure if you can tell... so I will let you in on the fact that Molly is lying next to her, Pie's hand is on her, and her leg...well that just made it even cuter. I couldn't get a good shot because of the glass and I knew if I opened the door... this would happen...


Co'b thought it was a grand idea and wanted in on it... Molly of course goes where ever they go.

Have a great week...

(p.s. Hubby is still sore with me and my vinegar pouring (notice the big brown patch of grass) I was trying to kill ants... I had gotten bit for the last time and it was revenge!!!

Saturday, October 10

better

This morning he woke to his cheerful little self!! His last fever was this morning around 5am... I'm interested to see if it will return as the Motrin wears off.

Since we are home bound this holiday weekend I have been trying to put together stuff for us to do. Just take a look at these adorable apples. They have a little spin here which is just too cute.

The kids are working on simple little apple trees. Brown and green construction pieces cut in the shape of a tree trunk and the big green of a tree. They decided to draw their apples. They have been busy.

I have been making Oatmeal Raisin cookies for hours it seems. I doubled the batch (sometimes my eyes are JUST way too BIG).... and I am happy to report that the last batch is in the oven and the counters have returned to their happy clean selves.

We are having leftover potato soup for lunch that I made yesterday. It really is yummy and EASY to make. Just Google it... read a bunch and change it to your liking.

Well, the timer just went off... don't want to burn the last go 'round.

later.

Friday, October 9

Double whammy...

Poor Co'b... it all started yesterday when he got home from school. Something made him upset (something small) and the pitiful little thing just burst into tears. I went to calm him down and noticed that he was warm and he said he felt bad.

Fast forward to 3:45am, I woke up to the little guy in our bathroom (just peeing ;) I went to check on him and placed my hand on his shoulder and he was BURNING UP! I ran to get the thermometer and his temp was 103.2 !!!! We gave him Motrin and a bath. The fever broke.

Again... fast forward... 8:32am started calling doctors office... BUSY...BUSY... around 9:20am finally got through and waited a good 15mins on hold... and then was told that they were booked and the earliest would be 3:20pm. Fine.

3:20pm.... arrive... and by 4pm we were on our way to the pharmacy with a prescription for an antibiotic for the Strep throat and a prescription of Tamiflu for his flu.

That's right.... STREP THROAT AND THE FLU!!!! After a bit of running around to get both filled (Walgreen's didn't have the Tamiflu so I had to make a few calls and luckily Safeway saved the day and was able to fill it)... picked up more fever reducer... and a stop by Hi Health for more colloidal silver (that's for the rest of us)... and a few extras to make him feel loved.

Lysol has been sprayed pretty much every square footage of the house (thanks Mario), sheets washed, and I just couldn't stop... even the floor got scrubbed!!!

Say a prayer for the little guy, he looks and feels 'poor pitiful'!!!

He was to go in on Tuesday to finish up his dental work (we have waited a while for this appointment) and I am afraid that we will have to postpone the procedure until later. Oh well who cares, right?

take care.... I'm going to go and cuddle the sick patient.

Thursday, October 8

sleepy heads

When I returned from an early morning walk... this is what a found in my bed.


It brings back memories of this little one when she was just a wee little baby.

She, like her brother, slept in our bed. I remember nursing her and feeling her warm little body snuggled against me. I remember waking to find her still snuggled close and tight around my abdomen, unlike her brother who would stop nursing and turn his head and body away to the opposite side (I had so much milk though he was probably tired of being squirt in the face)... she always stayed close and near and I marveled at the fact that she felt the most relaxed and secure near my belly.

Three years later she still likes being a bit lower than us, abdomen level.

PURE Sweetness.

Wednesday, October 7

Lucky...

Well maybe luck had nothing to do with it. He fanagled his own way directly in front of the door so that when it opened he ran up and hopped in. They had to wait their turn. The fireman then turned on the sirens and took off like it was an emergency run. It was awesome.
Field trips are great fun!!!

Thursday, October 1

Sixety-six

Hear ye, hear ye..." it was only 66 degrees when I went for my walk this morning!!!".


Thats all I'm sayin'


... sixety six!


(it has reached the high 90's by now, but sixety six this morning!!! Fall here we come!)

Tuesday, September 29

Giggles...

( this was taken earlier this summer )


Corbyn said the funniest thing to his dad last night while doing homework.
They had already completed the math and reading worksheets, and were working on spelling and sight words. He had started to get tired and was a little giddy and silly. As he was laughing he said to his dad, "I can't work with you man" (heeheehee) " I need mom".
It was so funny.

Saturday, September 26

Its good...

Well... sorry to leave everyone hanging but my Dad is doing good. No pain, just moving a little slower.

During the procedure it was determined that he has 70% blockage which the doctor is confident that medication will take care and dissolve it. We will see. He goes back on Thursday for a follow up appointment.

In the mean time, he's good.

In other good news, Corbyn grew up a little more today. He participated in a little shindig the older boys of the Scouts put on for the Tiger Cubs and new prospects. He was nervous in the beginning and in the end was totally fine and had collected 8 beads (one bead per activity). When he realized his number he asked if he could do a few more. He was shown a demostration on how to fold the American flag and then was able to do it himself with the older scout. The boy reminded him to be serious and precise with the flag. Corbyn learned how to carry the flag by himself and with another person. It was very cool.

There were air pumped rocket launchers, exploding film canisters, puppet making, seed planting, money counting, and a ball toss are to just name a few.

Even his sister had a good time.

It was hot.

Our cheeks are sun kissed.

We were proud of our day.

We ended with a playdate with a dear friend, races and a walk around the neighborhood.

Hope your weekend is fantastic.

The end.

Tuesday, September 22

Change is in the air...

Well the wind is blowing outside. I mean really blowing!!! It feels nice and cool at 8:30am taking Co'b and Ethan to school, verus the already sweating and we haven't gotten into the car yet type of morning. I heard yesterday that in the next week our temp should really be dropping!!!

On other news, my Nanny called yesterday... for my dad. I was the only one he couldn't tell about his heart issues. He didn't want to scare me. The guy has many faults as we all do, but he really has the biggest heart ever and for there to be an issue with him being a literal 'walking heart attack' hurts me deep. The doctor was surprised actually that he hadn't had one already. Today he goes in for blood work and Thursday in for angioplasty. His girlfriend and sisters will be there. That makes me feel better.

I called him last night. We talked. I told him that I loved him.

When we were going to move out here (10 yrs ago) he could tell that I was scared. As much as he didn't want me to move, he told me to 'GO'. He said that if I didn't I would always wonder and maybe even regret the decision.

I can't imagine my, OUR life any other way than the way it is. There are times when I feel left out. When I feel forgotten about. But life goes on.

I want my family to be apart of 'my' families life... but its hard. I know that I am just a little emotional right now and that its fairly common for this procedure to be done, but its the first time that I have allowed the thoughts of 'what if' to come creeping up since finding out yesterday.

anyways... My Pie and I are going to the library for storytime today to get out of the house.
take care.

Monday, September 14

This time last year...

Just to see, I went to my archives to see what we were doing this time last year.... cool... I didn't realize that was a year ago.

click here to see for yourself.

I should post another, b/c the little tree didn't make it. Would have maybe been a better tree in the backyard, because it is rather harsh in that front yard in the middle of summer. I still really want a tree, but it will have to be a little more established I think before planting to survive. Instant shade would be great!!!!

I know I know, stop my complaining... couple more weeks, I tell myself and it will be all worth it living here. Some of the most gorgeous days are uphead and I am looking very forward to it all.

take care of yourself.

Thursday, September 10

My Lil' Cub...



While we try to teach our children all about life, Our
children teach us what life is all about.
~Angela Schwindt

Monday, September 7

Laundry Soap Recipe

1/2 Fels Naptha bar soap
1/2 cup washing soda
1/2 cup borax
1. Get out a large pot (18 qt size) fill with water, and bring to a boil.
2. grate 1/2 bar of soap
As your water is growing into a nice boil, add your soap and stir until dissolved. Let boil for a few minutes. Turn off and let sit for a bit.
3. In your container add the washing soda and borax, and about a gallon and a half of water.
4. Add your soapy water to the container and stir very well.
5. Let container set for 24hrs, uncovered.
Next day, and before each use, Stir (I leave a spoon in the bucket)
Use about 1/2 a cup to mabye 3/4 cup of detergent depending on load.

Sunday, September 6

Saturday, September 5

Rain Rain come this way...


So lovely to wake up to clouds.


The drippy drops (per Myla) are proof that it actually DID rain.


We have had a good time.


On another note, Myla started her tumbling class yesterday. All on her own.


Thursday, September 3

second batch

So, I haven't posted about making my own laundry soap.


There are tons of info out there on the web and it really was as simple as I hoped it would be. And one of the best parts? If I run out of detergent, I do NOT have to make a grocery store run or shell out $20 at Costco. I bought the total supplies for less than $7 and it has made 3 batches (2 for me, one for a friend) thus far, with several more awaiting their turn. Another plus is that you have the option of dry or liquid. I prefer the liquid method. If you are interested you can find more here.




Finished product.

Even Mr. Skeptical thinks its cool, especially when I let him stir the thick gel like concoction (it sits for 24hrs). I think that he was worried I had fell into the looney bin.

A friend got a friend started, she in turn got me started, and I passed it on to another good friend who has now made her second batch. I love the 'village' of women and how they help one another. I am very blessed with the friends I have in my life. Thank you for always encouraging me and being there when I need you, even if it is to just talk about the consistency of soap. Have a wonderful and blessed day!

Wednesday, September 2

Monday, August 17

a little boy...

growing before my eyes....


This was taken in Sept of 2007, we were heading to preschool.

This was August 2008, we were on our way to Kindergarden.


And here is this year, August 2009, we are heading to First Grade!!!

This little boy of mine just made my heart thump this morning. His dad put Molly in the bed with him and she licked him and ran around until he was up! In fact within minutes he was awake shorts, socks and tennis shoes were on! Luckily he kept his shirt off until after breakfast. He isn't someone who eats right away, so naturally Molly recieved all his attention. He was being extremely sweet this morning and chattering away to his little puppy.

I couldn't help but watch him in the corner of my eyes all morning.... he's a little boy. He has changed. His body has changed, at his recent well appointment we realized that he is in the 75%(tile) for height.

I am feeling very blessed with the young person in front of you. He is really brave. Other kids like him because he is friendly. One of his favorite things about school today was math. The other was music. He said that it was a little bit scary today, but that he was okay. The lunchroom still overwhelms him with the noise. He took his lunch. Turkey and cheese lunchable and watermelon with water (his favorite drink).