Minnesota Military Appreciation Fund

Do you know about the Minnesota Military Appreciation Fund?

After the Storm

Two things... The neighbor that has this swingset also runs a daycare. How sturdy was this thing to begin with? And last night, while the parents surveyed the yard, their kids were playing on the thing. I think I'll pass on checking into them as a daycare option...

Camera-Shy

This weekend was filled with some fantastic times, and so many opportunities to take great photos. And most of the time my camera was... in my bag. Friday, Saturday, Sunday... I was satisfied to let others take the pictures. Or in the case of going out for dinner, we had no pictures. (Hello, camera phones take mediocre pictures, but they're better than nothing!) I think when I am around other people with cameras, I become passive. I think, I'll just get a copy of their pictures, and that's either good enough, or often times better than what I'd take.

But then I think about last fall in New England, and all of the pictures that were taken during that trip. At the same time, at the same event, we all had different points of view, and different "voices". That's something I need to remember-- to let my voice be heard... and to pull out my camera and unabashedly take those photos!

Now... who wants to email me some photos from this weekend?

Chuck a Duck? (aka WHY can't I remember I have a camera phone??)

No takers on the chuck a duck reference? Nobody? Or is that why the ASPCA truck is sitting outside my house, doing surveillance? (kidding...)

Well, here's the story anyway. So suffer.

Yesterday, I was leaving the parking lot of the library/county offices, and as I was about to pull out into the street, a mama duck and a half a dozen tiny fuzzy ducklings crossed the driveway in front of me.

awww....just picture them, a la "Make Way for Ducklings"...

The mama duck jumped up over the curb and onto the grass. The very tall curb. The baby ducks, presented with what was essentially a concrete wall twice their height, milled around the gutter trying to figure out where the heck their mama went.

I think, although I do naturally have a soft spot for animals, that it's these darn pregnancy hormones that caused me to be completely compelled by these ducks. All of the babies were clear of my path. But I couldn't drive off without seeing for myself that each one had made it up onto the grass. Luckily, nobody was behind me, as I sat in the driveway (like a crazy person) and watched them struggle to figure it out. Finally, one brave duckling managed to jump/flap/scramble his way up the curb. And that gave the others hope... so one by one, the others figured it out...
You know already, don't you? One of 'em couldn't make it. Poor little thing was hopping and flapping and crashing back down that inch and a half, and panting and looking pathetic, all the while peeping and making pathetic noises, while the Mama meanwhile is quacking away... She turned back to see where her straggler is, and naturally, all the other babies start making like they're going to jump down and back into the driveway.

I had no choice. Again, hormone-compelled, I put my car into park and got out... I carefully approached the duckling, scooped him up and tossed him (he landed face first, I regretted that) into the grass. He got up and joined the family, as I ran back to my car... finally another car was behind me, probably wondering what kind of nutjob I was.

The pregnant kind, sir. The pregnant kind.

Nursery Tree

This is how it goes... Yesterday morning, I saw something similar in a Pottery Barn Kids catalog. Yesterday afternoon, I made it at Minda's. And last night, I hung it on the wall. Well, I have to take it down, attach the owl a little more permanently, and put some clear coat over the whole thing, but...

Darn cute, isn't it? I had to see it on the wall.

Oh and yesterday, I (gently) tossed a baby duck. Good day.

Just for Tami...

25 1/2 weeks. Shoot, there was another picture that had more of a profile shot. I might have to track that one down tomorrow.

Doula Doula Doula Doula...

Up until probably six months ago, I hadn't heard of a doula. My first introduction, oddly enough, was on Gilmore Girls reruns, where Luke's loopy, hippie sister had a doula for her home birth, and decided to name her daughter Doula. Weird. Sounds too granola for me.

And now, I want one.

I'm not going to try to describe what they do, especially when I can just link you over to this cool website.

I talked to one yesterday over the phone, and she told me about classes that I can go to, to meet and interview doulas. She also told me about Operation Special Delivery, which, when I found it on the internet, it brought tears to my eyes.

I don't think I qualify for free doula services, since Dave is at a pre-deployment training, but I contacted them anyway and explained our situation. We'll see what they say. Otherwise, I'll have to start panhandling for spare change.



*************UPDATE!****************

Before I had even finished this post, I had an email response from Operation Special Delivery that we DO qualify for free doula services. Praise the Lord!

I'm Getting Taller.

I've decided that must be it. Because suddenly, I'm noticing, I can't see my feet as well as I could before. And I spilled something on the floor, bent down to clean it up, and gosh, the floor was further away than it used to be.

(The fact that I can no longer look down and see what color underwear I'm wearing, well, that's a personal problem.)

Or perhaps my nearly 42-inch belly has something to do with it. Just maybe. This week has marked the beginning of the "uncomfortable" stage. It's not too bad at all yet, but I can tell where it's heading. (Wait... not to say that morning sickness was a "comfortable" stage...)

The babe has a distinct preference for kicking my right side. He's particularly active in the evening, and usually snoozes while I'm working.

Just Like a Real Dog

She's a pretty girl. She likes to be outside... in small doses, and on her terms. And then she wants to go back inside. She doesn't want to be wet, she doesn't want to get dirty. But every once in a while...

she forgets...

and she lays in the grass like a real dog.

What Type of Fruit are You?

You Are an Orange

You have a zest for life, especially for anything colorful, wild, or dramatic. You have a unique take on the world, and you're not afraid to be a little funky. You are a bit reserved toward people who don't know you well. You have a thick skin, which can protect you from anything that goes wrong in your life. Once someone does get to know you, they totally get and appreciate you. Your friends see you as a bright person with a refreshing take on life.

What Type of Fruit Are You?

24 Seconds of Fuzzy Cuteness

Squirrel Update: Around Memorial Day, Little Guy's instincts kicked in and he realized that my mom was NOT a mama squirrel. But until then, he was awfully fond of the food & attention he received.

He's Off...

Yesterday Dave got his orders, and after a whirlwind night of packing, dinner out, and pre-training test taking, I finally was able to fall into restless sleep a little after 1:00... and woke up at 3:50 to get ready to take him to the airport. He flew out on a 6:00 flight to Ft. Rucker, AL.

He'll be home from July 25-31, and then he's off to Ft. Gordon, GA, for more training until the deployment.

It's finally here, and it's a little like getting a bad medical diagnosis... The knowing and going through it is scary and sad and awful, but the waiting and wondering was already painful, so now it can just be faced.

Scrapping's out, Crochet is in.

A little over a week ago, I decided I would make a baby sweater to go with the babe's baptismal gown. So I found a simple pattern, and yarn, and set to work. I thought it would be a handy thing to do last weekend while traveling to and from family reunions. Good plan... one problem... I finished it last Thursday, two days BEFORE traveling. Oh well. (And that was with getting the body 2/3rds done, realizing I had made an error waaaay back at the beginning, unraveling it and starting over.) I still need to get buttons, but I've got a few months. I had no idea how fast it was going to go. Maybe I should take orders?!

The Nest

A few weeks ago, I was hit by the nesting bug. In a few short hours, I moved a queen-sized bed from the room upstairs to the room downstairs (Dave helped, thank you very much!), brought all of the parts of the crib upstairs, put it together, and made the bed. (The last bit was done during commercial breaks in the show we were watching downstairs... can you say manic?)

So the room is really coming together. I have a changing table, and a dresser (I still need to sand and repaint that...)

Oh, and since a few had expressed concern, we have a baby swing. I bought it from the same person who I got the changing table from. (and a bouncer and a baby gym, all for $53...) I took it apart because it was taking up too much space, but it looks like this:


So, we're getting there, and I have spent right around $300 total so far. As I get things, I write down what I have, and if it's borrowed, who it goes back to. My sweet husband worries that I will have bought everything the baby will need, and there will be nothing for family to give as gifts. Sweet, silly boy. He underestimates how much STUFF that babies need.

Well, here's the list so far:

baby gates (2)
baby gym
bath tub
bathing suit 3-6 month
bibs (12 early solids size)
blanket
bouncer seat
breast pump
bumper pad
car seat head support
car seat, infant (2 bases)
changing table
cotton hats (5)
cradle
crib
crib mattress
crib sheets (1)
diaper rash ointment
diaper wipes
diapers (size n=29, size 1=173)
exersaucer
disposable spoons (3)
front carrier
gowns (2)
hooded towel (1)
jacket 0-3 month (1)
jacket 6-9 month (2)
long sleeve onesies & snap tees, 0-3 month (5)
long sleeve onesies & snap tees, 3-6 month (7)
long sleeve onesies & snap tees, 6-9 month (5)
long sleeve onesies & snap tees, 9-12 month (1)
long sleeve onesies & snap tees, 12 month (4)
mobile
nursing bras
nursing support pillow
outlet covers
pacifiers (2, avent)
pack & play (2)
pants & overalls, 0-3 month (4)
pants & overalls, 3-6 month (3)
pants & overalls, 6-9 month (6)
pants & overalls, 12 month (2)
quilt (1)
receiving blankets (5)
robe (1)
rompers, 0-3 month (3)
rompers, 3-6 month (2)
rompers, 6-9 month (3)
rompers, 12 month (1)
short sleeve onesies & snap tees, 0-3 month (13)
short sleeve onesies & snap tees, 3-6 month (12)
short sleeve onesies & snap tees, 6-9 month (6)
side snap undershirts, newborn size (6)
short sleeve onesies & snap tees, 12 month (2)
sleep sack (3)
sleepers 0-3 month (14)
sleepers 3-6 month (7)
sleepers 6-9 month (4)
sleepers 9-12 month (1)
sleepers/pjs 12 month (5)
sleeveless onesie 0-3 month (4)
snowsuit, 0-3 month (1)
snowsuit, 3-6 month (1)
socks m (9)
socks xs (8)
sun hats (2)
sweater 0-3 month (1)
sweaters 3-6 month (4)
swing
two-piece outfits 0-3 month (2)
two-piece outfits 3-6 month (3)
two-piece outfits 6-9 month (7)
warm hat

Never a Dull Moment

This...


means that Dave was accepted as a Warrant Officer Candidate. I'm so proud of him. And now, he's going to go for training. Next week. He'll be home again at the end of July, until it's time for the next training, sometime in August. He'll (hopefully!!) make a stop home for a few days when his baby is born, hopefully get some time off at Christmas, then back to training until January-ish. And then, finally, once all of the training is done, he will come home so that he can get ready... to deploy again. (Probably.)

When he finally comes home to us(winter 2010), We're going to keep him!

Stuff ! ? !

In principal, I like the idea of a baby registry. I like being able to say, hey, we do need a stroller, no, we don't need a swing. But then, on the other hand, I certainly don't want to say I WANT STUFF, and I only want this STUFF from this store. Blech.

And which store to choose? Wal-mart has a nice selection that is both online and in-store. And their return policy is friendlier than Target's. But the honest truth is, I don't really like Wal-mart. And Target... they have an amazing way of varying their products from store to store, and few things between in-store and online match up. And the descriptions on their registry? Well, here's an example.

COMPUTER JUST1YR 0-9M 6PK $6.99

Of course, from reading that, you'd naturally understand you were looking for socks, right? Of course. I have no idea how "computer" relates to "socks". But, somehow it must. Anyway, at this time, secretly, we are registered at both Target AND Wal-mart. Because there are quirky things about both places. But if I spread the word, well then, I'll have to cross reference them against each other. Sounds like a pain.

So I should really drop one. But which one....

(Oh, and Babies R Us supposedly has a really good gift box for all new registering parents... So I might register there in double super secret, just for the swag, and then cancel it. We'll see. Babies R Us is not only less convenient, it's generally more expensive.)

And another thing... if you didn't already know the sex of the baby, looking at either registry, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure it out...

Here, Fishy Fishy

Over Memorial Day, we went up to Hoffman, MN and stayed with my parents' best friends, Steve & Joyce. They have a cabin on a small lake there. The weather was just fine, a little chilly at times, but I had no complaints. Dave took the kayak out on the lake a few times each day and managed to find some nice walleye and bass.



Steve & Joyce were kind enough to let us stay in their camper. It was so nice! And much more comfortable than a tent. I slept great.



Missy had a fantastic time running around with the other dogs there, and then going back to the camper to lay on her blanket and take a nap. A puppy could get spoiled!

20- Week Ultrasound Photos

Don't quite know what to make of this one...

photo by Gretta Becay of the Byron Review.

Happy Birthday Minnesota

Over the weekend, Minnesota turned 150 years old. Somehow I missed the birthday cake and most of the party, but I did see this:


This was the wagon train, that went from Cannon Falls to the State Capitol. We caught it while it passed through Hastings. It was really fun to see. And it was interesting to think about what a s-l-o-w way to travel that was.

Signs

Today I did some spring clean-up in my flower bed, and as I was doing that, I startled a robin in the pine tree. She kept a very close eye on me, but when she disappeared for a little bit, I carefully got a picture of her nest. After that, I was careful to keep away and let her do her thing. I raked and reseeded the dead spots in the lawn, and then I turned on the sprinkler system. No problems this year. (Last year I turned it on with a pressure release still open, and came outside to find water gushing out... Had to run back downstairs to shut off the inside valve, close it up and do it all again.) My Dad doesn't like working with plumbing, he says it always leaks. I feel like that with restarting the sprinkler system, at every step I'm holding my breath, hoping water comes out where it should and not anywhere else, and feeling a complete sense of amazement when it actually works like it should.

For those with an interest in such things, my belly (formerly known as my waist) is now 38 inches; my bust is 38 1/2. It's still in the lead, but not for long, I think. Right now I just look like a girl who likes fast food, or a little coffee with my cream and sugar.

I Can Eat This.

Most "experts" agree that sushi-ing while pregnant is a no-no. So, I've been holding off. But wait! What they agree is the problem is the RAW food. But not all sushi is raw! Aha! Let the choirs of angels sing, I have had a revelation.

I can eat California rolls. I can eat Caterpillar rolls. I can eat Crunchy rolls and Spider rolls and Tempura rolls. I can eat kaibashira. I can eat unagi. I can eat ebi. And with that, I can rub my happy belly, because that is plenty!

Who wants to go out for sushi with me?

(The ume martinis are still off limits.)

Two Weeks Later

Two weeks ago tonight, I was woken out of a heavy sleep with a migraine. The headache has varied in intensity, but has not gone away completely since then. So two days ago, I saw a headache specialist. She recommended avoiding Tylenol and Fioricet, and trying physical therapy and biofeedback. Now, I'm waiting (with an ice pack on my head) until my appointments with those therapists.

The nausea is much, much improved, but not quite gone yet. I'm also really thankful that I found the headache patches that I love. I can't wait until the headache lets me go, it's going to feel amazing.

Bargain Hunter!

I.Do.Not.Want.To.Talk.About.My.Headaches.

On a brighter note, [don't tell my stomach... it doesn't know I'm here...] I have had FOUR blissful, nausea-free, vomit-free days. And that's been amazing. I could get used to this.

Yesterday, I was spurred into action to go and check out some roomier clothes. First, my faithful Girl Friday and I checked out Nine in Minneapolis, a maternity consignment shop. Cute stuff, good prices. I will definitely go back there. After dinner we happened to be by an upscale maternity boutique... It's crazy what some things cost new. As in, I bought nine pieces of clothing for the cost of one pair of designer maternity jeans. Good thing I don't desire designer clothes. There is at least one more maternity consignment shop I want to check out on another day.

This morning, I woke up and remembered I hadn't checked the "IBM" online classifieds (difficult to explain) that came out a few days ago. From past months, I've noticed people sell baby stuff CHEAP. So today I picked up a solid maple baby cradle, good condition, little used, for $20. When I say I picked it up, though... the story is actually a little more complicated. You see, I could tell by the area code that it was being sold in SE MN, likely in the Rochester area. When I called, he said, "I'm in Byron, do you know where that is?" Yes, I do, indeed. Now, it would have been a slick thing, because I could have had my parents pick it up for us, since they live in Byron... Except they're in Florida. So... Carrie called her mom, (also a Byron resident) and SHE picked it up for us. And that was greatly appreciated, because it saved me a few hours driving and a tank of gas.

And then, I picked up a few more pairs of jeans and capris on Ebay for a song...

So the tally for the weekend:
6 shirts
5 pairs of pants
1 skirt
1 swim suit
1 baby cradle
--------------
less than $160

heartbeat

Let's Go Wild!

Congratulations to the Northwest Division Champions, The Minnesota Wild!

We went to the game last night, and it was a blast. We had EXCELLENT seats and were talking during the game about going to our NEXT game. (So what, we have no tickets...)
If we couldn't already tell that we had good seats, the lady sitting next to me pointed out that Gov. Pawlenty was sitting a few rows behind us.

The Wild beat Calgary 3-1, and we even got a good old fashioned hockey brawl. I'm not sure if it was because we were on the Club level, or if it was because it was fan appreciation night, but the goodies in the store were 1/3 off... So since Dave & I were both wearing jerseys, I figured we needed this for next season:

More Movies

Well, I've been gradually going through Audrey Hepburn movies, and trying to catch the ones I hadn't seen. So, I rented "Paris When It Sizzles". Yikes. Painfully bad. I didn't make it to the halfway mark before I decided it wasn't worth my time. I guess I should have paid more attention to the reviews.

So instead, I rewatched: "The Nun's Story".

Wow, I love this movie. In it, Audrey Hepburn plays a woman who leaves her past life behind her and enters a convent. It shows, with stark clarity, the sacrifices she must make to take her vows.

As the movie goes on, time and time again, she struggles to maintain her utter devotion to God, even at times when that dedication is putting her at great odds with her true self.

I've read online that there has been debate about whether this movie is anti-Catholic or not. As a new Catholic, I found the rituals shown in the movie absolutely fascinating and beautiful. There is conflict within the convent, but I felt it was more human conflict than a case of the Church having the wrong beliefs.

And Audrey! Ah, Audrey. She was dressed by Givinchy almost exclusively in all of her films.. but naturally she wears the simple dress of a nun through the majority of the movie. And it's never been more clear that her grace and luminosity is all her, not the way that she is made up.

I highly recommend this one.

Melting.. Melting...

What a world, what a world.

Monday's snow is slowly but surely losing the fight. It's slipping off of trees and roofs with a juicy splat that is quite satisfying (unless the splat lands on you).

Yesterday was an up-and-down kind of day, overall a good day with a few bouts of sick scattered through for balance. Some moments I hit my limit, and just want to feel normal again; I had one of those moments yesterday. And then yesterday I was overtaken with peace about it; The outcome is a good one. All of this is worth it. What if I had cancer, wouldn't I be more sick and more tired? What if I had one of those illnesses that hangs on for months or years, draining wellness from the body physically and emotionally, and doctors couldn't find a definite cause or cure? So I'm tired. So I'm occasionally unpleasantly sick. I still have a lot of cause for joy in my life. Most days, more than I merit.

In the evening, Dave & I went to our marriage enrichment class, and it was good. We had completed a questionnaire the previous session, and this week we discussed where we had differing responses. Oh, the landmines were definitely there, but we talked through several things and I had a complete "AHA" moment... Something that was an unhealthy part of our morning routine had such a simple solution. Sometimes I think about how much I love him... That's powerful stuff.

Today I'm at 13 weeks, and my next appointment is Monday. Sometimes I worry; I am sure it's natural. Dave took the day off to go to my appointment with me. We should be able to hear the heartbeat together.

Movie Review: Pygmalion

In 1939, this movie was nominated for four Academy Awards. And that was a decent year in motion picture history, so I thought I should check it out.

The plot? Netflix says: "When snooty phonetics professor Henry Higgins meets Cockney flower girl Eliza Doolittle, he bets his friend that he can elevate her lowbrow speech and pass her off as a duchess at a grand ball in just three months. Through an unrelenting string of exasperating drills, Henry transforms the uncultured Eliza into an elegant lady. Along the way, he falls in love with her … but Henry's too stubborn to admit it."

What? That sounds vaguely familiar, doesn't it? Yes, 25 years before darling Audrey could have danced all night, this movie was made in Britain, based off of Bernard Shaw's original play by the same name. Pygmalion is not as fast-paced as My Fair Lady, and because of that, more emphasis is placed on the emotion of the characters.

It is interesting to note, Shaw DID NOT want or intend for Liza and Professor Higgins to end up together. But still, in the play, the screenplay, and the musical, we are left with the conclusion that they have found an odd comfort in each other. I think I like the story better because the two characters don't have a "Hollywood Ending"; that appeals to me.

Would I recommend this movie? Yes, to someone who already has established a love of classic movies, and isn't expecting a lot of flash. If you're looking for the elaborate costuming and staging, and upbeat, romantic musical tone of My Fair Lady, you will probably be happier with something else.

And now, Cat Free!

I hadn't posted about this, it seems to have happened sometime during the blog slump. Our household is now down to one pet, Missy.

Grady, the orange cat, shuffled off this mortal coil by way of the local animal hospital, if you catch my drift. He had been having trouble keeping food down, and after talking to the vet, it was decided it was time. He lived a full life, and it was better to go before there was too much pain.

And Sam, the grey & white cat, has found a new home with Minda, Scott & Andrew. He went on a trial visit, and it was a good fit. Now he's a part of the family, and even seems to enjoy running around the room with the cranky old girl kitty. Andrew made this scrapbook page for Sam:



Dave's allergies are appreciating the change!

Happy Easter

Here is a little taste of Spring. Trust me, don't look outside. No good can come of it. For now, the flowers are found indoors.

We had a very nice Easter. We went to Mass, and then Dave's family came over. We had dinner, we told them about the baby, we played games. It was a fun afternoon, but afterwards I was exhausted! Oh, and I was darn happy... I was still able to fit into my new Easter suit. $12 at the consignment shop, whoo hoo!

And One More...

You Need Some Purple in Your Life

Purple will make you feel ambitious, independent, and creative. And with a little purple, you will project an aura of individuality. If you want more extravagance, you've got to get a little purple in your life! For extra punch: Combine purple with green or orange The downside of purple: It can evoke sad feelings The consequences of more purple in your life: You will feel an increase in your artistic abilities You will find balance in the most chaotic parts of your life You will feel calm and will be hard to disturb

What Color Do You Need?

Which Austen Heroine are You?

Take the Quiz here!

I can't disagree with this...

The Elusive Seven-Bone Roast

I want this. I want it badly. Last year, I was able to do a special request at Byerly. So this year, despite the fact that I do have a freezer full of beef (and much to my husband's chagrin) I called to order one.

Apparently cows have gone boneless in the last year. I had some nice chats with a couple of butchers (really nice people, by the way. There's a job that has become invisible in today's world) and learned that the chain stores don't even have the option of getting those chuck roasts whole anymore. They come from the meat packing plant already de-boned, cut and ready to go. A few of the butchers and I commiserated on the loss... the tenderness and flavor is just not the same in those roasts. So, take a moment, if you will, to mourn the end of the good old days.

But wait a minute, all hope is not completely lost. This year, I WILL go to my freezer and pull out whatever chuck roast happens to be in there. But where did that roast come from? A COW. With BONES. On Dave's uncle's FARM. Saaay. I need to learn all of the technical specifications of what is a seven-bone roast, so that I can impress upon Uncle Gene that THAT ROAST is THE ONE. And I will beg, plead, cry if I have to, until I HAVE MY ROAST.

Too bad it will be frozen, though... but now I'm getting picky.

Tellling Mom & Dad N

My parents recently came home from a two-week trip of a lifetime to Israel. So I'm sure they suspected nothing when I suggested we go out for dinner. I'm not sure what they thought when they saw we had a wrapped present that we brought to dinner. But I told them it was something they didn't have, and I thought they might like. Of course the hostess at the restaurant wanted to know what the occasion was-- oh no occasion! Just a gift for the parents.

Now, we were really enjoying hearing about their trip. What an experience. But save that for later. Oddly, I was nervous about telling them. That was a weird reaction, I mean, I knew they were going to be over the moon excited. But still, I was nervous. I felt totally impatient waiting for my mom to finish her salad. I felt like I was staring at her bowl, and at every bite.. Then, finally, she was done, and I gave her the package. Inside were two coffee mugs that said "Hello my name is GRANDMA" and "Hello my name is GRANDPA" I think her first words were, "Oh, yeah?" and my dad said, "What does that mean?" I had stuck one of the ultrasound pictures into the Grandma mug, and she showed it to my dad. He got it. I think their only disappointment was that they didn't have the mugs the day before, when they met their best friends for breakfast. And I was right, over the moon excited.

Oh, what the heck...

There IS something I could certainly blog about.


Yes, Dave & I are expecting a baby sometime around October 8. Things are going well. I saw the midwife at 9 weeks, and got to see the heart flashing. She gave me a prescription for anti-nausea and something for headaches with a little more oomph than straight Tylenol, God bless her. Every few days, I think that the worst of the nausea is behind me, and then every few nights I'm proven wrong. But soon! I HATE how I'm eating right now.

We interrupt this boring blog...

with the announcement that I'm guessing this blog will continue to be boring. At least for a while. As the winter doldrums end, perhaps the blog slump will too...

Stay tuned...

December Time Capsule

1) A gift you gave: Harry Potter Chamber of Secrets Legos
2) Something you apologized for: being crabby
3) The last person you thanked: Nancy, for supper
4) The last movie you watched: I didn't really watch "Nightmare before Christmas", but it was playing and I sang along...
5) The best food you ate this month: Dinner at Chateau Lamothe
6) The last place you ate out: Chateau Lamothe
7) Something that made you cry: a toast to Gary
8) Something that made you laugh: hanging out with Kei
9) The last person you talked to on the phone: Christy
10) Someone you're thinking about today: Tami
11) What have you created this month that you are proud of: 2 Christmas ornaments
12) What is your mood today: Lazy
13) What is today's weather: Light Snow. High 20F. Winds WNW at 10 to 15 mph.
14) Something you are thinking about: Birthday parties

This feature wasn't at the Messiah that we saw...

But it's really funny!

We Can't Help it, We're Gorgeous!

Last night, Minda & I went to Handel's Messiah, performed by the Minnesota Orchestra and Chorale, at the Minneapolis Basilica. Wow. I'm still amazed. The music and the atmosphere were exquisite. And we were no slouches either!

Remembering

Lots of remembering this week....

December!

Outside the house:

Inside the house:


It sure makes it easier to do overtime when you can work from home, and when it's a day that begs "don't leave the house!" Our previous snow this season was big puffy fluffy goosefeather stuff. This snow is the nasty little ice ball kind. The kind that stings when it hits your skin. The kind that makes me happy that I can stay home today if I choose.

Ok, back to work!

How can you not adore him?

I still think I should have adopted him.

November Time Capsule

1) A gift you gave: a Harley Davidson hat
2) Something you apologized for: having to change plans
3) The last person you thanked: Scott, for playing dominoes
4) The last movie you watched: Shrek 3
5) The best food you ate this month: Thanksgiving dinner
6) The last place you ate out: Wendy's
7) Something that made you cry: an argument
8) Something that made you laugh: hanging out with Kei
9) The last person you talked to on the phone: Leigh
10) Someone you're thinking about today: Dave
11) What have you created this month that you are proud of: Thanksgiving dinner!
12) What is your mood today: optimistic
13) What is today's weather: Sunny. High 25F. NNW winds shifting to E at 10 to 15 mph.
14) Something you are thinking about: Running errands

Happy Thanksgiving

Who Knew?

Steve and Barry's.

I'm not sure why I stopped being a shopper... (oh yeah, new house!) But what an odd little retail clothing store. Some things were not my taste, but they had a lot of other things that I did like. And cheap! They seem to still be trying to get off the ground (or at least that's the impression the store gave) but I hope they stick around for a little while at least. I got embroidered U of Wisconsin Badgers(yes, official licensed apparel) T-shirts for Dave, 2 for $15. I am intrigued...

And, who knew... I'm in total denial about Thanksgiving, Christmas, and winter in general! Heck, I might grab my camping chair and book (and my parka) and go to the beach! (before the sun sets at 4:30...)

You Should Be Here!

Happiness, Forgiveness and the Universe

"I am absorbed with a delicate thought..."
--Edgar Allen Poe, Letters, 1831

A week and a half ago, at women's bible study, Debbie said a very profound thing, that sometimes we get into habits of "excusing" a person rather than forgiving a person, when that person wrongs you. I've been mulling that over ever since.

Today I've been thinking also about happiness, and that each person, and no one else, owns their own happiness. And that is something that is ours to control, with the help of God. I know very well that environment and my own body can make happiness seem out of reach. But where this culture tells us to say, "you made me unhappy because...", I want to instead say, "I felt unhappy, because...", In that case, neither burying the injury OR placing blame. But it's a very hard thing.

I'm still thinking it all over...

The Ultimate Gift

Tonight I watched the movie, "The Ultimate Gift". It was adapted from a book by the same name written by Jim Stovall. I haven't read the book, but I really enjoyed the movie so I might see if the library has it. It's a tear-jerker, so you're warned. It's also a decent PG movie, which aren't always easy to find. I really loved the actors in it. Abigail Breslin plays an outspoken little girl that develops an important relationship with the main character, Jason. When I saw Jay Leno live last January, she was one of the guests. She is really a talented kid.

October's Time Capsule

1) A gift you gave: a scrapbook page
2) Something you apologized for: using someone else's things
3) The last person you thanked: Paul at work
4) The last movie you watched: Dark Victory
5) The best food you ate this month: Teppanyaki at the Japanese restaurant in Apple Valley. (who knew?)
6) The last place you ate out: Manhattan's after seeing "Jerry Springer the Opera"
7) Something that made you cry: a scrapbook page I made
8) Something that made you laugh: Andrew being Andrew
9) The last person you talked to on the phone: Leigh
10) Someone you're thinking about today: Minda
11) What have you created this month that you are proud of: a page about depression
12) What is your mood today: restless
13) What is today's weather: Sunny. High 57F. Winds from SSE at 9 mph.
14) Something you are thinking about: Supper

So Proud of Him

Still Raining. Have a Laugh.

On a gloomy day, have a laugh for free. You may or may not want "this" laugh. It's long but funny!

Rain?

"You're old enough some people say
To read the signs and walk away.
It's only time that heals the pain
And makes the sun come out again.
It's raining again..."

"I'm singing in the rain
Just singing in the rain
What a glorious feelin'
I'm happy again
I'm laughing at clouds
So dark up above
The sun's in my heart
And I'm ready for love..."

"I'm only happy when it rains
I'm only happy when it's complicated
And though I know you can't appreciate it
I'm only happy when it rains
You know I love it when the news is bad
Why it feels so good to feel so sad
I'm only happy when it rains..."

"Why does the sun always shine
On the other side, on the other side
Why does it always have to be
Oh raining
Always raining on me?..."

Three Dog Night

It's fall... the leaves are turning, the winds are brisk, the husband is hunting. Last night I had been planning on scrapbooking, but I ended up staying home and watching TV. Me & the girls curled up in bed and watched Gilmore Girls and went to sleep early.

September's Time Capsule

1) A gift you gave: A coffee mug for Minda (hey, Again!)
2) Something you apologized for: being disorganized
3) The last person you thanked: Minda
4) The last movie you watched: Bourne Supremacy
5) The best food you ate this month: Dinners in Boston and New Hampshire
6) The last place you ate out: Au Bon Pain, at the Airport
7) Something that made you cry: Laughing at a book
8) Something that made you laugh: Tally Scrappers
9) The last person you talked to on the phone: Dave
10) Someone you're thinking about today: Jen
11) What have you created this month that you are proud of: a Christmas scrapbook page
12) What is your mood today: Better than yesterday
13) What is today's weather: Mostly sunny. High 70F. Winds SSW 10 - 15 mph.
14) Something you are thinking about: Creating a survey for work.

What a slacker!

Wow, it's almost the end of September! Where have I been??

Well....

Columbus, Ohio... Sept 8 - 12, for a few days in the office with my team, (and a few days with Stacy just for fun!)

Boston, Mass... Sept 20 & 21, with Minda, where we met Chris and Tami, two of our Tally Scrapper friends.

Meredith, New Hampshire... September 22 & 23, to stay at Tami's sister's beautiful rental home and meet Jen D.

Now, I'm going to plant myself at home for a while.