Following the bread crumbs....

I finally found my way out of the forest. Major depression hit and hard. Seemed that I couldn't do anything to get out of that funk and blogging was just way to much work at the time. I'm back....aren't you just scared a little? I know I am.

So confused

Ryan: "I'm hungry."

Me: "I'm cooking breakfast now."

Ryan: looking at the stove..."NOOOOOOOO, no eggs, I want a real breakfast...poptarts!"

Me: WTF?....LMAO...so what do they call bacon, eggs and toast these days?

Bad girl...very bad...

My Zinnia's have taken over my front garden. They are so pretty and I'm now proud to say I no longer have a black thumb...I'm not saying its green...maybe a nice teal shade. I'm still counting the days my house plants have to live.

I have been such a bad blogger lately. Usually I'm an everyday poster and I comment on all my bloggie friends but the last 3 months I've just been horrible. I think its being so busy that has done it. I get on the computer and all I want to do is drown myself in mindless Facebook farm games.

Nothing much new going on here. We are trying to finish the house. Something we've been working on for two years. Now its down to paint colors and laying the hardwood. BTW, that hard wood was bought almost a month and a half ago and is still sitting in my building. I just want it on the FLOOR! John is so slow about these things but then he feels overwhelmed. He doesn't know where to start. I say put the second coat on my kitchen walls...now that would be a good place to start. @@

On another note, I've been keeping myself busy with digital art. I made a small header and graphic for my friend Steph over at A Close Knit Family. She finally started her own Etsy shop. She does fantastic work. Go check her out!! Her link is on my sidebar. I've done a few other things here and there and the thought of doing a tiny little business is rolling in the back of my mind. Who knows. I have to much on my plate right now to do more than thinking in that department.

I've made a pact with myself to start blogging again. It really is a great outlet and great place for me to scream and vent. Better here than the people I love right? LOL

Two New Babies....

My daughter is well beyond outgrowing her children's furniture. We are going to move her to the secondary master bedroom. With her being our only girl, we feel that deserves her own bathroom. Who wants to share with two little brothers if you don't have too right? Yuck..enough said. 

So our week has been spent looking at new paint colors and "big girl" dressers. I'm trying to save a little dough and check out craigslist for a good deal. In doing that one day...I happened to just look at the pets section. And what did I find you ask? Sweet little ole Violet looking for a new home. She being a 5 month old Puggle, needed to find a new loving home. We already have a pup named Holly that we adopted or that should say...adopted us. So yes...I was just a little insane when I hit that email address wanting to know if Miss Violet still wanted a new home. Heck we JUST got Miss Holly house broken. I know I'm gluten for self punishment. 

Of course we got the call back that we were to late. Others beat me to the punch. I moved on and kept to the furniture section. 

Low and behold...the next day we get an email that Miss Violet is still needing a forever home. The people that were planning to take her never showed. I jumped on the phone and set up a meeting place to met her and see if we suited her taste. 

She took to us at first sight....she has been with us a week now and fits in with our family perfectly. She is 90% house broken already...so sweet and gentle with the kids and has made Holly her adopted sister or partner in crime. I say that because they've already ganged up on me and ripped me off of a pound and a half of sliced deli meat and managed to roll in 50 lbs of mud before running back into the house to spread their brown gold all over the family room and kitchen. Its fun bathing two nasty muddy dogs and trying to fend off a toddler who wants to join in the fun. 

With that said...she makes the best foot warmer at night and she keeps your lap warm and toasty during the day. We love her dearly. We've also renamed her...Meet Miss Layla Violet Wagner. 

My second baby is my new sewing machine...I've begged for a new one for what seems like ages! 

Book Smarts vs. Common Sense

My oldest and only girl is going to turn 7 in June. She was our first and by far the brightest of our three (so far). She excels so much academically. Reading on a 3rd grade level in 1st grade. Doing multiplications and word problems. Writing 2 page book reports. Things I didn't do until I was well into 3rd or 4th grade. And I'm no dumb chica, but she has much more book smarts that I ever did. 

HOWEVER, she is the typical airhead. Yes, I just called my 6 year old daughter an airhead. The Lord knows how much I love and adore her...but I swear she would go to school NAKED if I didn't remind her to dress herself. She is very independent. Not one to ask for help and always wants to do things her way. The only thing is....she literary FORGETS what the heck she is doing right in the middle of doing it. Is this normal for girls? No clue. I don't remember being so flighty at her age. She minds me of an older lady with a bad case of CRS (Can't Remember Shit). You know the type...I even have it on occasion. You walk into the kitchen to make coffee but forget why you went into the kitchen in the first place. Or taking off your shoes and making your way to put them away, yet you get side tracked and somehow they get placed in the freezer. Yes, I did that...but I blame that on my "mommy brain". Which I never had until my second was born. So I promise its not genetic. 

So I believe its a classic case of lack of common sense...which if you ask me, isn't very common. I've run across many who got the short end of that stick. But why my daughter? Seriously it drives me INSANE. How in the world do you help your children develop common sense or just to walk and chew gum at the same time without falling on their face? I'm clueless... Anyone have any bright ideas? I foresee my gorgeous girl becoming a rocket scientist yet, without the ability feed and cloth herself....HELP!

In Memory

Lola Grace "Bitty" Ellett

April 20th, 1954-April 26, 2009

Goodbye mama.

Sniff Sniff

It sure has been awhile. I'll try to keep this short. Mom is still on 100% ventilator. They moved her to another hospital called Kindred hospital that specializes in long term ICU care. She has kidney failure, heart attack, a septic infection and atrial fibrillation just to name a few that I can spell. It is still unresponsive to weaning her off the vent. We were basically told to prepare ourselves but hope for the best. 

Its just that once they treat her for something it causes other problems. Her amputation site looks good...but that's about all that is positive at the moment.

My screams for today are....

I'm down...depressed, bummed...pissed off at hospitals and doctors. Tired of trying to find people who give a crap enough to help care for my three while I go and visit my mother. Now that she is further away it will be even harder. I hate repeating myself to family and friends OVER and OVER again. Hate that people who haven't spoken with her in 30 years think now is the time to fly in and make their peace. I hate that in the back of my mind I think my husband really hopes that I make the choice to take her off the vent just so she will die and not live with us any longer and I'll not have to care for her. I hate the fact that she can't talk to me and tell me what she wants. I hate the fact that my mom can't hug me and tell me its okay.

I want my mommy....

Mom

She's been in the hospital since last Thursday. She developed eschar on three large spots on her foot. 8 months of the pain and wound clinic just did not help. The infection has gone down into the bone. They've been pumping major antibiotics in since Friday but its not working. Elevation has made some of the color around her toes improve but still not very well. They've called in two specialist. Both agree that the leg needs to come off right above the knee. My mom requested a second opinion, he should arrive sometime today. Although I don't blame her a bite for asking, I personal don't see a way to save it. Eschar also is appearing on the other foot.

I am living a horror. I have no idea what to do for her and she is not a strong person emotionally. I feel a little closed off, but I know I'm doing that to myself to keep my chin up. I have NO idea how I can still care for her after this. She being a very heavy woman...there is just no way I can help much without live in home care which we can not afford.

I feel like the worst daughter in the world not being able to be at the hospital with her as much as she needs me. But with the three kids, not really having family and friends that aren't working who can take them. I just can't be up there since its Spring Break and the kids are out of school. Ugh, its just a mess. I'm babbling....just keep us in your thoughts and prayers.

I want to say this to those reading. Take care of your body!!! Do it NOW. My father lost both his legs due to blood clots. He was a VERY active man all his life. But he smoked and drank like a fish and paid the price. My mother..never watched her diet or exercised much. Developed diabetes in midlife and didn't change her lifestyle. Diabetes WILL kill you. Don't put faith in medication alone...you yourself have to make changes early. She is only 54. So young..yet so old.

What I've learned about Boys

Growing up I was an only child to divorced parents. Same story that millions of others share. My mom was usually busy. Working or off to one of her auxiliary meetings or functions. I learned early how to develop multiple personalities. You have to, Barbie can't live in her dream home without friends, and My Little Pony would be awfully lonely in the stable without other candy colored four legged friends. It was easy. I decide who won the races or ate the best oats in the stable. I decided which Barbie wore the best clothes and got to go out with Ken. What was really hard though was board games. I never understood why people would gift an only child a board game. I'd play them though...two or three "personalities" at a time. Problem was, I couldn't decide which "me" I wanted to win. 

Now, all grown up and married I don't need those tag along losers anymore. I gave birth to more personalities than I can handle. Of course two of them are boys. I was scared to death when my first son was born. He was a BOY! I didn't know anything about little boys. What the heck did you do with that thing? Did you clean it? Have to make sure it was pointed in a certain direction? I was lost. Now two boys and 5 years later I know more about boys then about girls. Here are just a few I've learned along the way....

Firs thing I learned and learned quickly...Cover it! Before you get sprayed in the face...or better yet, they spray themselves in the face. They always look at you like YOU did it. You have to be a quick draw.

Second...boys are just dirty little monkeys. No getting around it. You dress them for church and somehow before they leave the bedroom, something in on their face, shirt and shoes. How DO they do it? I've decided that its a magnet. Yup, that's what the Adams Apple is...a huge giant dirt magnet. 

Third, boy are just gross. They are just wired differently than girls. In that faulty crossed wiring something makes them obsessed with their own bodily functions and the farts of others around them. I'm beginning to think being called a poopy head is an endearment.

Fourth....they already know their ancestor great great great great great great great great great great and so on Grand pappy Ugh-Unga Bunga invented the wheel...and still millions of generations later appreciate that invention. Anything with a wheel is to be rolled, driven, crashed, and raced. This last well until adulthood when loads of money gets thrown into a set of wheels. 

And then...there is the mother. All boys are mamas boys. Sorry, its just a fact. There is nothing in this world that is better than a mama....that is...until they reach the teen years and discover the shower soap. Then if their mama is still number one...I think therapy is needed. It's those boys that end up being 40 year old basement dwellers

And last...if that boy has a brother...there is a bond between brothers that nothing can break. It makes all that faulty wiring and dirty habits not matter. They strangle each other one moment then 2 seconds later would kill a rabid tiger to protect the other. Someone to dig holes with,build forts with, squash caterpillars with, talk shop, trucks, cars, and wheels...someone to beat up, someone to share popcorn with...

With all their faults and habits, I wouldn't trade them in for anything in the world...not even more girls. Now GIRLS have problems of their own...especially those with two little brothers. But that's another post.

 

Screams!

SCREAMS:

MY HUSBAND BOUGHT OUR 5 YEAR OLD SON HIS OWN TRUCK! A 68' FORD! Okay, okay, it barely runs, needs a major paint job, and a little body work but COME ON. He says it will be something for him to learn on and a way to bond together. 

Okay, maybe it sounds like a good idea. But wait...I foresee a curious boy going to try and DRIVE this truck that his father says is his.....I'm scared to death. I've been promised the battery will be taken out while John is not around and the wheels blocked. Not sure that is good enough for me. I'm paranoid. 

Ryan's also been promised it will be a 100% finished classic when they are done. Hopefully that won't take 20 years. 

Not much really going on here lately other than the truck which will arrive on Sunday. Ryan finally got his appointment to spend the night with the sleep center on the 14th. He seems pretty excited about it. Choose his daddy to stay with him. 

Just a few crafts I've been working on for Hannah. She picked out the fabric, but hasn't seen them yet. I can't wait to see what she thinks. Just standard pillow case dress patterns used. Also, bows to match. 

Tomorrow has to be better...

Not much sleep last night. I stayed up watching my scary shows and knitting. I finally had to put it down, I turned off the lamp, and tossed for a good hour before I finally found sleep. Then at 4:30 John woke me up telling me that mom wanted me to call 911. This of course scared the crap out of me. I went to her and found that she had fallen again. Poor mama. Her medicine has her all out of whack. So I do call 911...they come and leave. It's now after 5:00 a.m. After a hot cup of coffee I try to go back to sleep. When the kids get up for school, I could barely help Hannah with her hair, I was so exhausted.

I spent the day being lazy on the couch, playing with Mark and finishing up my knitting project and watching this crazy show called "Doctor Who"...Mark hid the remote somewhere and since I was so "SMART" to block the manual buttons from the kids, the channel stayed there all day. Seemed like a nice enough day to be lazy. 

Then the phone rings. It's the kids school. I answer thinking it was Ryan's kindergarten teacher wanting to talk to me about his hysterics over bugs. They are having a hard time keeping him calm on the playground. Poor bud thinks the creepies are going to haul him off and eat him. He loves playing outside, but in order to do so he has to layer his clothes and socks like battle armor so the "bugs" don't get him. I swear he is going to expire from heat stroke this summer in 100 degree weather wearing sweat pants, a sweater, long socks, a toboggan and boots to go play "farmer Bubbie" in the front yard. 

Well, its not his teacher. Its the assistant principle. Of course the worst runs through your mind. Deathly illness, forgot to wear clean underwear...but you don't expect a behavioral issue. That that it was. Ryan had got written up on the bus for hitting another child who was bullying him. Had he tattled on the boy instead he would have not gotten in trouble. Ryan admitted to hitting him but that is all the principle could get from him stating that his story changes. Well of course it does you nit wit. If you had looked into his file you may learn a little bit more about him. He can't tell you his last thought, let alone what happened on the bus yesterday. His delays make the normal 5 year old selective memory a thousand times worse. 

We will call this boy Micheal. I then asked if this other boys name was Micheal. Of course it was. The same 3rd grader who has been bullying kindergartners. Then the bad mother rears her ugly head and for a second I had pride in my son. He knocked this bully down a peg or two. Stood up for all 5 year old who have suffered from being called a poopoo head or a stupid dung hole all year. Not only that but he has really taken to pointing out all Ryan's faults to the school bus. His stuttering and other speech imperfections, tics and sensory overloads. I was glad he stood up for himself. 

Then that second passed and utter embarrassment over flowed. My baby hit another child. Of course we handled it at home...but then every now and then that pride comes back for a second. 

The other news was a letter from the school sent home. It was what we already knew...what we knew before Ryan started school. He is not meeting grade expectations and will have to repeat. It shouldn't have brought me down. I knew this already, but still you always hold on to that hope that it won't happen. Oh well, its not the end of the world and he will benefit more from repeating. We would have held him back and not started him until this coming year if we could have...damn IEP services. The system is not set up well for very young E.C children in our state. 

On a happy note...I'M A SUPER HERO! LOL...got this fun game from my friend Julia at Our Simple Life.  Hero Factory  It took my mind off the day. I've been playing around with it for an hour. I wish I really was a super woman! 

Spring Forward

More than just moving the clocks ahead an hour. This year it means a lot more. 

I've made a pact with myself to do a little spring cleaning within. To look inward, not to fix my imperfections...I'm no saint by any means. Just to clean up with self improvements. It's a mile long list that I plan to take a step at a time. One of those is to learn new crafts. I've always wanted to learn to knit, crochet, wood crafts, and gardening just to name a few. I really enjoy the pride you have after completing a project and making things yourself. 

I can now check off knitting. I haven't knitted a large project yet, but I have taught myself all stitches and how to follow most all patterns. 

Wash cloths for Hannah and Mark. These thing make the best cloths to wash your face! Gentle on the skin yet great for scrubbing! Love them. 

I can also check off wood crafts. I've taken a blank slate and created a recipe box. Although I'm not completely finished with it. It still is usable and most of all I love it. Okay okay...its not the prettiest thing in the world but I did it myself...it still needs another clear coat and I actually need to let it dry this time before I touch it. I'm to much of a kid and just can't wait. I really enjoyed doing this...and now have millions of ideas running through my head. 

 Of course it has a rooster...I just couldn't help myself. 

On another note. The weather has turned again...no snow, no ice..we have beautiful 80 degree weather this week. We had the best Sunday just playing in the yard with the kids, walking super fab pooch Holly, and of course a trip to Hobby Lobby and Ben Franklin with Hannah. We have so many craft ideas I'm afraid we are going to drive my husband crazy...or broke. Probably both. Lord help him when I finally start my garden. 

Have a nice day, Ma'am

Yesterday was the typical Friday. Mark, my youngest crumb snatcher and I out running errands. I stop by the bank because the hubby has the card and check book.

Our second stop was the dreaded Walmart for prescriptions and grocery shopping. As I stand in line holding the cart. Mark sucking his thumb, scowling at everyone who looks in his direction while digging his toes into mama's stomach. 

Next person in line moves up to the counter. I inch my cart a little more forward trying not to knock the lady in front of me in the rear, while trying to save my own bum from the bumper cart behind me. 

Finally its my turn. I move forward, angle my cart out of the way, and removing Marks toes from my stomach. He scowls even harder at the cute young girl behind the pharmacy counter. I smile...

Me:    "Kendra Wagner...W.a.g.N.e.r, There should be three."

She turning, finding the W's. Of course mine are in the back. She counts.

Cute teenie tech: "Yes, three today"

Ring, Ring Ring...and the price on the register reads $12.00. Oh, how I love insurance. I find my wallet, pull out a $100.00 bill. Mark reaches for my wallet and pulls, he wants to chew on the pretty read leather. I pull back...I prefer he didn't. He gives a puffy lip and scowls at me. I turn and hand the bill to the Teenie pharm tech cheerfully. She looks strangely at the bill. Holds it up to the light.

Me: stupid joke "I just made it this morning."

Pulls it down again...looks more closely. Then holds it up to the light again. Finally....

Cute teenie Tech: "I'm sorry Ma'am, but this is fake"

No she didn't just call me MA'AM!

Me: "What? I was kidding!"

Cute teenie Tech: "Sorry ma'am, but this isn't real." 

Me: "What? What do you mean not real?"

Cute teenie tech: "I don't see the head on the other side."

Glancing behind me at all the faces scowling at me as if I'm a criminal and have the audacity to hold up the line. 

Me: "It came from the bank, it has to be real." 

Cute Teenie Tech: handed it back "Sorry ma'am, NEXT!"

I wonder dazed out of the pharmacy into the crowded aisle. Still ticked she called me ma'am...and because of the scene of course. I know its real. It looks real to me. I head to the the front registers with money in hand.

I see a friendly face I know and explain what happened. She takes her black money marker and marks the bill. Its real. She calls the manager, she comes to walk me over to the pharmacy. She pulls the teenie tech aside. Speaking to her as if she was 3 inches tall and dumber than a box of painted rocks. 

Cute Teenie Tech: "It doesn't have the 3D image" (so I guess someone told her what the OTHER FACE, was actually called)

Manager: "It's an old bill"

Cute Teenie Tech: "But, its not real...there is no image"

Manager: "IT'S AN OLD BILL."

This goes on for a few minutes. The manager finally pushing her aside and rings me up. Takes my bill, gives change... 

Me: "Thank you"

Manager : "Sorry for all the trouble, I hope you have a nice day MA'AM."

Who knew?

It's been a little over two years since we have struggled with finding Ryan the right doctors and therapist. We finally have a doctor who understands and after over a year of trial and error, prescription after prescription...we have found the right med combo for him. It works. Who knew under all those issues how amazing he is. This combo really works for him. Brings out all his positive qualities. I am so excited. He is just such a joy to be around now. Ready and willing to learn and help. Playing like normal little boys do. I am loving each and every moment now spent with him. 

The latest culprit is anxiety. Who knew? Who knew that he suffered from this? I should have known since it does run predominate in our family. Now that it is under control he is free to enjoy the simple pleasure most boys do. I finally have my sweet angel back. Prayers were answered. 

New Home

Just a new blog home. Since food and recipes have taken over Homegrown Housewife, I found it necessary to create a new space for other topics. I have transferred all none food related post here so you can still read archives. This way Food Buzz and Chef.com don't have to weed through to find the YUMMY stuff. LOL 

About the title. It's fitting, even my mother would say. I often sit on the porch and read while watching my three children run amuck in the front yard. I sit there with book in hand and a tall glass of sweet tea, trying to read the same page over and over. I get side tracked by day dreams of what my children will be, their futures and the promises they give. That is until they call me down to help chase fireflies or get the four wheeler out of the mud. 

Anyway, hope you all enjoy the view from my front porch. 

Interviewing the Crumb Snatchers

I saw this cute kid's interview at Our Simple Life and had to play along. I interviewed both both Hannah and Ryan. But of course Ryan's dance contest with his favorite pals Tuggie and Uncle Rodgie took precedence over talking with momma, I had to wait until it was finished. BTW, Tuggie and Uncle Rodgie are his stuffed dog and Pooh Bear.

Hannah is 6 going on 19.  Ryan is 5, but has PDD/NOS and a mile long list of delays, so if his answers are a little off. 


1. What is something your mom always says to you?

Hannah- "Broken Bones or Bleeding" (This took me a minute to understand what she was saying. Then it dawned on me that I do say something like this..at a least three times a day. When she and Ryan fight I try not to play referee. Heck if I did, I could get nothing else accomplished. So I tell them I don't want to hear any tattling or fussing unless someone has a broken bone or is bleeding. I guess that throws me out of the running for mother of the year, huh?)

Ryan- "Listen to them"

2.What makes your mom happy?

Hannah- "For us to get along" (LOL, yeah, with Hannah and Ryan only being 14 month apart...one minute they are best friends, then the next they have contracts out on each other...any mother knows how annoying that is)

Ryan- "Make them a treat, like I'm doing now"

3. What makes your mom sad?

Hannah- "When you don't get anything for your birthday" (Guess my husband is out for Husband of the year. Nah, she is forgetting my new apron.)

Ryan- "Make..hurt you" (we have bad days)

4. How does your mom make you laugh?

Hannah - "Just wait...I'll show you" She got the bunny teeth. Little teeth that forgot to be put back into the Cooties game...I was just being silly one day...

Ryan- "Play the banjo" (Tickle game, hold their arms and play the banjo by tickling their underarms to silly tunes like Oh Suzanna LOL)

5. What did your mom like to do when she was a child?

Hannah - "Play with her farm set." (I think she is talking about the Little People set I was talking about this morning)

Ryan- "Play"

6. How old is your mom?

Hannah - "Uhhhh 30!" (No, I'm staying 29 forever!!!)

Ryan- "6"

7. How tall is your mom?

Hannah - "51." (HUH?)

Ryan- "This big" (About 5 inches)

8. What is her favorite thing to do?

Hannah - "Knit" (Yeah, this week)

Ryan-"Uhhh, put up my heart" (Huh?)

9. What does your mom do when you're not around?

Hannah - "Clean the house" (Yeah, pretty much..until they get older then child labor will be mandatory...it's why I had them...totally kidding...well just a little LOL)

Ryan- "Make me a treat"

10. If your mom becomes famous, what will it be for?

Hannah- "baking" (Look out Betty Crocker)

Ryan- "me" (This makes me a little nervous LOL)

11. What is your mom really good at?

Hannah - "What are you really good at?" (Thanks for the ego boost baby girl)

Ryan-"I'm hungry"

12. What is your mom not very good at?

Hannah - "Needlepoint" (Um, yeah...I bought her a childs needlepoint kit the other day...for ages 6 and up. I must be 4 because I couldn't do it...)

Ryan-"being sad"

13. What does your mom do for her job?

Hannah - "You don't have a job" (If she only knew LOL.)

Ryan-"clean up my room" (No sir! LOL)

14. What is your mom's favorite food?

Hannah - "Shrimp" (Bingo!)

Ryan-"Roast beef"

15. What makes you proud of your mom?

Hannah - "You're going to make me a Butterfly cloth" (knitting pattern)

Ryan-"I give you a hug"

16. If your mom were a cartoon character, who would she be?

Hannah - "Mrs Spider from Sunny Patch"  (Works for me.)

Ryan-"A teenager" (I wish I had the boobs I did back then...they do make good knee warmers now)

17. What do you and your mom do together?

Hannah - "Have fun."

Ryan-"play and make cakes"

18. How are you and your mom the same?

Hannah - "We act the same."

Ryan-"Your pants have snowflakes on it"

19. How are you and your mom different?

Hannah - "We don't wear the same clothes"

Ryan- "We are different sizes"

20. How do you know your mom loves you?

Hannah - "Because no matter what I do she loves me...she is part of my family" (AWWW)

Ryan-"Because I love her back"

21. What does your mom like most about your dad?

Hannah - "He is fun to cuddle up with"

Ryan-"Because he is silly"

22. Where is your mom's favorite place to go?
Hannah - "Grocery Store and Hobby Lobby" (I sound exciting don't I)

Ryan-"The beach and the market"

Don't you dare laugh!

Stop...stop it now...I worked hard on these. Yes, there are holes, yes they are ugly and yes...the one on the right is large enough to wash a hippo. 

I'm in the process of teaching myself to knit again. I tried before with no success. Some of you are familiar with the giant baby booties. For those that aren't...lets just say they would be to big for the Jolly Green Giant. This time I have the stitches down, just need to practice. Okay, I need a LOT of practice. These are just a few cloths I practiced following patterns with. The red one has a rooster on it. The blue is a Snoopy wash cloth for my son Ryan. He adores anything "snewfy" as he calls it. He loved it so much, even with all its imperfections, and it took about 20 minutes of compromising with him this morning getting him to NOT take it to school. 

I want to thank Stephanie over at A Close Knit Family for helping me get back on the horse. And for letting me annoy her beyond reason with late night IMs and begging for example videos. I promise I'll keep at it and will make you proud...one day. LOL

For now, I'll keep knitting wash and dish cloths...

I still hear snickering people. You know you want one of my fancy smancy knitted Snewfy wash cloths. 

Trash to treasure finds

Yesterday while out doing errands uptown, I came across a consignment store that I had passed by many times without giving it a second glance. The thought popped into my head that this was the perfect spot to look for a much needed sewing cabinet to fit my dinosaur of a machine. They of course had many second hand machines at great price, no cabinets or craft tables on hand. I did spot the items above however. They may look like junk at first glance...but I see potential. 

The rabbit is handmade...probably someones first try at the pattern. They did a wonderful job and it is brand new. No use to be seen. Stiff starched fabric makes me guess it was created with love within the last year. The dress is girlie and classic. Perfect for my daughter for Easter. I foresee many tea parties with this 75 cent deal! I'll fit her with an apron, bloomers, more decorative ribbons, and she will be perfect. 

The basket was $1.00. I needed one to fit my work in progress knitting and craft fabric. Easier for me to tote it from room to room than the shopping bag I was using. Even fits my 14" needles. 

And last but not least...is a wooden rolled note holder. My grandfather used to have one in his kitchen to write down needed items as soon as he ran low on something. I have the worst memory and always forget something while shopping. Even if I make a list. This way my list is already made and ready to go anytime I need to restock the pantry. It has some wear and tear on it. I'll restain it or paint it to coordinate with my kitchen, and maybe even decoupage it with some pretty scrap paper. Cost...$1.00

A Homegrown Valentine's Day

Valentines Day really isn't a holiday we take notice of. For my husband and I it really is for young couples in puppy love or for the materialistic minds who just want another day to receive or give gifts. We don't feel it necessary to give each other a pat on the back for buying nasty heart shaped chocolates, over priced flowers, or silly musical plush animals who sing repulsive lovey dovey bubble gum pop songs. 

I'm not saying we are one of "those" couples who claim to shout from the rooftops how wonderful we find each others company or that we deeply profess our love each and every day of the year. We just don't need that calendar marked day to say I love you. We do it in simple ways. For instance my husband really isn't an expressive man. He isn't shy or dull by any means. He just doesn't give compliments freely and rarely does he voice emotions. That is except to me in private. He shows me by wrapping his arms around my waist when I'm cooking and nuzzles my neck, he covers me up in the morning after I've kick the blankets off, he strokes my hair when he thinks I've fallen asleep in the crook of his arm...its those little things. That's how we show each other how deep our love is. To the world he can be cold and reserved, but to me he is my mushy little teddy bear. I take those every day moments as my gift over candy and flowers. 

We didn't even see each other Valentines Day, other than a few minutes. He worked then took our oldest son to a Monster Truck show. I spent the evening with our daughter Hannah. Together she and I sat and talked to Nana, made pizza and had a girly night full of Pixie Hollow fairies and making a pinkalious Valentines Cake. She of course wanted to do it all herself and she did a fabulous job. Next lesson is to teach her to do decorative icing. This time she was perfectly happy with frosting, sprinkles, and candy hearts. 

Late that evening after the truck show, when all the kids were in bed...my husband and I spent a few moments talking about our day and the moments we had one on one with the kids. Me laying on his chest, listening to his heart beating, he tucking a strand of hair behind my ear...the contented sighs...it made the perfect Homegrown Valentines Day. 

The Pink Polka Dotted Princess and the Big Boy Bed

So I'm not really a fan of football. While daddy was busy watching the game with the boys, Hannah and I decided to pass by the boredom with letting her try out my new bath products and lotions. She also requested a manicure. You know she had to pick pink polka dots to match her jammies. 

Master Curly top also decided that he was to big to sleep in his crib any longer. 18 months and he moves like a member of the NYC swat team escaping and scaling anything within site. So he has moved on to his big boy bed. Now if he will just sleep in it and not with the super fab pooch. Holly likes her bed to herself. 

The Good, The Bad, and The Cruddy

I consider myself a clean person and I keep my home in order. Dirt and clutter make me (more) insane. I get depressed and even more lazy if I don't keep on top of things. So I have a daily, weekly, monthly and yearly cleaning schedule list and I'm 98% perfect about keeping it checked off. Okay, I lied...maybe 75%....

However.....the refrigerator is my nemesis. I just hate taking out the shelves and really scrubbing them. Moving all the food, produce, and millions of little things that tend to pile up. I tend to just do a weekly wipe down and let it go...

Since my refrig is on the bare side and I really need to go shopping I thought I would get off my lazy bum and do a deep clean. Toss out the mess and really scrub it down. You know the four month old sour cream, the moldy green pepper that tried to commit suicide in the crisp drawer, and of course the millions of condiment bottles hanging out on the side...don't lie...you all have it. Come on...admit it....there ya go....welcome to normalcy. 

This is what was hidden behind the drawers and the crud build up (one weeks worth) on the shelves....Southern Sweet Tea is the house wine of the south...but it's a horror on refrigerator shelves...and onion skins are sneaky little noids. I really think they had a plan of attack in the works for the next person to venture into the white abyss. 

So my fellow bloggers...I am normal (I think)...and I'm not perfect. I had the crud. Wonder what I'll find the next time I venture down there...trust me...I will be awhile, but at least now I know I won't be attacked at least for the next month. 

Friday Finds

We did get some snow Monday night. Although it wasn't the dreaded 4-5 inches they called for...we got a sprinkle. Enough to close the schools, to the delight of my two oldest. They spent the day trying to make snow people, which as you can see there wasn't even enough to make a snowman for an ant farm. They tried though. What can I say, we live in the south...snow days are very few and far between. Which I'm 100% sure Miss Holly aka super fab pooch is grateful for. She hated getting her little paws wet and just wanted to know exactly who was going to clean up all that mess.

It melted by afternoon and then the kids decided to build forts and hide from their tiniest sibling. Holly happily napped on the couch. Mom on the other hand got to relax and browse again...here are this weeks fabulous finds.

First is the adorable Hugs and Kisses Red Apron from Creative Designs by Nicole. I received this as a birthday gift and I just LOVE it. The picture does not do it justice. Its very well made and functional for a great everyday apron. Although this isn't available anymore (ha ha), she does have others. 

Second I found this wonderful little tutorial for Cupcake Bath Bombs at Little Birdie Secrets. This will be a great idea for Hannah and I to sink our hands in for Christmas or birthday gifts. They also have tons of other great homemade DIY ideas.

Next is this set of 4 Eco-Linen Dinner Napkins from Sartoria. Made with water based ink, each with its own weed pattern that forms a puzzle when laid out. Great price, natural materials, and eco friendly. What more could you ask for?

And last, your weekly rooster. Okay, okay...so its not an actual rooster but its a great find none the less. Red Rooster Tea from Owens Acres...very aromatic, contains rosehips, hibiscus flowers, peppermint, lemon balm, and meadow sweet flowers. Beautiful ruby color and sweet fragrant taste.

We should take note

Friday Finds

I'm guilty....I am the worst product browser ever. I love nice things, but I also love great prices. Who doesn't? I get an addiction to something and it just snowballs until I have a mile long wish list. I do find some unique and some times absolutely insane items...but its fun none the less. I end up putting them in my favorites and if I find I keep going back and drooling over it a million times, then I get the courage to break out the debit card. If not...it goes in the trash bin. Browsing lead me to these little cuties. 

First I want to share a product that my pooch just loves. Miss Holly thinks the Peanut Crunch treats are better than sliced roast beef. Miss Doreen over at Doggie Bakes sure knows how to pamper a pooch. 

Then, thinking about how much Holly adores these treats had me searching for recipes, I was thinking to make Holly treats myself...then I saw what went into them...and I'll just leave the doggie treat making to Dorreen. :) 

But then, if you know me...you know I went recipe browsing. Oh course...food and I have a love hate relationship...it loves me, but I hate what it does to my bum. Rambling on....I really need a recipe box. Something cute and different besides the standard brown or metal box. I found this adorable little box over at Esty.com. Gifts And Talents has a wonderful assortment of custom recipe boxes among her items. 

Then of course I have to browse for new roosters. I found this print called "The Happy Rooster" over at BeiLeXian. Isn't it just full of awesome and win! It would be perfect for my kitchen.

Fabulous Giveaway!

I have a new addiction. Aprons! I am the messiest cook in the kitchen. I end up looking like I stepped in front of a flour bomb or batter explosion. I just thank gosh aprons are affordable! 

One of my favorite blogs to stalk, um, I mean browse, is having a fabulous apron giveaway. Just look at this beautiful Valentine apron from Sassy Aprons. So retro, so feminine and just dog gone darling! Who doesn't love polka dots? So head on over to Lucy and Shawnees Sassy/Flirty Apron Swap to enter this awesome give away! Even if red isn't your color...go enter anyway...I'm sure someone uhhumm...around here..hint hint...loves red. LOL