The Dreaded Weeknight...dun dun dun duuuun

This semester, I rarely look forward to tuesday nights because Aaron has class until 10pm. That means I do dinner, bath, and bed with both kids by myself and I don't get the nice break I do when Aaron's home. By the time tuesday afternoon rolls around again, I'm grumbly and impatient just thinking about the treacherous near-future.

I don't know if I want to admit this because I might jinx the whole situation (not that I really believe in jinxing), but in reality every tuesday night goes marvelously well! Tonight for instance, Basil fell asleep in a record 15 minutes while Juliana sung contentedly to herself in the living room. She nursed to sleep shortly after Basil did. The dishes were washed and I even read a bit!

Thank God for his merciful kindness...and don't be such a baby.

Cyber-style Pumpkin Fun

Maybe it's the distinct carroty orange of the festive squash or all of the delicious possibilites of its insides. I don't know. Whatever it is, I like them.

I found this great photo of carved pumpkins stacked and lit by candles for a town pumpkin festival.

Xenia Kathryn has turned many on to this cool pumpkin carving game. Be sure to click "done" when you are pleased with your carving expertise...you're in for a treat.

The Dangers of Websurfing


You might find tempting sites like this one!

basicbrilliance.com

Maybe I'll find the lilac cotton baby dress at our thrift store, who knows :)

Something to Sneeze at

Last night, while signing Basil to sleep, I sneezed. Out of his near-slumber state he kindly mumbled, "bless you, Mommy". I thought it was kinda cute and started thinking about the whole sneeze/bless you thing. There's "bless you" and "God bless you", I know someone who just says "bless" and them some that don't say anything at all. I always say bless you to people. Why? I have no idea...probably because that's what we did in my house growing up. Why does anyone say it? I know, lame sixth grade question, but I've never gotten a sufficient answer let alone the same answer twice.

So I decided to do a little poll of my readers (all 4 of you!) to see what you thought.

Do you say something when someone sneezes?
What do you say?
Why on earth do you say it?
What do you think in general?

My Hobbit Name


Apparently my hobbit name is Ruby Boggy-Hillocks. My elf name is Merenwen Linwëlin. Who would have known? I must say I like them better than my "Wu-tang" name, Undiscovered Bum.

Find your hobbit and elf names here.

That Old House

I can remember the first time I saw it so clearly. I had big ideas for the low, strong branches of the avocado tree in the front yard. I liked the sounds my shoes made as I walked across the hardwood floors.

I can remember the Beatrix Potter wallpaper in my room...excitedly changing it to magenta flowers...moving rooms, painting the white walls butter yellow, and later a rich green.

How many late nights did I lay in bed, hastily reading before an exam? How many times did I hop up the tall step to the back door, or sit on the old tiled kitchen counter talking with my mom?

Now the rooms are all emptied, the carefully placed picture frames have left their happy walls. In time the pencil marks on the pantry wall which noted how quickly we'd grown will be painted over and the faint scents of familiarity will fade.

But today, as I listened to the wood creak beneath my feet and the wind rustle through the giant cottonwoods in the yard, for what may have been the last time, I felt thankful. Thankful for life, and memories, and love.

Fall Again

We have been enjoying the fall-ness of October. Thankfully, the dry heat waves are over for now. Basil and I made pumpkins to put in our front window.
















There are also a lot of family birthdays in the Fall. Me, my sister, Aaron, Basil, and Aaron's dad are all autumn babies. The season always makes me think of birthday memories. I took these pictures and framed them for my Aaron's Dad's birthday gift. I want to frame them for me!

Quilting...the Next Frontier of my Domestic Adventures?

Well, maybe. I think if I would have seen myself now ten years ago, I would have had some pretty weird thoughts. Staying at home! Two kids at 25! Devising a routine for household duties! The most befuddling would most likely have been this: I made a quilt!

I have always appreciated the history of quilts and the long-standing tradition. Useful, interesting and beautiful handmade things are one my favorite pastimes. The notion has crossed my mind to make one more than once, although I have been a bit reticent...so much cutting and piecing. It is a small, 36" by 45" gift for our new niece. It would make a nice play blanket or a toddler nap blanket. It wasn't that bad and it looks pretty good. I think my sister-in-law will like it, at least I hope so. Oh well. It was fun! I stayed up until 1:30 working on it while Aaron sampled various espresso roasts over at Beniy's.

I'm happy to be doing what I'm doing...I wouldn't wish for anything else.