Lane.like.the.Street

Too Many Directions

2010-03-14T12:29:00.007-05:00

So here I am posting again after a long absence. A lot has been going on, with school, the house, and the kiddos. The Poppet has turned FIVE and added two to the menagerie, the Balach is as mischievous as ever, getting into things and in general being a two-year-old, and G-- is just as busy with school, house, and kids as I am.

So, The Poppet's birthday party! Star Wars!

Her new friends, Luke Bolt and Leia Mittens:

How to Get Me to Post More

2010-02-14T21:37:00.004-06:00

Want to know how to get me to post more? Threaten me with a Sunday night's worth of homework. See? Here I am! My books are next to me, with my syllabi all laid out...and I'm looking for something important to draw me away. That's generally the way it goes, right?

The Balach crawled around meowing today, and tried to stick his head through the cat door to the basement. He also had a fun time at the zoo this morning with his cousin learning all about bugs. G-- took him to the class (which was a gift from my sister- and brother-in-law to Balach for Christmas) and said that they had lots of fun crawling through an ant hill, playing with bugs in dirt, and petting some giant cockroach. Maybe a Hissing Madagascar? I think that's what it was. I admit I'm very happy G-- took him because I don't know how well I would have done... I would have done okay on the painting a ladybug bit, and the making butterfly wings bit, but the Balach wasn't so interested in those mundane activities.

When he got home the kiddos decorated some heart cookies from Grandma with lemon icing and sprinkles, and spent some time washing their stuffed animals with a hairdryer and this brush from Build a Bear. They also got a little Star Wars time in after dinner and before they headed to bed.

The bathroom is torn apart right now because the tub needs a new drain and the drain on the sink was leaking. It's always an interesting thing to have no shower at all to use. Especially when one has a yoga class coming up. I would be tempted to skip it and not have to subject my classmates to my stinky self, but I already missed two classes last week because of poor Balach with his pneumonia.

Did I mention that the Balach got his first real haircut last week?

He was a bit nervous about sitting in the chair to let the stylist cut his hair, even after watching Papa have his hair cut, but when I sat with him it was like he had done it a million times before. The stylist was quite impressed--she would ask him to turn his head a bit, or look down, and he did it right away and stayed perfectly still. For the next several days he bragged to everyone he met that he got a haircut.

The Poppet also had fun last week because she had her first school Valentine party. We made some carrot muffins and topped them with pineapple hearts, and she filled out some valentines that my aunt bought for her for each of her classmates and her teachers.

She was so proud, and had a ton of fun. She also got a special delivery of a valentine in class from us. They sent out little pieces of paper from the parents for a fundraiser. She was especially fond of the lollipop taped to the front of that one, which was the first she'd ever eaten.

So, those are my random updates for today, and I'm going to sign off now and really do my homework. See you later!

Has it really been FOUR months?

2010-02-11T11:31:00.004-06:00

Wow, I stink at this whole blogging thing. Since I've talked to you last I've turned 26, celebrated the holidays with family, started school, and began planning a soon-to-be FIVE year old's Star Wars themed birthday party. I'm also having lots of fun dealing with a little boy with pneumonia and generally going a little insane. Not much crafting has gotten done other than Christmas (I forgot to take pictures) and a few birthdays. I'm hoping to get a few things done before the Poppet's birthday party to get the house up to par and so she has, you know, a gift. I've also signed up for the 2010 Knitting Olympics through Yarn Harlot, which basically means I'm actually going to get off of my butt and knit a little again. I chose the Capitan Hat by Rosi Garmendia. It's not supposed to be a difficult pattern, but with everything going on I don't really get much (read: any) knitting time in lately. The last thing I got off of the needles was a scarf for the Poppet for school, in October or November.

(Small diversion--the Balach came to sit down next to me and informed me proudly that his right foot is named 'Mama' and his left, 'Papa'.)

I'm taking four classes at university with a full time schedule. It's taken some getting used to and I'm still not quite where I want to be, but I'm working on it. I'm really grateful that G-- is home nights to take care of dinner and such because when I get home on Mondays and Wednesdays it's after 6:00, and when he gets home after 4:00 on Tuesdays and Thursdays I have to leave immediately for the dog park. (See The Mad Menagerie, a crazy money-making idea that I had, which at least pays for dog and cat food.) I'm also looking forward to the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show on Monday and Tuesday. Maybe I can get a little knitting in there while Muggle and I watch. Anyway, enough about me! Oh, wait! This is my blog--it's ALL about me!!

Oh! The pants! I made Christmas pants for all and sundry for Christmas Eve. All and sundry being the kids, G-- and I:

Anyway, tired...must bake, launder, and wrangle. See you all later!

Stylish Saturday

2009-10-10T22:35:00.004-05:00

I don't know if I'll actually remember to do this, but I'm going to try to bring my weeks creations to you on Saturdays as a regular thing (well, as regular as this blog is, anyway).

A valence for the half bath/my tiny dressing room out of an old, worn-out pair of G--'s brown pinstriped pants. Please ignore the slightly crooked hem. I really like this and think it's funny, G-- isn't overly fond of it. But, he doesn't go in there much, so I guess that's okay for both of us. *grin*

And, a name banner with the power of the Packers for my cousin Ian, who turned six this week. I have a very large family...my oldest cousin is in his 30's, and my youngest is Ian's younger brother, who is about 6 months old. It's crazy to me that my children are both older than my youngest cousin. I love having a huge family, though--we have something going at least once a month, and it's great (yet unbelievable!) watching everyone slowly grow up around me.

PS I also wanted to mention that it snowed today. Absolutely crazy that the kids were outside hacking away at the birthday piñata in the snow!

Time Keeps Marchin'

2009-10-10T01:28:00.002-05:00

Not much has been going on over here. Wisconsin has been enjoying (that's not really the word I'm looking for, but at 1:30am it'll have to do) really cold weather for this time of year--ie we're expecting snow on Monday. That would be the 12th of October, people. Crazy. G-- and I have been working on cold-proofing the house with that shrinky window stuff, and the Poppet and the Balach have been bugging us to play with the hairdryer since we have never before had one in the house. The kids and I had been doing a bit of baking to warm the house up of evenings but I finally caved last night and turned the heat on as we were expecting lows in the low 30's overnight. I think I also may have to make new plans for my birthday, as I wanted to go to a pumpkin farm with everyone, but we're supposed to get freezing weather and I really think the pumpkins in the field will be suffering a bit, poor things. So I'll think of something fun to do, I'm sure.

Hmmm...other than that, we've just been marchin' along livin' life. The Poppet has been loving school, and loving the occasional homework that comes home, because it means extra coloring, and I generally let her color with markers, which hasn't happened on a regular basis since the Balach started stealing them and coloring everything in sight. Since they've been put away I think we've been suffering a bit of marker withdrawal. The Balach has started talking up a storm recently, and is getting pretty good at his enunciation. He repeats almost everything everyone says, and then turns it into a question after that.

G-- just got notified that he's got a job now, too! This is a huge relief for everyone money-wise, but I know the stress levels are going to go up as he goes to school in the morning, comes home, cleans up, does a little homework, and then heads to work from 5pm to midnight. It should be an interesting experiment in sanity for both of us, and it will be hard on the kids, too, as they won't see Papa as much. He's also bummed that his evening out every week with friends will have to be postponed. I'm hoping they can come up with something to do on the weekends. The kids are also sad that Papa will be absent from our yearly outing to the Zoo for trick-or-treat night.

Nights are nice and relaxing lately. Just a little clean up, then I have time to knit or sew or read on the couch with all of the animals while G-- does homework. It's very comfortable as the nights start getting cooler!

PS The picture below is of a coloring page the Poppet made for the Wisconsin Sheep and Wool Festival this year. She won second place, and was thrilled to get it back in the mail today, with prize ribbon and a gift certificate included! I'm so proud of her, and I know she's proud, too!

School Days

2009-10-05T21:02:00.002-05:00

The Poppet has had two days in the last week in which the school has requested that the kids all dress in certain colors. Last Friday was school colors day (their colors are black and gold) and today was Packers day (green and gold, of course!). We had lots of fun getting ready for today, because the notification came home Thursday night so it was hard to get things together for Friday's school colors day. We were thinking of hitting up the high school homecoming game on Friday night but scrapped that idea when it started to rain and the cold weather came gusting in. We still ended up spending time in the rain at a Fire Awareness Week event near my mother's, wherein we all ate hotdogs and the kids got free plastic fire hats and pumpkins, and then we went home because we were freezing. The Poppet and I had lots of fun putting together pretty clips for today, complete with long ribbons to braid into her hair, and glitter to spray in. She was pretty thrilled with that, and I have to admit, she was adorable! I may be biased, but I'm good with that.

Catching Up

2009-10-02T16:48:00.003-05:00

In a recent name-searching binge on Facebook, I ended up looking up a bunch of my auld grade-school compatriots, friending them, and then getting friended in return. I was then asked the usual question from one--basically, 'whatcha been up to'? She knew I had gotten married, she knew I had at least one child (I can't remember if she knew about the Balach or not)...so what else is there? After thinking about my response for a few hours, I was still at a loss as to what my response should be. After sitting down at the computer I decided to simply hack one out and hope she didn't think I was a psycho (which, I admit, I really kinda am).

Oh, you know, same old same old--with two kids, a dog, two cats, and a husband my day pretty much revolves around cleaning up bodily fluids, cleaning dishes, cleaning laundry, stepping on toys, stepping on tails, kissing owies, cuddling, singing songs, dancing in the kitchen using wooden spoons as drumsticks, getting up in the middle of the night, baking, sewing, knitting, tickling, getting tickled, and locking myself in the bathroom and watching little fingers poke under the door while I take deep, calming breaths. How about you?

My Favorite Holiday is Coming!

2009-09-27T17:10:00.005-05:00

Today was spent putting up Halloween decorations with a lot of input from a four year old and a two year old. We made five large sheet ghosts from multi-colored sheets, put up some spiderwebs, listened to the 'mustache' song (the Poppet says it says 'Gah! Mustache!' instead of 'Ghostbusters!') along with plenty of other silly Halloween songs, and everybody got temporary tattoos.

Way Too Long

2009-09-26T23:06:00.010-05:00

Okay, okay, I know it's been way too long since any sort of update on our lives, so here's the short version (which will not be short at all, so you'll just have to suffer through.)

Let's see--since June, we have gone to a vintage base ball game, camped out in a backyard, gone to Summerfest, had a little girl in her very first Fourth of July Parade, had two people accepted to UW-Milwaukee (hint: those two people weren't the kids), had some Harry Potter fun, gone to some museums, gone to some birthday parties, had a Grandma Janie in town, had a Buggy second birthday party for a special little boy, cleared out the yard a bit, gone to the State Fair, gone to the zoo lots, had extended family in town, finished some projects, had some fibre fun, gone to a Packer's football game, had two people start school (one kiddo and one parent), took Muggle to his herding instinct test that he aced, had a family reunion, spent some time at the dog park, been sick, been healthy, had fun, had more fun, and had to mow the lawn a lot.

We also have the pictures to prove it.

We had a very fun--and filled--summer. Hopefully we'll see you again soon!

Bouncing Babies

2009-06-20T22:30:00.003-05:00

The Balach's New Digs

2009-06-19T21:02:00.002-05:00

So I said that I would get to it eventually--the Balach got an awesome new bed in May. Not only is it pretty cool, but it was completely free which for us right now is even better. My aunt's boyfriend moved into a new house about a year ago, in which he didn't need to use the upstairs rooms at all, until he updated the downstairs living areas a bit. Upstairs there was a bedroom with a custom-home-made bed in it, one that my aunt's boyfriend had no use for due to the fact that he doesn't have any kids living with him. My aunt very graciously thought of us when it came time to get the beast...uh...bed...down from its resting place.

It takes up half the room but we forgive it. Here it is in its new space:

Form, Function, and Fun

2009-06-17T12:27:00.003-05:00

Monday was our annual trip to Wisconsin Dells. It was a shorter trip this year due to family economy (just a day trip) but it was still fun! We had free tickets to get into Riverview Park & Waterworld, as well as free tickets for two mini-golfing places. The kids even got a free ice cream to share! The only thing we had to pay for was gas, and dinner at our favorite eatery in the Dells--Rail Dog. So worth it, and so fun. We got up early and headed off, and the kids got to test-drive my newest sewing project. I made some pockets for the seat between their car seats for them to store a few toys in while we drive.

When we arrived the Poppet decided that we should go golfing first, so that's what we did.

Then we headed to Riverview for lunch and water fun. The Poppet had a blast on the water slides, and even the Balach got in on the action. He and I went down a big slide, and his face never changed expression--just deadpan. When we got to the bottom I asked him if he wanted to go again, and he nodded, so off we went. We went three times until he shook his head no, but I had no idea whether or not he was having fun. I got to go down the Lazy River a couple of times (it's my favorite ride in the Dells for some reason--it's not remotely lazy river-like and I don't even think it's called the lazy river any more) and the kids had a blast in the kiddie pools.

Then off to dinner, then golfing again, then ice cream then home. Both kids zonked out before we were even halfway home, and we had a job getting them in their pyjamas after we carried them into the house.

Laugh, Cry, or Rage?

2009-06-03T11:42:00.004-05:00

See, I've got this kid. He's about 22 months old, and he gets into a lot of things he shouldn't. Today was a pretty typical day--'Balach, put that down. No, baby no....honey, don't touch that. Sweetheart, nuh-uh, gentle to the puppy' etc--until I went to the bathroom. Going to the bathroom is rarely a private affair, and almost always results in someone crying (be it me or one of the children because I lock them out so I can go in private. Huh, it's never private, though, 'cause someone is knocking, or trying to turn the doorknob, or poking their fingers under the door, but that's another post.) Anyway, it's always dangerous to go to the bathroom, because either everyone's in there with me, or everyone is far too quiet. Today was primarily the quiet variety. The Poppet was running back and forth with a Snow White costume over the dress she was wearing for the day, with a tulle skirt on her head as a veil and a crown over that; and the Balach was...quiet. Too quiet. Then I hear it: the Poppet came running towards me hollering about the Balach having a Sharpie marker. My stomach plummeted. Oh....oh, no. I rush out and meet the Balach in the kitchen, where he was taking a walk with the opened marker, and pretty pictures all over his face. Then starts the quest for the lid. I search the kitchen (where remains the evidence of a huge mess and another, different Sharpie attack. Where does this kid keep finding these?), no lid, and no fresh pictures. The dining room--nope. The living room, playroom, Poppet's room, Balach's room--I start to breathe easier. My room--GASP. Wall above bed, picture above bed, sheets on bed, bedside table--all COVERED in Sharpie. The worst of it by far is that this all could have been prevented by my husband opening his eyes. Yes, it's true, my husband was in the bed at the time. Today was the day he chose to sleep in for awhile, and he laid there and drowsed. *headsmack*

So, what do you do? Cry, rage...or relax and laugh? Rage was the immediate reaction, I'll be truthful, but when I sat down and calmed myself I couldn't help but laugh. Oh, my poor sheets.

My Little Pink Cloud

2009-06-01T15:03:00.005-05:00

The Poppet had her recital on Saturday, where she and five other girls stood on a big stage in front of hundreds of people and were Pink Clouds and Pretty Roses. They did a fantastic job for three- and four-year-olds and recieved lots of laughter and a huge round of applause. After the performance, they participated in the intermission finale and we took the tuckered out girls home. We had a small get-together at our house afterwards, where she recieved her very own flowers, and cards, and we ate two cakes after dinner. Who can refuse the ballerina when she asks for both Strawberry Poke Cake and Carrot Cake? Not Mama and Papa, that's for sure. The Balach was quite pleased with the proceedings as well, as he's big enough to climb onto the table and snitch frosting. He slept through her performance, but he was happily ensconced in Grandma's arms and hardly complained at all.

Still Breathing

2009-05-22T14:04:00.006-05:00

Helloooo!!!!! I really am still alive, I promise! Much has been going on over here as seeds have been planted, transplanted, and placed lovingly into a garden; Mama and Papa have bemoaned the state of the yard (really, really bad) and life's been marching on with belts being tightened and hopes for the summer and coming years have been pared down a bit. Expectations are changing but that doesn't mean that we're not looking forward to some great things!

G--has re-enrolled in classes at University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee and will be starting again in the fall, hopefully with a job that can keep us going...he's going to be one busy, stressed out dude and I hope I can keep up with the kids and the house when he's not going to be as available.

I'm also hoping to go back to school in the fall, but there are a couple of processes I have to go through with the university before I can officially enroll. I'm also starting a pet project that I hope will come to fruition in a few years (here's a sample):

The Poppet is also starting school in the fall, which I think is pretty crazy, and she's got her first dance recital next Saturday. I think she's going to be fantastic, and I hope I will be able to get a video up to share with you all. She's definitely still my Miss Personality!

The Balach is becoming such a big man...he loves to help and is developing quite the vocabulary and animal noise repetoire. He loves his big sister bunches, and is a huge fan of giving hugs and kisses, and of his socks and shoes. He also got a brand new big boy bed that he's not ready to fit into, but we had to set it up so we didn't forget how to fit it back together (more on that later...with pictures!)

So here we are! And I will definitely try to catch up some more very very soon. Happy almost-Summer!!

Harry Potter and the Lane like the Street Mama

2009-04-08T11:21:00.007-05:00

I don't think I've mentioned on this blog how much I love all things Harry Potter. I started off refusing to read the series primarily because of all of the hype and craziness around it, 'Oh, it's Harry Potter! >insert screech of crazy here<' But, I caved, and....Holy cow! Omigolly! HARRY POTTER! You may have surmised my interest, primarily due to the fact that my dog is named Muggle, but you have no idea. I insanely and unecessarily re-read the entire series at least six times a year, I've got a Harry Potter shelf that's the beginning of a school trunk (the trunk itself is in the garage, waiting for an overhaul), my in-laws got me a fantastic Platform 9 3/4 Hogwarts Express sign for Christmas, and most importantly I just got a new Harry Potter ringtone for my phone that I love! Nothing is more important than a Harry Potter Ringtone. I not only loved that article for the free link to my new ringer, but the dialog sounded just like G-- and I. Quite priceless!

Items owned:

*full series, Beedle the Bard and the school books all written by JK Rowling

*a wand and wand care kit

*a lantern

*a mortar

*the beginnings of a potion making kit

*weights for a balance scale

*astrology charts

*quills

*ink

Items wanted:

*a pestle

*a cauldron

*the balance scale

*school robes

*dress robes

*cloak

*telescope

*gloves

*wand sheath

*school books & cover for Monster Book of Monsters

*silver knife

*broomstick

*more I can't think of right now

Also...also! Harry Potter: the Exhibition is coming to Chicago's Museum of Science and Industry from the end of April to the end of September. It's the only midwest stop it's making....and I so so so so so so so so want to go. Money is tight, though, so...maybe not. We'll see!

And, the new film is coming out on July 19 of this year, which I'm totally excited about since there are no more books to look forward to, films are the next best thing.

_________________

PS In Harry Potter themed web browsing today, I also came across this incredibly amusing song, and this pretty cool quiz for finding out which house you belong in. I'm a Gryffindor, but only by 1 point over Hufflepuff. I'm also going to share a pic of the pumpkin I carved for Halloween 2006, because, amazingly enough, it's Harry Potter themed.

Poppet and Mama have an adventure

2009-04-01T16:46:00.006-05:00

First of all, I would like to say THANK YOU SO MUCH to everyone who helped to make the Poppet's birthday weekend possible. My mom, my dad, G--'s parents, my sister- and brother-in-law...a lot of people gave the Poppet money towards our adventure, which made it all the more special and waaaay more fun than if we had funded it by ourselves. We quite simply couldn't have afforded all of the fun things we got to do. Thanks also to our Chicago friend (you know who you are!) who hauled us to and from the train station and the hotel. THANKS AGAIN!!

On the 20th of February, a chilly and snowy Friday morning, the Poppet and I got up very early. We got the Balach out of bed, and Papa drove us to Auntie's house so the Balach could spend the day with his cousin, and then he drove us to the train station before heading to work. We checked in, got our tickets, and waited for the commuter train to show up. It was very exciting for an almost-four-year-old, who was quite wiggly and squiggly and wanted to do all sorts of running around. When the train finally showed up, we hauled our overnight suitcase and carryon bag along next to the tracks and boarded, and the Poppet picked out the perfect seats. And we were off!

Two hours later we hopped off the train and into our waiting taxi--I mean, er...our friend's car--who drove us to our hoity-toity hotel off of the Magnificent Mile in Chicago (whose only requirement was having a pool--Very Important), where we pulled out some necessaries and headed two blocks down the road to Water Tower Place mall and American Girl Place. That particular Friday was Bitty Bear's Birthday, which provided AG an excuse to set up fun activities for the younger girls. They had just started the activities when we arrived, so the Poppet decorated a birthday crown with glitter, stickers, and feathers, signed Bitty Bear's Birthday card, and snagged a yummy birthday cupcake. Then they had a cute little story time and sing-a-long, after which the Poppet got to pick out her very own Bitty Baby doll! She promptly named her Bella Ella Snow White, and we headed off to explore the store. First stop was the Felicity window, because sometimes we get to take Mama's Felicity doll out of her trunk and play with her together, then we went to discover the rest of the historical dolls, then the modern dolls, then everything all over again.

After awhile we got the munchies, so we headed out into the mall proper and started heading up the escalators to find lunch. Seven floors later (yep, seven escalators) we found a California Pizza Kitchen and shared a little BLT Pizza. Yum! Post-lunch, the escalators were calling us again, so we went up and down them several more times, then we hit the elevators to do the same, then back to AG Place, for more doll adoring. In late afternoon we headed to the AG Cafe, because we had reservations for the afternoon tea. They provided us with tons of delicious food, pink lemonade, hot chocolate, and a very special tiny birthday cake for the Birthday Girl, complete with a candle to blow out, which I think was the highlight of the Poppet's day.

Two sagging and dragging and very tired girls headed back out into the cold after that, and settled back at the hotel for a lazy evening. No bed ever felt so comfy! After we rested up we had to hit the pool for an hour or so, then cozied up in our bed together, after of course seeing to it that Bella Ella Snow White was tucked in for the night. We watched some Finding Nemo on TV, read books, ate cookies and drank apple juice, and hit the sack.

The next morning, somebody got up early (three guesses who!) and we packed up our clothes, unpacked our ice skates, and walked a few blocks to catch the bus to Millenium Park where there's a beautiful ice rink in the winter. We made it around exactly once before the zamboni came out to clear the ice, so what are girls to do but head into a cafe nearby and get some hot soup? When we were done with our soup, the zamboni was through, and we headed out once more for another swing around the rink before having to catch the bus back to meet our ride.

The train station was packed as it was a Saturday, but we finally got onto the train and headed home. Papa and Seamus picked us up, and we headed home to show off our prizes, tell our stories, and wait for bedtime and sleep.

An absolutely fantastic, wonderful, first-class, marvelous, superb, spectacular, fabulous, magnificent, sensational, stupendous, rewarding, satisfying week-end.

Hello Again, and Back in the Groove

2009-03-31T11:46:00.007-05:00

Wow, what a...wait, what is February through March called? Late winter? Pre-spring? Well, what a February and March! Not much was going on, primarily waiting not-so-patiently for spring, starting some seeds, dreaming, etc. One gigantic thing that happened in the beginning of March was that the Poppet turned FOUR YEARS OLD!!! She and I spent a fun two days in Chicago instead of having a party with the family. Next post, I'll be sure to share pictures and the full story.

I do have an excuse for not being online...my monkey Balach climbed up on my desk one day (a regular occurrence around here) and after having rescued him from potential danger we went on playing for about 30 minutes and then I put the kids to bed. Post bed-time, I sat down at my computer for some web surfing and opened the laptop to find apple juice steaming out of it. Oops. I immediately unplugged and shut down everything, and let it air out for several days. When G-- got to it again (he's the tech guy, I know nothing) it would do this start up, immediately hibernate, then turn off and repeat thing, so we put it down for lost. I called our insurance company (who, through our homeowner's insurance covers personal computers, yay!) who hooked me up with some money for what they thought the laptop was worth, and I got to go computer shopping. As a result, I am now typing on my brand new HP Compaq Notebook PC with an AMD Sempron processor. I looove it, and my only regret is that G--doesn't get a new 'puter, because he really needs one as well. He gets to play with mine whenever he wants, though, because he's the network administrator/hey-my-computer-isn't-doing-what-I-want go-to guy. We spent some nice time last night chatting with his dad when we were trying out the built in webcam and speakers. Saweeeet!

Conversations with an 18-month-old

2009-02-25T11:08:00.002-06:00

::The Balach and I standing in front of the mirror::

ME: 'Balach, where are you?'
Balach: *points to self*
ME: 'Can you say, '(his name)?"
Balach: '(his sister's name)'
ME: 'No, no, silly boy. Your name. (name). Can you say (name)?'

Balach: *blows a raspberry*

Ssssssssssssssss.................

2009-02-11T13:06:00.014-06:00

The Balach got this really cute snake scarf that I worked on on our drives between Texas and Colorado this weekend. I made it up out of this adorable green cotton blend yarn that my sister-in-law gave me for Christmas this year. The perfect finishing touch is the vintage leather bound buttons with brass detailing (that has since tarnished) I found in a stash my grandma gave me last year. They make it look so snakelike! And the whole ensemble is completed by the Balach with his finger in front of his mouth telling everyone to 'Ssssssssssssss'.

Is it summer here?

2009-02-08T21:13:00.004-06:00

G--, the kids, and I flew into Dallas from Milwaukee on Thursday morning, and went from early morning MKE 15 to late morning DEN 70 degrees. We bundled the kids up in the airport so we could go catch the shuttle to the rental car and were rather shocked when we walked outside to positively balmy weather. We drove down to Pueblo from the airport, spent a day, then drove to Amarillo (where it was 80!) from there for two days. We're back in Pueblo now, and G-- left earlier today to fly home. The kids and I are spending an extra day and are flying home tomorrow night. It's been a crazy extended weekend for sure, and it was fun getting to take the kids to new places, as neither of them had been to New Mexico or Texas before. The Poppet asked if it was summer here because there's no snow and she doesn't have to put a coat on before going outside (of course, it's snowing as I type here in Pueblo, so that particular weather pattern has passed.) I'm pretty tired, and it's pretty obvious by my writing style at the moment. It's been a long weekend, and the Balach was pretty sick for a few days, so I think my borrowed bed is calling my name.

More Sledding Pictures

2009-02-02T23:50:00.004-06:00

Courtesy of my sister-in-law, 'cause we forgot the camera:

Sledding and Solace (and Sun!)

2009-02-02T10:32:00.007-06:00

We have been quite blessed with positively balmy weather this weekend--in the 30's! The result was going to a very enjoyable birthday party for my nephew--a whole one year old! He really enjoyed his cake--and then inviting the same family to go sledding on Sunday. I told my sister-in-law that I was going to invite them sledding more often, because after we were done we ended up spending the entire afternoon and most of the evening at their home. We scored hot chocolate, chicken wings, chili, and lots of fun out of the deal. The kids had a blast together, playing with birthday toys and riding a tractor from grandma, and the sledding was tons of fun, too. I just love the way young toddlers look all bundled up in their snowsuits! Priceless. The Balach wasn't too sure about sledding, but he didn't protest, either. He was just along for the ride. The tobaggan was the most fun for him, and it was absolutely adorable watching him sit in the front while I pulled him back uphill. The Poppet wanted more and more and more and faster and faster, and we obliged as much as we could before the little ones were through and we had to head back into the warmth. She loved the innertube sled that my mom got her for Christmas, and insisted in going down by herself several times. She got on board with Papa more towards the end as she realized that he made the sled go faster.

A fun weekend, and now we're on to the week. We'll see what it brings!

Sunbonnets and Dirty Toes

2009-01-28T16:40:00.005-06:00

Life has been getting at us lately, being stuck in the house and watching way too much tv, letting laundry and dishes pile up, and wishing for just a few more minutes under the warm blankets of mornings. But, no longer! I have been plucked out of my apathy by a simple link...a link to some cute dresses for Mama and Poppet alike, and my mind has jumped ahead to sunbonnets and dirty toes and gardening and sprinklers--the things that mean summer and the Poppet.

This is the site I was linked to: Shabby Apple. (Thanks, ElJay!)

And so I leave you to imagine this soon-to-be-four (four!!) young lady:

...in this absolutely adorable perfect-for-her dress: little girls and girls dresses from shabby baby: Watermelon Summer. I'm giggling with glee as I picture surreptitiously picked rasperries dropping out sporadically as she's chasing the dog across the lawn, in her crazily pink and always-on-her-feet cowgirl boots. 'Canary' would also look fabulous on her...

(And then, if you want, you can imagine me in this, and especially this because they have awesome clothes for me, too. :oP)

Standard

2008-12-14T20:50:00.002-06:00

read

Poppet

la la la

baa

moo

Mama

Papa

yes

pretty

These are all words that the Balach knows.

Twinkle Twinkle Little Star

Jingle Bells

These are two tunes that the Balach knows.

What a cutie-pie know-it-all!

Twosty the Towman!

2008-12-13T23:26:00.001-06:00

My Cool Friend

2008-12-12T17:42:00.003-06:00

So, I have this friend from high school who is pretty awesome--an amazing horsewoman--and she just took off for several months in Australia. She's been going through a bit lately; she lost her horse of many years that she raised from a filly, and she was in a massive car wreck last Christmas. I'm hoping that this trip will clarify a few things for her and that she has tons of fun while she's there (I'm totally envious!). Just before she left she ended up being featured in an article by the Journal Sentinal. The article is based on her natural horsemanship training methods, and can be viewed at their JSOnline. It's called Into the saddle, gently. There's also a video clip based on the article, here.

Anyway, I just wanted to say: Have fun in Australia, Erika! We'll miss you!

Here's a crappy photo of the gang in high school--Erika is all the way on the left with the pixie hair cut.

A day at the Milwaukee Public Museum

2008-12-10T17:57:00.003-06:00

We went to the MPM awhile ago on a free Monday, and had a blast. The Poppet and the Balach both loved the butterfly exhibit, and really looked forward to the candy shoppe in the Streets of Old Milwaukee. Highlights of the day in pictures below! Look at the cute butterfly on the Balach's tushie!

Oh, I almost forgot!

2008-12-09T11:36:00.005-06:00

Onwards and Upwards

2008-12-08T13:53:00.004-06:00

I know I have been neglecting this space for a good long while, but I just haven't felt up to sharing lately. A lot has been going on, but it seems as though we're finally on an upwards road.

G-- and I both lost our jobs in September, and contemplated selling our home. The deal we made with ourselves was that if G-- got a job that would sustain us by December, we would stay put. Thankfully, he just started his new job in late November. It isn't paying quite as much, but for the first 90 days he isn't eligible for benefits, so since those funds aren't being removed from his paycheck we may just do alright. After the 90 days are up and he's eligible, he's also eligible for a raise, so we're hoping they keep him on and everything evens out. He really wants to go back to school to become a high school science teacher, so he's applying for student aid and to UW-Milwaukee to see if he can wrangle some classes out of his strange schedule. We've also applied for state medical aid, and are waiting to hear back on that count. I am thinking of going back to school in the fall as well, when the Poppet starts in with 4K.

We're still working on repaying the mortgage payments we missed, so G-- took a full distribution on his retirement funds in order to do that. The remaining funds after economy-related losses should just cover it.

Christmas will be spent at home this year, rather than in Colorado, and will be a bit sparse (including the Christmas tree, which, for some reason, lost several branches during storage this past year, hehe! :o) My dad said it looks more real, now.) but since I've got a good stock of fabric making gifts won't be all that hard--just more time consuming.

We're trying very hard to keep the Poppet in dance class, because we already paid for her pageant outfit for next May, and especially because she absolutely loves it. She is also quite eager to run out to play in the snow each day. We've accumulated quite a bit and are expecting another foot by tomorrow! She's sad when she has to come in after only 20 minutes or so, but we had a -7 windchill yesterday, so I get worried about her if she's out too long.

The Balach is in love with Christmas trees and small villages that exist beneath them, and still tries to sneak outside in the hopes that no-one is looking. He's started walking, too! On Thanksgiving Day at my Aunt's house he really started to take off, and now nothing can stop him except for over-zealousness on his part when he tries to get going too fast.

Muggle is doing well but still sometimes learning the difference between his toys and those of the children. I'm working on teaching him a few new tricks that I hope to eventually share with you here.

I'm working on the day-to-day, slowly healing my wrist, and trying to keep us in warm cookies and cool milk.

The Christmas book basket is out, as are Frosty and Rudolph, the stockings are hung and were filled on Saturday, and there are high hopes for Christmas day from two youngsters, and life goes on in our crazy household.

I love Halloween

2008-10-18T19:29:00.005-05:00

I think I may have mentioned it before, but I really do love Halloween. In the spirit of the fact that I'm making a costume for the dog right now, I thought I'd dig out some of our old photos, starting with some of my pre-G--'s....

Quality Time

2008-10-17T18:58:00.003-05:00

I spent some quality yarn time today. G-- looked at me quite strangely when he caught me sitting in a chair rubbing an entire skein of alpaca blend wool against one cheek, and three bamboo dpns against the other, with a huge, goofy grin on my face.

Now that's what I call quality yarn time.

Medical Report

2008-10-17T11:03:00.004-05:00

One puncture wound to the top of the head - courtesy of the cat
One bruise to the forehead - origin unknown
One bump to the top of the head - origin unknown
One large red mark around the nose - large falling bowl - also resulted in small nose bleed
Five burn blisters on right-hand fingers - opened oven door when parents putting away food
One large scratch on the back of left leg - origin unknown

These injuries have resulted in a sunny disposition and the accomplishment of taking first steps. Mama and Papa have rejected the idea of injuring their son in order to achieve accomplishments such as those listed above, and hope that he returns to perfect health soon, so they stop feeling idiotic and neglectful.

Look! I borrowed a camera!

2008-10-15T01:39:00.005-05:00

My Nutso Life

2008-10-13T23:34:00.003-05:00

Well, so here I am, still camera-less and rather sad about that, and trying to play catch-up with life. Some major changes may be happening around here soon that quite frankly freak me out (no, I'm not pregnant. :oP), but the day to day keeps plowing on. Today is also G-- and my fourth anniversary. Happy Anniversary, sweetheart!

The Balach is getting more talented day by day--he gives kisses now, and I am quite convinced that he is able to walk if he only wanted to, but his preferred mode of transportation is of the quick variety--either on my hip or his crazed quick crawl. He's starting to give me the sign for 'thirsty', plays well on his own or with his sister without constantly needing my presence, and also gave me two little presents this evening. I took his diaper off to get him ready for bed, and he promptly crawled away and stood up next to his little bookshelf, and left a puddle on the floor. While I was hurriedly cleaning that up and trying to keep naked boy out of it, he crawled away again (while I was rinsing out the sodden rag in the bathroom sink). He crawled down the hallway and back, then into his room to stand up next to his chiffarobe. Where he left me another present, only this time it wasn't in puddle form. I had to clean this present up with a napkin and put it in the toilet. Then I found another one on the hall rug, which he apparently left while he was crawling. When I say 'uh-oh' about things...and about tonight...he echoes me, but keeps his mouth closed. It's amazing how well he matches tonation. My smart little Balach!

The Poppet is keeping me going just as much as my active climbing boy. She's still dancing away, and she helped me bake scones, fairy cakes, cookies, and a cake for my mom's surprise 50th birthday party yesterday. We had lots of fun and only made minimal mess. She's also getting great with vocabulary--it's expanding by leaps and bounds. She's a great little helper and turning into such a beautiful young lady. She was gorgeous before, too, but it's so wonderful to be a part of her growing up!

My cast was removed on Friday the 10th and I'm still working out how to use my hand and wrist again. It's going to be stiff for quite awhile and there's not really any more crafting going on around here because of it, other than the Poppet's frequent Totoro drawings and mask-painting.

I wish I could share pictures of our life with you all! I miss updating but am aquiring quite the writer's block and feeling out of sorts.

I hope that life is treating you all well, and thank you so much for reading and taking an interest in our lives.

The Balach and His Newest Achievement

2008-09-27T23:12:00.003-05:00

I have been trying to get the Balach to let me know when he's finished eating during mealtimes so I can understand that whining means he wants more food, and upraised arms means he's done eating. That way I'm not trying to decipher between two whines. Anyway, he's really starting to get the hang of it, and...get this...he not only raised his arms after his meal yesterday, but he said 'Ah Dah!' Which, to a proud mama, means 'all done' and is the greatest thing in the world. Of course, as in the case of the Poppet and 'Mahter' ('Monster') we haven't yet gotten him to repeat it, but he's still the best and smartest baby boy in the universe.

Promised Pictures of my Budding Ballerina

2008-09-23T11:07:00.005-05:00

Elevenses

2008-09-18T09:59:00.004-05:00

Like a good English woman I had my elevenses yesterday. A small snack and glass of tea between breakfast and lunch, it's a nice pick me up and a nice way to relax and pull out and think about what the rest of the day will bring.

Only, I mixed it up a bit. What busy mother of young children really has time for elevenses in the morning? Not me!

So, 12 hours after the intended time, I settled into clean sheets with a Jane Austen, a small glass of milk, and a large slice of just-come-out-of-the-oven zucchini bread. I will even admit that I turned out the light about a half an hour later on an empty plate and glass still sitting on my bedstand. I was too comfy and content to move just then.

Breakfast was quite appetizing this morning, as well. For it is the same fare as last night's elevenses. How long will it take me to become sick of zucchini bread? I fancy I will never find out, because the loaf will run out far before I have my fill. After this, it's apple bread adapted from the same recipe, after we harvest in the very ripe apples on our front tree.

Contemplations on a Hydrangea (and the occasional Hosta)

2008-09-16T13:04:00.004-05:00

Some recent things I've actually finished

2008-09-15T22:12:00.004-05:00

Leg warmers for the Poppet and ankle socks for me from an adorable argoyle pair of knee-highs:

A dance bag for the Poppet--it has her name embroidered next to the little girl on the top (she started 'Creative Movement' yesterday! Awwww!) There's also a little shoe bag that ties with a huge pink ribbon that fits inside for her slippers made with the same fabric:

Buttons were added to this dress that was made as part of a pair of dresses for my sister and I when I was four. It has never had buttons on the outer dress, and some of the stitching was coming out, so I finally got to that, about 21 years after it was created. (Hi, mom!) I love love love these vintage-y looking birdie buttons. She's hiding in the bottom picture, 'cause I told her I wanted to take a photo of the back of the dress while it was on her:

Still in the works are a tutu for a certain little dancing obsessed girl, and several other small projects. I'm not going to be getting to any more embroidery or hand sewing before this cast is off, as it was a trial to just get the embroidery done on her bag. Once started it needed to be finished, and it looks fantastic, but a sore wrist will put me off of any more for awhile. Also, no knitting or crocheting, so sewing is my only outlet at the moment. Lots to do, though, so there's plenty to keep me busy!

Saying goodbye to Myrddin

2008-09-12T20:06:00.005-05:00

Well, G-- has been having pretty serious asthma attacks of nights since we've gotten back from our vacation in July, and we think we narrowed the culprit down to poor Myrddin. As a result, we've sent him into exile at my mom's, where I think he'll enjoy spending time with her cockatiel, Rosie. I hope this works out for all, and that G-- starts breathing better!

So, goodbye, Myrddin, we'll visit often. We'll miss you!

Through the eyes of a Poppet :: Sheep and Wool Festival

2008-09-08T12:43:00.009-05:00

Friday, the 5th of September, 2008: A borrowed camera and a toddler run rampant. It was a brilliant day!

Wrist surgery kinda throws you off

2008-09-08T11:18:00.004-05:00

I finally had my surgery Friday before last (the 29th of August) and it left me rather unable to type. And then our camera broke, so I couldn't leave you with pretty pictures, so I'm afraid I've been neglecting this space a bit. Here I am! I'm still alive! A new camera will come in time, and I'll be able to once more show you visually how life is going. I'll even be able to start knitting and crocheting again as this wrist mends even more. You should see the awkward pose I've got going on over here, with my left elbow way up in the air so that I can get the fingers of my left hand at the correct angle to move over the keyboard. Hold on...I think my arm is falling asleep. *giggle*

Well, Sesame Street is going and I've got two children on the sofa, Muggle is lying forlornly just outside the playroom door on the kitchen floor looking at me with sad eyes because he wants to be cozied up under my feet. I accidentally left the rugs out on the rail overnight to breeze out and they've been rained on, and continue to be rained on. Diapers are in the wash, Myrddin is singing, and I think the Poppet and I are going to make some fairy cakes and zucchini bread later whilst the Balach is down for a little nap.

All in all, life is all right, and an overcast day is just the day to cuddle up indoors and enjoy the home life. I think I'm going to go get the apple cider out. Yum!

***

PS: Check out this cute nightgown/cap combo over at Grosgrain! Adorable!

tie one on :: Gingham

2008-08-28T22:43:00.005-05:00

The tie one on theme this time around is gingham! This one was very fun to make. I wanted a really beachy, summery feel, so I decided to go with linen and this really weird vintage seafoam embroidered fabric that my packrat of a grandma gave me ages ago. I'm so, so happy my grandma is a product of the depression, because more often than not I reap the benefits of the awesome stuff she digs up! I had no idea what I was going to do with that fabric--it had been sitting around in 'my' fabric closet (ie half of the Balach's clothes closet) for ages. But...when I looked more closely at it, I realized that this weird vintage seafoamy fabric... when cut along the embroidery lines...looks just like waves! Such a cool effect! I got the gigantic wooden button off of the floor at the mall. We were walking along on a girl's night, just me and the Poppet, and there it was. A perfect gigantic wooden button sitting in the middle of the walkway. Put in front of some great green gingham ribbon, some purple jute ribbon, and some thin, streamy, teal ribbon it adds another awesome detail. The back and the ties are just plain old green cotton fabric that I had lying around for ages. I wanted a huge bow on the back, so that's what I did.

I know it's due September first, but I really needed to get it sewn today so that I didn't have to worry about finishing it after my surgery tomorrow afternoon. Recently surgically repaired wrists are not very good to sew with.

So I sat down today, pulled out my sewing cart, exiled the kids to playing dress up in the Poppet's room for about an hour and a half with frequent checkups (I'm a horribly mean mother) and I popped some Sharpe's Rifles in (which I cannot recommend enough. *sigh* Sean Bean is dreamy, even to a youngster like myself. I try not to think about the fact that he's old enough to be my father.).

Ahhh....pure bliss. And I am thrilled with the outcome.

Ooooh, look!

2008-08-27T13:44:00.003-05:00

I found another new blog!

Yarnstorm

I think this may be yet another blog that I read most (if not all) of the archived posts, because I just won't be able to get enough of her. She's a recently published British author, and I love the style and homey-ness of her writing. She's got this great Anne of Green Gables crosses Molly Weasley thing going on that I love and want to emulate. Plus I'm a huge Anglophile.

As an added bonus, she's giving away the US version of one of her books, The Gentle Art of Domesticity, which I haven't read yet but would really like to. Check out her blog to try to snag your own free hardcover copy!

I've been 'Missed Connection'ed

2008-08-27T11:32:00.006-05:00

So, I regularly check the Milwaukee Craigslist, because it's cool. It's gotten me my job, and some free stuff, and some stuff that I love that I had to pay for, but since I'm a bargain hunter I got it for cheap. I've sold stuff there, too. So, I regularly check Craigslist. There's really not much you can check there, so eventually I branched out into the personal section. Some of those are fun to read, really. I always enjoy the missed connections because some of them are hilarious, some of them are ludicrous, and some of them are so vague they could be the Poppet for crying out loud. So last night I was browsing around, waiting for G-- to come back from gaming, and I found...me!

I know it's hard to read, so this is what it says:

You came over by me people you liked my dog and wanted to take a look at one up close. Thought you were cute! You work with sea gull chasing dog Zyp! Would like to chat with you again. Let me know what kind of dog that I have :)

He has a Scottie, which is a breed I've never actually met in real life before. What a warm fuzzy feeling! This actually came at the end of a long day with the kids, and made me feel so much better about myself for me, you know? I got in contact with him through CL, let him know that I was married (and that he wasn't bad looking himself--a girl's gotta be honest) but thought he and his dog were awesome, and chatted with him a bit on AIM. He's into photography and the Brewers, so we did have a bit to talk about.

This is another reason I love my job--I get to meet so many cool people. Admittedly I run into the weirdos, too, but it takes all kinds, you know?

My summer working at the beach

2008-08-25T14:37:00.005-05:00

A few poems to let you know how my summer job has been:

Excerpts from Out of the Cradle Endlessly Rocking by Walt Whitman (and taken out of context):

Shine! shine! shine!

Pour down your warmth, great Sun!
While we bask—we two together.

Two together!
Winds blow South, or winds blow North,
Day come white, or night come black,
Home, or rivers and mountains from home,
Singing all time, minding no time,
While we two keep together.

The white arms out in the breakers tirelessly tossing,
I, with bare feet, a child, the wind wafting my hair,
Listen’d long and long.

Soothe! soothe! soothe!
Close on its wave soothes the wave behind,
And again another behind, embracing and lapping, every one
       close

A Gull by Edwin Morgan:

A seagull stood on my window-ledge today,
said nothing, but had a good look inside.
That was a cold inspection I can tell you!
North winds, icebergs, flash of salt
crashed through the glass without a sound.
He shifted from leg to leg, swivelled his head.
There was not a fish in the house--only me.
Did he smell my flesh, that white one? Did he think
I would soon open the window and scatter bread?
Calculation in those eyes is quick.
`I tell you, my chick, there is food everywhere.'
He eyed my furniture, my plants, an apple.
Perhaps he was a mutation, a supergull.
Perhaps he was, instead, a visitation
which only used that tight firm forward body
to bring the waste and dread of open waters,
foundered voyages, matchless predators,
into a dry room. I knew nothing.
I moved; I moved an arm. When the thing saw
the shadow of that, it suddenly flapped,
scuttered claws along the sill, and was off,
silent still. Who would be next for those eyes,
I wondered, and were they ready, and in order?

Sand by Helen Moore:

Sand in my swimsuit,
Sand in my hair.
When I go to the beach,
sand gets everywhere!
I wonder, I wonder
Oh how can there be,
Sand left at the beach
When there's so much on me?


First two parts of The Shepherd's Dog by Mary Darby
Robinson:

I.

A Shepherd's Dog there was; and he
Was faithful to his master's will,
For well he lov'd his company,
Along the plain or up the hill;
All Seasons were, to him, the same
Beneath the Sun's meridian flame;
Or, when the wintry wind blew shrill and keen,
Still the Old Shepherd's Dog, was with his Master seen.


II.

His form was shaggy clothed; yet he
Was of a bold and faithful breed;
And kept his master company
In smiling days, and days of need;
When the long Ev'ning slowly clos'd,
When ev'ry living thing repos'd,
When e'en the breeze slept on the woodlands round,
The Shepherd's watchful Dog, was ever waking found.

It's the small things in life...

2008-08-22T13:50:00.006-05:00

In all that's been going on today, worrying about wrist surgery (which is looking like it's going to happen on the 27th), corralling kids, chivying the dog out of the playroom, and dealing with the house, I sat down at the computer to check out some of my usual blogs, and look who I found through allsorts! Another crafting mama with amazing talent who also happens to be doing bi-weekly giveaways of her adorable and, may I even say, gorgeous creations. And, it is just my luck that her children are around the same age as mine. And, while she has two little girls and most of her goodies are frilly frocks and stunning skirts...check this one out!

Apple Orchard Overalls Giveaway at Grosgrain

Doesn't it just look like something the Balach would be right at home in? I commented there that maybe this will finally get me going on the apple picking dress I have planned for the Poppet. I already have the fabric and the buttons, anyway, and how can she fully participate in the apple harvest and sauce-making festivities around here without a special outfit to do it in? Who knows! Maybe we'll win the overalls, too, and they can be an adorable little pair. Even if we don't win, I won't be able to stop myself from going back for more. Thanks, Kathleen!

Our Calendar

2008-08-21T21:54:00.003-05:00

Welcome!

2008-08-21T20:38:00.004-05:00

Hello, all. I guess if you're reading this you've found me. I've decided to move my blog for several reasons--not only do I have a few more options with Blogger as to the content without having to do too much brainwork, but I can also have G--blog here, as well. And, eventually, when they're old enough to...you know...type...the Poppet and the Balach can contribute as well. I'm still working on figuring out whether or not I can move all of my old, awesome posts from my Xanga site, but I hope you enjoy, meanwhile.

Thanks for stopping in!