a recap sans photos

in no particular order...

• runny noses, ringing ears, etc.
• (unfinished) Christmas projects
• empty pockets
• full hearts
• a trip to Leavenworth (aka. winter wonderland)
• the death of my beloved grandfather
• tooting my own horn (literally)
• school drama
• Bones marathons
• playing hooky
• new callings
• making/eating cookies
• steeping/drinking tea
• decorating
• designing
• shopping
• wrapping
• cleaning
• broken dishwasher
• wood floors!!!

Pictures coming in the near future.  *B

rest assured

I am alive.  I have not quit you, dear blog.  Be back soon.  Real soon.  *B

thankful much

Just because the holiday of thanks is over, doesn't mean I can't still be grateful!  I love my life, my family, my home, my friends, my body (health/talents), my faith and my God.  He has blessed me beyond my comprehension.  I may not say it enough, but I will never tire of thanking Him.  So thanks, dear Lord, times infinity.  *B 

super sloth

While Halloween may be my favorite holiday, November is certainly my favorite month.  I am thoroughly enjoying its slower pace.  And I refuse to put up ANY Christmas decoration until AFTER Thanksgiving.  Instead of using this lovely month to rush from one busy holiday to another, I am spending it lazily.  Unfortunately, it's almost over.  And I can feel the anxiety creeping in.  But hopefully I can put off the holiday hullabaloo for just a couple more days.  Because I'm looking forward to my food induced coma, and my cozy couch will miss me soon enough...  *B

one year older

And closer to thirty!  Sheesh.  But it was a lovely day today :)  Complete with an awesome birthday dinner, made by the husband himself!  And what's even better is that everyone sat at the table and ate.  No whining, no complaining, just eating.  And we all finished at the same time!  That NEVER happens.  Best birthday present ever.  My painted kitchen (soon to be bedecked in beadboard!) holds a close second, though.

It's been a good year... But I have a feeling this year will be even better!  Here's to 27.  *B

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head in the clouds

Everyone who reads this wee blog is well aware that I'm a daydreamer, right?  Because I am.  I just want to make that clear.  We all know I dream about houses.  So much so that it annoys everyone but me.  It might seem mildly endearing at first, but before long you'll tune me out.  My husband does.  And I don't blame him.  I do the same thing when he starts rambling about politics...

Other than my dream home, I also fantasize about my dream job.  Besides being a mom, of course ;)  In high-school, I dreamed of becoming an author.  Until some nasty English teacher, whose name I don't even remember, dashed those dreams to pieces.  In college, I dreamed of owning a little health-food store.  Just like the one in Rexburg.  I still dream about that...  I'd even love to work the cashiers in large health-food stores, like Sprouts or Whole Foods.  I'd love to be the on-call nutrition consultant at those stores, too.  Shoot, I'd get a hoot out of handing out samples at Trader Joe's.

But if I were rich, and didn't actually need a job, I would write about (holistic) nutrition.  That, my friends, is my dream job.  A combination of all of my dreams wrapped into one.  And guess what?  A few days ago, it came true!  Well, kind of... I don't get paid, but I could care less.  And it's not for a magazine, but it's a start.  A dang good start!  And I am so stinkin' excited :)  I am the new Cooking Naturally Editor for the Natural Parents Network!!! 

Not many people know how granola I really am...  I don't go around talking about my crunchy beliefs or ideals.  Let me just say that I have a lot in common with the ladies behind NPN, and I am thrilled to be a part of their team!  And I get to write about food :)  It's perfect for me.  Because, I love food (I blame the Italian in me).  But more importantly, I love good food.  Food that tastes good and is good for you.  Not just food that will help you lose/maintain weight.  Food that fuels your body, mind and spirit.  And that's what I write about!  And that's what has me on cloud nine.  *B

the rest of the festive

I've been wondering, as I've been frequently asked, why Halloween is my favorite holiday.  I don't like candy.  And I do NOT do scary.  So what is it about All Hallow's Eve that has me so... enthralled?  Part of it is because it's the beginning of Fall, and the holiday season.  And I really do enjoy all the creative aspects of it, like costume creating, pumpkin carving, etc.  But I think the real reason is because, to me, it's a mystical holiday.  I may not like horror, but I do LOVE fantasy.  I'm a huge nerd when it comes to magic.  I love vampires (pre-Twilight, thank you very much), witches, werewolves, and the Pumpkin King.  Basically, I'm a sucker for anything that isn't real.  While Christmas definitely has a magical feel to it, it's also a holy holiday.  Halloween isn't.  It's all about running wild with your imagination...  It's dark, twisted, romantic and fantastical.  It's my kind of holiday ;)
 

 

 

 

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

Love, your fruit & veggies :)

PS- PLEASE excuse my nasty floors, fridge, and unfinished projects in the background. Instead, feast your eyes on this year's costumes ;)  This past month has been a blur of awesomeness!  I am totally and completely beat.  I really threw myself into this holiday this year.  It was a blast, and I loved every minute of it, but I'm looking forward to the upcoming month.  The month I like to call Bethember!  And so, during my bday month, I will completely spoil myself with calm days of planting flowers, and baking yummy muffins.  Perhaps a craft here and there, but nothing with a deadline.  I will not allow it!  And then I will top it all off with stuffing my face.  Can't wait :)  But, there's nothing keeping me from brainstorming about next year's costumes.  *B

something good to eat

I'm so pleasantly pleased with how these turned out!  They're like the epitome of Fall.  And I'm definitely in favor of all things Autumn, which obviously and absolutely includes pumpkins ;)   Let's pretend it wasn't 90-something degrees today... yeah, I'm just going to lock myself inside my house and bake my day away!  I might have to turn the AC down to get further in the mood, though.  Silly state.  But it sure beats the snow!  And my pumpkin muffins beat your pumpkin muffins.  *B

recipe found here (yes, I have a food blog... where have you been Raquel?!)

batty for banners

Fads.  I hate them.  But some are too good to pass up!  Like the current bunting phase.  I am all about stringing cute little flags together :)  I made one for my kids room a few months ago, out of vintage fabric.  Super cute.  I'll show you someday... And then I made my Halloween pennant out of burlap.  I love it.  And I'm excited because I had the awesome foresight to make it double-sided!  So, in just a few days I'll be turning that sucker over and it'll be saying/meaning something different.  Brilliant!  For now, it says SPOOKY but soon it'll say THANKS.  Super cute.  I'll show you someday...

Anyway, I realize it's a wee bit way too late for anyone to be making a Halloween banner...  But, just think of all the festive possibilities!  So many holidays, so little time.  I am totally going to make one for Christmas/V-day.  Can't you just imagine the red beautiful burlap banner (hello alliteration!)?!  I'm trying not to hyperventilate, and to enjoy my holidays one at a time... but the ideas are a flowin' fo' sho!

I hurried to make another one for my mom's quilt group...  But I didn't hurry too much, because I remembered to take pictures this time!  So hopefully between my rambling directions and my crappy photos, you'll get the gist ;)

1.  Make a template: my triangles are 6 inches wide at the widest, and 8 inches tall at the tallest.  But you can make your triangles whatever size you want.  Use template and cut out as many flags as you need.  I used a fabric pen and a pair of scissors... but if you're a quilter, and/or you have access to a rotary cutter, mat and gridded ruler, that would definitely be the way to go!  Mine was at my mom's, so I did it the old-fashioned way.



2.  For this next step, you'll need freezer paper and double sided fusible interfacing.  If you're only going to have the pennant be one-sided, then you won't need the interfacing... Oh, and you'll need an iron.  Iron a slightly smaller triangle to one side of your flag.  Carefully iron your freezer paper to a piece of 8.5 x 11 print paper.  Make sure you don't iron the wrong side of the freezer paper!  Then, print out your word on the freezer paper side.  I used Times New Roman, font size 250 in Word.  Make sure to leave plenty of spacing between each letter.

3.  Using a craft razor blade, or in my case a utility knife, cut out your letters.  A cutting board might come in handy.  A Cricut would definitely come in handy.  Because doing it by hand is a pain in the butt (and hand)!  But definitely worth it :)  And this is why you want to have enough space around the letters.  You don't want the edges of your stencil to be too thin...

4.  Peel off the freezer paper from the print paper.  Line up your somewhat-sticky stencil on your flag and iron on.  Freezer paper usually has two good ironings in it.  If you iron it to print paper (step 2), then you've already used up one good use.  So, this isn't a stencil you can take on and off.  Position it correctly before ironing it on.  Eyeball it, use a ruler, etc.  Just make sure you're happy with where it is, or else you'll end up repeating steps 2 AND 3, cursing along the way.  Believe me.  Been there.  Done that.  Not recommended ;)

5.  Using regular old craft paint, start filling in your stencil directly onto the burlap.  Brush from the outside of the stencil to the inside of the stencil.  That'll help minimize any leakage around the edges.  Also, I put tinfoil behind my flag, just in case any of the paint soaked through the burlap.  If you ever plan on washing this (why???), then use paint that's safe to wash.  Although, I would NOT recommend washing burlap.  What a mess!

6.  After the paint is dry, simply peel off the freezer paper and gasp in amazement.  It's like magic!

If you plan on making it double-sided, then you'll need to prep your backside flags BEFORE you go any further than step 3.  You won't need to iron on interfacing, though.  Instead, peel off the paper from your front side flag and then create a little flag/interface sandwich.  Iron really well on both sides to make sure the interfacing sticks to both.  Then take turns painting each side, being careful that both words read from left to right.  When I made mine, I sewed the two sides together.  And I forgot about the word-flip issue until it was too late.  Unpicking burlap is not fun.  And I can only imagine how frustrating it would be after you've basically glued the two sides together with interfacing... so just double check before you make any move that'll be permanent.

Now all that's left is to sew all those little flaggies together!  I used double folded bias tape, but you could use ribbon, string, etc.  Make sure to leave enough on the ends for hanging purposes.  And you're done!  I'm sorry if I've made it sound more confusing than it really is...  But most of you are more crafty than I am, so I'm sure you'll do just fine :)

There you have it!  Now you'll be making up excuses to make banners for every season, holiday, month, day of the week, member of your family, and so on and so forth.  And I wouldn't blame you one bit.  We can be crazy together.  *B

like you haven't already seen this

This is my current consumer crush.  Remember?  And my husband almost got it for me!  But there were some complications...  Silly husband.  Anyway, I still want it.  BAD.  Don't you?!  And wouldn't it be super cool if I could get one for free???  Heck yes.  Like I ever win anything, ha!  *B

on my (mormon) mind

I have something to say share.  And it's not in response to anyone or anything.  Really.  It's just something I've been thinking about a lot lately...  Let me preface by saying that I'm a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  A Mormon.  Have been my whole life.  And it's been a good life!  And I owe that to the gospel :)

The gospel is true.  The gospel is perfect.  We, as a people, are not perfect.  Far from it, actually.  We make mistakes, just like anyone else does.  Certainly, no one is better than their neighbor.  We are all the same.  We are brothers and sisters.  Our Father and Mother in Heaven, know us and love us.  Jesus Christ is our Savior and our Redeemer.  Yes, we're Christian!  I believe happiness comes through following the commandments.  But, we are free to make our own choices.  Nonetheless, just as I remind my son every day, we need to make good choices.  No one forces us, not even God.  And certainly not Lucifer.  As free agents, we have sole responsibility of our souls.  Through the Atonement, and by the grace of God, our souls can be made perfect.  I look forward to that day.

It is not our place to judge others.  And for that, I am extremely grateful!  That job is God's, and His alone.  What a relief!  But, we do need to love one another.  As (Gay) Mormon Guy puts it: "I used to love people less because they didn't love people as much or as freely as I did. Then I realized how incredibly ironic my feelings were. I was judging the people around me because they were judging others, and refusing to tolerate them because they were intolerant. That sounds like circular logic. I looked inside myself and realized that I, like they, needed to simply love people - even the people who didn't love me or tolerate me and who judged me without context - and help them to make good decisions. But, no matter what choices others eventually made, I still needed to love them."

And that is my goal in this life.  To love everyone.  My family.  My friends.  And my enemies.  Though I hope to have more friends than foes...  Because, I really like people!  And I hope they like me, too.  Me, the Mormon.  *B

happy haunting

Have I mentioned lately how much I love Halloween?  Yes, I probably have...  Well, this October has been great!  We haven't had to deal with a loss of any kind (baby or house), so I've allowed myself to decorate to my heart's desire and to let myself be really happy.   I am truly content, which is such a wonderful feeling.

I look around our cozy little family room and every wall makes me smile.  I can't decide what has me grinning the most, but I'm particularly fond of my beadboard wall.  Helloooo beadboard!  ;)

While I'm not a huge fan of candy/sweets, I am, however, loving my treat-filled apothecary jars.  Yay for 50% coupons!  The "deadly desserts" sign is just perfect for that space, too.  Yay for the dollar store!  I am also completely thrilled with how my burlap bunting turned out.  More on that later... Yay for tutorials?  But, I adore Will's embroidered pillow the most.  I couldn't have stitched it better myself!  *B

walk to remember

It's hard to think that three years ago I lost my second baby...  Man, that was an awful October!  Worst month ever.  And as the days continue to run their course, I think less and less of my maybe baby.  But I will never forget.

I may not have carried him for long...  I don't even know what the baby's sex was.  All I do know is that I have my Elizabeth Rae now, and I will never use the name Peter B. for a boy.  So I'm going to assume it was a he ;)  Anyway, the loss I've experienced is nothing like the losses of relatives and friends I do know.  But it's still a loss.

This morning I had the chance to be a part of this (thanks Nicki!).  My heart was slightly re-broken...  I mourned alongside the other participating families.  For bereaved families everywhere.  For all the moms who carry a child, only to go home empty handed.  And unless you've experienced that emptiness, you don't know what it's like.  And for that, I'm grateful.  I'm grateful that my heart has been softened so that I can not only sympathize for those mothers, but also empathize with some.  I know what it's like to want to be pregnant.  I know what it's like to have your arms ache to hold your baby.  I know what it's like to feel broken.

I remember, lying there on the exam table, waiting (for hours) for someone to come and tell me what was wrong.  And I remember patting my tummy, whispering to my baby, telling him that it'll be ok.  That I love him.  And that no matter what happens, that will never change.  And I remember telling him how sorry I was that he couldn't stay.

Today, I grieved for the baby I never knew.  Today, I celebrated my children.  My son.  And my daughter.  Once again, my eyes were opened.  To the miracle of life.  And to the beauty of eternal families.  *B

these faces

No one drives me crazier than these two.  But, no one loves them like I do.  *B

make like a bat

In case you (*cough, cough* Jen) haven't seen it yet, I'm giving away (*sniff, sniff*) this haunting platter you now see before you.  I'll be picking the winner on Monday, so fly on over and enter if you so choose.  I know I would!  I'm simply batty for it.  *B

ETA: giveaway is closed and the winner is picked :)

more decor

• Wall-art/wannabe-vinyl from this store 
• Plates are from the dollar store, with vinyl cut by these two 
• Pumpkin man and feather wreath from the spoiler (aka. mom)
• Spooky books: Poe collection, The Graveyard Book, and Dracula.  I highly recommend all of them.

And the cross-stitch is done by moi.  I finished it the day after Halloween last year.  I almost couldn't find it and I was in the process of throwing a fit about it when I finally found it.  I realize cross-stitch isn't for everybody.  It is kinda reminiscent of stencils-stamped-on-the-walls days...  But, I adore needlework of all kind (one of my preferred hobbies).  Anyway, the purple netting is recycled/reused from a bouquet of flowers my dear hub brought me over a month ago.  And the little ghosties floating in it are from a festive light necklace that went dead.  Cheers for puns and being resourceful ;)

Can anyone guess what's on the compuTV?  I'll give you a BIG hint: it's one of my all-time favorite movies, regardless the season.  My brothers think I'm kinda morbidly obsessed with the macabre...  Maybe they're right.  Halloween is, after all, my favorite holiday.  *B

broadway review

We went to our first school performance as parents' of a performer.  There is something magical about watching your child on stage.  I was close to tears the entire time.  Happy tears, of course.  I was just so proud to see him up there, strutting his stuff and singing his heart out.  Might I add that my dear boy can carry a tune like no other little five year old boy with blond, spiky hair can ;)  And you should have seen his little sister!  She was his biggest fan, crying when he left the stage, and then beaming when he returned.  So cute.

I was also proud of all the other performers, young and "old" (grades K-12).  I couldn't stop myself from smiling and applauding.  I just kept thinking of how their parents' must feel, and how our Father in Heaven must feel...  These children are such a gift, especially when sharing their talents with others.  Such a sweet experience.  And I can't wait until the next one!  *B

sweet & spooky

It's October y'all!  Woot woots for everyone :)  I hope you don't mind, but most posts from now until November 1st will probably be Halloween-related.  And if you do mind, well then I'm sorry.  But not really, because this is my blog.  Seriously though, who hates Halloween?  The crazies, that's who.  And vampires...

My halls are decked and properly spookified!  Our wee little home is pretty tricked-out.  Want to see?  Good, because I'm going to show you!  Today's post features my little entryway table/desk/thing.  It's in desperate need of a makeover (just waiting for the heat to pass)... but at least the stuff sitting on it is cute!  At least, I think so.  The super cool stuff like the tree, plaque (and spidered mirror) are all courtesy of my mom.  Story of my life.  Not complaining!  Pretty sure it's all from Orange Patch, too.  Love that place.  But notice the candy corn garland (take that Lolly Jane!), and my vintage Halloween blocks.  Maybe you're unimpressed.  Which is sad, because I'm thrilled with how they both turned out!  If you do like them, then let's be friends.  Oh, and I'll share my secrets with you, too.  Because decorating is fun.  Halloween decorating is funner.  And Halloween decorating on a budget is funnest!

The garland is pretty straight-forward.  Sorry, I don't have any fun step-by-step photos...  But I'm confident you can figure it out!  You'll need black embroidery floss, candy corn, and a hot glue gun (including the glue).  FYI, I tried threading the candy corn.  The first two threaded just fine, and then I proceeded to break ten in a row and decide the hot glue gun route is best.  Put a little glue on the candy corn tip, attach floss to candy (not the other way around).  Space candy corn every 2 inches.  After you've got 6 glued and attached to the floss, go back and add just a dot of glue on top of the now embedded thread.  Repeat until you've reached desired length.  I left about 6 inches of the floss un-candied at the ends, for attachment purposes.  Let the glue cool completely before you move anything, and be careful to avoid tangles!  I cannot emphasize that enough.  Candy corn garland = fun.  Tangled candy corn garland = nightmare.

These blocks are probably my favorite decoration in my entire house.  I didn't have any appropriate scrapbook paper, so I went and grabbed some digi goodness.  And because I love all things vintage, I scoured the internet and found sweet little Halloween images.  Look at those precious pictures!  Anyway, I just worked a little ModPodge/distressing magic, and voila.  Oh, they make me so happy!  I plan on doing the same thing for other holidays.  Can you imagine the cuteness of Christmas?  Valentine's day?!  Goodness gracious.  If, by chance, you'd like to make these same blocks, here they are.   Just click and save as.  Images are 2.5 x 2.5.  The tops of the blocks are made with the Shabby Princess Halloween Sampler.  I already had wood blocks and I just printed everything out on my home printer.  Super cute and super free!  My favorite.

So there you have it!  I just HAD to share; everyone deserves to have a haunted house ;)  Oh, and there's a giveaway on the Mess, too.  Yes, it's more Halloween hullabaloo.  And yes, I have more than the one wall/table decorated.  Trust me, I have more.  *B

 Need more spooky decor?
Check out all the crafty goodness happening at:

clean schmean

We interrupt this month's cleaning schedule on behalf of dust and cobwebs, and declare this house a safe-haven for all (fake) creepy-crawlies.  All in the name of Halloween!  Piles of dirty clothes and dishes are scary, too...  Right?  *B

to all you wannabe spooks

I'm so tired.  Must.Sleep.  But, I have something very important to say: Halloween is MY favorite holiday.  It always has been and always will be.  So stop trying to copy me Internet!  Only Martha understands me...  *B

his take on school pictures

(not a school photo)

Me: "Ok, so no funny faces.  You need to smile nice, and be handsome."
Will: "I'm already handsome, mom."

True that!  *B

awesome with a capital "a"

Yes, I am well aware of the time.  Yes, I am exhausted.  Yes, I was unaware that tomorrow is school picture day.  Yes, I am doing a last minute load of laundry.  So without further ado, for your linking pleasure, a list of things that will change your life!

this song (that guitar!)
this show (those pies!)
this book (it's true!)
this bread (so good!)
this class (so sore!)
this cleaning product (amazing!)
this tutorial (fantastic!)
this fabric (I want!)
this necklace (I need!)

And now the laundry is in the dryer, and this mama is in bed!  *B

sew cool

He's ALL boy, all right!  His outfit alone is proof of that... Star Wars + Legos + Halloween = Win x 3.  While he enjoys a good light-saber duel, he also seeks out "girly" past-times during his down-time.  He calls it his yarn work.  His next needle project?  A spider.  Pretty cute tough stuff for a non-matching, pajama-wearing (sick) boy.  Yay for manual dexterity that doesn't involve fists!  *B

ramblings of an imperfectionist

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We all know how crazy I am about playing house... for the past week I've been thinking about one of my favorite homes: the Openshaw home.  It's a darling house, thanks to my Aunt Kristen ;) But beyond its cuteness is a feeling there that I can't quite explain.  Honestly, I struggle to come up with a single word to describe the atmosphere found in my cousins' childhood home.  Comfort.  Peace.  Welcome.  Today in church, I heard something that struck so near and dear to my heart.  Something I'm sure I've heard several times over.  But for whatever reason, I listened with both my ears and heart today.  "Only the home can compare with the temple in sacredness."  And I realize the word I'm searching for is sacred.

Later in church we talked about the importance of the family unit, and this month's Visiting Teaching message is about nurturing the rising generation.  And it hits me again, that I want my home to "emanate the spirit of family."  For it is family that is central to God's plan of happiness.  Family is sacred.  I've recently come across Cultivating Home, a beautiful and inspirational blog.  I could read it for hours!  While I am indeed jealous of her farmhouse, I'm even more envious of the relationship she has with her children, and with God.  It reminds me to get on my knees and plead for guidance on how to strengthen my family and home... 

If I had to pick between my ultimate dream home (see here) versus staying forever in my little two-bedroom townhouse that emanates the sacred spirit of family, I would choose the latter.  *B

going halfsies

Does anyone else have issues with finishing projects?  I'm real good at half finishing... in fact, the only thing I've finished from beginning to end is pregnancy.  Oh, and this quilt and pillow.  Both of which I'm super proud of.  Especially that bolster pillow!  But, because both are part of Elsie's unfinished bedding AND  therefore a part of the unfinished kids' room, I still feel unfinished and consequently unsatisfied.  Remember that to-do-list of mine?  The mile long one?  Yeah, that one.  I haven't even scratched the surface of it.  For crying out loud, I've had half of my walls half-painted for the past half-year!

There are just too many things I want to do (ie. decorate for Halloween!!!), and there are too many things I should be doing (ie. painting).  Unfortunately, watching this show and browsing this blog is not a part of my plan o' projects.  Pity.  *B

like a lobster, huge and red!

Spending the night sewing up a storm whilst listening to my most favoritest holiday CD ever.  I guess this means Summer is (mostly) over for the Summers!  *B

miss priss

Sometimes she's too cute for her own good... and seriously, who taught her to be such a girly girl?!  I blame my mother.  She always wanted one.  *B

not-so-lazy days

 

These past two weeks have been anything but lazy!  Meaning, these past two weeks have been insanely busy.  And this week is no walk in the park either.  But, I think hope life will start to slow down soon.  Because Fall is coming.  Can you feel it???  Not only am I excited for cooler weather, but I'm also excited for the peaceful pace Autumn will bring. [sigh]

The only lazy thing lazying about these days is me.  In that I'm too lazy to take real photos, let alone edit the crappy ones I do take.  Remember when I use to digi scrap?!  Pfft, that was soooo long ago.  Now all you get are fast iPhone photos.  [cheers]

Anyway, so it's been crazy here.  School is in full swing.  We've had our first incident at school.. that I'd rather not dwell on... moving on!  We've celebrated three significant birthdays within five days of each other.  Monk turned FIVE, the hub turned THIRTY, and my baby brother turned 19 and is now an ELDER!  [sniff, sniff]

Yeah, I'm definitely ready for the slower season.  *B

update on the educate

We have survived our first week of school!  We also celebrated a busy boy turning five.  I feel old.  *B

body flow

{source}

I just got back from the gym where they teach this yoga/pilates/tai chi class.  Pure awesomeness!  My muscles felt worked, yet relaxed.  I felt like one with my body and with the universe!  Amazing.  In love.

Also, I mastered the brownie muffin :)  It's nutritious and delicious!!!  Managed to process 2 (out of 43) loads of laundry, too.  Lots of goodness today.  Perfect start to what's sure to be a great week.  And they say Mondays are bad?  Pffft.  Not this Monday!

Oh wait, I have to be at work in 24 minutes.  To the shower!  *B

swoon fest

This won't mean much to anyone else but lil ol' me.  But in case you are crazy interested, the following is a LONG list (in no particular order) of schtuff that makes my heart go pitter-pat.  Who knows, we might have similar tastes...

• Arizona sunsets
• Cath Kidston
• Waverly 
• floral prints
• gingham
• red barns
• red anything 
• antique boutiques
• plates on the wall
• beadboard (duh)
• polka dots, the red/white variety (double duh)
• black & white photos of hands/feet (long before it was dubbed cool -- take that fadistics!)
• wire baskets
• bird houses
• bird cages
• rustic wreaths
• blue & white china
• wood floors
• quilts
• hexagon afghans
• vintage caravans 
• retro and/or vintage ads & pin-ups
• British telephone booths
• book stacks
• mason jars
• tulle
• toile
• embroidery
• typewriters
• The Black Apple
• Anthropologie 
• gumball machines (vintage, duh again)
• retro gas pumps
• distressed edges
• peeling paint
• milk bottles
• lanterns
• cake stands
• Moda
• Pottery Barn 
• crystal knobs
• copper pots, pans, colanders (anything really)
• craftsman homes
• cottages & bungalows
• Victorian houses
• brick houses
• red doors
• wrap around porches
• white picket fences
• climbing ivy
• gardens of any kind
• rolling hills & valleys
• the following children books (turned into television shows): Little Bear and Angelina Ballerina.  So sweet!  J'adore much.

Basically, I'm a retro/vintage, shabby chic, French country, beach cottage fanatic!  I'm also a grown woman who likes to read children books and watch cartoons before bedtime...  And when it is time for me to sleep, I lay there dreaming about the things that make me smile.  I may even breath a wishful sigh, before sweet sleep sweeps me off my feet.  Also, I enjoy alliterating from time to time.  *B

not ready yet

How does one prepare one's offspring for school?  And when I say "one" I mean me... and by offspring I mean Will, an intense (almost) five year old boy, who likes needs to stay busy and keep his hands active.  He is a good, sweet boy.  And he sure is smart!  But, I was THIS close to not putting him in school at all.  I mean, he's a five year old boy (which says it all).  But then I remembered the charter school across the street: smaller class sizes + emphasis on performing arts = potential.  I'd been praying about what to do, about what was best for him.  I was THIS close to keeping him home.  He's had a difficult time in Primary, how can he handle school?!  Let's be honest, he's had a difficult time even being at home...

I felt prompted and comforted about this school.  I signed him up.  Maybe it'll work?  Maybe he'll be ok?  Last night was orientation.  We met his teacher and got a feel for his room.  Only 12 students.  I think he'll like it here?  I think he'll like his teacher?  Talked with her about our concerns.  She says, "when in doubt, keep them out."

What to do?!  Got the uniforms back from the embroiderer, just waiting to be washed and worn.  Got a backpack.  An orange one ;)  Got some school supplies.  Need to get the rest.  What do I make for lunch?  How should I fix his hair?  Can he handle being gone for seven hours?  What will his sister think/do with him gone all day?  What am I going to do while he's gone?  Is he going to sit and listen?  Will he play nice?  What if he gets hungry/tired/hurt?  Will he cry? Will he miss home?  Will he miss me?

School starts next week.  Is he really ready?  Because I'm not.  *B

change of plans

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 Turns out I no longer have a school to study for... so, goal number six will get a little makeover.  Also, I think I'm going to start counting my points next week.  But, so far these past few days are turning out to be good practice.  So, who's with me???  Seriously, I would LOVE to set up a group or something.  Any ideas on how it should run, if/when we should meet, etc.?  Feedback would be greatly appreciated :)

Also, I'm really enjoying reacquainting myself with my blog here, and over there.  And I've come to realize that making and keeping meal plans shouldn't just be a short-term personal goal; it definitely deserves a long-term goal status!  So if you're into meal plans, healthy tips/tricks and yummy recipes, then by all means, head on over!  And then click follow, so I can feel cool.  I want to share the knowledge I've gained with as many people as possible.  Who doesn't want to feel better about themselves, inside AND out?!  Yay for good food!  And yay for setting goals!  Boo for schools that close without a warning and leave a wannabe nutrition consultant in the dust.  *B

betterment

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Uh, wow.  Who knew posting so many (cute) pictures of your kids/family would make you so popular?  ;)  I'll have to do that more often... Anyway, so I've been thinking about goal setting for a while now.  I even thought, "wouldn't it be cool if there were some sort of point system?"  Lo and behold, my newfound friend posted about a challenge she's participating in.   Yesss!  And I am completely unashamed in admitting that I am totally copying her idea, with some slight modifications.  Basically, there are four areas where I personally want to see some growth: physical, mental, emotional and spiritual.  There are ten points possible in a day, and each area gets at least one dedicated point.  There's also the option of 10 free points to use throughout the week, or a free day.  Also, each week the Personal Goal changes.  Here's what I've come up with:

1. 64 oz. of water
2. 30-45 minutes of physical activity
3. one blog post (on either site)
4. no eating out
5. no refined sugar
6. 1 hr. schoolwork (not necessarily consecutive)
7. 15 min. of scripture reading (5 min w/ every meal)
8. get to bed before 11 pm
9. Express sincere appreciation, love or praise to my children
10. Personal Goal: make and keep meal plan

So yeah, I'm excited :)  I love setting goals, making plans, creating lists, etc.  I'm just not the best at follow-through... anybody interested in joining me?  I need to be held accountable to someone other than myself.  And there could be prizes!  Maybe?  So far I'm blackmailing my mother and husband into accepting the challenge.  Next week's potential Personal Goal: accepting the free will of others.  *B

picture perfect

"And it will surprise you what the Lord has done!"  Amen.  *B