hold on & hope up

Here is elated Benjamin at the tire shop (as we wait for our flat tire to be fixed)....he was thrilled to be surrounded by tires and cars and the miccilan (sorry dont know how to spell that) man in which he called: snow guy!

O.k., I found these (Ben's choice cars) stored in Noah's slippers the other day. Please ignore the dog hair on these slippers, Lance likes to lay on them.

My brother got us this great gift for christmas from Cosco. It's Batter Blaster! Bam, instant pankcakes in any size you want in only moments! Isabelle liked the tiny ones, Ben liked the giant ones.

This was our Chili dinner cooking last night.

..and this is my sweet little sick girl sleeping on the couch just now. I just want to cry when the kids are sick (partly because I was up all night but mostly because I can't take the pain away).

So, this has not been my best week in recent history. In fact it has been pretty crappy all around. I am trying to keep my chin up and sing tomorrow...tomorrow...but then tomorrow comes and it is somewhat worse crappy then today was...but I know this will change soon...it's just the swing we are in. Toward the beginning of the week, I got a flat tire on one of the super freezing days...and on that same day, I had to pick Isabelle up from school early - she was sick again (we thought she was all better - yet obviously not). Among other things that have been going array...I am just getting discouraged with many things that are happening or not happening. Also , I feel like I am getting nowhere with my packing, organizing and deleting. It's just too darn cold outside and Inside, I feel like an icicle about to break...or melt. o.k. I'm done being dramatic and whiney. Just wanted to check in and say howdy. I know once health is restored in my family and warmth takes over the earth, things will get much better. Until then, I hold on, and hope up.

Flying Horse

- Misc. Thoughts/Comments on a cold Monday -

Being a mother of a toddler boy...you never know what you are going to find next (flying horse). Don't buy cheap boots because the snow will soak right through and you might as well be wearing flip flops. I should be cleaning or packing or cleaning and packing but I am on the computer and I really should not be. Sometimes I think the weekend in the winter is way too long for my whole family to be in a house together. I bought one of those big exercize balls, now I have to figure out what to do with it. I love when Isabelle wears her leotard for dance class and her little tummy sticks out the way little girls tummies stick out - so cute. I finally joined FaceBook and it has been so fun to connect/reconnect! This weekend I finally sat down and watched Tinkerbell (the movie) with Isabelle. What a cute movie! I just love it. o.k., I better go - just wanted check in! Good day to you!

Sad Scout

This pathetic little Daisy Scout is so sad that she has not sold any cookies yet.
This adorable girl promises to be happy and sweet if You buy cookies from her.
She just wants to earn her first patch...that is all....oh and a few other items on the prize list like : a radio, a camera, cash, etc... nothing big really. (hehe)

There are 8 different kinds of cookies to choose from.
At such a lovely reasonable price to boot.
oh, and girl scout cookies freeze well so you can keep them forever.

If you would like more information or would like to place an order with Isabelle the Daisy Scout. Please contact her via phone/or email your order and I will have her contact/visit you.
Thank you and Good day.

(was this stunt shameless?, I don't think so....hehe/ We just can't get out door-to-door...it's just not safe these days, plus it's cold & snowing!)

Happy Birthday Elvis

My super happy girl child.
The same child wearing her "seeing glasses"

My Ipod in action as I prepare the evening meal.

A stage of the preparation of the evening meal (Spinach Chicken Bake)

Some of my blog readers have expressed concerns of whether I am still alive or not. I would like to answer :well, why -yes, I am. Life has been crazy busy and I have had no grand photos to share, so I guess I put the blog in the corner for a bit. But time-out is over. hehe

hmmm...where to begin in my misc. musings and report?

Well, I'll start with our big news - we have finally closed on a humble abode in town. I am finally putting my fears/reservations aside and getting excited about this upcoming change. I believe with all my heart that this will be a very good change for my family. The process of moving will be slow/step by step as we have some improvements , etc to make to the house before we occupy it. Within a month or two, we should be living there for the most part. More info to follow. I guess I better get quite serious about my packing. Boxes anyone?


Isabelle starts selling (daisy) girl scout cookies tomorrow, if you are interested in purchasing these wonderful super great treats, please contact Miss Isabelle Claire (through me would be just fine) to place your Order.


I am very sad that the office is not on tonight. very sad.


"I'll trade my shirt for a grilled cheese sandwich" - stewie / family guy
(just overheard this great nugget from the television)


We were talking to Isabelle about change last night as she is learning about it in school. This is her interpretation of what the coins are called. The the break down:
quarters: corners
dimes: diamonds
nickels: nickels
pennies: browns


So, I seriously must say that I made an excellent meal this evening. I tried a new recipe: Spinach Chicken bake. It includes, but is not limited to: spinach, chicken, garlic, amazing cheeses, artichoke (optional). If you would like this recipe, let me know, I would be happy to share this glorious combination of greatness.


People often tell me that my children have such BEAUTIFUL eyes, and then they proceed to ask me, where do they get them from? (meaning, obviously not you ).



I kept Isabelle home from school today. Her tummy hurt. She was having problems all day. Of course her illness falls at an awful time because I was due at MOPS (mothers of preschoolers) meeting with a craft and some grub. It worked out though, I dragged the kids in the car, dropped the stuff off and my wonderful teammates/friends took care of the rest!


We also had furnace problems last evening/into today. lovely frozen fun - but , all is o.k. now.


Can I just say that I love the library. I love that I can put things on hold via the Internet and then go pick them up at the front desk without having to bring Ben upstairs to the non-kids section of the library in which he proceeds to run away from me and scream at the top of his lungs. There is just something he doesn't understand about the word: quiet. - shhh - this is a learning institution kid. People come here with the hope of peace. Child, please be aware of other people's needs at this time and this place. Nope , he just doesn't understand.


Ben's current favorite statement: No way!


OMG, I am sorry but the worst invention in the entire universe and I probably have mentioned this in the past a time or two, is the damn ( yeah, that's right I said damn!) "shopper in trainer" carts! damn those carts and their inventors! Ben and I are cruising along just fine in Cubs the other day, I am looking for dill salad dressing and not finding any. DO stores carry dill? I had it at a restaurant somewhat recently and have had the desire ever since, yet my mission has remained unsuccessful as I cannot find it. Sure I know there is dill dip, but I am not looking for dip. So anyway, we are cruising on just fine , when he sees a little girl with the little mini training shopping cart. I saw the little girl and I said to myself "oh crap" and I was right to feel such strong anxiety over this situation, because Ben points, screams and goes running toward the front of the store where he remembers that the little carts sit there waiting for the children to wheel them away in pure delight as they know the possibilities with this contraption are endless. Let me tell you, not only does the cart tip over a few times due to this giant heavy flag on the top (nice design idiot whoever created this crappola cart), but it is instantly filled with what Ben would love to take home ( a 10 lb box of rainbow goldfish crackers for example). The cart rams into unexpected shoppers too. Such a great event, constantly apologizing to these unsuspecting innocents. Anyway, my advice to any parent who may think oh it would be so cute to introduce my child to this fun little cart....DON'T DO IT!!!!!!!! You will regret every moment and pray for your shopping trip to be over as painlessly as possible. O.k... that is the end of this current rant.

o.k. I guess I shall sign off for the evening. There are kids to prepare for slumber. I anxiously await this time of evening (as my parenting patience is spent)....so I can grab my current Sookie Stakehouse Southern vampire series book and call it a night. Peace Out. Lights Out.

Nuts & Cracks

Book club last night was quite delightful. We read a book (well, I got to page 67) called Wedding In December, so to follow that theme the girls put together a mini little wedding reception as our meeting! There were: nuts and cake and champagne and abdoveres and other surpises including a favor for each of us to take home! Fun Stuff!

Dreams come true, say they do say they do say they do...(anyone remember that song from The Movie Dream a little Dream? ) anyWHO..I wanted to share (by the way I never say anyWho in real life but it feels acceptable here) two of my favorite gifts. Finally, I got an IPOD NANO from Santa (noah). whoah!!!!!!! I got very special gifts from very special people and I thank everyone for their thoughtfulness and giving hearts! (also pictured is season 4 The Office dvd set from my bro).

Goodbye to all the Nuts and Crackers. I plan to put away Christmas decorations today. As they sing in the Sound of Music: So long, goodbye!

I just had to share this beautiful picture of my little Santa Baby. What an adorable little boy that I just want to squeeze all the time. At the moment he is watching the "Cars" movie. He has a small addiction. We were going for a ride the other day and told him to bring one of his cars along...he packed the whole case up and dragged it with.

Other notes/thoughts of possible interest or not:

I made bbq slow cooked pork sandwiches last night for dinner, it was funny when I was looking up recipes online, quite a few recipes came up for Slow cooked SQuIRReL. Do that many people really eat squirrel?

I have newly discovered the not so new artist/singer/songwriter: Tom Waits. The lyrics to some of his songs are just truly amazing and beautiful.

The Sun is shining. It is Wonderful to see and feel the sun after all this gloom. Well, I am currently being called to build a Train Track... Good Day to you!

Dear Santa

Christmas eve has arrived

Dear Santa,
Hello . how are you? I want a video game for Christmas. I want a strawberry shortcake tent for Christmas. I want a doll with a bow in her hair. It’s snowing a lot here. Please bring my little brother Ben, a car tent. How about a couple cars for Ben and a couple trucks for Ben. And I think that’s all. Me and Ben have been good this year. Oh yeah, I know what else I want. I want a moving cat. Like a white colored one and you shut it on and it moves. Drive carefully.
Love, Isabelle

anta! anta!,

cars! caRS! CARS pease!

-Ben

Dear Santa,

My wish list is an 87 page document. I feel it would be most appropriate for me to send you a printed and bound copy with easy reference tabs. The very important items of top priority will be highlighted for you. Thank you kindly and Happy Sledding. -Cheryl

Tis the Season

"Live in each season as it passes; breathe the air, drink the drink, taste the fruit, and resign yourself to the influences of each." - Henry David Thoreau
Magical Snack Mix

Is there a Reindeer In the House?

I stoled the quote above from my Celestial Seasonings Sleepytime Tea Box. Sometimes I question whether I truly buy the tea because I enjoy the chamomile, spearmint, etc mixture or is it because the box brings me such comfort. Always a lovely quote and the picture of the bear (not beer) sitting in his pajamas and night cap in front of a roaring fireplace. I just want to become part of the picture.

Winter has just offically begun yet it has brutally attacked us so far this season. Although I try to embrace the season, I have to admit this weather really gets me down at times. The house has been cold. Traveling has not been easy. Ive been stuck out of my car, I have slipped on the ice and hit my head...but overall I am trying to focus on the peace and the beauty of the nature that God has created. There truly is something magical about this winter wonderland (well, the parts that the dog does not pee on anyway).

Although our count down santa calendar has left only one cotton ball (for the beard) and one red nose to put on, I have no presents wrapped for the kids yet, I just sent out most of my cards, I haven't finished my peanut butter balls...but that's o.k. There is so much going on, life is crazy..and our paths are covered in snow and ice...but at the end of each day, if we can settle down, get warm...relax...all together get under the blankets on the couch and watch a Christmas show together...then maybe we are o.k. after all.

Well, I think I have done enough rambling for one period of time. So for now I bid you, Good Health, True Warmth and a Heart full of JOLLY.

A storm is brewing...

My little snowBenny.

(this morning we were running late so I left him in his pajamas)
Preparing some of the teachers gifts this morning.
(accordion scrapbook and peanutbutter balls)

It is coming. They keep warning us. It will be here soon and it will be huge. There is a Winter Storm coming our way starting this afternoon/evening, I believe. Provisions must be made just in case we need to hybernate for a few days...

I finally ordered Our Christmas cards. I need to pick those up. The kids have totally loved watching the charlie brown christmas specials this season and any time Ben sees anything peanuts related he screams at the top of his lungs: Brown! Brown! So, that is the layout I ordered for our cards. I promise someday, I will start handmaking my own cards again...someday...just didnt make it this year. I must remember to buy stamps.

Isabelle has a daisy scout meeting after school today (if the weather holds up until then). I have a feeling that her school sing along and party will probably be cancelled tomorrow. They say it's going to be a rough one. I know the kids will be quite disappointed, but what can you do? We also have plans to travel to the chicago area this weekend. I hope the weather conditions work out for that trip.

I think that is all that I know at the moment since Ben is sitting on my lap and talking to me about trucks.

Angels & Elvis's

Isabelle decided the tree skirt would make a fabulous Cape.
As Ben got busy decorating the tree, I did not notice his plan of action until this was produced. Something in his head told him to put ALL the ornaments on one branch together in a very close knit group. Just keep adding! The more the merrier.
The Master so proud of his work.

Decorating moments and musings:

We decided to keep things simple this year. We have always bought a real tree. If we can we even go chop it down...well this year in the the theme of simple and saving money...we borrowed an artificial tree. Isabelle still can't understand why no water is needed in the stand. I knew going into the decorating situation with a 5 year old and a 2 year old, just to take it lightly...anything goes...enjoy the chaos of the moments, the excitements of the discoveries of Christmas pasts lurking in the carefully, dusty packed boxes. Nutcrackers, Bows and Candy Canes flying about merged with Santa's and Snowmen of plenty...the decorating begins. Sure, we have had more brilliant trees in the past, and fancier displays of the holiday scene, but this year...is : anything goes, whatever will be - will be and that is fine and that is more than enough. The letting go of control of the situation...not easy, but very possible. Sure a box of ornaments went flying off the table as a little boy dropped (pushed) it...some glass was broken, but we (I) clean up the wreckage and move on...we carry on with what we have to the best of our abilities. (I was smart this year, not to get out the giant candy canes that the kids like to hit each other with, of course Isabelle asked where they were and I told her " I don't know, I'll have to look into that and get back to you"). We still have a lot of decorating to accomplish (hopefully today) as the task at hand was exhausting with these two little adorable rug rats undoing everything that was done....but it feels good to have our Christmas Warmth out. The items that bring memories and moments of holiday joy. I think the children really enjoyed seeing and looking through our collection of Christmas books the most. My favorite part was discovering the little mementos and ornaments of past years...remembering where they come from and what they mean. I loved finding the homemade ornaments that Isabelle has made. Some special ornaments of my childhood even remain. As I decorated the tree this yesterday, I noticed there are quite a few Angels and Elvis's. Honestly, I believe that you can never have enough Angels and Elvis's on your tree.

A surprise gift

I just listened in on Isabelle telling Benjamin, her version of the Christmas Story...her details are a little off (this is the baby Jesus, he is the baby that Mary found on the road...).

This morning, the UPS truck pulled up with a surprise package (The Fisher Price Nativity Set that I was looking for!) for the kids (an early gift from Santa). This gift is really from a very special friend of mine, that I have been truly blessed to meet in this world. With all my heart, Thank you- Santa's Helper, Elf K. hehe

Today has been determined Winter Storm Weather, hazardous driving conditions - NO SCHOOL. So, today we are just going to stay nice and snug in the house (that which is actually warm for once!) and play, ponder, wonder and enjoy the day.

A Tree Grows...

For the first time ever, I am reading : A Tree Grows In Brooklyn. I cannot believe in all my years and all my literary explorations that my path has not yet crossed with this well loved classic. I have just begun, yet in it's first breathings, I know that I already admire this writer and her story.

This here is the face that a parent must deal with on the occasion that the lovely child disapproves or is disappointed in a situation at hand.. This face is soon followed by the whine and rejection of parental authority and the battle begins...

Monday. It doesn't feel like a Monday, yet it is in fact Monday. But honestly, what does Monday feel like anyway? It's the start over day. The let's get back into routine day. It's the notification of the long haul ahead day. It's the I don't think there is anything good on t.v. or groceries in the fridge day.

Sometimes it baffles me how I can go through life, not experiencing certain things. Upon discovery of the certain thing, I am quite enlightened and wondered how I ever got by missing this thing in my existence. The example at hand that I speak of today is the song: Mary, Did You Know? This song is sung by many different artists. I don't know how long it has been around, but I recently discovered it. What am amazing, powerful and beautiful song. I watched a version of the song on utube that was associated with certain clips from the movie, Passion of The Christ. I will admit to you right now, that I watched this video and tears started to stream down my face. Wow. This is what Christmas is about. Not presents or decorations, or cookies. This is what life is about. This song is so beautiful and such truth. If you don't know it, I recommend you listen to it, especially during this season.

Isabelle just asked me for an envelope and asked me how to spell her teachers name. She wrote some words that she learned how to write/spell that she wanted to give to her. How sweet (unlike her photo above). Noah called, he is on his way home with the Chili ingredients that I need. The weather is currently freezing rain. Good night, Sweet Dreams - Stay Warm & Well!

Baby It's Cold Outside

female cardinal
more winter scenes

above: Ben was Thrilled to be stopped by "THOMAS the Train". haha

below: My adorable litle eskimo put his boots on the wrong feet.

JACK FROST IS EVIL. O.k. I know that winter has just begun, but I am tired of FREEZING! Last night I felt like I was on the icy deck of the Titanic. I know I should not complain but sometimes blankets and hot chocolate just don't cut it! I am truly chilled to the bone. o.k....my rant is over....onto other things:

My readers may get sick of me taking photos of winter birds...but I must admit it is a small obsession of mine. So please bare with me during this time. Ben is wandering through the house with his arms up in the air asking where his blue car is? boo car? boo car? boo car? Other news: I suppose that Isabelle is offically a daisy scout now that I have signed the registration papers. How fun! Umm.. o.k. I think my fingers are too frozen to keep typing so I shall go for now. Today, Isabelle and I get to go see the Nutcracker Ballet (if we can get through the snow and cold that is). Right now I must go whip up some breakfast. Maybe scrambled eggs today for a change. Good Day to you all. Good day.

It's starting to look...

...a little bit like Christmas! I am not ready to really decorate yet, but Isabelle has been asking for the musical snow globe that Santa brought for her a few years back, so I found it and I will slowly be putting things out each day. I really like to wait until we get our tree, but for now a few items here and there will be fun! What memories, opening a Christmas Box does bring!

Cardinals - My beautiful magical winter birds. I seriously cannot get enough of these bright red beauties in the snow! They come in the summer, but it is nothing compared to their winter visits. Every time I see one I get excited...now the kids are excited too...except they go running to the window and pound on it to say "hi" to the birds and the birds...leave. hehe - who can blame them! I would be cautious too.

Isabelle brought this cute Santa home from School. She is so excited to glue a cotton ball on each morning. We put the cotton balls up high so "Benny doesn't get them".

I decided to get out our holiday collection of movies! My absolute favorites of course: The Christmas Story and will ferrell's ELF. My other favorites: it's a wonderful life and chevy chases' Christmas vacation...I will need to add these two to my collection some day! I love Christmas movies! Last night the classic from when I was a kid- clay animated "Santa Claus is coming to Town" was on t.v., I let the kids stay up and watch it.

I am having a hard time deciding what to do for CHRISTMAS CARDS this year. My heart wants to make them because I so enjoy it so much, but my head tells me that things are too busy crazy right now and I will regret it. My brain tells me to get Walgreen's photo cards. So I am having this debate with myself.

I am on a major search for the fisher price little people Navtivity Set. I hope to find it locally and for a good price!

Misc. Babble

I am excited to be signed on for helping with Isabelle's Christmas Class party. I have to start thinking of some fun ideas for the kids. She will also have a sing-a-long on that day. Tomorrow marks my last day of Bible Study. This has been such a wonderful thing for me, such an amazing group of women. I hope with all my heart that I can take part in the next session! Tomorrow also is an informational/registration meeting for Girl Scout Daisies for Isabelle. Last night I tried a new recipe: Spinach Ravioli Bake. It was good. I have some bananas going bad, I should make some bread. Twilight: The Book - I wasn't going to read this book because of all the hype and that I thought nothing can compare to Anne Rice when it comes to vampires...but my step sister in law (Ellen aka Gumby) convinced me to give it a try...and I must say I stayed up for 2 hours straight last night reading it so far. hehe o.k., I guess I should go rouse the troops. Although I see no Sun, morning is here. May your day be blessed and beautiful.

Winter has arrived

My snow bunnies this morning!
Outside the window.

The drive to school.

Book I am making for the month of December called December Daily. Simple journaling or notes to document each day in December. May include some photos as well. Made out of a refurbished old hardbound novel, old pages extracted, now instead, has a binder mechanism to include hole punched festive papers. Cover: old storybook page.

So, December 1st has arrived for us as the start of a white wonderland. I must tell you that I do believe in miracles, because I found a snow brush instantly and easily this morning! With December 1st, we also started the chocolate advent calendars. Isabelle is super excited, Ben is excited as well, but doesn't really get the concept. He ripped the #1 door right off and grabbed his chocolate prize.....but then was very upset to learn that was all that he could open for today. He wanted more! I also know it is winter because I have whipped out my Apacha wool knitted hat. It is funny looking, I know, but I absoutley LOVE it. It's a little itchy though and Lance always wants to sniff my head when I wear it. O.k....I have much cleaning to do. This weekend was quite busy (thanksgiving, noah's work dinner/dance, company, etc) so I have a whirlwind of chaos to sort through and catch up on. Wishing you a wonderful and warm day wherever you are!

TurkeyDay Roundup

Traveled to my hometown (Oak Lawn) for the Family Feast.
S U P E R S W E L L F L O W E R S

Isabelle made the place cards. The best one was for my brother. She wrote: Uncle Al , but since all the letters were big and smooshed, the actual card read more like: UNCLEAN (haha).

Part of our festivities included: decorating gingerbread people.
We also played with Tinker toys, matchbox cars, puzzles, galloped as horses (halloween costume), and watched the Charlie Brown Thanksgiving Special. Of course, the best part of the whole holiday was my mom's stuffing. I had it for leftovers and breakfast the next morning too