this could take all day

Leap Day

Inspired by this post I read last night I went on a hunt to see if I had taken any pictures on Leap Day in 2008. Turns out I did, and I blogged them too.

Amazing how fast four years can go by. And how much life can change in that time too.

Thing is, though, I really enjoyed reading through my archives from March of 2008. I loved how much I actually blogged. I loved the stories I told and the voice I used to tell them. I loved the sad stuff and the happy stuff and the goofy stuff. The lessons learned and the gifts given. And it made me really miss what I haven't made time for so much recently.

Heck, I used to compose blog posts in my head at stoplights or when I couldn't sleep at night. And those blog posts contain so many memories I would otherwise have forgotten.

I'm not saying I'm back. I'm just saying I miss this. And maybe I need to be back.

August roundup

Great stuff this month. Great stuff.

1. I have been bugging everyone I love to read THIS book. If you like a strong female lead, a great narrative voice, a story full of emotion, history, and a love story as strong as Gone With The Wind, you must read this book. Trust me, you'll thank me.

2. THIS may be our new favorite summertime grill recipe. So easy to make (although I couldn't find ground chicken, so we just used turkey) and so delicious. I served these to my family and had one swooning husband. Then we served these to guests at a cookout and they swooned too. Make these before summer is out. Again, you'll thank me!

3. Read-A-Book, Give-A-Book. Great selection of children's books you can read online. And for every book read online, one is given to a charity partner. We have a huge stack of library books at our house all the time, but if I had a smart phone or a tablet device, I would be sure to bookmark this site to pull up in a crisis. Waiting room? Restaurant? Sibling sport practice? Read a book on your computer!

4. Dani, like most kiddos her age, loves buckles. Man, if only I had spotted THIS bear (they have other animals too) before her birthday!

5. On Learning To Go Away. Just confimed my need for a retreat soon. Not for work, not for 4-H, not a family vacation or a spousal reconnection. Just a retreat for me, nature, and God. Mmmm...sounds soul-feeding for sure.

6. Man, I thought my blog-reading life had changed with the invention of google reader. But I missed reading blogs on their actual nicely-designed blog platforms. Plus, I hated having to click to open and comment. I got really bad about actually commenting. Enter google to change my blog reading world once again. Google next. Takes your blogs you have saved in your reader, and lets you read them on their actual nicely-designed blog platforms. All ready for you to read, enjoy, and comment away. LOVE.

7. There are so many cute moms and their cute blogs showing off their cute lunches on the internets these days (like here and here). It's kinda making me excited to pack lunches for my kiddos one of these days. Not yet, though. Daisy was disappointed to learn that our neighbor girl will be having lunch at school, but Daisy only has morning preschool. Sorry kid. You're stuck eating with us at home one more year! Sorry, all that to say I think these lunchboxes are the best I've seen.

8. THIS project, comparing the rooms of children around the world is beautiful and thought provoking.

9. I am so in love with THESE shoes. Aren't they adorable? Um yeah, and not for me. For the girls!

10. Thinking I will need to frame THIS free print and hang it in the girls room once we get it painted and decorated and furnitured and all that.

11. Totally AGREE.

12. I can think of so many organizing and scrapbooking projects to cute-up with THESE labels. 

13. Have I shared with you guys the magic of the half tee yet? I've been talking up these babies quite a bit lately. I have the black and the white tanks and I love them so much. No longer do I worry when I buy a cute lower-cut top. No bulk in layering, or tugging on the tank top to get things just right. Great for me now, and especially great for pregnancy. I think every pregnant woman needs to go out and get herself quite a few of these ladies. How I hated the way my undershirts would roll up as my belly got bigger. And for some reason maternity designers love to design those darn v-neck shirts that you have to layer. 

14. Lastly, one more awesome tune for summer.

Hope your August has been as awesome as mine!

summer anthem 2011

These two songs are currently competing for the top spot on my Summer '11 playlist. And by that I mean the song has to inspire windows down, volume up, sunglasses on, singing at the top of my voice. 

This first song is by my main man, Darius Rucker. I LOVE that he has branched out into country but every time I hear him sing I'm transported to my happy high school days singing along to some Hootie. This song has a great melody, a great message, and makes me wanna pound out the beat on my steering wheel for sure.

This next song I found on this blog and it was declared their family summer anthem. I adore the music and the video is so much fun. (I totally want to dance in some 80's spandex or paint my face and hippie dance in a big field with my friends.)  I'm desperate for Pandora to include some Walk The Moon music so I can explore this band a bit more.

 

A few more summer favorites for your listening pleasure.

Faster by Matt Nathanson

Rhythm of Love by Plain White Tees

 Good Life by One Republic

Sing by My Chemical Romance

Sparks Fly by Taylor Swift (Watching this video makes me so want to go to her show. It looks like one heck of a good time.)

What about you? Any tunes you are in love with this summer and want to share? Please do!

July roundup

Another version of what's caught my eye lately!

1. I am in love with these Lens Pets and think I need a few. I can write it off as a business expense, right?

2. I used to think I was an extrovert until I read this blog of a blog (of a blog) by my friend Tori. I especially resonate with numbers 1-6.

3. Jonalyn Fincher spoke at a MOPS conference I attended in the spring and I since started following her personal blog "second year mom" where I often find encouragement in my own journey as a mother. This post really spoke to me, especially the end where she writes:

"Your favorite things, Finn.  Use them as training wheels to practice loving far and long. Press your love for furry creatures into love for all souls smaller, weaker and slower than you.  Use your love for dancing and toothbrushes to swing wide your heart for all trades and manner of people.  Use your love for Aunti Jess and Mama Mina as a starting point to love all those who will extend themselves for your sake.  Use your love for Dad and me as an exercise room to practice loving those who will fail you.

Love well, Finn, for no matter how you feel in the midst, love will not betray you, dismay or enslave you / It will set you free / Be more like the man you were made to be.'"

4. I am in love with this shirt and think I need to ask a friend with an embroidery business to design me a couple for the girls!

5. These are some of the coolest art prints I have seen in a long time. So creative and I love how the designs are kinda like inside jokes to the movies! I have a hard time picking favorites, but especially enjoy the musicals: Annie, Singing in the Rain, and Mary Poppins. 

6. I can't believe I haven't told y'all how much we LOVE the uncooked tortillas they sell at Costco, but this blog post reminded me I should share the love. Seriously, they are delicious and so much better for you than the pre-cooked ones! We buy in bulk and freeze in packs of 8-10, then defrost in the fridge as needed. Get some yourself. Trust me, you'll thank me.

7. This article about talking to girls was brilliant. I think about it all the time now when I'm talking to girls. Please read and put its advice into practice. 

8. Another beautiful blog post about mothering and girls that touched my heart.

9. Darin sent me this blog post about the restaurant Canlis and a little piece of the magic that occurs there. Made us both thankful once again to have been able to work there for the time we did. 

10. Dear Photograph is just about the most beautiful project I can think of. "Take a picture of a picture from the past in the present." Isn't the internet just lovely sometimes?

11. I am really blessed to have an amazing man as a partner in parenting and was so thankful when reading this article that I felt no need to pass it along to him. But if you need to use this...feel free.

12. I would love to use this list journaling book to capture some slices of life.

13. We are a very happy Sienna owning family and have taken to calling it our Swagger Wagon after this video.

14. I so needed this tutorial last winter on how to tuck non-skinny jeans into boots. I love this trend and am hoping it continues into next year! Long enough so I can find and purchase and wear some cute low-heeled boots!

15. Speaking of style, this blog really resonated with me and my mommy-style. Big staples in my wardrobe: comfy jeans, cute shirts, and fun jewelery. Most days I do try to get dressed and not just lounge in sweat pants or pajamas. In college, I never felt prepared for the day of classes and study wearing pajamas, and I feel that way as a mom too.

Well...I've got a few more tidbits for you but think 15 is enough for one post. I'll tuck them away for my next roundup!

Gemmer Girls Ice Cream Parlour

Last weekend we threw the girls an ice cream soiree. I have a whole bunch of party pictures to go through, so I thought I'd show you some party details before I showed you the adorable birthday girls.

I knew I wanted to have an ice cream party because both my kiddos are not the biggest cake eaters, so I went hunting around the amazing world-wide-web for some inspiration. When I found this blog I knew my job was going to be so much easier.

Darin got to work downloading the graphics and making them easier for me to edit, and I put together a little invitation.

 

I had a lot of fun putting together some details to make the party even more fun. It was a lot of work, but totally worth it.

I decided to keep the drinks simple: water bottles and pink lemonade. 

This blog post inspired me to take the water bottles up a notch and cover them with custom labels. Since Darin already prepped the artwork for me, these were really easy to design and print. Once they were trimmed, I cut the labels off each water bottle and taped my own labels on. The little bit of glue left behind from the original label was awesome to keep my label stuck down while I was wrapping it around. And I didn't worry too much about just using regular ole scotch tape to attach my label.

Aren't they so cute all lined up? I'd totally recommend adding this touch to any party!

My sweet sister picked up this cute beverage dispenser for me, so we filled it with pink lemonade, some ice, and a few lemon slices too. I wanted to be sure the kiddos could enjoy the lemonade without parental worry, so we were sure to buy cups with lids and a bunch of pink straws too! Inspired by this idea, I wrapped some cleaned jars with scrapbook paper and ribbon for the straws and silverware.

We all enjoyed a delicious potluck dinner (which I refused to organize, telling people to bring whatever they wanted, and was pleased with the variety and yummyness of the food offered) and the kids played at the park for a bit...and then the main event: ice cream!

At the front of the table, specially chosen paper ice cream bowls with custom labels. Printed on sticker paper, cut out, and stuck down. Easy peasy...except for the part about cutting out 50 labels! Good thing my sweet husband agreed to help me.

Darin kindly dished out ice cream as folks chose what sauces they'd like. We decided to make homemade sauces, and it took us less than an hour in the kitchen on Thursday night to make four choices: peanut butter, chocolate, strawberry and caramel. They were so amazing. We were fortunate to be able to borrow the syrup pourers and attach sticker labels to them as well.

Then, of course, came the sprinkle toppings: mini chocolate chips, chopped peanuts, coconut, sprinkles, and gummy bears. I loved seeing how everyone decorated their sundaes! The toppings were placed in paper sacks and labeled with stickers on popsicle sticks. I was inspired by the idea here.

A little whipped cream and a cherry on top to end it all. And of course, a pink napkin and spoon.

Then on to enjoy the sundaes! This girl certainly did...declaring it the "best day ever!" as she dove into the ice cream.

This little one was pretty happy as well.

Friends and family lined up to get their own sundaes.

I forgot to photograph them, but I did up a little party favor in keeping with the theme as well. Inspired by the idea here, I used the same ice cream bowls but added a labeled lid, and some ribbon and a pink spoon to decorate it. Inside the bowl was a handful of kid-appropriate candies and an ice cream game that I cut using a cricut cartridge. The girls and I played the game yesterday and it was a lot of easy fun.

With my girls having birthdays just two months apart, it was wonderful to split the difference and share a party! And I've got a whole year before we do it again!

Here's a few other ice cream ideas I bookmarked but didn't get around to using:
-an ice cream pinata
-an ice cream favor made from a washcloth
-I liked our pink and white color scheme, but this party had pink and orange and white that was adorable too
-I would have loved to package favors in these adorable bakery bags
-too many cute things at this party to mention
-ice cream cone crafts here and here
-and I really wish I had had the time to make these poms...maybe next party! 

 

May Roundup

It's been a while folks, sorry. But here are some things that have caught my eye lately.

1. I'm not sure if this will appeal to anyone other than me, but I adore this grouping of simple cross-stitch. Thinking once I finish my current project, I may just have to try my hand at something like this...

2. When I saw this project on Facebook I knew I had to share it with you guys here. We love Fircreek Day Camp, and recognized many of the worn-out costumes in the video from our days spent on staff there. Please consider hunting through your closet or local thrift store and gathering up donations. I'll take any or you can send them directly on to Fircreek camp.

3. On the way back to the car after our walking tour of Scottsdale, Amy and I ducked into a gallery (Jen wouldn't go in with us) to check out some of the coolest pieces I've ever seen. The art was beautiful, the 3D effects amazing. Click here to see the entire awesome collection.

4. I just think this is so cool.

5. This video is beautiful and powerful and has me thinking I should make an appointment with a dermotologist about a random freckle on my palm. Please watch. Please share.

6. These customizable paper dolls (you can order to match your kiddos and their interests!) are brilliant. I just can't wait until my daughters are old enough to not tear them to shreds.

7. Love, love, love. 

8. Saw this in church a few years ago and got chills. Still gives 'em to me.

9. I didn't watch the royal wedding (I certainly would have recorded it if we had cable or satelitte) but I loved reading the text of the sermon given at the ceremony. Click here to read it, but here's a snipped I loved.

A spiritual life grows as love finds its centre beyond ourselves. Faithful and committed relationships offer a door into the mystery of spiritual life in which we discover this; the more we give of self, the richer we become in soul; the more we go beyond ourselves in love, the more we become our true selves and our spiritual beauty is more fully revealed. In marriage we are seeking to bring one another into fuller life.

That's all I've got for today. But trust me, I'll keep on bookmarking!

February 2010 Roundup

Time for another batch of fun on the internet!

1. What a lovely way to keep and display what could otherwise be just be tacky clutter! The only vacation in my near future is my 30th birthday trip to Arizona next month. Thinking my suitcase will be full of new outfits and my camera card full of great shots, but not sure I'll be bringing home many trinkets from this trip. But maybe our next one?

2. I am in love with this basket and dreaming of all the ways I could use it. Top of my list? On the ledge behind my kitchen sink with some dish soap, a bowl for my rings when I wash dishes, hand soap, and something pretty.

3. This video was making the rounds on facebook, and you should really check it out if you haven't already. Then click on over here and check out the effort that inspired the creators. I think this is just brilliant and we should do more things like this in our world!

4. Daisy and Dani had the chance to play with these toys at the Marysville library a while back and I thought they were just brilliant. Kept their age group entertained for quite a while, and the librarian told me the 5th grade group that had used them earlier in the week were engaged as well. Sounds like the perfect kind of toy investment to me!

5. I love, love, love this idea for saving ideas and memorabilia. Can't wait until I can get my hands on one of these journals.

6. I think this is just a beautiful way to preserve and honor the memory of your child's favorite toy. Although both my girls love their blankies best, and I'm quite sure how they'd translate into drawings!

7. My friend Sasha blogged about this company, and I am so in. This jewelery is pretty and supports a worthy cause. Can someone put these earrings in my Christmas stocking next year? Wait, that's a long time to wait. Ummm...mother's day?

8. This is one of my most favorite books we have checked out recently. Fun rhyme, sweet story, great pictures. You should get a copy to your favorite little person today!

9. Kids telling family tales, then acted out by the dads that probably lived them in the first place. Stinkin' hilarious! Here's the first episode, but you really should watch all three. 

10. Pop this sweet print behind a glass frame, add a white-erase marker, and you have a sweet shower or baby gift. 

11. Another great wedding gift. You can thank me later.

12. More cool people doing really cool things. If I were to be at camp next summer I'd definitely be challenging staff to come up with a hand jive skit for skit night!

13. Lastly this Sunday, a little spiritual encouragement. So, so true.

And with that, I hear my baby waking up, so my naptime forray around the internets is over. See you round these parts next month for more fun stuff!

January 2010 Roundup

Time for a few things that have caught my eye lately.

1. How about this amazing video? Combine 50s throwback, musicals, and scrapbooking? Yes please!

 

2. This mason jar meal is beautiful and inspiring. 

3. Some great ideas for date nights. I especially like the one where you hit up a local thrift store and spend $5 on each other. 

4. From our Zambia Missionary friends I read about this great organization that believes every little girl around the world deserves to have a beautiful dress. As a mother of girls, especially a three-year-old who wants to wear a dress every day, this mission spoke to my heart.  They turn fabric remnants and pillow cases into the sweetest dresses. When we get settled I'm definitely gonna explore this a bit futher...maybe garage sale hunting, or maybe learning how to make the sweet little dresses myself. Wouldn't it be fun to join a sewing group to do this?

5. This is the sweetest little bathtub toy my Dani would love. Her favorite part of bathtime is when the tub is filling up and she can fill her hands or her cups from the flowing faucet.

6. Have you read this article? I have no words but WOW.

7. I think about 20 of the blogs on my google reader are Mormon mommies so I totally understood this article.

 8. Lastly, Darin showed me this video and I was very impressed. Give it a couple minutes. You'll be impressed too.

 

What have you found of interest on the WWW lately?

 

favorite photos 2010

When a saw this coupon code for a free 5x7 kodak photo book, I knew I had to jump on it. A little book with my favorite photos from the year was just what I had in mind. Unforunately the book is only 14 pages and when I was done uploading my favorite images I had 43 images. It was tough to narrow it down to 16 images (what with a front and back cover) but I did it.

And I think you should too!

You only pay $1.99 for shipping. Let me know if you make one!

 

October Roundup

Just for fun today...

being inspired by this:

The most inspiring photo shoot I've seen in a long time. Beautiful.

lusting after this:

For some reason I can't get this shirt out of my head. Want it. Want it bad.

wishing I coud attend this: 

I think I'd also need a house to decorate and a slush fund. Neither of which I currently have!

thinking of all the fun ways we could use this:

Can you tell we have a preschooler in the house?

I'm majorly impressed by this:

365 days. 365 outfits. 365 dollars. And she makes 'em pretty cute!

thinking this needs to go on my Christmas list:

A lens? A coffee mug? You decide!

this makes me laugh:

I hope it makes you laugh too!

Lastly, if you have kids in your life you simply must get them this:

My MOPS group is selling the sweetest personalized children's books. Order through October 31st directly from the website. The price is great, its fully customizable with details like why the name was chosen, and where the child was born, and our group gets $5 per book ordered. When you choose "order" just be sure to select our group "Adventure of Faith MOPS". And look! We're currently at the top of the page.

That was fun! Now back to regularly scheduled programming.

March Roundup

I think I'm gonna try to do these "roundup" posts once a month. Little things here and there and on the WWW that I'm enjoying and think you might too.

DOWNLOAD THIS

  

Adorable Journaling tags. Just print, cutout, and write!

 READ THIS (Deanna Recommends)

  

Once again I am so impressed with Krakauer. I have learned so much reading this book as he moves seamlessly through the narrative of the life and death of Pat Tillman. Krakauer covers the Afghanistan conflict, the Iraq War, 9/11, the Bush/Gore election debacle, Jessica Lynch, and so much more. I couldn't finish it in the 3 weeks I had it from the library, so am now waiting my turn to get it again.

READ THIS (Daisy Recommends)

 

This is an adorable story of a little girl who eats too many pink cupcakes and turns pink herself. There aren't too many children's books written in first person and this little narrator has the most clever voice. Daisy and I laugh our way through this one and I love hearing her say "pinkalicious"!

LISTEN TO THESE GUYS

 
 
Darin and I saw these guys on Sunday night at a local Young Life event. When the keyboard player busted out the harmonica I was hooked. Great lyrics and lovely harmonies. And they're a local Gig Harbor band!

WASH WITH THIS

  

That little scrublet makes my morning shower. Feels like a face massage every day.  
 

WATCH THIS

 

I heard about this film a few years ago at the Willow Creek Leadership Summit and finally got around to watching it recently. Beautiful film. Positive message. Wonderful portrayal of a Latino family. Not at all cheesy. Watch it if you want to feel good about life.

MAKE THESE

 
If you follow me on facebook you may have seen a recent post where I shared a frustration in not reading the directions for a meal which required me to "freeze at least four hours" before cooking. Yup, these babies "need" to freeze for a few hours but they are so so worth it. (Some of the reviews stated they didn't do the freezing step, but I wasn't sure I should chance it on my first go-around.)

These egg-rolls were so easy and so yummy. I left out the jalapeno pepper and cayenne pepper because we are not fans of spice in this family. I also used the yummy uncooked tortillas that we buy in bulk from Costco. (I cooked them before filling, although there is a question as to if that step would be necessary.) Lastly, I followed the advice of several reviewers who said to bake the rolls instead of frying. It took about 25 minutes in a 425 degree oven to get them good and warm and crispy. Serve with a side of sour cream and watch your family drool. 

I think I'm gonna make another batch to leave in the freezer for when we need a quick meal. They're that good.  

PLAY THIS

 
Darin received this game at Christmas in his stocking and everyone we have introduced it to has become a fan. An easy game that works those brain muscles. And better than scrabble! (I'm not a scrabble fan.)

DROOL ON THIS 

 
 

Anyone have an extra 4.9 million? And want to live in Provo, UT? 

Isn't this house GORGEOUS? The outside isn't necessarily my taste, but the inside is amazing. That banister! That fireplace! That kitchen! That window seat. Drool...

That's it for my first roundup. Let me know what you think and if you think I should do another one anytime soon!

  
 

a little valentine decor

I've often told Darin that if money were no object I would love to decorate this house with every holiday and every season. There's something so fun every December about pulling out those Christmas decorations and giving our home a different feel. And as a kid I loved our box of tacky window clings and poster-board decorations that I would tape to the walls and doors at each holiday. 

But money is an object...it always is.

This year I didn't let it stand in my way. And with a few dollars (less than 10) and the help of my friend the internet I added a few hints of "valentines" around our home. These little decorations can be stored away and if each year I add another cheap one or two, soon enough I'll have quite the collection.

Using this awesome (and easy) tutorial I made some X0X0 frames for my credenza.

  

 I added some conversation hearts to my hurricane jar that acts as a centerpiece on my table.

  

And with the help of my cricut, glue gun, and scrap paper I made this little banner one afternoon.

  

And here are a few more projects I've bookmarked for next year.

To do with kids:

• penguin valentine
• handprint hearts
• the classic tissue paper heart, I've also taken note of a variation with melted crayon shavings

Decor:

• love this bulb idea! (I think it would be a great MOPS craft too.)
• this felt rose bud bouquet would be beautiful any time of year
• I think I need a set of flags for every holiday
• beautiful button heart wreath (I've got the buttons, can I get the heart wreath cheap? And what about those rhinestone pins?)
• another heart to hang, this one could stay up year round if you did colors to match your home
• I think I might need to start collecting valentine fabrics so I can make this garland
• if I had a chandelier I would so make these heart strings

Valentines:

• plaster your wall with hearts and take a photo of your kid; adorable!
• my sister made some adorable 3-D valentines with my niece, and here's another take
• kiss me & carry on

I think that's enough enabling today. Happy Heart Day to you and the ones you love!

ps: Some of you have asked about those burp clothes I showed a few posts back. My mother-in-law taught me how to make them but I found an online tutorial that is pretty much the same way I do it. Except that I purchased a terrycloth towel from Target and have been cutting that up to use as my backing. (And if you're better at sewing than I am, you can make a matching bib!)
 
 

Have you met my friend Sasha?

 

She goes by "Lemonade Makin' Mama" on ye old internets, but I feel fortunate enough to know her in real life. We met back in the day in Bellingham when I worked in children's ministry and her family attended our church. I fell in love with her creativity and talent when she volunteer to coordinate decorations for Vacation Bible Camp. And I fell in love with her dear spirit as we become closer friends through the book club she started.

Her blog is absolutely delightful. Filled with creative crafts, decorating ideas, and stories, whenever she writes I seriously feel like I'm just sitting on her couch laughing at another one of her antics. It's no wonder that she's been blogging for just about a year and has a million (or so it seems) followers already. She is charming people all over this world-wide-web of ours in ways my little blog only dreams of.

She's also giving something gorgeous away this week. So really, go visit. Enter her drawing. And tell her I sent ya. (Maybe that will up my ju-ju for winning!)

December 23

Before tucking her into bed we watched her cousins dance as elves, and had a visit with Santa Clause. Yea internet!

rethinking the holidays: Christmas Cards

Every year I love making Christmas cards. I start dreaming about the design in November, and can't wait to shop for just the right papers. This year my design even required the purchasing of a new tool!

And then my husband needed to get his wisdom teeth removed, and our already tight budget became a little tighter. Something had to go.

So we made a compromise and I'm pretty happy with the results.

I found a link to some free beautiful holiday cards. I simply inserted a great family photo taken last month at Anne's wedding (yea for not having a stage a special photo shoot!) and then uploaded to scrapbookpictures.com. (My favorite place for color. Costco is my favorite spot for ease, but I had some time.) I ordered the 5x7 size and hit Paperzone for some matching envelopes. I'll share the finished product with you soon, but here's the card we picked.

Another free download and I had a nice sentiment to print out and glue to the back of each photo.

And our annual Christmas Top Ten letter will be a blog post appearing in a day or too right here. Saving money by adding a link in the card, rather than printing out 50 newsletters.

Can't wait to get them in the mail tomorrow!

dodge vs. kodak

Have you seen this hilarious video properly titled What Old People Do When They Get Bored?

Well, my parents (who I might clarify are not yet old) have taken to making some fun of their own.

My favorite part is my mom's helmet and gloves!

some thoughts on pregnancy & babies

for all my pregnant friends out there (including Becca, Jen & Rae)

something funny first

then something philosophical

(And those of you not pregnant, feel free to enjoy as well. Although, you'll probably have to be a Mom to really appreciate them.)

follow up

So this post not too long ago sparked some controversy in the comments. I sure didn't see that coming!

And, of course, today I find the site I was looking for. It's called edivvy.com and it allows folks to chip in for gifts. They can even use their credit cards for payment. And all chipper-inners are included for the recipient to thank.

I knew such a concept existed! And they even have a stroller section!

So there you have it next time you need it.

still sick

Today is Saturday. Darin's off with Daisy buying a new camera lens!!!! (Yea for Craig's list which sold Darin's one-man tent [not sure why he was still holding on to that thing] in order to purchase this lens.) And I'm still at home. Still resting. Still hoping I'll be getting better soon.

I went to the walk-in clinic yesterday because I couldn't get in to see my doctor. Darin joked as we were watching Daisy play in the waiting room that it likely would take just as long to get in to see the doctor there as it would if I had an appointment at my regular clinic. Yeah, let's just say they don't have the greatest track record of getting to us at the appointment time.

Doctor took a strep culture and looked in all my orifices. Yup, just a rotten cold. Made even rotten-er by the fact that I'm pregnant and can't take the good stuff. Sudafed doesn't seem to be doing anything to help, so I'm just using the tylenol to keep the throat and ear pain at bay. And my symptoms are changing, so I'm still hoping this darn thing is on its way out.

Pray for my family. I'd hate to see Daisy get this funk. And Darin too, but he could probably manage better.

Just so this post isn't all pity-party, I'll share a couple of recommendations with you.

Last night we watched Son Of Rambow and both gave it two thumbs up. A sweet adult film about kids (tough to do I think) with great humor and a really touching story. I think it will appeal to lots of different kinds of people. (And if you have older kids, it might be a great film to watch as a family. Could spark some really interesting discussions about friendship and creativity.)

Old Navy is having their baby sale! Too bad my new nephew has more clothes than he'll ever need.

Lastly, I wrote a couple of book recommendations on the blog of my much missed Bellingham book club.

Hope your weekend is better than mine!

The Twilight Before Christmas

For my sisters, and Miss Molly.