It's froggy out.

Good Morning fellow humans. Hope you are warm & well these days. I cannot find my camera cord this a.m., so there will be no photographs to accompany my wonderful words. I can't believe how busy these days have been. They are running like a polar express. Don't know what I'll say this morning so I will just ramble some thoughts and be on my way. It's foggy out this morning, or as Isabelle always says: froggy. For some reason, she is in belief that froggy is the correct term. I say let it be. I went through my whole childhood saying many things wrong..in fact there are still a few things that I just can't grasp correctly. My brain hears them differentlly then other people. Like I just don't hear the difference between the words: beer, bear, bare. Apparently, I say them wrong. SCHOOL PICTURES...So, I was so excited when school pictures finally came in, I opened Ben's and thought - cute kid, his hair is messy but it will do. Then I get Isabelle's package...and I open it up and I am in tears. High hopes pushed down the drain by a crooked forced painful smile that I can't possible put on the mantle and handout to the relatives to place in their wallets and hang on their fridge for a lovely year. So, the worst part is that I have this reaction right in front of Isabelle. Poor Kid (nice mom huh?). I don't know if I over-reacted due to hormones or tiredness or what...but I just felt so sad about her pictures. This beautiful amazing girl....posing a really "uncomfortable smile". So, she felt bad too and said she didnt like the picture (probably of course due to my crappy reaction) and I felt horrible and told her that I love the picture but, that her smile wasn't captured and I love to see her smile...so after much debate in my noggin and guilt...I decided to sign her up for retakes and hope for a better result. Since I am paying a pretty decent fee for these photos, I would like to at least take them out of the envelope. NETFLIX - we have finally signed up for this invention. So far it has been glorious besides the fact that the first movies we returned went missing in the u.s. mail system for a bit. They are now recovered and we can move on. I have offically whipped out the CHRISTMAS MUSIC. This is early for me, but I have had the strong desire to hear my favorite song of the season: O'Holy Night. There is a beautiful comfort in this song. o.k., I have to go now. Isabelle is up and she won't stop talking to me so now my brain is spinning and the dog jumped on the couch so I have to beat him. Fun stuff.

leaves, crafts and wildlife. oh my!

See more of this super neato CIRCLE JOURNAL on my wish papers blog!

This is a really simple Autumn decoration I made with stuff around the house. Dried (and modge podged) leaves, twigs, candle, mason jar....whip it all together and a wonderment of fall pleasure appears to comfort and bring you warmth and joy. Yes, amazing.

Cardinals! Those magical little beauties. There were at least 10 on the lawn here, I captured a few (on film...not in a net or cage). Side note: Should I be angry with the chunky cheeky squirrels not only because they very much taunt my dog (which tortures me), but also because they broke into the shed and have stolen all of the bird food, so I have none left to feed these joyous creatures? ugh Squirrels. Not on my favorite list lately.

Isabelle jumping into the leaves on a fine fall day.

Ben relaxing in the leaves on a fine fall day.

Big news in our household: Isabelle woke up yesterday and lost her 2nd tooth. Yes, her second tooth! Luckily the tooth fairy has remembered to visit and the child will be waking up momentarily to an enchanted gift (a note & some coins).

---OtHeR nOtEs ---

We have finally signed up for Netflix. Our first movies should arrive today.

Ben now likes "The Hulk" and doesn't want to wear a shirt.

We are having Salisbury Steak with Onion Gravy for dinner this evening.

Thats all I can think of to report as my brain has decided to take a siesta. (and the children are up)

Happy Veteran's Day to all of our past, present & future soldiers. Thank you & God Bless you.

Just a few notes.

no pictures to share at the moment, just a few notes.
The weather is soooo beautiful right now...I have the windows open...the breeze is gently blowing in....it is amazing....it almost feels like spring! Dr. Appt today - was uneventful = successful. Listened to the heartbeat again....such a miracle sound (Ben thinks it sounds like a train). My belly is getting big already...kind of crazy. Next appt. is in one month...that's the big ultrasound in which we can find out the gender. We found out with Isabelle and Ben...this one we are going to try and wait and keep it a surprise. So, on the day of the ultrasound, I may weaken....but I am truly going to try and be strong. We had teacher conferences yesterday. I am so proud of Isabelle and Ben, they are doing so wonderful in school. We have things to work on of course but overall things are going really well. It is so nice to hear what the teachers have to say in regards to their manners, attitudes, progress..etc. I know we are trying hard to raise these little people the best that we can....it's good to see it is actually working. I'm drinking black tea. It's perfect right now, especially since I have been battling a cold that I hope stays at bay. I think for dinner tonight we will have soup/salad. Simple yet good. Looking forward to a quiet weekend. That's all for now, Happy Friday!

turn that frown upside down.

Welcome November! I do not like the artwork on my calendar for this November (I must admit I was disappointed when I flipped to this month only to see something non-super ((which is ducks...hello wheres the turkey?)).) I am adjusting to the time change pretty decently though.

Some people were asking to see our new rug and Noah's antique lion leather chair. Here are both items in one glorious picture.

These are some Matchbook Paintchip Notebooks in a fall like theme. I made these today in/for my Mosaic group. It was fun to see what designs everyone came up with.

o.k...so I know this looks disqusting. This was our dinner last night: Big Meatball Stew. It was truly excellent. The kids even loved it. Some ingredients include but are not limited to: ginormous meatballs, tomatoes, zucchini, potatoes, carrots, eggplant, mushrooms (yuk), thyme.

I would be lying if I didn't say that I felt like today was quite JUNK on many levels. I won't go into the details of the happenings. The things that happened really hurt, angered, & frustrated me. Let's just say one of the things almost lead me to punch out a very crabby librarian.

I sit here and I think about my challenging encounters today. I realize that I can't always please people, I cannot change or control people, I can't live in a bubble on an island by myself. My attitude is poor, my tolerance and my patience are wading at a very low level lately. It is one of those days that I feel beat up by the world so to say. I actually almost want to cry but cannot really pinpoint why. I just feel tired of so many things. I wish I knew how to handle these feelings and situations better...with grace, strength, and kindness, no matter what is shown or acted toward me. But lately, I just don't have it in me. I don't know which way to turn or how to solve some of these issues. I don't know what I am supposed to learn from some of these things and I don't know what I am supposed to just let go of. So, I will pray. I will pray for answers and compassion, wisdom and wonderful...I will pray for lots of wonderful.

I will end this post with a focus on a few of the very postive things that happened today/recently. The sun came out today. Last night , we saw a giant buck running behind the field/woods behind our house. This is the first "deer" we have seen since moving to town. Every morning our neighbor across the street leaves his newspaper on our doorstep for us and every morning that I see it there waiting, a smile embraces my heart. I have realized that I am approx 16 weeks along now in my pregnancy, that means I am getting there! Pretty soon I will start to feel the baby kick...and I must tell you there is almost nothing more magical on earth. I got many smiles and hugs and notes from misc. friends today...and if that doesn't tell me that maybe I am someone special, I don't know what does. So, here are just a few little miracles and moments that remind me that things are good and that I am blessed. Soon, I will end my day with hugs & kisses from my beautiful family and I will believe that tomorrow will be better. goodnight.

The Loot, The Tooth & Other Notes

o.k., there is way too much candy in this house. Maybe we should give some to the squirrels.

Well, the biggest news of our day...Isabelle woke up on the morning of Halloween and her tooth came out! This is her first tooth we are saying goodbye to. She has been waiting for this moment for as long as I can remember. Lately she has been wiggling this one in hopes for this result. We put her tooth in a sandwich bag and told her to keep it safe for the tooth fairy. Isabelle kept staring at her tooth all day and saying how beautiful it was. Isabelle called Grandparents to share the news, Isabelle opened the front window and screamed across the street to the neighbors her news....it was such an amazing and glorious time. (after doing some research amongst my friends, I decided that the tooth fairy would bring: One dollar & a brand new Princess Toothbrush).

Other Noteworthys:

Noah and I are celebrating our 12 year wedding anniversary today (Nov. 1).

We bought a great new rug for the living room yesterday. I love it.

We are hosting Thanksgiving here this year and I am excited to start planning.

I've been feeling better for the most part. Enjoying this while it lasts!

Ben is starting to replace some of his ME's with I's and this makes me sad (because he is growing up). Example: Me want some milk. is now: I want some milk.

Happy Sunday Friends & Family, we are so blessed. Thanks for sharing in all our news.

The Cowboy & The Indian

All these pics are from Halloween day except the last one is a photo from the day before as Isabelle marches in her school parade. :) Halloween was a great success overall. The kids had a blast and we had no major costume malfunctions. It was a bit chilly during trick or treating...but the kids didn't seem to mind. Isabelle's biggest joy from her loot gathering was that someone gave her a can of Root beer (all her dreams came true). To end the evening the kids had magical chicken & stars soup and us adults had Chili & cornbread. We sat by the fireplace and discussed: Candy, Costumes & Ghosts.

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. :)