Blankie Cow...

The Napping Boy & his Blankie Cow. Whenever Ben is tired, you will find him wrapped in his special blanket. Usually he is rubbing the satin edges with his fingers until he falls asleep. This special blanket was made for Ben by my friend Sally when he was born. He quickly became very attached to it and it has been a major staple in our home ever since. We used to call it his cowboy blanket because there are little lassoing cowboys all over the material, but Ben dubbed it his Blankie Cow and it has been that ever since. This blanket has seen many washes (there were times he wouldn't even let it out of his grasp & sight long enough for a wash, but now he understands it's a good thing) and there has been lots of mending to the edges through the years. I dread the day that blankie cow may be no more, but until then it is such a simple and lovely comfort for both of us.

Whenever there is a full moon, I cannot sleep. It is a given. I toss and turn all night. I don't know if its the brightness that overwhelms night or if there are some super sensor powers dancing through the air. I guess this big tummy of mine isn't helping sleeping situations either. Things are getting more and more difficult as these final weeks pass. I know I have about 7-8 weeks left, but I wonder sometimes how I will get through. I am at the point already in which bending over is very difficult and you know what? My job requires me to bend over alot! , plus Im extra clumsy these days. I am kind of at the thought process of kick it or leave it there. Also, I am feeling really ill these days, I think it is these new IRON pills I am taking. joy. When will these Tulips be popping up from the muddy ground? When will the Robins be bouncing and searching on the new growing grass? Because it is then, that I will believe the time has come.

Last night laying in bed, I listened to a train whistle in the distance. I love that sound. No matter where I have lived in this life, I have always heard an occassional train whistle at night. My brain always starts to wander, on where ther train may be going and who it is taking with or bringing home.

My computer screen is acting up so thats not good. We are going through milk like crazy lately. I almost want to buy a cow and shove him in the shed in the back. A mini cow will do. Isabelle has a late dance rehearsal tonight (for the oz recital), I hope I can stay up late enough! hehe (I went to bed a 7:45 the other night, no kidding, sad but true). Today is parent visit day at Ben's school, that's always fun...except last time he yelled at my in front of all the parents that he did not need my help to :go away: when he was in the potty. Just a tad bit embarrassing. He is supposed to bring a heart item for show and tell and he tells me , no that it's GIRLISH. I have a MOPS meeting this morning and I miss the wonderful women there, but I also have lots of errands to run...and the thought of doing them within the brief time that I do not have the children with me is extremily tempting. Especially since I get so tired by noon. I guess I will see how I feel once I am out the door. Happy Thursday.

Sunday Morning Thoughts

This is a Little Girl Dress Greeting Card in my new Etsy Shop. So, I have offically re-opened an Etsy Shop. Instead of opening up my old shop, I started a new one for a fresh start...I linked my old store so I would have feedback history and items sold history....I have been gone a while...and I know it takes a time to build up someting new...but I am letting myself feel a little discouraged already. I know I don't have time to make lots of stuff for it..I dont have too much in it yet...and I know my reasons for doing the new shop are a litle different then they were when I did my first shop, but I still hope for it to be a success just on a lighter, less pressure scale. I know I have to be patient and positive. I think one of the things I look forward to the most, is sharing my creations with some amazing people that I meet along the way. I have truly met some wonderful & inspiring customers (turned friends) on my last journey. I am so excited to start making more stuff, It truly is a joy. I have a million ideas swimming through my head. So, if you want to check out the new shop it is: Noteballs.etsy.com (name courtesy of a Benjamin creation).

Other Stuff - A winter storm is rolling in tonight, I am so not looking forward to it, but what can you do? Spring , Spring, where are you? My biggest challenge of the morning will be cleaning out my car (blazer), as someone is coming to look at it for a possible purchase in the near future, I cannot believe that I am in the market to switch to a Mini-VAN. Most of my friends drive vans and I am going to have 3 kids to haul around once the tulips start popping out of the ground...but the idea of driving a van kind of scares me a little, I don't know why? I think they feel a little overwhelming. So anyway, cleaning my current car will be a task for sure because this winter I have let many items accumulate within the vehicle and I don't know what to expect to find in there. The moment I said out loud the verse this morning: "This is the day that the Lord has made , let us rejoice and be glad in it"----a cardinal (my favorite bird) flew across my viewing path to greet me a good morning. I know it was for me. :) I am making Chili in the crockpot for an easy and heartwarming dinner this sunday evening. The kids have been such characters lately, truly making me smile and laugh...which is good because I need that right now. How does laundry add up so quickly? I guess it doesnt help that ben changes his clothing at least 3-5 times a day. Every day ben tells me that I am his pretty heart....so I guess I don't mind doing his laundry. for lent Isabelle is giving up fighting with ben. and for lent ben is determined to fight bad guys with his sword and eat goldfish. happy sunday.

Misc. RoundUp

Recently the kids celebrated Catholic Schools Week. Here they sport their blue & gold attire. Every day at school there were special activities & projects. They had so much fun.

Recently, Isabelle got to go bowling for the first time with Girlscouts, so soon after we took her and Ben for an afternoon of funny shoes & wooden pins. They had so much fun...and would you believe that Ben beat us all? He was the big winner..1st place!....and Isabelle was 2nd...truly.

Bowling Queen

I had the pleasure of helping, plan , prepare and execute Valentine Day parties for both Ben & Isabelle's classes. Ben got to come with to Isabelle's so here they are together at her desk. These were such a joy to be part of (but I must admit , exhausting!).

Here is an OIL painting that I recently finished. Two of my favorite subjects: Gnomes & Cardnials. I am excited to start a new project...just not sure what yet.

This morning the snow falls , I drink my coffee, watch the birds, listen to the kids play and I am thankful there is no school or requriements (presidents day) so we can just stay home, relax and hopefully catch up on a few things. Today is Noah's birthday, so tonight we will go out to dinner somewhere....and the kids & I will make a cake. Times have been so busy lately, but I am thankful for all our blessings. This week coming up is busy too, but instead of feeling overwhelmed...I am looking forward to each day, taking it all - one day at a time.

Love Day

Dear Family & Friends: Sorry there have been no recent updates. Here is a quick one for now. I hope to write a longer one soon! Things have been crazy around here lately between school and social activities and work being done at the house (painting, detail trim work, kitchen wall tiles, etc. etc. p.s. I finally have a mircrowave on the main level people! ) and I am preparing several projects for Valentine's Day: Some items for a customer and also school party planning. I am also preparing to re-open an Etsy store which I am extremily excited about. Noah started making beer in our basement. My last dr. appt. went very well...now I have to go every 2 weeks. Time is going fast! Like this morning! I better get going before we are late!...

Gnome at Home

Here we see Gill the Garden Gnome writing out his grocery list. He is very forgettful so if he doesn't write it down, it slips right out of his underused deranged noggin.

Recently, Gill invited Spiderman for a spot of tea. They enjoyed their visit and discussed everything but religion and politics. They avoid those subjects due to some past upset which caused them to become on nonspeaking terms for quite awhile. Grateful for their rekindleship, they decided it was best to discuss lighter subjects such as which flower is the prettiest and how their knitting is going. They had such a joyous time they promised eachother that they should meet again like this very soon.

Here I snapped a photo of Gill sulking. You can't really tell, but he is very angry with me. He is wishing and dreaming of sledding outside, but quite honestly I did not feel like dressing him up properly and taking him out because once we are outside he usually has to pee. Then he starts complaining about how cold he is, he also doenst like to carry his own sled up the hill, so honestly, what is the point? I just didn't have the energy to deal with it. Get over it Gill.

Here you see Gill relaxing. Reading in bed is one of his favorite winter pasttimes. He is so busy in the spring, summer and fall...with all of his chores and outdoor festivities...that he really tries to enjoy that quiet time in the winter months.

Here we find Gill hiding in the soap dish. Sometimes he just wants to be alone. Away from the children, away from the dog, away from me. I always seem to find him though. All I have to do is listen to hear the lyrics of twinkle twinkle little star....he usually sings it when he gets lonely or afraid.

Thanks for sharing in my Gnome at Home series. In the past I have written/created a little photo/quote book of Gnome at Home (don't tell Gill but it was a different Gnome). I missed taking photos and documenting these little creatures so I thought I would rekindle this lost project. Good day!

Amongst the Winter Blanket

As I go about my thoughts & tasks, I look out the window upon the winter blanket and find this beautiful reminder, greeting me. To me it is: a hello from God, saying: I am with you, I am here. Winter tends to get many of us a bit blue after the holidays are gone. The world seems empty, muddy and freezing and it seems it will last for way too long. "Now is the Winter of our Discotent", but we must keep our hearts warm with the knowledge that to everything, there is a season. There is beauty and reason everywhere if we take the time and the mind to look for it. I know that someday, the snow will melt and until then, I must find the treasures that bring me peace, understanding & joy.

If this face doesn't say trouble, I don't know what does. My little boy. Always planning, playing and on the move. I think about how much this little boy brings into my life every day. His discoveries and views of the world...truly amaze me.

CLEMENTINE/cuties - O.k., thank you to my friend who introduced me to these gems! I seriously can't believe I walked this earth for so long without realizing what a SUPER fruit was available to me. This discovery has truly been so grand! These wonderous little oranges are so fun and good. I recommend them to all. We are almost through 2 bags already since Friday.

Here the children watch Shark Boy and Lava Girl.

MISC. RAMBLINGS: Sunday Morning. We should honestly be getting ready for church, but we are in our pajamas, slowly waking up. It's been such a busy week (for winter!) and today I have major cleaning on my agenda. I seriously don't know how the house gets so unorganized and out of control so quickly. I know today should be a day of rest, but who can rest among such chaos? Not I said the Mom. I think pregnancy hormones are kicking in, for I was almost in tears recently when Noah brought home seeded grapes instead of seedless. Also, I am starting to have a hard time sleeping, bending over. etc. I miss wine among other things. The frequent bathroom trips has returned (joy). I am just so thankful that in this house the bathroom is right next to my bedroom verses the last house in which I had to walk down the cold wooden stairs in the dark, across the house (I know totally dramatic I am) to reach the facilities. Seriously, though - it is a blessing! It never fails that there is always and forever at least one toy on my kitchen table (no matter how hard I fight the forces that be). This mroning it is 2 toys, a dinosaur standing on top of spiderman. For those who get: Life:Beautiful Magazine, the new issue is out. Around here we have been attending birthday parties, dance rehearsals and selling cookies. I've realized that I haven't really been taking the time to do the things I enjoy (writing, taking pictures, reading, etc), that my time needs to be better organized and executed. I am starting to get in a small panic as I am realizing that I really have nothing for the new baby...not prepared or ready at all and I know that we have time...but time fleets...so I need to wrap my brain around all the things that we need to be doing and getting done in regards to all aspects of everything. I like to consider myself an organized and productive person, but honestly, it's not enough. I am just not getting things done, not the way I want to anyway. I have let the kids sleep in a tent in their room this weekend and they have been so thrilled. It's the little things I guess sometimes! I wonder what we will make for Sunday Dinner tonight. Maybe we can fit some painting or fun projects into this day somehow. Well, maybe I will take a nap first. Happy Sunday & Embrace the Winter Gifts!

White Coldness

The world is frozen . Is coffee a gift from God? I think so. Especially since I have a strong feeling that I am in the process of getting a sore throat, so not only is it warming me up this a.m. and waking me up, but it is also soothing the oncoming irritation/pain. This was a very busy week around here. 3-D Ultrasound - So I was supposed to have another ultrasound due to the heart chambers were hidden last time due to position, so as I go in for another ultrasound before my appt. on monday - I learn that my dr's office just got a brand new 3-d machine! I can't even begin to explain how amazing it was to watch my baby on the screen. It was truly a miracle to see. I also got some pics to take home and I find myself constantly looking at the baby's face. It truly makes waiting so much easier. Isabelle and Ben are completely amazed by the pictures. So all is good in that department, I go back next month then after that, my appts will be every two weeks. I finally got Ben (and myself) a haircut this week. So he no longer looks like Shaggy from Scoobydoo. I had a flat tire on Monday so that was crappy, especially since surrounded air hoses were frozen, so I took it to a local place for fixing , which is probably best anyway! We had dinner out twice this week: Imperial Palace (chinese) and Amigos (mexican). At home we had: Spagehetti Squash (use squash instead of noodles), tacos, Chicken Broccoli Alfredo. Isabelle had dance and brownies.

Which brings me to the news of: GIRL SCOUT COOKIES. She is now offically selling them, so if you are interested in an order, let us know , we will be happy to arrange the transaction! Some Details: On sale now, will come in march. money due in march when cookies arrive. 3.50 per box. Types: carmel delites, peanut butter patties, shortbread, thin mints, peanut butter sandwich, thanks a lot, lemonades, daisy go rounds.

Mail of the week: A priority package from Uncle Jim's Worm Farm. The kids were waiting for this to arrive and were almost excited as Christmas morning when it did. Noah ordered 2000 worms for his compost bin that he set up in the basement in prepartion for his mega super amazing garden planned for the spring. I thought it was crazy to recieve a box in the mail that had breathing holes punched into it.

I finally found and replaced my dollar calendar/planner with an excellent one that I purchased for 25% off at a local office supply. I am thrilled! whoah. So fun to write in (I know Im a total dork). Current Searches that I am on for future soon purchases: A cute and original TOTE bag (for myself) and some fun/cool linen napkins for the kitchen (we have decided to stop using paper and try this for a change) . O.k., I have rambled way too much this morning and the troops want scrambled eggs. Have a lovely weekend! p.s. Happy Birthday Elvis.

Painting & Play-doh

I don't really have any photos to share this morning, so here is a picture of a watercolor painting that I did recently. I have not had my paints out in a very long time. I can't even explain how good it felt to paint again. It felt right. It felt magical. I hope to reincorporate this wonderful art form back into my life somehow. I absolutely love painting and have missed it dearly.

So, the holidays were grand and the new year was nice. I would say my favorite moments of this Christmas season were watching Ben come out dressed as Joseph for his school program and wittnessing Isabelle open her American Girl Doll that she received from Santa. I had tears in my eyes, seeing her so happy and seeing her biggest wish come true.

So this winter break from school and other activities has been very nice. Not having to run out of the house all bundled and ready in the freezing morning has been a blessing. But, like all things, it has run it's course and it is now offically time to rejoin society and return to the hustle and bustle of life and it's requirements. Tomorrow we are at the starting line once again and it honestly feels good. If only I can get caught up with the laundry.

Calendar for the new year. Well here is my story. I am quite a calendar freak. I need to have the perfect desk/planner calendar to write in for the entire year. Appointments, notes, etc. I need to organize my brain properly. Well, I have been on the search for a calendar. I dragged the kids to staples before the new year and found a super calendar, but..then something in me refused to pay $21.00 for it. It's just not in me. Not in my soul right now and not in my wallet. So, then I drove a few blocks over to the dollar general and bought myself a calendar for $1.00! Sure, it's not the greatest. But it will do for right now. If I find a happy medium somewhere along the way, something that is a little more fun and joyous to write in, I may get it, but for now, it feels good to spend only a dollar to help get my brain sorted.

So, the new year... I have a lot to think about, plan, organize....bring to fruitation. We are already talking spring around this house. I miss flowers and the birds. Noah is so excited about planning his vegetable garden and becoming a beekeeper and beer maker. <--yes these are his current dreams. I am of course, planning this new baby coming into our lives. Thinking I am ready for this kid to be produced because I don't do pregnancy well and I am currently remembering that as things are starting to get more difficult. I am praying for peace and patience. I am trying to enjoy the kicks and movement that remind me of what the whole thing is about. I still can not wrap my brain around the fact that there will be 3 children in this house. Honestly, I am barely ready, but I know somehow it will all work out and we won't remember how we functioned otherwise. Wow. Also in the spring we will be hopefully finishing up the improvements around here including: landscaping and new siding. Also the baby room has to be completely refinished. Right now it is an unfinished office.

So I guess I should get on with my day. lots to do. (lots to clean actually including play-doh all over the kitchen floor). little notes of interests to conclude our discussion: yesterday I stayed in my pajamas and read an entire book (have a little faith) by Mitch Albom the author of Tuesdays with Morrie. Liked it, didn't love it. Last night, Noah made Chili for dinner, it was so spicy that I could not even eat it. ugh. Luckily he made homemade baked mac and cheese for the kids as well (and now you see why I have so many dishes to do). Last night we watched the movie: Facing your Giants. although somewhat cheesy acting, I enjoyed the story and actually cried at the end. I have a dr. appt. tomorrow morning, so praying for a good visit. There is defintley a busy and freezing week ahead, but I am so looking forward to seeing my friends again & getting out of this house for a bit. Biggest goal of this week: getting the Christmas decorations put away and finding proper homes for the gifts. Happy Sunday.

Here Comes Santa Claus...

From our hearts & home to yours, wishing you a magical, wonderful & blessed Christmas!

Love, Noah , Cheryl, Isabelle & Benjamin

For the first time in as long as my memory recalls, I did not send out cards this year....it doesn't feel right, but I hope to be back on the Polar Express track next year! There is still so much to do before the big day (tomorrow, hehe), but whatever will be will be. I just plan on listening to lots of Christmas music today, finish up baking, start wrapping and EnJoY. We have so much to be thankful for and so much to look forward to in this upcoming year. God Bless our family & friends. May the best be your always! Hugs & Love.

Little Bag Complaint

Christmas Programs = Precious

Here is the Preschool Christmas Program Production. At first Ben told me he was going to be a donkey, then he told me he was going to be a Shepherd, but then the day of when the children made their grand enterance, I realized that he was the part of Joseph. I can't even explain how precious these moments are. Watching these beautiful little children, come out and perform, Shy and innocent, so filled with wonder and magic. They defintely make this time such a special gift. Seriously, tears & joy witnessing these sweeties. Truly puts the meaning into Christmas, memories that I will always cherish.

I love how they do their own thing & each child adds their own specialness.

Jingle Bells. :)

Isabelle was an Angel in the Elementry School Production. Her first grade class did an amazing job! It was truly beautiful to listen to and witness all of the kids sing with all of their hearts.

I am so proud of Isabelle & Benjamin in so many ways. My Christmas has already arrived.

A little bit of Trimming

Sugar Cookies (I won't show you the candy cane ones, they were a bit of a disaster - hehe).

Our Tree

A few of the Teachers Gifts that I made. (these are called explosion boxes, you untie the ribbon and they kind of pop open to reveal the gift(s).

It seemed like I was sick for so long, I was so determined to get a few Christmas things done. I finally got to make some cookies and some peanutbutter balls (our very favorite around here). So that felt good! I hosted a brunch at my house for a special bunch of friends (this fall we had etablished a new group called: MOSAiC ((mothers of school aged children)). This group has been a true blessing, a gathering of wonderful women that I am so proud to call friends. If anyone local is interested in joining us, let me know, We would love for you to join us for our next meeting! Finally got all the house decorating done. Got the Childrens gifts mostly purchased (not wrapped). It feels like I will never catch up but at least I am in the running now.

Our big news around here is that Isabelle auditioned for the Spring Dance Recital of the Wizard Of Oz and she got the parts of : Poppy & Munchkin. "Well, I guess all my dreams have come true!" - Isabelle upon learning that she got those parts. She is thrilled to the moon. She can't wait to start rehearsing.

Animals Winter Fun

This is the chunky squirrel who has eaten all our bird food and who tortures my dog. I was just waiting for the branch to break.

Later, here is the squirrel teasing Sir Lancelot.

It's not every day that I spot turkeys taking a stroll through my yard.

SnOw DaY

No School Today! Just lots & lots & lots of SnOw.

====MiSc. RoundUP====

We are in the midst of Christmas decorations. We got our tree this past weekend. If I remember correctly its a balsm fir. We did not chop it down this year, but got it at the grocery store for the going rate of 29.99. It's glorious though. I love how the kids put 27 ornaments on one branch. I love pulling out our favorite decorations from Christmas past...what joy. Still got more decorating to do but at least the process has begun. Along with the decor- our movies & music come out as well (O Holy Night my all time favorite song, A Christmas Story (with Ralphy) my favorite movie). What comfort and memories are wrapped in these delights. I don't have much shopping done at all though. That's been the hard part so far. Trying to shop without the kids...having ideas and...actually finding what I am looking for. I am considering skipping Christmas Cards this year for misc. reasons....which I know I would regret...I hope I can manage to send them, It would be weird not to. Other news: I had my 20 week ultrasound last week and I am proud to say that I remained completely strong and I did not find out the gender of this kid. Although the answer was right in front of me....I decided to keep this one a mystery. So folks...we won't know til this baby's arrival...pink or blue..? I've been reading lots lately. Just finished: The hour I first believed by wally lamb. Good but depressing. I also read a book about Christmas Miracles and also a book about How to Hear God (still reading this one). I have ordered from the library: Revolutionary Road because I saw the movie recently (netflix) and now I want to know some more in depth to the story. I am so excited (speaking of netflix), that Julie & Julia arrived today...I have wanted to see this movie since it came out, hopefully I can drug the kids later and watch it. Speaking of drugs , I should be on some because my throat hurts like heck. I am ill I believe but I am fighting it with every ounce of everything that I have got. So, I was going to bake with the kids today but I don't have any cream of tartar (which is a requirement) nor do I have walnuts. I don't know what I was going to do with the walnuts exactly, I just know I wanted to bake with them. Im not much of a baker. There are a few things I know but the rest is scary to me to be honest. This morning I whipped opened a can of cinnamon rolls to bake and I was quite proud that they turned out. Pathetic I know , but true. Ben has really been cracking me up lately. He thinks our tWee is so beautiful...and he has been sneaking into our bed because he doesnt want to have Whitemare's. He tells me that I am a nice girl and he likes me alot....so no matter what trouble he falls into, somehow he get's away. K, I've rambled and I have clothes to dry and maybe a nap to sneak in. Starm Warm & Well!

Thanksgiving 2009

Thanksgiving Weekend.
Ben & Isabelle at the hotel pool with Aunt Elaine & cousins.

The Little Mermaid

the T U R k E Y

The children with Aunt Mary.

FaMiLy Photo: Noah, Cheryl, Isabelle & Ben

THANKFULNESS:

For our new baby who will join us in April.

For our health.

For amazing & wonderful friends & family.

For our safe & warm home in town.

For God's Blessings every single day.

update

sorry there have been no posts for a bit. things got really busy crazy with the holidays and have not slowed down so far. I am trying to get a handle on thoughts & tasks...so update coming soon! Love, C

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.