Mayfly

The kids both had their friends over for their birthday parties this weekend, and the differences were pretty funny. She had a tea party, and he took a few friends swimming at the community center then headed back here for cake.

Her:

Fancy table with dainty snacks. Sipping tea & eating heart shaped sandwiches. Chit-chat. Good manners.

Him:

Swimming, sliding, dunking. Whooping, stomping, crazy nerf gun war, ganging up on daddy.

Her: Hello Kitty craft kits, Barbies, flowery headbands and necklaces.

Him: Nerf guns, flying helicopters, Nerf balls, more Nerf guns.

Her:

Pink cake, chocolate covered strawberries.

Him:

Baseball cake (again), ice cream with chocolate sauce.

Her: Little girls in dresses calmly painting tea cups, giggling, playing with dolls.

Him: Fart jokes, planning the cuss words they'll be able to say when they're 18, tackling, hording "ammo", taking prisoners.

Her:

Three gentle little breaths to blow out five pink and purple curly candles.

Him:

One giant wolfish puff to rapidly extinguish all nine crayon candles.

Me: Dog tired.

(Hope you're having a good Monday. We're laying low, watching it snow, making soup.)

Posted by Alicia at 12:14 PM | Permalink | Comments (16)

I disappeared there for a little while. Sorry about that. It's been busy, busy: murals, treats to school(s), friends, family, sick kids, birthday parties, yadda yadda yadda.

Today is the girl's birthday- her official entry into big-kid territory. She's five. I feel like a page has turned to a new chapter for us. SO corny, I know. But I've been feeling the sappiness of it all day. Five and nine. Big kids. And I'm their mom. It's a joy watching them grow and a great relief to be past toddler-hood, but enormously sad at the same time. I guess that's how it goes.

I just keep thinking "so far so good..."

Posted by Alicia at 5:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (9)

they watch America's Funniest Home videos. I'm laying reading my book on the couch. At my feet one nods off in daddy's arms. Across the room one is laughing hysterically. (J loves Tom Bergeron, btw.) It's raining but the house is dry and comfy. It smells of simmering dinner.

I think about Rachel's blog post and realize that although there are many things I could complain about, at this moment I really can't. Right now I'm just happy.

Posted by Alicia at 8:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (6)

So these babies go up so fast. So fast. Off he goes, off to the third grade.

Ok, cut him some slack on the yawn. It was early. It started storming (again) as soon as they drove off for school. Fairly fitting I thought.

Yesterday should have been jam-packed with sports activities, but everything was rained out. We took the opportunity to eat a leisurely breakfast and then get to work. We cleaned and sorted and put some stuff up on Craigslist and took stuff to Goodwill. And this morning I am just so glad we did it. It feels darn good to start off on the right foot.

My studio is clean too, which is great. I am making big plans (and long lists.)

Happy Monday!

Posted by Alicia at 9:16 AM | Permalink | Comments (6)

with about 28,000 other people, thousands more than last year.

The signs on the walkers' backs were so moving. There were two kinds- In Memory Of and In Celebration Of. Some of the lists of names were impossibly long. {Sigh.}

I love you, Mom.

Posted by Alicia at 4:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (7)

Hello, friends! We have been...

Picking berries and making gobs of jam,

Hanging around outside waiting for fireflies,

Sewing up a few little girlie summer night gowns,

Enjoying the first few raspberries from our own bushes,

And generally easing into summer.

Happy weekend!

Posted by Alicia at 10:40 AM | Permalink | Comments (13)

A quick trip to St. Lou for a wedding...

and an impromptu zoo visit.

Have a great week!

Posted by Alicia at 10:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)

tiny body & muscular little legs + fearless attitude & endless energy =
future olympic gymnast?
hee hee. we'll take it one step at a time.

(today was the first day of gymnastics class. the second really, but last week she was sick. it was a smashing success!)

Posted by Alicia at 1:14 PM | Permalink | Comments (9)

First things first. While I was away, there was a party for two children, newly four and newly eight.

Somebody please fill me in. How on earth did that happen?

Well. I don't know. But I do know I couldn't be more proud of them.

p.s. the cake is Molly's yogurt cake (tripled. with a splash of vanilla extract instead of the lemon) frosted with the fluffy white frosting and topped with sparkly sugar sprinkles. I wish I had a slice right now.

Posted by Alicia at 9:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (13)

because we were camping we drove to our favorite trails for a hike

until it started to rain on us, so we went home for a nap.

Posted by Alicia at 12:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (11)

and off he goes.

I'm calling it quits here for the week. I feel like I've talked way too much already.

Have a wonderful and fabulous weekend, my friends!

Posted by Alicia at 9:26 AM | Permalink | Comments (7)

We walked nearly 25,000 strong and raised $1.2 million.

I walked for:

my dad's mom
Brian's cousin, Jeanie
my friend, Corey
my mom's friend and neighbor, Rosemary
my friend Angie's mom
my friend Meg's mom

my mom. (I love you, Mom.)

and all the women who walk this path, so they don't have to walk alone.

Posted by Alicia at 8:41 AM | Permalink | Comments (14)

We go to a lake every single year as a big noisy family. This year it was HOT (there was mention of the hottest heat indexes in thirty-some years), but there were cousins of all ages and fun galore, so we didn't mind one bit.

And every year we want to stay...

but we can't.

We're home and unpacked and staring into the headlights of a big week- a week in which our routine changes in many ways. And I've got several little things to visit about.

So until then, much love to you.

Posted by Alicia at 6:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (11)

My sister, Jenni. She's probably about three here, looking so sweet and Olan Mills-ish.

I know I said I'd be gone, but I had to pop in and tell her happy birthday. I won't give away her age, but let's say it's a big one. They kind that is divisible by ten. The kind that makes me really restrain myself not to hang a banner in her yard that reads, "LORDY, LORDY. JENNI IS -----!"

Hee hee.

Happy Birthday, Jen. I love you!

Posted by Alicia at 9:34 AM | Permalink | Comments (4)

the things that fill our days:

soaking up the sun- through a barrier of spf 1013, of course.

hanging out downtown with Heather and Matt and visiting Hannah at her GORGEOUS show opening. Well, J and I did. Brian stayed home with N and her mystery fever, which was gone by morning.

picking more strawberries. yum.

visiting Papa's chickens.

on the agenda this week... MORE of the same! Perhaps I can even get a few creative things done too.

Happy Monday, my friends!

Posted by Alicia at 7:39 AM | Permalink | Comments (9)

Hello, friends. It's late Spring in Kansas City and that always means crazy weather. We went out after a storm last night to take some photos of the amazing sky it left behind.

The weather is fitting for the whirlwind that early summer brings. Friends, play dates, swim team, baseball, dinner on the patio, popsicles, Boy Scout camp. It's all wonderful, sticky fun but it leaves little time for computer/studio work.

So if you read less from me, I apologize. Just know that we're here- the kids whoopin' it up and the mama happy yet dog tired come the end of a day.

xo,
Alicia

Posted by Alicia at 9:28 AM | Permalink | Comments (17)

Good friends, a berry patch, a picnic lunch. A long drive home. Cooling off with strawberry daiquiris and fresh strawberry smoothies. Dinner with those same friends at the neighborhood art fair.

She found the perfect berry. And we all found the perfect first day of summer vacation.

Posted by Alicia at 10:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (10)

in Texas when the weather behaves.

and so do the children.

and the bride and groom are lovely people, inside and out.

and everyone coordinates with the groom's car.

Posted by Alicia at 8:25 AM | Permalink | Comments (16)

Hello! Hello!

Thank you, everyone. You are all so kind to lend an ear and a get-well wish. Wellness has returned. We're back- back to laughing, drawing, playing, working on projects, sleeping well, cooking, eating. What a relief. After a loooong evening in the Urgent Care clinic, poor little N was diagnosed with rotavirus. That is bad. Don't get that. She's better now and it seems she's trying to make up for lost calories. It's 9:45 am and she's had two bowls of cereal, two sweet rolls, a granola bar, and a pear. And she just said, "Is it lunchtime yet?"

I had cobbler and coffee. Yum.

There's no school this week for Spring Break. It's too rainy for the St. Patrick's Day parade, so we're here at home listening to the sporadic thunder and planning some indoor activities.

************

I have two shop announcements:

Heather and I are planning a Welcome Spring sale in the Noticing Project Shop starting this Wednesday. Think rock-bottom, last chance pricing. We hope you'll stop in.

Also I will be having a (very) small Shop Mayfly update this Thursday about noon. There will be one blond baby doll in there if you're interested.

************

Have a great week!

Posted by Alicia at 9:33 AM | Permalink | Comments (14)

She's a happy girl. She had her (family) party and opened her gifts, blew out her three candles and ate yummy chocolate cake. Really yummy. Our family favorite, but we only make it a few times a year. It makes all the other cakes feel bad.

It is Black Magic Cake. The coffee makes it deliciously moist. But it's the frosting that makes this one to die for. Sooooooooo good, like two sticks of butter good. And because a few of you asked, here's the recipe.

Fluffy White Frosting:

Cook five tablespoons flour and one cup milk over low heat until VERY thick, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cool COMPLETELY. This is the crucial step. Let it cool for an hour or two. I'm serious. I have had several batches go south because I rushed this step. When it goes south like that, the frosting looks like curdled milk.

Cream one cup room temperature butter or stick margarine (butter is better) with one cup sugar. Beat for several minutes. Beat in one tbsp. vanilla and beat a few more minutes. Add the flour mixture in and whip until light and fluffy. Be patient here too. Sometimes you have to whip for a bit.

Good luck and enjoy!

Posted by Alicia at 2:49 PM | Permalink | Comments (24)

Today's the kid's birthday. We woke up to a lovely blanket of white- two inches or so. It made him squeal. But not enough snow to even turn on the T.V. (Can you guess where this is going yet?)

Scrambled eggs with cheese (his favorite) were eaten off the red plate. "You are special today."

He got dressed, tied his own shoes, loaded up his trays of cupcakes, helped daddy scrape off the car, and headed to school with a giant smile on his face.

Then turned around and came home when it was discovered that the school was all locked up.........



for a SNOW day! Now that's a great gift for a SEVEN year old!

Posted by Alicia at 9:22 AM | Permalink | Comments (29)

The weekend was balmy and very pleasant. A perfect time for the ceremonial burning of the Christmas tree, a tradition for my firebugs.

She was a big, crackling fireball for about 90 seconds, going out in quite the blaze of glory as all very dead little trees should. Last year some helpful folks ran over from the park to make sure our house wasn't on fire. : )

It's warm again today. We're off for a long walk to the post office, with party invitations and camera in hand. Happy Monday, all!

Posted by Alicia at 8:37 AM | Permalink | Comments (10)

Canceling our plans for New Year's Eve (just good friends and dinner) was disappointing. My little guy was coughing so hard he nearly vomited, and that's not the kind of love you want to share. So we ate pizza- just the four of us- and toasted with sparkling grape juice.

I toasted to our blessings, Brian to a wonderful 2008, N toasted to Mickey Mouse (?!?!) and the cougher didn't want to toast. Sharing their favorite memory, J told me "the beach" and N said, "playing at the lake." Those are some of my favorites too. But there are so many small, wonderful, everyday moments I don't want to forget either.

All of these photos remind me of some really big and really small good things from the last year. (Thank the internet gods for Flickr.)

As it always does, the turning of the calendar has me cleaning out closets and setting goals. But my biggest wish for this year is not only to have many perfect big and small moments, but to have the wisdom to revel in them while they're happening. Bring it on, 2008.


Oh, and in his typical fashion, J woke up New Year's Day with hardly the trace of a cough. Stinker.

Posted by Alicia at 3:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (16)

To me, this isn't the right forum for discussing religion. In my little corner of the internet I'd rather celebrate our common goals and interests without alienating anyone. With that said, you may have figured out that we're not particularly religious. BUT I so admire those of you with strong faith and tradition, and we've been slowly trying to create some rituals and traditions that work for our little family.

I decided we should try a special dinner on Saint Lucia Day. This feast day falls on one of our darkest days of the year, and honoring this part of our season by coming together over the warmth of a big meal and candlelight feels right. St. Lucia was said to be kind, devoted, and generous. This is, of course, a hugely simplified description, but those are attributes we can all value, no matter our religious persuasion.

I had a vision of us sitting down enjoying the evening, all relaxed and twinkly, and it went a decidedly different direction: one child moaned about a tummy ache, one fidgeted and complained, there were two unavoidable phone calls regarding the buying and selling of used cars. In the end we did eat a nice meal of veggie chili with all the fixings, fruit, and a pretty loaf of St. Lucia bread. So all in all, it wasn't terrible. I think it's a tradition we can grow into; I just need to set aside my grand expectations.

p.s. Lovely weekending to you all.

Posted by Alicia at 11:16 AM | Permalink | Comments (13)

Hi all! We're back from St. Louis.

The trip was good. We enjoyed our family. We contemplated life and death. {Brian's sweet little Grandma has been in the hospital and is entering hospice care. It's sad, but she's lived a long (94!), good life and she seems at peace about it all.} We enjoyed the funny things the kids did. We went to the zoo. We watched football. We played Ponopoly. We bowled. We ate turkey and pumpkin pie.

We felt grateful.

It may be quiet around here for several days. It's Baby Doll-apalooza this week for me!

Posted by Alicia at 10:15 AM | Permalink | Comments (11)

I am over the moon with the response to my shop! You have all been so sweet and encouraging. Thank you. And double thank you to those of you who purchased something. You sure know how to make a girl feel good. Your packages will ship today- Enjoy!

If there's anything left that you're interested in, you better go snatch it up. I'm planning on pulling the remaining items off this Friday. Everything has been spoken for by family, that is, IF it doesn't sell online. Of course I'd rather it all sells, so go for it! : )

I'm scheduling the next update for Wednesday, November 7th. I want to have some more paintings and other ready-to-ship items to offer, but I'm also going to include the custom baby dolls for "pre-order". I'll explain when the time comes.

These photographs are from a pumpkin carving party we attended Saturday night. I didn't carve one- we just helped J carve his. But after seeing how serious everyone was, I'm already scheming for next year. (Have I ever mentioned that Halloween is my absolute favorite holiday? Well, it is.)

Have a great (spooky) week!

Posted by Alicia at 6:07 PM | Permalink | Comments (17)

someone walked down the stairs and yelled at her daddy, "You don't look at me!"
that same someone was angry because she really wanted cereal not waffles. NO! CEREAL!

someone else calmly tried to explain we were out of cereal without losing his cool.
that same someone tried to toast waffles only to find that the toaster is dead.

a third someone had a meltdown because he never has to get dressed before he eats. Never.
that same someone slumps over his oatmeal because he didn't get to stir in the brown sugar himself.

a fourth someone, who last night boiled a chicken carcass, carrots, onion and celery for hours, woke up to a pot of spoiled, cold broth forgotten on the stove top.
that same someone banged around the pots as she poured the valuable broth down the sink.

What to do now? Sigh. Hug the two that have to leave. Promise to shake, shake, shake homemade butter with the boy as soon as he gets home. Snuggle the girl on the porch and wave goodbye. Cancel walking plans. Stay in the jammies. Hang out at home to paint all day (me) and make messes (her). And make Stephanie's granola. Seriously- the smell alone can heal the worst day.

Posted by Alicia at 9:24 AM | Permalink | Comments (17)

It's Shash's feet week. The shoes we all wear, literally and figuratively- they make me think and smile.

The shoes we're in today? She wears her first-day-of-school shoes. I wear my lonesome-yet-excited-mama shoes. And the skirt I wear is fun too. It's a twirly skirt I made for myself. A little twirling may be in order today.

Thank you, thank you and thank you again for all the shop well wishes. I am nervous and excited and plugging away at my list. It's very quiet here; much will get done.

May you find a reason today to do a little twirling yourself!

Posted by Alicia at 10:33 AM | Permalink | Comments (15)

The darn thing has been loose for a year and wouldn't you know it- it fell out while he was off visiting his grandparents in St. Louis.

He tried to keep it a surprise but over the cell phone about an hour from home, I asked if it was very loose and he said, "I'm not going to talk about it." And then he asked if I would make him a tooth pillow.

Thanks go to Stephanie for the idea. I have had the image of her little pillow tucked away in my head since we first discovered the tooth was wiggly!

p.s. Happy Weekending!

Posted by Alicia at 3:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (16)

•low tide•

•sea oats•

•we watched a nest of sea turtles hatch•

•hanging moss•

•alligators- viewed safely from a boat•

•a rainbow umbrella•

•hunting for shells•

•a hermit crab he named stripey•

Even more photos here. So many- I'm sorry. It's too hard to whittle them down!

It was all so good that we didn't want to come home. The only bummer was my sweet mom, who planned and (ahem) made the trip possible, developed a herniated disc a few weeks before we left and spent most of the trip hobbling around in pain. She was a real trooper and tried so hard not to complain. Mom and Dad, thank you. It was all just so perfect.

Posted by Alicia at 8:21 AM | Permalink | Comments (33)

Things I have learned so far:

Cucumbers need A LOT of room to grow.

Crisp line-dried sheets? Love them. Stiff line-dried jeans? Love them too. Crunchy line-dried towels? Not so much.

The sprinkler is fun, but the pool is better.

Local, organic blackberries almost melt in your mouth.

It good to be six in the summer. It is also tiring.

No matter where you are and what the weather, have a terrific and relaxing weekend!

Posted by Alicia at 3:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (23)

She picked out this vintage dress to wear today. It finally fits. And luckily it was green.

(The dress isn't really all that cute, but I know it is old. Look here for the proof.)

Posted by Alicia at 10:46 AM | Permalink | Comments (12)

Our lake vacation in twenty words:

driving, exploring, eating, drinking, swimming, fishing, boating, floating, laughing, playing, spelunking, visiting, hugging, leaving, arriving home (with lots of laundry.)

It was perfect.

1. handyman, 2. driving, 3. down, 4. fishing, 5. log cabin, 6. drying out, 7. lots o meat, 8. cave entrance, 9. getting silly, 10. out to lunch, 11. Eureka Springs, 12. Eureka Springs

Mosaic created with fd's Flickr Toys.

Posted by Alicia at 5:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (16)

We're all feeling it. Busy week, full schedule, a welcome painting job, preparations for a much needed vacation. Moving to a big-girl bed has strangely coincided with the potty training- which seems to have taken a turn for the better. She's thrilled about the bed, tolerating the training. She nearly has enough stickers on her chart to go pick out a brand new bucket. (So sweet- that's what she wants.)

I've got a bit of cooking and sewing planned this week too, so hopefully I'll have time to show it off before we go. : )

Hope the week is going well for you!

Posted by Alicia at 2:34 PM | Permalink | Comments (20)

She's trying. I'm following her around with carpet cleaner and fresh undies and doing laundry like crazy. But at least she's trying.

Posted by Alicia at 2:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (29)

I love seeing my own city through the eyes of visitors.

It makes me appreciate home even more.

(And for you baseball fans, the Royals won Tuesday and the Cards took Wednesday's game. It was great fun for our "mixed" family.)

Posted by Alicia at 3:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (10)

Brian's sister Kim finished up her Bachelor of Social Work degree this Spring and we dashed off Friday to St. Louis for her graduation party. It was more of a family reunion of sorts- with a large turnout from both sides of Brian's family. Such a busy, busy, fun weekend. And congrats, Kim! (I think in all the commotion I forgot to tell you.)

We rushed home Sunday, leaving one kid behind in St. Louis, stopping only briefly for a leg stretching walkabout at a Missouri vineyard. Maw Maw and Da (Brian's parents) will return our boy tomorrow when the St. Louis clan comes here for the annual Royals vs. Cardinals extravaganza. I'm sure he'll be full of custard and will have watched plenty of trains go by. Lucky boy. Family is good.

Posted by Alicia at 12:49 PM | Permalink | Comments (9)

little league on a beautiful evening.

If you can't tell, I adore summer. It's my season, but maybe it's time to return to our regular programming. I've even got a little something creative to share soon. Fancy that?!

Posted by Alicia at 10:11 AM | Permalink | Comments (12)

You can't see her? She's right there in N's hand.

"Mommy, she's berry, berry tiny."

She and N are best friends. They have been for a few months. Tiny Chloe is very well behaved. I expected she might try to get N into some trouble, but so far she has just been helping her think about it. "Tiny Chloe wanted to play in Papa's truck, but I said no, no." She does like to stall at bedtime though. She keeps hiding outside, forcing innocent little N to go back outside to find her. Silly Tiny Chloe.

Posted by Alicia at 1:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (22)

Our friend Randy's birthday party in my mom and dad's back yard:

My mom's parties are always fit for a magazine, and this one was no exception. Just lovely, mom!

Have a great Monday, friends.

Posted by Alicia at 10:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (19)

When I pondered having kids, I never even considered that I'd be a stay-at-home mom. After an evening with a calculator, pencil and paper we decided it wasn't financially worth it for me to stay at a job about which I felt luke warm at best. So after my son was born, I reluctantly quit my job.

It was tough for awhile, but six years have passed, and I am thoroughly enjoying our simple life. So we may not be able to take fancy trips; we take camping trips instead. We don't drive new cars; our trusty little wagon suits me fine, thankyouverymuch. We are on a strict budget in all areas. (Shhhhhh- I have never even once ordered fabric online and the only Japanese craft book I have ever laid my hands on was through inter-library loan. I use almost all thrifted and salvaged supplies and what I do buy new, I always buy with a coupon.) Of course I get envious, but I also feel lucky. I'm older and wise enough to know that it's pointless to try to keep up with others. The truth is I'm very happy with the sacrifices we've made. The sacrifice is what keeps it all so simple.

My good friend Penny (who works part time from home) once told me that she had never had a job like parenthood before, one that seemed so small yet was actually so large in scale. Absolutely true. We've proven to ourselves that we can live small but well, even save a fair amount for the future, on one modest income. I'm blessed that I'm able to make this choice right now.

As time slips along and I feel my focus ever so slowly shifting away from the kids and back to myself, I know that I will eventually want to work more than I currently do or maybe even go back to school. But right now I feel an overwhelming contentment. Now is now. Isn't it?

My work in progress today seems to just be life with kids. Outside of the ever-present snapping camera, there hasn't been much time recently for creativity. Maybe next week. Right now I'm going to go tidy up the kitchen- Brian's parents are coming tomorrow. Then I'm going outside for awhile to enjoy the beautiful weather.

Happy weekend, all!

Posted by Alicia at 7:56 AM | Permalink | Comments (32)

of our weekend:

{blue}

{red}

{green}

{brown}

{the rest}

Really, it couldn't have been much better.

Posted by Alicia at 7:06 AM | Permalink | Comments (15)

At the risk of turning this place into the What She Wore Today Show, you HAVE to see what she wore today.

My new friend Jennifer made this sweater. Isn't it amazing?! She made a similar one for her daughter and I raved about it, and her daughter really wanted the Olive and Archie dolls, so we arranged a swap. It really deserves a skirt and some tights, but I couldn't wait that long to show you all. Jennifer is so talented, makes all kinds of things, knits, and her photographs- even the everyday snapshots- are just beautiful. Thank you, dearest. We absolutely love it!




And you'll never believe what Brian did this time. He spent the evening Tuesday switching from garage to laptop, laptop to garage, then after a quick trip to the auto supply place and then back to the garage, he replaced the brakes on his car! And mind you, before this he knew nothing about brakes. I told him to drive slowly the first day, just to be sure. *wink* He told me he had to do it himself because, "Mama needs a new camera." I LOVE THIS MAN.

I'm pretty sure it's either this one or this one.

A little help? Please?

Posted by Alicia at 10:52 AM | Permalink | Comments (16)

June, 2006

Posted by Alicia at 7:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (14)

Enduring her round with the latest fever, N has been camped out on my bed all morning watching Caillou with her "tackers and dooce." That's fine, little one. Just keep those cracker crumbs on daddy's side.

Posted by Alicia at 11:29 AM | Permalink | Comments (10)

I have this incredible husband. More than incredible. He's a great father and my best friend. And get this ladies, he helps around the house. But there's another reason he is so great: he can do anything.

He makes most of our money, he is an environmental activist, he remodels our home, and he fixes appliances. A couple of months ago our clothes dryer stopped heating. He fiddled around on the internet, found information and part numbers, replaced some stuff and Bingo! It's drying again. A few weeks later the washing machine started leaking. The tub kept filling up with water even when it was off. So he did that internet thing again and he replaced some valve, and what do you know? It's fixed too. These are just a couple of examples- He's always doing, making, repairing something. I ask and he says, "Add it to the list!" Now I'm not helpless. I'd almost call myself "handy", but I intimidate easily. This man is fearless. He just figures out what needs to be done and does it.

So now we get to the real reason for this post. Our little N got all kinds of kitchen items (food, pots and pans, utensils) for Christmas and her birthday. I decided she needed a kitchen. I looked around and there are plenty of cute ones out there, but not exactly what I had in mind. This is what I wanted. Amanda showed that kitchen for her very first Corners of our Home post. I showed that picture to Brian and here is what I'm looking at this morning:

Click on either picture to see it a little larger or here to see a close-up.

It's made entirely from salvaged or scrap materials. The ONLY things he didn't dig up in our basement or the scrap metal pile at his store are the two cabinet doors (bought at ReStore) and two bolts with nuts (bought at our neighborhood hardware store). I'm amazed. I painted it white (with paint we already had, of course) an off she cooks. Handmade and well made from materials that would have otherwise been trash- Wow.

Isn't it cute? Brian plays it cool, but he's proud. After one of the MANY times she has said, "Thank you, Daddy" he said, "Maybe she'll want to give it to her daughter someday." See why I want to keep him around?

Posted by Alicia at 8:43 AM | Permalink | Comments (44)

Friday: over to a friend's house after school, huge Valentine's Day party in the evening at another friend's house

Saturday: sleep late, play on the computer, bake chocolate cookies with Papa, get a package full of loot in the mail, play with new stuff, watch trains at Union Station, out to dinner at the Choo-Choo Restaurant

What will the rest of the weekend have in store?!

(It's our Miniswap 2 package! Click here to see his share of the gifts. Thank you, Nily!!! It's all wonderful. Tomorrow I'll post N's goodies and the stuff we sent.)

Posted by Alicia at 3:24 PM | Permalink | Comments (9)

My girl uses many two and three word sentences now but there is always the most endearing pause between words as her mind searches for the right one.

Posted by Alicia at 1:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (15)

Made entirely by J, with a smidge of prep by mom last night. On the menu: reheated pancakes, jelly toast, sausage links. It was a little heavy on the condiments, but I've never been happier with a bad breakfast in my life. He's pleased as punch and wants to make lunch too, "as long as it's sammiches, cause that's all I know how to make."

Posted by Alicia at 11:48 AM | Permalink | Comments (14)

Well, my critters saw their shadows this morning, but Phil didn't. I'm sticking with Phil's forecast.

I like to spend time outside everyday, even if just a half hour in the back yard. I can tell the kids feel better too if they get a little time to breath good air and blow off steam. But today the high is 17º F, which is entirely too few. Trying to take a photo of Pete and his shadow, we were out for about 10 minutes. He tried to sniff, tinkle, eat something gross (the things dogs do best) all while attempting to keep at least a foot or two off the freezing ground. He was pretty pitiful dancing around and limping, the poor thing. So back inside are we.

I've got a good size stack of WIP's in here in the studio and we're going for take two of the Get-Together Sunday, so there will be some inside activities to keep me busy. Plus J has informed me he wants to fix breakfast tomorrow for us all. by. himself. {Smile.}

I hope you all have fun plans for the weekend too! See you tomorrow.

Posted by Alicia at 9:25 AM | Permalink | Comments (9)

:: The boy's table ::

:: The girl's table ::

My kids' birthdays are nine days apart (+4 years) so they share a family party. It's a lot less work and travel for all. At one end of the house was the girlie tea party table, at the other was the space adventure table. After singing to J, everyone filtered through the kitchen to the dining room to sing to N. Both kids had a great time running crazy with their cousins and opening all the loot. There are more pictures of the party here. (Thanks for coming, my sweet family!)

It was quite the birthday extravaganza weekend. Yes, J and two of his buddies, Daddy and Da all enjoyed the Monster Truck Jam. We'll have a special dinner on N's actual birthday and maybe something sweet for desert, then we're taking a rest. Phew.

Posted by Alicia at 2:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (14)

I think I've got a bad-day hangover. Yesterday, a little someone got sent to the Principal's office. His offense was minor but he'd been repeatedly warned. Then an out-of-control afternoon followed, leading to the loss of books at bedtime AND four days of his rationed "computer privileges." Oh, boy. It's all made me really want to hold him tight and keep him snuggly close today.

The weather is suddenly getting wintry, and we're packing it in for a long weekend. Chili is simmering, cornbread will soon be baking, tasty adult beverages are at hand. There's bacon and whole wheat pancake mix and coffee to be ground for the morning. Sunday, some lovely ladies will be coming over for a visit and I'm planning to make this cake. And what do you know? An extra day off Monday. (I think I can cram a little studio time in there too!)

It's all just the cure I need.

Wonderful weekends to you all.

p.s. This is De-Lurking Week. So go ahead. Say hello. Ok?

Posted by Alicia at 1:28 PM | Permalink | Comments (18)

On a trip to a very charming local (to her) farm, Amy found some pretty green eggs. I've been meaning to snap a quick picture of the technicolor eggs my dad's chickens have been laying. Sometimes they are even a little blueish. My mom says they are practicing for Easter- no dying necessary.

J feeding the chickens a few summers ago. This picture always makes me smile. (That t-shirt fits now.)

Well, that's all. Still cleaning like a mad woman here. A friend stopped by last night at 9:15 on a whim and the house was perfectly pop-in ready. No dirty kid undies on the floor. No stacks of junk mail. Toys put away. I was darn tootin' proud.

Posted by Alicia at 9:13 AM | Permalink | Comments (9)

A friend made a comment the other day. She said, "That N wants to make sure nobody forgets about her!" So incredibly true. But it also made me realize there is a little boy who lives here, who scrambles to keep himself heard above her wails of "No!" and "Mine!" He has his moments, but most of the time he's such a good boy. He loves trains and rockets. He's a great age; he's old enough to be really excited about learning and life, and yet not old enough to not be excited about these things. Do you know what I mean?

We had a date together Sunday. Lunch at the counter of Steak 'n Shake, his favorite restaurant, a stroll through the pet store, and then a movie. Not such a great movie, but a great afternoon with a great boy.

Posted by Alicia at 8:13 AM | Permalink | Comments (14)

We're "January" in The Faces of Breast Cancer 2007 calendar, produced by Shawnee Mission Medical Center, the hospital where my mom works. The photographs were generously taken by the talented Gloria Baker Feinstein. You can visit her weblog featuring photos from a recent trip to Africa here as well.

The scan of the photo doesn't do it justice, but it reads, "I am a wife, mother, grandmother, friend, nurse, teacher and active member of my community. I am a breast cancer survivor." My mom (the survivor) is in the middle, that's my sister and me on her sides, and all of our kids are on the swings.

I love my mom. We're awfully glad she's going to hang out with us for a long, long time.

Find more information on breast cancer here and here. Let's all take care of ourselves, ok?!

Posted by Alicia at 8:04 AM | Permalink | Comments (18)

It works. And he's in little-boy-second-snow-day heaven.

Have a safe and wonderful weekend, my peeps.

Posted by Alicia at 3:31 PM | Permalink | Comments (10)

First, thank you all so much for the soup suggestions. We went with a nice cheese, potato, broccoli combo. But I will have to try some of Robyn's taco soup soon!

Brian took the day off so that I could get a jump on my holiday gifts. Instead J had his first official snow day from school with Daddy, while I struggled to concentrate because of the sore throat and fever I developed late last night. I'm a little improved this evening (thank you, ibuprofen) but am hoping to feel much better tomorrow maybe even without the medication.

Here's J trying out his snowball maker in the little ice pellets that fell last night. He'll get plenty more practice tomorrow (his second day off). I'm guessing we have for or five inches of snow on top of the ice.

Stay warm, everyone.

p.s. Don't forget to visit Shari's very brilliant Compound Word Project if you haven't already. Guesses are due tomorrow!

Posted by Alicia at 10:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)

Brian and I both just turned 34. His birthday was last Monday, mine is today. Maw Maw came and watched the kids for us and we dashed off alone for a weekend getaway to our nearby, favorite small town Weston, MO. We relaxed, ate A LOT, tried to sleep late, browsed the stores, went for a long drive, explored, spent an evening at O'Malley's listening to Irish music and sipping their beers, napped, hiked. There are more photos here if you're interested.

Judy, THANK YOU. So much. Really. It couldn't have been more perfect. (Let me tell you, this Maw Maw we've got? She even braved taking them for their flu shots on Saturday. Seriously, that's a good grandmother...)

Posted by Alicia at 1:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (15)

me.


and my shadow in the shadows.

Posted by Alicia at 12:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (13)

Walking home, we left at dusk.

He held my hand and visited with me the whole way, waiting patiently while I took these photographs. Unusual for such a busy boy.

It's only a few blocks, but by the time we got home, it was dark.
The lights were all on and Brian was setting the table for dinner.

Posted by Alicia at 11:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (6)

Good stuff on Halloween:

Breakfast with Maw Maw and Da. A very excited boy asking if today was the day. Twenty-one Kindergartners marching in a costume parade. A little ghost trying to eat a cupcake through the hole in his sheet. Pipe cleaner spiders. Goody bags. Jack-o-lanterns glowing. A fog machine fogging. A wee red cape. Baby Skittle breath. Taking her home to get serious about the gathering of candy. Overhearing this: "Trick or Treat. Thank you. Don't you have Snickers? Da wants Snickers."

The little contest:

We heard a lot of this, "Hi, there! Uh, what are you?"
I guess J's costume isn't as obvious as I thought. So, the first person who correctly guesses what he is will win a little handmade surprise. I'm not sure what, but I'll think of something.(And don't play if you already know cuz I've told you. Or you asked him. At our party. Or on the phone. You know who you are.)

Someone already guessed correctly this morning! He is a fire ant! Releia, I'll email you soon for your postal address. Thanks!!

I hope you had a wonderful Halloween too! And much luck to you dealing with the tummy aches and sugar-induced tantrums.

Posted by Alicia at 8:57 PM | Permalink | Comments (21)

Our big Halloween party went well last night. This was the ninth year. Gone are the days of moving the furniture to create a dance floor, 2:00 a.m. conga lines, and kegs of cheap beer. As more children join the mix it gets earlier and tamer. But that's fine by me. I am having so much fun reliving Halloween through these kids.

I didn't get pictures of J and N in their get-ups, but I will Tuesday for the real deal. J always comes up with the wackiest ideas for his costumes and this year is no exception. You'll see. He's a goof ball. (Look at him two years ago as a mail carrier. I swear. He picked it on his own and was he ever a hit.) Actually, I didn't take any pictures at the party at all. I don't know what got into me?! I guess I just felt too busy.

I'm wondering if a day will come that they won't want me to make the costumes anymore, choosing a store-bought one instead. That'll be a sad day for me. There's usually lots of polyester felt and glue involved and thrifting for various components. I have a great time putting them together. And then when they try them on for the first time- oh, I could just eat them up!

Since many last minute projects were finished and the house is still fairly clean, we're recovering nicely. We plan on spending all of today lounging around, watching football and napping. Boy, does it feel good.

(Click on any of these photos to see them a little larger.)

Posted by Alicia at 12:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (14)

This weekend we went to the Applefest. Now, it's Fall. We had a great time although it was warm, perfectly pleasant but a little too hot for a Fall festival, and Baby N was coming down with the sniffles and wasn't terribly cooperative. But we managed a nice afternoon anyway. I love Weston, MO.

If you're interested, see more pictures here.

Posted by Alicia at 4:08 PM | Permalink | Comments (6)

I'm just popping in to gush about J: His photo has been featured on Kiddley this weekend for a new children's photography challenge called "Kiddley Photo Theme." Way to go, my little photographer!

Of course we're all over this project. He's already been off capturing circles...

Hope your weekends are progressing nicely!

Posted by Alicia at 1:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (8)

Hair combed, face washed, J just trotted off for school picture day. Hopefully they'll take the Kindergartners first. I have the picture day episode of Charlie and Lola playing in my mind this morning. The one with the muddy shoes and paint on her face and pink milk on her dress, but the really nice smile... so adorable, but in J's case, all too true.

Speaking of school pictures, here's Da, Brian's dad, in the first grade at Little Flower School in St. Louis. Nice tie, cute stuff!

We'll be having a long, busy weekend around here. Maw Maw is coming to watch the kids so Bri and I can make serious progress on the bathroom (almost done) and living room (not even close). We'll also be headed for the Apple Fest Sunday, so there will be photos to share next week!

Here's to great weekends, all.
xo

Posted by Alicia at 8:22 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)

Something exciting is happening around here: J is teetering on the brink of reading! Brian always has his nose in the newspaper, and I'm a book junkie. J loves us to read to him, but for the last several months he's been itching to do it on his own. Sparking his interest even more is the fact that some of his friends at school are already reading fairly well.

He knows the letters and their basic sounds and is just beginning to pick out words by himself, but I needed some help in how to instruct him. After consulting Brian's cousin Kara, who tutors kids, and my one homeschooling friend, I ordered this book. So far the lessons are easy and short, and he's really enthusiastic about them.

I'm hoping with the reading lessons I give him and the lessons he gets at school, he'll be reading in no time flat. OK, OK. No pressure. Maybe by the end of the school year... Go, Jie. Go, Jie.

One other very exciting thing happened this morning. They fixed our curb- Ooooh, ahhhh! A few big saws + a backhoe + a little steam roller + a dump truck = spellbound children.

Have a great weekend, everyone! Enjoy the first official days of Fall. (or Spring!)

Posted by Alicia at 2:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (13)

dismissing early from school for teacher planning day.

walking in the rain. well, some of us scooting.

cutting through the lonely park.

lunching on toasted cheese sandwiches and tomato soup.

cuddling up on the couch for a reading lesson during the little one's nap.
(more about this tomorrow.)

watching the end of "Chicken Little" while the dough rises.

snacking on warm soft pretzels.

with dip.

still to come, dinner with good friends.

Posted by Alicia at 4:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (17)

The weather is still cooler and so enjoyable here. We are loving playing outside again. Here's a photo for A Year of Color. Looking up, the sun is bright, but the leaves stay a nice shaded, dark green underneath. These Tulip trees haven't started losing their huge leaves yet. But once they get started they do it quickly. The other photos are just because I adore these babes.

Speaking of trees, walking around the block, I've decided we might have the biggest tree in the neighborhood. The old Elm tree. She's great. If she ever gets sick or dies, we'll be crushed- emotionally and maybe financially too. I don't even want to think about it.

On an unrelated note, I'm feeling guilty for thinking badly about J's classmate. He came to the park with a bunch of us yesterday, and yes, he's a wild in class, but he's also very sweet. His mom is as well. They are having a pretty hard time. He did a great job playing with all of the kids. She said he always does much better outside, and don't we all?! Before leaving, he gave J a big hug. I can only imagine the stress they go through worrying about him and his behavior every day. Hang in there, buddy.

Posted by Alicia at 9:25 AM | Permalink | Comments (11)

My guys love their sports. The conversation usually goes like this:

J: "Hey Dad, wanna hit some baseballs?"

Bri: "Sure, kiddo." (Brian never has the heart to turn him down.)

J: (As they walk out the door) "And then we can play soccer, and after that we can play football, and mommy can pretend to tailgate and then we'll play catch and then..."

Thus begins the kicking, running, jumping, throwing, and inevitably the tackling, tickling and giggling. It's so sweet, you could eat them up.

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My "to make" list has gotten very long. I have lots of orders pending and several birthday presents to make. I've chosen to avoid it all together by taking on something very simple. Do you have a pile like this? A stack of clothing that needs minor alterations or repairs- a split seam here, a stain to cover there. Maybe a strange logo to hide. It's nothing a green polka dot space shuttle won't fix. As soon as I'm done with this pile, for the love of Pete, I'm going to get started on the bigger projects. If you've ordered something from me, I haven't forgotten. It'll be done right away. Well, soon. OK, soon-ish.

Posted by Alicia at 2:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (10)

J had his new friend over after school. They ate peanut butter sandwiches, played pirate ship outside, and painted pictures. He was so nice and polite to both his friend and me. "Mommy, can we please have more oranges?" "Mommy, can I show him my bedroom?" "G, do you want to make art?" He was perfect. Sigh.

The situation with that wild little classmate at school is not good. He's a bad influence on our good kids. It has really been bumming me out for a few days. Yesterday, J made a little girl cry when he pinched her arm. And it almost made me cry to hear a second bad report. But today's report was much better. We're talking and talking about being calm and kind, and not acting up because other kids do. All I can do is explain it to him, be consistent with his punishment here when he is mean to his sister, and give him a little extra love when I can. And hope for more good reports. The nagging nervous feeling in my stomach is easing up.

It is also helping that the weather is ab. so. lutely. perfect. (Good for taking deep breaths outside.) And I went to yoga last night. (Good for the stress.) And I just lined up three new painting jobs. (Good for the checking account!)

Here's to good weekends all around!

Posted by Alicia at 1:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (13)

I've been trying to give J a little extra time the last few days. We're having a few issues already at school. There is a boy in his class who is having some trouble, severely acting up, getting sent off the the principal several times a day. This boy has even kicked one student in the nose and spit all over another. The last few days, J has been talking a lot about "the mean boy" and acting up a little himself in class, which is so unlike him. After much prodding, I think I may have figured out that he is a little impressed with the attention this boy gets. The wrong kind of attention.

Back to the point, I have been trying to give him some extra attention at home. He loves to take pictures, so this afternoon I gave him my camera. Here is a shot he took of me in the yard as we waited for the Blue Angels to fly over. We heard the rumbling but never actually saw them.

He took this one of his muddy bicycle wheel. Pretty nice, kid! I have submitted it to a Year of Color for him.

His photo shoot quickly deteriorated into taking about 20 shots of cars going by, but I picked out a few for a Flickr set. I think he might get a kick out of seeing them in a slideshow.

Anyone have any ideas about a inexpensive and DURABLE digicam for kids?

Posted by Alicia at 10:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (11)

We've gotten a little taste of Fall weather of late. Although Gary is predicting 80's by the end of the week, we're enjoying this first bit of the season. My morning coffee even tastes better when the weather takes a cooler turn.

:: cooling thunderstorms, puddles ::

:: snuggly new throw pillows for the couch ::

:: soccer games with new friends ::

:: evening trips around the block ::

:: falling leaves ::

But it won't officially be Fall until we go to the Apple Fest in Weston, MO. It's just one of my favorite days of the year.

Posted by Alicia at 9:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (18)

They are cute, aren't they? You'd never guess they are incubators of the plague.

Ugh. Must collapse in a heap now. Thank you's will have to wait.

Posted by Alicia at 4:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (18)

Posted by Alicia at 9:56 AM | Permalink | Comments (21)

Sorry there are no crafty works in progress today. Although I have several things brewing, they'll have to wait. Today is J day- his last day of summer vacation. (Well, there's the weekend, but there are always weekends.) Kindergarten starts Monday, so we're living it up today, doing whatever J chooses. So far he has picked making a stepping stone, playing in the hose, making popsicles, watching a little Yogi Bear, and after N's nap, going to the pool.

Pretty good choices, kid. Happy weekend, all!

Posted by Alicia at 12:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (9)

We're home. Easing back into our routine and catching up on a few household chores.
And already missing our perfect vacation. Sigh.

There are more pictures here. This is probably the last year we'll head to that resort. The owners are trying to sell and seem to have stopped putting much money into it. Any suggestions for next year? We'd like to stay in Missouri or Arkansas. Luxury is not our priority, but it has to be affordable and clean and have someplace to swim or possibly boat. Anyone know of a good place to try?

Posted by Alicia at 12:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (7)

Papa (my dad) took us to the Wyandotte County Fair. I couldn't resist popping in to show you the Flickred pictures. The demolition derby was pretty darn funny. Smoky, loud, cars crashing into each other on purpose- J was in heaven. N mostly covered her ears.

Off to finish packing. Have a great week, friends!

Posted by Alicia at 9:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

Our annual family trip to the lake is next week. We'll be there with Brian's mom and dad (Maw Maw and Da) both his sisters and their families, and his Aunt Sharon. Sixteen of us total; it's a small turnout this year. The week will be filled with swimming, cooking, eating, laughing, fishing, relaxing, eating, possibly a little boating, wiffle-ball tournaments, and eating some more. All of these activities will be swirled together with the squeals and squawks of our children and the smell of sunscreen and bug spray. It's always a great week, action-packed and relaxing all at the same time. And the timing of it this year is really making it feel like Summer's Last Hurrah.

When we return, we'll have one week to do laundry, get haircuts, adjust to new bedtimes, pack up the backpack, and unbox the new shoes. It's big time change and excitement- J starts Kindergarten. We found out today that he DOES get to go to the grade school we wanted him to attend! Hooray! So this morning we took his list to Target and picked out his supplies, then went to Old Navy for a few pairs of stiff, dark new jeans. (Second-hand jeans in good condition and in the right size are hard to come by.)

It seems fitting with these two events ahead of us, as suggested by sweet Hannah, to set a few goals for myself for this vacation week and then into the next. I'll let you know along the way how I do.

Have a fun and safe weekend and a wonderful week next week too!

Posted by Alicia at 12:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (11)

When we filled up the sandbox two summers ago, I procrastinated making a cover for it and it quickly became the litter box for all the roaming neighborhood cats. I was pregnant at the time and wouldn't consider just cleaning the poops out and saving the sand. It all had to go- that Toxoplasmosis thing had me spooked. So finally there's sand again AND a cover that snaps on. Never mind the heat and humidity, the swarm of locust-sized mosquitoes, or the call to come in and eat BLT's for dinner. They worked hard in there until we came out and took them each in for a hose-down.

Posted by Alicia at 9:10 AM | Permalink | Comments (13)

Yesterday was J's half birthday. (5 1/2) We made some yummy cupcakes.

J shares his half birthday with the whole birthdays of two very special people, Tom aka Da (Brian's dad) and Jennifer (Brian's sister). Happy birthday, guys! We love and miss you!

We'll eat one of these for you. Well actually, we already have. Several.

Posted by Alicia at 12:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (9)

We made it back from our trip. Ahhhh... our own beds.

We have gone camping at Johnson's Shut-Ins for 9 years in a row. But last December, a power plant reservoir broke and flooded the park with 1.3 billion gallons of water. The campground is gone. Completely devastated. Luckily, no one was camping when it happened. The superintendent of the park, his wife, and three young children were swept out of their home in the cold water in the middle of the night. Miraculously, none of them were killed or even seriously injured. Here are a few pictures of our favorite campsite from last year:

Here it what the same site looks like now:

They have repaved the roads and the boulders have been placed to keep visitors from driving through that grassy area- they are trying to restore the fen.

Needless to say, we had to find another campground this year. We went to Sam A. Baker State Park. It wasn't quite the same, but it was still a wonderful week. Lots of beautiful weather, swimming, hiking, and all of the other slow-paced activities that make camping so fun. You can see a few of the 99 (yikes!) photos I took on our trip here. Don't worry- you don't have to wade through them all!

Tomorrow, I'll hopefully have time to show you a few of the things I've been working on to mail away. But in the morning I'm running errands for a dear friend in need.

By the way, thank you for the kind thoughts about our friend's father. Now that things have quieted down for them all, the hard part starts. The more good vibes flow their way, the better.

Posted by Alicia at 10:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (6)

Continuing with Color Week, please meet Petey. Pete owns one of my favorite black things in the world- that cold wet nose.

He is the BEST dog. OK, maybe he's not the best, as in best behaved. He does naughty things like scratch holes in new cotton sheets. He climbs into the compost to eat rotten vegetables. He barks at every little noise in the house. And as it goes in families that have furry children first, and then the not-so-furry variety next, his status around here has dropped. But he's old, and we've had him a long time- 13 years this October- and as we consider the end of his days with us, we only seem to appreciate him more.

Posted by Alicia at 12:47 PM | Permalink | Comments (13)

A most beloved time of year.

The days are long and warm, but not yet stifling.
The evening winds down with a meal of grilled pizzas on the patio.

Citronella candles burn to shoo the mosquitoes.
It's time to put on your swimsuit and flip-flops for the first time this year.

An afternoon trip to the pool stretches into evening when Daddy brings a fast-food supper to eat under an umbrella.
A wandering storm leaves a big puddle that leads to a half hour of messy fun.

Raspberries begin to ripen, only to be snatched off their branch at the mere hint of pink.
At a neighborhood art fair, hot dogs on the sidewalk are the lunch of choice with out-of-town cousins.

You remember how well you get along with those cousins.
The anticipation of upcoming vacations camping and relaxing at the lake is nearly unbearable.
Play dates with friends, long before nagging boredom sets in.
Passing bedtime by to catch "firebugs" with Daddy.

And rediscovering with your children the joys of early summer before the dog days come.

Posted by Alicia at 7:57 PM | Permalink | Comments (13)

Two of the lesser known Ingalls sisters. (My niece and N.)

Posted by Alicia at 3:24 PM | Permalink | Comments (9)

We are tree huggers. Well, I'd say we try our best. I'd love to shop at Whole Foods or Wild Oats, but we just can't afford it. So when I shop, I try to buy most of the organic products offered at our grocery store. I believe that the more mainstream organic products become, the cheaper they will get. And recently I have tightened up my grocery standards.

I am trying to buy fewer items that have enriched flour (all the good stuff is taken out and a little bit is added back in), high fructose corn syrup (super sugar- who needs that?!) and partially hydrogenated oils (um, yuck). If the first five ingredients include any of these, I don't buy it. And it's hard. Even our favorite whole grain bread has high fructose corn syrup! Now, I'm not trying to overdo it. I don't want those foods to be off limits. J always gets to pick out a "treat", and he always picks out something worthless. But that's ok. Everyone needs their treats. But I'm really trying to make an effort. I need to feel like I'm doing what I can to protect our health, and the health of the planet.

This year we have joined a csa. It is called Rolling Prairie and we get a big bag of organic produce every Wednesday. One year we joined alone and ended up composting a lot of this locally hand-farmed produce. We just couldn't eat it all. So this time, we're splitting it with my parents.

This week we got a big bag of snap peas. I sat down at the table to shell them, and J wanted to eat one raw. Now, there's nothing like raw, garden fresh peas, so I said sure. J and N and I sat on the couch and ate the entire bag, like three peas in a pod. As N wisely puts it, mmmmmm.

We also got a little container of strawberries. They are tiny, imperfect, and melt-in-your-mouth sweet. A little bite of pure summer.

Posted by Alicia at 7:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (11)

We had a wonderful trip to St. Louis. We took the Amtrak, and it was two hours late arriving. Yes, J, N and I were on the train for 7 hours. All I can say is my children are amazing. They were so well behaved and didn't moan or squawk the whole trip. When we boarded early in the morning, there were more than a few of those "Oh my God, no, don't let them sit by me" looks thrown our way. But several people came by and complimented me on how great they were doing. Mama was thoroughly proud.

My mural went well. I think it turned out nice, and Sharon, Brian's aunt, was very happy with it. It was so fun to paint for her. She and I gabbed away the whole time- she's one of those people that is so easy to talk to. I love her dearly. She's off to Italy tomorrow for a vacation. (She stayed in the villa a few years ago that we put in the mural.)

Friday evening we ate at a restaurant called The Crossing. It is in old downtown Webster. Good food, nice weather, and a few trains passing by. Who could ask for more? Brian came Friday evening after work in the car to join in on the vacation.

Maw Maw and Da babysat so we could spend Saturday evening with dear old college friends. Brad and Katherine hosted a small reunion barbecue for a bunch of us. Thank you, guys! It was truly great to hang out and catch up. And behalf of all of us, I'd like to apologize to the nice non-Truman spouses (Jamilyn's Tom, Dave's Jane, and Bill's wife who's name has left me. They got there late, and I had, um, consumed a few of these beauties.) Thank you for bearing with our old boring stories!

Sunday we went to Grants Farm, which is very entertaining and is free. They even give you a free Anheuser-Busch beverage at the food court! Free beer! I kid you not. Then later in the evening we all barbecued at Kim's.

And there was even more. Sheesh, weekends like these make you glad to be alive. But there's nothing like a trip to make you happy to come home. We all slept like rocks in our own beds last night. Click here to see all the Flickred pics.

Hope your holiday weekend was all you hoped it would be!

Posted by Alicia at 9:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)

Here is J (like his beard?) enjoying some after preschool raspberry sherbet. And when I say after preschool, I mean AFTER preschool. Today was his last day. I gave the teachers their little gifts yesterday and teared up. I hugged the director, and I got weepy. I just about lost it when they all left with their little faces painted and one of his teachers told him he looked like a train engineer with his beard. They know him so well. I held it together pretty well gathering up all of his things, but once we were in the car... yup. Cried like a baby. They gave us an envelope with a picture of his class and I can't bring myself to read the little note inside. Wait until the school picnic on Friday. I am going to be a basket case. I know, I know. I'm being a drama queen, but I can't help it.

I think the reason for this emotional overreaction is purely selfish. Yes, he's growing up. Yes, he'll start kindergarten in the fall. Yes, old enough to play little league and ride his scooter in the driveway alone. But it's not that stuff. It's that I love that place. I love the teachers and the director. The other moms. The playground. The church (and I'm not a church-goer). I've taken him there several days a week for two years and nothing but positive stuff has gone on there. I'm really going to miss it.

I asked J if he'll miss it. "Nope." And off he ran to kick around some dust.

Posted by Alicia at 3:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)

Well, we completely survived the daddy-free weekend, but I am so tired. The kids and I actually all got along marvelously and had a busy and fun weekend. We jumped feet first into this new week and now it is catching up with me.

Saturday J had an EARLY soccer game, and then we went to the farmers' market with my mom. We came home with locally grown radishes, green onions, asparagus and some basil plants to pot. Here is a photo of N enjoying the live music. You simply can't appreciate her brand of dancing (twirling until she dizzily falls head first into something) unless you see it in person. She's got the music in her bones!

Later in the day we headed down to the Brookside Art Fair. J was mesmerized watching some kinetic sculptures by Jeffrey Zachman. Marbles rolled along the cages, up the pulleys into the baskets, and so on, reminding me of that old game called Moustrap. It was definitely the hit of the show for the preschool set. Unfortunately for the artist, none of these little boys seemed to have the several thousand dollars it would have taken to get one of these dandies home. That evening my dad, J and I went to the Wizards soccer game, so we didn't even make it home to pickup N from my mom until almost 10:30 p.m.

I did read most of my book, and although it is very sad, it is so good. I also got one t-shirt done for J with the freezer paper printing technique. I am hooked! It really is as easy and as instantly gratifying as everyone has been saying. It took me all of 10 minutes to cut out the frog and print it. I am thinking the possibilities with this are endless- I'm already making plans.

Posted by Alicia at 6:14 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)

It was picture perfect nine years ago today. The weather was in the 60's with a gentle breeze and sunny blue skies. My best friend stood up with me in front of a small group of people that we love and became my husband. It was the best day of my life so far.

Nine years later, he's still my best friend and is the absolute best husband and father. Happy Anniversary, sweetie. Thank you for the delicious perfume. I love it.

Posted by Alicia at 12:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (7)

1. Pete's cold wet nose. (um, he's the dog.)

2. making money doing something fun.

3. saving the LAST cookie for naptime- all mine!

4. waking up late (well, 8 am) to a thunderstorm.

5. a new home for my apron.

6. a child's sense of style. why do we have to lose this?

7. hearing the kids laughing together.

8. meeting daddy at a park for lunch.

9. whole wheat toast with butter and honey.

10. sweet N not fussing with the hair clip.

Posted by Alicia at 11:53 AM | Permalink | Comments (5)