Top books in 2008

I set a goal with a friend at the beginning of last year to read 25 books, not including children's books. I made it to 32 today. Out of all of these, many were fluff, some were lousy, and at least one was just plain terrible. I'll let those go, and hope that someday I'll forget that one. On a brighter note, the following are my favorites from this year:

Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert
The Namsake by Jhumpa Lahiri
Martian Child by David Gerrold
Left to Tell by Imacculee Ilibagiza
Walking in Circles before Lying Down by Merrill Markoe
Friday Night Knitting Club by Kate Jacobs
The Creative Family by Amanda Blake Soule
Escape by Carolyn Jessup
Marley and Me by John Grogan
Sundays at Tiffany's by James Patterson and Gabrielle Charbonnet
The Gentle Art of Domesticity by Jane Brocket

What did you read this year that makes your 'favorites' list?

I Made It Monday: Handmade Christmas in review (some repeats)

Here are a few of the gifts I made this Christmas. There is at least one more that I haven't posted, but that one I'll share at a later time. It's my sister's tea-towel and apron set, to go in her hope chest (or hopeless chest, as we've called them for a while). I can post a link to the tutorial I used for that one, too. It's bright and gaudy and kitschy, which means it's perfect for her.

All in all, probably about 50% of Christmas was handmade. Partially because I ran out of time, partially because that some gifts were cheaper to buy than they were to make (though many times this was not the case!), and partially because the purchased gifts suited the receiver better than a hand-made gift would have. I would like to do this again, yes, but I think it will require more planning on my part.

I was saying the other day that it's odd not to be compelled to craft now- I can do it for me, and I'm not hurried to get things done. I wouldn't say I regret making the items for others, but I think I can take the time to enjoy the process of creating for fun. I went to the craft store to spend a gift card after Christmas, and found myself momentarily at a loss as to what I wanted to do. Looking at fabric, paper, and yarn, the feeling changed to "What don't I want to do?!" Two quilts, or the pieces for them and some embroidery are sitting in my basket now.

Merry Christmas

"What Naughty List?"

Here it is, Christmas Eve, and the list looms large. I'm not going to lie, I'm currently downing a Mountain Dew to give myself the boost I need to complete it. One and a half gifts remain to be made, as well as constructing a gingerbread house, making bird feeders (to honor the animals for their silence the night Christ was born- one of my favorite Christmas legends), read the Christmas story while Stinky sets up the Nativity, make a nice dinner (frozen chicken currently sitting RIGHT in front of the heater as I forgot to take it out to thaw until just now), and not throttle the toddler who is hovering dangerously close to that 'naughty' list.

May your days be harried, I mean merry, and bright. Merry Christmas, everyone.

I Made It Monday: Happy Birthday, Baby.

At 12:07 in the morning, two years ago, my baby made his entrance into the world. Now he's a big two-year old boy, and I can't imagine how life would be without him. Happy Birthday, Stinky, You have filled our world with more joy than you will ever know.

Overheard at our house: why we won't tell the dog to shut up anymore.

Stinky: Snow's yummy!
Me: It is... but I wish you weren't eating it off the bottom of your boot!

Stinky: Shup, Mommy.
Me: did you just tell your mom to shut up?
Stinky: Yup.

Christmas Spirit

Growing up, we had a neighbor who put up a beautiful Nativity display every year. One year the baby Jesus was stolen, and he didn't want to put it up after that. Everyone was sad, but understood.

We saw this scene at a church we were driving past- lots of dolls in a manger, offered freely to those in need- just like the Savior. I love this reminder of what it's about.

That Snow Day I was Hoping for

I hope your day is this much fun. Tonight we see Santa.

Snow Day

I am married to a teacher in one of the 7 districts across the western half of the state NOT to call it a snow day. It is so disappointing to watch all the other schools listed in red on the news, then our district pop up a mean shade of yellow. Two hour delays are for the birds. Now, Stinky has a combination of a cold and cabin fever. Wish us luck.

Thank you for your encouraging words on my last post. I really appreciate them, and things are definitely looking up. Sitting and watching snowflakes fall always cheers me up. Bring on more snow.

It's probably the hormones.

Really, I'm almost certain it's the hormones. I like to think of myself as a positive person but I find myself, feeling a little defeated tonight. I won't get into details, but I hit a wall and found myself wanting to throw in the towel today. So, tonight I'll let myself pout a little, indulge in a few too many tootsie rolls and some diet dr. pepper. Then, I think I'll clear off the table and put in a little creative time, because I think I need to feel good at something. Tomorrow, I can start over and work on ways to get past this wall and continue to move forward. Anyway, I may delete this in the morning, but thanks for letting me vent a little.

I made it Monday: Mom's gift

I did it! I finished the Nativity wall hanging before Christmas! I'm so happy! I really feared it wouldn't be done in time, but it is, and I'm so proud of it. Mom really loved it too. I will reiteratethis, however. The next time anyone hears me say "I'm thinking of making this mixed media piece" slap me. Hard.

The homemade Christmas plans are going well. I have 4 gifts to complete, and all are one-day projects at this point. I had to take a break yesterday as 'crafter's back' hit me really hard, an was made worse by standing in heels to teach at church (dumb). After a day of rest, Aleve and heating pads, I'm ready for action today. It's funny how when you make creative time a regular thing, how much you miss it.

Just too good not to share

I hope everyone is having a wonderful weekend!

11 sewing days left 'til Christmas.

I really wanted to focus on a mostly handmade Christmas this year. It can be a cheaper option if you're smarter about it. I've had to look at using what I already had, since the budget leaves little wiggle room. (As an aside, crafters, don't we always have more supplies than we have projects we're working on? Still, I will never turn down the opportunity to buid the stash. I digress). I've also had to find cheaper options when the project did require spending money. On average, using what I have on hand, and buying things as cheaply as possible, I think I've spent around $8 per handmade gift- something I'm very proud of.

I've also gone 'green' with gift making, repurposing some items to create new ones. The creativity I've had to incorporate is really satisfying, when you figure it out, and it's nice to know I'm not using resources needlessly (whoa, what tree-hugger just said that? Couldn't have been me!) Though, like mama says 'we've been green since back when it wasn't trendy, and was called being cheap.'

More than that, though, I've been able to be more thoughtful and maybe more frivolous with the gift giving process with it. Fortunately, none of the people I love are in serious need of anything, and I'm grateful for that.

The negative is that we've been eating dinner on TV trays for probably two weeks now, as gift-making has taken over the dining table. Maybe after Christmas we can eat at the table again. Then, Stinky won't grow up thinking the Simpsons are regular dinner guests.

the bare necessities?

Can we agree that somethings just are not necessary? For example, high fashion hospital gowns? It turns out they exist, and I'd like to thank TAMN at Seriously, So Blessed in all her ironic glory for introducing me to this new level of... I don't even know.

There was a recent blog over at Domestic Felicity titled Baby Un-Necessities, pointing out the pointlessness of many baby products, when you actually thought the product through. It was a great article. Contrast this product, which yes, is very cute, but when you really think about it?

You'll have to launder it yourself, and it's probably going to get rather messy. Also, chances are you're not going to look really cute while laboring to bring your precious child into this world. When precious child does make their entrance, they're probably going to be the focus of any pictures taken, and not you in your cute hospital gown, I am very sorry to say. But when it really comes down to it, why spend almost $50 on something you have a high likelihood of pooping in?

Don't get me wrong, after 2 days in the hospital following Stinky's arrival, I wanted my own clothes pretty badly. Having somebody else take care of that laundry, however, was worth wearing standard-issue hospital gowns.

The Adventures of Stinky.

Yesterday, I heard him singing in the living room "I got boobs, I got boobs...." I couldn't imagine what on earth would prompt such a song. Then I saw. Then, I grabbed the camera and started singing, too.

For the last two days, he's decided that his bed (freshly laundered linens and all) is a toilet. I don't understand the logic that makes jumping in his own poop a fun thing to do, but he does, and apparently it's hilarious.

You may already be a winner!

Congratulations to Rachel at Made with Love and Glue (whose blog title I LOVE). You win our Family's Mix CD this year. Please e-mail your address to rae _ a drop of golden sun @ hotmail.com. I hope you enjoy it!

As for I Made It Monday... I'm still working on so many gifts for Christmas. I have finished two lap quilt tops in the last 4 days. I still have several gifts to go, but one that must be finished by tomorrow's lunch date. However, above you can see the pajama sets I've finished - one is for Stinky, the other is for my almost-sister-in-law. Hope she doesn't read here- if you do, please pretend to be surprised! I used the tutorial for pants from SouleMama's book The Creative Family (this book is and incredible source for parents and crafters alike.) You can find several tutorials for this online, though. It's not exactly how I did it, but this tutorial is really good.

This handmade Christmas thing seemed like a good idea at the time. I find myself saying that over, and over, and over again. How are there only 16 days left?

'Tis better to give than receive.

Today is my birthday, and in honor of it, I'm putting upa wow-I-wish-I-were-a-big-cool-blogger-giveaway. It's nothing fancy, but I'm offerring our family's Christmas Mix CD for one of you this year. Because WBH hates most Christmas music (he worked in retail for too long), I try to find music that isn't overplayed, and I think I've got some really fun stuff pulled together- Barenaked Ladies, Jane Monheit, Jason Mraz, it's a good mix!

To be entered, comment here by Tuesday with your favorite Christmas song, just for fun, and I'll randomly select one on Tuesday. Mine is "I heard the bells on Christmas Day"

Got to run- WBH stayed home from work and jsut made me a HUGE yummy breakfast. How I love him.

What goes around....

Dear Christine,

I am truly sorry for all the Sundays that Stinky, WBH and I sat behind you and your children at church, because they were more entertaining than the meeting. I apologize for how hard I laughed when one of your youngest said to his brother "I'm going to punch you in the nose until I kill you!" with a big ol' grin on his face. I understand if you hated us for laughing the time they tried to strangle eachother with their neckties.

You see, someone said to me last night "I so enjoy sitting behind you and your little boy at church on Sundays, you keep me awake all through the service," and now I know how it feels. I wasn't judging you as a mom. The Sunday you marched all of your children out into the hall for a talk about their behavior is in my top examples of awesome moms.

Thank you for not punching me in the nose, because I understand how it feels now. Clearly, what goes around comes around

Rae

Made it!

I'm glad the picture isn't very detailed, because, frankly, it's not very good. However, this doll quilt was a great learning experience for me.

First, learned how to do binding. With the exception of joining the ends together, it was much easier than I thought it would be. Second, change the top thread to white when machine-sewing the quilting. It will look much better (probably a duh, but this is my first quilt since making one for a church project 10 years ago or so). Third, handpiecing is nice that it's portable, but having a sewing machine now (HAPPY EARLY BIRTHDAY ME! WBH ROCKS!) made it speed along so much faster that I probably won't do it very often. Finally, I love the look of sewing it up before washing, then washing and drying the completed project. The wrinkliness really is as lovely as other bloggers said it would be.

I have no clue what to do with it now- much of it's pulled apart in the wash (another reason hand piecing probably won't happen often).

I Made it Monday: Oops

This week's I Made it Monday will happen tomorrow- I was up late last night finishing the project and forgot to take a picture. So, tomorrow, I'll be certain to have the picture up.

I hope everyone had a lovely Thanksgiving weekend. WBH is back at work and we're both bummed out about that. Stinky made it through the weekend without saying anything that sounded profane (what was supposed to be flicker has become "fwicker" and I'll take it!). As for me, I'm pretty sure I gained back all that weight I lost. Back to work.

Week of Thanksgiving: Friday

My in-laws: We had such a fun Thanksgiving with them, the food was delicious, and Stinky was delighted to be with them. I love them, and the proof is that it was mostly their gift that got me up on black friday.

Surviving Black Friday
WBH letting me sleep inafter fighting with the crowds. Until 1:30. Love that man.

Week of Thanksgiving: Thursday

Our home: It isn't perfect, and it isn't ours, but it is home. I'm grateful for the time we've had to live here, the landlords with integrity, and the opportunity to attend church wuth a congregation we really, really like.

Roller Derby: This gave me an outlet and focus when I really needed it. I am so happy for the opportunity it gives me to exercise, let out some aggression, laugh, and have adults to talk to. I am grateful for the workout we got last night- now I feel like I can go into Thanksgiving guilt free.

Week of Thanksgiving: Wednesday

Today I am grateful that my son was exclaiming "Flicker!" and not what I thought he was shouting.

I think the folks who work on Handy Manny are screwing with our heads, moms. Creating a character named Flicker on a show aimed at an age group without the best enunciation? That's a little messed up. It will be funny, until toddlers run around saying "flicker" in public.

Then it might just be hilarious.

Week of Thanksgiving: Tuesday

Flannel Pajamas
Text Messaging
Knee Socks (it's a derby thing - plus, the extra layer of warmth is so awesome in our drafty house)
Baked Oatmeal- I find myself making a big batch early in the week and eating off of it all week long. Here's a great recipe for it.

2 c oats
2 2/3 c milk
1 1/3 c water
1tsp cinnamon (we've discovered Stinky has an allergic reaction to cinnamon, so I sub allspice)
dash nutmeg
1 1/3 c(at least, more is awesome) fruit, raisins, etc your choice
1/2 c brown sugar, maple syrup or honey (less is usually fine)
pinch of salt

Preheat oven to 350. Spray a cooking dish. The recipe says to mix it all in a bowl- I just dump it all right into the baking dish- a deep 8x8 pan and stir it with a fork. Bake for 40 minutes, or until most of the liquid has evaporated.

I love mix 'em and leave 'em recipes, so this is right up my alley. Right now I have some with peaches cooking in my oven. The oatmeal made this way is so lovely and creamy.

Week of Thanksgiving: Monday

-My husband. He is my best friend, my biggest fan, and he has the patience of Job when it comes to me. Last night, stressed, overwhelmed and not feeling well, he sent me upstairs to take a break with the bed,TV, and a little less noise. When I came back downstairs, he had picked up everything and was starting dinner. How I love that man of mine.

-Stinky. Like the pseudonym, suggests, and the stories here prove, he makes me crazy somedays. I wouldn't have him any other way, though. I love the slobbery kisses and the running hugs. I love the determined look in his eyes. He was so wanted, so prayed for, and I am so happy we have him.

-I'm grateful for the 5 pounds I lost when I threw the Halloween candy away. Yes, that's more of a brag then a gratitude, but TAKE THAT, trash talking mexican mall guys!

Making it Monday: Easy, Cutsom Wall Art(ish) for Cheap

These are super easy to do. Borrowing an idea from Ali Edwards, who did this with a butterfly-shaped punch and papers she had on her desk, I stole this idea when we got slip covers for our living room. Pretty easy- using your choice of scrapbooking papers, punch the required amount of circles, then glue in place on the posterboard and slap it in a frame. I've also seen this done with larger circles modge-podged on a canvas, then some paint details added. It's inexpensive and you can use whatever colors work for your home.

We've since rearranged and now they're on a larger wall, so I'm working on a third piece. By working on, I mean, bought the third piece of posterboard for the project a month ago and haven't done any more on it.

Later today, I'm borrowing another idea, this time from Kari. I'll be posting a 'thankful list.' everyday this week, in preparation for Thanksgiving. What are your plans for the day?

"My heart's desire... right in my own back yard"

We got home right about bedtime, but it was evident Stinky wasn't ready for sleep. I plopped him on the couch so I could prep a sippy cup that I hoped would help him unwind and get ready for bed. As I turned on the TV, I heard the familiar strains.

As a little girl, I watched The Wizard of Oz at least twice a week. My mother would bribe me with the movie, and claims I wouldn't blink while I watched it. I had a stuffed dog named Toto, and often claimed to be Dorothy. Being able to play Dorothy last year was a dream come true. The movie's theme and music are near and dear to my heart. I am proud to say that I own my very own pair of ruby slippers, even if they are the most uncomfortable things I own.

I settled in next to Stinky, figuring he might like the music and the dancing for a while, then get tired enough to put to bed. I don't know if it was the hours he spent at rehearsals, or having me sing "Somewhere Over The Rainbow" to him when I put him to bed. Maybe my childhood obsession with the movie is somehow ingrained into my genetic makeup now, but he stayed awake through the entire movie, snuggled up to me, eyes glazing over. We sang the songs, and I'd repeat lines with the movie, just like I would as a little girl. This line, as Dorothy departs from Oz, resonates with me even more as a wife and mom:

"It's that, if I ever go looking for my heart's desire again, I won't look any further than my own backyard. Because if it isn't there, I never really lost it to begin with."

Oh noes!

Derby skills tests are Sunday. One more practice- tonight! No stress, none at all!

I Made It Monday: Baby Hats

With WBH supervising the HS football playoff game Friday night (go A-Town!) , I was faced with a choice- a lonely friday night at home, or crafting with my mom and sister. Easy choice, right?

These sweet baby hats are for MamatoMama's Caps to Cap-Haitian project. Please check out the site to learn more about the purpose of the project. We made them out of re-purposed t-shirts. Between littlest sister E, my mother, and I (with some help from Stinky) we put together 49 hats in two and a half hours. Each t-shirt usually made two hats, with some of Littlest Sister's making only one, and some of WBH's shirts making three.

The incredibly easy pattern can be found at the Mama to Mama link. If you have some spare time, a sewing machine, and a few extra t-shirts, this is a wonderfully easy project to put together for a good cause. The hats need to be received in Maine by December 10, which still leaves plenty of time.

Once Upon a Time...

At the tender age of 15 I held a summer job at an Adult Family Home, caring for five elderly women as an assistant caretaker. Job duties included helping to prepare meals, making instant coffee at the ladies' request, doing laundry, and occasionally helping to bathe them. I'm not entirely sure that part was legal for me to be doing at that age, so we'll focus on the largest part of my job: helping to keep the home tidy.

We had this notebook which had checklists of daily, and weekly chores that we were to consult and sign off on when the tasks were completed. As long as we kept up on these things, the home ran beautifully, dementia-induced fits notwithstanding (one woman, our sweet Gracie, had a really bad day when she read about Elvis' death for the 4th time that week in the Enquirer, and cried loudly all afternoon, upsetting the other residents. Shortly after that, her family was asked to stop bringing her that magazine). My favorite caregiver and I would race through our daily tasks to be done in time to enjoy the 'socializing' part of our job- watching General Hospital with the ladies. Funny how some habits die hard, isn't it?

I've discovered that I need a notebook like this. I'd love to have something ready made - SimpleMom has a great set up for weekly and daily tasks - but I think I need to invest some time in making myself a home management notebook customized for our family, and similar to what we had a the AFH.

How do you manage your job as a mom, wife, housekeeper, cook, laundress.......

Time to hit the gym, or so it seems.

I don't speak Spanish, but my husband does, and uses it quite frequently. He works with native Spanish speakers one period a day at school, so his is quite fluent. Because I know him and his inflections, I can often pick up on what's being said.

So when I was walking in front of the two guys speaking it in the mall yesterday, I had a pretty good clue what was being said. And I wish I hadn't. It was the wrong day to hear "She's a little fat." I asked Chris to say that phrase in Spanish and confirmed it. I'm embarassed to admit that I went home and cried for a while.

Fortunately, I had upped my free membership at the Y where I work to an extended membership, allowing me access to the Y's closer to home for a few bucks a month. This was done in part for me, but also in part to allow Stinky to have somewhere to get his endless energy out - they have Mommy/Tot Aerobics classes! It looks like tomorrow I'll be working out, and thinking twice about the Laffy Taffy in the pumpkin jar.

Didn't Make It Monday-

Today is hectic. I'm exhausted. I am still working on my mother's wall hanging!

So, those of you who are still reading- What are you making, or have you made recently?

Change

It probably won't come as a surprise that I was a McCain supporter, but it wasn't an easy decision for me. Both candidates had pros and cons. In the end, Obama's record on abortion influenced me in favor of his opponent. Last night, I was impressed by "my" candidate's class and graciousness in defeat; an example was set for us all. Regardless of any disappointment I might have felt at the time, it was impossible not to feel the gravity what had just happened, and how November 4, 2008, will be a day our nation will remember forever.

This morning, as I watched a portion of President-Elect Obama's speech on the news, Stinky asked, "Who's that?" I was surprised to feel my voice catch in my throat when I answered "That's Barack Obama. He's going to be our next president." I am so grateful that my son will grow up in this time- where a President who isn't white isn't something that will happen "someday," and a woman was a Vice Presidential candidate from a political party that stood a legitmate chance. I am grateful that I live in the country where we get to vote not only for candidates, but also have a say on laws. I am grateful to know that these individuals do not have the final say in my happiness, nor are they the only voices that count.

I don't think anyone can deny that this is an exciting time to be an American.

Stinky's International Incident

We attend church in a meetinghouse with two other congregations. In this building are a Samoan congregation and a Spanish congregation. I remember walking into the building the first week after moving into our new home, and falling in love with the Primary childrens' voices singing in spanish. This week, however, I wasn't feeling the love.

After I picked Stinky up from Nursery at the end of all classes, WBH had to have a brief meeting. I decided a walk would probably wear him out enough for a nap. During the time Chris was in his meeting, Stinky managed to run through the Spanish congregation's Sunday School, and not once, but twice, did he make it onto the pulpit of the chapel where the Samoan congregation was preparing to meet. Upon reaching the top of the pulpit, he let out an ear-piercing scream. Remember, this was in the chapel a space designed for acoustics. Two times, folks, count 'em.

I finally caught him and left the chapel, tears filling my eyes as I was watched with glares and snickers. I found WBH and asked for the keys. When he asked what was wrong, all I could say was "Finish your meeting. I just need to have him strapped into his car seat and a tranquilizer dart." I'm still not sure who the tranquilizer dart was for.

I just hate feeling like 'that mom' with 'that kid.'

Today has been as much of a challenge, and while it may not have been in public, it did involve doggy destruction, several bodily fluids, and a refusal to nap. I thought about taking a picture for 'wordless Wednesday,' but most wouldn't be family friendly.

I'm Making It Monday: quilted mixed media nativity wall hanging- what a mouthful!

This is my mother's Christmas gift- in progress. I first traced the image (a coloring page I found on the internet and and enlarged), then painted by numbers. After gluing on the ribbon, I am now quilting through the ribbons to give more texture. Hand-quilting through three layers of fabric, batting, paint, ribbon and glue is not fun and leads to some sore fingers. But it looks so nice. I'm still deciding if I'll add embroidery to this around the blue border. After the 'internal' quilting is done, I'm adding a gold ribbon border next to the picture portion.

It's hard to tell in this picture, but I've quilted most of the area around Joseph. Oh, and the next time anyone hears me say "I had this idea for a really cool mixed media piece..." I want you to smack me right on the face.

I haven't been good about blogging. Last week was really busy prepping for Halloween, but I'll catch up this week. Tomorrow I'll fill you in on Stinky's "International Incident" at church. It's a doozy!

Overheard at our house: Prayers

Stinky is learning to pray. He's beginning to understand that we pray for the things we hope for. One morning, as we finished famiyl prayer, I told him we couldn't watch the Wiggles, because we were leaving. He quickly folded his arms and whispered "wiggles." I grabbed a DVD and he watched it at Grandma's that morning.

As we were saying prayers tonight, we had this exchange.

me: bless daddy to come home safely...
Stinky: safely...
me: please bless Aidan...
Stinky: Get french fries...

Not so lucky this time, pally-boy.

We Made It Monday: Halloween 2007

Last year's Halloween was out first in the home we're in now- our first with a porch to decorate. WBH did a great job with our pumpkins. He likes to use his power tools on them, but I'm really impressed with the outcome. This year, he did a bunch featuring the logos for each of the derby teams on Funkins- so they'll last- and has big plans for the pumpkin this year.

The cute little devil costume? Yours truly knit that little bad boy for my little bad boy . Every. Last. Stitch.

Alter-Ego

Some of the New Bruisers got to do the demo bout this weekend- the black and blue team. I was on blue. It's been a crazy weekend, but tonight was fantastic. I'm glad our friends had as much fun as we did. I'm grateful to have a husband who wants this for me as much as I do. I'm so happy I get to be a part of this league.

My Famous Husband!

WBH's picture was featured in the prep football gallery on the Seattle Times website. Unfortunately, this picture gives only a very small example of his Spirit Gear. The mohawk is gone now- it's a homecoming tradition.

World's Best Husband

There are so many amazing things about the man I married. He's an incredible father. Even when he's exhausted (and with the hours he's putting in, this is most of the time), he still musters up the energy to play with Stinky. He encourages me to go after the things I want with more tenacity than I have. He is so supportive of the people and things he cares about. He's enthusiastically involved in his job. He helps at home, even when he's tired. He makes me beautiful jewelry. He's so creative and fun to be married to.

If I had to choose a way to describe just how I feel about him, though, it's always been beautifully summed up by Dory in Finding Nemo:

"No one's ever stuck with me for so long before. And if you leave... if you leave... I just, I remember things better with you. I do, look. P. Sherman, forty-two... forty-two... I remember it, I do. It's there, I know it is, because when I look at you, I can feel it. And-and I look at you, and I... and I'm home."

WBH, you really are the best. I love you so much.

Wordless Wednesday: Laundry Help

Weekend in Review

Saturday was a whirlwind, animal filled day. We started at the annual reptile show (not adding any to the brood this year, we just bought some food, and WBH got the chance to meet some people from the herp society). Stinky met a tiny horse- not just a miniature horse, but a dwarf miniature horse. He was adorable and cuddly, and apparently potty trained! Fortunately, he's being trained to be a therapy animal. Stinky's exuberance and excitement didn't phase Mini-Whinny's owner at all.

Then, we went to the zoo for the annual halloween event "ZooBoo." I love getting the costumes worked up at put together, but it feels like a lot for one day. I try to find other costume-wearing opportunities. This year, we think we've got the cutest cowpoke ever.
Pumpkin bowling was a hit with Stinky.
Yay for full family pictures!
And here's a look at why I'm the luckiest lady in the world:
I hope everyone else had a fantastic weekend!

I Made It Monday: Butterfly

This is a project Stinky and I did together for the Butterfly Project at Holocaust Museum Houston. To represent the 1.5 million children that died in the holocaust, they are collecting 1.5 million butterflies. If you are interested in contributing to this project, Birds of Paper has the information at her site.

Forgive the horrible picture below, but these are the pumpkins I made using the tutorial from last week's I Made it Monday. I love pumpkins because you can extend their decorating lifetime between Halloween and Thanksgiving.

Like Bart at the Blackboard.

I will not restrain my toddler with bungee cords.

I will not leave the dog outside all day in the rain, even if he does have it coming.

I will not fashion a Great Dane-skin coat and handbag ensemble.

I will not lock myself in my room and let the two of them have free reign of the house.

I will not run out the door as soon as my husband comes home, shouting "Haha, finders keepers!"

I will not skip derby practice to eat my weight in Ice Cream instead.

I will not put my child in the dog's crate, even if it is bigger than our bathroom

Even though I really, really want to.

I will post an "I Made It Monday" later today.

Autumn

That's me and my baby 11 months ago. Wow, how things change.

A friend and I were discussing the other day that autumn brings on some strong feelings. Not too long ago, really, 3-5 generations maybe, our ancestors would be preparing our homes for winter, seeing to the basic needs of food and shelter from the cold and facing months with no interaction with anyone but family. Maybe it's this history that finds me wanting to stay home with my family snuggled under blankets, cook food that's meant to be eaten hot, and make my home pleasant for our family. I think autumn kicks in the nesting instict.

I made a roast chicken today and did lots of laundry. It smells like fall at my house!

I Made it Monday: Fabric Pumpkins Tutorial (link)

Here's the deal: My house is too messy to take pictures of anything, and I'm embarassed. I spent a good portion of time this weekend creating fabric pumpkins for friends, family, and us, and they're pretty cute. What's not cute is the raffia scraps all over my dining room floor! So, for I Made it Monday, here's a link to the tutorial I based it on. Nice job, Nicole!

I'll take pictures of our fall decorations, and the pictures in Stinky's room (finally) once all of the stuff is shoved into one corner that I'll avoid with the camera. Kidding. Sort of.

I'm feeling fall, and I'm loving it. I made a mug of hot chocolate while I worked today. I am seeing colorful, falling leaves everywhere, and it makes me smile. I think I'm going to hunt down a few more sweaters soon.

Tagged!

Was tagged by Sweet Rachel to give you 7 random things about me.

1. I love celebrating. I don't care what it is for, ususally. Holidays? yup. Accomplishments? yup. Fridays? yup. Surviving a really bad day? Oh, yes.

2. I LOVE living in Tacoma. It's such a great place. There are so many things to do- every day that I drive I find somewhere new I want to check out, and best of all, all of it is 15 minutes away.

3. My three biggest vices/indulgences are Diet Dr. Pepper (3 today- so far. I'm thinking a night cap!), Laffy Taffy (bring me a small bag and it will be gone before tomorrow), and General Hospital. You can gage my stress by how much I'm partaking of these. Lately? It's a lot.

4. I might be addicted to my Google reader. Having all the blogs I like to read (and an offering of blogs I haven't seen yet) is soooo tempting and is where I spend waaay too much time.

5. WBH and I met on the first day of High School, and Ithought he was really cute- cuter than the guy who introduced us and later became my first boyfriend. I also overheard him saying he'd never date me. It took us nine and a half years, but we got it right, and he says crow tastes good.

6. I hate the word 'deserve.' It annoys me to no end when people say they deserve something. It's the attitude of entitlement that gets to me. "I feel I've earned it" is so much less grating.

7. I lay awake at night thinking of ways to outsmart stinky, and wondering how I got so lucky.

I'm not going to tag anyone- if you feel so inclined, please let me know you've done this one so I can read it!

Overheard at our house: all in the course of one morning!

WBH: "Stinky gets a straight jacket- it's just a coat that hugs you back."

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Rae: "Stinky, I said stop putting toast in my eye."

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WBH : "You remember Santa? He's the guy that brings presents to the little boys that keep their pants on!"

What a day it is going to be...

Wordless Wednesday: He Loves Me.