Ugh. Looks like someone needs a buzz cut. Just in time for cold weather and holiday picks. =(
And sorry about your pillow case, Taylor. It was on loan to go with B’s bedroom, and handmade by my Gma. Of course. Maybe I can patch it?
The Queen of Mess November 9, 2009
B was pretty bad at making messes in his day. L may surpass her brother.
Here is all but one of my spices spilled out of their containers onto the contents of an already messy table. Plus she broke one of the beakers. That was fun to clean up.
The other day she broke one of my favorite serving bowls too (one of my two torquise ceramic ones that I always have displayed on my table). That was a sad day.
October Update November 2, 2009
Things have been a little crazy here– things happy and sad. I’ve needed a little break, but I’ll try to make up for it this week! Beware a horde of posts!
Outside: Our yard is covered in a foot of leaves all around. That is going to take a lot of raking. Maybe I should hire my little (6 foot tall) brother. 
In My Kitchen: Baked the master recipe on Saturday from my awesome new cookbook. There is seriously absolutely no reason to not have homemade bread every single day anymore. Even if you’ve never baked bread before in your life. Revolutionary. I also made the pumpkin cake pictured above from Cooking Light. YUM.
I am wearing: flip flops, jeans, cotton shirt, and sweater jacket. What can I say– I love flip flops.
Can’t Wait For: Taking the kids to the zoo tomorrow with friends.
Current Read: Just finished a couple books including Jane Austen Ruined My Life. Now I’m just reading A History of Christianity, which I’ve actually been working on for a while. It’s interesting, but hard to compete with Fiction.
I am hoping: That I’m not getting a cold. I’ve been sneezing since last night. Also, to get a lot of sewing done this week.
Around the house: Picking up the pieces from our busy weekend– see previous slideshow. Plus, GG’s party was here.
Simple Pleasures: My kids playing nicely together… I think that just ended. I’m trying to get the kids to wait until 1 for naptime, but daylight savings is messing that up.
Plans for the Weekend: Having some neighbors over for dinner, which we’ve been wanting to do for a while. Not sure what else yet.
Family Update: My parents are adopting two children. So, looks like I’m the oldest of 6 now. 
And we’re REALLY spread out now. hehe. 28 (should I stop admitting my age at this point?), 26, 20, 17, 13, and 11. And my first sister (besides the in-laws that feel as close as real sisters anyway– we even fight every once in a while–hehe).
Lillian: Has been a little crabby lately (for her), and so I’ve been carrying her a lot. I guess my back is getting strong. She’s very attached to her red rain boots, and wears them around the house all the time. She makes a beautiful fall ballerina.
Brendan: says he is Lillian’s hero. At least when he is dressed up as Batman. He’s really into Kung Fu Fighting right now. And coloring a lot.
House: Lots of half done projects (that’s being generous). Maybe someday they’ll be done?
Long Overdue September 30, 2009
An Update! Thanks to Facebook I hardly ever do these anymore.
Outside: I’m stilling harvesting tomatoes, summer squash, zucchini, jalapenos, herbs, and peppers from the garden. I don’t know how much time I have left, but I’ll enjoy it while I can. On Saturday my Grandma and I took the kids to the Red Barn Farm up in Weston. We took a horse drawn hayride out to the huge pumpkin patch and picked a pumpkin to bring home. I also picked out a pretty white one from the ones they had sitting out. Fun times. I have some Martha Stewart plans for them, so maybe I’ll be sharing a pic soon.
In My Kitchen: Still working my way through the Sticky Gooey cookbook. Last Saturday was my nephew’s and little foster “brother’s” birthday party. So, I made the banana bread pudding. Didn’t get a picture of course, but I’ll just tell you– delicious! I also tried a cookie recipe from the latest “Everyday Food” magazine. I used their caramel recipe (which was awesome and fairly easy) to make the icing that was sandwiched between two chocolate cookies. I’m sticking with that caramel recipe from now on. Not bothering with the lesser one in Sticky Gooey. Amazing– I have a criticism of my favorite cookbook. Sometimes Martha just knows better. OH YEAH. I’m very excited about the new book: Sticky, Chewy, Messy, Gooey Treats for Kids!!!!
I am wearing: I went for a jog/walk with the kids in the double stroller, and now need to get in the shower. So, I’m wearing my jogging shoes, navy pants, and aqua tank top.
Can’t Wait For: Tomorrow nights date night with C– he has free tickets to see Zombieland. I’m a sucker for Zombie movies, and this one looks really funny.
Current Read: Kristin Lavransdatter is the only one I should admit to. But I already talked about zombies so why not Mr. Darcy, Vampyre too. lol.
I am hoping: To start feeling good enough to keep up with my house. Today. I think it’s been like a month since I felt good. bleh.
Around the house: See above.
Simple Pleasures: Cinnamon rolls. Sunny days. Wee kisses.
Plans for the Weekend: Maybe a school carnival and a neighbor’s birthday party.
Family Update: C and I just celebrated our 8th wedding anniversary. (see pic above) I would put an after pic too, but I wouldn’t like it so close to the before pic. lol.
Lillian: getting lots of teeth and new words suddenly.
Brendan: has improved tremendously on handwriting and coloring (staying in the lines) just in the last month.
House: C is chugging away at the kitchen and bathroom remodel. Slow work. We have had some helpers lately though. I have hope it may someday be done. ::)
100 Things #45 and #10 September 13, 2009
See Brendan’s face when he gets his train set for his birthday. I was really excited about B’s upcoming birthday when I first wrote this list. I planned a big Thomas birthday with everything, including gifts centered around the theme. That was his 3rd birthday, so only a year and a few months ago. The year of the train cake of course.
Memories:
What a cutie!
As a bonus: #10. I don’t remember when I finally did it (it took a while), but I did indeed finish Anna Karenina. One off the list of thousands of books I want to read. Next up: Kristin Lavransdatter:1 The Bridal Wreath. Chad is on the second book in the trilogy, and is dying for me to read it too.
Preschool August 26, 2009
I’ve been slacking on the blog again. Last week B started on his first official week of preschool. Besides being easily distracted, he’s been doing pretty well! We’re doing Sonlight again (this year is more structured that the first– lots of getting ready for kindergarten).
He’s working on his hand writing. For the last two weeks I’ve been constantly saying ” hold your crayon correctly”. I wonder how long until the new habit is formed?
L insists the entire time on coloring until I give in, and then what she really wants is to play with the box of crayons. You guessed it! Dumping them on the floor!
Ethnic Enrichment Festival August 23, 2009
“Feel the world beat in the heart of America”
1. Turkish Doners — Good, but didn’t live up to the memory that C and I both cherish from late nights in Marburg (Germany) the first year of our marriage (almost 8 years ago).
**whining**
2. Germany– good bratwurst, but not served on a hard roll.
**whining**
3. Israeli Sampler platter– falafel, pita, hummus, and salad. Yum. Just wish there was more.
**whining**
4. Headed to the Youth Tent, and colored some Lithuanian eggs (the design was printed out on paper), also heard (half way) a talk on them, and saw some pretty examples.
**slightly less whining**
5. French chocolate crepes with Nutela. Only wished I didn’t have to share.
**whining after a short recess**
6. Oatmeal drink from Ecuador. Interesting– like runny pureed morning oatmeal with cinnamon. The kids sucked it down.
**whining**
7. Let’s get these kids to bed!
Next time we’re leaving the kids at home! Not quite at an age to appreciate such things– with the exception of the crepe.
Fun with Friends August 17, 2009
It’s not easy getting a group picture of 2 four year olds, a 19 month old, and a 9 month old! I almost ended up with an extra 2 year old in there too!
Morgan and I took our kids to the Zona Rosa’s newish play area a couple days ago. That place really needs gates. I was chasing L out the entrances the entire time, and there are escalators within running distance! Talk about stressful! The kids had a really good time though.
The kids loved climbing on this little hut. L got the idea from her brother to exit through the window. Didn’t work too well for her. “Momma! Momma! Momma!”
Afterwords we let the big kids play in the fountain outside (L wasn’t interested in getting wet– just running off. Big surprise.), then we had a picnic! The kids were pretty worn out after that. We tried going over to Children’s Orchard, but L cried the whole time, and I think baby Darcy was ready for a nap too. I was there long enough to realize– their stuff is WAY overpriced! What’s the deal?
We’re Back! July 30, 2009
Picture: a little something I made for the Etsy shop. (see link to the right)
Outside:A little frustrated with my garden. Plants look great, but they aren’t producing! argh. I’m sure it’s lack of sunlight.
In My Kitchen: Lots of good cooking going on this weekend in honor of guests. My oldest friend, Eva, is coming into town in a few hours. Have a good mixture of Mexican, Chinese, and American planned. Maybe throw in some Italian. I had plans to make homemade icecream. Even bought the stuff. Then I realized that my icecream maker is broken! *sigh*
I am wearing: It’s after lunchtime and I still haven’t dressed for the day. Been cleaning and refereeing, and waiting for my chance to get some yoga in. So, I’m wearing the t-shirt I slept i, flip flops, and workout shorts. I’m super sore and tight from working out and running the last couple days. I think I gained 5 lbs on vacation, so I’m really trying to get it back off!
Can’t Wait For: To see my friends! My friends from Thailand (they live there as Missionaries) came into town last night, and I’m just waiting to find out when I’ll get to see them. Plus, other good friends will be in town from a couple hours away to see those friends. Busy busy. And we’re having a girl’s outing on Monday in honor of Morgan (the one that lives in Thailand).
Current Read: I just finished Brideshead Revisited. Haven’t started anything new. So much to do and so little time.
I am hoping: To get a lot more done in the next few hours. I figured I’d better update this blog before the weekend, or it would be a terribly long time between posts.
Around the house: Crafting stuff everywhere. I need a studio. Trying to whip things into shape otherwise.
Simple Pleasures: Little bitty barrettes in baby girl’s hair. Sweet. If I hadn’t misplaced my camera I’d have a pic of it by now!
Plans for the Weekend: Grilling out with friends, and lots of other stuff with friends. I’m sure you can’t tell I’m excited.
Family Update: South Carolina trip went very well. I’ve been exhausted this week, but I think it’s more because I’ve been so busy after getting used to having some lazy time! Plus, I really didn’t feel very good for the last half (carsickness and migraines). I think everyone that reads this blog has probably seen the pics on Facebook already. All three of you.
