Crunchy Peas

not going to make it...

Well, I have come to accept the reality that my advent garland will not be totally complete by tomorrow.  I have mittens 1-12 finished, there is no way that I will get to the other 13 by the end of the day.  Oh well, I guess it will just be a "get- it- done- as- I- go- along" kind of project. 

I have all kinds of filler for it.  Three tiny little trinkets or treats will be stuffed inside each mitten. This was the really fun part (did you know that 3 things for 3 girls for 25 days equals 75 things- eek!) My Grannie (who is a feeling a bit sick...hi Grannie) gave me her old craft box.  Inside I found all kinds of vintage figurines that were used in cake decorating. I also threw in some peppermint sticks, suckers and tons of other little thrifted doodads. Next year I think I will stuff them with ornaments -much easier.

I am headed out tomorrow for an overnight shopping trip with my Tante and my cousin.  Looking forward to some girl time...have a great weekend!

wisdom of a 6 year old

The days seem to be picking up speed.  And as they seem to pass by more quickly, my "to do" list seems to be growing.  After the kids went to bed yesterday evening, I was feeling a bit sorry for myself.  You know, when you would like to sit down and read the newspaper or sip a little tea and relax- but instead, you clock in for the "night shift".  Last minute laundry before the next day.  Readying the lunch boxes and the coffee pot for the morning to come. Picking up toys, lots of picking up.  Cleaning out the car from the day's journey. Loading the dishwasher with dinner dishes.  There is something a bit satisfying about doing work that doesn't get undone in the next minute (because all the undoers are sleeping).  But also, it can be a bit lonely.

As I was organizing backpacks with necessary items for the next day and fretting about all the tasks that still lied ahead of me- I found this paper tucked inside Emma's pack.

Can you read it?  It says Peace is _______.  Her idea of peace was "being".  It made me stop and think. I wonder where she learned that?  I certainly am not a very good example.  What a profound thought coming from a sweet little 6 year old.  She unknowingly blessed me in that moment.  I have much to learn from her. 

Hope that you have a little "being" in your day today.

broccoli bag

Remember this bag?  Well, sadly- I have still been carrying it around.  Do you know how horrible it looks with my black wool coat?

Everyday when I fetch it from the hooks by the door I think, "ugh- I really need to make a new bag."  But I was struggling to find some inspiration. This thought of a new bag has been intensifying as I look forward to a girl's weekend away in the big city.  Overnight.  Shopping.  So, what's a country mouse to do?  

For a long time I have loved this. 

So I made this:

(This bag was so difficult to photograph on such a gray day.  I finally had a measure of success after I hung it from the dining room chandelier)

The pattern is found here.  I modified the straps.  The bag body is made out of wool, the applique from wool felt.  I am in love with the fabric that I used to make the straps.  It's made from silk linen and came from a skirt that I picked up at Goodwill.  (It was a size 2...the lady at the counter looked at me like, "yeah right lady!") 

When they woke up this morning, I proudly showed the girls what I had made.  Hannah bluntly blurted out, "Looks like broccoli to me" and returned to her cereal.  Emma agreed in a disinterested sort of way and of course Laurel copies whatever anyone else says, "Boccy" she giggled.  They are usually so encouraging!?! 

Better don't you think?

Quilting Along

So 3 weeks ago Amanda had this great and very generous idea to host a "quilt-a-long".  I have been itching to try making a quilt, and couldn't resist this opportunity for week-by-week help and inspiration.  After 3 weeks of procrastination/fear and fussiness over fabric- I jumped in. 

Square from Week One

 

Square from Week 2

Square from week 3

I am using fabric from my stash- which is hard for me.  I would rather have gotten new...but for the first go around- using old scraps will have to work.  My background color will not be uniform as the directions suggested. Instead, I have a little collection of vintage sheets which will hopefully give it some character.

What I have learned: I hate measuring.  Linen is squirmy on the cutting mat. Lots of thread tales to trim! I really rely on pictures in the directions.  I could never be an architect.  It was easier than I expected (especially the triangles).  Perfectly matching corners are not that important to me :)  Making a quilt is really not so overwhelming.  One square at a time. 

8 random things

I was tagged by both Cindy and Jessie to list 8 random things about me.  I have done a post like this before...it is so hard for me to think of things to write!  None the less, I gave it my best shot.  My list was pretty boring, so I decided to spice it up with some pictures.

#1.  I think that you can learn a lot about someone by looking in their refrigerator.  Here is mine:

What did you learn?

#2. I purchased and prepared Brussels sprouts for the first time ever today.  I have eaten them before (at restaurants or at other people's homes) but never known how to fix them.  I made this salad.

Pretty darn yummy!The recipe is not on line, but it comes from Everyday Food, the 11/07 issue.

#3. Earlier this fall I backed into the garage door from the inside.  I don't know what I was thinking.  The back door of my van was open as well and I started backing out before the garage door was all the opened. 

It wasn't too noticeable, and the door still worked-- I thought I had gotten off.  Now that the weather is much colder it is acting up. Only opening half way.  I had to come clean.

#4.  I wear this lipstick.

#5.  I hate folding laundry.  It usually piles up until we are so sick of searching through it to find something to wear- that I break down and tackle it. I saved this movie to help me through.

#6: I also think that you can learn a lot about looking inside at the contents of someone's purse.  Here is mine:

Huh, usually there is at least one pair of children's socks and a half-eaten banana or something. Guess you caught me on a good day.

#7. Whenever I get on a health kick (which I will get on as soon as I eat this last chocolate truffle) I go back to this book:

 

New workout clothes help too.  Did you know that is the number one reason that I don't make it to the gym every morning?  Because I don't have anything to wear!  Pretty pathetic I know. Well, no more excuses- the clothes are ready and the alarm set.  Tomorrow is the day!

#8. I love ironing.  Isn't it great to make all the wrinkles disappear.  Don't you wish that you could do that to your face?  When I was little my mom used to let me practice ironing pillowcases.  I usually find something to iron everyday.  I can't remember where I learned it, but I like to iron my pants inside out.

That way, you can get under all of the pockets and stuff.

Okay, well, that wraps up 8 really non-interesting things about me.  Hopefully Melissa, Grace, Erin, Amanda, Tiny Happy, Laura, Morgan and Alisha will have something more exciting to say!! 

Here are the rules:

*link to the person who tagged you
*post the rules
*name 8 things others don't know about you
*link to 8 other bloggers

more of the same...

The relaxing/eating continues.  We find ourselves doing some of this:

(emma took this picture...don't my hands look grandma-ish?)

A little lot of this:

(sharing pumpkin pie)

And many hours spent doing this:

(yay! Grampie came for a visit!)

Happy Thanksgiving

Wishing you a day of warm family gatherings, scrumptious food, and humble gratitude.  Happy Thanksgiving!

"Let us praise Him, in fact, for everything that we receive from His generous hand, for although we deserve little, He provides an abundance.  The sweetest and loudest note in our thankful songs should be of redeeming love.  God's redeeming acts toward His chosen are forever the favorite themes of their praise.  If we know what redemption means, let us not withhold our hymns of thanksgiving.  We have been redeemed from the power of our corruptions, lifted from the depth of sin in which we were naturally plunged.  We have been led to the cross of Christ- our shackles of guilt have been removed.  We are no longer slaves, but children of the living God, and can anticipate the time when we will be presented before the throne without spot or wrinkle or any such thing.  Even now by faith we wrap ourselves in the fair linen that is to be our everlasting array and rehearse our unceasing thankfulness to the lord our Redeemer." --Charles Spurgeon

busy bees

Like all of you I'm sure- we are busily preparing for the Thanksgiving Holiday tomorrow.  Amidst all the preparations (I am responsible for: pickles, olives, rolls, and pies) we continue to keep the day's true purpose in sight.  Yesterday evening when I braved the crazy madhouse that was the grocery store with my three children (who were hungry and tired) the giving of thanks did not flow so freely. I came home to find 13, yes 13 catalogs in my mailbox.

 

The thought of ordering every Christmas gift from my cozy computer chair crossed my mind.  I am not much for crowds, and after the grocery store was completely frazzled.  I only wish that I had gotten the early start that I had intended to on all of my gift-making. Don't worry Carl, I was just browsing :)

After watching the movie we were inspired to try some Ratatouille (above in my bowl).  I used this recipe and added some pasta shells for kid appeal. I didn't seem to work.  We liked the movie better than the actual dish.  Oh well, now we can say that we have tried it.

Lots of baking for me this afternoon.  Plenty of pies to be working on.

Carl is finishing up at the office.  The ski resort opens this weekend and their website has to be up and running.

Emma was getting a jump start on her ornament making.  She has been working on some fabric scrap balls.

Right now, Hannah is working on a nap  (a bit jealous of her).

And Laurel baby, well, she is busy working on her 2 year molars.  We will all be giving thanks when they finally arrive. Poor girl.

First Snow

It started falling last night. We were so thankful that it stuck around until morning.  It is so pleasant to be greeted by the cheery bright white glow of snow.  Even as an adult there is a sense of giddiness that comes with the first flakes of the season.  Laurel Baby couldn't resist get some real hands on action.  The gloves game off almost immediately.  She was only 8 months old this time last year, so she doesn't remember. One of the best parts about being a mom is watching all of those discoveries that your children make.

Ems did her best to start a snowman, she was really scraping it together.  I was glad that I planned ahead this year and dusted off the old and ordered new winter gear.  It was at the ready early this am (8 freezingish cold am)! 

We enjoyed a walk around the neighborhood and had some warm cocoa later.  It is so nice to be on vacation!  Everything is much more relaxed.  Including our choice of clothing (kid's choice).

Non-matching stripes were perfect for our first snow day (a little lazy movie watching too!)

Meow!

The "Biggs" and I had a little date last night. They let me come along even though I didn't have a matching red coat.

They did great....a few wiggles (mostly Hannah) but all in all they were a great audience. 

It was a practice run for this.  We have 5 tickets and outfits (of course, they are on sale now), and lots of excitement.  I think Laurel Baby will like Mother Gigogne. You know, she is the lady (or man perhaps :) with the big dress.  From under her dress come her silly little children. PNB's production was too expensive. $90ish x 5= too much (not including a hotel.)  So, we decided that we could get better seats, prettier dresses, and a yummy dinner too, if we saw Ballet Northwest's version instead (my alum).  It is our Christmas Gift to Ourselves. The girls agreed this would be more fun than any new toys this year. Memories last longer than material things right?

Feasting

This week has been the final push before Thanksgiving Break.  We have had conferences, assemblies, field trips, lots of classroom volunteering....and best of all some feasting.

(my daughter Emma is not actually in this picture...I had to crop her out because she was fiercely growling at her little sister for snatching one of her olives :)  By the way, did you know that the pilgrims had juice boxes and Oreo cookie constructed turkeys on the first Thanksgiving?

 

On to Hannah's classroom.  They were each handed three kernels of corn and told to place them in that tiny basket one-by-one.  As they dropped their corn in, they were to say 3 things that they were thankful for.  So sweet.

So now we have 10 long, luxurious days before us to do WHATEVER we want. I am so, so, so thankful for that!! I am hoping that their will be some sleeping in.  Also hoping that we can watch this movie for the one billionth time (it has become the current favorite with the little people around here.)  And, if I am lucky- some crafting too.  I have a "Christmas Gifts To Make" list that is a mile long!

She "makes" like me

One of the most interesting and challenging parts of being a mom is figuring our kids out.  What makes them tick?  Are they extroverted or introverted? Enjoy a challenge or frightened by it?  Do they like a lot of interaction or do they require more down time?  Is help appreciated by them or do they like to do it themselves?  One thing that I have really come to realize in the last year is that they are definitely all different from each other, and also from me!  As they get older, their own little quirks and personality traits are really starting to shine through.  I am learning to appreciate them- to be thankful for our differences. We definitely have a broad spectrum of likes and dislikes between our three girls, and it certainly makes life more interesting. 

One similarity that I love about Hannah and myself...she "makes" like me.  A flurry of creating in hyper-speed.  No time for picking up as you go, that can be done later.  I don't freak out when I see messes like this (she was cutting and gluing hair for the paper doll she was working on) because I know she is in "the mode."

I am grateful for the understanding I am given (sometimes in very tiny amounts) to see my children for who they are, and to honor and respect that.

Bendy Bread

Now that Hannah is in school she is very much "activity oriented".  She is so used to going from one project to the next while she is there, that she has come to expect that same type of entertainment at home.  "I'm bored" has become one of her favorite sayings around here.  I tried to explain to her that Mommy doesn't always have to have the ideas, that it is fun to try and think of things to play by yourself too.  I love Hannah and as much as I would also love to spend the ENTIRE day playing dolls or doing puzzles with her, there are other things that I have to get done.  Not so sure that she got it, because in the next breath she asked if we could bake something.  I remembered a recipe I had found for bread that you play with before you bake it!  I changed it from the original version, so I guess that makes it okay to share.

Bendy Bread:

1 C unbleached white flour

1 C + 1T of whole wheat pastry flour (regular w.wheat flour is too heavy, we used Bob's Red Mill Whole Wheat Pastry Flour)

2 t baking powder

2 T sugar

1/4 t sea salt

1 egg

1/2- 3/4 C milk- to obtain dough like consistency

1/4 c vegetable oil

Topping:

1/4 C brown sugar

1 t cinnamon

2-3 T melted butter

Mix the dry ingredients in a bowl. Mix the wet ingredients separately.

Add the wet to the dry and mix until combined, you may need to add more milk or more flour in order to achieve a doughy consistency.

Flour the table (and the floor, and your shirt, and your pants :) Knead the dough until it is more firm and elastic (a minute or two).

   

Divide the dough evenly between your participants. Perfectly even.  Let them mish, mash, squish, squash, roll and shape the dough into the desired forms.  (keep in mind the baking time of a big blob.  I had to send Hannah back to the drawing board a few times.)

Combine the topping ingredients. Sprinkle onto the shapes (which should be on a greased cookie sheet.  I used "Pam with Flour".)

Bake at 350 for 15-20min depending on the size and shape of your dough.  Try and wait patiently as the yummy smell oozes from the oven.

Cool and enjoy with a glass of milk.  (This was a person that Hannah made...she let out and evil laugh as she bit its head off)

And my thankful thought of the day goes out to my friend who gladly came to my rescue around 11:30 am when I had run out of ideas (and energy) to keep Hannah occupied.  She brought her girls over to play and we enjoyed some coffee together.

School tomorrow :)

I am a "real" crafter!

I know I said that Thanksgiving deserves more laud. I will get there (keep reading), but please allow me one tiny Christmas forethought.

These lovely little roll-ups are a more grown-up version of this.  I am making them as Christmas gifts for all of my nieces and nephews.  It was my first attempt and something patchwork-y. 

   

Now that I have invested the time in selecting all the colored fabrics and laying them out in the correct order...making more should be a breeze. Emma helped me decide which order they should be arranged in.  I should have done the cutting for all of them at once.  The choosing and cutting is what took the longest. But, I was so excited to finish one...that I couldn't help but forge ahead. 

The pattern is found in this book.  The instructions for every project in this book seem to be very well written.  Clearly they would have to be simple for me to understand them.  I did, however, have to make one phone call my "expert carpenter" Brother for a little measuring help (he was kind enough not to make fun of me when I asked him how many little marks past 1/2 inch line on the ruler equalled 5/8 inch.) I also purchased a walking foot for my machine. I felt very "official" using it...like I was a "real" crafter- no longer a wannabe.  So helpful! It makes a big difference when sewing layers. I am glad I did, because after the Christmas making and giving is done...I think there is a quilt in my future.

So the week is off and running.  My kids went to school today- whereas I think that public schools had the day off.  Emma's class went to an assisted living facility and sang Psalms for some of the residents, giving special honor to the Veterans who were present. Over our cereal this morning, we spent some time talking about what a Veteran is, and why they are worthy of honor.  I wanted my children to understand the great, great sacrifices that courageous individuals have made for their own personal freedom.  I think about Carl's grandmother who was pregnant when her husband left for the Korean war.  By the time her husband (Carl's Grandfather) returned home, their daughter was already 18 months old.  This type of reality is so far from mine.  I cannot even imagine what that would've been like.  Needless to say, I am thankful for those who have gone so far as to give their lives in their service to our country.

Tante

My Tante (aunt in french--she prefers this title).  Over the years she has taught me so much, like a stand-in mother of sorts (I lost my mother when I was 14).

(I stole this picture from her Real Estate site...pretty don't you think?)

From her, I learned that frosting colors for sugar cookies don't have to be plain ol' boring red, white, and green.  Instead, they can be periwinkle, blush and turquoise.  Also, I have learned never to spin my plate around in order to eat something from the other side of it. Tantes are good for etiquette rules like that.  She taught me that the secret to finding a good man lies in the details...like whether he knows how to match his belt to his shoes. Minor but very, very important. Another practical tip she gave me: it's okay to spend more on the wrapping paper than you spend on the actual gift.  Everyone loves a pretty package.  Every morning when I look in the mirror I can hear her saying, "get totally dressed- clothes, shoes, belt, bracelet/watch, earrings- accessories and all, then... take one thing off."  Simple, understated elegance is her specialty. More importantly than all these little notions, she has taught me what grace looks and acts like.  She has taught me how to love fiercely, to forgive, and to carry on. 

Since living with her during some of my college years (much of my behavior during that time period I have since apologized for) I don't see her as often as I would like.  So, you can imagine my glee when she agreed to spend the ENTIRE day with me!  For a whole 2 weeks I looked forward to our time together. (Tantes are busy ladies).  Finally Sunday arrived and so did she. We were off to lunch and some antiquing. 

It took less than 30 seconds and we were blabbering to our hearts content.  She, offering wise words about how the circumstances of life change us- making us less idealistic, and more accepting- and me, about how I can't seem to get the decorating right in my house.  You should see her little rock house cottage- like the pages of a magazine! Tante has a way of incorporating rustic with romantic.  Chandeliers, lots of chandeliers.

At one point, my feet began to hurt.  Being the retired ballet girl that I am, I suffered for a while.  I casually mentioned later that I was feeling betrayed by my new shoes.  What I love about Tante is her willingness to have fun (I have seen her cut some rug at several family weddings.)  Without a thought, she said, "Well then, let's trade.  You wear mine and I'll wear yours."  When I balked that we would look silly she said, "pshaw- no one is going to care."  Sweet relief- much better.

(still learning how to work my our new camera)

Chatting and shopping, shopping and chatting.  Our browsing coiled us through the entire building.  Not wanting our time to come to an end, I would linger a little longer- and walk a bit slower.  Finally the day drew to a close, but not before she bought me this:

A perfect match for my blue kitchen.

I love my Tante and I am thankful for the way she was placed in my life.  She has seen me through the incredible loss of my mother, teenage misunderstandings with my Dad, break-ups with boyfriends, and wearied days as a new mother. She has become a shining example in my mind of what faithfulness looks like, what tenderness feels like, and how Love loves.  Thank you Tante.  Thank you.

 

thank you flowers

These little flowers are so quick and easy to make.  The idea came from this book.  (Thanks Melissa for letting me borrow it!)  One flower takes about 15 minutes.  I see a lot of these in my future.  I put a safety pin on the back and the possibilities of how these could be used for adornment are endless.  This green one is going out to Emma's teacher.  She (like me) loves green- only she has wonderfully red hair and looks fabulous wearing it!  She is a busy lady with three children of her own, and I am thankful for the love and care that she shows to mine.

And on a huge side note...this is what I'll be reading this weekend

I can't wait to tell you all about it!!!!!!!

warmth

It sure is getting colder.  All of the rooftops were frosty this morning.  I have been advocating a lower temperature inside our house too.  The way the thermostat is set now, the heat only kicks on if the temp in the house dips below 65 degrees.  I don't know why, but I just associate warm stuffy houses with germ production.  Do you think that there is any truth to that?  In any event, I think that I have only heard the heat kick on a couple of times. And although the utility bill is noticeably lower- my family grumbles about this from time to time.  I like to sleep with the window open- Carl does not.  The girls come to the breakfast table each morning glaring at me as they wrap themselves in blankets from their beds.  Me, I find it kind of cozy wearing big squishy socks and an extra layer here and there.  In fact, I have stayed quite comfortably warm (except for my feet which always seem to be cold when I slip into bed at night- no matter though because I just sneak them over to Carl's side.  They are warm in no time!)

So yes, I am thankful for warmth.  Warmth that comes from soft cottony sweaters,

   

(yep, I am pretty sure that Laurel is picking her nose there.)

warmth from this super-de-dooper yummy white chocolate/peppermint cocoa,

   

and this little snuggling moment under a blanket on the couch with Laurel brought warmth inside and out. Don't you just want to eat up that little dimple on her elbow? 

Warmth to you on these chilly days.

looking and finding

I found myself looking for things to be thankful for yesterday knowing that I had promised to share some with you each time I post.  Indeed they were everywhere to be seen. Here are a few I found:

Lovely trees that flicker in the breeze and sprinkle down golden leaves.

Boiled eggs. By far one of the most nutritious, compact (with biodegradable packaging), kid friendly, easily packed whole food around.

"Adventure hikes" by the river, where Hannah leads (only possible because Emma was at school) and Laurel doing what she does best- picking up rocks and dirt. Hannah wouldn't let us linger very long in any one spot...she kept saying, "c'mon mom- keep it movin' ".  Just like her Grandma Karen.

The opportunity to Introduce Laurel to her shadow. I couldn't catch her waving.

And finally, a few stolen snuggles and smooches from this girl.  Anyone recognize her?

Thank you all so much for sharing your own personal grattitudes with me.  I love reading your comments and look forward to it each day!!

November= Thankfulness

I am as excited as the next person about the coming of the Christmas Holiday. I love giving and receiving gifts.  I eagerly anticipate gathering with family.  The jubilation my children express when the first snow arrives is contagious.  Their faces light up as each tree ornament is pulled from the box and rediscovered.  On and on I could go about the miracle that is Christmas.  However, what the heck happened to celebrating Thanksgiving?????  Already we are bombarded with ads in the newspaper and on TV telling us about all the great deals to be had on the "stuff" that has somehow seemed to replace the true meaning of Christmas.  My neighbors actually put up their Christmas lights last weekend. (They haven't turned them on yet...and they may not be all that stupid putting them up when it is not 9 degrees outside- but still.) 

 

I made this little banner a while back and now that it is officially November, I put it up last weekend.  It wasn't my idea...I hacked it from here. I hesitated in linking that picture because their version is way cuter.  I made the squares from wool felt and the letters were cute using a stencil and fat quarters that I thought looked autumn-ish.  I sewed them on raw edges and all.  It is hanging from a garden twine rope. ( a bit uneven too- the ladder was fairly wobbly, I wanted to get off it as soon as possible.)

Above our door it hangs in the hopes that it encourages us to be grateful for ALL that we have.  So many times we take simple things like a new toothbrush or clean socks for granted.  The big things slip by too- health, family, freedom.  I want my family to slow down and really give thanks for what has been given to us. 

So, for the rest of November (or at least until Thanksgiving) each time I post I would like to include at least one thing- and a picture too, of something (people, moments, and yes things) that I am thankful for. 

First up, I am thankful that my girls like to wash dishes for me. I do hover somewhat nervously as the water gets splashed about, and some food bits get passed over (good for the immune system right?) but I am thankful that they are willing to help out.

It was funny to watch the progression of wetness take over.  First, they wanted their sleeves rolled up.  Next, the socks came off.  Then, we lost the pants.  Finally, when I turned my back for moment Hannah actually disrobed completely and was sitting in the sink (she put the plug in the drain.)  That is where I drew the line.  Washing dishes in the buff is too much for me.  Its important to me that we work as a team and all pitch in.  This is a great way that they can play work :)  What are you thankful for?

serious sewing

Wow!  What a girl can do with a whole extra hour in her day!  I love daylight savings time because kids don't have a clue...they still get up at the same time only it is 5am instead of 6am.  Super!  Sunday afforded me an opportunity that I have been waiting for going on 3 weeks now.  Some serious sewing. 

By serious, I mean pulling your hair back in a bun with a headband serious.

Serious sewing means setting the mood for creativity, and clearing off all the unnecessary clutter.  Careful though, that last step may eat up all your time :)

(that cup was  filled with hot cider- for about 2 minutes apparently Hannah didn't get the memo that stated I was doing some serious sewing ALONE.)

Serious sewing is usually devoted to projects that will be given away.  When I sew for myself I wing it.  Everything is a bit more reckless.  But, when you are doing some serious sewing- there is much more measuring and careful cutting, more pinning and ironing. More thought and planning are involved thus more concentration is required.  One has to be in the right mood for serious sewing.  Tedious, not adventurous.

Here is what came out of my "serious sewing"

Two lovely slings for two lovely mamas.  They provided the fabric-I provided the seriousness (and the sewing).  Whew! Sewing a big rectangle takes a lot of concentration these days.  The last couple of projects were the "I-am-flooring-the-presser-foot-and-it-is-still-not-going-fast-enough" kind of projects. (I promise that I don't drive like a sew- at least most of the time).  So, slowing down, taking one's time, really plotting out the course pays off. Something that actually turns out! Serious sewing.

good times, good times

Because so many of our friends don't really celebrate Halloween, and because our kids don't already get enough sugar in their diet (roll eyes)...we decided as a group to come up with a fun alternative to traditional Halloween fare.  October 31st was a school night this year, so we planned the 2nd Annual "Fall/Pumpkin/Harvest/Something-else-to-do-instead-of-dressing-up-and-asking-our-neighbors-to-give-them-candy"- Party for Saturday night.

The kids did some coloring,

(they were preparing their goody bags- keep reading)

The adults did some munching (or maybe that was just me).  Notice the juice box in that picture, we are so fancy!

We played some fun games,

This donut game was especially hilarious...

and messy!!!

It was a great time of laughing, relaxing, chatting, eating, and sharing together. So blessed we are to have such great friends! Good times, good times.

bike ride with Laurel Baby

Last night Carl took the older girls to his hometown (1 hour away) to watch a football game against a longstanding rival.  It was against my better judgment to let them go on such an excursion on a school night- knowing how late they would be home, and how early morning would come.  It is obvious that Carl doesn't get to do any "father and son" type activities, and because the girls wanted so desperately to be alone with their dad is such a grown-up way...I conceded.  I bundled them up and sent them on their way with a goodie bag (which Carl later told me saved the 2nd quarter when the novelty of their surroundings wore off) and mugs ready for cocoa. So, with "the others" gone- Laurel Baby and I found ourselves alone.  The possibilities of how we might spend our quiet evening together were almost overwhelming.  Finally it was decided that we would go for a bike ride.  Earlier this year, my dad bought me and ibert seat for Laurel to ride in on my bike.  She loves it when we go.  So we too bundled up, I strapped on my camera and off we went.

She took off her gloves no less than 500 times.  This was okay because I was thankful for the excuse to stop and rest.  Clearly I am waaay out of shape.  She loves looking in that little mirror on my handlebars.  No matter how many times she spots her own face, she still greets herself with a sweet, "hi Lolo babee".  Over and over again she repeated it.  I love hearing her say her own name- especially with the "baby" part added on (this is what we call her).

We made our way down (I say down just so that you will know that I had to go up on the way back :) to one of my favorite look out spots.  The autumn colors were so serene at sunset.

We could smell dinner cooking and chimneys frothing their cozy sent all through the neighborhood. Just as we were pulling away from our river perch- we saw these geese retreating to their nests in the wheat fields behind our house.

 

We honked back at them.  Then Laurel's mantra then became "bye bye guckies" (duckies).  I am pretty sure that she said that all the way home.  I have trouble remembering much of the ride home.  Certainly if I had pedaled any further or harder than I did, my legs would have given out and my heart would have seized.  I understand now how people find themselves middle-aged and out of shape.  Life just creeps up on you and before you know it- you are old and fat. That is an uplifting thought huh?  We made our way back inside for some dinner (which thankfully I was able to prepare without fainting), a bath together, and some movie watching on my bed.  Laurel seems to think that she sleeps there too these days.  She is quite comfortable sauntering in to my bedside in the middle of the night now that her crib no longer restrains her.  It's okay, she is a good snuggler- with me at least. Carl reported that she kicked him in the head last night.  I am fairly certain he was dreaming. A lovely evening with Laurel Baby.

We have some fun things planned this weekend...hope to be back soon with a full report.