Coming Along Nicely

Hello, is it me Your Looking For?

2012-02-15T19:07:00.000-07:00

While I don't suspect anyone is there anymore but I will say hello. The adventures of life have taken me here. To Oregon. It's been slow going but I am starting to enjoy life in Oregon. It took awhile to get it going and we all know I am as impatient as a bitch can come so this was not easy for me. There was crying, there was a lot of upsettedness like only I can do. Dishes in the sink, unfolded clothes, commercials... you name it. It either put me over the edge and I cried or got pissed off.

Rick is a trooper. He sticks by my whackjobbedness with great fervor. It's ok with me that he doesn't mind that I am and always will be batshit crazy. It isn't all bad for him, though. Don't feel sorry for him.

So what keeps us here? In the end. School. Not for me, of course. My kids go to great schools. Ohio can never compare as long my children have better futures here.

I love you, Ohio. I miss you, sister, most of all. I miss you, house. I miss you, neighbors. I miss you crazy neighborhood guy who walks around with no shirt on looking scary as fuck but is really just looking for a few shiny things on the sidewalk. I miss you, 2 minutes away Walmart. All my childrens memories are there but we will make more. We already have.

Pecans for Moms.

2011-05-15T11:16:00.000-06:00

Just a little backstory first:

You may or may not have noticed that I tend to blog sporadically. My Mama likes to read my blog and this tends to get on her nerves a little. (Hi Ma!) So, in her infinite wisdom, (Love you, Ma!) she thought of a great idea for a little inspiration. Something to just getting me writing.

Did I mention my Mama works at a pecan factory? Well she does, she is a Pecan Afficianado. (I totes just coined that Title.) I digress. In all her smartiepantsedness she thought it would be a great idea if I tried out all the pecans they have on the farm and did a review of them. Like Best to worst sort of thing.

Obviously I have yet to do it, but in honor of Mother's Day I shall eat all of the pecans I can. Pure Torture. (So Not, the little buggers are delish.)

Now, when you are doing some serious pecan cracking you need the proper tools. My Mama knew this and sent a Texan Nut Sheller, yes the actual name, along to help me out. You will see it in the photo below. These are serious business so don't be playing around with them if you get one. Word?

I started with the Western Shlay, the name just caught my eye, it SHLAYED me... no? OK. Well then that one wasn't as tasty as I'd hoped. The meat (technical term for insides or part you eat) was really soft and the color was a soft brown, very appealing. I wasn't thrilled with it though. These are are kind of small too. I would say these would be good for carmelizing or cooking in a way that would bring out the flavors more.

While we were doing our taste test Krhystal stopped by so of course:

For now that is all I have on the pecan front. I actually had intended to have the whole thing done for Mother's Day but, well, I mean... things happen. I didn't. Stop bothering me about it.

I am going to go all American Idol judgey on these pecans. Stay Tuned.

-Trish

Movie Sunday

2010-12-26T13:39:00.000-07:00

I have a few recommendations in case you are looking to watch a movie on this fine Sunday after Christmas or any Sunday, really.

First Home From the Hill. It's a 1960 story about a town with secrets. A very young, but still kind of tan, George Hamilton is a spoiled rich kid. The very handsome Robert Mitchum plays his father and rich man of the town. Georage Peppard is the illegitamate son that saves the day. ( Also very handsome in his day.) Check it out, you will love it.

IF you're more interested in something a little newer then we have the tale of a silkie that the sea spit out. Ondine is a love story, perfect for a Sunday afternoon. The beautiful Irish accents hooked me from the start. Colin Farrel plays a fisherman that catches a beautiful woman in his net and his life changes in some very strange ways. His little daughter steals the whole show, she is smart and witty and, of course, Irish.

Happy Sunday to you.

Apple and Cheese Torte

2010-12-24T16:37:00.000-07:00

Easy Peasy Cheesy Apple Torte

1 Pillsbury pie crust
2 lbs ish of apples
1/3 of a cup of sugar
2 tbsp. unsalted butter
Sharp or Super Sharp Cheddar cheese
Preheat oven to 400 degrees

First you are going to want to peel and cut up the apples. I think this is a preference thing so I am not going to give you any size or shapes standards. Second, melt the butter and pour it over your apples then add the sugar and mix it all up. Lay the pie crust out on the cookie sheet. Put the apple mix in the center, leaving about a one inch edge all around. When you're apples are piled high fold that edge in half and give it some pinches here and there.

Like so:

Put that loveliness in the oven an let it cook for about a half an hour or until it's looking pretty golden. Take it out and add the cheese over the top of it and pop it back in the oven.

Let the cheese melt and !VIOLA!

DELICIOUSNESS!!!

Then make yourself a glass of wine and blog about it while enjoying the successful flavors.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Sharing is Fun.

2010-12-23T10:11:00.000-07:00

I found a cute blog link started by Little Miss Momma. Cute name, huh. I now know a few things about her, like her blog name is very appropriate as she is a little pixie at 4'11". I know that because she wanted full disclosure for all of her new BFF's. So she's having a party over there at Little Miss Momma and I just invited myself. Hope that's o.k.

So you, person reading this... Mom, Am, Stace.

A list of 10 things I feel you should know if we're going to be BFF's:

1. I'm a cryer. There really is no telling what could make me cry... Anything from Oreo commercials to Taylor Swift songs. I mean it happens at random moments so I can't be specific for you. Just be on the lookout is all I'm saying.

2. I do embarassing things like laugh super loud and express myself through dance and song at random moments. Again, I never know when this could happen so just be aware.

3. Although I have no illusions that I am a good vocalist, I sing at the top of my lungs in the car and in the shower. I have also been known to sing some karaoke.

4. My Itunes holds exactly 10.1 DAYS woth of music. I love music. I know, everyone does right. No... I don't think you understand, I Love music. It moves me in a way that I can't even express to you. I do not discriminate either. It is all welcome...except Screamo. I mean I really did try but, I just can't get on board with that.

5. I have a PenPal. She is probably the only person in this world that can pick out my penmanship in a line up. This is important because you might get jealous when I won't let you read her letters but you can bet your knickers that I will read them in front of you, laughing hysterically. She's also funny so bring your A-game.

6. Did I mention that sometimes I am not nice simply for the comedic value of it?

7. I am a people watcher.

8. I'm a little bit damaged goods so I won't always believe you when you say I look nice, but I am working on taking compliments. Actually, I'm working on a lot of things. In the meantime, my sense of humor makes up for the lack of confidence.

9. If our kids argue about something and come to us to solve the problem for them I will stop them in their tracks and tell them to figure out a solution or they can not play together. I like to call that character building.

10. I love gifts... and surprises. If someone would like to tell my husband this little gem, that would be great. I kid, I kid... but seriously...pass it on.

A Tale of Two Perms

2010-12-12T15:03:00.000-07:00

I was 8 years old in 1987. The year of the spiral perm is how I refer to it. That Summer my mom agreed to let me get a perm. I had to walk myself over to her hairdresser friends house and she would do it for me. As I remember it, it was pretty hot Summer day but there was no way I was not making the trek to this woman's house for my perm. The burning and smelly chemicals didn't even phase me. When it was all done I skipped home, sweating my butt off.

So.

Today, I took my 9 year old in to Fantastic Sam's in the Chestnut Commons. ( Great group of girls that work there, you should check it out.) We had every intention of getting her a perm. We spent an hour before that Googling all different types of perms so we knew what we were doing. The young lady seemed reluctant to touch her baby fine hair. THe whole time she was doing it, she had this look of terror on her face. I really don't think all that was necesary, I wasn't nervous, I mean it wasn't life or death- it was hair! Anyhoo, Abby was great. She sat for the hour and half and drank her juice box and was cool as a kitten.

I am so happy to report:

You Have to Try This One!

2010-11-30T09:16:00.003-07:00

I am all about making some home-made gifts this year. If you don't like home-made gifts, just let me know and I will be sure and not give you a present. (Yes, I am passive aggressive.) Seriously though, not to go on a tangent here, I always feel like people appreciate things you make for them less, when in fact they should be more grateful that you took the time to do something extra special with your own two hands. I mean really, people! That is so not what I intended this blog to be about.

Ok, moving on.

I am super excited about this one! I think it's my favorite thing I have seen around the internet for years and never made. last night I spent hours tearing apart a book, yes you read that right. I tore it until it was nothing. It was an old I have had since high school and I already read it so just relax, Amber.

This is what I got in return though:

Beautiful, right!

Now what you're looking at here is a first draft. I learned a few things. One, you're using hot glue so use your fingers as little as possible. Having a pencil to use for pressing the cones down is very necessary. Two, Definitely make sure you do the step that instructs you to cut the end off the inside layers because your little circle won't cover the ugly tips at the center otherwise. Make sure when you roll them, you make the bottom tiny and not large, they are much prettier that way. It took me a few tries to get it just right, this wreath is made with the cones that didn't make the cut on the pretty scale so can yoy imagine how pretty the next one is going to be?! Make sure you roll it so that the page number is not in the visible part of the cone, I didn't like seeing the page numbers on my finished wreath. Just a few tips, I hope they help.

I also have seen a lot of decorating of them. I like them plain but if you google "paper wreaths" you will see a lot of ribbon and glitter. Not my style, but I think I will add some paint or watercolor to the edge to age them a little.

The tutorial is on a blog called BagsandBuds & Fobulous! The Tutorial is here. If you try it, I want to see your pictures. I will be making many more so maybe you will get one for Christmas, too!

As a sidenote, while I was making these I was watching/listening to the Artist Den on the Ovation channel. Great show with good music. Today is Amy Mann, Glen Hansard and Crowded House. mmhhmm. Crowded House was very good, actually. I enjoyed it. I'm not a big Amy Mann fan, though... and I don't think that's how she spells her name but I don't care so don't correct me.

As Sammy would say- Peace and One, Ya'll!

Anthropology Can Suck It!

2010-11-29T15:32:00.001-07:00

As we all know I read lots of blogs. A few months ago I came across a number of blogs with their own versions of this Necklace:

I know, Pretty right!

Anyhow, so I browsed around and took a look at the "how I did it" on this blog and a thread on Craftster.

Then I made my own.

I tore apart some fake flowers from the dollar store and then reassembled them the way I wanted. Bought the pearls, wire and clasp at Pat Cataan's for about 15 bucks all together, but I also have tons of pearls, wire and clasps left over so all in all it cost me about ten bucks to make it. Yeah, it's fifty-six bucks at Anthropology.

I like mine better.

I am Thankful for the Internet

2010-11-25T18:23:00.000-07:00

I made a whole Thanksgiving meal today. I know what you're thinking, but I did not use one single box of anything. I made it all from scratch. Yeah. Me. The point is that without sites like the following, it wouldn't have been possible So yes, This Thanksgiving I am thankful for the internet.

Here are the recipes I used:

I used everything pretty much as it is in the recipes. I am not an idiot so I adapted some stuff to my liking. Like I used more Apple Butter and less pumpkin than that recipe called for and I didn't use the Gruyer cheese (Surprisingly, they didn't have it at Walmart... No not surprising at all), I just used another kind of cheddar and some Manchego cheese I had. (DELICIOUS!) That was the biggest hit of the day, the kids went crazy for it, like literally, I had to subdue them after they took the first bite.

I have no idea who all these ladies are but I am thankful for them also.

OK but this is how I know I am... growing. I made it all and then some and I didn't mess up one single thing. Usually I end up apologizing for my lack of culinary skills at any family meal, holiday or not, but not this one. Not one single thing went wrong. Oh that's not true. I didn't make the yams at all and I forgot cranberry. But I digress, everything I MADE turned out beautifully and I couldn't be more proud of myself. That might sound a little arrogant, but anyone that knows me knows that I don't cook and when I do I mess something up so yes, I am proud of myself.

A few shots of the star of the day.

And Ali doing my dishes. I am thankful for Ali too.

Ever Had One of These?

2010-11-07T01:29:00.000-06:00

This week was super rough. Abby has had a persistent fever since Tuesday. Doctors in the hospital emergency clinic were of no help, tests galore and then a not really sure but here's some Zythro-something... manage her fever.

Okie dokie.

I am not going to feel good about sending her back to school unless the fever is gone. That would really be bad parenting. So here we are 2:00 in the morning fever raging on and we are just trying to "manage" it. Thank you medical expert.

On a good note there have been some things that are good. Abby being home with me all day everyday has been Fabulous. We hang out, watch shows together, sew together, nap together ( love the naps) and best of all she lets me hold her and give her kisses which equates to heaven in my book because my 9 year old isn't letting me do that very often these days. We made trees together, too. She stuffed, I sewed.

I have now come into my own as a Domestic Goddess of sorts. OH no. Nonononononononononono, You miss understand. The house is still a mess. BUT. Now I can vacuum in style. I am the proud owner of a Dyson 17 or something. (The technicals aren't the point, ok.) Does anyone have one of these puppies? OMG you have not vacuumed unless you have vacuumed with one of these. They actually bounce and move and the cyclonic filter system that guy on the commercial is talking about is no joke. NO JOKE.

Ella is being wonderful. She made two stories with illustrations tonight. One is called The Shape Story. It's about a circle that changes into different shapes. The second was The Story with No Words. It's about vampires that cry a lot. Genius.

Speaking of genius, I discovered a great blog with art projects for kids catergorized by artists that are known for the techniques. Yes, genius. http://www.artprojectsforkids.org/ Check it out. It's all very simple and the projects are very easy to do with your kids.

Let's see what else?

Well I tried uploading pictures but Blogger won't let me. It's about as useful as doctors.

A Friday...Unedited.

2010-10-23T10:57:00.000-06:00

Took a field trip to the Playhouse Theatre in Cleveland. Good stuff.

I wore my Kelly's.

Cleveland

It's not Broadway but I like it.

PlayHouse- Ohio Theatre

They were great and answered questions about the puppets.

Mermaid Theatre of Novia Scotia, Canada

Cleveland

Shortly after this she was out.

When we got back we went to dinner at Quaker Steak

3 Things

2010-10-22T00:10:00.000-06:00

1. It's hard to go through things that suck but you have too, ya know... you just have to.

2. At this point I am pretty sure I don't want my kids to grow up... like ever.

and

3. I could really use a breath mint.

I Heart Books

2010-10-05T20:59:00.000-06:00

I've got a couple hundred books. I've read maybe half of them and while I intend to read all of them, I just keep adding to them. A lot of my love of books has nothing to do with the words inside. It is often the smell of old books that make them irresistable and the lovely covers of new books just keep getting better and better. I am not Martha, I do not arrange my books by color. I do not arrange them by anything actually, I just put them up on the shelf.

Lately I am not having the shelving I need to put them all away and in my quest for ideas I have found many lovely things to share.

I will do this.

I want this.

Funky for a kid or college student.

Simple and elegant.

This is so good.

Humourous book shelves.

Sacrifice. We all do it.

2010-09-24T12:41:00.000-06:00

This week I made a big decision. I don't make big decisions. I decided to sell my camera. My Nikon. Yes I did. There were family things that needed to be paid for and we didn't have the money for it so I decided that since I wasn't exactly a big time photographer than brought in a lot of cash with my expensive camera, that I would sell it to cover the costs. Sometimes you just gotta do what you gotta do.

Rick did buy me an inexpensive Canon point and shoot so that I would at least have a camera. I have always been a big fan of talent being in the art and the eye. I will miss my fancy camera but it will not effect my photos. I am still a good photographer. This is me with my girl panties on, convincing myself I don't need that camera... cause I don't... need it.

In other news, the kitties are doing great. They have been thoroughly de-flead and will get another bath next week to make sure we got them all. Then it's off to the vet for the spaying and neutering. Speaking of, Jack got his neutering this week. They were nice enough to leave a little of his package behind to comfort him, I guess, or maybe so he'd have something to lick. Not sure.

Heres a few pictures from this week.

Dirty girl before we brought her in and showered her up.

Mommy Nona

Abby got upset because she I took the kitties out of her room and proceded to fall asleep in the floor crying. Poor kid.

Donna's daughter

We had the pork chop special

Next to us at the counter were these...

Donna's Menu

This guy is too fiesty and we love it!

Kitty under a chair in the hallway.

Abby LPS'n it up.

These are the Thrifts of our Lives

2010-09-16T18:11:00.011-06:00

Hello everyone! Everyone meaning Mom, Stacey, Jamie and Heather. I hope you had, and still are having, a fine week. This week was a pretty busy week. Abby and Ella are both bringing home reading and math assignments now. Shoot me now... Seriously. The kitties have taken up shop on my front porch, which is fine but Jack and Nilla won't stay out of the front window and keep huffing and barking when they see them. Oh and we are going to keep two of the kittens as our own. NOW, this is something I have never experienced so I am a little anxious and I am probably going to be a drama queen about the litter training as I am already thinking about how stressful it could be do that kind of thing. Seriously though, the white one is too cute and has one blue and one green eye. I think that's a sign from God that I should have him. That's ahout it for me.

My little Abby is a style go-getter. We watched this video on Youtube and she had to do it for school. She came home and I asked if everyone just loved her hair and she told me "they said it was weird, but I still love it." Be still my heart , this kid is going to be an individual and I couldn't be more proud! This picture was at the end of the day so it was a little fashuganid.

This weeks finds come courtesy of the Elyria historical society. They had a big fund raising yard sale and I got all of these little treasures. The box is just a shelf that I am going to spray paint and do something with. The notepads are game point keeper thingies (yes, that is a technical term). The fish is paper mache, I thought Abby would like it. In front of that there are a bunch of vintage postcards for a special P.P., along with the Lou Rawls record. The coffee tin is in perfect shape and smells lovely inside. The book is an Oprah pick called Tara Road. Have you read it? Anyhoo, what else? Oh, the flower is just fabulous and I may never wear it but I like looking at it.

This week I did quite a bit of clothes thrifting, also. These shoes were the best find a girl could have hoped for. They were half price at Sallie's or Salvation Army for the laymen. ( Thanks to Lisa's mom for that little gem.) The open-toed kitten heels are going to be great for this Fall weather that is starting. I haven't decided if I will get really trendy and wear them with a pair of socks like I have been seeing in the Fashion magazines... prolly not, but you knew that already didn't you. The blue boots are to die for and in such good condition I think my straight legs are going to be great with those. Finally the red boots- I do love these but they are a little to butch as they are men's boots, so I am going to do some spray painting and stenciling to wear them with my Halloween costume. Should look a little like this when I am done:

2010-09-09T19:48:00.006-06:00

Before I get started I want to thank my lovely Mommy and the other anonymous friend (is it you, Stace?) that commented on my last blog. Thanks to you, I will continue to blog for the good of all mankind. Heather, I think you are right, I am going to just do it as it comes to me and not plan it because as we all know, us Gemini's are not good with plans... not. at. all.

Let's get on with it shall we...

I like to browse the Free listing on Craigslist daily just to see ( Hey, if you aren't doing it you are missing out.) if there is anything I can do something with. While I have a list of things I would like to find for the house, I am pretty loosey goosey about what I will take a peek at. I only click on items that have pictures attached to them because I don't want to waste my time driving somewhere of any good distance just to lay on eyes on something that I might not want. And if I end up not liking it there is always an awkwardness, like I came to break the bad news to them that they have a piece of doodoo sitting in their living room and they should just throw it out because no one is going to want it even if it is free. Anyhow... A few weeks ago I found some very nice chairs and a bookcase that needed a little work.

The chairs were incredibly sturdy and one just needed a coat of paint and some new cushions. The bookcase needed a piece put on the back of it to stand up and some paint. Now, If I had the gift of forethought I would have taken before pictures but, alas, I do not so all you get to see is the after. Sorry, maybe next time. The pillows, I made them out of a throw I bought on clearance at Target this Summer. After I put them on the chair I realized I am going to have to add some ties to the corners of them to make them stay in place but other than that, Complete.

Bella was kind of upset that I took pictures in Boog's room and not hers so I took a picture of her chair too. I'd like to start by saying that I didn't have anything to do with th is little masterpiece. Ella found it at a garage sale and loved it so I didn't mind paying the 1 dollar they were selling it for. Enjoy...

OH and as soon as I figure out how to get that picture at the top centered I will get that taken care of and do something to make this joint more asthetically pleasing. Have a great day!

Patty

Not as easy as I had hoped.

2010-08-26T14:43:00.004-06:00

I have been thinking of what I can blog about. My daily life is horribly boring, I mean, probably no more than anyone elses but still... that's not interesting. So I have had a few ideas, if anyone is actually reading this, go right ahead and let me know what you think would be most interesting.

Ok first idea was books. I have hundreds of books that I get at garage sales or buy because they are recommended to me by friends and so on. I only read a select few of them so I thought a good idea would be to make a challenge for myself where I don't buy anymore books until I read what I have. Each time I knock one of the list I can write a little about it and maybe a review of sorts and recommend or not recommend you read it.

Second idea would be any and all things fashion (on a budget, of course) because we all know I love it. I think I would do a weekly post on a completely or mostly thrifted outfit with price of the total outfit and where I got it. Maybe do a thing where I thrift one item a week and do a couple of outfits with that one item.

Third, I do projects. I think mostly furniture stuff but a mixture of salvaging and decorating and clothing and home stuff with links to the blogs I get inspired by. I would do the same as with the fashion where I itemize the cost of materials and time to do the project. I could also parlay this into a use what you've got kind of thing because I have plenty of fabric and miscellaneous items I have picked up over the years with the intention of doing something with but never getting around to it.

Last. I could do all three in rotation.

What do you think? Please take a minute and comment, I'd love to hear what you think.

Thanks!

Patty Cakes

Trumbull County Amish

2010-08-14T18:27:00.003-06:00

Most of these shots are from Mesopotamia. I was very timid about just clipping off shots of the people without their permission so I don't have any of the Amish people but I got good shots of their surroundings.

So You are Prolly Gonna Laugh but....

2010-08-01T22:12:00.001-06:00

I really think I should start blogging again. I know it's hysterical but I am serious. Now to find something to blog about...

In Forever

2009-02-23T12:49:00.002-07:00

I almost forgot I had a blog. Myspace and Facebook are so much easier for telling the world how you feel. I'm not even goign to say I will post regularly again because I, as you all know, am a Gemini and while I have good intentions with these sort of things I rarely see them through. I guess I will update though.

In a nutshell:

I am moving forward with establishing my own small business as a photographer. www.pattybphotography.com will soon be my new on-line home. I am going to try and specialize in maternity and family portrait but I will do anything at this point. I just want to get my name out there. If anyone has any marketing and networking tips please pass them on to me.

Over Christmas break from school I had two months to do nothing, pretty much. I went to the movies and was sucked into the Twilight of it all. I read all four books in 8 days and am now speaking to my imaginary Edward on a daily basis. Yes folks, it's official, I am crazy. Even though I am crazy for these books, the analytical side of me is even more interested in the phenomenon of it all and what is making it work. It fascinates me that these books have become an entity of their own. It's out of control, for me as well as millions and millions of other adult women... I won't even speak of the teenage girls going nuts for this. It is truly fascinating. I wish I had some statistics on it.

I had a falling out of sorts with my photography instructor. I lost a lot of faith in that Arts Education. I trusted it so much but now... I don't. I taught myself so much before I even took a class in photography. I just need to trust that I know what I am doing and have faith in myself, which is so hard for me to do sometimes.

My children are growing and are seriously the smartest two little bitties you will ever meet. Sometimes I think so intently on what they will be like as adults that I feel like I am missing some great kiddo moments. I am going to have reign that in or I will be kicking myself in 5 years for not enjoying them more.

That's about it. Have a good day!

BoReD

2008-09-18T23:16:00.003-06:00

Not sleeping? How about a photo shoot?! Ok.

These eyebrows are almost always impeccable.

Guilty as charged.

2008-09-05T21:10:00.002-06:00

I seem to have a problem. I think I can groom a dog. Really... I just destroy their good looks. I know I do. But I can't justlfy paying someone to do it for me.

Unfortunately Nilla is the latest victim. I'm very sorry Nilla, very sorry.

Dave with Desi.

2008-08-04T00:06:00.008-06:00

Another visit from Desiree has gone by and I am sad she is gone. This year she came down for 4 whole days! It was so nice. We went to see Dave Matthews Band in concert at Blossom Music Center in Cuyahoga Falls. Dave is kind of a tradition for me and Desi.

I think I am getting old because although it was great to be spending time with Desi, I did not enjoy the crowd at the concert. We wpent quite a bit of time talking shit about all the drunk people and even captured a random hook-up happening right in front of us. (pictures to come.) Dave didn't even play the good music from (I can't believe I am about to use this term) my day. There was alot more electric and not so much acoustic love. I am sad to say that will probably be my last Dave concert.

We shared one Heiniken because they were 13 bucks. I know! DAMN!

Random hook-up between strangers are fun.

Anyhow...

After the day of the concert we didn't have a lot to do so we did a photo shoot. I discovered some awesome places around town to do some more urban looking photography. I still haven't prefected the urban look but I will keep at it.

I had to school Desi on the proper technique for self-portraits in the car.

Look What I Can Do!

2008-06-26T00:00:00.004-06:00

I have been doing a lot of digital photography lately so I learning how to do all those nifty photoshop tricks. Not only did I crop this puppy in but I also completely covered the heater thingy and the light switch. That is awesome!

Where's Teetle?

2008-06-10T22:27:00.010-06:00

I am going to be 29 on Friday! I am feeling pretty nostalgic this time around. I have had so many, many years of good times with my super fantastico friends and my awesome family. I did my best to dig up old picturse of everyone but I didn't any of some of my most favorite people in the whole world.

So those are me then and this is me now.

John Denver Never Sounded So Sweet

2008-06-04T00:15:00.001-06:00

The video is shaky but still very cute!

Bath Time.

2008-06-03T22:10:00.005-06:00

Nilla is a Maltese/Bichon mix. It sounds very fancy schmancy, I know. But all it really means is that she's high maintenance. I have to give her a bath every other day, I have to pay someone to cut her hair (which I have yet to do because I can't stand the thought of it, I just cut it myself) and I have to keep her delicate little nails trimmed up.

She is really cute after she has been blow-dried, huh!

She hates having a bath. She shakes the whole time she is in the tub and bites at the brush when I am blow-drying her. That is the part that I didn't sign on for. I am all for the cutesy schmootsy Doggies, but I didn't sign on for the indignance and down right stubborness. I might as well have had another kid!

After it is all said and done she Rocket Dogs(the link is not Nilla but a great example of her rocket dogging) around the house for like ten minutes. Stopping only to push her head across the floor like she's trying to wipe off the cleanliness and to scrath at various parts of her body.

Apparently Rachel Ray is a Terrorist.

2008-05-28T16:59:00.003-06:00

I have never in my life read anything more absurd. I mean really... as Jamie said " These people must have nothing better to do."

LINK TO ARTICLE ON RACHEL RAY

Hey!

2008-05-24T18:13:00.003-06:00

Can A girl get some comments please? I will help you....

" Wow Trish, I know you suck at cooking but that looks really good."

"Great Wallabees, get that kid off that counter!"

"You got some nerve telling people they need to start commenting."

"Wow... desperate for attention much?"

Enjoy your day.

Photos for the Last Post.

2008-05-22T23:28:00.005-06:00

Well Son of a Gun.

2008-05-21T17:34:00.003-06:00

I finally decide to do some blogging and I can't load any pictures.

If I could load pictures you would see a few of what we had for dinner. I totally don't follow the recipe but here it is.

Broccoli Ham Ring

1 cup of ham, chopped
1 cup of broccoli, chopped
1/4 cup of onion, chopped
1 cup of grated swiss cheese
2 tsp. of dijon mustard
1 tsp. lemon juice
2 pkgs. refrigerated crescents

Preheat oven to 350*

Coarsely chop ham, onion and broccoli. Add parsley ( I don't), cheese, mustard and lemon juice to ham, onion and broccoli and mix. Arrange triangles in a circle on a round baking stone (or just use a cookie sheet). Big ends overlapping in the center and out like a star. There should be a hole in the center. Add ham mixture to the center of the ring around the hole. Take the pointy ends and wrap them over the mixture and secure in the center (by whatever means necesary.) Filling will not be completely covered.

Bake 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. The bottom doesn't always bake so easily so I move it to the bottom shelf of the oven and let it bake a little while longer.

Now this thing is delicious and you can use different kinds of cheese but Swiss is the best, of course.

I also had some pictures of Ella brushing her teeth but you don't get to see those either.

poop.

A few prints

2008-04-28T09:46:00.004-06:00

"So Trish... What's been going on with you?"

2008-04-22T19:59:00.005-06:00

I seem to have had another one of my unfortunate, and by no means intentional, hiatus. My bad.

While away I had a great trip to Chicago where I met some amazing people and had a really great time talking and enjoying some spirits... lots of spirits.

Here's a few pictures of my new friends:

Joe is a musician and played a superior set in Dekalb, IL. while I was there.

Jen and Dizzy, Joe's Father, did a little Streisand duet for us all.

Joe

Marty and Jen saw an airplane.

The cover of the new Ace of Base album.

I have been doing lots of photography for class, too but my scanner is on the fritz so I don't think I will be posting any of that until this Summer. In the mean time I got an awesome new digital camera and will be doing some free portrait stuff for friends and Rick's co-workers so I will share those when the time comes.

And of course a post wouldn't be complete without some shots of the babies.

Another one down.

2008-04-06T14:50:00.004-06:00

Another year down for The Boog.

At the ripe ole age of seven she has become introspective and thoughtful about many things. This year Abby has learned to read a full book, count money, tell time and make pancakes. Her favorite activities are playing with her pup and pretending with freinds. She calls it "for faking". She has also taken to learning to play piano.

A few questions for the newly seven year old:

Does it feel different to be seven?
no.

What's you favorite gum?
pink.

Do you have seven toes?
Nope.

Give me one fact about a dolphin.
Their brain is bigger than a monkeys brain.

Where is China?
I don't even know where that is.

How many kids are in your class?
20.

Ever been to Disney World?
nope.

What's 7+7?
Counts on little fingers...14.

What games do you play in gym class?
I forgot.

How much money do you have?
$12.oo

Your rich.
Yeah

The art of conversation is on the to do list for the seventh year. :)

Unfortunately Blogger is not playing nice and I can't load any photos. Another day maybe.

No More Tangles... Thank GOD!

2008-03-28T12:11:00.003-06:00

This is so cute it's rediculous!

The girl can't stop talking long enought to take a picture.

Oh, now she is upset.

If looks could kill, Daddy, Geez.

And one with sister to finish it off right.

Bella cries and cries when she gets her hair brushed. She seems to have a very, very... very sensitive head. I am sure having hair that is two feet long isn't helping any. So we cut it off. It's super cute!

Indoor Easter.

2008-03-23T20:30:00.006-06:00

Although it wasn't too cold outside we decided to do Easter indoors. We were just going to do three rooms (Kids BR, LR and DR) We had so many eggs that we had to extend it into the bathroom and kitchen. Everyone had a great day.

I actually have a very favorite Easter song. That's not easy to do, there aren't many out there. I think you can always rely on Dolly to something different, don't you? Her song reflects the true meaning of Easter.

Photo Blog

2008-03-16T22:33:00.005-06:00

So the other day I was sitting on the toilet, about to get into the shower, and I was thinking of this idea I had of taking my picture in the shower. Almost immediately after that I thought of this blog. From there the thought of starting the same kind of blog with a freind came to me.

There aren't many people that have ever gotten excited aboout my scatter-brained ideas but I knew there was one person who would totally jump on board. So I sent off an e-mail and that's all she wrote.

Our new joint effort can be found here and I will put a link to it in my links for my oh so many frequent flyers. HA!

ipod shuffle

2008-03-12T16:00:00.003-06:00

I got the coolest little thing today! It is apple green and I think it's psychic. It just knows what song to play. How does it do that? Seriously.

I had to use the webcam.

*Note to self: charge camera batteries.

Tartar Sauce

2008-03-09T23:28:00.004-06:00

Boog: Mom can I have a blog?
Me: No way.

Long story short Abby has a new blog. I put a link to it in my Stuff I Heart, it's called Tartar Sauce.

On a completely unrelated note, I have been watching Lifetime all day. ( Shut up.) Anyhow... there is a great show on that channel called Army Wives. It is nowhere near real life, as far as I know Army life to be, but it's great fun watching all that cattiness. Lifetime really is addicting.

Photos

2008-02-13T21:51:00.004-07:00

I have my first critique of the semester tomorrow. These are the photos I chose for it:

Please feel free to critique them.

Craftastic!

2008-01-27T22:40:00.000-07:00

As you can see and hear my sister state in the video, my craftroom had become a craphole for everything from dog food to luggage to paint cans to.... whatever you can think of. It was basically a catch all room. No longer is that so. I am now writing you from my newly cleaned and organized, craftastic room. (Try to ignore the loud music, I have lost control of my home.)

Ella had to get in on the before.

stationary shelves a mess.

Miscelaneous items in the floor.

The shelves were packed with everything that belonged on the desk.

Sewing machine and notions.

Pictures that belong on the wall.

All of this stuff goes in garage sale.

Halfway there.

Getting there...

OH how I love my boooks! They are precious to me.

As well as my home magazines, if I have a macro lens you could see why... Martha, Country Living, Domino, Blueprint... all very inspirational.

I did narrow them down though and I am very proud of that due to the fact that I have had these magaizines and books for years because I could not let them go.

AFTER:

sewing corner.

Work station: this is where I will have my laptop most of the time.

Those paint cans are gone now.

Space for the kids to do their crafts in the floor while I do whatever.

shelving

The ironing board will be moved next to the shelves because my new treadmill is going to be in front of this window.

Closet Before.

Closet after.

A box of stuff for Miss Jamie is all that is left.

A Weight Has Been Lifted.

2008-01-19T21:18:00.000-07:00

Many of you know my Gramma was a very talented woman. I have always wanted to be the kind of crafter, sewer and general good person jsut like she was. I have been sewing for a few years and she was my inspiration to do that. I love doing it, when I actually do it.

The reality is that I rarely do it. It even stresses me out because I have so many things on my list and the list gets longer and longer, I'm not taking anything off the list... you see what I'm saying? So much to my relief and dismay, I have decided to get rid of it all and devote all of my time, money and energy to photography. It's what I love the most anyway.

I think my Gramma would be proud that I am following my own path and devoting myself to what I love the most.

If you want some of my stuff let me know, I will give you a good price. *winkwink*

Studying

2008-01-16T19:35:00.000-07:00

Really hard to do. I don't know if you know this but it is impossible to stay awake while reading textbooks. How do people do it? If you have any tips, by all means, please... HELP ME.

Even though it's not fun to study it is fun to have photoshoot while pretending to study. Abby is the photogapher this time.

The video from the last post didn't work. I tried like ten times but the thing would not load. Sorry.

That 365 Stuff is Out the Window for Sure.

2008-01-14T18:21:00.001-07:00

Uuuuummmm listen... Yeah... Not going to do that.

Whatever... ok.

It's just not going to happen.

So I made a little video of what it is like to do homework with Abby. The actual time was about 30 minutes but I edited it to be less boring.

Ok it's taking longer to edit than I expected so I will edit in or just post it seperately tomorrow. Just think of this as a cliffhanger.

Why you shouldn't stay up 'til 4am

2008-01-13T10:18:00.000-07:00

My sister and I are both night owls. It's usually not intentional. I mean, you know how it is. You start cleaning out one closet and before you know it it's 3am and you are standing in the laundry room knee deep in sheets and blankets because you decided every sheet in the house needed to be washed...right now! Theres always the "Oh I am so tired" and you pick up the remote to turn the tv off and notice that A Walk To Remember is on and you haven't seen it in forever so you sit down to watch a movie at 1am.

Anyhow, the next day there is usually a fifty/fifty chance that I will be a zombie. On the days that I am not a zombie, I am usually an some sort of insomnia induced high that includes shopping, cleaning and singing. Not necesarily in that order.

Sandy on the other hand would rather just stay in bed. On this particular day I had other plans for us. So I am standing at the top of the stairs listen to her call me looney because I won't leave her alone and it hits me... get the camera. hehehhehehheheee.

100!!!!

2008-01-11T21:47:00.000-07:00

This is my 100th post! I feel pretty good about that. It's taken over two years to get here sooooo.

Today I had a wonderful time thrifting. I only bought a few things. I kept way under $20.00 but still... don' tell Rick. I wish I had the forsight to have taken pictures but alas, I do not. I am getting better though.Pretty soon I will be a veteran blogger that goes around all day thinking of things to blog about.

I picked of two sets of twin sheets that are just perfect for my girls beds. The find of the day was a down alternative blanket that I plan to cover with a cute duvet. There were some really cute bowls and plates to be had but I have to many already so I need to lay off for awhile. I did gat a nice tupperware bowl and lid though.

Forgive the lack of pictures, I am very sorry. Maybe I will edit to add the pictures tomorrow.

I'll be damned.

2008-01-11T01:14:00.000-07:00

I did it again! It is truly very hard to blog everyday. I am just not that interesting. The highlight of my day was arrival of two of my text books. I mean what do I do with that. How can that be elaborated on? Ya know, I am gonig to be taking English Composition this Semester. I think I will have to pay special attention.

3 am in the ER

2008-01-09T14:53:00.000-07:00

That's about the time you start to get really bored. By then you've probably been there a few hours and nothin' doin'. You're gonna be there for a few more. I like to carry a small camera in my purse for just such an occasion.

I like to call this Annoying Krhys.

My Neice has had swollen tonsils for a very long time. Months. There is nothing wrong with her though. Well, last night she got a fever. We took her in to the ER to get her looked at. Obviously those puppies have to come out. They gave her steroids to reduce the swelling and sent us home... 6 hours later. Thanks alot.

Someone has a sense of humor.

Her Nurse was a nice guy. She has tiny veins, apparently, so her was very apologetic when he couldn't get IV in the first time. It was ok, I thought it was funny until she started getting tears in her eyes and then I was sad for the poor girl. They did a catscan and to make sure there wasn't something behind her tonsils, that's how swollen they are. You can't see past them.

I think I caught a loving little moment there.

T.v.'s and Sewing therapy and Some old pictures of my kiddos.

2008-01-08T17:28:00.000-07:00

You can only imagine how many t.v.'s we have in this house. I mean there are seven people for petes sake! We don't have one for each person but it is close. So we did a little rearranging of the t.v situation. A few upgrades if you will.

I have not sewed in so long. I am starting to get the itch , ya know, like if I don't make something soon I am going to explode. Going through Lotta Jansdotter's Simple Sewing and Amy Butler's In Stitches has just intesified it. We are very close to getting my sewing room to a point where I can find things and get something done.

Tonight my sister and I were talking and she was teasing me saying I like to look at the pictures but I don't do. Honestly, she's kind-of right. I love, love, love the picturess and reading how to do the projects, especially in vintage sewing and craft books. In reality I only do a few projects here and there. That was good therapy. Thanks Sandy.

Mickey D's has sweetened it up a bit

2008-01-07T21:48:00.000-07:00

Not so long ago you could only get sweet tea at a McDonalds if you were in the South. Not any more, people! It is really good tea, too. I even went back for seconds. There is a drawback to it though. They serve it in Styrofoam cups! I can't be apart of that. I asked the girl in the drivethru to just refill the cup I already had and she looked at me like I was kookoo. Whatever! Just fill the damn cup already.

Today I took a nap. It was bliss. It was a good 45 minutes before the kids got home. Ella was very understanding and let me sleep without slapping my face or poking me in the eye.

Apparently I am supposed to be upset because Ohio State did not win... or is not winning right now... something like that. Yeah... uuummm ok, Not to upset about it.

1:47 am

2008-01-06T23:45:00.000-07:00

ok so I didn't technically get to the blogging for the 6th. But I totally think that's forgiven since I am only an hour and 40 some odd minutes late.

Date Night.

2008-01-05T14:14:00.000-07:00

It is such a dreary day outside. It's actually raining. In the middle of Winter. Tonight is date night and we are going to see I am Legend. I have a feeling it will be very scary for me.

I am truly boring.

Here Piggy Piggy...

2008-01-04T20:10:00.000-07:00

Every year I swear to myself that I will lose 50 lbs by the next year and every year I lose about 20 lbs. and then just stop dieting. What is wrong with me? I mean really, I should have it figured out by now.

There is like this mental roadblock but I don't know what it is. I hate to do soul searching just for the sake of a diet but it's annoying already. ugh.

When does it stop?

2008-01-03T08:44:00.000-07:00

I really hate bill collectors. They call for stuff you don't even know exists and then you hve to scramble trying to figure out what the hell they are talking about and if it is even real. Then you have to haggle them suckers down from the outrageous # they have back down to the original amount. It's annoying. I mean really. Screw Columbia House and their Dvd's.

Anyhow... Now that that's over.

I never got to go thrifting yesterday. I decided to call the Bursars office before I left the house. That was really a good idea. I had to pay them a whole bunch of mola and now I am pretty much flat busted... well Rick is.

Oh my goodness, This is probably the most boring blog ever. Who cares, right? You don't care.

Thrifting

2008-01-02T11:55:00.000-07:00

Well it's only the second day of the year and I am going thrifting. I'm not going to say I promised Rick I wouldn't go thrifting but I did say when I get a gym membership I will stop thrifting. So ya see... It's ok to go until I get that membership. Yeah. It's totally ok. totally.

I really hope I find a great find! I know you do too.

365 days of blogs.

2008-01-01T18:21:00.000-07:00

A little dip for fun. It's hard to hold that pose.

Ok Im going to do it. One blog everyday for a year. It's a bit of a challenge, especially for me but I am going to do it. I may even include pictures. Ya never know.

So Happy New Year! We had a good ole time here with lots of spirits, fun and friends.

Christmas

2007-12-26T15:29:00.000-07:00

This Christmas was very exciting for us. We are two families living here now so there was lots of buzzing and good times around the house. The guitarman even came out of his den for some good times.

This Christmas was all about technology. It was a Techmas. We got lots of the things we have wanted for a very long time but couldn't afford. I kind of felt funny about that because I don't see myself as someone who finds material things that important. To me, if it costs more than 50 bucks it's one of two things- not worth the money or something I can make. I just have problems with buying big ticket items because they are 90% of the time something that:

Isn't needed.
Is usually some kind of technologicallly advanced piece of crap that will cost half the price in two months because it will be replaced by something even more advanced and...
In general just used to show off the fact that you got the dough to spend on something like that.

That's not me.

Rick is kind of the opposite. He loves technology and loves little devices to do umpteen different tasks. It's actually really cute to me that way he gets excited about all these things. But even still we never buy the high end stuff.

Rick helped me with my unwillingness to move forward. He said to me that we have worked so hard for so long to be able to have the things we want and admire. Our hard work has finally paid off and instead of feeling bad about our purchases we should just be proud of them... and he's right.

So I am going to try and not feel like I don't deserve this great stuff, because we all do and even if it materialistic.

I don't know if you noticed but I've been a little busy... I guess.

2007-11-15T21:27:00.000-07:00

I have definitely been preoccupied with other things. I have been doing a lot of photography stuff and having a lot of fun with that. School is harder than I thought because you actually have to study... can you believe that?! Jerks.

I have been having a good time with my sister living with us. There are times when things get a little hairy and I do that think I do where I start complaining about everthing everyone in the house is doing. yeah. All in all though we are working things out and I suspect the little bumps will be smoothed out when all understand each other a little better. Some tweeks in out routines if you know what I mean.

My photography is really coming along, I have gotten some really good feedback about how to get my "style" in every shot, not just the ones of my family. It's the love I have for them. It translates differently because I am truly seeing them different. Soooo... the pictures turn out fabulous. I have to love everyone? Maybe not but I do have to translate it to that so I can really start to develop my "style".

Rick is doing very well. He is sleeping well. That's always good. :)

What else?!

I guess a few photos.

Abby working hard on a turkey pendant at school and my sister in her Halloween costume.

Chair and Mushroom

So Much To Say...Type.

2007-07-18T09:17:00.000-06:00

When you have a blog and you just don't want to type what do you do? I don't know what you do but I just ignore it. I have been very much enjoying this Summer. The girls and I took a roadtrip with my parents, I photographed my Sister-in-law's wedding and I for the past few weeks I have been preparing to start school.

The trip with my parents started off rocky and ended quickly. In between that was fabulous. We went from South Carolina, through the outerbanks and then on up to Maine from New Jersey. It was a two week trip. It took us a few days to really get started because my parents had a few things to do in South Carolina but once we got to the Outer Banks we were on a roll.

Before we headed to the islands we just hung out. It was fun.

The Outer Banks of North Carolina are so refreshing and relaxing. My children ran the beaches in their skivvies; we showered in ice cold, outdoor showers; we spent hours digging for shells. Oh and the views! The views and the air were just... inspiring, to say the least.

Digging for shells and building sand cakes.

Wowza! We had sand in the RV for a good week straight. How do beach people deal?

Hatteras Island is where we spent most of our time on the islands. My Mom and I went to the top of Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. Ronnie and Abby spent hours at the beach and came back pooped. The sunset was so peaceful with the sound of the waves rolling in.

I didn't have a suit. My mom thought it was funny so she took a picture.

Impromptu photo shoot at a roadside park in Maine, I think, produced this picture of Ronnie. Very nice posing:)

You can do so much with seashells. These massivos were fun for stacking.

Abby at the boardwalk in Maryland.

Another from the roadside park.

My Sister-In-Law's wedding was really fun. Set in Lodi with kind, fun, lovely country folk. hehe. It was super cute. Kalle, my SIL, was a lovely bride. She was very calm and once the tiara from hell came off her head she was able to enjoy the party even more. Here are a few of my favorite shots:

The bride.

The couple.

The kiss.

The rings.

The dance.

Cake, which was delicious, topper.

Hello... Bridal Magazine eat your heart out ...

This was super cute! All the kids stopped playing to watch the father-daughter dance.

For fun!

Wow! It was really hard to choose my favorites.

What else?! OH. School. I am excited about it. I have so much I want to do and classes I want to take. Woohooo!

7 Years!

2007-06-26T09:13:00.001-06:00

7 years ago today Rick and I took the plunge and decided what the hell... Let's get married at 4 (pm). Now look at us! What a great idea that was. So today, after we're done patting each other on the back, we are going out to eat with our two babies. Happy Anniversary to us!!!!

zooo zooo zooo

2007-05-25T14:29:00.000-06:00

The Schools annual trip to the Zoo was today and I am a regular classroom mom so I got to be a chaperone. Quite a priveledge. I was in charge of four lovely little girls. We had so much fun it's rediculous and we didn't have any meltdowns until it was time to go home so... it didn't really count.

My four.

hehehhehehhee

The Cleveland Zoo has a couple of great exhibits. (That we got to visit, I am sure there are many more.) The Touch exhibit was super fun. You get to touch the Rays & Sharks. I highly valued the experince as I have never been anywhere even remotely exotic enough to touch a Mantaray. They are so slick and smooth on their bellies. There was one that was enormous and a bit of a showboat if you ask me. He would pass really close to you and then circle back (a very cool-looking action) for another pass. As if to say "you people can't get enough of me, I'll let ya have another feel." I was to into it to take pictures but here are some others:

I love this guy!

Ellies

Fat and happy warthog

For the pre-historic fans there have a special exhibit called Dinosaurs, appropriately enough. This was a big, huge, gigantic hit with my four girls. The passes were a dollar a piece, we were not allowed to buy any additional anything for our groups but we got into that exhibit somehow anyway. *wink*

Aaawww babies.

This guy is pretty gross to me.

water fun!

what is this thing called?!

I would have included more of the girls but I didn't ask permission. Sorry. Drop by the house, I'll show you.

ACHOO!!!

2007-04-22T21:22:00.000-06:00

Bless me.

So we got a new camara to replace the one Ella lost or I misplaced... who knows at this point. At least we will have one now. My luck is that we will find it as soon as the postman sits the package on the porch. yeah.

Allergy season is in effect around here, too. How I long for the desert during this time of year here in good ole Ohio. achoo. achoo. achoo!!!! geez. Bless me.

You are not going to believe this but Abby has strep throat. Poor kid. She has had a super rough year as far as sickness goes. I am going to have to boost her immune system some how. Any ideas.

Thanks to Mo for sending a great package to us. Lots of goodies that I did not get any pictures of. bummer. She has pictures of on her blog of a few of the cutey things she sent. I, of course have not sent hers out yet but this week is the week! I can feel it in my tired, snotty, stuffed up, hurting body... or bones... whatever.

Backed up.

2007-04-12T15:24:00.000-06:00

Good news and bad news. The good news is that the people across the street had the same problem and they paid for the plumber to fix it. The bad news is that the main sewer line that we share with the neighbors backed up and our basement flooded. However, it was just on one side of the basement and there was only a section of carpet that was effected. Whew. Narrowly escaped a disaster. It is really musty down here now though and the RESOLVE is on the verge of toxic.

So Spring break has been... interesting. It has been rainy and snowy for most of it so we have been doing nothing fun if you ask Abby and Ella. Tough break.

Abby will start Tennis lessons soon and that will be something she can do during the day. I am going to sign them up for swimming lessons next month. Hopefully that won't be to late for the Rec. Center classes.

Abby doused the keyboard with what I like to call Eau de Baby Prostitute cologne. Also known as Stacey's perfume. It smells like burnt cotton candy. gag me. I can't take it so I am going to bid you adeau.

Later.

Happy 6th Birthday Boog!

2007-04-05T06:56:00.000-06:00

Big girl's birthday was so fun! We had kids from her class and lots of cuteness running amok. You'll have to take my word for it because Ella swiped my camara. No telling when that might show up.

Abby at 6 is like a fun little ball of softness and energy. She is so very smart and articulate. In the past year I have been in awe at all the things she is learning and trying to do on her own. This can often be a struggle for us, because I simply can't let go and let my little baby do these things on her own. She usually has to put up a little bit of a fight to get me to realize she can do many, many things on her own. I have heard the words "I'm not a baby, Mom." many times. She is so right about that but how will I come to terms with that? Will I ever? I like to do things the hard way so probably not.

The way she makes me feel is incredible. Catching a glimpse of her standing in a window or bouncing a ball or drawing... makes my heart skip a beat. She is so delicate and sweet but so strong and independent. I feel like I never want to fail her in any way. I feel like I want to teach her all that the world has to offer is hers for the taking. I want her to leave a blazing path of life behind her wherever she goes! I want for her to not fear the unfamiliar, but embrace it.

I want for you whatever you want in life. I pray every night that God will hold you in the safety of his arms, to fill your life with blessings and strength. I love you, little girl.

Um yeah. How are ya?

2007-03-22T17:23:00.000-06:00

I have been reminded many times by a faithful friend that I have not been blogging. I know, I know! So I am making her something to keep her quiet. LOL. Just kidding you.

Last month was real rough on us and the one before that too. What a terrible Winter the whole world had, huh. I'm glad it's over. Spring is so great!

I am looking forward to garage sales and shopping for spring clothes.

Can't wait to open the windows and let the breeze in. I always like to take naps with a breeze blowing over me. It's so comfy feeling.

I finally got one of these.

The girls recieved their swap. Thank you so much Courtney, Maya and Ben.

I sold this on Ebay.

Ella followed me around taking pictures. I won't tell you where I was when she took this one! I look seriously tired though, huh.

Abby's birthday is a week.

Absentee Blogger

2007-03-03T18:54:00.000-07:00

I figure there is only so many times you can actually blog about vomit and poop so I will remain absent for a few more days.

A few Things.

2007-02-18T22:51:00.000-07:00

Abby's first pair of Chucks.

Valentines day was spent cuddled up in bed as it was one of our terrible snow days. We've been doing that alot lately.

So Tuesday they didn't cancel school so I just called in and said I wouldn't be bringing her in due to the weather. I must be some kid of gypsy that sees the future because it was falling pretty thick by the time school was getting out. We spent the majority of the night digging out the driveway so Rick could get to work the next day.

Wednesday Rick didn't even go in because the roads were still very bad and it was still snowing so we all stayed snug in the house. Rick had to go out a few times to clear the driveway. Penny had a good ole time in the snow. She had a hard time getting out once she was in though.

I know what you're thinking... Nice taboggin, right?!

I thought so.

Penny could not manage to get into the snow pile. She had take the long way around the yard.Just to give you an idea of howhigh it was~ You can only see the top of her on the sidewalk side of the yard.

Isn't this the cutest!!! Penny all cuddled up to her daddy. So cute.

I got my In Stitches book a few weeks ago. I have been looking at all the beautifuls ever since. I am scared to start on because I don't want to mess it up. I know that's lame. I know.

This little ditty is what I would like to make first. It's got everything!

Is More Snow Possible?

2007-02-15T17:57:00.000-07:00

I don't think it is. At least I hope it's not.

Dear Lord, could you please end the snow days so I can get some peace and quiet around here. I would like to reclaim my living room from the tents and forts that have started a village in there. Please Lord, let the sun shine in. Melt the snow. Please.

P.S. If you have time sending down a Tylenol3 for my headache would be just peachy.

Amen.

Houses, Wallpaper and Doorknobs

2007-02-09T22:32:00.000-07:00

I am a house buff. My idea of a fun afternoon is driving through neighborhoods looking at all the beautiful houses. I especially like houses built anywhere from the 20's to the 40's. Big, little, yellow, blue... whatever. I love them all. My neighborhood has some especially interesting looking homes. This is definitely not a cookie-cutter neighborhood. I took some shot while out on a walk a few months ago.
These are a few of my favorites. The woodsy cabin house is so warm and cozy looking. The italian villa is crazy beautiful. It's right on the corner of my block to so I get to gaze at it everyday.

The barn style house is really cute. The woman has it decorated very americana, country, amish feel. She just had it painted the very faintest color of lilac with mauve, rust colored shades. Now the yellow and green house is not one of my favorites but it is definitely worth mentioning. Bold choice of color for sure. If I showed you the whole house you would cry because it really doesn't deserve to look like that.

My house was built in 1944. Alot of the wallpaper we have been tearing down is really ugly. I don't think all wallpaper from that time was ugly but this stuff is putrid. I also think the people who owned our house in the seventies had really bad taste in wallpaper too. There is also a layer of the fine dusty-rose colored pink with blue hearts in the kitchen area. Eck.

A great thing about having a house this age is that it comes with a few treasures. Every interior door in our has a glass door knob. Some are gold and some are silver. They are all beautiful. I think the they are the best thing about our house.

Tearing Down the House.

2007-02-07T08:34:00.000-07:00

Want to live next to me? The house next door has been for sale for about six months.

Ella had fun dressing up these paper dolls I downloaded and printed off of Kiddley . They are made by Sarah Neuberger. She has lots of fun things with these little people on them. I love watercolors. I think they make childrens art so beautiful.
A few weeks ago we decided we wanted to open the kitchen up to the dining room so we just started knocking down a wall with out any real plan of what we are going to do next. Still don't have a plan really, just an idea of what we want it to look like. We also took out a built in buffet to make the dining room more roomier. I was hoping to find great treasures hidden in the wall and behind the buffet. Nothing. I did find an enormous amount of dust bunnies and yuck in the vents. I am now trying to convince Rick that we will all get asthma if we do not get the vents cleaned soon.

BBBBBBBRRRRRRRR

2007-02-05T12:50:00.000-07:00

It is so cold the district has canceled school today and tomorrow.

Still doing Natural lighting. I just like it. No stark lighting and sometimes the slight blur it creates is very cool.

I cought Abby sleeping so soundly on the couch the other day.

Just playing with some stuff.

Abby has decided that the foot of her bed is much more suitable for a good nights sleep.

Martha Stewart's team of creative people are genius's. These will be our Valentines.

Doing Things

2007-02-03T22:20:00.000-07:00

I have not blogged in over a week I think. We've been up to no good around here.

Did you know that it's nearly impossible to have a presentable home when you are tearing out built-ins and knocking down walls. My home looks like a cyclone hit it. I was able to catch up on some cleaning today though, because we are supposed to have friends over for Super Bowl Sunday.

I have been watching Ella alot lately when she didn't know I was there. She makes me laugh. She doesn't walk anywhere. She skips ( well not skip, she does that thing like she's riding a pony, that kind of skip), runs or crawls. She loves to have a dramatic enactment of any situation. She will tell me she doesn't like me just so I will pretend to be terribly hurt and she can tell me ever so softly and sweetly " but Mommy, I just don't." It's sound kind of strange but we get a kick out of it.

I have also been thinking about my swap partner and her children. I am really stumped. I want to do so good at this swap thing. It's my first one and I want it to be a hit!

I really have not stuck to my Photography Friday. I think it's something I will have to make myself do. I don't mind, there should be more of those things in my life, like being sarcastic.

I was trying to figure some things out on my camara and Ella decided to grab a few shots. Penny was also interested in the action. Nothing new about that.

My Gramma gave me this blanket and it's ugly as sin if you ask me but I can not throw it out. She didn't make it, someone she knew did but still...

Remember me saying I am devoting this year to Christmas crafts. Here is my start on that. I messed up the letter but it's not bad for just sitting down without any paln what so ever for what I was about to do.

It's all Coming Along Nicely.

Health Care

2007-01-29T07:10:00.000-07:00

Sick, sick, sickies. Both of the girls were sick with some kind of bronchial infection and ear infections. Seeing as we do not have insurance I only took one of them to the Express Care (it's an after hours facility the hospital has right in the ER.) They split the antibiotics and decongestant. I know that is not good but I have to do what I can with what I have. I told the doctor I had another little one with the same symptoms in hopes he would give me a large prescription for both. Unfortunately that did not work. He just said I should have her see someone. Yeah... thanks... like I didn't know that, guy.

I have to say that for the past couple of years not having insurance has really made me think about the Universal Health Care Initiative. My family is by no means in the poverty situation but we are also not in an upper middle class situation either. We are smack in the middle where it's hard and you have to sacrifice some things to get by. We make to much money to be helped with Medicaid but we don't make enough to pay $500 a month on insurance. I know there are lower priced insurance out there, trust me... I know, but with those you get either/or (you choose office visits or prescriptions to be covered but not both) and it ends up not being worth the money you pay.

It's a balancing act. On Wednesday when Abby was complaining of an earache I knew that I had to send her to school because at school the nurse will look her over and call me if anything is wrong. That was my way of making sure I didn't go the doctor only to find out Abby was just being overly sensitive to something minor, which is not something I would normally assume of her but that's what I mean. I have to be sure before I do anything.

I think the Universal Health care Initiative would be great for our country. For people like me who are in the middle especially. Everything I have done, medically, comes right out of our pockets. It comes out of my children's college fund, it comes out of our vacation money, it comes out of our budget for bills, our grocery money... everything. To not have to worry about that would make many lives so much easier. I mean it's terrible that I have to weigh my options when it comes to taking my sick babies to the doctor. It's terrible I have to split the medicine for one into two thus making it less effective. It's just not necessary and that's why Universal Healthcare is completely necessary.

The only people I could think that would be against this is maybe Doctors. With this kind of thing they may take a pay cut of some kind. Would that really be all that terrible. Private practice doctors make an insane amount of money, to me, as it is so I don't think taking it down a notch would change their lifestyle all that much. I mean shouldn't they want something like this because it will improve peoples lives, which is what they are supposed to be in the business of doing anyway?

If You're Gonna Spew, Spew In Here.

2007-01-25T17:35:00.000-07:00

Old Man Winter

2007-01-19T23:49:00.000-07:00

I so have a bone to pick with this guy.

Every year Winter messes me up. I feel all discombobulated. I like being in the house but when I feel like something is making me be inside I get all rebelious. Is that cabin fever? Not sure. I haven't been sleeping well and that could have alot to do with it. It's a multitude of things. Tomorrow is a new day. I think we will take a trip to Walgreens just for the sake of sanity.

I am continuing on my plight to rid the world of stained and holey clothing. My finsished project is a pair of jeans for Abby. They were very stained on the bottom, probably with mud, so I covered it all up and viola... (v ee ola)

Photography Friday

2007-01-18T22:48:00.000-07:00

I'm starting a new thing. Fridays for Photos from now on.

Still doing natural light. I am really liking it.

The many faces of The Bell.

My little baby girl is quite busy. So very busy. She is often just a blur.

Flying. It's fun, you should try it.

I had to enhance this one because she was moving so fast she was just a ghost.

Don't Go Breaking My Heart

2007-01-18T17:44:00.000-07:00

A few projects in the works at the moment.

Patches need to be sewn. I have them stuck on but now I have to do the sewing around the edges.

Rick has wanted an old lunchbox like this for a while and I found one at a garage sale this Summer. I planned to have it painted and looking good by Christmas but that didn't happen so I am working on it tonight.

Abby and Ella wanted some little books to draw in and I didn't have anything for them so I made little notebooks for them out of regular notebook paper and two divider cards I got out of an old library index thing.

Abby and Ella really like the movie Chicken Little. Don't go breaking their hearts.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N6IYlXozWtc

100 things about me.

2007-01-16T23:55:00.000-07:00

I started this awhile ago and just finished it tonight. Apparently blogger puts it in on the date it was started so it's a few posts down.

Lagging Behind

2007-01-15T09:02:00.000-07:00

I often write my blogs in my head but don't get to actually typing them out. The main reason is that I don't ever remember my idea by the time I get here. It's hard to be consistent when you are forgetful. I will start writing them down to help me out with that a little.

Here's something. I signed up to be apart of a Swap. It's super fun and I have wanted to do one for a long time. They are usually coordinated by one blogger and lots of bloggers who read her blog sign up and she pairs them up. Then you send them stuff that relates to the theme of the swap. The one I signed up for is actually for kids, just to get them involved in the whole idea of making or giving away toys and books that they want other children to enjoy.

I have been organizing my craft area. Getting all the fabric color coordinated and throwing out useless things I just bought on a whim. It's wonderful but probably boring to read about.

Abby had tonsilitis this past week so she missed the last two days of school last week. I kept her home today too, just for good measure. She gets it every year. I just let it run its coarse, no need for a huge doctors bill and unnecesary antibiotics. Ella has had a cough that is getting kind of scary though so I am watching it closely and may be taking her in if it doesn't get better soon. Rick thinks its getting better, I hope he is right.

I have no plans for tomorrow. Hasn't this just been a thrill to read? Holla. *giggles*

Lazy Sunday.

2007-01-07T13:18:00.000-07:00

Our Sundays are always lazy. It seems to be that even when we are doing lots of stuff around the house, this day still feels like a lazy day.

Today we went grocery shopping. Rick and Ella are napping with the football game. Abby is making me pretend hot cocoa. It's delicious by the way.

Rick got involved in a pool at work. The person who loses the largest percentage of their body weight wins the pot. It's roughly 500 dollars so he is all about being on a diet. This makes me laugh.

I hope you are having a lazy Sunday.

Goodies and kindness

2007-01-06T00:33:00.000-07:00

A few months ago an elderly lady that lives a few houses down from us passed away. Her daughter has been in town for quite some time to settle all her affairs. She has been having an on going estate sale. Every week she has new items that she has found from cleaning up the house. Apparently her mother was what I fandly refer to as a "keeper". She kept everything. I check in with her every week to see if there is anything that suits my fancy. Yesterday I found a few things.

I got this childrens dresser for $8. It needs to be sanded and stained or painted. I haven't decided which.

I walked around that house for a good 30minutes trying to decide whether or not to pay $40 for this cute table and chairs. In the end I decided against and just went for the dresser. When I came back with my van for the dresser the woman ( I should have gotten her name) told me if I wanted the table she would give it to me for $20. What a steal! She told me she would much rather two little girls enjoy it rather than an antique dealer. She went on to say how she and her sister would have tea parties on the table and if she found the set of linens and the tea set she would have her son bring them over to me. I almost popped I was so excited! I thanked her about 5 times before I left that house.

The legs are the best part. They have a slight bow to them. I don't know why but the legs make it special to me.

I also got a very cute chenille bedspread with matching pillowcase for $5. I didin't get picture of it yet but when I do I will post them.

I didn't get these chairs at the sale but I wanted to share them. The smaller one was made by my Manny ( He's my step-fathers Dad.) He can make anything out of wood. The chair is called a "naughty chair" but we don't use it for that. Ella uses in mostly for watching tv. The other one is just old and worn and I love that. Maybe one day I will find something useful to do with it but for now I use it as a step-ladder because it is extremely sturdy.

On the Photography front, I have been experimenting with natural lighting. It's very difficult to take a GOOD picture with natural light but I am learning. Here are a few.

Abby likes to line up her oranges. I think it's cute.

She also likes happy faces.

My Christmas cards.

Some of the trees I blogged about before Christmas. Rick says they look more like mountains.

Just the living room in natural light.

The step-ladder chair.

Some fancy art A'la Boog and Bell. Not naturally lit, just cute. Water color is my favorite art medium, especially for kids. Abby has done some great pictures of flowers. I will post them sometime.

Over-scheduling your children.

2007-01-05T23:32:00.000-07:00

I read an interesting article today. It was in the newsletter that Abby's school sends home. I'd like to share it with you.

Lighten activity schedule to shift focus on school

"A crowded schedule makes children feel stressed out now and burned out later. Plus it may take away from your child's top priority ~school.

Child development author David Elkind says children under age six don't need to take part in structured activities. Many parents have a well-meaning need to keep their child busy with outside activities. But it's not the way to go.

Children whose days are filled with structured activities get used to being entertained all the time. They're bored more easily and less creative. Never alone, they seldon have had to rely on their own inner resources to keep busy or solve problems.

Also, three out of four children who start sports, scouts, music or other lessons before first grade drop them by age 13. They've done the activities so long, they're no longer fun."

~* Im not to sure about copyright stuff. I think they got the article from The Parent Institute, A division of NIS, Inc.*~

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The article goes on to list some ways to cut back you kids schedule and so on.

I found this article so interesting because I have always felt bad about not putting the girls in more activities. I just thought it was a good idea for them to be more social. I'm not really sure why that's important to me because I am not a very social, outgoing person. I think I just have that mentality of wanting my children to do more and have more than I did.

I'm actually comforted by this article. It soothed me a little. I don't feel like such a bad parent for not getting my kids involved in different things. Now I am glad and I think I will wait a few years so they can try a few things out and then tell me what they are interested in.

What do you think of the article?

100 Things About Me.

2007-01-05T14:14:00.000-07:00

1. I am a Mother.
2. I have two really cute kids.
3. I was a lonely kid.
4. I have an older sister and younger brother.
5. I am married to Rick.
6. I am not at all interested in knitting or crocheting.
7. I am not perfect.
8. I live in Ohio.
9. I miss Colorado.
10. I miss my family.
11. I have a step-dad, his name is Ronnie.
12. My father died when I was 6.
13. I love my husband more than even he knows.
14. I am nosy.
15. I love blogs.
16. Organizing makes me happy.
17. The pictures in magazines like Martha Stewart Living and the like give me butterflies in my stomache.
18. It's hard for me to forgive deciet.
19. I cry everytime I watch Father of the Bride because it makes me sad not happy.
20. I was in the Army.
21. I am just now starting to figure out who I am and what I am good at.
22. I like country music.
23. I am a night owl. I live off about 4 to 5 hours of sleep a night.
24. I have a dog named Penny.
25. My mother was born in Texas.
26. I was born in New Mexico.
27. Never fails, everytime I hear The Star Spangled Banner I cry.
28. I try to have a total meltdown at least twice a year.
29. I knew what my daughters name was going to be when I was 16.
30. I believe in destiny.
31. I LOVE astrology and psychics and all that mojo.
32. The Office, both British and American, is the funniest show ever to be on TV.
33. Before I became a mother I was totally and completely relaxed about pretty much everything.
34. After becoming a mother I got pretty uptight about things and I am now trying to get back to the old me and chill out a little.
35. Crossing things off a list gives me a great sense of accomplishment.
36. I love photography.
37. I am on a diet. I hate saying it.

38. My breasts still tingle, as if producing milk, when my kids do something that really hits me emotionally. Wierd, I know.

39. Rick is gonna hate that I actually posted that last one. hehe.

40. My best friend is Jamie P.

41. I love her very much.

42. We like to have fun together.

43. Everyone is annoyed by us when we are together, except us. hehe.

44. I was born in New Mexico.

45. I collect vintage stuff.

46. I am very scared to show people the things I make cause I am afraid they aren't going to like it.

47. Secretly I think " how could the not like it?" just to make myself feel better if they don't end up liking it.

48. Chips and salsa are my favorite snack.

49. I reward myself once a week... just for whatever.

50. I take my kids to McDonalds for dinner on Thursdays.

51. I washed a chapstick with the laundry today.

52. Goo Gone gets any stain you could possibly ever have out.

53. My sister and brother are named Sandy and Dusty. My name is Trisha.

54. My aunts names are Julie, Joyce, Janet and my mom is Judy. My uncle is named David.

55. My kitchen walls are yellow.

56. My living room walls are blue and a dark tan color.

57. I like to give old things new life.

58. I think my Gramma is still with me. Especially when I am inspired to make things.

59. She inspired me to make things as a young girl too.

60. 50 First Dates is my favorite movie.

60. I want to take a few art classes.

61. I think experience and knowledge should trump a degree.

62. In the Army my MOS was 31L.

63. People have told me I look like Ellen Degeneres and Alanis Morisette.

64. If I were ever to have a boy (highly doubtful) he would me named Jack Lathan.

65. I love old names.

66. I love family names.

67. I had a Great Aunt named Ivalene. She would chew tobacco and crochet at the same time. She kept a spitoon next to her chair. She was great and a little scary at the same time.

68. I have to tell Ella to "get down" off of whatever she is climbing on at the moment like 10 times a day.

69. I am a Gemini. My husband is a Scorpio. My daughters are a Libra and an Aries.

70. Yeah, I like that stuff.

71. I have pledged to devote 2007 to Christmas crafting. It would be alot funner if Jamie lived closer.

72. I have done quite a bit of rock climbing in my life.

73. When I was 18 I fell about 50 feet down the face of a cliff. I'm ok.

74. Never use wool gloves when repelling.

75. Even if your instuctor says it's ok.

76. I like colorful socks but I think I may be getting to old to wear them. Is there really such a thing?

77. It's 1:25 am right now.

78. Almost there.

79. Abby loves Chicken Little.

80. Ella loves Cars.

81. My favorite is The Little Mermaid.

82. I didn't cry on the first day of school, I cried on the second day.

83. Hello My name is Fabulous.

84. I have a myspace.

85. I am not good at accesorising

86. I adore red heads.

87. I loathe the news.

88. I heart JT. He's bringing sexyback.

89. I cut coupons and rarely use them.

90. I am an ex smoker that occasionally has a cigarette.

91. I have had my heart broken.

92. I have broken a few myself.

93. I was never very innocent.

94. I experimented with drugs (psychadelics mostly) alot.

95. I use Tide.

96. I love romance. Anybody know where I can get some?

97. I have a new favorite reality show ~ Bad Girls on Oxegyn Network

98. I have had three wedding bands. All from Rick and all with stories.

99. I do not have a green thumb.

100. Me Now.

Linen Closet Color

2007-01-04T17:58:00.000-07:00

I really want to paint my linen closet a fun color. I think it would be a refreshing to open the door and see all my pretty sheets with a fun color behind them. Just an idea. I think maybe a soft lime green color. I'm just bored with white. What color is your closet?

2007 is an Odd Year... Perfect!

2007-01-01T22:20:00.000-07:00

I know this year is going to be great. I can feel it. How can it not be? Potty training is all done ( Yeah!!!!). Dog is house broken. (Which is amazing considering we have only had her for about a month and she is only 4 months old.) Rick is doing great at work. There may be some changes for him in the year to come. We'll see what happens. I, after many years of wandering...lost, have finally settled into a domestic routine.

I'm not gonna be obtuse and say it's pure bliss but it's pretty good so far.

Christmas was humbly satisfying. We are still able to make our children happy with the little things. They don't want for tons of stuff so we can get by on our small budget. Less than a dozen gifts for each and they are content which makes me happy. You never know how long that will last so I am enjoying while I can.

New Years was great. Rick and I had a Mexican theme for the night. We had enchiladas and some special recipe mexican dip that Rick loves. (Thanks to Mom for that.) What would a mexican theme party for two be without a bottle of tequila and some margarita mix? We started drinking a little early and watched Fifty First Dates, my favorite movie. By the time the movie was over I was so stuffed and a little more than tipsy. I was ready to hit the hay. Rick was not having that so I stayed up with him and Abby. We all shared a New years Kiss.

Abby was so cute. She couldn't understand why we had to kiss. She kept asking why everyone on tv was kissing. "Ew, I don't like watching that." So funny. To be fair, some of those people could have backed off the tongue a little bit. I didn't really enjoy watching it either. Ella conked out early but I'm sure she would have felt the same.

We made cupcakes for Santa. He loved them. It's a special recipe. I'd give it to you but theres magic involved so... if you're not into that kind of thing don't even ask.

Wow! Don't get to excited about it there, Abby.

Cute stuff. Nice chocolate face.

Rick's Brother and his family came up from Alabama for a few days after Christmas and we had a great time. Shelly is so much fun it's rediculous. I feel completely at ease with her and I have only actually met her like 3 times. I guess that's what family is, huh. We had lots of fun drinking some beers and singing karaoke with the whole family in Hawaii. Just kidding, it just looks like it's hawaii. It's really Rick's Moms basement. They went all out with the Hawaiian Huki Lounge theme.

Mick

Shelly

Rick

Butch, Kalle and Judi

Jason is the bald head. He's Kalle's boyfriend and the kids love him.

We also took advantage of everyone being together and took some group photos.

Kalle, Rick and Mick.

Kalle with Jason and her sweety-pie kids.

Mick and Shelly with their two boys.

Rick and I with the girlies.

Butch and Judi

With all the grandkids. Abby was not happy because her sister kept pulling her hair with her toes. What a little stinker that Bella is.

And finally everyone together. I think it took longer for me to post all these than it did to do the actual pictures.

How's that, Stacey?

What can I say?

2006-12-17T19:58:00.000-07:00

I haven't had time to do any blogging.

I did pictures with Santa for Abby's school this past week. It was fun to be able to do that for all of them but I am not happy that some came out a little blurry. I turned off the flash on the second day because Santa literally started to tear up. Unfortunately that made the auto-focus a little off and about ten of the pictures came out blurry. A few were so blurry they are unrecognizable. EEK. I feel horrible about it. Poor kids. I wish there was a make-up day.

All of the children were so cute! They were in total aw that Santa was sitting in front of them. Some of them would rub his fur when they were telling him what they wanted. A few held his hand and played with his nails or his beard hair. There were only a couple that didn't want anything to do with him. Abby wouldn't go up without the wonderful Ms. C by her side. Another little girl didn't want to talk to him but she got her picture taken with him. They all made my week. It was great to be there!

I started and finished three purses. Two for my nieces and one for my sister. They don't usually read here so I don't think they will see this but I want to wait to post pictures just in case.

All of my packages and cards have been sent out. That's a lie I still have a few stragglers in the out box. I will have to remember those tomorrow.

We have a lot of painting coming up because the living room is not making us happy anymore and we switched rooms with Abby and Ella so we now have aqua walls and they have brown walls. It will probably take all Winter for us to get it all done. We are also still renovating the downstairs bathroom so that should be another thing we have done before the Winter is over. Not going to be another boring Winter for us!

A blog isn't complete with out some pictures so here ya go.

Abby and Ms.C with Santa. Doesn't Abby just look like the happiest little girl in the world!!???

Had to get one of Santa. He was a fun guy to talk to all day. He was really good about staying in character and I even found myself telling him stories as if he were Santa. He was very convincing. His wife was also very lovely and sweet. She kept him in line when he got a little feisty.

Our Stockings in the morning sun.

Trees

2006-12-09T13:38:00.000-07:00

I am in love with a tree. A bunch of trees actually. I saw these trees on Colorfool and fell in love with them! She got the pattern from Little Birds. They are addictive they take a few minutes to make once you get the hang of sewing in a circle. Took me a few tries but I am an expert now!

I numbered them so it would be easier for my Mom to pick the ones she wanted.

Pow Wow

2006-11-30T15:20:00.000-07:00

I totally forgot to tell everyone about Boog's Thanksgiving Pow Wow. Her class invited one parent from each family to enjoy some Pumpkin Pudding and few songs. The children were the indians and the parents were the pilgrims.

G-man was totally diggin' that hat.

Can I just say that I don't like sharing the fun stuff at Boog's school with the man but I am reasonable and since it was on his day off I let him go. It was my Thanksgiving gift to him. ;)

They even made center pieces.

There were more pictures but I don't want to put other peoples kids on the internet. I don't think that's to kosher.

Pretty Penny Is Her Name

2006-11-24T14:28:00.000-07:00

Remember me saying we had a special surprise for the girls for Christmas. Well Christmas came early because you gotta strike while the iron is hot. Miss Penny is a cute little black Lab and she is so sweet!

The girls were very excited. They weren't quite sure what was going on. Boog is blurry but I like the picture because you can still tell she was very excited.

This was The Girl's reaction when she realized why I was acting weird. She was just as excited as the little ones. Very cute!

Penny

Penny sitting pretty.

It took me about a half an hour to make this blog. Normally I would have had to stop every five minutes and do something for one of the lovely little ladies so it would take me about an hour or longer. Apparently not anymore. They are so quiet and enthralled with the new addition of our family. Woohoo! I wonder if it will last?

Bears

2006-11-24T07:47:00.000-07:00

A few months ago Boog asked me to make her a bear. UM... Ok. I can do that? I winged it, of coarse. Sylvia is what came out of that little adventure. She is a little awkward at best.

So I decided to take my time and make a pattern for the next one. Which turned into two because you can't make one without eventually having to make two around here. Their bellies, eyes, ears and nose are all velvet. They were fun to make.

I put a little insignia on their butts. A roman numeral two, of coarse.

Purses

2006-11-21T10:05:00.000-07:00

The finished Marilyn purse. I am happy to report that The Girl loved it and many of her friends would like their own. Their gonna have to pay for it.

I got very ambitious with this one and put in a zipper. I used buttons to protect the corners from wearing down.

This pretty one was supposed to be a Christmas gift but the person I made it for is a surprise ruiner so I sent it out already. I loved this Japanese material.

A couple of works in progress.

2006-11-13T11:44:00.000-07:00

I am working on a few things right now. One I am not going to post pictures of one because it's a gift for someone. The other is a purse The Girl asked me to make out of a Marilyn nightie top she found somewhere. I haven't gotten far but it's going to be cute. I convinced her to use red on the outside to make Marilyns' lips pop.

We did lots of Christmas shopping this Saturday. Rick wanted to beat the holiday rush so the majority of our shopping is done. All that is left is a few things that I am making for people, something I want to get for The Girl and gift cards. It feels good to have it done. We usually are scrambling the week before to get everything bought or made.

I have been having trouble managing my children lately. I get alot of back talk from both of them. They don't go to bed when we put them in bed. It takes threatening to take things away and just all kinds of arguing before they will just give up. It's harder on me than it is on them, they think it's funny, I wanna cry.

Potty-training sucks my big toe. As a matter-of-fact I just gave up on it. It is like torture for both of us. She doesn't even notice that I haven't been asking her to go to the potty or anything. She doesn't go on her own at all. It's like the past month of intense potty training didn't even happen. I'm exhausted and a little angry about the whole thing.

Yesterday was, hopefully, the last time we will rake the yard. The backyard really gets alot of leaves because we have three very large trees that cover the whole yard. ( I have been trying to convince Rick to cut at least one of those suckers down but he likes the shade the generate. I do not.

Anyhoo... I took the oppurotunity to take some pictures.

Pretty leaves

Abby being still

Ella can not sit still... well neither of them can.

The G-man

HA! I got her.

These might be blurry

Something I Don't Want to Forget.

2006-11-07T21:25:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago Boog informed that she had a new word for "duh". I was intrigued. I had to know. "What is the word?" I asked. "Doyo." (pronounced Doy-yo.) "Did you come up with that all by yourself?" "Of coarse, Mom."

There you have it people.

What Being Frugal Can Do For Your Creativity.

2006-11-06T21:28:00.000-07:00

Boog is not easy on clothes. She can not wear a pair of tights for more than an hour before they end up with a gigantic in them. Most of her shirts need to be bleached or stain treated as soon as they come of her back. As a matter of fact Bell doesn't get many hand-me-downs because her sister can really tear up some clothes.

I have been thinking about what I can do to extend the life of her clothes without making them look like they have been doctored up. Today I decided to try some stuff out.

I traced a cookie cutter onto a piece of cardboard (so I can keep it and do many more without using my cookie cutter everytime) and then used the that as a template and traced the shape onto some scrap fabric. Then I used some Heat-n-Bond to bond it to the shirt and pants. Last, I appliqued it with embroidery floss.

Drumroll Please.....

Falling Leaves

2006-11-05T16:07:00.000-07:00

The only thing I had planned to do on Friday was rake leaves in our front yard. It ended up only taking about an hour to do the whole yard. We don't have any trees in the front but our neighbors have a few so we get some of the fallout.

Anyhoo... since it didn't take long I played with Bell and took some pictures.

I'm excited about a special Christmas present we are planning for the girlies. I will give out more details when we are sure about it.

Halloween

2006-11-01T10:08:00.000-07:00

Halloween was excellent. Boog and Bell were very excited about getting out there and getting some candy, of coarse. Boog was a cute little witch and Bell was a puppy. (Everyone kept calling her a sheep.)

The amount of candy they got is unreal. Way more than last year. I think it's because Boog was way more into it this year and she made sure we covered twice the area we did last year. Bell was not into it. She went a block and then wanted to be carried home. Her costume didn't even make it over to Grandmas house. She insisted on taking it off before we got a chance to go over there.

On the Potty training front we are doing very well. She won't go on her own all the time but she does about half the time. #2 is still eluding us so I am doing a lot of dunking and swishing. ugh.

I started volunteering at Boogs school once a week. It is so much fun. The children are so excited to see you. I always get " I've seen you before." or "You're Boogs mom." Yep. That's me.

Fabulous Fall day in Ohio

2006-10-29T14:07:00.000-07:00

I love Autumn in Ohio. The colors are gorgeous, the air is crisp, the smell of warmth coming from chimney tops, the colors are gorgeous, the colors are gorgeous and the colors are gorgeous. We went for a little hike on the river trail today and I got alot of beautiful shots.

The Falls. One thing that is different about the river water here and the river water in Colorado would be the clarity of the water... for sure. Still beautiful.

Bell

My future Botanist

My favorite shot. Would look great in black and white or sepia, I think, but the colors are just to beautiful to hide.

If you look closely you can see a rainbow right in the center.

G-man

Hairdon't

2006-10-26T23:17:00.000-06:00

I don't know if you noticed in the birthday pictures but Bell wasn't happy with the style I have chosen for her hair so she did some work on it. She also wrote all over herself with marker. This is what happened when I told her she could not put the hair back. She kept saying " I want my hair back, mama" It was all very sad as you can see.

So I cleaned her up and took some more pictures so we could remember this forever. Motherhood is so fun.

Birthday! Birthday! Birthday!

2006-10-23T09:44:00.000-06:00

I'm sure you already know this but 3 years is quite a big deal! There is peeing in the potty and putting on your own shoes. Lots of things to be done. To much to go into detail at great length.

Bell's birthday party was lots of fun for her. She had pizza and "bwunch"(Ranch) which is her favorite thing in the world right now. She tore through her presents faster than G-man could snap the pictures all along being quite charming and giggly. She slept with the fun bear that Aunt K got her. Actually she didn't sleep, she played... for hours before crashing.

We are seriously potty-training now so she wore no pants during the entire party. Just a shirt and panties.

Bell decided she wanted a balloon cake so I made her up cupcakes instead of the ladybugs. She loved them. She woke me up with one in hand yesterday morning whispering. "I eat cupcake?"

Buck Up...Date.

2006-10-15T14:36:00.000-06:00

Bell's third birthday I soon. The planning is slow-going. I told Boog she could invite two of her friends from school but I have yet to call those two friends parents. I also haven't bought any of the food or any presents. We don't exactly have big parties. We have get togethers with family and maybe a few extras but that's it. At the most there will be about ten people there.

I'm going to do a ladybug cake, I think, or maybe just a bunch of little cupcakes to spell out Happy Birthday Bell. I know I can pull one of those off. I have been looking at princess cakes at www.cakecentral.com but most of those are very elaborate with fondant and everything. I am not there yet.

G-man has been doing great at work he has had a lot of business and that is always good for us. He has been palying the guitar and bought himself some recording programs. All he has to do with these programs is hook his guitar up to the computer and play. It records it. Isn't that cool?! I thought it was.

I haven't been doing a whole lot. Just trying to keep up with my domestic bliss. haha. I did make a few things though:

These little witches

I needed a pincushion because this just wasn't working. It looks like, no scratch that, it was a den of pain.

So I gave my little bird a little more character.