Nanner Time

Today Lucy tried bananas. Based on her facial expressions, she does not like bananas.

Rather than throw them away (I did spend 30 seconds or so mashing them) I decided to break out the high chair tray and see what she would do with it.

She spread them around with her fingers, used her spoon to try to pick some up and feed herself.

It bought me 10 minutes of time to do some much needed dishes. Then I spent the next 40 giving her and the high chair a bath.

Sincerely, Karleen E

Dear Gerber,

I am the proud parent of a near 6 month old. She is a vivacious little lady, with a passion for your pureed foods.

For the last month we have been systematically introducing her to your products. She is very welcoming of the tastes and textures, I have not had any trouble getting her to eat any of them.

My problem, however, is her latest food trial. Yesterday we introduced her to prunes. She enjoyed them immensely, and thoroughly devoured the entire container.

My husband and I are the ones who are concerned for her and the animalistic behavior that followed her ingestion of your product. Several hours after eating your product she displayed characteristics that I did not know were capable of a human being.

Therefore, I am proposing you put a warning label on the side of your organic prunes, warning parents of the possible dangers of feeding this food to their infants.

Please consider my request seriously, as I do not want other parents to unknowingly venture into the foul depths of this product without first understanding the implications of their actions.

Sincerely,

Karleen E

One for the Team

I don't know how most people keep their closets clean. Over the years I've discovered what works for me is a huge purge every spring and fall. At that time I also rotate out seasonal stuff for me and the kids (Turbo refuses to do this, so he always has a ton of crap everywhere. crap that continually frustrates me when I am trying to get to my tiny sliver of closet space.)

Yesterday we went through the closets and dressers again for our spring purge. If it fits, we keep it. If it doesn't, we donate (or this year put it in a garage sale pile. got to save the boobies, ya know!). Winter wear gets bagged up for next fall, summer things are brought back out.

The kids hate doing this. I make them try everything on and choose what stays or goes. Sometimes we argue over a shirt that is way too small or a sweater that has never been worn. They complain, but I always win. It's a privilege only parents have.

When I get to my closet I am usually eager to pull out all of the forgotten treasures from the previous season. This year I am more than welcoming of shorts and tanks, skirts and tees.

Then I started to try them on.

I was smacked with a harsh realization. Last year all of my summer things remained bagged, minus a handful of large tops and dresses. With a growing Lucy in my belly, I bought a new wardrobe to house the extra lbs I was carrying around. The clothes in my summer pile were 2 years old, and I found out, at least 2 sizes too small.

Not that I have retained a lot of weight (only 5 pounds, so I'm not complaining considering the amount I put on...). But my shape is different. My hips are curvier, my bottom a little wider. I'm missing a little in the chest area, one step closer to losing them altogether.

Part of me wanted to collapse on the bed and cry when my fave capri's produced a muffin top fit for your run of the mill trashy college bar maid. The tiny little baseball tees I collected on my honeymoon (and have worn every summer since, creating the most comfy and sentimental clothing items I own) only enhanced my new 'features' and led to more frustration. I wouldn't even try on the bikini's. I know they are now a distant part of my past, items for a 20-something, not a 30+ mom of 3.

I complained a little to the open ears around the house. Then figured I might as well accept the new me. I can try to diet, start to exercise more, watch what I eat. I can become one of those people that holds on to their skinny clothes, hoping for someday.

Or I can trash my old pants and get new ones. I can always find a creative way to keep my meaningful tees.

Rex vs. the Italian

Biggest Sandwich Ever...

Birthday Bash

It's not every day you turn 80,
but you'd never know that looking at my grandpa.

We celebrated his milestone with a beautiful family dinner, put together by my lovely grandma. There was plenty of food & wine, a few speeches, many laughs.

Since I was busy tending to Lucy and catching up with aunts and cousins, Nate snapped most of the photos.

The boy does a pretty good job!

And Then There Was Two

I can't say that blogging is any 'new' obsession for me. Nor can I say that about crafting. I adore both and spend way too much time on them to be considered anything near healthy.

As I said last week I created a new space in my chaotic world for both. It is no where near perfect, and I'm learning very quickly that doing and sharing are very different. (Remember every detail of a project? I can hardly remember what my name is half of the time.) Regardless of these self inflicted headaches, I am excited about this new adventure.

And so, without further ado....I give you Halfty Crafty. Named after my incredible ability to pull off darn good things with half @ss effort, it is the place I will go to share ideas, tricks, and food.

It is a work in progress and still needs some TLC in the presentation area, but I'll get to that. (Still have to talk to PK. I've been busy and I know she's busy too...or maybe she's making me sweat out that bribe comment I made?...you can have whatever you want...diamonds, pearls, the children...ok, not any of the the children...just the boys...)

Beautiful Day

Today was gorgeous.

We played outside, a lot. Rex and I picked the perfect spot for our new summer activity, an herb garden to compliment the huge veggie one already in the yard. We smelled the daffodils, picked the first dandelion, shook out the last of the seeds from the yucca plants (Rex loves to do this because of the sounds they make rattling all over the place). Nate got out his clubs and started to hit golf balls into the swamp, startling our new friends Mr. & Mrs. Mallard out of their afternoon swim. Lucy wore an adorable little blue dress, without tights or socks. Her first encounter with fresh grass was welcomed with a smile and continuous babbles.

Spring has been a long time coming. We're determined to savor it now that it is here.

Just before 6 I wrapped up my dinner post. I was getting up from the computer when I felt an odd sensation on my upper arm. Like a strand of hair grazing my skin ever so gently. I looked over my shoulder, and there it was. Darn near the only thing that could possibly ruin my perfect day.

A little black bug. It's teardrop shape identifiable to every outdoorsy person in the midwest. A tick.

I killed it. Ran my hands over every inch of my body in record time. Searched Lucy. Then Rex. Forced Nate to check out himself. Ran my hands over Otis. Did it again, a little more thoroughly. (The idiot couldn't have been happier to have me freak out in this manner.) I took a shower, convinced I could still feel it crawling all over me.

I don't want to go outside tomorrow. I know there are more of them lurking near the swamp. They are probably talking about ways to thwart my next outdoor adventure right now. Planning, conniving, little blood suckers.

Turbo thinks I'm nuts. He went to the basement and turned on the Cubs. Whatev. Not like they ever craw on him. If they did he'd see. Then he'd understand.

fAST fOOD fRIDAY

We're having tacos tonight. No grilling, much to Turbo's displeasure. I wish I had more faith in our weatherman...I didn't think this 80 degree stuff was really going to happen.

Anyhoo...tacos it is.

I figure you can manage the main course on your own, but here's a side I make nearly every time. Since Rex is not a big meat eater I created this so he has something to fill his tortillas with!

Black Beans & Rice

In a large skillet over medium heat, saute chopped onion and chopped red, yellow & green pepper in olive oil. When the veggies are tender add a large can of black beans (drained) and heat through. Add a handful of frozen corn and cooked white rice. Stir and season with any brand of dry chipotle seasoning (both McCormick and Mrs. Dash make some, or you can create your own). Heat through and serve.

Super Simple!!

Holiday Humbug

So I missed an Earth Day post.

I was so horribly busy and tired yesterday I really didn't dedicate any time to our dear planet. (Rex is still sick and the doc said I need to make sure I clean darn near everything so we don't pass if off to Lucy.) Actually, I think I was kind of counterproductive driving my big SUV around town, keeping the lights on later than normal, watching a lot of TV, sewing like mad on my machine, doing load after load of laundry, letting the kiddos play on the computer. Whoops.

Thankfully I am not a big believer in 'holidays'. I don't want anything for valentines day. Don't even know what sweetest day is? I'd rather my hubby bring me my favorite sandwich for my birthday or let me take a nap on mothers day. I want the kids to celebrate our time as a family instead of stressing over Christmas gifts. I want them to be creative when doing things for each other, not scouring the stores for a gift that will most likely not stand any test of time.

I feel the same way about earth day & arbor day. Do I want my kids to be earth friendly? conserve energy? plant gardens and trees? Of course I do. But not only because it is April 22.

I want them to have a genuine passion for these things, not an obligation. When the weather is warm they ask us about the garden, what we will plant, when we will harvest. They both have their favorite trees in the yard, they love to go on 'nature walks' at the forest preserve. They understand the importance of recycling, limiting waste, 'going green'.

So do I feel bad about yesterday? Nope. I actually feel worse for the people that felt they had to do something for the planet because of earth day.

(Just 'cause I am a dork, I do have to share an earth day O something... she put up coupons for reusable lunch items on her website. I plan to get some, and encourage everyone else to, but if you can't fit it into your budget it's ok if you keep buying Hefty. We'll understand.)

Another one?

No, it's not what you're probably thinking...we've got enough of them. (The little one is even sitting on her own now! adorable...photos soon...)

It's a new blog. A sister to my dear chronicles.

Since I can't go to a craft show without driving my friends nuts, I figured I might as well follow through with all of the 'I can so do that for you' remarks I make at them before they are ready to purchase. That being said, I've decided to combine my love of the blogging world and crafty streak to create a place where I can post about the many many projects I'm always working on. I'll be putting up photos, tutorials, links, and shops where you can find the things I'm doing and create them at home for yourself. I'm also going to move fast food friday there permanently (after this week) and share other recipes through that site.

My goal is to eventually begin to turn some profits off of all of this sewing, knitting, etc. etc. etc. I am spending most of my time on. This new little venture is just the beginning. I've got big plans for myself...

I'll get you the details soon. She is up, has a name, but is desperately waiting for me to get organized enough to write my first post. (And talk to Patti about the many ways I can bribe her to help me create a logo I can be proud of, something we've talked about for years for all of my little projects but that I have equal amount of trouble following through on.)

In the meantime (and don't shoot me for saying this, I do know the weather is, dare I say, finally turning spring-like) if you want some hand sewn/knit items shoot me an email. I'll be working on a fairly wide array of things for next winter when I'm hoping to launch an Etsy shop. I'll need help perfecting some patterns and taking photos for the tutorials and I'm willing to do them for family and friends at no cost, as long as you tell people where they came from!

Franklin Wedding Dance Off

Thanks to the incredible generosity of so many people, the dollar dance off at my cousin's wedding earned $285 for my 'Save the Boobies' fundraising campaign.

I appreciate every dime, and so will the Avon Foundation.

If you'd like to learn more or make a donation, see the link on the side of this page.

Wedding Weekend

Whew! What a weekend!

Friday we packed up our crew and headed out to West Lafayette for my cousin Jen's wedding. Rex was sick with the flu so the trip was not the best timing for us, but we managed to make it down there with only 1 barf in the car (5 minutes from the hotel of course...). We got him and Lucy to the room, said hello to some family and packed it up for the night. Ok, so Turbo, Rex, and Lucy did. Nate and I went to the Olive Garden with my parents and I joined the rest of my fam after at the hotel bar to have a few drinks to celebrate my grandpa turning 80. All in all, a lovely start to the weekend.

Saturday, however was a bit crazy. My mom came down with Rex's bug. Rex continued to get sick (including some gagging-nearly-barfing and a huge fart during the ceremony) and was forced to spend much of the day in the room. Turbo and I thought for sure we would miss most of the festivities, and for the first half of the reception we did. We were up and down all evening, barely enjoying ourselves or anything else. It was horrid.

Around 8 things finally started to get better for us. Nate was a bit bored and jumped at our chance to babysit his sorta sick brother in the hotel room. Turbo and I kept a sleeping Lucy with us and started to enjoy some wine and dancing with everyone else. It was wonderful.

We danced with the many other members of our gang, spent some great time with my cousins, had a few laughs with the bride and groom. We took part in the dollar dance (more on that soon), snuck a few shots of Jager, requested Al Green.

Early in the day we were admittedly at the end of our ropes, stressed beyond our limits. I was angry about darn near everything, incredibly tired, not in the mood for a wedding. If you had asked me what I wanted to do at 5 on Saturday night, I would have said without hesitation I wanted to pack it all up and go home.

I would have made an enormous mistake. Though the day was horribly frustrating for us, the evening was spectacular. We had loads of fun, more than enough to make up for all of the mixed emotions earlier. My cousin had a beautiful ceremony and a wonderful party. It was just the way you'd want a marriage to begin.

(Oh, so I don't leave out Sunday...we had breakfast with the K crew and headed home. But not before making Turbo stop at Sonic so I could get a burger, tots and cherry limeade. May not sound too exciting, but I have a feeling my cousins may find it hysterical...)

Out Again!

I'll be back on Monday


with stories & pics from the wedding!

Countdown

I talk about this darn wedding more than anything else these days. So much that I'm sure many of you wonder what kind of monster I was before my own. I just have to put out there that I am really looking forward to the time spent with my family, hanging out, sipping drinks, watching a beautiful romance begin a new chapter.

I love a good love story. I love to remember my own, listen to the fond words of others. I get ridiculously excited over engagements, I cry at every wedding ceremony. What can I say? I'm a hopeless romantic.

With the clock ticking down to Saturday I can't help but wonder how my cousin, the young bride, is feeling these days. Wonder if she's ready? Is she stressed? Is the forecast being difficult? At this point in the game, does she still like her equally planning frustrated groom enough to follow through in front of us, or will they be hopping on the next plane to worry free Vegas?

It is hard to plan for such a huge event and ever feel completely ready. Especially when you are doing so long distance. I very clearly remember my own countdown, aided by none other than Harry Potter. He was releasing his 5th book the same day. Everywhere we went there were huge cardboard cutouts of him counting down until his big day, and ours. For 90 days I wanted to punch him in the face every time we walked into Wal Mart, Target, Borders.

After our wedding I remember thinking it went so fast, it was hardly enough time to enjoy all of our hard work. On the honeymoon Turbo even read the Potter book (a wedding gift from my sometimes-too-funny-for-themselves parents of course), both of us giggling at the tons of people carrying it around and the look-a-like contests at some of the places we visited.

So baby cousin, here's my last bit of wedding advice...With barely 2 days left as a bride-to-be, it's time to relax. If you've done everything to the best of your ability, put your heart in all of the right spots, the day will be beautiful and the evening spectacular. Don't stress about details. Instead, enjoy the end of this journey and let things be as they will. After all, it's only one day.

Parenting Is Fun Because...

You can have a good time
with them when they are big


















and dress them up like a duck
laying eggs when they are
too little to know any better.

(Got this duck suit from one of Turbo's aunts when Rex was little.
Needless to say, it is one of our favorites...)

Hullabaloo

Friday I was too busy to devote time to my dear blog. Rather than fuss over it, I just decided to take the weekend off. Perhaps use my time to complete the many other projects I have going on at the moment.

Lately I seem to have taken on lots of things. No ones fault but my own, I've always been the kind of person that enjoys being busy. I'm the one that took up knitting because I get bored sitting and watching TV, remember?

So this past weekend, while I didn't blog, I did a ton of things.

I mended some jeans for a friend, sewed a few things for an upcoming gift, and created 'car pillows' for the boys on Friday (I'll post pictures later...). Saturday I did a bit of cleaning, colored eggs, made a pineapple upside down cake, and went to a birthday party for an awesome little 4 year old. I got out baskets, filled baskets, and hid baskets. (Then stayed up until 2 am gabbing with E.B.'s accomplice, A. P.) Sunday I woke at 6 am to the pitter-patter of little feet (better know here as the delicate stomping of baby elephants). I helped search for eggs, played the hot & cold game with frustrated basket searchers, tended to a sick kid, went to dinner with my grandparents in Milwaukee.

Next weekend is no exception to my chaos. Actually, it will most likely be worse and start earlier.

The wedding I have been talking about for months is Saturday...in Lafayette, Indiana. Sometime this week I have to pack for me, the kids, most likely Turbo. I have to wash Otis and get him to Turbo's bro's house without him thinking we are abandoning him (our pooch is very emotional). I have to beg and bribe our friend to check repeatedly on the house. I need a haircut, new makeup, wish I had time to find new shoes. I have to pick up snacks for traveling, pack a bag to feed Lucy for 3 days, compile a first aid kit with all of the potential meds/goods we'll need if someone cuts a finger, gets sick in the car, stung by who knows what, a headache, an allergic reaction, etc. etc. etc...I have to get some booze to store in our hotel room for pre/post party binging, toiletries for a weekend away, a new game to keep the kids quiet in the car.

By the time Friday gets here I'll be exhausted and crabby. I'll be brimming with excitement and anticipation, but loathing the long ride. I'll be stressed about taking Lucy out of town and about spending the $$$ on a mini vacation. I'll be eager to get to the wedding, so eager I'll forget something.

I just hope it's not one of the kids.

Out of the Office

Enjoy the holiday weekend.

Pink Lady

Never thought I would enjoy the color pink as much
as I do on this rosy cheeked kid.

Mom-fessions

Sunday was a beautiful day.

I woke up early after bowling, feeling well. Made breakfast, showered, did some dishes. Then I left. I went to a craft fair with some friends. We had lunch and took a trip to Target for 'rabbit' items for all of our kiddos.

We talked about our hubbies, about bowling, about getting older. About the kids, our families, about work (or lack there of). We talked about bathing suits, bathroom breaks, summer plans. We laughed and goofed and had so so so much fun.

Yesterday I was back to the real world. Lucy wouldn't nap, Rex was hyper and bored, Nate came home with a bazillion questions about who knows what. I spent most of the day frustrated, waiting for Turbo to come home so I could attempt to nap away my gruesome headache. (It worked...thanks again Turbo...)

The highlight of my day, aside form the nap, was yet another episode of O I was able to catch in the morning. She had on moms, talking about how difficult this mommy job is (hello...) and sharing some dirty secrets about how they make it through the day. These mommies poured out their confessions, letting everyone know the depths they had let parenting take them to. (A nasty little place I understand fully.) She had on a blogger mom who started doing this for fun and now it's her full time job (can I say dream), moms who write books, moms who have done far worse than me to make it through the day.

In light of these other mommies and their secrets I thought I would share a few of my own, just in case some of you feel like you're the only one who has to ask someone else in the house if they can help you figure out when you last showered...because you're not.

My Mom-fessions:

*Sometimes, I put away the coffee pot when it is still full because I don't want to share.
*I have to ask the kids when they showered last, I forget.
*I have no idea what is in Nate's lunch. It could all be candy. I think once it was.
*There have been days that I told everyone I didn't make dinner because I was busy. Busy watching TV.
*I have pretended to be asleep when the kids have come to my room asking me for things after I 'went to bed'.
*I've given away Rex's favorite shirts to Goodwill even though they still fit. I can't stand some of those pocket shirts after a few months of daily wear.
*I secretly eat cake and cookies for breakfast, then tell the kids they have to eat healthy.
*I can't stand Rex's story time. I hate talking to the other moms there.
*I hate the other Viking band parents even more.
*When I leave the house by myself I almost always stop and get a huge coffee.
*The first thing Turbo & I do when the kids go on vacation with my parents is go out to breakfast. Usually at Cracker Barrel, one of their favorite places.

fAST fOOD fRIDAY

Last night another E gang came over to enjoy some company, dinner, & to learn how we made the dino soaps for Christmas. I was busy cleaning up, getting ready, & wrangling my kids most of the morning. That's how it happened...no fast food friday. Whoops.

Ah well. I figure Saturday is good enough to share what we ate!

Since it was kinda hectic here I tossed a few things in some crock pots and let them do their magic.

Pot 1: Italian Beef (that recipe is a few FFF's ago, you can get it there.)

Pot 2: Italian Sausage

This is what I did with the sausage...

Place 2 jars of spaghetti sauce (any flavor) in large crock pot. Add 1 large can diced tomatoes, minced garlic, chopped onion, and sliced green pepper. I also add some salt, pepper, oregano, and basil. Let this simmer on low for a few hours, stirring occasionally.
About 1 hour before serving, precook some Italian Sausage (I use 2 packs of Johnsonville) in boiling water on the stove. This should take 5-10 minutes. Cut these into 1 inch slices and add to sauce. Let simmer until serving.
I pair these with rolls and cheese for grown ups and a bowl of whole grain penne for the kiddos.

Welcome Baby!

Nate will be sharing his birthday with a new little fellow!

Our good friends Pete & Melissa, along with big sis Lexi
welcomed a baby boy yesterday morning.
He's still waiting on a name but I'll share as soon as I know.

We've heard everyone is doing well. Can't wait to meet the little guy!

!! UPDATE !!
he's got a name

!! LUKAS JORDAN !!

!! welcome little guy !!

End of an Era

Every parent knows how wonderful it is to hold your new baby. That second the doctor gives them to you, it is pure magic. Beautiful, breathtaking, awesome in the truest sense of the word.

As your child grows, you enjoy all of life's simple pleasures trough this little person. You can once again play tag with endless energy, create wondrous masterpieces with crayons and construction paper, sing like a top recording artist. But, you also endure the difficulties of childhood all over again. Scraped knees, bruised elbows, the occasional broken heart. Some times you feel like you could pull your hair out in frustration, others you can't hold back raging laughter. Parenthood brings with it a range of emotions indescribable to those without children. It is the purest sort of love, effective immediately. Even before the crying, pooping, sleepless thing arrives, you love it more than anyone in the entire world. (Unless, of course, it has older siblings.)

Today, my baby turns 12. Through the years he has irritated me to no end, made me laugh darn near wetting my pants, had me in tears during his own struggles. His birth brought me light in a very dark place, his childhood filled my most stressful days with laughter, every day he makes me grateful to be alive.

I am at a place now where every parent must eventually go. This year I'll say goodbye to my wide eyed baby, slowly bid adieu to the little child that used to come home with bugs in his pockets. I don't like it, no parent does, but it is inevitable.

Next year he'll be a teenager. He'll think I'm foolish instead of funny, nosy rather than supportive, cruel despite my best intentions. I've promised myself I will try to be understanding of his ambiguity, of his growth, of his need for space. I've sworn I will do my best to let him test the waters for himself, trust in his decisions, support his choices. I know I will have a difficult time letting go of my little boy. It will take me all 12 months and at the end I will still be kicking and screaming, trying to hold on.