lucy jane...

Just because....(turn the volume up)

2010-11-14T18:41:00.000-07:00

observing

2010-10-15T22:16:00.002-07:00

I have learned that from this spot I have the BEST view!!! Watching her from back here and seeing just

how determined she is sometimes makes me giddy through my core. Her posture even cracks me up.

So proud of her.
(pictures from our camping trip in Oracle, AZ)

uprooted

2010-10-13T22:25:00.000-07:00

Both of my children were born where the Saquaro Cactus grow tall...

we are thinking of uprooting them to a place that would be closer to the people that we love.

Its a hard desicion, but one that we feel is right. We are home as long as we are together.

I have a hole in my heart just thinking of leaving...

Arizona is such a part of me that I can't imagine the last 11 years of my life anywhere else.

To the point that I almost can't imagine living a life anywhere else.

I know that wherever our path may lead us, it will be right for our family.

Wordless Wednesday

2010-07-21T08:29:00.001-07:00

Clever

2010-07-19T23:07:00.001-07:00

In all the cleverness I have come across since a certain friend introduced me to blogging almost 4 yrs ago, I have to totally brag about this one. I mean for real people this is a project that my kiddos would LOVE and I don't even think I have to go any further than the basket of magazines that are piling up, the tape dispenser and the recycle bin (cardboard boxes)!!! The possibilities are driving me crazy so I felt that if I blogged about it (1) I won't lose the link to the infinity amount of 'want to try' list in my favorites folder and (2) I can continue for a moment to dance in my excitement, because I can promise you if I run in the other room to tell hubby he will just look at me with no response and totally be a buzz kill.
Anyways... that's it, nightie night.

how this post got started...

2010-07-15T06:22:00.004-07:00

History: Last week I scored for $2.99 a Pampered Chef Floral cupcake pan... normally because of how weird my hubby is about second hand stuff when you eat or cook from it I skip this area

in Goodwill for our own kitchen, but is my favorite place for Myla's... however, not one thing was wrong with it and there look to be no wear and tear, it looked brand new.

The hunt for a new recipe started last night.

I needed a cake that didn't really need to be frosted, so I turned to my favorite cookbook (my other eye candy favorites) and came across something that struck my fancy...

'Random Cake'.

I didn't use the raisins. It turned out really good and have added it to my 'make a second time for sure list'.

Though I will say, I have never ever had a cake recipe tell me to add all the dry ingredients and then mush with a fork the butter and then mix in the eggs... ALWAYS I have blended the butter with sugar, eggs, and spices and then added the flour... anyhoo... do you know that it was the creamiest and fluffiest batter!!!

This book not only has really yummy and healthy recipes its also a lot of

fun to look at. It was copywrited in 1971 by the La Leache League (hence the nursing picture above) and was given to my mother-in-law by a good friend of hers.

My finished 'Random Cupcakes'

How could I have not gotten that pan?

I plan to do like a lemon sumpin' ruther and use a powdered sugar glaze on the flowers. Cuteness.

Have you baked lately?

wordless wednesday

2010-07-14T07:36:00.001-07:00

these were fun...

2010-07-12T06:44:00.004-07:00

We've made them twice now they are so easy. The marshmellows are already made.... duh? So you melt chocolate, crush up graham crackers, poke marshmellows with tooth picks.

Roll marshmellow in melted chocolate, and then roll in the graham cracker crumbs.

YUM!

Kids are perfect helpers with this one... (easy people... EASY!) And there are many different toppings that you could use. We were thinking crushed peppermint with the chocolate and marshmellow would be great for serving with hot cocoa this coming winter.

She'll be too big for them next fall...

2010-07-11T15:25:00.001-07:00

wordless wednesday

2010-07-07T06:22:00.002-07:00

Diary of a Kitchen...

2010-07-05T17:46:00.001-07:00

Well these lovely ingredients (cream cheese, peanut butter and powdered sugar)were blended into a no bake pie. Peanut Butter pie that is. I forgot to take an 'after' picture... so you'll just have to invision it, sprinkled on top with chopped roasted peanuts.

The next photo is of a little lady, probably the reason I forgot to take the picture of the pie...

She wanted evidence to show her brother that she could hold herself up without falling.

She's so funny. And did I mention proud of herself.

Hope everyone had a nice holiday weekend.

wordless wednesday

2010-06-30T06:18:00.001-07:00

From the garden...

2010-06-29T19:47:00.002-07:00

Way down yonder on the Chatahoochee...

2010-06-27T21:50:00.007-07:00

A flower for your hair?

2010-06-22T19:53:00.000-07:00

Wordless Wednesday...

2010-04-14T17:25:00.007-07:00

Molly Polly Wally Frog ....

2010-04-08T08:07:00.007-07:00

went to the doggy park and made new friends!!! The little white dog is a fostered animal and comes here for therapy. Notice she became Myla's bestfriend in the picture underneath. Myla has a special heart for special animals, she never really left 'LuLu's" side. If you know my child she was quiet with her, real soft when she petted her, and just SAT beside her. So sweet!!

Spring has sprung

2010-04-05T22:55:00.002-07:00

Hope everyone had a wonderful holiday...

His moment...

2010-03-12T18:53:00.007-07:00

(his dad is holding his car behind him)

He won first place at the Pinewood Derby!!!!

He earned his first trophy.

He was so proud.

You could just see it.

His Dad was proud.

You could just see it.

His Mommy was proud (and probably very loud, I just couldn't believe it)

and his friends and their dads were proud for him.

It was an awesome experience...

my cub is growing up...

2010-03-04T21:16:00.005-07:00

He has almost a full belt of loops that he has earned. We've begun to to fill up a vest with patches and pins.

This was taken after he had been at the table for a few moments...

Wish us luck in the PineWood Derby!

Lollygag'in today...

2010-02-28T12:56:00.009-07:00

It rained through the night and has been a cloudy wet Sunday.

Relaxing, actually.

Though Pie Pie and I did have to make another run for (kids) pull ups for Molly. Today marks 7 days she has been in heat and she has been amazing. Never chewing or pulling at her diaper. Will keep it on ALL night. She is an awesome little Molly Polly Wally Frog.

Never complains about us tugging and pulling these diapers (2 different styles of doggie diapers which were a complete joke for a dog with a nub for a tail. Do you want to guess where the stuff went that was suppose to stay in... yep, right through the tail hole!!!! I saved Myla's training pull ups, I had almost a full pack but had decided to keep them just in case a friend might need one. Anyhoo, they worked the best. (this has not been a fun experience... please don't take it the wrong way)

I remembered something today and wanted to share it. I had been reading a blog that I love to look at and routinely drool over her crocheted hair pins and necklaces and came across this wonderful treasure and thought of my inherited treasure and knowing that I had taken a couple pics didn't know if I had ever shared it.

A woman who never ceases to amaze me in her wit and motherhood abilities lost her aunt last year. She and her mom had the duty of going through her craft room and she said it was just full of stuff and random different crafts. They didn't want to just give it as a donation and wanted to give it to people they knew... well she knows me. And lucky ole' me was more than willing to pilfer through old treasures. The buttons I don't have the heart to take off (you can see them in the last picture... if you notice a little green strip to the right of the buttons, its bias tape but really old.) The thread is all wound on to the little cardboards holders labeled in her handwritting, mostly catagorized in color, four containers total!!!

I never met her, but i wish I had. She had little scraps of stuff in this tupperware container (which ironic enough, I have a matching tupperware container, in red, that I got from my in laws (the white cabinet). It is a treasure keeper that now belongs to my son.) I imagine her walking to this little box to put odds and ends.

a lil' bit o' nature.....

2010-02-27T07:01:00.003-07:00

We've had quite a bit of rain in the last month and here is proof, the wildflowers are popping up along side the roads. If you look in the last picture the mountains underneath are green, which essentially means there are WEEDS everywhere and no matter how many you pull from the rocks out front, you are guaranteed to find more in the same spot when you return from the grocery store.

A storm that moved in a week or two ago.....

And what came after...

from the backyard.... and then from around town...

this was the coolest...

2010-02-26T20:25:00.004-07:00

If you have a pot of boiling water and some borax, then I highly recommend trying this little experiment out, kids or no kids. This post had this link. Her hearts are much prettier and the picture a little more artsy than mine... but I am telling you I felt just like a kid when we found the 'diamonds' the next day. I have to say that hours after doing what the instructions said I had my doubts... it just looked like water, nothing special. We were in for a huge surprise!!! So, I double dog dare you... you could even get creative and do shamrocks!!!!

Incredible Hulk has nothing on these kids...

2010-02-24T07:56:00.007-07:00

(this one makes me laugh, b/c of his posture, and the way he looks at his sister)

I have been meaning to get back in the groove and post... and these are a few of my favorite photos that have been held hostage on my hard drive. No longer... these kids are hard at work fighting crime around the world... lifting frowns from faces and inserting goofy smiles!!! Where's your superhero face??????

(This is a thank you to my mother in law, the soap molds from Christmas WERE huge hits!)

a few links...

2010-02-02T10:44:00.005-07:00

Its been so long, I feel like I should up date on so much that has happened since the last time I really posted, before Christmas!!! Instead I will just post a list of my WANT TO DO for Valentines...

1. I want to give everyone I know one of these... and esp Corbyn's & Myla's teachers.

2. I want to do this project with the kids.

3. This is neat too.

4. And I also want a reason to make these... I'm thinking Cub Scouts?

I've been knitting here and there still. Just practicing different stitches and what they look like together... I have made two scarves, various Barbie blankets and a large rectangle that I thought I could make into a pillow. The other day I bought a crochet hook, so I plan to Youtube that and figure out how to make some flowers (to hide the mistakes on my knitted scarves...heehee). But thats in the future sometime.

Thats about it.

Twenty ten...

2010-01-10T10:43:00.003-07:00

Found this video on someones blog , and thought that it was nice. A little arsty fartsy, but in the end a huge message with that construction paper heart.

Twenty ten... this year I am looking forward to what is in store for my little family.

Even Christmas was more fun with the littlest in awe of the season and actually waking up this year to see what Santa left for her. Poor Pieness got really upset Christmas Eve, when we told them they needed to head to bed because Santa was getting closer (we were looking at the Santa tracker on the web) and that if they weren't asleep he'd have to go around and come back... she started crying b/c she thought that mean't he wouldn't come to our house at all!!!! I held her and reasurred her that she still had plenty of time to fall asleep.

Twenty ten... my oh my.... here we go... almost part way through the month.

Hope your New Year is nothing short of amazing!!!

Keep your loved ones close.

a weekends work in progress...

2009-11-29T13:33:00.004-07:00

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.

six and a half...

2009-11-28T12:52:00.005-07:00

Graditude

2009-11-25T21:16:00.003-07:00

(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

Life... enjoy...

2009-11-22T09:23:00.008-07:00

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.

Seems like yesterday...

2009-10-22T20:55:00.004-07:00

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.

Smile, its Monday...

2009-10-19T05:35:00.002-07:00

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!!!

Her Pieness....

2009-10-17T10:47:00.008-07:00

better

2009-10-10T11:15:00.005-07:00

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.

Double whammy...

2009-10-09T19:29:00.004-07:00

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.

sleepy heads

2009-10-08T20:34:00.003-07:00

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.

Lucky...

2009-10-07T13:12:00.002-07:00

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!!!

Sixety-six

2009-10-01T15:10:00.003-07:00

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!)

Giggles...

2009-09-29T14:06:00.006-07:00

( 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.

Its good...

2009-09-26T21:19:00.004-07:00

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.

Change is in the air...

2009-09-22T08:53:00.003-07:00

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.

This time last year...

2009-09-14T14:31:00.003-07:00

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.

My Lil' Cub...

2009-09-10T18:25:00.003-07:00

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

Laundry Soap Recipe

2009-09-07T21:08:00.006-07:00

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.

Yesterday...

2009-09-06T08:47:00.014-07:00

Rain Rain come this way...

2009-09-05T15:08:00.009-07:00

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.

second batch

2009-09-03T06:14:00.008-07:00

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!

Welcome September...

2009-09-02T22:06:00.004-07:00

a little boy...

2009-08-17T20:08:00.007-07:00

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).

little of this...

2009-08-16T09:39:00.003-07:00

Have I forgotten about this place or what???

Work, though not as busy as last year, has been pretty steady. Add two kids and a new puppy to the mix and there you have it, no time to lay out thoughts of your own here on the poor neglected blog of mine. What am I saying, there has been no time for me to even have those thoughts...

Did you catch that? New puppy? Here she is, Molly!!!!

The kids just love her. Look at that little face and body, how can you not?

Tomorrow my little boy goes to first grade!! We met our teacher the other night and she has me very excited about this upcoming year. I watched her as she greeted the children coming in and the way she knelt down and spoke to them one on one and was very refreshing to witness.

On another note, Corbyn lost another tooth and has spent the night off for the first time!!

Toodles.

a new place

2009-07-06T12:26:00.002-07:00

I came across this site while looking for a new wallpaper for my desktop. I wanted something artsy and colorful. This is what I found and I love it. I am sure that it will be here for a while. I'm sharing a little blog love and am putton a button over to the side for you if you need a bit of cheering up. take care

kids to the rescue...

2009-07-02T12:05:00.003-07:00

A couple days ago the kids came running into the kitchen..."MOM...hurry there is a baby bird on the trampoline!" I grabbed the camera and out we went.

The poor little guy could fly around a little, but not straight up to get out of the net. The moma bird was creating quite a scene squawking all around the yard. I was actually a little afraid that she was going to attack me... start pecking at my head. (I have a small fear of birds, from an incident when the bird hit the car window and fell into the front seat with me... quite humorous today, but not then... maybe a post for later)

I tried to pick him up (with a washcloth) but he just yelped at me and jumped off. (That caused lots of excitement for my two little ones.) So I decided to chase behind him until he got to the entrance... and he sort of fell out (with style of course) fluttering down to the grass and hopped...

over to the patio near the house. I finally convinced the kids to go in, so that the moma bird could get closer to her baby. They watched from the window.

thinking of butterflies....

2009-07-01T11:40:00.001-07:00

Well this is well deserved but extremely LATE post. Last month I organized an event within my moms group for the Holocaust Muesuem in Houston, TX.

We started with a story about a hippo that was rude and insisted on the other animals to be his friend and even naming himself king. We talked about how that would make us feel and I tried to explain to the VERY young group that once there was a guy who thought b/c people were different he had the right to hurt them, including the children. We talked about how that was wrong.

In the end I asked them to make any sort of butterfly they wished to represent the kids that were hurt and explained that they were going to be in a museum FOREVER in an exhibit. They really out did themselves and had a great time doing so.

We had tons of butterflies in all sorts of mediums. I do believe this was one of my favorite gatherings. Thanks to all.

summer days...

2009-06-28T12:29:00.000-07:00

They both got bikes for their birthday(s).

Turkey bacon

2009-06-08T22:59:00.008-07:00

Back to the real world... today Mario and I went back to work, luckily for me though I didn't have to do anything but start the coffee pot. We are experiencing some odd cool weather for June, absolutely beautiful. If you have read any of my post pertaining the weather you certainly have come to the conclusion that I overly appreciate a cloudy (or rainy) day any time of the year.

When normally its in the triple digits with non stop sunshine for 14 hours without a tall pine or oak tree in sight to hide you from the suns rays, not even for a 20 minute break... yes I am sure you would join with me in my excitement of mid 90 degree weather, cloudy and breezy in this dry heat of the southwestern desert. With that statement the work phone was NOT ringing off the hook of freaked out people needing their a/c serviced, STAT. What a nice day to come back from vacation.

The kids and I made our second trip to our new library (it just opened this past Friday and its IN our neighborhood, we have been anxiously awaiting!!!) and enjoyed ourselves picking out books and movies (and returning the ones we already watched) and I even scored more vintage childrens books in their 'Friends of the Library' ongoing book sale. Three were together in a set and were dated the year of my birth, 1979... and well, since I just had my birthday, I felt them calling my name. At 50 cents a book, I think my $3 in change was a well thought out investment. Thus bringing you to another part of our wonderful weather day... this afternoon. Instead of making dinner I popped some yummy cheddar popcorn, filled up cups of ginger ale (again if you know me... milk, juice or ginger ale and if we are feeling wild and craZy, Root Beer) okay... back to our nutritious meal... popcorn and ginger ale were enjoyed on the trampoline with promises from the kids that we were NOT jumping but merely using this spot instead of the hard ground to rest our bums. We spread out a blanket and read seven books!!!! The kids are participating in the summer reading program at the library and well... that's what we did!!! We earned more star stickers with a total of 12 books read thus far, starting with the old school stories first and ending with the the infamous not really a story for its full of short sentences and questions from Clifford and Dora. I totally understand the phrase..."living books", the later require very little imagination for story time. Though I know that the kids enjoy looking at them, I have to force the colorful narration, but please don't tell the kids.

Anyhoo....

Dad found us outside.

My man can't live on left over popcorn kernels, which by the way were NOT in the bucket but surrounding our 'party' area. (Toe said we were having a party, a reading party!) We had our trusty back up dinner, breakfast! Tonight was eggs, waffles and bacon. Bacon is a weakness for both hubby and myself (if I could just get him to like grits!!). The crunchier the better, and for our health we switched to turkey bacon. Don't tell me if its not really THAT much better, I live in my oblivion.

Only one child likes it, the other I don't even bother putting it on their plate because it would just sit there like gold... getting wasted and cold...( but if mom had made broccoli, it would have been on every ones plate, isn't that a kicker?)

Which one is it you ask?

Myda Pieda.

Surprised? I remember the year before, she was only a year old (snif...snif) and while she, dad and I were enjoying a large turkey leg (Renaissance Festival) Corbyn looked in disgust at us chowing down. Even this past trip to Disney, we were eating at a New Orleans style cafe and Corbyn choose the macaroni and cheese dinner and Myla choose the chicken and rice dinner.

If they were dinosaurs I'd have an omnivore and a carnivore.

(Now come to think of it, this is probably imagery of their personalities)

hhhmmmm......

Hope your week is as 'cool' as mine (should be).

(the weather man said it should last for a few days, woot woot!)

an INCREDIBLE trip...

2009-06-07T09:58:00.008-07:00

This summer is sort of a special time for us... my son will turn 6, my daughter just turned 3, I turned 30 yesterday, and in about a month my hubby and I will celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary. What better way to do it up than in Disney??? The kids had a blast and were the best little people ever!!!

This little nugget was absolutely adorable. We went to the Mad Hatter to get mouse ears, I just knew that she would pick Minnie with a red bow ears, or even the Princess Minnie ears... but just like always, she is her own person and doesn't follow some fad, she walked straight up to this hat, put it on her head and talked about Pluto the entire trip!!!!

This was the face he wore just about the WHOLE time! Mr. Incredible (during the Pixar parade) saw that he and his dad had on their Incredible shirts and stopped in front of us, pointed and shook his body like 'cool'... Corbyn smiled and was blushing... I yelled with excitement!!!

Orange blooms and rainy days...

2009-05-22T19:02:00.012-07:00

are special to me.

We just added this little guy this morning.

Doesn't he look nice? I rescued him from the wash near the house. I think he will have a nice home here.

This is her very first bloom ever. I have watched it grow since it was just a little one leaf plant that sprouted out from nowhere, so did the other one in the top left corner of the next picture.

this is what our first day of summer vacation looked like.... couldn't have been more lovely. We took a walk and the kids splashed in every puddle that they could find... it was literally 30 degrees cooler today then it was just a couple days ago.... that is totally awesome when you have already hit the triple digits!!!!

Celebration...

2009-05-21T16:35:00.000-07:00

Our morning was filled with lots of excitement. Corbyn woke up around 6:30am all on his own and was ready to go.

They seemed to have the most fun playing a bean bag Pirate toss.

(notice his lefty-ness)

Their room was so bare that it made me sad when I walked in to set up for the party. The kids were out on the playground, so it was really empty.

At the end of the day his teacher awarded each child with a certificate and matched their personality to a piece of candy. My little guy was given the 'Almond Joy Award' because he is 'such a JOY to be around'. It was very sweet and the kids just loved it.

looking...

2009-05-21T07:14:00.008-07:00

and following this little girl who....

was looking for lizards

and chasing after them.....

Two things this picture tells.... one it was cloudy (YES!) and
two, I'm not quick enough capturing butterflys! (yes, if you look close you will kinda see them)

Imagine my surprise...

2009-05-19T05:33:00.003-07:00

when I happend upon these yesterday on a bottom shelf...

I have no idea what I will use them for. But I love them. Yes, the one on the right is two small stackable canisters. The orginal tag was $7.99 but luckily it was marked by a purple tag. It was 99 cent purple tag day!!!

It is in absolute perfect condition(the bag is much cuter when you click on it). Purple tag!! It was $4.99, I paid 99 cent!!!! I would've paid the orginal price. Notice the key tied to the handle... this is a vintage Ameila Earhart suitcase.

Aren't these just sweet? Purple tag of course.

These will find a home in our pretend play kitchen stash. The sifter had a price tag of $7.99, I would not have come home with this if that had been the case. I can't wait to hand them some cornmeal out on the back porch.

Grand total $4.29

ribbon and a rainbow

2009-05-18T18:40:00.004-07:00

I am getting ready for Corbyn's end of the year party. His class is known as the 'Jolly Pirates'.

So naturally Pirates is the theme.

these are 25 treasure maps printed on construction paper, wadded, rolled up
and tied with a ribbon.

I can't believe he is going to be FIRST GRADER!

I printed the maps from from Family Fun.

And these are the finished product. The proud student made the name tags (I made colored copies of the scary skelton with spiders) but he wrote everyone's name on their bag. All 24 names, he included one for himself, with one extra necklace.

Inside were beaded necklaces, rings, skelton lolipops and gold coins. It was a huge hit for the 5-6yrs olds... boys and girls.

slice of pie?

2009-05-17T20:16:00.001-07:00

Our latest indulgence is making food out of paper pieces.

So far the kids have made pizza, breadsticks, delivery box, hot dogs, watermelon, a salad...

and yes, some utensils.

Where things come from....

2009-05-12T22:30:00.000-07:00

A friend brought these over from her garden. I can not wait until I can have a piece of corn. For some reason they have seem to be my FAVORITE watching grow.

This is what I made.

In honor...

2009-05-10T22:45:00.001-07:00

of Mother's Day, what would be better than hubby making arroz con leche? Nothing.

This isn't a recipe that is made all the time. It's special.

A sinfully rich creamy, milky, cinnamon-y and rice-y crunchy- ness !!!!

(he didn't stop stirring for over 45 minutes. He believes there is a science to it. I love him.)

Yum

Happy Mothers Day to all of you wonderful women out there...

Once upon a hot afternoon

2009-05-09T22:16:00.000-07:00

a brother and a sister had a wonderful time.

Giddy...

2009-05-06T14:47:00.002-07:00

Well... not sure this post is really going anywhere....

However, the thought occured to me this morning while writing the date, I will be turning the big '3o' in exactly 4 weeks!!! I don't feel sad. I actually feel excited. Is that weird? Maybe once the day comes I will change my mind I'm not sure, but at the moment I feel giddy.

thats all.

Greensburg

2009-05-05T07:16:00.005-07:00

Hubby and I love to record our shows and watch them together once the kids are asleep. We recently came across a show on the Planet Green channel (fabulous channel full of interesting shows and ideas) about the town that was literally blown away by a tornado in May of 2007, in Greensburg Kansas. The shows name, Greensburg. Luckily the channel plays repeats of older episodes and I believe in the last several nights we have caught up. (new episodes air on Sunday nights) I can not even imagine the feeling they must have had when the storm was over, they came up out of their basements or cellars to find, NOTHING standing.

When rebuilding the town, which most thought impossible, they decided to 'go green'. It has been extremely interesting and heart wrenching to watch these people rebuild. It is also very inspirational to see that 'we' as a population DO in fact have options and it isn't that far fetched to NOT use and be dependant on fossil fuels.

I have always wondered why my state is not heavily leading the way in solar energy... schools, big businesses, etc could be pumping energy BACK into the community, with our 300 plus days of SUNSHINE we could certainly make a difference (and elimiante the yearly increases) maybe even for the surrounding states. I know that this takes money and technology, but its uplifting to think that we are not far from a reality, and the fact that we have a President that seems to understand that necessity makes me feel hopeful.

take care.

Jump...

2009-05-03T21:30:00.010-07:00

jumping + climbing + sticking tongue out + sliding + more jumping = a great day

(okay this next pic the person may kill me for posting, but I know someone else who lives far far away that just might appreciate the pic... enjoy Ang.

Now this little guy is only 15 months old and was shootin' hoops like it was nothing to him.

Look at the next pic... he uses his hands like a Pro Hoops player and makes the baskets almost EVERY time.

I could't believe it. I kept handing him the ball to do it again.

And he would with a big grin. I have no picture of that because he was much to busy to stop to smile for me and I was much to busy trying to catch the 'proof' of the basket.

Make it a great week...

Last night

2009-05-02T09:21:00.004-07:00

We had a sleep over. The boys were so excited that they couldn't stand it. They both knew what would happen that afternoon when school was out. They do not attend the same school, they met about 3 yrs ago in our MOMS Club. After picking up Toe from school, he ran as fast as he could, grinning from ear to ear. We walked to the car hand in hand, talking about how 'B-man' was getting to his house and when. His mom called while we were in the car and said they were no too far away. We pulled up in the driveway and Corbyn, hands held out in front of himself, he inhaled deep and exhaled slowly, and said, "I need to calm myself"!!!!!!!!!! I thought I would die. I laughed. I kissed him. And then we took a deep breath together. As much as this little boy can rattle my nerves and drive me completely up the wall, I love him so much that it consumes my entire being.
He is a great little person. (And yes, I taught him that. Usually though I have to remind him, not today.)

The kids shot a Nerf dart over the fence so the four of us walked around to fetch it... well that turned into a 45 min walk towards the wash and the boys ran and ran. The path is laid with red red red dirt (do you get it?) Well, since I was walking with slow poke who insisted on picking every flower that crossed her path, I didnt realize what they were playing. But the red dirt... of course... HOT LAVA. What else?

Anyhoo, after a long afternoon the kids settled down to watch some cartoons. And I ran to get my stapler and these old coffee filters that belonged to my father in law. (Ganga, I know you don't drink coffee) And because my coffee pot uses a different style and the fact I have a hard time throwing things out that could be used in crafting, they've been patiently waiting their turn for 3yrs up above the stove, in the little cabinet that rarely gets opened. BUT their time has come... I saw this awesome craft with these style filters and well.... boom boom its been in my head every since just waiting for the right moment. ((now looking at her pictures, I will be on a better look out for the sticks.)) So go check out her blog.. (I love the slang in the title)

Yummy goodness...

2009-05-01T11:18:00.002-07:00

this is a nothing post, wait, what am I saying... this is a fabulous and delicious post... you have to go to this wonderful blog about celebrating.

Towards the bottom of the page she has links to all sorts of wonderful yummyness. Have fun reading.

Also... you always know that when you toss the paper rolls into the recycle bin that it could really be used in some sort of way. I, however am not as creative as some out there. Just out this long list of ideas that have been collected at the Crafty Crow.

That's all I had to say.

cookin'...

2009-04-27T17:47:00.005-07:00

what to say...what to say...

Its nice out... dinner in the oven. Spanish porkchops tonight with a spinach salad.

The sun is still barely peaking out over the horizon and the wind is blowing. The flowers are blooming, I can see them from my spot here at my desk. Even the hibiscus this year are really out doing themselves and are quite lovely. Thats just the front yard, in the back the grass is freshly mowed, the citrus trees have all been trimmed nice and neat, weeds pulled near the rose bushes, which by the way are blooming quicker than I can keep up and have a huge array of color in that corner. We put fish emulsion on most everything and the flies were something horrible. The sand and water table came out from its sad little winter home on the side of the house yesterday and the kids had a wonderful time with it and Polenta of all things. They were cooking.

Speaking of cooking, again, I have a loaf of bread in the machine and I am very interested in how it will turn out, peanut butter and bananas were in the recipe. Yum!! Those two items usually equal a huge hit in my household.

I sewed a little bit yesterday. I had a few projects that were left undone that I tried to tackle. A few birds... a table scarf... and part of an apron... oh and a pair of little baby shoes.

Well... have a great evening...

Reuse...

2009-04-23T13:33:00.008-07:00

Thinking back to yesterday morning I realize what a nice time I had. Myla was my helper and we together loaded and unloaded the car. It was breezy and a sunny spring day.

Along with a friend we planned a morning at the park in celebration of Earth Day. The kids decorated all sorts of recycled items that are normally used in the kitchen. We had coffee cans, paper, celery, potatoes,apples, paint, markers... no specific project, just free expression.

It worked well I think.

My little one stayed for an extremely long time painting two large coffee cans. Treasure boxes for her and her big brother to put all their favorite things.

I was also able to sit among 'my' friends and did something for ourselves. WE made several body scrubs. All with the base as grapeseed oil and vitamin E oil. Lavendar, lemon, grapefruit, and vanilla were our smells and we used either brown sugar or epsom salt for the scrubbyness. I used the brown sugar and vanilla scrub (grapeseed and vitamin E oil) last night and it was heavenly.

My other favorite part of the morning was the fact that we used most all reusable/recycled items. The table clothes were reusable from our art stash. The art mediums were all items that were going to be tossed in the recycle bin.

Our jars that we used for our scrubs were jars from baby food, pasta, spices, jellies, and even yeast. It was awesome.

I even had lemons from our yard.

Fun times.

Its not the point of being an extreme activist, but there are a number of ways that I can lessen my families burden on our planet. I enjoy my efforts and am proud to say that I do care and I know that there are tons more that I could be doing. If each family had those same standards and practices the impact that we create together would be enormous.

But anyways... we had a great Earth Day. I even bought some marigolds at half price and some other lavendar flowering plant in honor... I just have to get out there and plant them.

Hope your week is sun kissed!!!

read anything good lately?

2009-04-21T17:20:00.004-07:00

So it seems that I don't update often. Here I go.

Remember when I said that I was reading two books that were forever changing my perspective. Well the time has come when I have actually had the time to sit several different times and write a little something about these books.

The first book you mostly likely have either heard of or have read already (only b/c I was like 18th in line at the library. When it came available I had almost forgotten that I requested it), The Creative Family by Amanda Blake Soule. I was pleasantly surprised to find out that there was quite a bit of reading and not just a book full of patterns and instructions on different projects. Its her words. She has a child older than mine and hers out number the two that I have, so naturally my eyes and ears are going to be on high alert. And as it turns out, her advice gives the idea that she's 'just' getting you started, your family will dictate how you travel the journey. And its that sense of encouragement that I need. Her blog is just as inspirational if you want to check it out right over here. Not only does she represent a natural, youthful, creative soul but she also happens to be very contagious.

This directly involves (for me) the next book, Ready for Anything, 52 Productivity Principles for Work and Life by David Allen. I first heard of this book while visiting the blog Pink Chalk Studios, one of my many ventures when I need inspiration in crafting.

My questions always seem to be how do I balance the rest of my life so that I can be open, creative and in the moment. I'm so busy that I don't always SEE the moments. In the other hand, I am very much in the middle of my families life. I love to volunteer with school or with our MOMS club. Besides being mom all day, I also run a office for a small business. I have lots of ideas and strategies, but have "a zero helpful system" in keeping myself in check. I have been utilizing some of his tips and I really have seen a huge difference in my attitude and willingness to keep it going. He also has the C.D. Getting Things Done, which I also got from my library after I was sucked into the first book. It really just drives home all the points from the book with his voice as the narrator.

"Uncaptured, unclarifed, and therefore unmanaged things that you have agreed to do own a piece of you and give you no rest. Naming your stuff gives you power over it. The best and most productive way to do your work is to be its master, not its slave."

I basically have been defragmenting my brain. I no longer pride myself in 'remembering' everything. I have been writing ALL ideas and 'to do' list that enter my brain. I have a separate folder for work and personal. And then they are organized within themselves. But anyhoo... it is rather 'freeing' to be able to release so much control. Its amazing actually. I have also been put to the test and been in charge of a couple different events and I managed through feeling great and that I did the best job I could have done.

And that is all I can do.

And finally.... I feel good saying that

so Happy Earth Day to you... Myla and I spent our morning with friends decorating reycled items (painting) for the kids... I was able to assemble together a brown sugar, grapeseed oil, vitamin E oil, vanilla scrub... and then I made a salt scrub with lavendar oil and grapeseed oil... and THEN I made a lemon, grapeseed oil, vitamin E oil salt scrub.... very enjoyable morning!!!! We mixed these items in jars that we collected from the kitchen. I should post some of the pics...

April showers....

2009-04-15T20:46:00.003-07:00

Just a few pictures from our little corner...

We even got a little surprise on Saturday... RAIN!!!!!

Just a little of our weirdness...

2009-04-11T07:42:00.002-07:00

Do you see anything scary or out of place in this picture?

While I was cleaning today I stepped over this little guy with any notice and at the same moment it occurred to me that this would never fly in my grandmothers home. Pretend or not, it does not belong on the floor she would say. Especially all by itself in the corner just pretending to attack some unknowing creature. But in our home, I don't even notice them. I step over or kick them out of the traffic areas.

I have no idea if I have alarmed other guest before. You know, like they saw it and almost freaked out until they realized that it was fake and harmless. The enormous grasshopper isn't as scary, but this here tarantuala (could be wolf spider I suppose) can be quite intimidating to the unsuspecting person.

It made me laugh and go grab my camera. Notice that the little girl had to have passed it as well on her way to the 'front room' .

Good Friday to you...

2009-04-10T08:09:00.005-07:00

BEWARE: excitement for the old...

2009-04-09T11:09:00.001-07:00

BEFORE:

AFTER:

Have a look at my brand new filter grill thing. (is that the air handler? can you tell that I work for an HVAC guy?) If you look at the old slates, the new one has one continuous slat which gives you more air flow. (I think he said like 30% more) Anyways, I am just excited because the old one looked so dirty and there was no way to clean it, it seemed. My honey dew was going to try out our new hand held steam cleaner (it came with the Shark Steam Mop) and before I even plugged it in for him, he called for me and was literally wiping the paint from the vents with his finger. Immediately I was alarmed about the chemicals or vapors from the broken down paint and how long had it been that way? SO... I called my boss and he ordered this one... my hubby installed it. Isn't it nice??? Did I mention I was turning 30 later this year? I can officially be inducted into the "Your so OLD" category, right along with my early bedtime on the weekends and my new Air handler!!!

this little nugget...

2009-04-08T08:20:00.003-07:00

was SUPPOSE to be in her room getting her rainbow shoes and putting them on. I was running around taking stuff to the car and rolling out the honey bun dough for our Spring party with our MOMs club... when out walked Mike Wasawski (with NO eyeball, don't be alarmed she didn't eat it). I laughed so hard and loud and couldn't resist running for the camera.

So this is my little nugget.

Twilight Release Party...

2009-04-07T10:56:00.009-07:00

SO... because I have the best friends in the whole world, it came to NO surprise to me when I received an invitation in the mail for a Twilight DVD Release party. (The image in the upper middle with Edward and Bella was used for the invites. Totally exciting to open.)

I invited two friends to come along with and when we arrived I was in awe of all the detail...REAL apples had been cut out and a lit tea light candle inside. Beautiful. Exciting. This is were we ate mushroom raviolis...(does anyone know why? IF you read the book, THINK real hard!!) The quality of these pictures aren't the best... but it felt relaxed and had a casual elegant feeling) Then we stepped into the family room/ kitchen area and I was overtaken with the movie posters... it was AWESOME!!!! I felt like I was in a movie theater. Twilight Pictionary (homemade game, don't go looking in the stores) was a fun one played here before the movie started.

Before the movie and the games, we all just relaxed and enjoyed each others company. Many of us didn't know each other, but knew the host and/or had read the books so we all had something in common and a great evening of discussing favorites parts of the books and the movie. Great times.

(this was during Spring Break too!!! And I still have photos I want to post from that week)

... also mushroom raviolis???? Get it???? Her first meal with Edward when they were at that little Italian restaurant and he had just saved her in the alley from those gross guys...

Living in the moment...

2009-04-04T10:02:00.007-07:00

(these pictures on this post are from our excurion up north over Spring Break. I never tire of taking pictures when I'm in Sedona Arizona. It is one of the most spiritual, in its natural form, kinda places.)

Well its Saturday morning and once again I am 'SSSOOOO EXCITED'... later today I am going with a friend to an event with the author Stephenie Meyers as one of the speakers. (which if you haven't read HOST by her... go put a hold on it at the library, she is a wonderful story teller and I am just totally absorbed in this sci-fi, love story. There is this huge moment as the 'soul' is learning about AND feeling all of these human emotions for the first time and the bond between mother and child was overwhelming, I was crying on the couch and weeping) But, back to the event I believe there are like 10 maybe 11 authors attending and its actually a fundraiser for Stephenie's friend who has cancer.

In another spectrum, in response to what my hubby said about my excitement level yesterday, a little switch clicked for me and I have decided to take my mother-in-laws advice from her new blog and start counting my little 'excitements' or my 'blessings' each day. I'm even going to give them there own little 'tag' so that I can find them easily on here if I need to be reminded. I AM excited a lot but don't even realize it normally, so if I am counting them then hopefully I will be conscious enough to spot them all without them being overlooked. And not for just myself, I love to hear others' good news and share in the joy WITH them, and this is a blessing to me.

Somewhere I read that when you laugh that you should add just a little bit more to that laugh and enjoy it to its fullest, basically the advice was 'Laugh Harder', laughter is a gift, don't waste it by only doing it 'half hearted'.

One more bit of insight that I found this week was from a person who is dear to my heart not only for his days on the sitcom Family Ties and the countless movies that I bring back my childhood, but because of his battle living with Parkinson's, which some of you know and there will be some of you who do not and for that all I can say about the disease Parksinson's is that it is heartbreaking. My father in law is one of the most admirable men and he had to deal with this every moment of the day for the last years of his life. ((man... that was intense, this was never my intention when I started this part of the post, but there's no way around the heart wrenching feeling)) back to my point of this.....I think it was the Todays show and they were interviewing the one and only Micheal J. Fox and one of his answers was reguarding his 'everyday' life which of course envolves his wife and his young school aged children, but his comment was that one of the things that he says to his children all the time, (especially when dropping them off at school) is, "Choose to have a great day".

Fabulous advice I think.

hope your weekend is what you wish it to be...

Spring into April...

2009-04-03T04:44:00.001-07:00

I finally did it! I mean what was the hold up, its just Paypal. (It scares me for some reason) Way way back some months ago I found this wonderful and talented mama who was creating a simple downloadable book for you to share with your family. A workbook. A family workbook. Clever I thought, but PayPal scared me away from the actual purchase so it never happened. Because of this it was still caught up in my mental 'to-do' list, or maybe my mental 'want' list. I'm not sure because my mental ram has been all jumbled so I am sure that it could have been filed in the wrong spot. Anyhoo, another mama who I just admire (for all her truthfulness, intelligence and creativeness) jumped aboard and began posting about the truly awesomeness of this book, and well I was, for a lack of a better word "Jealous" with a capital 'J' that she did it before I did, when I had clearly saw it so many months ago and I had been a wimp and not followed through on my intention. Well, NO MORE.
(this is my mission statement in more ways than one)

Last night I printed out 35 pages (yikes at the amount of ink) from the April edition of Book of Days. You can see a small peep of it here. I haven't read through each page just yet, but am so giddy with all the adorable illustrations that I can hardly contain myself. When I told hubby that I was so excited, his response was "You are ALWAYS so excited". (I'm taking that as a compliment; even though he didn't react like he was bursting at the seams as I had been.)

I hole punched the pages and put them in a 3 ring binder as it suggested and am ready to jump into the month of April. I hope to have oogles and googles of pictures of two excited children doing and participating in our new adventure.

Today 'Toe' (this is just the pronunciation of his nickname, we do not call my son a name from one of his appendages, his little sister calls him Toe Toe, that means mom and dad do to, and for me it has evolved into just 'Toe')anyways, will be going on his FIRST field trip! They are going to the zoo and will of course be riding the bus!!! Which the first thing he said about this was "WITHOUT SEAT BELTS"... I write that in caps because he was very loud when he stated this fact. With that said, imagine his gigantic smile with a little hint of mischief because he knows that Mama can't do anything about that!!! I'm not really that worried unless I over think the what if possibilities. Which even as I type this I am reminding myself to STOP thinking of these things and let him be big and let myself enjoy it with him. So, Ganga there is a huge weight on your shoulders to be praying with me ALL day that my sweet little man makes a safe return home.

Hope everyone chooses to have a Great day.

Ready for Anything...

2009-04-02T11:34:00.004-07:00

WOw... I feel like it has been forever since I have updated here. I know that there are a few pictures, but if you know me I live for chatting and well... that has been obsolete here.

Besides our awesome spring break it seems my life has sped up in fast forward from this little time in space (my blog). I mean, you guys have no idea about my spring cleaning bug that has taken over, my shelf and pictures that are finally being hung over the couch... you don't know about the two books that are simutainously changing me and how I view the world and my feelings of being overwhelmed with work and home life and how to balance the two since I work from home. (wow that was a long thought) I don't want to feel like a failure. I know that I AM NOT, so why stress myself out with the intrusive thought? Right?

Right. And I, for the first time in a long while, have the feeling of contentment within myself. I am a high energy, spordiac person by nature, add the details of life to the mix with a cup of joe and I can be one stressed out chicken running around in circles and not sure of what to complete next.

I am creative. I have always been, no matter the medium, but how do I organize my life in order to feel comfortable with 'undone' checklist and allow my juices to flow and pull those suppressed artful ideas from within???? By clearing my physic ram! What the hell is that you say??? Well, you will just have to stay tuned b/c I have to go help 'Her Pieness' (this is another nickname for the little butter colored haired girl that steals my heart)
(wow another mouthful, I must be having withdrawls)

sometimes the pictures say more than the words...

2009-03-27T15:17:00.008-07:00

Wordless Wednesday

2009-03-25T11:48:00.010-07:00

Thoughtful Friday...

2009-03-13T08:50:00.001-07:00

It was one of those March days when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold: when it is summer in the light, and winter in the shade. ~Charles Dickens

Wordless Wednesday

2009-03-11T03:33:00.000-07:00

get out and discover your world...

2009-03-09T03:33:00.002-07:00

Just sharing a little of our Sunday. Hope you week is filled with lots of wonder. (anyone notice that I kept with the scheme of things and 'yellow' found its way into my pictures once AGAIN!)

Pumpkin cake goodness...

2009-03-08T17:23:00.004-07:00

I have been wanting to bake something for our neighbor. After being in ICU for more than 2 weeks and then in a rehab facility... she is finally home. I witnessed her walking up to her front door when just weeks before they thought she would never return home.

They have two dogs, Abbey and Twitt, who have become really good friends to my two little ducklings. We fed the dogs each night while Bob stayed with his wife at the hospital. The kids looked forward to going over each night and still ask if they can go feed them.

Corbyn helped in every way possible. He measured the three cups of flour. He used every bit of elbow grease that he had stirring and whisking in all the spices. He even cracked the eggs!!! Recipe here.

We later took the mini cakes over to surprise them and stayed to talk and hang out for bit. I was surprised at how well she looked and moved about. She is an odd lady, but one of the most friendliest people ever. I haven't spent much time talking with her the past couple of years it seems, probably because she can be so odd. During the time of taking care of her babies and entering her home without her being there, I begin to regret not making more of an effort of saying hi. Now that she was given a second chance, I feel like I am too. My kids crawled through their doggy doors and all over the furniture and I never felt like a bad mom... they are great people and I am very thankful for all the wonderful support I have in my life. Go bake a cake and say a prayer for everyone that is important to you. take care.

author and illustrator...

2009-03-08T09:40:00.002-07:00

The above picture has a weird angle but I was trying to get the book and the fact that he was reading.

Several things are special to me about these photos. Most for the obvious, but other things I noticed are the fact that he, even though his words are correct and not backwards (that sometimes still happens,but not as frequent) his book opens from his lefthandedness. The staples are flipped to the right side. (I make these simple books from thin cardboard (think cereal boxes) and use printer paper cut in half and then stapled to it. No cover to deal with and bend back. very simple.
Another is that I watched him draw the car and his hands were quick with the motion to design the wheels first and then the body of the car, window and then the handle.
He thinks his leaves aren't any good (the last picture with the flower). I asked him if he was a loony patuny because his leaves were fabulous leaves. (he had me draw the one that is labeled, though he extended my stem and wrote the word). He is a man of detail when he draws and when he speaks.

I spy more orange and yellow...

2009-03-07T16:56:00.004-07:00

when life hands you lemons...

2009-03-05T21:35:00.009-07:00

and an orange or two...

take pictures of them.

Luckily the kids stayed healthy during hubby and my little escape last week. I hadn't felt that bad in a really long time. Sore throat the first day. Then a runny nose... I used an entire roll of tissue during one of the days. It was ridiculous. And I'm not even mentioning the burning eyes, headache, body aches, and coughing.

That was this time last week.

This is now.

I have been making every thing I can with oranges and lemons. I tried an Orange Ginger loaf in the bread machine. It was really tasty, the problem was that it didn't rise properly and was a short stout little loaf and was gone as soon as my little family left the table.

I volunteered in my son's class. But this time it was for the classroom store. The students had been earning 'pirate booty' for the past month or two.

I made oatmeal chocolate chip cookies with orange extract. (I was out of vanilla and thought I would keep the trend going) they aren't bad. I may have used just a tad too much orange extract though.

Almost caught up on laundry. Translation: two loads, clean, just not folded and put away, but I vacuumed.

I made a spring skirt for Myla. I'm thinking of putting one of these, on her shirt when she wears it. (a purple and white one)

Went to the library twice since last week.

My son had a friend over after school yesterday. It was early release. He rode with us in our car and everything. They had such a good time. Its so refreshing when that happens.

....Wordless Wednesday

2009-02-25T19:58:00.002-07:00

30 days: 17

2009-02-23T20:02:00.000-07:00

One word for you... Nalesniki. One day our kids will realize how cool their parents really are. These were made for dinner. My favorite version is with cream cheese, sugar, and cinnamon.

Husband thinks it must be in his blood with his skills of flippin' these large crepes. His parents always had a square griddle and Mario has a large round one... the crepes were HUGE!!!

(this is my recipe holder) It all started... mostly anyhow, with recipes that I received from my sister in law of the meals that have been passed down on her side of the family. The one above is one of them. Because of this and the awesome-ness of 'goolge' ling any recipe that strikes my fancy... I now just write it out on (printer) paper , hole punch it, and put it in my binder. I have tabs for breakfast, meals, sweets, extras, and sides.

later.

30 days: 16

2009-02-22T11:30:00.003-07:00

30 days:15

2009-02-21T22:33:00.000-07:00

This morning my little dude was playing with this box and his 'guys'. The guys were all over the box. And I thought... hey... I know what to do...

out came the crayons and markers.... tape... and scissors.... the trees, bushes and mountain were all ideas from my son. He wanted a place for the guys to hide. (can you find the guy hiding in the first picture?) Anyhoo... we had a good morning. And actually a good day, all day.

30 days:14

2009-02-19T21:33:00.000-07:00

She was my stuffer. Those little fingers were working very hard.

this is my second bird pattern that I have tried... the first was here, which is still totally cute but very small for my clumsy fingers. I then came across the cutest birds perched ever so sweetly on a branch at Sew Liberated. The tutorial actually came from Spool Sewing, where she created a bird mobile. They turned out a little wonky, so I made the pattern a little bigger and had another go at it... better I think. Sorry there's no picture yet.

But I have this cute picture of my little chickadee...

Someone tell her to stop growing and just stay where she is...

That dimple in her left cheek drives me nutty...

I just want to kiss and squish her to pieces...

30 days:13

2009-02-17T19:49:00.005-07:00

When I put stuff back it never really goes back to the same home. The picture by the door was in my closet. The picture and the spoon and fork that use to reside over the cabinet (of dishes) are now both in the kitchen. This picture use to be near the door.

The bird picture, which I love, I bought at Goodwill one day a long time ago. For $3.99 I do believe. Anyhoo, its new to the area and so is the recliner. Normally its over near the desk.

Will see how this works out as a reading area with the kids.

And that bright orange patch was my attempt in bringing something bright to the room. I used this piece that I got last year .... Its really a pocket. Nothing special, I wanted the most simple project possible last night. It ties on the side so that you can remove the cover.

Mod Podge how to:

2009-02-16T19:11:00.000-07:00

one bottle Mod Podge

1 sponge or paint brush

scrapbook paper

scissors

Cut paper the desired size.

apply Mod Podge on object then lay paper down on top, and repeat with the Mod Podge.

Thin even coats across.

let dry.

I thought I had taken a better picture of the new caddy, but I guess not. It is actually really cheerful and allows my pencils, pens and scissors to be separated and it even has room for envelops in the back. I think that orginally it was to be used as a silver ware caddy. I love the Americana theme, but this item looked cheap and like a sticker. I like its new look.

30 days:12

2009-02-15T17:32:00.009-07:00

We are doggy sitting and Myla is always so fasicnated with animals. She was in Bella's face and petting very softly.

We discovered these great waves in the sky.

At some point during the weekend they always talk their dad into jumping on the trampoline. He's loves it as much as they do. ((one of these days I will catch him jumping by himself, he has been known to do that)

)

This afternoon I was able to sneak out to go looking for a few treasures. Just look what I found.

I got these dishes for Pie Pie's playhouse.

I paid a dollar a piece.

This I found for $7 !!! Its completely hand carved into the wood and then handpainted.

I wish there was some indication as to where it was made. Because.....

I have this handcarved picture that is from Poland. They have (hubbys family) family there, but this was from a friend, Wanda. We have a bunch of other stuff from that region and they seem to like the carving of wood....

I found a few more books, but these were my favorites.

30 days:10

2009-02-13T23:09:00.003-07:00

Why would the recliner be in the kitchen you wonder?

we had the carpets cleaned yesterday...

we were trapped from the front of the house and from our bedroom.