calico

2.04.2009

it slushed.

The kids were home yesterday, due to the slush.
So we made muddy slushmen.

And some ate the muddy slushmen.

And one got angry with her dirty sassy slushman.

And then I took pictures.

And after removing the wet, frozen slush clothes, we sat by the fire and ate cookies.

Because that's what you do when it slushes.

2.02.2009

i'm pretty sure Sun's gone nuts.

The blonde girl who walked Farraday to the bomb is his mom. And she's the lady in the church basement finding the island for Ben. And the lady who sold Desmond the ring and explained his visions.

And humor me with this one...I'm stilling sleeping on the details but I think it works...you know how both Daniel and his mother have said "you can't change the past", etc. Well, then the others from 50 years ago know that Locke and everyone else are coming (hence, Richard's visits to young Locke in the hospital and with the compass test thing), so maybe, and just MAYBE, Daniel's mother and Whitmore were sent to "land" to make sure they all get to the island. Whitmore always has something to do with each of their little stories. And maybe he doesn't really hate Desmond (or anyone else), he's just been playing a game to orchestrate saving the island.

And, the numbers 31 (the 31st floor button Kate made Aaron push in the elevator) and the number Ben pulled at the deli (can't remember it) are the coordinates to the island. Or something else. But they're significant.

And Daniel is trying to find a constant for that girl in the bed. ?

THank you. That's all.

1.30.2009

chemistry.

This camera's taken. Not mine. But don't we look good together?

1.29.2009

4th picture 4th folder. And lulu carter.

Clare in Australia, from Lulu Carter, tagged me too!

I get excited to meet cool people and find fun new blogs. And I love hers. She takes fantastic pictures, makes bright & beautiful crafty things, and like I said, lives in Australia. 'nuf said. Cool.

So here's the 4th picture in my 4th folder.

Ripley's Aquarium in the Smokies. We went last summer.

Conan and I want our kids to do stuff. Not sit at home just because there's 5 of them. By myself, not so much. But when Conan has a chance, we'll go. Somewhere. We stay smart about it though. Like the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade...probably won't try it. ever.

I always expect a kid to wander off, that way I'm obsessingly paying attention. Because let's face it, there really aren't any peepers on the back of my head. Contrary to popular belief.

And we're full believers in restraints. We prefer backpacks and strollers. "Hands on the cart" every two minutes or so.

And I tag Corrie, Sharstin, Cassy, and a bitty witt.

6th picture 6th folder.

Wonder Woman from the Amayzings tagged me. She's very sweet and she likes Smallville with me. Check out her blog; she's spunky. Her husband trains dogs. Just thought that may be a point of interest.

So here's the 6th picture in my 6th folder.

I didn't take this photo, my brother in law Seth did. With his fancy camera I covet. I did play with the pic in picnik, though. I can't resist.

I'm glad it's this picture, because Andy is so darn cute I can't stand it. He is totally ignoring his devoted coach, Dad, because he's all about the attention in the stands. Andy is the smallest kid on his team, and can hardly throw the ball above his head; but he grins like this the whole time he's playing. Just happy to be on court. The same way he approaches the rest of his cute little life.

Man, I just accidentally learned something. Andy doesn't care about how many shots, blocks, or rebounds he gets. He just plays, and loves it. So here's what's creeping in my brain right now...stop looking at the statistics, Cally. Watch your adorable kid, and forget about the scoreboard. Leave it messy, eat leftovers, let 'em yell. Don't make the whining personal. Grin; just happy to be on court.

Hmm. That deserves a magnet.

Thanks, Andy.
And Wonder Woman.

And Seth, for such great pictures of my boys.

1.28.2009

save handmade.

Simply put, the Consumer Product Safety Inspection Act (CPSIA) says that all products made for children 12 and under must be put through extensive and expensive testing...making it impossible for most, if not all, small businesses and crafters to sell anything.

So if I wanted to sell you a doll, or a dress, I couldn't. Because I couldn't afford it.

If you wanted to buy a vintage storybook, you couldn't. Because the antique shop can't afford to test it.

If you like giving unique kid gifts, too bad. You couldn't afford them even if you found one.

The best thing you can do if this bugs you is to learn about it and then spread the word.

Sarah Jane Studios has the most informative post, in simple language, I've read. She has all the links you need to educate yourself on this, and she explains exactly what you can do.

Download the Etsy Action Kit.
Email your Senator.

Geesh.
Craziness.

a finished quilt is good for the soul.

so, I quilted.

I've had this quilt top in my closet for almost 3 years now.

Total Intimidation. It would smirk at me in a very condescending arrogance every time I stared at its possibilities. Like, I'm better than you. I could've just tied it up and stuck it in a dark corner, but that wouldn't have stopped it from yelling at me. It needed some real live quilting skills. I had decided on trading something of much value with a Quilted Sister to finish it for me.

However, I was inspired. And determined.

So I jumped in and accepted the consequences, which I love. I put a ruffle and an old button from my Grandma's stash on it (thanks mom), because the more I worked, the more personal it became. I love it.

I learned a couple valuable lessons:

don't make a plan.

there's always a pucker.

buy a walking foot. I'm not sure why exactly.

and a good quilt feels...good.

I'm proud of myself.