FRANKly, I am avoiding the dishes.

I came across this cute kids craft online and thought, hey - I have all those materials here..and I could not resist one last craft before the holiday. Now, I have to gather enough stuff to make sure that Belle & Ben can make one too!

This is a tag/pocket book I just finished. More details on the wish papers blog. :)

o.k., a shower, dishes & laundry await me. Happy Friday ya-all!

Cowboy Ben

The day had finally arrived...the sun came up in the west and this little cowboy finally got to put his gear on...the class Halloween Party was about to take place.

Where's me horse?

Special Treat time at the Party.

I got to help with the party, it was so much fun! There is nothing more sweet than seeing a bunch of preschoolers in Halloween cosutmes....Princesses, cowboys, cowgirl, frankenstein, robot, dorothy, little red ridinghood, witch, batman, pirate.

I feel like Halloween has been going for a week straight already and we still have not gotten to the main event. We are trying to stay healthy and well rested and also keep the treats & sweets at a managable level. Today is Isabelle's class party. She is an Indian ((I took pictures at her dance class party but they didnt turn out well at all due to lightening so I will try and get some today)). I still have to get the cowboy and indian together...hopefully some nice outdoor pics. I keep on forgetting, I need to get our Halloween music out! I am defitnely in the mood for some Monster Mash and Time Warp! We are thrilled that Aunt Mary is coming out later today to spend the weekend with us. Halloween day, we are hoping for decent weather....get some trick or treating accomplished and then come home for Chili. Then....we can start focusing on the next holiday: Turkey Day!

Pumpkin Guts

I would rather sit on a PUMPKIN and have it all to myself than be crowded on a velvet cushion. - Henry David Thoreau

Oh the joys of Pumpkin Carving. The design idea....the guts flying...the sawing....

= The Children's final Masterpieces.

This is the part that I helped with! (Grandpa Paul & Celia helped with the carving). Anyone who knows me knows that I have a slight addiction to pumpkin seeds. This is the first time I have made them myself, besides a little too much veg. oil...they turned out quite excellent. In fact, maybe I should have some for breakfast...

1st item for sale

Hi everyone! For now, I just posted the first item I will be selling on my new blog. Let me know if you have any questions :) http://wishpapers.blogspot.com/ (keep checking back - more to come!). At this point I am also considering re-opening my Etsy store (once upon the end). Will update soon.

Rain & Puppet

The rain has been non-stop here. I don't mind the rain...but now I think I am ready for it to halt for a bit. Serioulsy it feels like we are living in Seattle. Maybe my husband should start building the Ark. Everything is Wet , wet, wet and dreary. I think I have to stop using the extra spider-man umbrella and invest in a real adult sized one. Speaking of nature, I am sad to see that most of the leaves seem to be falling off of the trees already. gone. No, I am not ready to let go yet! Can I sew, tape, glue or staple them back on? Seriously, just stay a bit longer. It's not time yet! Please wait around for a little while longer! I know that I should have appreciated you more while you were here. I knew that you wouldn't be staying. But, now that you are going away...I have a hard time accepting it...I just can't help but think that we need more quality time together. You should know that I'll miss you dearly.

Isabelle the silly singing puppeteer. Recently Isabelle made a witch puppet in Brownies, that she absolutely loves. Every day we have been getting a musical show. Isabelle has really been making me smile lately....with her imagination. She is singing and dancing and pretending about with her pigtails swinging in the air as she skips on by...and she reminds me of someone. I remember feeling and being how she is right now. I can picture the thoughts in her head as she goes about her play. I anticipate what she will say and do next as if it was coming out of my own noggin. She has been writing sentances in her journal, and drawing animals on her note pad....and pretending to lead school and church with her books in hand (o.k. class, turn to page 4...). Another joy that I have been experiencing latley, is watching Isabelle and Ben playing together lately. Helping eachother. Hugging and Loving eachother (don't get me wrong of course they fight too), but focusing on their postive actions, it melts my heart. I hear them tell eachother that they love eachother, I see them help eachother zip their coats and share snacks...I listen to their laughter. Their laughter is enough to take away any yuk from the day and let me just enjoy what is going on in the moment. Sometimes it is hard for me to concept that we will be welcoming a new family member in the spring. This new little person is going to have his/her special place in our home and hearts..and is going to create a whole new world for us. This baby is a blessing and I know that I can't wait to meet this amazing gift. I must admit that lately I have been having some anxiety about the changes that will come about...wondering how we will adjust and manage it all. I think feeling so sick has a lot to do with my reservations...but, I also know that we will somehow do it , it might not be easy but it will be wonderful. I believe in this. Sorry to get all mush and sappy, I think I will pour myself a big bowl of Honey Bunches of Oats with Cinnamon and begin the day! Happy Saturday...don't forget to take some time and watch the leaves fall and listen to the laughter.

A walk in the woods

Although it is my favorite season, with the busyness of our days, I sometimes forget to spend some time outside. Yesterday some friends and I , decided to take a usual get together in which we meet at the library, and meet in the woods instead. It was a beautiful day to be outside, enjoying God's gift of nature. This time spent together was simple, yet so filled with special moments.

Today, I could barely get through simple grocery shopping...I had to come home right away this morning. I had to forget my big plans to get certain things done today because I just felt so ill. I don't know why or where it came from. I've rested alot of today...yet - it still lingers. So Ben & I have just been bums at home today. I don't have to pick up Isabelle until about 5 since she has girl scouts today. I bought bone-in pork chops for dinner, I have no clue what I will do with them.

Outside my window I see yellow leaves blowing by. I am thinking about: there is so much I want to get done, but am finding a hard time getting organized and motivated lately. I am hearing Halloween Diego in the basement and Ben talking to the t.v., I am tasting Ice water (our filter needs to be changed), I should: take a shower, I am going to write a list when I get off of the computer, I am reading nothing at the moment, just can't seem to concentrate...I am hoping that I soon find some answers and directions through prayer, ...I don't think taffy apples are as good as they used to be when I was a kid...I am thankful for: some peaceful time to try and feel better and figure out what I need to do...I wonder when we will carve our pumpkins.

Eat an Acorn!

o.k.....so I had to share this super adorable easy fun treat that I made this morning! My friends and I were going to walk in the woods, so I thought this would be perfect for the event at hand. I found this idea on a site called : little Nummies...and I believe, that she got it from another blog that is listed on there. These acorns are so easy to make! Get mini Nilla Wafer cookies...slap them on a hersey kiss with either frosting or peanut butter, top it off with a little swirl..and you are good to go! Give it a try, so cute and fun...oh and they taste great too!

Autumn Ben

Ben wanted me to take a picture of him wearing his new cowboy boots. I thought hey, perfect opportunity for a mini inpromptu outdoor fall photo shoot. I will throw the kid in a sweater and find some leaves to drop on him in and place him by a pumpkin...well it was a great idea except for the fact that lancelot the wonder dog sensed we were outside and barked the whole entire fricken time. I could not concentrate on our photos at all. The dog made me completely mental with his barking and whining. ugh. I had no photo mojo. (so excuse the cars and such in the background, it was not my plan). We could barely feed the birds on this beautiful day before I called it quits and ran for the inside away from the dog. The chaos was unsettling to say the least. SOrry I had to vent. I must admit that this is one of those days that I wish the dog would just run away. So not in the mood. Anyway, hope you enjoyed the pics of my beautiful baby boy in his boots. hehe

The sUn is shining on a SuNdAy

Finally some living room furniture.

This room will be a mixture of new & old. The couches are new. But, this table although we just bought it, is kind of like a rustic/primative type piece (I really don't know how to describe it, I just know I love it). p.s. I love our new super comfortable couches, I hated the throw pillows in the store, they are reversable to the plain side...but honestly I kind of wonder if they are somewhat growing on me...i figure I can always throw them off.

Still some finishing trim woodwork/shelves to complete, rug & curtains to add...but coming together. the biggest challenge of the new couches is keeping the DOG OFF. It is a constant battleship if you know what I mean.

I finally got the power drill out and hung a few items on the walls (a shelf for Isabelle). I am still holding off on decorating for the most part until the window trim and rest of the furniture is placed...but I couldn't help to at least start putting a few things up.

For some reason, I couldn't get this amazing art work to rotate, so I decided not to get frustrated and just to leave it as you can get "the picture". Isabelle brought home this colorful wonder from school friday, I asked what it was, she said "a poisoned ant!". I asked if she had to draw a poisoned ant and she said no, that she wanted to. Some girls draw butterflies, mine: a poisoned ant.

I had a very successful shopping day on Friday. Not only did I finish off the kids halloween costumes (finding moccasins & cowboy boots ((in which ben will not take off)), but I also found a super winter coat for Isabelle and I even got our seasonal Pumpkins too.

Yesterday an AMERICAN GIRL catalog came in the mail. Isabelle has not put it down since the arrival. Well, what perfect timing since she has been telling me for weeks that what she wants for Christmas is an American Girl. I've been answering millions of questions such as: Can I name her anything I want, do they come with freckles? Can I ask for the bed too? Why do some have dogs? etc, etc. etc. She has an AG bitty baby that she loves, but now she says she is ready for the girl size doll. Ben wants roller skates for Christmas.

Ben asked me out of the blue last night, "Do you want me to run away with my new shoes?" I answered "No, Ben I don't". He responded, " Fine then, don't be mad at me!". (honestly I don't know where this conversation came from).

So, today awaits. Got to make some breakfast for the troops. I think we are skipping church today, since Noah is going to go chop wood and I don't feel really great and don't want to drag the kids by my lonesome...that is a challenge I don't want to take on this a.m. I think I may make enchiladas for dinner tonight. There is much to get ready for the new starting week. Busy week ahead. Happy Sunday!

Mom update

My mom is home from the hospital now: healing & happy. With all my heart, I thank everyone for your prayers and support. You have truly made us feel loved.

Day at the Pumpkin Fest

Recently, the wild winds of Autumn, led us to an enchanting festive place called: Bengston's Pumpkin Fest (Homer Glen, IL). It was a crisp yet joyous outing. There was so much to look at & do. Some of the attractions were: petting zoo, hay ride, pig races, haunted barn, corn maze, etc.

Ben - Planning Big Trouble.

Isabelle petting the farm animals.

Some witch.

Ben eating cotton candy & sitting for a spell with this guy named Frank.

Chicago Fire Academy Graduation

My brother: Alfred, the graduate.

Al & dad.

Al getting his badge & shaking Mayor Daley's hand.

My very restless Children during the ceremony.


Congratulations Al, we are so very proud of you and wish you the very best in your new career. May God be with you every step of the ladder. :)

Some Family News

Family News Update: The kids and I are in the Chicago area for a few days visiting my family. Our visit is Bittersweet. A Victory and Worry. A Success and some Brokeness. Tomorrow, my brother graduates from the Chicago Fire Academy. We are so very proud and happy for him. We are all excited the ceremony is at the grand ball room at Navy Pier. Al has worked long and hard to make this dream come true. I am so glad we have the opportunity to be there and share it and celebrate with him. The second part of my update regards my mom. She is in the hospital again via emergency saturday morning. We have no answers at this point and she is in a lot of pain. I am asking for positive thoughts and powerful prayers. I am thankful that I am here right now and can visit with her these couple days while we hopefully get some answers. There is nothing so sobering as sitting at your parent's hospital bedside. May God hold our hands & hearts in these upcoming days. I will update soon.

Setting Up Shop

http://wishpapers.blogspot.com/

Halloween Journal

I am so inspired to start making journals & books again. I made this Halloween themed one last night. Simple yet fun. I am seriously thinking about selling some of my stuff again also. I miss it. I might try to start making an inventory of some items (books, cards, etc) and put them online and see how it goes...or maybe have an open house for the holidays if I get enough stuff made. I have so many new ideas that I want to try. I know I go back and forth with this...but I am really feeling like its time to start making stuff again. Even if there is a big hole/tube through my studio room roof (new fireplace vent).

Misc. updates:
This morning I had a dr. appt. All went well. Heard the heartbeat and I am not due back there for an entire month. :)
Ben and I got haircuts this morning. Well overdue. Thought we better get it done since he has school pics tomorrow.
Isabelle has been sick on and off lately. She felt good today so I sent her to school. She has brownies today too, so I will be picking her up in about an hour.
Ben is napping (what a glorious gift).
The sun is beautiful today.
We are invited to the inlaws for dinner, so no cooking for me tonight - whoah!
Noah has been baking bread alot lately. latest experiment: cinnamon rolls this morning.
My mom has found most of the stuff we need for the kids costumes this year, we are so excited. Can't wait to put together the Cowboy & Indian (princess)!
Noah told me the other night that he seriously likes the name: Napoleon if it's a boy. To humor him , I will lightly pencil it in on the list next to Ben's suggestion of Taco.
I hate Dishes. I am sick of Dishes. (sorry just had to vent).
Maybe we will get some pumpkins this weekend and a hay bale or two would be nice also.
It's been too cold and I have been too lazy to fill the birdfeeders lately...it seems like whenever I think about it, the winds are whipping and I don't want to go out there. I hope the birds stick around with the hope and belief that I will feed them.
I suppose I've rambled a plenty. Have a SUPER rest of the day.

Bittersweet October

My favorite month has finally arrived! So far it has been a wet & windy one...but none the less...it is a grand one! I started getting out a few decorations...but I am missing quite a lot...I think they must be in storage somewhere along with my sweaters....

Seriously, how fun are Halloween decorations? I just love them! And not the super scary freaky ones...but the whimsical wonderful ones! Also...I can't get enough Halloween ideas from magazines....although I am not hosting a party...I still enjoy looking through all the recipes and ideas.... endless inspiration.

The kids costume plans are still in the works. Nothing set. I am having a hard time finding what I need, but I think it will all come together...It always does!

I am not buying any Halloween Candy this year until near distribution time. I have really developed a sweet tooth with this pregnancy so far...so I am keeping that temptation at bay...otherwise there will be no candy for the trick o treaters when they come to my door and I will have to whip pennies at them.

Speaking of cravings...adversions.... I LOVE my morning coffee...but honestly the thought and the smell of it has totally made me sick....so I am switichng back and forth in the morning between Hot Chocolate and Teas. How heartwarming is a cup of either of these choices? Who knows maybe I will even stick with this change...but maybe not.

I am so thankful that Saturday has arrived and we have no requirements. I feel like we have been running around like maniacs all week. Lots of errands, events and busyness. <-- Can't think if that's a word or not... Exciting news on the home front: This week we used our new fireplace a few times! It was wonderful (besides the fact that we have to sit on the floor because we have no furniture in that room)...but on an even better note....We ordered couches from the new Slumberland that opened in town. They are due here within the next two weeks. So excited about actually having furniture in that room! whoah. Learned not to take the kids to a furniture store especially after they had some sugar. Wow...they were like Mexican jumping beans...except they are not Mexican as far as I know. Jumps...climbing and somersaults all over the joint. Next time I think we'll leave them in the car.

Our new windows (for the kitchen and bedrooms) have arrived at menards and we will be installing them this weekend (I hope!). I cannot even explain how wonderful it is to be in a house that has proper working heat and installation. So bring on the cold weather...that's fine by me.

I will leave you with a funny from this week. Ben and I visited a local establishment (a cookie store downtown) and when we came in the door , Ben took his coat off; looked around for somewhere to hang it and asked the owner, " You got any Hookers here?". The End.

An Autumn Storm is Brewing...

Delicious Autumn! My very soul is wedded to it, and if I were a bird I would fly about the earth seeking the successive Autumns - George Eliot (my very favorite autumn quote).

Autumn has blown in. The winds are whipping fierce today. I love it! It's cold and it's a bit gloomy...yet my soul desires this enviornment with every ounce of my being...I can't really explain my relationship with fall...my need for the crisp air...and the beauty of it all. Autumn is when I feel most alive and connected to the earth. I feel the most inspired and relaxed. Seeking warmth and finding it. Treasuring moments of pure bliss. Anticipating the magic of the leaves and wondering where they shall carry me to or what they may bring to my front door this time. What a pleasure this fleeting season. Embrace & Enjoy these breathing days & courting nights - Love, C

Pink or Blue?...

...only time will tell! We are expecting number #3! (sorry I didn't have a better photo to go along w/ the news...but I really don't have any baby stuff around here!). I am a little over 11 weeks now and approx. due April 20th. So, in the spring we will be welcoming our new little love. Isabelle is thrilled beyond the moon, she can't wait to help take care of her new sibling and teach it (she keeps saying her although a boy would be just fine too. hehe) things. Ben is happy also, he is telling everyone he comes across. Every day they both share how excited that they are for this addition. Ben wants to name the baby Taco. I told him I will add it to the list. I've been pretty sick this time around, so it has been hard. I am hoping the nausea & tiredness lets up a little soon. I had a wonderful dr. appt in which an ultrasound was done and we saw a very strong heartbeat. Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers these upcoming months for a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby.

Other ramblings:
It's raining and feels like fall and I love it.
I have been craving chocolate milk.
I finally sucked it up and paid a huge fine at the library for a lost harry potter movie.
Isabelle has gotten pefect 100% on her first 2 spelling tests.
I am really enjoying the new bible study that I am in, it is about the power of women's words.
I am also enjoying MOPS & MosaIc, two wonderful groups that I am in with the most amazing friends/mothers. I feel so blessed. :)
I have done NO crafts lately.
Progress is coming along on the house again: the fireplace is being worked on and the remainder of the house windows have been ordered.
Isabelle is loving ballet again this season (and will take part in The Wizard of Oz recital in Spring). She has also started Brownies and is very excited about all the things that are planned.
I am looking forward to anything/everything fall.
I think that is all for the moment: Happy Weekend friends & family!

spelling

Here, currently residing on our fridge is: Isabelle's very 1st spelling test ever! 100%

This is Ben planning on what kind of trouble he will perform next.

Isabelle waiting to leave for dance class.

Hello all - sorry nothing to report at the moment, I have a headache, but I wanted to share a few pics quick. Have a lovely day, it's beautiful out there!

Mums the WoRd.

It's starting to look a little bit like fall around here! Noah recently decided to landscape the front lawn a bit, this means tilling up all the grass in front and re-seeding in hopes for lush wonderfulfulness to sprout up in the future. He also tore out some old stuff that was lingering around and planted some beautiful fall mums!

Yesterday we traveled to a nearby town for a fall festival (although it felt kind of summerish) and a parade. It was enjoyable. I can't believe how much candy the kids hauled in, i'd say it was close to the Halloween bounty last year.

Isabelle learned a tip that if she waved alot she'd get more candy. We'll this kid never stopped waving for the whole 2 hour event. There were times she even had to hold her arm up to continue on, yet she never ceased. Dedicated to the cause for sure.

Ben on the other hand, got a piece and focused on that one piece. Instant gratification instead of storing up for the long haul. He sampled most of his candy (probably knowing Isabelle was getting enough for both of them).

Besides the lovely parade, it was quite a busy week all around. Things have been crazy around town since Extreme Makeover Home Edition has rolled in. Several of my friends have met the cast and many people are volunteering at the home site. I have heard many amazing and inspiring stories throughout this process. The family comes back to see their new abode on the 16th. MOPS (mothers of preschoolers) has started up again for the season and the new steering team did an amazing job with the 1st meeting, I have a feeling it is going to be a wonderful MOPS year! Isabelle was thrilled to make applesauce at school this week. She is really enjoying 1st grade. Even today, she wanted to make sure that there is school tomorrow because she can't wait to get back. Today I had to go to church with a major sunburn on my forehead (from the parade), that was lovely. The best part of Church today was during a silence, Ben loudly announced: "Me have to go Poop!". Although truly embarrassed, I couldn''t help but laugh along with the surrounding pews. If you don't laugh, you cry. Busy, busy week ahead... Happy Sunday!