Soups On

Misc. Round-Up
* I have some paintings to take pictures of to post. It has been so wonderful to sneak in some painting time here and there.
* Olivia is crying now so this post will not be long, I cannot linger, I cannot think.
* I made the best super simple dinner tonight and it goes as follows: Buy a package of Bear Creek Broccoli Chedder Soup. To make it super special add some extras such as : fresh cooked chopped broccoli, shredded chedder cheese, cooked and cubed ham steak - the end. Add some fresh bread/rolls/ biscuits or whatever. I can't even tell you how good this was. If I wasn't stuffed to the gills I would go have some more...of course that means make a mess with getting it and more dishes...never mind no thank you.
*k, guess I'm done. good night/sweet dreams.

Art Day - Remembered

The signage that made the day Official on the Homefront.
The empty canvas that I never got to work on due to constant needs of the little people and so forth. It was a nice thought though.
A Play-doh sculpture by the Artist: Benjamin. (This is when I noticed paint on the wall and promptly washed it away).
A few of the masterpieces.

This is my one and only project completed that day. Medium: Oil Pastels on Paper. :)

So this day took place a few Sundays back when Noah was leaving on a business trip. I wanted to keep the kids engaged so I declared it to be: ART and CUPCAKE Day! I knew that I was definetly in for some work. I knew I would have some regrets (clean up), but I also knew that the kids would have such fun...so I went for it. We listened to music, baked and ate (pinkalicious cupcakes), painted and colored and shaped and cut and glued.... It was a good day...and I must remember to do these more often. It was brave of me to take on this day, but in the end - little damage, much exhaustion, many smiles and laughter and only a few google eyes still to be found here and here. Not bad.

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

These days...we are all a little bit sick (cough, sneeze, sinus and such). for dinner I've been trying some new recipes that are working well: Zesty Porkchops, Chicken Alfredo... they all turned out good. We had teacher conferences at school today and I am so proud of the kids. They are doing so well. Tomorrow is a half day of school. Recently I started reading the book: Little Bee by Chris Cleave. It's good. I am forming a little reading group to discuss it in a few weeks (If you are local and want to join us, please do so!). I am kind of hoping this may launch me into establishing a new book club...I really miss being involved in this type of leisure. The trick will be planning and attending a meeting...kid free. Wish me luck...I may be a dreamer, but I am not the only one. Tomorrow morning I may attend my first Spin Class (intense bicycling), but it will mostly depend on Olivia's health and my errand list. I think that is all I have to say at the moment cuz I want to do some other things so: bye.

Halloween Fun

I made fruit bowl (snack o lanterns) out of oranges...

...and mummy hot dogs and peanutbutter/pretzel/cracker spiders.

Let the Trick Or Treating Begin... (at the park)....

next to the streets.
I didn't get any super amazing pics of the kids this year...I don't think they could sit/stand in one place long enough...but this for some reason is one of my favorites. I captured the witch...the bat...and the cat; together.

A Little Black Cat that crossed my path...

Bat Ben...

Witch way the Wind blows

It sure has been windy here lately. Yesterday, Isabelle had her first Halloween Party of the Season (dance class). I just cut my thumb doing dishes. I have started to collect OLIVIA books for Olivia. I knew I shouldn't have bought any Halloween candy yet. I have about a room full of laundry to put away. Sometimes I have a fear that I will run out of hangers. I started a cute little Owl painting yesterday. I wonder if I will ever be able to finish it. Wonder what the dog is barking at now....probably the leaves blowing...

Bowling with my SuPerHero

Bat Ben

This is a local mother/son event - Bowling with SuperHeroes.

We had such a SUPER time.

Ben Won. Ben always wins. :)

Pumpkinhead

Here we see 6 month old Olivia sporting her Pumkin Hat.

I love my pumpkinhead...

should be napping

Olivia has kept me up for 1/2 the night for at least 3 nights in a row now. Im exhausted. I should be napping but I can't. Im yawning but I can't lay down. Got to pick Isabelle up from a birthday party in a little while. I should take a shower right now since Olivia is sleeping, but I am too tired. I am taking Ben to superhero bowling tonight, it is a mom/young son event. This is our first time attending and Ben cannot wait. He's most excited he gets to wear his Halloween costume a week early. Might try to get to the Train of Terror tonight as well if possible. Went to coffee with a group of friends this a.m., that was so nice. Even though it's rainy and cold, I got a peach smoothy because I had already had too much coffee at home. This is the rainy cold kind of day in which I want to stay home in my nice warm pajamas next to the fire and read a good book. Maybe it is the onset of the cold weather, but I have the desire to start a reading group up again. I miss meeting with friends and discussing books. Of course my alone (without the kids) time is very limited, so I should probably not add something I might not be able to do. I can hear the Train of Terror whistle as I type. k. I gotta go.

joy

o.k. no new pics yet, but some musings. sorry. O.k., so I came to this realization today...I have been going about the world in an illusion created by myself. I thought I was 34. I am 35 flippin years old, not 34!!!!! I have been telling people 34 , I have been thinking 34....I mean, I think I was thinking 34, anyway...wanted to make that correction since my brain is currently functioning. So can I tell you something? I wish I could take my dog, yank his voice box out and throw it in the mississippi river. and no I did not capitalize a proper river and yes, I sang the mississippi spelling in my head to make sure I got it right. Seriously this dog gives me a headache every single day of my life.....but thats all I am going to say on that subject for now. And please note the kindness I extend by stating that I would throw his voice box and not his whole self into the river. unbelievable! I have not even left the baby for 5 minutes and she is up already. This is where I might state something like: Jesus Christ Superstar give me a break! And now the dog hears the baby crying and he is barking....lovley cycle I tell ya. I did not get any good mail today...but I did make out some mail today (baptism invites, etc)....all I need is stamps. Seriously, stamps are such a pesty thing. If I didnt need stamps, they would be at their destinations already...well maybe. So I guess I should go since she is still crying and seems to not be magically falling back asleep. So this 35 year old woman is signing off. Have a nice Saturday evening.

12 hours? No way!

*A miracle has happened: The baby slept for 12 hours straight! 6 to 6. I kept checking on her the whole time because this is way not normal!!! I think a bit of a cold has something to do with it...but I will take it! Now she is kicking my computer and pulling my blanket off.
*Last night the kids and I ordered chinese for dinner. It was so good.
*School Pictures came back yesterday, I am so happy with both of the kids pics, they turned out so great this year. (last year when pics came home, I was pregnant & emotional & not happy with the pics...so lots of tears - ugh it was not a good scene).
*I need to make some coffee, I've been up for over 45 minutes without it.
*Have no idea what this weekend has instore, I do know we may take a ride on the train of terror.
*It is def. getting harder to get up in the a.m. with the cold and the darkness.
*Pictures and more posting to come later today hopefully.

not sure...

when I will be able to type a full message again. The baby is in demand ALL THE TIME , these days. I dedicate the Johnny Cash song: "Cry, Cry, Cry" to Olivia. She's cute and all, but she is HIGH maintnance. I am just going about regular daily life, wondering how the time RUNS away so darn fast. Seriously this is how my life feels right now: OH look at those beautiful leaves on that amazing tree. golden brilliance! ~~wind blows~~ All the leaves are on the ground, the tree is empty, I need to rake them all up...crunch, crunch and I have missed the fall. The end. The kids are talking to me as I type so I can't really think about what I am saying. I just know that it is 10 minutes until their bedtime. Theres a chill in the air even though all the windows are shut, or at least I think they are, better check that. I wish I wasn't so tired, I would make some tea. goodnight. p.s., I had a dream last night that I should paint murals for people, especially in nurseries , play rooms and little kids rooms...and I told myself to remember that thought, that I seriously should do this...but then in my waken state, a little more aware of reality....I ask myself - does anyone ever really want murals on their walls? They have all those fancy, easy decals available now...maybe murals are out of style..out of the possiblility and thought process of the current design concept. maybe. So, anyway - goodnight.

So what...

so what if I have no pictures to post.
so what if I have forgotten if your eyes or green or if they are blue.
Im exhausted, Ill try to write tomorrow.
So, for now I say: Good night to all you princes and kings, princesses & queens! Goodnight.
(The last line is my Cider House Rules, paraphrase).

Salad & Soup

--------Homemade Egg Salad & Beef Barley Soup---------

-I just dropped my hardboiled egg in the dishsoap filled sink - Slippery little sucker.

-Today I ordered Olivia's Halloween Costume.....hehehe....it's going to be Purrrfect!!!

-I have some kind of head, ear ache situation going on. joy.

-I overcame my laziness and am baking banana bread today. Smells good.

-Ben got to dress like a superhero for school today, he was SuPeR excited.

-I miss my paintings and other crafts. Someday I shall return to my art space.

-That someday will be after I get our home a little more organized.

-So that someday might be never.

-I bought Ben an old school batman dvd today to help him prepare for his costume.

-I love the kids Art Work on my fridge.

-I should probably take a shower today.

-Olivia & I didn't sleep very well last night.

-Isabelle & Ben love their pillow pets (unicorn & dog).

-I think I will make beef strogonoff for the evening meal.

-I have to return books to the library. debating if I should drop them at the box or make an event out of the situation.

-I really don't have much to say today so I say: goodbye and good day.

Crayons & Cherrios.

Some of our spooky decor. Getting ready for the season at hand. Fun Stuff.

Little Miss O.

It is truly amazing what dreams can come true at the dollar store. I let Ben pic one thing during a recent visit and he came home as an adventureous (and tired) pirate.

A Wonderful Gift: My friend Lynn knit and sent us this adorable hat for Olivia. :) It is so soft and sweet and I love it so much and so does she!

Tonight, one of our neighbors gave these Halloween Coloring Books to the kids. I am very grateful for the wonderful people who surround us here and make us feel so loved, supported and cared for through so many ways. The kids reallly enjoyed coloring in front of the fire place. Yes, fireplace season is upon us. Tonight we had the best dinner: Salad, Pizza & Wine (and Milk). Simple and Good. Today I got a lot of organizing and cleaning done.

These days there are always crayons on my table and cherrios on my floor. There are sticky loud little people everywehre. Endless laundry and dishes. Closet lights left on and front doors left open. There is often a misc. toy left in the bathroom among an unflushed toliet. There is garabage that has missed the garabage can and crumbs all about. There is the occasional legos to be stepped on. There are screams, fights and cries......but there is also... alot of laughter. Alot of joy and smiles and so many hugs and I love yous. There is dancing in the kitchen. There are beautiful pieces of art created with those crayons. I get to be witness to the pretend fantasy worlds of all the toys about. There are little souls playing and imagining. The lights left on are a sign that someone was there, looking for something special. The laundry tells me that there are some little creatures here, wondering about around this amazing earth exploring and discovering and need some cleaning when the day is done. The empty plates and crumbs tell me that there is a family here that is being well fed and nourished on many levels. So, yes my life is filled with chaos and clutter. Yes, I get tired, pray for peace and even want to run away once in a while....but for the most part....the part that is in my heart, that breathes my soul, the part that defines who I am and what I want...that part is happy..and filled with the most pride and joy. That part knows how very blessed that I am to be lost, yet belong - among the crayons and cherrios.

Here's the Buzz...

So, my friends tell me I must blog, so here I am. :) not sure if I have anything of high interest to share so I shall just speak my thoughts of the moment and call it a day. Besides clearing the dinner table/dishes - washing my make up off is the most dreaded part of my day. But my current motto with misc. tasks at hand is : Out of the Strain of the Doing INTO the Peace of the Done. I keep this in mind as I struggle to get through and once I am through, I realize that I survived and I am o.k. We had half a cow delivered today. It's in the freezer. It has been an extremily busy and crazy week. Somethings occurred that I asked for great support from the Lord above and he has granted me: peace, patience and faith so I am hanging in there. In addition to these items life has been rolling by quickly and crazily. I have joined the ranks and started pulling out my Halloween decor per the childrens request. I absoutley LOVE looking at old halloween pics, etc. Also, we have so many fun and scary halloween books, so that is always a joy during this season. I can't even begin to explain how much I love this cool, crisp air coming through my window right now. It just makes me feel so happy. It inspires me and breathes life into me. Dear Autumn, I invite you to stay forever....in fact, I insist upon it. Please. Moving on..... the baby fell off my bed this evening as I was putting laundry away. She was in the middle of the bed on her playmat and before i knew it she had rolled herself off. ugh. so scary but I think she is o.k. Smufs are blue. So, halloween approaches and it is usually so me to get the prefect costumes for the youngins, but this year, I just gave in to their desires instead of my own goals and wishes. Ben abosutley wanted to be batman when he saw the costume in the store. UGH, batman...so BORING. I am sorry but there is a batman or two around every corner....but it is what makes him happy. Not creative, not different....not exciting ...but what his little hart desires most so...I let it be. And Isabelle wanted to be Glinda from OZ. Well I searched this one horse town for such a costume and came up empty handed thus far, so she said her second choice would be a cute witch......well, let me tell you there are many witches to be found around this neck of the woods.....so we picked a super cute witch costume , added some stripped tights and a broom and the girl is all set to start her tricks and potions. Isabelle was a witch when she was approx. 3 years of age, so kind of neat she had the desire again. I must say, I know a witch is not orginal but it is fun! NOw, left is the baby. Having a very difficult time with this one... my true desrie is to make / find her a costume in the shape of a Candy Corn. Shove the kid in the triangle with her head popping out and call it a day...but so far not so easy to find. My other thought is a flower bunting (Isabelle was a sunflower as a baby and I LOVED that costume but we dont have it any more). So anyway, I am on a mission to get this sweet love of mine, something adorable (for pictures of course). Speaking of pictures, I finally got to scrap a few pages the other day. It was glorious. I made the best muffins yesterday, so simple and they are healthy for you. Or as my friend Pat used to say, they are GOOD and GOOD for you. hehe They are pumpkin spice and they are simple and awesome. If you want the recipe, contact me. O.k., I think that is it for now, I want to watch some Grey's on Hulu and call it a night. Sweet Dreams ya'all.

Flowers

Flowers...are a proud assertion that a ray of beauty outvalues all the utilities of the world. - Ralph Waldo Emerson, 1844

Flowers are the sweetest thing that God ever made, and forgot to put a soul into. - Henry Beecher, Life Thoughts - 1858

I'd rather have roses on my table than diamonds on my neck. - Emma Goldman

Drinking my coffe this Saturday Morning, hazelnut creamer. Isabelle is at a sleepover, Olivia has been up for awhile and now Ben is up as well. I am having a hard time seeing the computer screen, as I have some kind of eye infection going on. Last night I finally had a chance to go out with some of my girlfriends (no children), a planned dinner that I have been looking forward to for a while, and I went, but the night was mostly unenjoyable as my eye got worse to the point of headache and wanting to throw up so, I cut the night short and came home and felt miserable the rest of the night (especially considering that Olivia wanted my attention, was not happy and would not go to sleep). Ben was such a great little helper, getting me water and helping me with Olivia and singing us songs and praying that I would feel better. It seems a little better today, but if not I guess I will have to make a trip to the dr. (trying to avoid). This past week went by like a whirlwind, every night we had something going on: ballet, girlscouts, birthday party, etc. I am happy that the fall weather is back. Noah made this really great beef barely soup that we have been eating for a few days now. Speaking of beef, our freezer in the basement went out without our knowledge and the basement began to smell horrible...we learned that no, there is not a dead person down there, but a bunch of defrosted meat. Disqusting and costly clean up. This Friday Isabelle brought home a not so great spelling test grade and I realized we didnt study enough this week. She now has 15 words instead of 10 and they are much harder than 1st grade words. So, we defintely are going to kick up some serious study/homework time every night. 2nd grade is a much more serious ballgame. Luckily, she can take a make up test on Monday...so we will try our best to get her prepared. I almost think today might be a two coffe cup day. Lots of cleaning and organizing ahead. Maybe I can even sneak a smidge of fun in as well...of course this will all depend on if I can see or not. Happy Saturday!

Going to the Chapel

Ben the Ring Boy for Erin and Jeff''s Wedding.

Olivia (special guest).

Ring Boy and Flower Girl getting ready for their special parts.

Family Photo

Me & The Children

The Wedding was beautiful and everyone has such a great time. The children were perfect in their parts and we are so proud of them. More pics and comments to come soon, but Olivia is in high demand at the moment!

Let's go fly a kite...

up to the highest height! (Isabelle has been singing this and now I am..can't get it out of my head. Thanks to you Dick Van Dyke and your cherry disposition).

so, I have a pet peeve and maybe I am wrong here with this one, but it just bugs me to see houses totally decked out in Halloween decor in the mid. of Sept. HEllO people...Halloween is at the very END of October...could you please at least wait a smidge longer before you garb your homefront for the holiday. seriously. it's not so special when it's been up for a season already if you know what I mean and don't get me wrong....I absoutley love halloween (even though I had my candy bag stolen from me once when I was an innocent child walking down the street). I am a fan of decorating , how fun!...but not before it's time. thank you...or should I say thank boo.

I am totally in the downloading music to my ipod kind of mood.
I love how ben tells me about his "white"mares.
Glad school pics are over, quite wondering what the results will be.
It's so chilly out, I LOVE it.
There are too many damn dogs and cats in this neighborhood. I don't mean to be anti animal or anything but its like a zoo all the flippen time. barking, hissing, meowing, barking, barking , barking. Seriously it's raining cats and dogs around here. I wish it would rain dollar bills instead.
Tonight I think that I quite possibly made my best tator tot casserole thus far. It was like all contents blended and baked pefectly.
I am really into PURPLe latley. I seriously don't know why. It's like I am gravitating toward it. i don't think I am quite the age to be a member of the red hat society but I guess as long as I embrace the purple and not the red that I will be o.k. Seriously though, Purple is ROyAl so that must be what my mind is thinking.
I let Ben pick out our newest bandaids, he choose Toy Story. I also let him pick the bubble bath: Lightening McQueen. Speaking of Ben, did you know that Michael Jackson (or according to Ben: Mary Jackson) of the Jackson Five, sang a song called: Ben? I will have to look into that.
SO, the last several days I have been getting my family ready for a big family wedding that will take place this weekend. Noah is best Man, Isabelle Is Flower girl and and Ben is Ring bearer. I praying for a wonderful and safe weekend for all of the family.
Goodnight.

Top of the Morning to Ya...

oh what a beautiful morning, oh what a beautiful day, oh what a beautiful morning, everything's going my way - Oaklahoma

So, this a.m. the kids decided to all get up way early. fun. I just made us scrambled eggs for breakfast and I am also having a v8. It is beautiful outside right now. Raining and dark and windy and feels exactly like fall. The Children and I are starting to discuss Halloween costumes. Ben says he wants to be a BAT , Isabelle says she wants to be GLINDA from Oz and I have no thoughts on Olivia yet. ugh...I have got to go....demands of the little people are out of control...