Weaver Girl Guz

31/366: The Derby

2012-01-31T09:00:00.003-05:00

It's that magical time.

When grown men become boys.

This year, the grown women became boys as well.

I am still amazed to hear from parents things like "They just put you with fast cars to make you look slower." or "Why haven't you raced, this ____ car has gone three times already, that's not fair?"

This is Cub Scouts, they aren't intentionally trying to make you look bad, you are doing that just fine for yourself.

Big Boy's car made it into the finals and all the cars were really close. There never seemed to be one that was much faster than another. I'd love to see the splits, tenths of seconds I'm sure. Due to the closeness in speeds, we had a Race Off...never before seen (by me). Big Boy and another car did two heats by themselves...very exciting, for everyone.

And in the end, the black car won third overall, Big Boy's Turtle car (yes, I know it is blue) came in Fourth Overall, but won a First Place in his Den. I think he was happier for the first than he would have been for Third Overall.

He is a good kid. He is a good sport, didn't show a ton of emotion, didn't jump up and down at the wins, and didn't pout at the losses. I love this boy.

Oh, and the Little Guy, too.

Incidentally, they both told me they were really happy, I just need to look at their eyes. The mouths don't show happiness.

Here is a quick video of one of the heat wins for Turtle Car.

30/366: New Life

2012-01-30T17:00:00.003-05:00

A very good friend of mine decided after she had made 21 blanket squares that she had enough of crocheting and it wasn't for her.

Along with all her needles, hooks and yarn, came those little squares. In pink, white and yellow, they didn't have much use in a home with two boys.

Two weeks ago, I was "hanging out" in the basement with my son and started organizing some things in my studio. I came across the squares and decided to finish this blanket for my friend, who just happens to be pregnant with a girl.

I had planned on making a bunch more squares when I realized...blech, I don't like making these squares. So, I changed it up a bit and made the squares bigger with two rounds of double crochet. I stitched them all together and added a pale pink scalloped edge. It's smaller than a bath towel and I think it's the perfect size for everything!

But, the best part of giving and receiving a handmade blanket, was that two friends worked on it together.

29/366: Santa Fe Chicken

2012-01-29T10:58:00.000-05:00

Food photos are not my forte.

Although this appears somewhat edible, it tastes so much better.

I was inspired by this link from Pinterest:

Source: skinnytaste.com via Carrie on Pinterest

The above dish has more fresh ingredients and was made in the crock pot for 8 hours, neither of which I had. So, I improvised.

Gluten Free Santa Fe Chicken
8-10 Skinless Chicken Tenders
3 cups of Salsa
1 can black beans
2 cups frozen corn
Shredded Cheddar to top
Rice

I cooked the chicken on the stove top in a skillet with a little orange juice. I like the acidity of the OJ infused into the chicken. As that was nearly done, I shredded the chicken in the pan in big chunks. This also helps it cook faster. Then I added the salsa and let that cook a bit. Then I opened up my spice cupboard and started adding: Cumin (always), onion powder, little garlic powder, Forward Seasoning from Penzeys (a tex mex type seasoning, you could use a chili seasoning), salt and pepper.

Add in the beans and corn and let simmer until you are ready to eat.

The chicken was super tender, the cheese on top was just the right amount. My photos are leftovers that I microwaved...just as good, if not better. See the steam on my camera lens?

Delish!

28/366: Monsters

2012-01-28T18:05:00.001-05:00

Boo!

It is late Saturday, windy and cold, nursing a migraine, and I am too lazy to do a 'proper' post.

I am sharing a photo that my Big Boy took this afternoon. He is obsessed with these key covers ever since I got them for Christmas (again, when I received them).

27/366: {this moment}

2012-01-27T08:22:00.000-05:00

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

26/366: Nutella Cookie Adaptation

2012-01-26T09:00:00.001-05:00

I can't necessarily claim this one as my own, but I will say, I made a lack luster product shine!

Wegmans, our amazing grocery store in the Northeastern USA, carries a ton of Gluten Free products and recently tripled their offerings.

One item that caught my attention was frozen sugar cookie dough. It was expensive...but the convenience! Each week when I go shopping, I try to find one new item and give it a shot. This was the cookie dough week. The dough is made by Gillians, here is a stock photo:

The can I bought was the same size, the colors were less green and more yellows and pinks. The next day, I cracked open the container and decided to make a single batch.

Oh. Blech.

One more.

Eh. It was very "gluten free tasting". That bland, crumbly, blah. That said, I still ate them on those occasions you just need a little cookie. Then my cookie met Nutella. They were so dry, I dipped the last two into Nutella.

Hello Cookie!

Can you guess what I did next???

My cookie met Nutella BEFORE it hung out in the oven. With absolutely no measuring, I added one part Nutella to 3 parts cookie dough...very mathematical people. Mixed it up in my hands and formed balls.

I lightly pressed them flat and stuck them in the oven. Once they came out, I sprinkled a bit of sugar on top.

That is a pleasant cookie. It isn't the best I've made, but it's a cookie. With Nutella...need I say more?

And, they are pretty to look at.

The remaining 4 dough balls were rolled in sugar and not pressed flat...not so good.

But I still ate them.

All of them.

25/366: Audra Mae

2012-01-25T09:40:00.001-05:00

I am having a love affair.

With the Sons of Anarchy.

All of them. The big jawed one to the chubby one and most importantly, the hot one.

One episode used this a version of Forever Young with Audra Mae. The video is random bikers, not the Sons.

Love it.

24/366: The Box

2012-01-24T08:28:00.000-05:00

I have a little pond in my backyard, fairly close to the house.

We put it in to eliminate all the greenery that we had near the house that housed a plethora of little mice. Mean mice. Mice that found a way into my home, under the heater. With those creepy nails scratching at my carpet. Luckily, they never made it into the living space, but we heard them and saw their little freaky feet.

Back to the Pond. During the winter, I change out the fountain and filter with an aerator. Simple pump with a tube that has a spongy looking hard block at the end that creates bubbles. The pump is stored in this tool box that was modified with a couple holes and an exhaust tube that resembles a periscope.

Last year it worked great and I only lost one fish (I didn't expect that one to make it anyway, he was an indoor fish).

This year, the pump has been running hard. Making a loud humming noise as if it were knocked around or suffocated. (Do you get were I am going?).

My mind began to imagine that cute little family of mice, taking up residency in my pond pump box. The warmth of the pump, the shelter, I didn't think it was a stretch.

I had asked Tom to open the box for me as I am frightened of what I may find. I worked myself up so much that my heart was racing when I finally got up the nerve to go out and check yesterday. I had a clear path for running as I slowly listened and flicked open the latch. Deep breath.

With my nervous hands, I flung open the box and knocked it a bit and jumped when I saw the frozen frog!

A frog fell right out at my feet.

The resin frog. The decorative frog that is my fountain in the summer. Nicely stored in the box. I had forgotten I stored it in there.

I'm such a dork. I was scared of something I did myself.

And the mice?

None. The box had some water on the bottom and I believe the noise was due to an un-level footing for the motor.

Frog.

23/366: Hand Warmer Tutorial

2012-01-23T08:00:00.000-05:00

This is such an adorable little craft for Valentines Day.

It has simple stitches and minimal supplies.

You can find the entire tutorial right here...if you make one, show me!

22/366: Sunday Inspiration

2012-01-22T08:00:00.000-05:00

21/366: Lazy Saturday

2012-01-21T09:30:00.003-05:00

We have no plans, other than hanging out together.

Perhaps some origami for Big Boy.

Writing homework for O.

Reading something other than pharmaceutical books for Tom.

And for me, a little crochet, perhaps some extra day job work to decrease my enormous pile, but most importantly to snuggle under my snuggle and dream of things to come.

20/366: {this moment}

2012-01-20T08:00:00.002-05:00

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

19/366: Boys

2012-01-19T12:00:00.003-05:00

We had some new putter patter feet in our home on Monday.

It was fantastic! I love this little boy. I only borrowed him for the day to remind myself the joys of parenthood.

In the morning, I told Tom how I 'could do it again'.

By the fifth hour, I had changed my mind.

Boys are a lot of work. Especially at this mighty age of one and a half. Always moving.

I loved it.

Took a nap after he left, but loved it.

The best part of the day, was that my Big Boy stayed with me and our friend the whole day. He played next to us and helped me out. He talked to our friend as if he was 10 years old. Important questions, observations, and instructions. It was great. BB has always been good with little ones, this time, was even better. It made me wonder if other ADHD boys react the same way to young people. Many parents worry about the tantrums and anger, but when sitting next to our friend, BB was sweet, caring and protective.

I asked the Big Boy if he thought we should have another kid.

He said, "Yes. But he needs to be 5 or 6 years old."

18/366: Kindness of Somewhat Strangers

2012-01-18T10:00:00.001-05:00

My boys aren't all that fond of their afternoon bus driver. They say he is mean.

The examples they give me are that he doesn't allow them to switch seats after the bus leaves the school. He doesn't allow them to stand while bus is in motion.

They can't yell, stick their heads out the window or pretend fight with each other.

Poor boys...they aren't allowed to act like animals in a moving bus with no seat belts.

It wasn't until I heard from other parents that this bus driver isn't mean to just my boys. Apparently, he is somewhat nasty.

That said, if I were to be driving a bus load of kids around, I might be a tad on the nasty side as well. Heck, an hour in the car with only two children, strapped in, is enough to make me go wacky.

Yesterday, O got off the bus giggling. It wasn't until the bus doors closed and he was close to the house that I noticed he didn't have his backpack. He left it on the bus.

So I sent them through the backyard to the next street to wave the bus down and retrieve the backpack. Had I thought for a second how much rain we have had in the past day, I may have abandoned that idea. Big Boy came back with wet pants up to mid thigh.

With no backpack.

He looked at the bus, but never waved him down or talked to the driver. Note to self: explain expectations prior to releasing big boy into a water bog.

I called the bus garage and the lady was very kind. Unfortunately, the garage would be closed when the bus driver arrived after the high school drop offs, so we would have to come retrieve the backpack the following morning after 7:00 AM. Ugh.

I had a discouraging day at work, and then the backpack debacle really set me off. I just couldn't see that it was only a backpack and we can get it back, not a big deal. But when it is combined with other factors, that is one big backpack straw.

Since I was already in a mood, I had the boys write a couple thank you cards that were severely late. As we were writing, a school bus stops in front of our house!

The Bus Driver was dropping off O's backpack!

I have never in my life heard of such a thing. I am ever so grateful that not only was the back pack intact, but returned without any issues. Evidently, it is easier for a bus driver to return the backpack to the child's house, than it is to deliver it to the bus garage, most likely due to the closing of the office before all buses return.

Thank you kind bus driver. I'll stick up for you always.

And O had one more thank you note to write!

17/366: Hearty Giveaway - The Results

2012-01-17T11:00:00.001-05:00

Source: Uploaded by user via Belinda on Pinterest

We (I) had a WHOPPING THREE comments for the Hearty Giveaway. Not sure how I feel about this. I mean, 3?

Although that is dissappointing, what is more disappointing is that I LOVE all three of my peeps that commented. What's a girl to do?

In order of comment posting time.
Liz
Gretchen
Sherilyn

Here goes...my eyes are closed, I'm not picking favorites....

List Randomizer
There were 3 items in your list. Here they are in random order:

1.Liz
2.Sherilyn
3.Gretchen

Timestamp: 2012-01-17 15:38:37 UTC

It may not be pretty...but Liz, by way of Random.org, you are the winner!

I expect some dark chocolate hearts with mousse in them soon!

Ha...just kidding. Thank you so much my three friends, for validating my work.

16/366: Change

2012-01-16T16:32:00.002-05:00

15/366: Old Chicago

2012-01-15T10:16:00.003-05:00

Chicago is such a great city. Modern and antique, kitsch and fashionable.

The brand new Trump Tower sits in the morning shadow of the Wrigley Building.

The bricks of the Allerton Hotel exterior are weathered and wise.

A giant Marilyn Monroe sculpture stands with dress in the air and snow on her face.

The folks asking for money are kind when you pass by.

Every single person in the hotel elevator wished each other good day as if we were all there as a big family.

It's a city that will always feel like home, no matter how many times I fly away from it.

14/366: A New Lens

2012-01-14T08:00:00.001-05:00

My husband got me a great new lens for my camera that I had highlighted. Only it didn't work with my camera, so I exchanged it for one that did. It came to me on Wednesday and I can't wait to really get into it. It is for really close up photos. I love how close I can get and the photo still firing.

Really, really close. The soft blur all around is super cool. Love love.

You know what else I love? That boy up there. The cool rocker with the headband. I love that heart of his. And Tom reminded me the other day that this boy is the original long eyelash boy. They amaze me at every blink.

Today is the last day to include your comment for a chance to win a felt heart! See this post to enter.

13/366: This Moment

2012-01-13T08:00:00.002-05:00

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

12/366: Leaving On a Jet Plane

2012-01-12T08:00:00.003-05:00

Away from the office.
Away from my boys.
Away from this city.

Just for a little while.

I wish they were coming along.

Maybe next time.

...

You still have a couple days to include your comment for a chance to win a felt heart! See this post to enter.

11/366: Perspective

2012-01-11T09:16:00.000-05:00

I was able to spend a little one on one time with the little guy this morning. Big brother has Morning Fitness at the school for 40 minutes, so O and I spent that time at Tim Horton's across the street. O has been so excited for this. The alternative, riding the bus without big brother brought him to tears on Monday and I had to drive him in anyway.

The coffee shop has Wi-Fi...I love that feature in a coffee shop, library, book store. O hadn't read his homework book so after a couple quick TimBits, we got to work.

As lovely as this was for O and me, I couldn't stop thinking about some friends facing terrible health issues. It surely takes the hustle and bustle and planning and driving and normal everyday tasks that, at the time, feel so important and puts those into perspective. What is important? Really, truly important? Committees, a spotless home, the perfect store bought gift?

None of it.

Family is what is important. Quiet time spent with the ones you love.

Praying for my friends and their family.

10/366: Hearty Giveaway

2012-01-10T08:00:00.000-05:00

Remember this?

You can find the tutorial right here. But, if you like this and don't want to get all Martha...I have one to give away. Just leave a comment here (or on the Facebook post) and tell me your favorite Valentines Day gift to give, or that you have received or wish to receive.

I'll pick a name at random via my Random Number Generator Picker Name Out of Bag Boy. I'll close comments on Saturday evening. And ship this out to the lucky winner.

9/366: My Boy and His Eyelashes

2012-01-09T08:00:00.002-05:00

I love these cheeks, this button nose and those eyelashes.

One of my New Year's resolutions, in combination with getting into a daily routine with my blog, is to take more photos. Mostly, to take better photos. Candids, how I love a candid.
Maybe even get in one or two this year.

8/366: Toffee Tutorial

2012-01-08T08:00:00.006-05:00

Candy making. It can go either way.

My family never ate peanut brittle after the time my mom was making it and the brittle starting spewing all over the kitchen. Cupboards, curtains, floor, my mother. I don't recall it happening, but remember the stories about it. To this day, I've never had a piece of peanut brittle. Perhaps that will be the next candy attempt.

So this is my Toffee. The recipe, all worn and coffee stained, is simple.
2 cups butter (yup, four sticks)
2 cups sugar
1/4 tsp salt

Combine those ingredients in a heavy pan and heat on medium heat. Once the butter melts, stop stirring. I know, doesn't make sense...that sugar will burn! You will stir occasionally, but the less you stir, the faster the toffee turns dark.

The following pictures show how the color changes in the butter/sugar mixture. Each photo was taken 3 to 5 minutes after the previous:

The recipe calls for the mixture to reach 285 degrees. That is the third photo. Either my candy thermometer was wrong, or I like dark toffee. Probably both. This time, I didn't even use the thermometer. The trick is...as soon as you think it's ready, leave it on for another five minutes. And when you think that is ready, give it another couple minutes. I have taken it off many times too early and the toffee doesn't have the snap, it's more of a crumble.

While the toffee is cooking and you are not stirring (stay away from that spoon!), line a cookie sheet with parchment paper or foil. I really like using parchment paper, gives the toffee a very smooth bottom, and who doesn't like a smooth bottom???

You can also chop your nuts.

Any nuts will do. These are the Cocoa Roasted Almonds...good stuff. Be careful, the almond skins will stick to your teeth, so there is no sneaking a little piece before you give it to your cousin for Christmas because her husband will point out 'there is something in your teeth, right in the middle" (true story, grateful for the point out, Chris).
Okay, if you think it's done, and you smell a touch of burning smell, it is probably ready. The sugar will look like lava erupting in little puddles with dark rings around them.

Now pour onto your cookie sheet (make sure it has sides!) and let it set for a bit. Here is the humdinger...add two cups of chocolate chips. BUT wait...I put the chips on too fast and they sunk! See this photo, center piece has the two divots from the chips.

You want the chips to melt from the heat of the toffee, but not be swallowed by the softness of the toffee. Sing your alphabet, it should be ready for the chips. Sprinkle the chips best you can over all the toffee and wait. Yes, wait. I know, it's hard. I hate waiting. The chips will begin to glisten. Ahhh lovely sight. Then take your spreader knife and smooth out those chips. Lick your fingers, then sprinkle the chopped almonds (any nut would do) on top of the chocolate and take your spreader or a plastic baggie over your hand to lightly press the nuts into the chocolate.

Stick in the refrigerator till all parts are hard. The chocolate will take the longest to harden.

Once this is nice and hard, smack it on the counter. Or gently break it up and put it in a cute dish. Go ahead, after all that waiting you surely deserve a piece.

But don't forget to check your teeth.

7/366: Gluten Free at Red Robin

2012-01-07T08:00:00.003-05:00

If you are gluten free, or know someone who is, may I suggest the gluten free roll at Red Robin?

I've had enough bad gluten free rolls in my 9 years of being gluten free to know what is good. And this, my friends, rocks!

The folks at Red Robin grill up this bun and it was delivered by the manager, assuring me that this was the gluten free bun. It was airy and filling at the same time. Just delicious.

It was much prettier all wrapped up in the paper instead of flat on a plate. Red Robin also offers lettuce wrapped buns, but I find those to be so messy and frustrating.

Try it out...now, if they would just carry real ginger ale, this would be MY place.

6/366: Initial Mug Tutorial

2012-01-06T08:00:00.002-05:00

I made a couple mugs for our neighbors and Grandma's this Christmas. They are so cute. I was inspired by this post.

The porcelain Pebeo paint in the tube is really easy to use and I barely made a dent in the tube. I chose the outliner paint for it's long tip. I didn't have the option of choosing a pen as the shop I was at was in the rearranging process and they were no where to be found.

This is simple, you print out your picture or letters from the computer, cover the back of the paper in pencil (yes, just like you did as a kid) and tape it on to the mug.

Taking a pencil, trace the letters onto the mug. After removing your paper, you will see the faint graphite from the pencil. Begin tracing your letters with the outliner paint. For the inside, I squeezed a little paint, then pushed it around with the tip to give it a scratched look.

I made one for myself, too. They are so quick and easy. The original poster found their mugs at the thrift store, but I went to a big box store and found these for $2 a piece. I love the big size. This would also be cute with a colored mug.

We will definitely do this again, this time, the kids will draw a picture and I'll assist them in tracing the lines on the mug. The best part, if they mess up or don't like it, you just wipe off the paint and start over.

Once you have your final product, you allow the mug to sit for 24 hours, then put it in a cold over, set for 325 degrees. Once the oven is warmed to 325, continue to bake for 35 minutes. Then done!

Dishwasher and food safe (not sure about the microwave).

This was one of my favorite holiday crafts, so simple and quick!

5/366

2012-01-05T08:17:00.001-05:00

Source: tumblr.com via suann on Pinterest

4/366

2012-01-04T08:00:00.001-05:00

I have my 'set' of blogs that I read daily. I have another set that I read once in a while. I have a couple websites I go to often, some only when a link from Facebook looks interesting.

One of those sites I visit from links on Facebook is Regretsy. My cousin turned me onto Regresty a couple years ago when the main topic was making fun of handmade items. I still wonder if one day one of my monster purses will show up...but so far, so good.

What has happened with Regretsy is remarkable. This woman, April, has taken her mockery of DIY and moved people to action.

This Christmas, she, with the support of her readers, gave Christmas gifts to 200 children that weren't going to get many/or any gifts this year. She has a group called "April's Army" that supports Etsy sellers that are barely making ends meet. If April says, "This poor girl needs a new car so she can take her elderly mom to the doctor", she will get endless offers of money within minutes of posting. It is quite amazing.

During the Christmas giving for children, PayPal did some crooked things to the donations, assuming they were bogus and April was doing something illegal. Turns out, PayPal apologized and gave each family a $200 gift card as an apology. It was a big scandal.

This evening, the Regretsy post was from the Mailbag. A note from an eBay seller that used PayPal to complete the transaction. Seller sold an antique violin. Buyer felt he/she was scammed and the label was fake. PayPal claimed the violin was "counterfeit" and ordered Buyer to smash the violin. In total destruction.

I can't believe the Buyer, that spent $2,500 on this instrument, would simply listen to some schlocky at PayPal and physically destroy this. You can read about it here WITH WARNING...adult language abounds.

But what I really want to point out to you today are the comments that follow this post from Regretsy. After I closed my dropped mouth and took in a breath, I started reading the comments. Rage, utter confusion, disbelief were all common threads. Then the magic of Regretsy readers started. They offered help, monetary help, without prompt. Donating handmade crafts, offers to purchase crafts, offers to send money for legal costs.

One reader happens to work next to the Museum of Musical Instruments and posted this story on the Facebook page of members of the Museum and is following up in person tomorrow.

Another reader was a lawyer, offered his advice and future assistance.

I am inspired by Regretsy.

It's like finally meeting that huge biker dude with all the tattoos that you were afraid of all summer, then meet him only to find out he is a knitter.

3/366

2012-01-03T17:00:00.001-05:00

One down...one to go.

The foot works up quite fast. Hope to have the completed pair to show you tomorrow.

Also working on a couple things in my head, that's where all the preliminary work happens. Thinking some linen blanquilts and some baby girl sewing. I love having TWO baby girls to make for.

Hope your day back to work or school was productive and tolerable.

2/366

2012-01-02T18:46:00.001-05:00

On the road home from Macomb, MI, working with a wool sock yarn. I rarely ever use a variegated yarn, but saw this sock yarn for 50% off and tossed it in my basket.

I wanted to make socks for a new little girl that will grace our good friends in a couple months.

I researched, envisioned and dreamed of the most adorable little tootsie covers. I wanted socks, not booties.

Fighting the norm.

When will I ever learn?

I may just have learned my lesson this weekend.

1st attempt: Hooked through both loops of cuff instead to back loop. Rip out.

2nd Attempt: Tried to follow directions with 44 stitches off the cuff of sock. Too many, rip out.

3rd Attempt: Adjust spacing off the cuff to two stitches per row for about 32 stitches (minus 12 from pattern instructions). Continue with three inches of single crochet, not liking how blousey the single crochet looked coming off the cuff. Rippit.

4th Attempt: Crochet two together to attempt to decrease the blousiness of the sock. Dislike, but continue to heel. Stuck. Can't follow darn pattern for nothing. Get hit in head with rubber ball from back seat. Ripppppiiitt.

5th Attempt: Dislike this project, yet trying to salvage something. Double crochet off cuff to make leggings! No heels in leggings! Stupid, looks wrong, unwearable. Frog it.

6th Attempt: New pattern, new day.

My lesson: Sometimes following a pattern doesn't work, and sometimes it does. And sometimes winging it works and sometimes it doesn't. It makes no difference if I wing it or follow a pattern, the odds are even.

1/366

2012-01-01T22:56:00.001-05:00

The day it begins.

I am going to attempt to post everyday for this entire year.

And...it's a Leap Year so you get 366 posts.

They may be little quotes, single pictures or little projects. This won't change your life, but it might just change mine.

Happy New Year!

Elving

2011-12-20T09:00:00.000-05:00

There are so many things I want to show you, but all the lovelies are going to those that may happen upon this blog in the next couple days. Normally I wouldn't care, but some of these are just to obvious.

Instead, I will show you some really cool ideas and happy things I found while browsing Pinterest in the past couple months. When all else fails, browse Pinterest.

Source: pocketfulwhimsy.blogspot.com via Carrie on Pinterest

Source: withstyle.me via Carrie on Pinterest

Source: mycottoncreations.blogspot.com via Carrie on Pinterest

Source: montydob.blogspot.com via Carrie on Pinterest

Source: designmom.com via Carrie on Pinterest

Source: knockoffdecor.com via Carrie on Pinterest

My Gift

2011-12-18T12:00:00.001-05:00

Late Sunday evening.

I finished frosting the cut out cookies with natural food coloring so that all members of my family can enjoy. The yellow is great. The blue appears as a vibrant purple. The red is lovely. The green, well, we still need to figure out how to mix yellow with purple to make green, not brown.

My tree cookies match our real tree. We picked a dud tree. It hasn't taken in any water since we bought it over a week ago. Needles are falling and it's lush green is a little bit like mixing purple with yellow.

Shopping is done, baking is done, the wrapping is nearly done, and it feels good.
Just before I sat down, I was wrapping a homemade gift for Sam when I smiled. Earlier, I read a friend of mine was overjoyed with an early Christmas present. A present that is from a high end shop, one in which we could never afford, nor particularly want.

I smiled at the simplicity of the object I was wrapping. Just a little hand crocheted and felted starfish in red. The color and size and shape was very important to Sam. I hope it is exactly as he imagined.

Here's hoping for a boy that is as overjoyed with this "yarny" as my friend was for her gift.

Remember what your mother always said, "It's the thought that counts."

So as you rush around this week, take a moment to smile and find joy in something simple.

{this moment}

2011-12-16T09:16:00.000-05:00

Photo Class

2011-12-14T12:00:00.002-05:00

My father and I took the "Nuts and Bolts" Photography class taught by Mary Frost at Campos Photography aka iprintfromhome.com. This class was great. We brought our cameras and our manuals and were taught a few simple techniques to get better photos out of our cameras. It's amazing what a couple clicks can do for a photo.

I've fallen in love with my camera once again.

Our assignment was to shoot in Program Mode and adjust our light. Couple clicks down and a couple clicks up. But mostly, Mary taught us that if we take a photo, to always look at the histogram. The black and white mountain graph. If the black mountain climbs a wall, adjust your brightness. Since last week, I rarely look at my photo, I'm mostly looking at the histogram. This let's me know that I have captured all the information in the photograph and if I need or want to, I can edit the photo in software.

Our First Snowfall

2011-12-09T16:05:00.000-05:00

We live in Buffalo.

Buffalo, NY.

The town with the bad rap when it comes to snowfall. It is December 9th and this is our first snowfall of the year, aside from light flurries that melted before they hit the ground.

O was upset. I had promised the grass would be covered by the time they got off the bus. Alas, the weatherman was wrong...once again. What a great job. You can be wrong half the time and still be considered a good weatherperson.

These two boys are having fun, regardless of the amount on the ground. They may have to move to the neighbors' yards for more snow, but that doesn't seem to matter much today.

Coinstar

2011-12-08T17:00:00.001-05:00

The big green machines.

I am lazy when it comes to rolling change in those wrappers. The time I would spend is surely better spent doing something else. And that is why giving 9.8% to CoinStar is okay by me.

I had planned on getting the cash back, until I saw they now have Amazon.com and iTunes gift cards for your money. All of your money. They don't take a penny.

Before you deposit your money, you select the gift card (basically a gift receipt) that you desire, and agree to all the legal language. Once you complete dumping all of your change into the machine, a receipt prints out. That code is available immediately.

This is a great opportunity to purchase items on line, if you are worried about your credit card. You could put cash (yes, paper money works in CoinStar) into the machine, and get a gift receipt for Amazon.com, then make your purchases, feeling safe that your information is secure. I haven't tested this theory of not having to enter a credit card number, assuming your certificate covers the full amount of your purchase, this should work.

Either way, when kids get money as gifts or allowance and would like to buy something from Amazon, they could deposit this money into CoinStar and get the receipt for no cost.

And for my coffee loving friends, Starbucks is no fee certificates, as well as ToysRUs, CVS, JCPenney, Land's End, Gap and Regal Cinemas. A full list of the no fee certificates are here.

You can even donate to the Red Cross through CoinStar.

Something for everything. I'm looking at my coin jar differently these days.

Thoughts

2011-12-02T19:09:00.002-05:00

Source: vol25.typepad.com via David AJC on Pinterest

Thoughts

2011-11-29T20:59:00.001-05:00

Source: tumblr.com via Carrie on Pinterest

Christmas Cactus

2011-11-28T09:54:00.000-05:00

My thumbs aren't green. They aren't black, either. Sometimes I have luck, other times I just have dead plants.

I have found the plant for me. The Christmas Cactus. Loves being dry. Like rock hard dry. And after you forget about it for months, it comes back with the most abundant and interesting flowers ever.

I wish I could have timed this one a bit better, as in a delay of a week or two, but I'll take it.

My orchid...isn't doing as well. It makes me nervous.

Stuffed, Clean and Trying to be Prepared

2011-11-27T19:22:00.000-05:00

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Stuffed myself on chicken wing dip and gluten free stuffed mushrooms before the turkey even came out of the oven.

Today, we did a big cleaning of the house in preparation for the holiday season. I truly enjoy a clean house, why is it that I let it get out of hand?

Yesterday, I tried to be proactive and not be stressed at the 15th of December trying to come up with a Christmas card picture.

This was the best one. I kid you not. It was an epic fail.

Sadly, I'm tempted to use it.

Giving Thanks

2011-11-23T08:57:00.000-05:00

As I realize that tomorrow is Thanksgiving, I know, it's been on the calendar for 364 days, but holidays always seem to creep up on me, no matter how hard I try.

This morning, as I turned on my computer to check work email, I saw this.

My big guy. Working on a book. At 8:00 AM. Our dining room table has become the author studio. I think he loves all the paper and pencils and tape and markers and 'craft line cutter' all strewn about. It's almost a rustic mess.

Last night, he told me he is going to be an Author Illustrator, but more of the Illustrator part. He is going to be famous and his book, this book, will be available in the library. Perhaps even made into a movie.

I love this kid and his creativity. He told his brother that being creative and making books is healthy. And he is unhealthy because he is always playing computer games.

And the big guy is right. He is often playing some electronics. Our new rule, you want to play iPad, you must do 30 math facts. You want to watch TV, you must do math facts. Math Facts on the iPad are so much more fun than flash cards.

We have a healthy mix of activities here, we can always do better, but for now, I am thankful how things are working.

And I'll be sure to let you all know the date that the big guys book is available for purchase at your local bookstore, or if so inclined, as an eBook!

Tuesday

2011-11-22T17:18:00.000-05:00

It's no secret that O is a loving boy.

He is playing Pokemon Yatzee with his father.

Big Brother is watching, and I am "working". I've been doing data entry for what feels like months. Oh, it has been months. Hopefully the looming work will dwindle as the brokers seem to check out for all of December.

So, as I am entering some data, O kisses his big brother.

What a good, kind, loving boy.

Wait....!

Big brother just returned the sentiment.

I must be in another dimension.

The shops have been busy this week and I'm trying desperately to get some more items in the WashMyCloth shop. I have a couple purses, a pillow and some new stockings that will hopefully show up before Christmas!

Imagination and Creativity

2011-11-21T09:00:00.001-05:00

We have new neighbors across the street. The mom is from Japan and asked me the other day about some American customs and proper American etiquette. Oxymoron? American Etiquette.

She was afraid she wasn't being a good mom and wanted some advice on the most important things to teach her kids.

I told her that if they use Please and Thank You, they will be all set.

On Friday, I was watching my kids out our front window setting up this mini obstacle course, like they have done before, and realized I need to add two more things to that list.

Imagination and Creativity.

Imagination to realize your dreams and set goals.

Creativity to not sit in a box and copy what others have done before you. This doesn't mean you have to make clothes, or build shelving, or develop the newest software. Just explore your mind.

This is my parenting advice for Monday morning. Say Please and Thank you and be imaginative and creative.

And if you didn't ask for it (which you didn't) too bad. And if you don't have kids, still use Please and Thank You.

Sunday Morning

2011-11-20T10:22:00.000-05:00

I am smitten with this project.

It is so easy, so cheap and I think it looks funky.

The photo from Pinterest and my post last night, showed the original just painted white. I have enough plain walls in my home, that I wanted a little more color. I picked up a dark blue that looks like denim. I thought I would paint it heavy, but as the sponge brush was sliding the paint down the grain of the canvas, I had to stop. The glue took the paint 100%, and the white canvas soaked in some of the paint. My brush took much of the paint off as well. I used about 1/3 of a small bottle of acrylic paint.

This is another view with light catching it in a different way.

Now...the possibilities.

Kid's art? Christmas Tree? Spring flowers?

Saturday Night

2011-11-19T22:00:00.000-05:00

Source: virginiaandcharlie.blogspot.com via Carrie on Pinterest

I've seen this come up on Pinterest a couple times.

And I've thought...so easy, I need to try.

And so I did.

Elmer's Glue on a canvas. That is it...until it dries.

{this moment}

2011-11-18T13:21:00.000-05:00

So maybe not the most intriguing, sentimental this moment post, but I do want to remember these pomegranate seeds...how beautiful and sweet and tart at the same time. But mostly, I want to remind myself that this bright red from nature is the only kind of red dye we need.

Monsters on my Driveway

2011-11-17T08:00:00.002-05:00

We had a great couple days around here. It was warm enough to pull out the chalk.

Chalk led to monster mouths. Teeth all over my driveway. Apparently, if you step inside a mouth on the driveway, you will get eaten. This is not good news.

Especially if you want to go inside...

Crafting with My Boy

2011-11-16T10:00:00.001-05:00

We got an early start on our "Homemade Christmas". O was very willing and interested in making a gift.

Unfortunately, that interest fizzled out when approached by his older brother to play.

So, we have one completed homemade gift. And if that weren't enough...hold on to your seats (especially my mother), O and I assembled little bags for his classmates for CHRISTMAS..yes, an event over a month away. Completed.

Something is happening to me...I even had to ask my Sister-in-Law to update my nephews' and niece's wish list...she is usually asking me! Maybe it's the weather. Maybe it is the new year I added on to my age.

Or perhaps I'm just procrastinating so that I don't have to clean the house?

The Perfect Cupcake

2011-11-15T20:25:00.002-05:00

via Pinterest

Seriously beautiful.

I'd like to imagine these are red velvet AND gluten free. Play along with me, won't you?

I also found the most adorable little hat.

Source: melondipity.com via Carrie on Pinterest

And since we are Pinterest and I am too lazy to see if I have any post worthy photos on my camera, and I have a pile of things for the shop I want to finish, I'd like to leave you with this...

Source: ffffound.com via Bill on Pinterest

Leaves Are Gone

2011-11-14T19:02:00.001-05:00

Sometimes, I think I got "the" picture. This time, I was pretty sure I didn't.

And then I saw this one. So silly. No idea what Oscar was doing here. Earlier in the day, the boys were playing with face paint sticks. Love face paint sticks. Beats the Sharpie on the face any day. And yes, we have had Sharpie on the face in the past. This rain and wind has taken the last of our leaves to our neighbor. I love a good wind.

As I am typing this, the boys, all three of them, are watching The Hobbit. The cartoon version with all the songs. This is the movie that Tom loves. He tried to have me watch it multiple times. And for each time, I fell asleep. I just have a hard time getting interested in a cartoon. But this time, I think will be different. This is the second time for the boys watching it and already they seem to be re-enacting and talking about different scenes.

It will be interesting to see if they hold this movie as dear to their hearts as their Dad.

The greatest adventure is what lies ahead.
Today and tomorrow are yet to be said.
The chances, the changes are all yours to make.
The mold of your life is in your hands to break.

The greatest adventure is there if you're bold.
Let go of the moment that life makes you hold.
To measure the meaning can make you delay;
It's time you stop thinkin' and wasting the day.

The man who's a dreamer and never takes leave
Who thinks of a world that is just make-believe
Will never know passion, will never know pain.
Who sits by the window will one day see rain.
The greatest adventure is what lies ahead.
Today and tomorrow are yet to be said
The chances, the changes are all yours to make
The mold of your life is in your hands to break.

The greatest adventure is what lies ahead.

BNL Bad Day

2011-11-13T08:00:00.005-05:00

The Barenaked Ladies have a great Children's Album called Snacktime. The songs are true to the BNL exciting, funny and up tempo style. One song has caught my heart, Bad Day.

Now don't get all down thinking that I'm down in the dumps, I'm not, I just LOVE this song. The BNL version is so much better - I just don't know how to get that on to a blog from a CD, new computer, rights and all. So this will do, this guy does a fairly good job and if you google BNL Snacktime, you can hear some of the live clips from the BNL tour.

If you have a child on your Christmas List and need something different...this is GREAT! Parents will even enjoy it, and by enjoy it, I mean not tear your eye balls out when the kids request 'children's music'.

It's All Greek To Me

2011-11-12T17:11:00.000-05:00

O got a Wii game for Christmas last year. He is just now getting into it. And by into it, he is now talking in tongue.

"Mom, you won't believe this but when Hyperion attacks Rhenoinal with his fire power then that unlocks the doom dimension and releases the ultimate Firenenioloid. According to my calculations if we just get Rhenoinal and you just need to get the bonus on we know how to do it."

Huh?

{this moment}

2011-11-11T09:16:00.000-05:00

A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.

Chicago Fruit

2011-11-09T21:00:00.002-05:00

I have been going through my old photos, editing, deleting, saving and came across this one. It is from Sam and my visit to Chicago in August. We had just completed our drive by of our home on Eddy Street near Pulaski and Addison. Oh, how I love that neighborhood.

Surprisingly, not much has changed since I last saw the neighborhood. The house looks like it did when I saw it last, except that poor tree in our front yard. Tom and I planted that tree. We were so proud of that little tree. I want to go help by just standing there with my hand supporting the 55 degree angled trunk.

I miss that old house. From the Zodiac neon contact paper used as wall paper in the kitchen, to the checkerboard siding used in the foyer to the 23 layers of paint on the banister, I loved it all.

This wallpaper was the best...

This was Sam's house...I remember these days so fondly...

Now I'm all nostalgic and sad...at the time, those days seemed so hard, but now, they seem so easy.

You are Valuable

2011-11-08T08:20:00.002-05:00

This boy is funny.

This boy is smart.

This boy is sassy.

This boy is sweet.

This morning, he jumped in my bed, snuggled for a bit, then told me, "You are valuable".

Where does he come up with this stuff? Does he have any idea how much I loved it?

We finally made it to the Lion King. That was a long 4 month wait. Well worth the wait, nonetheless.

O loved the show. He was so excited. Each time a new character came out he would ask what they are supposed to be (grass and leaves were a bit tricky for him to conceptualize at first) and at the change in each scene he would ask if the show was over.

It was great. It was a nice day for me and my baby.

I think it is important to have one-on-one days. In exchange for this day, Sam got a long weekend in Chicago (which I don't think I ever showed you...).

And remember, you too, are valuable.

Luther

2011-11-07T21:00:00.002-05:00

Saturday night, we celebrated the ninth birthdays of my niece and nephew. While there, we chatted about the primal diet, school teachers and TV programs.

The dawn of Netflix instant streaming and borrowing DVDs from the library are making for a great new week.

Luther. A six episode mini-series by BBC featuring Idris Elba. Wow.

From the website: Luther is a gripping, psychological thriller driven by a brilliant and emotionally impulsive detective tormented by the darker side of humanity.

Beware, that the website gives away a crucial bit of information in the second paragraph About the Show that happens at the end of season one. Skip the website, go right to Netflix.

Excellent show. Excellent.

My Sunday

2011-11-07T12:00:00.003-05:00

Daylight Savings Time...why? Why must we do this? It messes with my head for three days after the 'bonus' hour. It's only a bonus when you are without children. Children don't understand and when they wake up at 6 AM to 'play', you must oblige.
The one aspect I enjoy, is the earlier darkness that messes with my kids' heads. Seven o'clock looks so much like 8 o'clock at night and therefore, their internal clocks help me with earlier bedtimes.

Early bedtimes are good times.

(I've missed two days of posting for the month and it kind of bums me out, so I'm catching up)

My Saturday

2011-11-07T09:00:00.001-05:00

Aside from my own, these are some of my favorite little people.

Photo shoot at Margaret Louise Park, Amherst, NY

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Chistmas...

2011-11-04T08:00:00.003-04:00

Source: 3.bp.blogspot.com via Carrie on Pinterest

...Mostly on my Pinterst Boards. Pinterest is great for quick ideas without all the extra words and links. Loving this wreath made from canning jar lids.

Source: etsy.com via Carrie on Pinterest

This cute ornament reminds me of my Grandma Ruth. She used to do paper quilling and I often see the supplies at the store and think about trying it, but haven't yet taken the plunge. Something like this may just help me jump off the edge.

Source: purlbee.com via Carrie on Pinterest

Garland! How cute, just two pieces of felt with short cuts in the middle and feed the ends of the felt through the slit. I think this would be adorable in lime green and red (perhaps to match my polka dot garland).

And this is the tree skirt I dream of...

Source: sewmamasew.com via Carrie on Pinterest

Someday...of course, it needs a touch of lime green in there somewhere.

If you don't already use Pinterest...take a gander. It's lovely. You can start here, with my boards. Once there, just click on the Pinterest red logo at the middle of the page and it will take you to the home page. Or just click on the red button to the right of this post, toward the top of the page titled "follow me on Pinterest".

It's breakfast for dinner (again). This time, Tom is out, so the boys and I will enjoy Gluten Free Pancakes. I'm listening to them playing Pokemon on the Wii (no school tomorrow) and it's a totally different language. I'm amazed at O's language skills. Ambipom, Truccera, Turtwig, Grottle and Blazacur fall from his lips like dog, cat, run and ball should at the age of five.

Tutorial: Headless Man Cyborg

2011-11-03T08:00:00.002-04:00

This is a very easy costume! I know, it looks complicated at first, but give it a try.

Supplies:
Rolling backpack with handle and a two way zipper (so it can be partially closed on each side)
cardboard (I got a couple free posters that I used along with some cereal boxes)
3/4 length adult coat (I tried with a lab coat, but it was too short)
Gloves (rubber or winter gloves)
Quilt batting or poly fill
Duct Tape
Scrap of muslin or flesh colored fabric
Silver spray paint
Spray adhesive
Random bits of things that may look mechanical...I have a plastic straw, Christmas picks, some pipe cleaners, and a balloon.

As you can tell, much of this may already be in your home. I didn't have a rolling backpack, so purchased a Hannah Montana one at the thrift shop (please don't tell my son, I spray painted it black so he couldn't tell).

Step One: Create a tube with the cardboard or cereal boxes to fit within the neckline of the jacket. I added extra length with duct tape and staples. At the bottom, I used two 8 x 2 inch pieces of corrugated (from a shipping box I had) to the end of the tube. This gave me about 7 inches of space where candy can fall from the neck hole into the bag. That's right, no need for a candy bag. The candy just goes right into the backpack.

So set the tube in the pack and with the handle extended on the backpack, ensure you have at least 4 inches above the handle for the neck.

Step Two: Create shoulders. Here, I took another piece of cardboard and cut out a rectangle with curved corners to act as my shoulders. I taped that to the handle (set it on top of the handle) with duct tape. Set the neck into the backpack and cut a half circle into the shoulder cardboard piece so that the neck sits nicely in place.

Step Three: Fill coat arms with batting, make a couple stay stitches so that the batting doesn't fall out. Stuff gloves with poly fill and sew them to the sleeve hem.

Step Four: Test...I tried this out several times with my son just to see how it fit. Tweak it here and there as needed. My son is tall, so I needed a long neck. Place the backpack on your subject, put the coat on over that and button the top button. This will keep the neck in place as well. Figure out where your subject's head will come out of the coat, we had two buttons under his neck.

Step Five: Decorate the neck. Some folks have just filled the neck with paper mache, or simple stuffing to make it closed off (in this example, you wouldn't need a long tube), but if you leave it open, it becomes super cool. I added a bunch of items with simple duct tape to the inside of the neck. You will spray paint these silver, so anything will do. One was a Christmas straw with a plastic tube over it that I separated and made it two different pieces. I purchased two Christmas picks at Micheal's. One was a twisty thing with wire and the other was a stick like item with fronds. I also added a little batting to the outside of the neck, then removed it. Not sure why, but there was some left and when painted, it kind of looked textural.

Step Six: With spray adhesive, attach a strip of muslin to appear as skin on the outside of the neck piece that shows above the collar. I left the edges raw. Insert tube into backpack and jacket on top of backpack.

Step Seven: Test. Find where the head comes out of the jacket and sew one hand a bit above that place. I sewed one hand directly onto the coat so that the fingers passed the side of the coat. This way, the fingers of that glove will be on the opposite cheek of the person wearing the costume. I sewed the second hand on in similar fashion.

Step Eight: Decorate. Since my son wanted it to be half man half machine, we added some "blood" to the neck on the muslin with face paint. I tried the fake blood, but that never dried. Paint would work here as well. We painted my son's face with some white cream makeup and spiked up his hair.

If you will be trick or treating, add a couple safety pins to the zippers so that they don't open and spill all the candy.

Eight steps...really simple once you get the idea. I'd love to see if you made something similar in the future!

Happy Haunting!

Meet Anemone

2011-11-02T08:00:00.001-04:00

My latest purse that sat for much too long awaiting a zipper.

Might I add, it could possibly be the best zipper installation for me, ever!

You can see other photos here.

Halloween 2011

2011-11-01T08:52:00.002-04:00

Pumpkin carving was a great success this year. We used an electric pumpkin carving knife. The kids were able to cut their own pumpkins. They drew the faces and I helped with the eyes.

I have a thing about these photos with the child looking into their pumpkin. I love them. Eventually, I'll put them all in one collage to see how they've grown.

And since we are all kids around this time of year...

Not many trick or treaters at our house, but it was nice. I was able to catch up on photo editing and eating Reese's Pumpkins...man, I love those!

Since Sam is no longer eating foods with artificial food coloring, I paid him 10 cents for every piece of tainted candy. He made $3 and still had a boatload of chocolates.

Hope you all had a fun and safe Halloween.

On to Thanksgiving!

{this moment}

2011-10-28T08:46:00.000-04:00

A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.

. . . . . . . .

Truth Be Told

2011-10-21T09:11:00.000-04:00

My son has ADHD.

I have never said that out loud (in type) here on my blog. I feel like I have been hiding a secret from you all.

I already hide chocolate from my family, I can't handle another secret.

All our friends are aware. Some neighbors, teachers, people that need to know, know.

And now you all know. I need to share my frustrations so that other parents can feel comfort in not being alone. I have felt alone, ashamed, for too long.

ADHD is to Learning Disabilities as crochet is to knitting. It's like the ugly stepsister that really isn't a sister. Many people think of ADHD as an excuse for poorly behaved children to act out. It is not. It is real. It is a disability. And my son, has ADHD. This is my favorite post from a mother with a son that also has ADHD.

Since he was young, we could all see that this boy had a head full of information. He was so inquisitive. He would take a full minute before he answered a question because he was "thinking" about the answer. As he began pre-school, he was constantly in trouble. I'll never forget the feeling of walking into that room with all the other parents and seeing every child on green, and Sam on red. It does numbers on a mother to see that every single day. If you are an educator, it does no good whatsoever to show all the children and parents which children are good and which ones are not.

When Sam was three and four, he could name every state in the country. We could even hold it backwards and he would know it. Recently, he learned the entire alphabet in hieroglyphics. Monday, he had a hard time doing simple math (more on that later).

Our parent teacher conferences are always the same...'So smart, but just doesn't listen. Marches to the beat of his own drum." Sam's Kindergarten teacher was the first educator to see the potential in Sam. First grade was rough, I couldn't wait for that year to end. Second grade was better, a male teacher. Sam seemed to enjoy school much more than years prior, but forgotten and incomplete homework was never an issue with the teacher, he didn't really care or mark Sam for not doing it. This year...another male teacher. This one seasoned, near retirement, a runner, with grandson's Sam's age. I think he gets it. I can see the changes in Sam.

Sam and his brother have also met some neighborhood boys. That has built confidence in him like no other event so far. Yes, we still have meltdowns, like yesterday, but those I can handle.

I started writing this post on Monday of this week. I was going to tell you all how great things are going. How Sam is doing his homework, playing with friends, respecting me. Then, Tuesday Math happened.

Screaming. Slamming. Scary.

Some days, it sucks. Sucks real bad. It is miserable. ADHD sucks. He feels like he needs constant help, yet gets angry when trying to explain something. I think he ran to his room for a self-imposed time out 4 times. And it was only one page of math homework.

I guess what I really want to say is that ADHD is real. If you know of a child that has it, smile at the parent. Give them a pat on the back. It is hard work. It's such an unpredictable disability and the ebbs and flows are so distinct, that it's sometimes hard to remember the highs.

And sometimes hard to forget the lows.

{this moment}

2011-10-14T08:14:00.000-04:00

A single photo from the week that I want to savor and remember.

I will add a touch of commentary...O uses that finger to point with, he is unaware of it's "adult" meaning.

Chicken Salad

2011-10-10T12:30:00.000-04:00

My pants were tight yesterday. I disgusted myself.

So, today for lunch, I tried to eat a bit more healthy.

We had leftover chicken from two dinners last week that I chopped up.

Added Vanilla non-fat yogurt, some Dijon mustard, apple chunks, cut grapes, celery salt and onion powder.

I mixed it up and felt it needed some stabilizing, so this is where the healthy goes a bit awry...I added about 1/4 cup of Miracle Whip. Then it was too wet, so I added more chicken. It's a science, people, true science.

Placed it on two lettuce cups and that was my lunch. I ate this about 20 minutes ago and am still hungry. I have issues.

Off to drink a gallon of water to fill up this stomach.

{this moment}

2011-10-07T08:44:00.000-04:00

No words, a single photo that I want to soak in and remember

Our House Rules

2011-10-05T12:00:00.000-04:00

I'm sure this will be something I get in trouble for when I'm older and my sons are teenagers and they find this post.

But, since they posted it, it's public knowledge.

Do you have rules in your house?

Knock on Wood

2011-10-04T20:51:00.001-04:00

I'm afraid to say it out loud.

I don't want to jinx anything.

Things are good. Actually, things have been great. Once I stopped expecting more from him than he is capable of, he has delighted me.

He enjoyed his homework last night. Yes. Enjoyed.

He hugged me. Strong, but not hurtful.

He told me he loved me. Many, many times. More times in the past two weeks that ever in his whole life.

He gets rewarded when he does tasks correctly or timely. He doesn't get anything taken away when he doesn't do them correctly.

We let him walk around the block. With his brother. Alone.

It has been amazing. I will knock on wood and ask that you all do the same-for like the weather in Buffalo, my boy can change in the next 20 minutes.

{this moment}

2011-09-30T09:20:00.001-04:00

No words, just a single photo that I want to savor and remember.

Do SomeTHING: Day 29

2011-09-29T09:00:00.000-04:00

I read some of my book last night while Sam was taking his shower. It's a book that hits home. I've always wanted a farm. Not necessarily a poodle, but neither does the author. This book reminds me of the Bucolic Plague by Josh Kilmer-Purcell that bought the Beekman farm in Sharon Springs, NY and try to figure out how to switch from city folk, to country folk.

This one, I'm reading with Oscar. We thought it was going to be a scary book, but as it turns out, I laugh more than Oscar gets a bit frightened. We left off at the dust bunnies under the bed and O was so scared, until I showed him (yes, I was able to find one) what they are. He laughed and laughed that adorable, honest, giggle of my five year old. I hope that never dies.

Last night I rested with Sam on his bed. And I fell asleep. Woke up at 11 pm, totally missing my shows and all the "work" I was planning on. I tried to go downstairs and do something, but it just didn't happen.

While laying with Sam, I was amazed at the comfort I brought him. Just being there, not talking. I love that boy. He's discovering himself, learning about friendships, listening in class, remembering his homework (most of the time), and being a good kid. He still has issues with some things that we are working on, but ever since we instituted positive only reinforcement, our lives have changed dramatically. He is no longer punished for things he doesn't or can't do, his is rewarded when he does things efficiently. Our home is privilege only TV/Screen time. If he does his work, chores, and is kind, he gets rewarded with television or Wii time. Such a simple concept, yet so extremely effective. I wish I had gotten my head out of the sand a year ago and instituted this concept then. I guess we all learn. Raising kids, raising boys, and raising an ADHD boy is tough work and it is a learning process. Trial and error. I hope this trial works error free for the length of the school year.

Do SomeTHING is a month long of creativity, project finishing, exploration, and imagination. What was your THING for today? Leave your link in the comments for us all to see.

Do SomeTHING: Day 28

2011-09-28T08:49:00.000-04:00

I worked.

A lot. Till about 9:50 and then thought I could do a little abstracting while watching Parenthood. But that didn't happen. I was toast.

This photo is from a while back when I took some of the chocolate almond ice cream I made and created a smoothie shake type thing. It was delicious. The ice cream alone, not so much. Maybe it was the cute straw from my McDonald's collection that made it great.

We have had a shift here due to the 'gang' or 'gaggle' of boys. All Sam wants to do is find the boys and play. Even at 8 pm. Homework is getting done much quicker and with less complaints. We are allowing him to ride his bike around the block. It makes my stomach churn. My little guy, alone. The kid needs to be free.
I need to let go.

Hopefully, I'll have something sell-able to show you tomorrow. This month was supposed to prepare the shop for Christmas. So, in that respect, this month is an epic fail. That said, I am enjoying the daily posting and the routine it has put me in.

Did you have a night on the couch like me?

Do SomeTHING is a month long of creativity, project finishing, exploration, and imagination. What was your THING for today? Leave your link in the comments for us all to see.Hoping to have something to show you tomorrow.

Do SomeTHING: Day 27

2011-09-27T10:00:00.000-04:00

Library!

My boys enjoy the library. I hope that lasts a lifetime. Each time they go, they discover new books, series or a better shelf of books. Oscar chose Spork because the cover looked nice and it was propped up on the shelf. I love how there are books open like that.

I got some for me, too. The ice cream book (I made strawberry-watermelon sorbet last night), I Love Dirt, Primal Body and the Dalai Lama books. We all need some enlightenment, right?

If anyone is still playing along, what did you do today?

Do SomeTHING is a month long of creativity, project finishing, exploration, and imagination. What was your THING for today? Leave your link in the comments for us all to see.

Do SomeTHING: Day 26

2011-09-26T10:00:00.000-04:00

B. Done.

I know it isn't much, but we've been busy playing with the neighborhood "gang'. They just showed up one day.

All seven of them.

Then last night, three new ones showed up on my patio.

I love it. I adore all these boys playing with my boys.

Love it.

Do SomeTHING: Day 25

2011-09-25T16:16:00.000-04:00

As I said, my boys like stuff.

Homemade stuff. I can't blame them, though.

I've been busy making needle felted fish. Four for the boys, and one you saw yesterday. They really are pretty cute.

Spending the evening with my husband of 12 years tonight. Looking forward to a nice anniversary dinner.

Do SomeTHING is a month long of creativity, project finishing, exploration, and imagination. What was your THING for today? Leave your link in the comments for us all to see.

Do SomeTHING: Day 24

2011-09-24T07:47:00.000-04:00

I made a fish!

It was so fun to get back to needle felting.

The boys watched. Now they each want two fish (one American flag colors, another just like this, one blue with purple stripes and the other red). Oh, and Sam would like a snake tongue. Well, one per day until he has enough. I have no idea how much is enough, but I do love that boy's creativity. I think it was to make me a softy and actually make these items for him, but he told me he loved me. Twice. That never happens.

Yes, Sam, tell me you love me and I'll make you anything these hands can produce.

Back to this fish. I need to create a couple more anemone fronds (what are the individual things called?) to make the fish more protected. Trim it up and insert a zipper. I really like this one. Fish on Coral.

Do SomeTHING is a month long of creativity, project finishing, exploration, and imagination. What was your THING for today? Leave your link in the comments for us all to see.

{this moment}

2011-09-23T08:00:00.005-04:00

No words, just a single photo that I want to savor and remember.

Do SomeTHING: Day 22

2011-09-22T09:00:00.000-04:00

This may be a bit of a cop out on a DoSomething. Been a rough couple days with Sam and school, so much of my time is spent researching ways to help him from the Internet at night, checking in on my on-line support groups and exploring new food restrictions to increase positive behavior.

One thing that has helped me through those late mornings thinking about what is happening TODAY with him, I've enjoyed a GuzzBagel. After I re-discovered eggs, I have been enjoying a scrambled egg here and there. My usual breakfast is Rice Chex or a gluten free Udi's Multigrain bagel. So I introduced my bagel to some eggs, and cheese. And Brady Street Cheese Sprinkle from Penzeys.

Heaven, even if just for 15 minutes.

Do SomeTHING is a month long of creativity, project finishing, exploration, and imagination. What was your THING for today? Leave your link in the comments for us all to see.

Do SomeTHING: Day 21

2011-09-21T09:00:00.001-04:00

Crewel!

My Great Grandmother Ghee used to do crewel. I never really understood the difference between embroidery and crewel. Easy, the thread. Crewel uses wool and Embroidery uses cotton floss.

I enjoy how the wool fills in the spaces more softly than the cotton. The wool, however, has a tendency to thin and break. I'm just getting used to that part.

But I love this. I purchased this sampler with the yarn from Alicia Paulson (unfortunately, the kit is no longer available, but you can still get the pdf of the pattern) at PosieGetsCozy.

I've made a lot of things for gifts. This time, this is for me.

In honor of Ghee.

Do SomeTHING is a month long of creativity, project finishing, exploration, and imagination. What was your THING for today? Leave your link in the comments for us all to see.

Do SomeTHING: Day 20

2011-09-20T09:00:00.001-04:00

It's felted.

What is it? A purse, yes.

The detail?

Any guesses? I still need to trim it up and add one integral part.

I also began working on a new crewel sampler. So smitten with it. I'm keeping this one. Keeping it to pass it on to my grandchildren (hopefully). I'll show you tomorrow.

Do SomeTHING is a month long of creativity, project finishing, exploration, and imagination. What was your THING for today? Leave your link in the comments for us all to see.

Do SomeTHING: Day 19

2011-09-19T10:00:00.004-04:00

Apple Picking!

Yesterday, we drove out to our brother-in-law's house to meet up with his family and went apple picking. They are lucky to live near a great farm, Stonehill Farms in North Collins, that has a ton of apples. Not a bare tree in the place.

I left my camera in the car, which was fine, since we all split up and I never saw my eldest. He became adopted by his cousin for the afternoon.

I have fallen in love with a Spartamac. Oh...it is delicious. Sweet, but hard, crispy, but not break your teeth hard. The skin is thin and it is so packed with flavor. I used to be a Gala or Jonamac girl. But this Spartamac owns my heart. Oscar and I were together and decided to try a Jonathan and a MacIntosh to figure out the birth of the Jonamac. Eh, after the Spartamac, Jonamac doesn't do it for me. We also tried Elstar. Oscar liked that one, I thought it was just okay.

So...now to find some recipes for apples! Sam declared that he would eat 3 or 4 per day. Maybe I won't have any left to bake with.

Oh, and I FINISHED IT!!!! Finally a UFO that is FO (Un Finished Object)!

Do SomeTHING is a month long of creativity, project finishing, exploration, and imagination. What was your THING for today? Leave your link in the comments for us all to see.

Do SomeTHING: Day 18

2011-09-18T09:47:00.000-04:00

We went for an outdoor picnic and walk on the boardwalk in our neighborhood.

It's a beautiful pocket of nature just around the corner. The swamp is drying up, but it's still filled with wonder.

I'm happy to say that I finished something last night...you'll see tomorrow.

Have a great Sunday!

Do SomeTHING is a month long of creativity, project finishing, exploration, and imagination. What was your THING for today? Leave your link in the comments for us all to see.

{this moment}

2011-09-17T21:26:00.001-04:00

Late...and doubled. I couldn't choose.

And I'm writing.

So, it's a little bit this moment, a little bit Do SomeTHING.

Today we drove down to Jamestown to celebrate my Dad's Art Opening at the Roger Tory Peterson Institute. What a beautiful building. Arts and Craft styling, with beautiful things to look at, including my Dad's artwork (Dan Meyer), and his buddy Len Rusin.

My mother-in-law joined my little men and I for a day of driving and exploring. We walked around the campus on a couple trails, saw lots of fungus, and some birds. We saw more wildlife as we were hanging out in the library. It was the most relaxing, enjoyable afternoon I've had in a while.

Sam told Papa that he really, really, really would love a pair of powerful binoculars like the ones he used this afternoon.

Perfect person to ask, Sam. Perfect.

Do SomeTHING: Day 16

2011-09-16T08:00:00.000-04:00

I cooked a real live dinner.

One that isn't thrown together at 4:55 pm and eaten at 5:05 pm.

I wanted corn on the cob for lunch yesterday. I cooked up 5 ears to perfection. Actually, I totally forgot about them while I was at my desk working, until I smelled the smell. Thankfully, they were perfect.

I had my corn.

Then I remembered the bacon. The bacon I bought for dinner, but only needed 3 slices out of the pack of 10 or so. Hmmm. BLT! Yum.

Cooked up the bacon, looked at the recipe for dinner tonight. It said to cook the meat in the bacon grease. Yes! That is what you see above. Ground turkey in bacon grease with onion and Forward! seasoning from Penzey's.

Suppose I should back up. Yesterday, a friend and I took a lunch road trip to Penzey's Spice store on Elmwood Avenue. Who knew I needed $30 worth of spices? When I started smelling these jars of spices, I realized that my Dollar Store $1 jars just don't cut it. No wonder I used 1/2 cup of cumin in my taco meat. It is so old and processed that there is no flavor left. I went to buy this Forward! spice. Actually, I had a free coupon for it, with a purchase.

I needed this spice to make Cowboy Beans. Tom saw it on the cover of the fall catalogue and wouldn't stop talking about it. You can download a pdf of the Fall 2011 catalogue that has the recipe on page 63.

It looked delicious.

And tasted even better. I skipped the BLT and ate the beans. There may not be any left by the time he comes home!

Do SomeTHING is a month long of creativity, project finishing, exploration, and imagination. What was your THING for today? Leave your link in the comments for us all to see.

Do SomeTHING: Day 15

2011-09-15T09:00:00.003-04:00

The Pea! The Pea!

I pulled out this UFO from last summer to work on it a bit. I realized...I was on the pea part! Hallelujah.

I was going to start the next part, the bed skirt, but the directions kept moving around and letters were jumping all over. It was also midnight, so perhaps the paper was magically moving...

Here is the before picture of where I started from. I know it doesn't seem like much progress, but I tell you, filling in satin stitch is quite laborious.

The one fun thing about this project...it's intended recipient has changed so many times. Each time I think I can finish it to gift it, that girl turns 18. Maybe not 18, but I think you know what I mean.

I have a couple more embroidery projects in the works, but I think it's time to get to shop work, mama needs a new pair of shoes!

Do SomeTHING is a month long of creativity, project finishing, exploration, and imagination. What was your THING for today? Leave your link in the comments for us all to see.

Do SomeTHING: Day 14

2011-09-14T10:00:00.000-04:00

Wooden Pants.

That's what these are called, per my oldest child.

Sam is tall. And 'small waisted'.

The dude is super skinny.

He is also extremely sensitive as to clothing. It must be soft.

Soft I can deal with, but guess what? I can't find a soft, slim or skinny pant with drawstrings. All the workout pants or sweatpants have elastic that is still much to big for this waist, or has fake drawstrings. That one really chaps my hide. I can add elastic. I can put a drawstring on. I can add belt loops. This time around, I set the inside elastic for his waist, he tried them on. Then last night, I sewed the elastic in place, removed the excess elastic strip and removed the button. On three pairs of pants, that he previously tried on and liked.

I washed them again, in fabric softener.

He went to put them on today and called them wooden pants. In tears.

Then he came down in huge sweatpants that he couldn't tie the string (because, mind you the waist could fit two of him in). More tears of frustration. He found another pair that is identical to the ones he wore the first and second days of school.

He wore all black today.

I ate an ice cream cone at 8:55 AM.

Kahula and coffee is next.

Do SomeTHING is a month long of creativity, project finishing, exploration, and imagination. What was your THING for today? Leave your link in the comments for us all to see.

Do SomeTHING: Day 13

2011-09-13T08:00:00.000-04:00

My boys and I got some fresh air.
My boys got some exercise.
My hands got some exercise.

I finished the base of the clutch. I did my research on the anemone and am still processing it in my head. Trying to come up with the best way to execute so that it looks like an anemone and not a knot.

Tomorrow, I think it's time for a touch of embroidery. Who's with me?

Do SomeTHING is a month long of creativity, project finishing, exploration, and imagination. What was your THING for today? Leave your link in the comments for us all to see.

Do SomeTHING: Day 12

2011-09-12T09:00:00.000-04:00

There is nothing better than a comfy, down filled-flannel covered comforter. Sam has graduated from the Power Rangers comforter that was a hand-me-down from a friend.

We had a white down comforter that was okay, it just didn't look finished, and it was WHITE. Sam is an 8 yr old boy with a white comforter? I think not.

We went to (I forced him to) Joann's to pick out a fabric for a duvet cover. You know what he picked?

Yellow.

Plain yellow. I coaxed him into a blotchy yellow flannel just for a little something something. I only bought the amount that was left on the bolt, so was a little short for the bottom. And since I am a fabric hoarder, I had this to piece together and cover the bottom.

Maybe someday he'll switch it up and go green.

I will say that it felt good to be back at the machine, doing something other than taking in the waist of a gaggle of pants for this 8 year old boy.

Do SomeTHING is a month long of creativity, project finishing, exploration, and imagination. What was your THING for today? Leave your link in the comments for us all to see.

Do SomeTHING: Day 11

2011-09-11T09:14:00.001-04:00

We did it.

Sam and I worked on the puzzle last night and I left the very top for him to complete this morning. As interesting as this was, I still like the plain old flat puzzle.

Today, Tom is running a 5K in Delaware Park. I had every intention of going, then started to think about parking and walking and waiting with two boys in and around Delaware Park. Tom...we are rooting for you! Run Tom, Run!

As I type this, the services for the 9/11 Tribute are being shown on every channel. I want to remember and support, but I wonder if getting all sad again and reliving the tragedy by hearing every name is the best thing for me today. After all the names are read, I'm moving on. Those young children reading the names is just tearing me up. They are so strong and eloquent, much unlike me at this moment.

Do SomeTHING is a month long of creativity, project finishing, exploration, and imagination. What was your THING for today? Leave your link in the comments for us all to see.

Do SomeTHING: Day 10

2011-09-10T11:30:00.000-04:00

The hook is moving.

I had one ball left of this rusty orange color, so I just started going square. It's going to be a clutch. I'm thinking anemone.

I've been watching Tanked, the show about the guys that build these cool custom fish tanks in cars and as boats and as reception desks, pretty cool stuff. Anyway, I was thinking this is the same color as some of the coral they were using.

More research to come.

An update on that chart I made...working like gangbusters. At least in day one. Sam even brought his homework home on Friday. Nothing like a contest to motivate these boys.

That, and money.

I'm not ashamed to bribe with money. If it makes my life easier, I'm down with it.

Don't judge.

Do SomeTHING is a month long of creativity, project finishing, exploration, and imagination. What was your THING for today? Leave your link in the comments for us all to see.

{this moment}

2011-09-09T08:00:00.000-04:00

No words, just a single photo that I want to savor and remember.

P.S. Back to Do SomeTHING tomorrow

Do SomeTHING: Day 8

2011-09-08T11:00:00.004-04:00

Yesterday was a bad day.

I talked and yelled so much, I was totally sick of my own voice.

I have been (trying to) getting the boys ready for school in the morning. They have been unruly.

The boys and I had a family meeting after school, when they still weren't behaving appropriately. It was as if they were being constantly prodded with a poker to make them jump and scream and run.

We decided that we are going with no television on school nights...unless they behave during the day and do the things that are asked of them.

Which got me thinking, as I was drinking my Red Bridge Gluten Free Beer that I serendipitously bought that day on my lunch hour, why must I ask?

Why do I have to ask them to get dressed? When does the reminding end? What can I do to make MY life easier. We have all heard the adage "Happy Mom, Happy Family". It's time.

So I created this chart that we will start on Monday. Since my boys love competition and rewards, I'm going to allow them a treat. Every week that they complete this chart, they will get one dollar. That dollar, added to their allowance, will get them a fat wallet.

So, aside from helping me, this will hopefully push them toward independence and a little lesson on the value of money and saving.

Now, I'm really hoping to do something creative tonight. Been a lot of "mothering" this week on Do SomeTHING.

Do SomeTHING is a month long of creativity, project finishing, exploration, and imagination. What was your THING for today? Leave your link in the comments for us all to see.

Do SomeTHING: Day 7

2011-09-07T09:00:00.000-04:00

I live a glamorous life.

No really, I do.

Seriously, how many of us fortunate peeps get the privilege to spend all day traipsing up and down the basement stairs switching loads and adding to the enormous heap of clothes waiting to be folded?

Glamour.

Pure glamour.

Yes. I did laundry yesterday. Almost all of it. Until I got to the lip of the basket and started smelling the faint, yet often potent smells of sweaty clothes. Somehow, I managed to bring up a dirty basket from the basement.

Fortunately, this glamour nose smells all.

Do SomeTHING is a month long of creativity, project finishing, exploration, and imagination. What was your THING for today? Leave your link in the comments for us all to see.

Do SomeTHING: Day 6

2011-09-06T12:00:00.001-04:00

I finished Kevin yesterday.

Although his glasses are testing my patience while exploring glue types, I really do love the specs! I bought a pair of doll glasses at the craft shop and disassembled them. I had to make them much wider across the nose and shorter to the ears, or in this case, embedded in the side of the eyeball!

He will be in the shop today!

Do SomeTHING is a month long of creativity, project finishing, exploration, and imagination. What was your THING for today? Leave your link in the comments for us all to see.

Do SomeTHING: Day 5

2011-09-05T09:56:00.000-04:00

As we approach the ten year anniversary of the horrible events of 9/11, I find myself attempting a 3D puzzle of the Capitol Building.

These puzzles are HARD! It looks small in this picture, but trust me, it has substantial size. I've gotten the base complete and have started on the first floor. I'm thinking about taking off the walls and working on them flat, then adding them to the structure. So many windows, and no help pages or guides. My only saving grace? I bought this at a rummage sale for $2 and it was still in the plastic shrink wrap - all the pieces are there.

Hopefully I'll have a final photo for you in a couple weeks.

Do SomeTHING is a month long of creativity, project finishing, exploration, and imagination. What was your THING for today? Leave your link in the comments for us all to see.

Do SomeTHING: Day 4

2011-09-04T09:12:00.002-04:00

I made a new dinner.

I came up with this one on my own: Tacosanga. Gluten Free and delicioso! Well, if you like soft corn tortillas. Tom's not a big fan of the soft corn shell. If you are not gluten free, the flour shell would work well, too!

And watching your brand spanking new milestone birthday present while making dinner makes is so much more fun!

The only other problem is if you don't live near a Wegmans, you will have to improvise on the meat. I used over 2 pounds of chicken tender pieces. Cooked them in Wegmans Brand Fajita marinade with some added water to keep them soft.

I chopped the chicken into big chunks and added half can of black beans ('cause that's all I had in the fridge) and a bag of frozen corn. Mix 'er up! See the can of Old El Paso enchilada sauce? You could use that, but after smelling the sweet gold of the Fajita sauce, I tossed the whole can of enchilada sauce down the drain. Just wasn't right.

Then the layering began. I put a bit of salsa on the bottom so the shells wouldn't burn/stick. Layer with shells, add meat, top with cheese and salsa, repeat. The top layer I cut the shells into strips and made a messy pile. Messy piles on top, mean crispy spots. Then poured cheese all over that because that's how we roll. If there isn't enough cheese, it isn't worth it.

I had it in the fridge since the day before, heated it at 375 for 40 minutes or so. Add a dollop of sour cream. I enjoyed it. I think it was a hit for others, as well. Sorry, no final picture. We were too hungry and it was so dang hot that in order to hold the camera to my head, I would have produced a litre of sweat.

I know you are thinking...but you just had the oven on for 40 minutes! I know...I was a hot kitchen! Luckily, we spent most our time outside in the sprinkler.

Do SomeTHING is a month long of creativity, project finishing, exploration, and imagination. What was your THING for today? Leave your link in the comments for us all to see.

Do SomeTHING: Day 3

2011-09-03T08:00:00.003-04:00

Vintage Wooden Village from 'Soviet Zone - Germany'

I took pictures. I've been sitting on a pile of vintage goods that had poor looking photos. I've meant to take the photos two weeks ago. You know, things happen.

Sometimes, it's REALLY hard to walk to the basement, grab the light box, and climb back up all those stairs. Okay, that's not really it. I was just waiting to finish the monster purse to take all the pictures at once.

I suppose that would fall into the lazy. I never finished the purse. So, now instead of walking to the basement, getting the light box, and climbing back up all those stairs, I'll have to do it TWICE.

Vintage Twin 8 Galvanized Bucket

Pathetic, I know.

But the photos today turned out pretty well. I just love this Twin 8 Bucket from Wheeling. Not sure I can really part with it.

Do SomeTHING is a month long of creativity, project finishing, exploration, and imagination. What was your THING for today? Leave your link in the comments for us all to see.

{this moment}

2011-09-02T08:00:00.000-04:00

No words, just a single photo that I want to savor and remember.

P.S. Back to Do SomeTHING tomorrow

Do SomeTHING: Day 1

2011-09-01T08:00:00.002-04:00

I wrote letters.

Thank you letters. Thank you for gifts. Thank you for thoughtfulness. Thank you for love.

But the hardest one to write was the Thank you for life. A dear friend, whom I haven't talked to in many years, is dying in the hospital. I wrote all the things I wish I would have said to her while she was healthy. I guess I didn't realize how much she has affected my life until I learned that she may be gone soon.

We all call her "Momma T" and that is just what she was. Our Momma. She took care of us, she made me laugh, she helped me realize how fortunate I was, and she gave my son the greatest expression. I'll never forget that day. I brought my son to visit the office. He was just about a year old. We went up to the office and since Sam was the first baby in the office, there was a bit of a huddle around him. He was sitting on the floor and Momma T came up and he just looked at her. He had never seen anyone with skin as chocolaty as hers. His already big eyes grew larger and his mouth hung open. He was mesmerized by Momma.

We all were.

She didn't have it easy, but she always made us feel like life was for living loudly. You just get out there and do it. Even if your foot hurts. Or you walk with a cane. Or you've been down on your luck. Or the cancer is back. Or you fought the cancer in one place and now it appears somewhere else.

I know she will fight. I will fight for her. I love Momma T.

I'm glad I wrote this letter today.

Even if it is too late.

Do SomeTHING is a month long of creativity, project finishing, exploration, and imagination. What was your THING for today? Leave your link in the comments for us all to see.