tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-186756502024-03-13T10:53:39.676-04:00abstract splotcHesmomming, crafting, and lots of other little thingsSJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04347587188695656388noreply@blogger.comBlogger561125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18675650.post-46213576821593346492013-12-30T13:00:00.000-05:002014-04-03T16:50:33.583-04:00Merry Christmas! I only managed to get a few cards out this year, but it was a small improvement over last year, when I sent none. Basically if I saw you or if you sent your card to me early, I sent you a card in return. Otherwise, I just fell too far behind.... not to mention forgot to mark down which cards were sent versus those that weren't! Oops! Next year. Really. I want to actually send them to ALL the people I want to send them to. I should probably start in June. Not kidding.
Please know that I was thinking about you and hoping your Christmas was wonderful!<br />
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We were blessed with a visit from Brian's sister, and she's awesome, so that was fun. :) Overall we had a pretty quiet holiday, and we had new challenges with the recent passing of Brian's mom and my grandmother, but it was still special, and I am thankful. Since I am, yet again, behind on blogging, I'll have to update you on them another time. There is so much to say that I find it overwhelming, but as it is important to me, I hope to do it soon.<br />
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Here are a few photos from our December. ....I still haven't finished sorting through them all, so I might add more soon. A Belated Merry Christmas from all of us!<br />
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SJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04347587188695656388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18675650.post-33239154638429220392013-09-11T14:53:00.004-04:002013-09-11T14:53:44.204-04:00Not So Little Any MoreMy little monkey is getting big! He's been a kindergartner for a full week already, and I'm still getting used to it. He doesn't tell me much about his days, despite my desperate digging, but I gather he is loving it so far. What a blessing! I haven't heard from his teacher yet, so it's hard to gauge exactly how he's doing, but it's clear that he's excited to walk to the bus stop like a big kid and do all the other simple things big kids do. He has been craving the diverse schedule with more variety and activity for some time. I've always had to try hard to keep up!<br />
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He's playing soccer again too. This time around the practices are still pretty basic and full of fun, silly games, but he does get to play actual games too. They are fun to watch. Not unlike T-ball this spring, all the kids are extra motivated to really get in there and score! He starts ice hockey in just over a month. Something new!<br />
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Speaking of new, Thomas has switched over from soccer to cross country this year. It's too early to tell how much he'll like it, but I'm excited for him. Can you believe he is in the sixth grade already?<br />
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Thankfully Logan is still providing me with my daily dose of silly, made-up songs, funny faces, and hugs with giggles. I'm glad I still have one little one at home, to keep me company and teach me things.<br />
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I love my boys. ♥</div>
SJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04347587188695656388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18675650.post-22161640740251707552013-09-11T14:20:00.001-04:002013-09-20T16:21:01.041-04:00Just for Fun<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Back to crafting. It has been a while since I've made something that wasn't knit or crocheted. I'm guessing that's because I tend to become overwhelmed easily and like to be 100% available for my boys at all times. With Gabe starting kindergarten this year, however, I'm down to having just one kiddo at home, and it reminds me of when Thomas was little. It is amazing how much easier it is to accomplish tasks with one little guy at my side than with two. Logan also is usually a bit more low key than Gabe, and he still naps (half the time, anyway) so I think I'll be attempting more small projects as the year progresses. (Don't get me wrong; I miss Gabe lots, though I know he is having tons of fun at school.)<br />
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I'm not sure exactly how it started, but I probably stumbled upon someone else's lovely idea for an altered Altoid tin once upon a time and felt motivated to look further. I stalked Pinterest for a while and gathered ideas, and one day I finally remembered to buy mints. Choosing the rest of my materials was a little chaotic. I had all three boys with me at the craft store, which was quite small, and trying to sift through ideas while watching them and responding to their needs (not to mention their arguments over who could carry the basket) was no guarantee for success. Still, I found a pack of really pretty autumn scrapbook papers, several silk flower stems, and some sweet little stickers, plus three different one dollar Angry Bird coloring/activity books for the boys. With my birthday coupon in hand (and a sale on all the flowers), it ended up working out okay after all.<br />
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I originally intended to use the flowers to create a sort of shadow box. I was going to gather small stones and sand to line the bottom of the inside and then fit in flowers and tiny pumpkins in order to create a little scene. Once I started crafting I abandoned the idea for the time being and went back to my other plan, which was to decorate a second tin to hold some of my small knitting notions. This is too decorative to toss in a bag, perhaps, but I'll use it home, at least during this time of year. <br />
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I hope to make many more, perhaps as Christmas gifts for my nieces and nephews; not like this one, but individualized to their likes. I thought I might design a magnetic travel game or two, fill one with small LEGO blocks (totally stealing that idea from Pinterest), make some with small animals tucked in with a blanket or sleeping bag and pillow, and maybe even fashion some small clay figurines for a whole miniature room, complete with accessories. The possibilities are truly endless.<br />
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Of course, I might find that my dreams are too far-fetched and impractical (I can knit and crochet pretty cleanly, but when it comes to other sorts of crafting I tend to throw things together as I go along, and the result is often a complete fail compared to the glorious pictures I've gathered in my mind.)<br />
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At least for now I'll have this! I've used it quite a bit already. ♥SJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04347587188695656388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18675650.post-67811818037537131062013-09-02T10:28:00.000-04:002014-04-03T16:53:41.604-04:00Reunions are good.When we bought our house in New York we researched just about everything, but one thing we had no way of knowing was just how friendly our neighbors might be. When we discovered that there were kids living all the way up and down the street, we were pleased. Going outside in the evenings became somewhat routine, but often times we weren't in our own backyard; rather we were on the street with the other families. Kids would ride their scooters and bikes.... or just about anything else... and parents would gather and talk, often while throwing a ball to one of the the boys, or while helping the little ones. We quickly learned what a huge blessing this was. We became good friends with our neighbors directly across the street. Thomas, in fact, found his best friend in Luke, and Gabe and Logan always loved to play with Olivia.<br />
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When we moved to Vermont we were excited, but we knew we would miss our friends and neighbors in New York, and we still do. That's why last weekend was special. It had been a full year since we had seen our New York neighbors, but it was like we had never left; the mark of a true friends, for sure. We met up at the site of two old forts-and a lighthouse nearby-in Crown Point, New York. Starting with a brief museum introduction and a picnic lunch by the water, we enjoyed a beautiful, relaxed afternoon, exploring the ruins at the southern tip of Lake Champlain. <br />
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Thank you, guys, for a great day. It was so refreshing to spend time with you!<br />
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SJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04347587188695656388noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18675650.post-75465403980193673152013-08-22T15:00:00.002-04:002013-08-22T15:49:59.014-04:00I certainly don't have a green thumb, but it might not be black either. Maybe we'll call it.... purple. I almost decided not to share yet another garden update, but in looking back I suppose a bit has changed. I've pulled up the peas (after harvesting enough to freeze some) and trained the cucumbers across the middle of the bed, essentially given up on the corn, and planted a pumpkin mound... I'm pretty sure the onions stopped growing a while ago. :( We only have one zucchini so far, but there is still the possibility of more. The two zucchini plants in the back have a bit of powdery mildew, but the two in the front seem okay. I have green beans coming out of my ears, green tomatoes on every plant (plus have harvested several ripe tomatoes already), and am still watching that one pepper grow but not yet ripen to red. The pink flower is cosmos, from Tom's garden, and that last picture? Well, that's not really part of my garden, but I wanted to share anyway; that's a cicada, or rather, it was; the cicada had already molted when I took the picture. We have lots of them! They're big.<br />
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I didn't take pictures of the hanging herb basket, but that looks more or less the same as last time, as do the plants on the deck, apart from a little more fruit.<br />
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Pretty soon it will be time to plant bulbs! And mums. I'm going to have to find a place for some mums!<br />
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Next year I am planning to grow the corn differently, re-attempt my hot peppers, add several vegetables to include broccoli and garlic, maybe fill another box with strawberries and a large planter or box with herbs... and plant an entire row of blueberry bushes!SJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04347587188695656388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18675650.post-14975018416113033332013-08-22T14:16:00.001-04:002013-08-22T15:19:50.568-04:00Fun Across the BorderNo summer would be complete without at least one trip to New Hampshire. I didn't actually take very many photos this time. Maybe I was just too busy enjoying myself. We missed Becky and family, but we still had fun, and we enjoyed meeting her new chickens and angora rabbit, Violet! (I'll have to get a good picture of Violet another time.) It's always a treat to stay with Nana.<br />
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<br />SJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04347587188695656388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18675650.post-65990874254301159752013-08-22T14:05:00.003-04:002013-08-22T14:18:14.454-04:00I am spoiled.Perhaps the better word is "blessed," but either way there is just so much beauty around me. I shared some of our fun in my previous post, but it hasn't stopped. From taking a tram up to the summit of Jay Peak to visiting with family in New Hampshire, to the every day joys and challenges of parenting, I am feeling loved. Certainly I don't deserve any bit of it, but that's Jesus for you, loving us to the fullest, regardless of our inadequacy. ♥<br />
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A couple of weeks ago we made our way to the summit of Jay Peak. I was in amateur photographer heaven, except that it was all too brief. I only had time to snap a couple of photos before we had to head back inside to wait for the tram because it was so cold. I was on such a rush from the amazing views around me that I was able to ignore the temperature, but that wasn't quite so easy for the boys. They were freezing! They climbed up to the top of the highest rocks, Gabe racing up so fast he worried me a little (he has no fear) and Logan clinging to Brian the whole time, but they didn't really stop before turning back, shivering down and around the small area of rugged terrain to rush inside the cafe.<br />
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I still managed a few photos, as hurried as they were.<br />
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We'll have to go again some time and dress better so we can truly appreciate all the thoroughly breathtaking views. </div>
SJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04347587188695656388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18675650.post-29531339715435401102013-08-05T21:50:00.002-04:002013-08-06T10:23:33.178-04:00Something NewWe had a few bursts of fantastic weather last week and took full advantage, starting with our visit to Shelburne Farms for Green Mountain Draft Horse Field Day on Saturday. What a beautiful day that was. Not only was there sun and yet a more tolerable heat than we have become used to this time of year, but there was so much to see and do. From learning about how they make their cheese, not to mention sampling some, to riding in a tractor-drawn wagon, meeting all the animals, watching as horse drawn carriages sauntered by, and even celebrating their Sicilian donkey's 30th birthday, we enjoyed a wonderfully memorable day. My favorite part was our short hike from the farm barn up to the top of Lone Tree Hill where we saw sensational views--of Lake Champlain and the Adirondacks to the east and of the Green Mountains to the west. I found myself stopping just before we began the trek downward, lifting my eyes to the sky and consciously soaking in every last drop of that moment. Our God is AMAZING.<br />
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After a couple of busy days at home I took the boys hiking on some trails we had not personally explored before. We climbed up the steep slopes of one hill on Tuesday and then
another on Wednesday. Thomas said his favorite part of hiking was the exploring part; not knowing where a trail would lead us until we tried it. Thankfully I tend to have a pretty good sense of direction, so we didn't get lost.</div>
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Logan did very well, considering how steep he had to climb. As out of shape as I've become, it works out, having a little one to set the pace. Between his short legs and my extra pounds, we take things slower than I used to, but I have to say, since moving here walking and hiking have become somewhat routine, and I'm able to take on more. Honestly I'm a little proud of us both! And of Thomas and Gabriel too; they never complained about having to wait a minute here or there, while Logan caught up, though most of the time he kept up just fine.<br />
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On Thursday we ventured into the mountains to pick blueberries. It had been ages since I'd done so, and the boys never had. Growing up, we used to drive up a long dirt road to a place with many, many mature bushes and an old wooden farm stand with a sign on it, stating the price. We signed a piece of paper on a clipboard with the amount that we had picked and slipped some money into the box. I always loved to go, though I remember it getting pretty buggy. I felt like I could get lost amongst the bushes. They were so tall and bushy, and they seemed to go on forever. Maybe I was just small.<br />
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The place we discovered out here was fantastic. The bushes were young but plentiful in berries, and while there were clouds we welcomed a bit of sun and a heavenly light breeze. It made for easy, wonderful, joyful picking, and the site was so beautiful that I have to admit I probably spent more time playing with the camera than picking berries. Thomas took care of that though. He was on a mission, and he picked well. Gabe and Logan helped too, of course. We took home 5.35 pounds of plump, ripe, tasty berries.<br />
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For years I'd wanted to try my hand at making and canning jam, and since I ran out of time with the strawberries (we picked right before our vacation and ended up having to freeze most of them), I thought, "Why not blueberry jam?" I had never tasted blueberry jam before, but it sounded pretty great, so after watching a completely unnecessary number of how-to videos online
and picking up a few materials at the hardware store, I dove right in. </div>
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It was delicious, and miraculously, all of my jars sealed. Now I'm hooked. I'm thinking of thawing out those strawberries for a strawberry-blueberry mix, followed by some apple jelly in September, and definitely both strawberry and raspberry jams next summer.</div>
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I wonder what we'll discover this week.</div>
SJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04347587188695656388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18675650.post-71213129618243872862013-07-21T17:14:00.001-04:002013-07-24T17:52:40.694-04:00Two Month Garden Update<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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There have been successes and failures already, as expected, but
ultimately it's been a lot of fun, and I am already getting ideas for
next year.</div>
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SJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04347587188695656388noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18675650.post-46649659397116400422013-07-10T13:58:00.002-04:002013-07-24T18:01:17.787-04:00Looking BackThis afternoon I found myself in the basement with a pair of Logan's dirty shorts that needed to land themselves directly in the washing machine. (I'll spare you the details. You can thank me later.) I looked around at the mess of boxes and papers all spread out, still from our flooded basement incident over a month ago. I had left some things on the ironing board and needed to put them away, so I sifted through some of the loose papers on top. One of them is about to be recycled. It is all crinkled and somewhat brown, and I can't really read my professor's handwriting in his comments, but it is a very short piece I wrote for English 465, back in 2001. It describes my childhood in only one and a half typed pages, but I think that if you read it, you can grasp why I love New England so much, so I thought I would share before dropping it into the big blue bin in the garage--<br />
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*****</div>
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"Set in the outskirts of a quaint New England town, home is a secluded three-acre wonder at a little place called Russell Reservoir. There I spend my summers canoeing past turtles and frogs and swimming for hours on end. At least once a year I climb the breathtaking Mt. Monadnock with my father. We stand at the top for hours, gazing in awe at the land below, basking in the cool mountain breeze. At night sometimes I swim under the stars with my sisters and my brother. As we walk barefoot down the old dirt road, we wonder at the bats overhead. The moon on the water is bright, and we've been waiting all day for our mystical midnight swim.<br />
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At autumn's arrival we delight in the cool, crisp air. A family trip to Hancock means it's finally apple time again. Soon the house grows warm with the scent of Marme's fresh apple pie, and we've packed the freezer with enough applesauce to last until next season. After the fall of the last red leaf, the cold settles in, and we snuggle by the fireplace in our old sleeping bags. Every day we watch deer sample leftover apples in the garden, and by Thanksgiving, we suspect the ice will be <i>almost</i> ready for skating.<br />
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Winter brings with it plenty of snow and cold, and Dad makes us stack wood for the stove. While he swings the axe, Andy loads pieces into the wheelbarrow and pushes them up the icy hill to the bulkhead. There he dumps them all into a big messy pile. Becky stands inside and stacks the wood that Jessi and I throw down to her. I'm little, and I get very cold, so I sneak inside every once in a while. Marme is always there with a hot cup of cocoa, and Jessi gets jealous, but I take full advantage of the privileges that come with my age. Later Jessi's happy to show me a new game in the snow, and I'm impressed by how brave she is to sled so fast down the long, steep hill.<br />
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Come springtime we can't wait to haul out the bicycles and baseballs. We all rush outside every chance we get, even though the mosquitoes swarm endlessly. Dad takes us up to the school to throw the baseball, or we swing a bat in our own front yard. Becky is a pitcher for the Varsity team, and Dad's convinced that some day, when I throw the ball to him, it will strike his glove just as hard as it does when she throws it to him.<br />
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Marme is always there, watching, helping. She listens to all our problems and cures them with her motherly skill. Her care is the true reason we're all so close, and it's because of her that we've learned to appreciate all that is home. In times to come, we'll all return to her and to one another. We'll always remember best our childhood days together at Russell Reservoir, and as we begin to raise families of our own, we'll do our absolute best to ensure that our children enjoy all the wonder and excitement that we did at their age."<br />
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*****</div>
SJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04347587188695656388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18675650.post-58126855593412820972013-05-15T13:36:00.000-04:002013-05-17T13:56:40.171-04:00Two posts in one day? Someone check my temperature!I mentioned a couple of posts back that we recently moved. We happen to now live in an area abundant with conservation groups and, well, other nature lovers. I've discovered a couple of organizations that offer regular outdoor exploring and learning opportunities, and what a blessing they have been.<br />
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A little background: I was born a nature-lover. I still treasure so many incredible pictures in my mind from when I was growing up in New Hampshire; of the elegant blue heron standing knee deep in the water, past the dappled birch trees in the dewy morning fog, of the small snapping turtles sunning themselves on rocks at the far end of the pond as I passed quietly under the arched tree tunnel in my canoe, of sunshine sparkling on the water as it flowed between the smooth river stones.... of bright red salamanders hiding under mossy rocks and of peaceful lady slippers blooming in the woods behind my house... <br />
<br />
Since moving we have spent a good deal of time enjoying what our new area has to offer. Some times that has been as simple as a boat ride out into the lake or even trudging onto the snow-covered ice in our heavy winter boots. Other times we've walked down to the water's edge and watched the waterfowl prey on fish and insects, or skipped a few stones, but we have also explored some local hiking trails and taken advantage of a couple of organized hikes not far from home. I treasure all of these.<br />
<br />
Our latest adventure was rough on Brian with his allergies, and it ended with Gabe's first deer tick incident (not fun), but otherwise we had a really nice time, and since it was a guided hike it serviced as a good refresher on some wild plant and tree identification. <br />
<br />
Among our finds were white trillium (everywhere), jack-in-the-pulpit, red columbine, wild ginger, blue cohosh, hepatica, early meadow-rue, bellwort, goldenrod galls, and countless trees including shagbark hickory (a previously unfamiliar tree to me), plus a turkey vulture, turkey feather, centipede, toad, and one tiny little worm. We had fun climbing over fallen trees and up and down a few steep, moderately rocky areas. These things make me happy. <br />
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I could do this every day. </div>
SJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04347587188695656388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18675650.post-48800370785587703202013-05-15T10:37:00.002-04:002013-05-17T14:05:11.880-04:00"Build ye houses, and dwell in them; and plant gardens, and eat the fruit of them;" ~Jeremiah 29:5<br />
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If I'm going to resume blogging, I might as well start with a gardening post, right?<br />
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So... remember when I was stressing over gardening two summers ago, in New York? Well? Now I'm all in.<br />
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Two of my biggest gardening challenges were always money and space. Space is no longer an issue. (Yay!) Money... Well, starting up new gardens, particularly raised beds because of all the soil they require, is not cheap. (Otherwise you can probably do it on a dime, so to speak.) However, you may also recall that I'm a longtime online reward site member, and now I have it down to a science. I spend a little time (not money) on my site each day, and I reap the rewards. In a typical month I earn anywhere from $40 to about $55 in gift cards, and that's without referrals. I don't even sacrifice as much time as you might think, now that I have it all figured out.<br />
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Last month I decided it was time to cash in on my gift cards and went a little crazy. I bought two very nice raised bed kits, a swift (off topic I know, but I'm excited), a window bird feeder and some seed (more on that later), several heirloom organic seed packets, and a few other little things. I still had to buy soil, but I scoured the area stores and am confident that I found the best deals. I had to compromise a bit on the types of soil, but I think I did okay.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Btl-FDPn93t0E_OOWnIh9ln6h-P2g6ZP5SK6p9-jIutpIK8f7grjoCSvLLtGzHaCOZsQe9rVXBRYoTGiIPVbAs7yEsWILWVAEdkSRocuS7phQo3t2Sq5_LNpXtU52dvwAokoQQ/s1600/DSC_0051.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Btl-FDPn93t0E_OOWnIh9ln6h-P2g6ZP5SK6p9-jIutpIK8f7grjoCSvLLtGzHaCOZsQe9rVXBRYoTGiIPVbAs7yEsWILWVAEdkSRocuS7phQo3t2Sq5_LNpXtU52dvwAokoQQ/s400/DSC_0051.jpg" width="265" /></a>Constructed outside right now are our two 4x4 garden beds. Brian helped me prepare the ground for them, and then we built and filled them with a mixture of top soil and compost. I'm going to attempt square foot gardening, and I know that is not the ideal soil mix, but I'm chancing it this year because the recommended mix is way too expensive. I have also heard some bad things about the effects of peat moss harvesting on the environment, so I think it's worth a try as is.<br />
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Last week I bought some cheap rabbit fencing too. As soon as the lawn gets another mow I'll have to put that up.<br />
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We are still getting frost advisories, so I haven't planted anything outside just yet. Inside I do have corn, two varieties of tomatoes, peas, cucumbers, cayenne peppers, jalapeno peppers, bell peppers, sunflowers, and marigolds, and most of them are looking pretty good. The hot peppers are just beginning to poke through the soil today.<br />
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I will also be planting some zucchini, beans, onions, and lettuce directly outside, and I hope to dig out a spot (and then build up a mound) for some pumpkins.<br />
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Last but not least, we've loaded up a hanging basket with some basil, oregano, and parsley. We are sooo looking forward to using fresh ingredients from our own garden!<br />
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I still have a lot of work to do. I've started to clear an area for some flowers that Thomas wants to grow. He picked out larkspur, cosmos, and daisy seeds. I also need to dig up some grass and till the soil for my sunflowers. The fence has to go up, and I have to decide where to put the pumpkins and get that space ready. Then I get to plant! Yay! That's the fun part, and if all goes well next year should be significantly easier.<br />
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I plan to keep my blog updated with progress. I'm not holding my breath just yet; between the non-ideal soil mixture, the plethora of animals and birds, and the distinct possibility of insect and disease problems, not to mention our unpredictable weather patterns, we'll see what happens. I have received a lot of joy from all that I've accomplished so far, and I have our maker to thank for that; the miracle that is gardening never ceases to amaze me. Even if nothing succeeds, I have found enough enjoyment already that I'll have to remember that. Plus, learning experiences are so valuable. I may never learn if I don't try, right? Here's hoping all goes well!<br />
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Today, before I tackle the above list, I weed last year's flower beds. And try to avoid the snake that I am pretty sure lives in one of them. (Joy.)SJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04347587188695656388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18675650.post-42355786313683460712013-04-21T08:55:00.002-04:002013-05-15T14:07:45.091-04:00Looking BackIn all the time that I haven't been posting a lot has changed. For sure we've started a new chapter in the family book, most notably by saying our goodbyes and moving a few hours away, to beautiful Vermont. There is so much to say, so much I feel, that I find it difficult to even begin writing about it all. Let's just say it feels like home. Wonderful, breathtaking, nature-abounding home. Until I go out, at least, and remember that I still don't really know anyone here, and that everyone else does know one another, since no one really leaves -- or rather, very few new people like us move in. In fact, according to some comments I've read on the local news sites, the locals don't exactly want outsiders coming in and populating their state. -Especially not New Yorkers! Ha. Thankfully, our New Hampshire heritage seems to put more of an even keel on things. When it comes down to it though, I love it here. I think it's safe to say that we all love it, actually, though maybe I should admit to being the most attached. (Seriously, I had a nightmare the other day; we had to move again, and it was out of Vermont. The horror!)<br />
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Here is a brief glimpse at some of the fun you may have missed last year. In June we will have lived one full year in our new home. I like to think you should expect another update before then.<br />
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<br />SJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04347587188695656388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18675650.post-12320067876003224582012-12-13T22:10:00.000-05:002013-04-21T09:05:29.900-04:00It's hard to imagine that almost a full year has passed since my last post. It has been a crazy, wonderful, life-changing year, and I couldn't be happier to be where I am now. I don't intend to catch you up tonight though. In fact I really should be taking advantage of this down time to accomplish a few time-sensitive Christmas tasks, but exhaustion has set in, and so here I am.<br />
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I really just wanted to wish you all (if any of you still stop by to visit) a most wonderful, blessed Christmas. Much love to you, and hopefully I'll be back again soon. Merry Christmas!<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i> Photo added April 21, 2013</i></span></div>
SJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04347587188695656388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18675650.post-87214202339272224262012-01-03T10:03:00.000-05:002013-05-17T14:09:40.842-04:00<div style="font-family: inherit;">
I've been wanting to share so many fun things with you but also trying to wait until I could get all of my December photos in order, and that's taking a while now that I have my first kindle. Yes, Brian is a sweetheart and gave me my top choice, the Kindle Fire, for Christmas. I don't deserve him! Anyway, I love it, and I've been spending a lot of time on it. In fact, I was going to use it to share this post with you, but I had some troubles using blogger within Amazon Silk (Amazon's own browser, which I otherwise love, for the most part).<br />
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I downloaded this song a day or two ago and have been listening to it while playing with my new toy. I just love it; it's no secret that I'm a big fan of JJ Heller, but I only recently discovered my love for this particular song. It so beautifully describes that wonderful love I came to know when I became a mother. It's so simple and so true, and I can't help but share. (If there is already music playing, scroll down to the music player at the bottom of the page and pause playback.)</div>
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<div style="color: #0b5394; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;">
<i>When I hold you</i></div>
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<i>in my arms, Love</i></div>
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<i>Something changes</i></div>
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<i>It's the strangest feeling</i></div>
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<i>The things that used to matter</i></div>
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<i>They don't matter to me</i></div>
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<i>When I see you</i></div>
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<i>And you're smiling</i></div>
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<i>How my heart aches</i></div>
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<i>So full it is about to break</i></div>
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<i>You make me believe in love</i></div>
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<i>I could never count all the ways</i></div>
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<i>That you change me, Baby</i></div>
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<i>Every day the sky is a deeper shade of blue</i></div>
<div style="color: #0b5394; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;">
<i>When I'm with you</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<i>When I hear you, and you're crying</i></div>
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<i>It resonates, Dear</i></div>
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<i>In a place I didn't know was there</i></div>
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<i>You make me believe in love</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<i>I could never count all the ways</i></div>
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<i>That you change me, Baby</i></div>
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<i>Every day the sky is a deeper shade of blue</i></div>
<div style="color: #0b5394; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;">
<i>When I'm with you</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<i>Beautiful Baby</i></div>
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<i>You're sweeter than strawberry pie</i></div>
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<i>Just like the morning</i></div>
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<i>Your smile brings the sunshine</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="color: #0b5394; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;">
<i>I could never count all the ways</i></div>
<div style="color: #0b5394; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;">
<i>That you change me, Baby</i></div>
<div style="color: #0b5394; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;">
<i>Every day the sky is a deeper shade of blue</i></div>
<div style="color: #0b5394; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;">
<i>When I'm with you</i></div>
<div style="color: #0b5394; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="color: #0b5394; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;">
<i>I could never count all the ways</i></div>
<div style="color: #0b5394; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;">
<i>That you change me, Baby</i></div>
<div style="color: #0b5394; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;">
<i>Every day the sky is a deeper shade of blue</i></div>
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<div style="color: #0b5394;">
<i>When I'm with you</i></div>
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<i style="color: #351c75;">- When I'm With You</i> <span style="color: #0b5394;">by JJ Heller</span><br />
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<i><span style="color: black;">♥</span> </i></div>
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SJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04347587188695656388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18675650.post-17190337734094520272012-01-02T14:41:00.000-05:002013-05-15T14:05:45.807-04:00I'm having trouble choosing what to share from this holiday season; it overflowed with excitement and wonder. The gears were in motion by Thanksgiving and never seemed to slow after that. Thomas entertained us with his first violin concert, annual school holiday chorus concert, a spelling bee, tae kwon do promotional exam and separate ceremony; he and Gabe participated in the church Christmas pageant, I brought the boys to New Hampshire for one Christmas celebration and we all hosted Brian's family at our own home for another, I filled orders, mailed Christmas cards, ordered presents, baked cookies, breads, and pies, made Christmas candy, wrapped, cleaned, decorated... and then pretty much fell over flat by the time Christmas hit. Was it all worth it? Absolutely. Would I do it all again? You betcha. Could I pretend to tell you I wasn't exhausted and next to completely useless during the whole week between Christmas and New Years? Not a chance!<br />
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Even narrowing it down to a few special memories is challenging this time around, though a couple of obvious things do stand out; first of all, Brian's family traveled all the way from Wisconsin and New York City to be here with us, and that was a special treat. Usually our Christmas is a pretty quiet one, and while there are good things that go along with that, we always miss our extended family. Also, my father came out for a visit in early December and spent some quality time with all of us. All the things the boys do are always special. I will remember, in particular, my first time seeing Thomas perform on violin, as well as he and Gabe dressed up like a wise man and a lamb on Christmas Eve.<br />
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Something else, though, has etched its beautiful photograph in my mind, and it's something of a different sort. Amidst all the chaos (yes, good, fun, healthy CHAOS), God blessed me this year through two amazing women. We all belong to the same online group where we share and bond with other Christian women. In their incredible thoughtfulness and selflessness, they sent me twelve days of Christmas gifts as a random act of kindness. I was quite simply blown away. From the book to the notes, the verses, and of course, the gifts, I wish to thank them (you) both from the bottom of my heart. You have touched me in a way that will bring joy to me every Christmas as long as I live, and many times in between. I cannot fully put into words what your generosity means to me. THANK YOU! God is alive in you in the most touching way. May you be blessed abundantly!<br />
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Since I can't seem to choose from the other photos, please feel free to browse <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/tomsmom313/archives/date-posted/2011/12/detail/">my December uploads on flickr</a>. I hope you had a wonderful, blessed Christmas, yourself. ♥<br />
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<br />SJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04347587188695656388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18675650.post-61346507527301187702011-12-30T12:01:00.004-05:002011-12-30T12:15:06.750-05:00Merry Christmas!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYj4Do2gCBx0WjpaIp7j__k47Qyda6d6Vup-3xjSgr-ai4k50MKinj8bE-QEF2ZhTjLg3XU973qyJ62ScHLHw21aTzD7K_-drPRp6R3RKz5mPtaiBmGiSW0aHipvKQ4W6Ew7fTqw/s1600/2011.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYj4Do2gCBx0WjpaIp7j__k47Qyda6d6Vup-3xjSgr-ai4k50MKinj8bE-QEF2ZhTjLg3XU973qyJ62ScHLHw21aTzD7K_-drPRp6R3RKz5mPtaiBmGiSW0aHipvKQ4W6Ew7fTqw/s320/2011.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5691968381918160034" border="0" /></a>I somehow ran out of Christmas cards this year, so I hope those of you who didn't receive one will accept this in its place; you were not forgotten! I hope your Christmas was a very blessed one. I know ours was; I will share photos and details soon. Much love to you this Christmas and always.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">"For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given: and the government shall be upon His shoulder: and His Name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace</span>.<span style="font-style: italic;"> Of the increase of His government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his Kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with Judgment and with Justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perfom this"</span> -Isaiah 9:6-7SJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04347587188695656388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18675650.post-30678529358112122742011-12-08T12:14:00.006-05:002011-12-08T13:42:52.925-05:00T-H-O-M-A-S<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOSseRlmzjsZFzHtXVu3sKJ2yNMURxZvzSUfPBwgOt19QTNIwQuKpYd2dhExE2Qvf26cvHbYKWy7MjPmq4RmHNGLcjrcZ-QkCpKsAPCLK6qGCjaWPKKit7FfFLn33J7nAB7jpMvw/s1600/6477241129_a1c21c7f1e_z.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOSseRlmzjsZFzHtXVu3sKJ2yNMURxZvzSUfPBwgOt19QTNIwQuKpYd2dhExE2Qvf26cvHbYKWy7MjPmq4RmHNGLcjrcZ-QkCpKsAPCLK6qGCjaWPKKit7FfFLn33J7nAB7jpMvw/s320/6477241129_a1c21c7f1e_z.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683808817068679474" border="0" /></a>I guess all that reading has paid off; Thomas participated in the school spelling bee today, after succeeding through the first two rounds of competition and making it to the top of his class last week. Today's spelling bee was for fourth and fifth graders only (Thomas is in the fourth grade), but the winners will go on to compete with sixth, seventh, and eighth graders as well, and ultimately for a chance to win a trip to the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, DC.<br /><br />Thomas didn't make it past today's competition, but he did very well, making it through several rounds of words before misspelling "apron." He was one of 12 qualifying participants in today's spelling bee, out of a possible 111. I figure he'll be in a good position to try again next year. Way to go, Thomas!SJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04347587188695656388noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18675650.post-61515165276537944872011-12-07T16:13:00.006-05:002011-12-08T13:03:40.015-05:00Look who's 2!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR4t-n-JmPK1f3ug1atsG-3wRih-csEUOPfqXEMZmv9N0DoUhSxl_Neof9-Q8gKDWXV8Aog-grFyvSj62E0yhAE6SnrPVzrxcNsUFRi9Iwcdpgt8ntxY9hV8zWyMLKAaVrsu7prg/s1600/6324678330_38da8bf09a_b.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR4t-n-JmPK1f3ug1atsG-3wRih-csEUOPfqXEMZmv9N0DoUhSxl_Neof9-Q8gKDWXV8Aog-grFyvSj62E0yhAE6SnrPVzrxcNsUFRi9Iwcdpgt8ntxY9hV8zWyMLKAaVrsu7prg/s320/6324678330_38da8bf09a_b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683498760170137922" border="0" /></a>Not to be lost amidst all the other happenings last month, my baby celebrated his second birthday. Plans changed a bit, so it was a quiet one at home with just us, but Logan sure had a blast, nonetheless.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpw6lnlYhtablP0OH6-SoHDAGRJIsu7FBbki3cY4TXVRmx7v5YJGVx6Msjapqcrb0qqwzZYbag7R9uzxgBM33b69owJz9dP5F5UwqHYxXrOzRWxHMiQ_xaGgylGGRZhJMhh9Cgyg/s1600/6324667388_1a86b55b1b_b.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpw6lnlYhtablP0OH6-SoHDAGRJIsu7FBbki3cY4TXVRmx7v5YJGVx6Msjapqcrb0qqwzZYbag7R9uzxgBM33b69owJz9dP5F5UwqHYxXrOzRWxHMiQ_xaGgylGGRZhJMhh9Cgyg/s320/6324667388_1a86b55b1b_b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683498736639721122" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVdb1qH-RUWMUQB3vyB1bHGT2-Cnhuc3842Vllhtyk0mRFT6ZMpA6vEIyZ2h7_WFCX4b6_ib4hDqNg-E0jnYoFBpuDnabmpCm-06Xu1p8PKJnZOh6Ra-DbYPKPKp_zvPZy2H69wQ/s1600/6324730872_92da824c3d_b.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVdb1qH-RUWMUQB3vyB1bHGT2-Cnhuc3842Vllhtyk0mRFT6ZMpA6vEIyZ2h7_WFCX4b6_ib4hDqNg-E0jnYoFBpuDnabmpCm-06Xu1p8PKJnZOh6Ra-DbYPKPKp_zvPZy2H69wQ/s320/6324730872_92da824c3d_b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683498752757580882" border="0" /></a>Among my favorite memories have to be when he opened one of his presents from Grandma. He had been doing quite well with his potty training, and he and Gabe both love Toy Story (hence the shirt and toy pictured; he had just received both from Nana the day before), so she bought him some Toy Story underwear. He, however, had not yet tried underwear and didn't really get it. He opened up the present and was SO excited to see Buzz and Woody. He handed it to me and asked me to open it and read it. I chuckled and opened it, pulling out the underwear, and he looked at me with this sudden look of disappointment, as if to say, "Oh." Then he went for the next present. LOL. All was not lost, however. The next day we talked about it some more, and he once again became excited. He just didn't know quite what it was when he opened that package!<br /><br />Happy Birthday, Little Buddy. I love you.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj4ZNIo_N05ct_H1_r7SxEN5IQspFAN-rIUN_7brpOO-bnmu9vym52wV8m2MCEWfP5sRC3aUg4Hkg7CuCtaG_x7BJBlm8dz_lCrAczqw-sIf0QV7Dfb6e7U5Yh9p_DlVNZ8np7pw/s1600/6324024337_875daf34e2_z.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 198px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj4ZNIo_N05ct_H1_r7SxEN5IQspFAN-rIUN_7brpOO-bnmu9vym52wV8m2MCEWfP5sRC3aUg4Hkg7CuCtaG_x7BJBlm8dz_lCrAczqw-sIf0QV7Dfb6e7U5Yh9p_DlVNZ8np7pw/s320/6324024337_875daf34e2_z.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683498742426870594" border="0" /></a>Current favorites: the toys from the Playmobil advent calendar, light-up musical Christmas tree with train, any book he can get his hands on, all the games on Gabe's shelf (Caribou, Candy Land, and many more), lego-style blocks (or anything that fits together, really), coloring, running EVERYWHERE, singing <span style="font-style: italic;">Jingle Bells</span>, playing with the kitchen toys (especially with Gabe) bagels with cream cheese, fresh peppers, tomatoes, yogurt, apples, milk, and puzzles, for starters... Definitely puzzles. (He's disturbingly good at them.)<br /><br />Oh yes, and for the record, he still pulls on/plays with his ears they way other children suck their thumbs. While he's doing it he makes little clicking sounds with his tongue, especially when he's tired. It's kind of cute. :)SJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04347587188695656388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18675650.post-33415675913689594172011-12-06T08:58:00.013-05:002013-05-15T16:34:20.988-04:00This NovemberIt's true what they say; time really does seem to go by so much faster with each passing year. I feel as if I was just posting about Halloween, yet here I am, and it's December. The tree is up, the first seven windows of our advent calendars have been opened, and I've started a small collection of Christmas cards on the kitchen counter. What happened to November? Actually, a lot. Maybe that's why it passed so quickly.<br />
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The most memorable event was yet another death in the family; my grandfather passed away just a couple of days before Logan's second birthday. As sad as it was to say goodbye, his passing was in a beautiful way, and while I couldn't be there with him in the hospital, I will be forever grateful for family who could and who shared with me what beautiful events passed during that time. Without going into detail, I just have to say that the Lord was with him, and with my entire family, helping all of us/them/him through the difficult time that it was/is, and I want to thank those of you who prayed for us. Your prayers were heard and answered, without a doubt.<br />
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We made a couple of trips to New Hampshire after it happened, first to spend some time with family, namely my father, and then again for the funeral, and I just have to say: Andy (my brother), you are amazing. -Andy has been an associate pastor at his church for a little while now, but living as far apart as we do, I have not been up to hear him preach. I knew he would be a natural, but it was still special to hear him deliver the service in such a personal, loving way. The Lord sure was with him through what had to be a very difficult job; not only was Andy leading the service for his own grandfather, but it was his first time leading any funeral service. I like to think God knew it would be a challenge but one that would strengthen and guide my awesome big brother onward in his journey to becoming a pastor. In any case, it was wonderful, memorable, personal... It really couldn't have been done any better.<br />
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I was blessed to be given the opportunity to create a slideshow for the reception, and oh, how I enjoyed looking back through the pages of Grandpa's life. When I was little I typically only saw him once or twice a year, as he lived a few hours away, and I cherished those few moments with him even then. I typically saw him on joyous occasions like holidays and weddings, so combined with my knowledge that it was special to see him in the first place, I always really looked forward to seeing him again, and I always held a certain fondness for him. I do always remember him smiling and keeping things light.<br />
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In the year leading up to this past November I happened to see Grandpa much more, and I couldn't be more thankful for that. It all really started last Thanksgiving when we were blessed with his presence in our home. I was so appreciative not only for my time with him, but for the memories he gave our boys; it was a very special, warm, happy Thanksgiving that was intended to be repeated this year. I may have felt a tear or two well up when I mentioned him in my words of thanks before our meal this year, but I hoped he would know it was only in honor of those happy memories.<br />
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I think I'll share the slideshow with you here; most of you reading have probably already seen it anyway, but if you're like me, you might like to see Grandpa's loving face again. You'll catch a glimpse into one of my personal favorite memories with one particular photo; my father had taken a drive down to visit, and I had tagged along, as I tended to do on road trips and visits. While I was young enough then that I don't remember every detail now, I do clearly remember coming away from it with that feeling of happiness and contentedness that follows a really nice day. The photo shows me in my bright pink jacket in the front, with my father and grandfather just behind me. We were enjoying a pleasant afternoon walk.<br />
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Thanks be to God for Grandpa, for the happy times, and for the incredible legacy he left behind.SJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04347587188695656388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18675650.post-60461671810701858792011-11-01T12:52:00.026-04:002011-11-01T21:45:33.675-04:00Halloween 2011<div style="text-align: center;">I thought about making up a rhyme in the style of Dr. Seuss for today's post, but I just couldn't bring myself to do it. Instead I think I'll just take you on a simple photo journey through the day.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />First, the Cat in the Hat, all ready for school:<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7bkSHR8My3uNpuITpfg7_Sf2xNR4NmIAc5G0UzYfFNjbovxKGwXLsrSLESdTxRaumJjYDgIE7SoCOy7_55cd31DofOSnByIv85VGfmVnFH-X7qzrU18GJhBVq_f7VgL6iARzNSw/s1600/DSC_0020small.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7bkSHR8My3uNpuITpfg7_Sf2xNR4NmIAc5G0UzYfFNjbovxKGwXLsrSLESdTxRaumJjYDgIE7SoCOy7_55cd31DofOSnByIv85VGfmVnFH-X7qzrU18GJhBVq_f7VgL6iARzNSw/s320/DSC_0020small.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670095856361152306" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBOIkTyfqCj5TNTncggngOmFcyoRyKjLA1E98vnn9NUNlKSSNpJIV72Q5JvKFhV-bqBeqDKrgulz9kDqWINUup211nl1iKkMgoFDMB2ARZYta9DbskSmiP4K5RobX7PQrrEYP_qg/s1600/6298647806_9de5efd2b2_z.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 198px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBOIkTyfqCj5TNTncggngOmFcyoRyKjLA1E98vnn9NUNlKSSNpJIV72Q5JvKFhV-bqBeqDKrgulz9kDqWINUup211nl1iKkMgoFDMB2ARZYta9DbskSmiP4K5RobX7PQrrEYP_qg/s320/6298647806_9de5efd2b2_z.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670081455061355250" border="0" /></a>It was late, but I threw the Thing 1 and Thing 2 costumes on as quickly as I could, sans hat and mittens for Thing 2, and grabbed a super quick, albeit blurry, early morning picture.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1touAKoAPCLJVAxqVzf6ODWBwHTbJSS5QbFPtGha9cGYPnlPLxRxW2qN0j1IGoQ0bacfmmn-nHR4pHEF4dRV4tor3xQlokFfgqccxpEjdvTBMTJ-cWiHFiNsqUuBmfPJYwCamyg/s1600/6298125787_a5487e3b83_z.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1touAKoAPCLJVAxqVzf6ODWBwHTbJSS5QbFPtGha9cGYPnlPLxRxW2qN0j1IGoQ0bacfmmn-nHR4pHEF4dRV4tor3xQlokFfgqccxpEjdvTBMTJ-cWiHFiNsqUuBmfPJYwCamyg/s320/6298125787_a5487e3b83_z.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670099709443497954" border="0" /></a>It was a beautiful day for the outdoor costume parade at Thomas' school. Unfortunately it was also very cold, and we spent quite some time outside, waiting for the parade to start. Even with all the Thing 1 and Thing 2 jumping, running, and playing, we were getting pretty chilly and were ready to pick up Thomas and bring him home as soon as the parade was through.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4W_XXLSp-HEK22ZNR6v9QoKvOvtvqqCZElDDjm9zPvOYLWUR4uNyQReeBdwhToRhqSKDGqKT1IxmR0vOpJM6UdRVFku85NUTOoxeUuGkJh5gdLiHI3ESuBhylq8DVwYk_RA4bvg/s1600/DSC_0030small.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4W_XXLSp-HEK22ZNR6v9QoKvOvtvqqCZElDDjm9zPvOYLWUR4uNyQReeBdwhToRhqSKDGqKT1IxmR0vOpJM6UdRVFku85NUTOoxeUuGkJh5gdLiHI3ESuBhylq8DVwYk_RA4bvg/s320/DSC_0030small.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670095837464704210" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitn3S00AkzWAryin9RI_1npBt-_XSbKhVBts2UlVqzCUHMCItCZNPBgU0lZjlbsCQ9pNyLtjnZ9PbMEvEvODQ68-c45QzOYMVg9PU9nrWo7OgWuj_KAhYnftHm0xd65y9gIAh1Vw/s1600/DSC_0031small.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitn3S00AkzWAryin9RI_1npBt-_XSbKhVBts2UlVqzCUHMCItCZNPBgU0lZjlbsCQ9pNyLtjnZ9PbMEvEvODQ68-c45QzOYMVg9PU9nrWo7OgWuj_KAhYnftHm0xd65y9gIAh1Vw/s320/DSC_0031small.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670095853893145058" border="0" /></a>Thankfully it was only a half day at school because we still had some very last-minute pumpkin carving to do.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzSySRO0UuZpMXLL3gDvQGPh71fZlByYRdw32h4lFUNN2ESwJiftgOcPpi4gYQECq6BW5f1rn0VLaf29-gUCoZRvweSXwS0edRuM73tViJAhUZH8UM1brtcU9P3Iy_S_X2Csec7w/s1600/DSC_0032small.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzSySRO0UuZpMXLL3gDvQGPh71fZlByYRdw32h4lFUNN2ESwJiftgOcPpi4gYQECq6BW5f1rn0VLaf29-gUCoZRvweSXwS0edRuM73tViJAhUZH8UM1brtcU9P3Iy_S_X2Csec7w/s320/DSC_0032small.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670075072754928802" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCyWc906HUJlnD1DbXTFy55-hjrX5tCEtJoxazy9cx-64oPk7Izv752fSrX1mJUJRGu24rEquSR743SAOzxMDg-81X-0Ffqs8xS2l67IIQAueO4LSSJZpdBfoXvr4x3CN7tVTaLA/s1600/DSC_0036small.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCyWc906HUJlnD1DbXTFy55-hjrX5tCEtJoxazy9cx-64oPk7Izv752fSrX1mJUJRGu24rEquSR743SAOzxMDg-81X-0Ffqs8xS2l67IIQAueO4LSSJZpdBfoXvr4x3CN7tVTaLA/s320/DSC_0036small.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670095840845110482" border="0" /></a>After some cleanup and a quick trip out to deliver a pie, it was time for more pictures. Logan didn't want to wear the hat at first. Nor the mittens. He was not a happy camper.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiCrUHiDH_dXUQm1rJlUsAH2UdSeE5Qgikf8rP4sM4QCNWUt9ww7hDpKVVXxoXbj1jDUhzXSwn_v7MTjX4nDS1xKJnJFXaRqvbADcQXV4Z1GQy1mAmbFry73g8YILlg_hPKimk4Q/s1600/DSC_0046small.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiCrUHiDH_dXUQm1rJlUsAH2UdSeE5Qgikf8rP4sM4QCNWUt9ww7hDpKVVXxoXbj1jDUhzXSwn_v7MTjX4nDS1xKJnJFXaRqvbADcQXV4Z1GQy1mAmbFry73g8YILlg_hPKimk4Q/s320/DSC_0046small.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670096401992948914" border="0" /></a>:(<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbuOLFrn5wlQORhGFk28bFNgugHhsOHhwRhktg8Qpjoysg0l-lEyxu5n13-fkYxlG69yv1IX1h5Smkm3M1bt4VcPJ3luONBYtRvbUYGlyWsBN_dekMjfgfXrILd1HE5uoUCh82vA/s1600/DSC_0052small.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbuOLFrn5wlQORhGFk28bFNgugHhsOHhwRhktg8Qpjoysg0l-lEyxu5n13-fkYxlG69yv1IX1h5Smkm3M1bt4VcPJ3luONBYtRvbUYGlyWsBN_dekMjfgfXrILd1HE5uoUCh82vA/s320/DSC_0052small.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670075061468987250" border="0" /></a>...So we ran around the yard for a while and tried to get used to it. He left it on but still wasn't too sure...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNzrzMS1hNcumOR5iH752wugC8DbGJaw5DRC8r_Ih5jz0wJzKdmPKj6BTmUY0ylBmTimyoydst8jo6sSLYXxtuzTbbySvspUivUfOWsyq-ciq_HsCXG23YFtwlBLqzw67HDgaJPg/s1600/DSC_0056small.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNzrzMS1hNcumOR5iH752wugC8DbGJaw5DRC8r_Ih5jz0wJzKdmPKj6BTmUY0ylBmTimyoydst8jo6sSLYXxtuzTbbySvspUivUfOWsyq-ciq_HsCXG23YFtwlBLqzw67HDgaJPg/s320/DSC_0056small.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670075081141256226" border="0" /></a>...until it was time to bring out the pumpkins.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMP8dRdBrruPgkGVjXpPjNgtIXF4fMJkneqNAozTedOtRS4w4B8J2-10mo79r8bu5jnXwhlPHnBbf92pXkr_JxruZ3ThEYKq9xebbIffKiMvCilyw4DGFSOB7VhElAA8cIKFQwhg/s1600/DSC_0059small.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMP8dRdBrruPgkGVjXpPjNgtIXF4fMJkneqNAozTedOtRS4w4B8J2-10mo79r8bu5jnXwhlPHnBbf92pXkr_JxruZ3ThEYKq9xebbIffKiMvCilyw4DGFSOB7VhElAA8cIKFQwhg/s320/DSC_0059small.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670081449313744562" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga8vJVPGBopCjimSqs9waBqBxN3A7D0Lp4LnxMJlndlxYWeCMWQrPuIuNHDTogxfVDnv1A8Bi8nqbKSVA824lsT57ABGpP1SYNCZWC6_Zy7r1Xy91_WyQ31dWdf0jULwSzug_PaQ/s1600/DSC_0058asmall.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga8vJVPGBopCjimSqs9waBqBxN3A7D0Lp4LnxMJlndlxYWeCMWQrPuIuNHDTogxfVDnv1A8Bi8nqbKSVA824lsT57ABGpP1SYNCZWC6_Zy7r1Xy91_WyQ31dWdf0jULwSzug_PaQ/s320/DSC_0058asmall.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670075086987830514" border="0" /></a>Then he started to get pretty excited, and when we went to visit our neighbor and she gave him a lollipop, he was just bubbling over with happiness. "Look Mommy! There's pop in mine punkin Mommy! Look!" All three of them were a pretty big hit, and from that point on instead of wanting his hat off Logan would only tell me if it needed to be fixed.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOE84x1lKGV0y5fUZ0jtgNtLOdQbhRRh4bRECII8yGOoz5d6VgAIfb6Wc3dOxfcDnzXIkvPvCxwFlbQ_qOFjZLvce4px9xggNlQXSZD6vuEiVr7gZpAAnYVEYkQuxscUzYWUmeUQ/s1600/DSC_0061small.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOE84x1lKGV0y5fUZ0jtgNtLOdQbhRRh4bRECII8yGOoz5d6VgAIfb6Wc3dOxfcDnzXIkvPvCxwFlbQ_qOFjZLvce4px9xggNlQXSZD6vuEiVr7gZpAAnYVEYkQuxscUzYWUmeUQ/s320/DSC_0061small.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670095864814046098" border="0" /></a>By the time we returned it was dark enough to light the jack-o-lanterns and grab one more picture for the memory books.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjocL41Vvd4s_FRuMtECjbciobFnl6mPZtMoDaf6H8cel54AotM_5rKAEMm27ZVHdfbPOgyKWg6IzyuuzW3nA-WXwAQykRoms8BE1foly3GKJHqdi6spxkBNMH6-oS8A7j4qbgGCw/s1600/DSC_0070asmall.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjocL41Vvd4s_FRuMtECjbciobFnl6mPZtMoDaf6H8cel54AotM_5rKAEMm27ZVHdfbPOgyKWg6IzyuuzW3nA-WXwAQykRoms8BE1foly3GKJHqdi6spxkBNMH6-oS8A7j4qbgGCw/s320/DSC_0070asmall.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670075067437798562" border="0" /></a> I really liked the one Thomas made. He designed and carved the face 100% on his own. I carved... a pumpkin... in my... pumpkin... because, well, when I asked Gabe what he wanted me to carve in his pumpkin, he said... a pumpkin.<br /><br />Last but not least, we were in for another treat when some friends surprised us with a visit and joined us, along with our neighbors, for free cider and donuts from the fire department. I didn't get any pictures since they came after dark this year and I had my hands full, but it was pretty great. (Can you ever go wrong with apple cider and cider donuts?)<br /><br />All in all, it was a pretty nice and really fun day, and by the end, I was beat! I hope you managed to have a little fun too. :)<br /></div>SJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04347587188695656388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18675650.post-55563762542608017112011-10-29T10:50:00.015-04:002011-11-01T21:48:58.742-04:00October at a GlanceI realize October is not over yet, but here is a quick look at what we've been up to this month so far. ...Well, semi-quick. Clearly I still take a gazillion pictures as these honestly are just a small sample; I took many more and had a very hard time choosing which ones to post here... I hope I haven't posted so many that you have trouble getting them to load!<br /><br /><div>(Click on any photo to enlarge. ...Except the first two. Blogger evidently doesn't like those... ;)<div><br /><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOdXuH1viviG7D2rZdnXrEXVydUDyfQJDJzWsYQGnBbGOT1TmS69rYqSjp7K0wUz2qb2E8SIfPPA3n2-bWnOd4McTwta58jrTT6jmn3-Tl4ffZPU2iVxWAg8nkOtTzzQkbTDuBog/s320/6214829844_254f1d7f6d_z.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5668998304439817298" border="0" /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDuQKVYsfZDDhVHNpw9Z8m_NZH0s7uwG4ulAWborn5lEbWVNBMrggZ4EY1Y9HluzwjJkWnOyazw9lrZywv9ZwwAmODxZYKJ9Tb0UVa5__2gZfwLFkRPNeWiU4V0LLyW3RN0m6WhQ/s320/6214334755_a9004c9de8_z.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5668998301055711042" border="0" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPXzR3JyjkmCXHhoyBgD7eyVRIm5A7Nwrs1PlfclJE3MNpLu2AManfwxOjWegs5L7DftkIZ1AtE5mUGFrUU0vjM2igR_Cg3SKMWk1-xJ-TBd7qqzdXVUroGWP9q9wAbklK5emGRA/s1600/6214801900_ee64e3b0cf_b.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; 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margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 198px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAwoyF-x8M33K75r9-OVtH_1GNusUKrBVbflCBRVdf9OK66EDlxp94EhIDwM3gjQHGAlnK_DDvK0LqIuMviJeP0eydKc48V9kCQB_0UN9SPdc8LpkZEQvsisWC1P1QhasXmJBrwA/s320/DSC_0492.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5668930970926172402" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsH8ieDbpU9o594BSqUTEJApX_r4PE6g0yB4NyLImXrAwYwVYrKAqVUcSuCLu1wipmVvkCUIGjdX64oL3NdDR0JTu2pph67lJjXyIXAjHy9Q_XpSo9okjnA-f1AsZg6c1hEamRUA/s1600/6277136718_c19862b474_z.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsH8ieDbpU9o594BSqUTEJApX_r4PE6g0yB4NyLImXrAwYwVYrKAqVUcSuCLu1wipmVvkCUIGjdX64oL3NdDR0JTu2pph67lJjXyIXAjHy9Q_XpSo9okjnA-f1AsZg6c1hEamRUA/s320/6277136718_c19862b474_z.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5668930960431645426" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg18I078JwImH7QxaTkrw4jk_IN9IxcBmXFWQ05lW2HBB_xMJCO6bEXutCYv2oWe65EfPg4tFm8-SFoSYixP4TuwrOaIFavMHX2riYFiilEAlYgUjtBxQfk-MON9BztwmETnp1W0A/s1600/6277140334_d740343503_z.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg18I078JwImH7QxaTkrw4jk_IN9IxcBmXFWQ05lW2HBB_xMJCO6bEXutCYv2oWe65EfPg4tFm8-SFoSYixP4TuwrOaIFavMHX2riYFiilEAlYgUjtBxQfk-MON9BztwmETnp1W0A/s320/6277140334_d740343503_z.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5668930963649013906" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1OyBxYB7qmyGab7f4kd9-_venSs8pcRDXLFcqI1cI2N6RMFdJB3bhBKTWocbsz6P6OwNZRovnO2AhPzB3DFV_tMrjSZiFgzdyvnFwxf1TiXjS9xdOzo74w-2TTmAA1U9T9JL7Tw/s1600/6280516414_104828b78e.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1OyBxYB7qmyGab7f4kd9-_venSs8pcRDXLFcqI1cI2N6RMFdJB3bhBKTWocbsz6P6OwNZRovnO2AhPzB3DFV_tMrjSZiFgzdyvnFwxf1TiXjS9xdOzo74w-2TTmAA1U9T9JL7Tw/s320/6280516414_104828b78e.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5668930984331805154" border="0" /></a></div></div></div>SJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04347587188695656388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18675650.post-52331221023806815582011-10-28T14:48:00.008-04:002011-11-01T21:50:15.510-04:00My Little Fiber WorldJust when I might think my crafting cannot grow any more it seems to, and the great thing about crafting is that there is always more to explore and more to learn. Today I learned how to use iron on adhesive, and with some materials left over, I am anxious to do it again--but more on that later.<br /><br />This year I've managed to make a number of things. There is a group on <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/">Ravelry</a> called "111 in 2011." I joined some time around Easter as I was cranking out the projects right about then and thought I might have a chance. However, for several months after that I really didn't make much of anything, and now my chances of completing 111 projects before January are pretty slim. (The group's idea is that any craft can count, but I really wanted to focus on knit and crochet - and limit those still, to projects that I both started and finished this year.)<br /><br />That said, I was curious, so I started making a list of all the things I had made this year, and I counted them up. I later realized that I had left a few things out and added more, so that list is now gone, but when Brian found it before and started reading it aloud, I just started laughing. I guess you had to be there. It went something like this, though the following is the updated version:<br /><br />1 shoulder bag<br />1 seal<br />1 alligator<br />1 giraffe<br />1 walrus<br />1 monkey<br />3+ baby washcloths (probably several more)<br />3 headbands<br />1 clutch<br />1 card sock/phone thingie<br />1 owl<br />1 dragon<br />1 scrubbie<br /><strike>1 potholder</strike> (frogged; yarn re-purposed)<br />7+ newborn hats<br />1 preemie hat<br />3 eggs<br />1 bunny<br />1 bear<br />3 butterflies<br />3 coasters<br />1 ladybug<br />1 sheep<br />1 Yoda<br />1 Wicket<br />1 cupcake<br />3 gnome babies<br />2 lace dishcloths<br />1 pair of socks<br />1 pair of fingerless mitts<br />2 Halloween hats<br />____________<br /><br />50ish knit/crochet projects both started and completed in 2011 so far<br /><br />Not included in the above:<br />1 pair of slippers (started in 2010, finished in 2011)<br />2 shawls (one done but not blocked and another in progress)<br />1 baby afghan (in progress/hibernating)<br />1 slouchy hat (frogged after I ran out of yarn just a few yards short of finishing - but I'd rather use that yarn for something else anyway)<br /><br />...I still have a long way to go. That said, I can turn into a very busy bee when I see Christmas approaching, and that time is now. On the other hand, I've chosen some much bigger projects this year than are common for me, so it probably won't happen in 2011. Still, the basket of handmade goodies is overflowing, and I love it. Of course, most of them are gifts, so I can start all over again in 2012 if I like. All of the hats and washcloths, plus some things I made earlier, are for a charity organization, but I want to make enough to fill a nice-sized box before making the trip over with donations. I'm really looking forward to that, and I will explain why on another day.<br /><br />If you want to see pictures of some of the things I have made both this year and in years past (you won't find everything, but there's plenty there), you can check out <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/splotcHes">my Ravelry projects page</a>. Also, I planned to share the cupcake pattern here but have somehow misplaced my notes. If I ever find them, you'll be the first to know!SJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04347587188695656388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18675650.post-80469742487056425262011-09-27T11:02:00.006-04:002011-09-27T11:39:41.795-04:00Fiber FestFor at least a couple of years I have known of the existence of fiber festivals, namely <a href="http://www.sheepandwool.com/">Rhinebeck</a>. (To me it is not a town. It is a fiber festival.) I've slowly come to learn a bit more about these festivals and finally made my way over to the <a href="http://www.adkfiber.com/">Southern Adirondack Fiber Festival</a> with my boys on Saturday. Even though I went with an essentially non-existent budget, it was pretty cool. It only cost $4 total to get in with a coupon, and as if it wasn't enough to drool over all the barns full of yarn, fiber, spindles, and such, there were enough activities to keep the boys happy too (museum, caboose, animals, sheep dog demo, etc.).<br /><br />Now I can't help but look ahead to making a tradition of finding and attending as many fiber festivals as I can reasonably manage (probably 1-2 per year, depending on the year). I think, too, that even though it's not in the budget this year, Rhinebeck might just be a necessity in 2012. Hopefully I can save up a little cash the next time around; I just can't find that much variety in one store - at least, not anywhere near where I live, and I hate to pay shipping, so... If I plan well enough, I can surely buy a year's worth of fiber goodies there, at good prices, and not have to scramble to find something locally, as the need arises, throughout the year. (I don't really buy that much yarn each year anyway; at least not comparatively to so many others who share the same love for fiber.)<br /><br />Or maybe I'm dreaming, but that's okay too, right?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmZtUMyg1GswFuXOM-MaYY9ENY-t_fZtNjAQg3s0ESRMH7Sc-DzqtpwT62ot1v44Zpu5pjkdZKdlvlsBvqNR7AutHCBaS-qTxrR2DTH-v4OUhEhaAkdOnszVyxvHywGly_FrhJPg/s1600/6183022562_7c9f2d2de8.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 198px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmZtUMyg1GswFuXOM-MaYY9ENY-t_fZtNjAQg3s0ESRMH7Sc-DzqtpwT62ot1v44Zpu5pjkdZKdlvlsBvqNR7AutHCBaS-qTxrR2DTH-v4OUhEhaAkdOnszVyxvHywGly_FrhJPg/s320/6183022562_7c9f2d2de8.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657063548439466018" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikj03-3n3fDHxgLduN7g2BxMF86rlLYk99jKjZG0zRvgpKwHrOqIQnG0hAcnbs74nr2n-Rb6e6J7YkZCEkOpj4DUIKjce8YLtFkeY7kwN7QqKHeMN5Vw4JvC6elQ1Octz6QC_q4A/s1600/6183004394_be238060ac_z.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikj03-3n3fDHxgLduN7g2BxMF86rlLYk99jKjZG0zRvgpKwHrOqIQnG0hAcnbs74nr2n-Rb6e6J7YkZCEkOpj4DUIKjce8YLtFkeY7kwN7QqKHeMN5Vw4JvC6elQ1Octz6QC_q4A/s320/6183004394_be238060ac_z.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657063554127977810" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh6HNd8z_VSGVJNwAEAfKVaJpPh0VqYkbBwJzfdhyphenhyphenY8t_zy7BqnC4GKB7faKSNVpYx-pDJb5Cq5_TMFcju-4x-wxGKdYYwjjqD4q-Bj9bkDb1ofXByTuAbQMvA_cBkUD8jJmz4Aw/s1600/6182493095_0c513d049c_z.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 198px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh6HNd8z_VSGVJNwAEAfKVaJpPh0VqYkbBwJzfdhyphenhyphenY8t_zy7BqnC4GKB7faKSNVpYx-pDJb5Cq5_TMFcju-4x-wxGKdYYwjjqD4q-Bj9bkDb1ofXByTuAbQMvA_cBkUD8jJmz4Aw/s320/6182493095_0c513d049c_z.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657063555181795858" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIGBUhdZpJ2STI-SRXmCzWieOJvUYpnsAd7DIT_kwbzwcl0IRz9MB6UZO6kSYaqeV28s9HDG3DtY1ovTRV8YwnPHNKsLcBIL2ycnMztOpgKrokM18cogm5SvVDIccu-7MKDAvWxQ/s1600/299519_10150299882642951_742747950_8005937_1070433940_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIGBUhdZpJ2STI-SRXmCzWieOJvUYpnsAd7DIT_kwbzwcl0IRz9MB6UZO6kSYaqeV28s9HDG3DtY1ovTRV8YwnPHNKsLcBIL2ycnMztOpgKrokM18cogm5SvVDIccu-7MKDAvWxQ/s320/299519_10150299882642951_742747950_8005937_1070433940_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657063559510674418" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigThyQLk3RBv-Zc-pZEriSXIkWKS0hQcnCyHTD2oYd1AZfKidbfNZO6crUXoCcu2-BStHefpoz7e08KaC9Ez70c4G9KN87ehdmLAJVoqy5KZRb6xa1kTobvPRUKLaSerR2s78lEg/s1600/6185703520_0eb2fde072_z.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigThyQLk3RBv-Zc-pZEriSXIkWKS0hQcnCyHTD2oYd1AZfKidbfNZO6crUXoCcu2-BStHefpoz7e08KaC9Ez70c4G9KN87ehdmLAJVoqy5KZRb6xa1kTobvPRUKLaSerR2s78lEg/s320/6185703520_0eb2fde072_z.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657063559149836882" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ7qrXpoJnP6bCTMuIrJ0MuJGmurfQEIoTpdF4_7YSDy8D09wLqtOr694LADHqIA3XWq8mvKYD3-YtR6H0DFy37jSqtNowkTD4CRXjUAKvcuRXBwYHigTqteUdIPRzJqIpPKIhIg/s1600/6182940188_42db025cc5_z.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 198px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ7qrXpoJnP6bCTMuIrJ0MuJGmurfQEIoTpdF4_7YSDy8D09wLqtOr694LADHqIA3XWq8mvKYD3-YtR6H0DFy37jSqtNowkTD4CRXjUAKvcuRXBwYHigTqteUdIPRzJqIpPKIhIg/s320/6182940188_42db025cc5_z.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657064146203708546" border="0" /></a>SJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04347587188695656388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18675650.post-88899297878196068532011-09-17T15:50:00.013-04:002011-09-17T18:13:02.028-04:00I was wrong.<div style="text-align: left;">I do have peppers, and they look great!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1E7dvuxpnAg_iWOxTSGHAb9hAsMTqXhH44L2hROl8VXpwrGzox73i71D6CkQXWmTPbGeXfRSjiDFGwM1Gl2ieue75xexEw-QF7Y-Ix-Jnayr84s_Q2VSYIuFWd2lF124okSthlA/s320/293369_10150284753002951_742747950_7922455_1921446312_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653447750487614114" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px; " /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW5zbKxF85fQY1TpUKAo8mAWCnDKG_fzjAOwmTZuxEAulmJTTHQkzCQL8BjUAnYW9Rwl_0ZLXq1C3rHbI08VrZTXjlLIbKMUevvHXZlVMdLhkG6Y4PnTc5gbY4Pdnktj4B6K9Yxg/s320/09.17.2011.01.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653447747259130386" /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnt5zVsalvCG1EiUp5aIwepROczMl5q0LUahyZhJsjNcMeH88OsQFGeeNz2eKCw9uVpPscYja_hQZ_JEZFZyfHCGVZwDjK-Mi8cds23HqxsD6lMZ_mLI-4yvvcJR9kH01xoxgQtw/s320/09.17.2011.0a.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653447742474927122" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 213px; height: 320px; " /></div></div><div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9l32rsK_FjKdyso5Dx4huy1hyfHVFye8dn7uVvgrlDrp_mGkLrMds4ZLSa1lcpkHZXx2MSONFQjfkAwE29j_X8GypPbkodoHT6clrvt8Dhb7ApD9tetWC39ZnPV_EBoNDhf4E5A/s320/09.17.2011.03.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653447739130630642" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px; " /><div style="text-align: left;">I have ten jalapenos now plus several more starting, and they look fantastic. There are about five or six cayenne peppers at this point, and there may be more of those on the way as well. I think I lost some of those (actually, some of each, but especially those) to the wind and rain when they were just flowers. My sweet bell peppers aren't looking quite as promising; I have only three tiny peppers starting now, but they took forever to germinate, so I'm not giving up yet. They may just have to stay inside for a while...</div></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">This makes all the disappointment with my other gardening failures 110% worth it. (Yes, I'm ridiculously excited about these peppers!) I still haven't decided what to do with them, but if I manage to pickle some of them, I will be doubly excited, and I'll look forward to trying again next year. ♥</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm1__msB6vx3GzrIU28mogtPTw-TMrEID9XyENDRO64oPso7Fa7zTA3VoF2kqfWvQkbjse5RVqoUGLJeWAJKPE8ao873ZCMun9r95FEUfEU0FkifDTxnwamzozrRfZogAc_azOUw/s320/09.17.2011.04.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653449299959818882" /></div><div style="text-align: left;">P.S. I definitely saw a woodchuck in the backyard today. He may have been disappointed to see that I have no outdoor crops for now...</div></div></div>SJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04347587188695656388noreply@blogger.com1