August 31st, 2010
She still looks like my tiny baby here
Today was one of those days where we stayed in our jammies all morning.
We had seconds on cereal for breakfast.
We read a lot of books.
We had a diaper stand-off between a stubborn mommy and an equally stubborn daughter. It lasted way too long.
We took an afternoon shower and relaxed in the swing.
…a little too much relaxing.
This 5 minute power-nap may be what led to a short naptime this afternoon.
Today was the sort of day for a surprise treat from a husband on his way home from work.
(Did you know Pumpkin Spice is back?!)
It was the sort of day for coffee in the afternoon.
Then one little munchkin went across the street to play and one tired mommy sat down to work (and have some grown-up fun).
Some of my favorite things
Tonight I got so much sewing done, I can’t believe my eyes. I made a lot of progress on three freckled girls. They’re just waiting for buttons and some stuffin’ lovin’.
Tonight seems like the kind of night to watch the Back to the Future sequel in bed with a snack and a backrub.
We’ll see how much of that I can swing.
‘Night.
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August 16th, 2010
(image via A Beautiful Mess)
I’ve recently started enjoying the posts by Elsie over at A Beautiful Mess. Last week she detailed an idea of setting four simple goals for yourself to achieve before the new year. It’s a refreshing twist on goals, though, because to play along, you must choose goals that are activity-oriented and not result-oriented. Doesn’t that sound like a way to make goals more attainable? And enjoyable? Find out all the details here!
So…I’m jumping in. Lately I’ve been finding myself in that familiar stagnant rut I’ve paved for myself. Especially on these muggy summer days, when the heat gets me down and I refuse to go outside. I’ll be posting as I make headway on my simple goals and then do a big post before the new year, when all should be accomplished. Here’s what I’m going for:
1. Craft something every day.
This can be anything I make with my hands. Crochet, knit, sew, make clothes for my girls, I suppose it could even be putting in extra effort when I decorate cupcakes! A plus – if I set aside time to craft something every day, that means I am setting aside time for myself every day.
2. Drink four (full) glasses of water every day.
I know, you are supposed to drink something like eight per day, but four is a nice step up for me to start with. And I tend to cheat, and fill my glass half full with ice and then feel good when I finish a glass. Hence the emphasis on full.
3. Work to make our home more inspired and beautiful.
I don’t know if it’s nesting kicking in, or if I am finally just ready to conquer, but I have been feeling so antsy to get this house more organized. Bring in the hutches and shelving! Print the pictures, hang the frames that have been collecting dust! This spans from purchasing new furniture pieces to simply adding those little touches here and there. It’s one of those long-term goals! A plus – This is one I know Ant will be excited to work toward too. The boy has great taste. I know we already share the same ideas for our home, and it will be fun to work toward it together!
4. Get my Etsy shops stocked and running.
This may be the goal nearest and dearest to me. Ant and I have been a part of Etsy for about four years, and we made a nice little savings from our screenprinting venture. But then things just got too busy and now I’ve refocused on homemade goods for little ones. My plush doll collection and crochet hats have slowly been building and I’ve got a hefty stock of each just laying about the house, waiting to be styled and photographed all cute. The photos are my halting point. I think I’m dealing with a lingering case of lizard brain. Maybe a fear that my crafts won’t be as accepted as I hope? It’s time to find out. Besides, what am I going to do with an army of plush dolls and 30 little hats? I not making them for myself, I’m making them for any and all.
So that’s it! Want to play along? List a goal or two (or three or four) in the comments, or leave a link to your blog. (Or even better, make “start a blog” one of your goals!! I know a couple of you girls out there that are toying with it…ahem!)
Now on to Tuesday! Good night!
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August 5th, 2010
Today it occurred to me that I could have babies forever.
As I stood in the warm stream of my morning shower and Ella Faye sang to our shower songs from her swing, I realized this…
I could have babies forever.
In some way or another, we got on this kick of yelling the word, “hi” to one another. I on the sudsy side of the clear curtain, she on the cooler end, soaring through the dwindling steam, big purple bouncy ball in lap.
“Hiiii…” I would drone out slowly and deeply.
Fits of laughter bouncing off the cool blue bathroom walls.
“Hiii…” from a smaller voice, though not much smaller.
Cackles bouncing off the wet slate tiles.
“Hi!” A quick, high-pitched squeal this time.
Giggles bouncing off the cool blue bathroom walls.
“Hi!” A little mimicking voice would counter back.
Chuckles bouncing off the wet slate tiles.
And I thought, I could have babies forever, if they were just like her.
I could play with dozens of tiny toes for the rest of my life.
I could tie ten thousand pigtails.
I could listen to little voices recount the tales of their days until the end of mine.
I could hold small hands and lead them until I could no longer walk, and they would lead me.
I could bask in the beautiful songs of little children forever.
I could soak in all the kisses and snuggles they have to offer.
I could let tiny fingers run through my hair all the days long.
I could tickle and make faces and do anything for smiles until the end of time.
I could watch those dimples appear, on and on and on.
I could dish out millions of kisses just to make things better.
I could realize over and over again, with every gentle roll or vigorous punch, that there is life growing within my body, my soul, and my heart.
Today it occurred to me that I could have babies forever.
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July 31st, 2010
We took a Summer’s eve family bike ride tonight. After the heavy rainfall (again!) today, the air was left moist and considerably cooler. We returned home from Ant’s family dinner and ran back out to catch the last of the sun for some belly photos.
The 80 degree temperature was too tempting not to bask in so we pulled our bikes out of the garage and went for a cruise around the ‘hood.
Ella Faye loves a good bike ride.
Ant had been waiting to take our bikes for a spin since we came home from a camping trip a few weeks ago (one that offered much cooler temperatures for any sort of physical activity).
It was a beautiful cruise, a feast for the senses. The cicadas were just beginning to sing their evening songs, neighbors were standing guard at their barbecues, and the sky was spotted with neon pink and purple clouds. It felt just the way Summer should. It was carefree.
Now I am off to tackle a brownie coffee ice cream cake for the last birthday hoo-rah tomorrow.
This is last year’s ice cream cake. Ain’t she a beaut? (Don’t answer that…at least she tasted good.) I’m hoping we can improve on her a little this time around. I’ve got a better plan up my sleeve this year. Results to follow…
I will be back soon with baby details and the first of several belly posts that have been backing up over here.
(This evening’s outtakes, channeling a monkey for Ella. Yes, I am no good at being photographed.)
Have a fantastic end to your weekend!
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