cheerios in my hair

I'll eat you up!

2009-03-25T21:46:00.002-05:00

Can not wait for this!!!

RVA Project One

2009-02-17T23:38:00.005-06:00

Hey there. So, it's been awhile. Why do I always feel the need to apologize for being an absentee blogger? I promise blog, it's not you...it's me.

So...onto the updates.

I semi-finished my first project for the Red Velvet Art online class. "Color Me Happy" Rainbow Scrapbook. I'm not a huge scrapbooker, or a scrapbooker of any size to be honest but it was fun. I'll still working on the interior. More pics to follow.

Speaking of pictures. I can't seem to access my old flickr account. It's there, I can see it but can't get back in. So, out with the old and in with the new. I will work on getting all the pics from my phone uploaded in the near future.

Love and Lola kisses (slobbery, 17 month old, open mouth, crazy teeth placement ones)

hello, february

2009-02-02T16:51:00.003-06:00

thank you for the unseasonably warm weather, february. i'm sorry i've not had a nice walk or bike ride outside with you. i am inside dressed in a parka and 52 blankets as i have the plague.

i might die. ok, i probably won't die, but i feel really lousy. that is all.

xoxo

the latest...

2009-01-23T14:34:00.006-06:00

i have sawdust in my eye. ouch.
today i got a little desk (new sewing table) and top of a hutch for FREE off craigslist, just had to go and pick it up. hooray!
i am going to spend the weekend ~~making over~~ cleaning my craft room.
i am very ready for the snowboard trip
the play kitchen is almost complete. i ended up painting it pink and adore it!

alarm clocks are back

2009-01-05T14:07:00.004-06:00

back to school this morning and back to our routine. sigh. i miss everyone being home together, i miss taking naps and not feeling guilty, i miss mountains, upon mountains of godiva brownies (is that what they were?) and mini-adventures.

while i am optimistic and pleased for oh-nine there is something kind of lonely about the naked silver tree waiting to go back in it's box. i really enjoyed the holidays and am sad to see them go.

merry, merry

2008-12-29T20:43:00.004-06:00

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, all!

We had a great Christmas. The eve was spent at home celebrating with the smalls and then we headed for St. Louis the next day. It was so great to see everyone. Anyone who knows me knows that I haven't always been close with my family. But I am making the effort and I think that was all that was needed. I really enjoyed the time there. Plus we went to REI to get some additional snowboard trip gear and got away for a kid-free lunch at a restaurant with actual cloth napkins! What more can a girl ask for?!

I started making tutus about 2 weeks before Christmas and ending up selling them to some lovely girls big and small. Add some cats and a stuffed animal to that and the story is complete. It all started with making some for my butterfly nieces in Portland (who have not actually received theirs yet...spoiler alert, Erin!) and Aaron said "you could totally sell those". (Yes, he said totally). And I did. :)

Speaking of Aaron and making. He made the most amazing play kitchen for Lola. It is incredible, better than any I have ever seen. He was working on it up until the end. We are still painting it...pics to follow soon. (I am so proud of this man!)

Oh, and I won the most amazing jam-packed box of cute from Elsie at A Beautiful Mess that included the sweetest painting, some stationary items and poprocks! I am loving her boy's music, too! She and the rest of the Red Velvet Art girls will be opening a shop in Springfield in Feb that calls for a roadtrip! Thanks, Elsie.

Aaron is off work for the week and the boys are doing all things Star Wars...legos, Wii games, battling with cardboard tubes.

Lola had a great time in St. Louis. She has learned to harness the power of her cute and manages to make friends everywhere we go. Here's hoping that power is only used for good.

We don't have huge New Year's plans. Some friends are hosting a wine tasting and we have been given the fantastic gift of a mother-in-law who enjoys the company of our smalls. Should be fun.

Gave up resolutions years ago. But it's already shaping up to be a wonderful 2009. Here's wishing the same for all of you!

(If you are still reading, sorry if this sounded manic and rushed...trying to blog quickly before the boys finish their last game.)

hello, december

2008-12-01T11:43:00.008-06:00

We've been having some fun around these parts the last several weeks with very little photographic evidence. Sorry!

Had a surprise scotch-tasting party for the man a couple of weekends ago. It was far too much fun. How cute of a kid was this guy? Oh, my goodness! Sadly, we didn't get any snaps at the party, but the two included were of the morning after.

Went to STL for Thanksgiving. My grandmother has made the decision to sell her house and move into a retirement community. She has decided that the house is a bit too much for her. Mind you her house is spotless and the woman has more energy at 87 than I think I have ever had! I was sent home with some fantastic vintage fabric, a swan planter and this beautiful pink serving bowl. I'm proud of her for making the choice, it will be good for her to be around other people again. But I will miss the house I was practically raised in.

Painted the 2nd floor bathroom, just days before the party. That's my style -- to completely change a room when I should just be cleaning it. It did get a good cleaning in the process though, so that counts for something.

Put up the tree last night. Riley likes to place every ornament on a single branch. So it's pretty cute with giant clusters of shiny goodness and then completely naked areas. Oh, well. I am trying not to control everything! Well, I'm getting better anyway.

It's way after lunch and Lola is still wandering around in her pjs and robe because it is freezing in the house! And because she looks so cute!

no school today

2008-11-05T14:48:00.003-06:00

R. had parent/teacher conferences at school today and had the day off. Our weather has been unseasonably warm for November, so we spent most of the day outside. Our day included a long walk to school for his conference (excellent report, with only a couple of things to work on), lunch with Aaron and then the library and then the long walk back home. We spent the morning and afternoon collecting leaves and looking into waterless fountains and crawling around the kid's corner at the library. It's been a great day and I think everyone at this point could use a nap!

candy with nuts

2008-11-03T09:19:00.001-06:00

Vader's Pumpkin Patch

2008-11-01T11:19:00.004-05:00

Luke, I am your father and I insist you take a hayride to our corn maze. Or something like that. James Earl Jones could pull it off, I think.

jc handmade

2008-10-29T13:19:00.004-05:00

JC handmade makes the most lovely items and has been known to share the wealth with readers like myself. I am a huge fan of her blog and she makes me almost brave enough to start quilting myself. The latest word is that she is having a giveaway...but not just any giveaway. She will make a custom baby playmat/quilt in the color theme of your choice. If our little Lola were to be the proud winner of said quilt we would fancy pinks, oranges and reds. Here's hoping!

it was good to be born

2008-10-29T11:57:00.004-05:00

It's the day before my 34th birthday. For me birthdays are a lot like new years, I always think back on the previous year and make plans for the next. So, without ceremony and in no particular order, below are my wishes for the next year.

1. to be hugged and held close without having to initiate it
2. finish a creative project
3. lots of adventures
4. learn to snowboard (got the socks, now I just need the skills)
5. more spontaneity
6. have a better relationship with my mother
7. find my passion
8. watch my children learn and grow
9. reveal my best self to someone new
10. more patience
11. to take more photos
12. to laugh ALOT
13. have people not ask what is wrong when i am not smiling...that's just my normal face folks
14. invite conversation
15. create an organized, comfortable home
16. to have What Not to Wear overhaul my wardrobe
17. spend more quiet time reading
18. get to know my grandmother more
19. be joyful in the moment
20. to continue journaling
21. be a good friend
22. keep up with correspondence and actually mail it
23. let stuff go
24. open the mail when it comes in, read it and do something with it
25. thank my husband more
26. go dancing
27. wear something fancy that is out of my comfort zone
28. find some new food haunts
29. write down more of the kid's firsts and funny moments
30. stop living for the next thing...maybe this is the "thing"
31. try to not care what people will think
32. wear red lipstick
33. romantic getaway with the man
34. be happy

xo

Assignment: 4

2008-10-22T16:36:00.007-05:00

Assignment: 3

2008-10-22T16:33:00.001-05:00

Assignment: Day 2

2008-10-17T14:36:00.003-05:00

window shopping: boots

2008-10-17T10:43:00.006-05:00

Biviel 1733 Boots

Matisse Rancher Boot

Frye Paige Buckles Boots

Assignment: Day 1

2008-10-16T21:38:00.006-05:00

Vintage-ish

2008-10-15T13:51:00.008-05:00

I am completely enamored of this little wonder via Simple Lovely. Our house is about 120 years old and there is something wonderful about seeing it "photographed" this way.

Nothing super exciting to report. Lola is napping sweetly and I am taking a little break from laundry. Be well, my lovelies.

my sister-in-law is missing

2008-10-14T21:30:00.004-05:00

As some of you may know, Aaron's little sister, Emillie has been missing for 2.5 years. I adore this video because it introduces me to a young woman who is so close to my family, yet whom I've never met. I would give anything to know that she was alright. I would give anything for the chance to know her...to introduce her to her niece and nephew.

My brother-in-law, Zakk put this video together. I was so impressed with the outpouring that was given to help NieNie and hoped to harness some of that power to help bring awareness to Forever Searching and Emillie's case specifically.

Any information anyone might have and/or willingness to share this video on your blogs would be greatly appreciated.

munch time

2008-10-10T13:19:00.004-05:00

Lola and I met Aaron at Sol Azteca for a little lunch date. Delish!

exuberantly healthy

2008-10-02T16:28:00.002-05:00

This wallpaper is perfect for the new bathroom downstairs, yes?

before and after

2008-10-02T11:39:00.003-05:00

I did a quick and easy lamp makeover with patches. I used an old lamp that we had at the house (Target, maybe) and revamped it with a Sharpie and my husbands old boy scout badges. He loved it!

Playtime (or I know why the caged bird sings)

2008-10-02T11:19:00.003-05:00

One, Uno, Un, Ein, Um

2008-10-02T10:58:00.010-05:00

Lola turned 1 a few days back and I still can't believe it has been a year already. I still remember meeting her for the first time -- they wheeled me still in bed to meet her, maybe it was in the NICU maybe in a dream, I can't be certain. A nurse placed her on my chest and I did my best to hold onto her. Both of us drifting in and out of sleep and I knew I would never be the same.

In the past year she has made us laugh, made us nervous, made us swell up with pride, made a big brother out of Riley and honestly made us a family.

Eating is high on the list of her favorite things to do. She *loves* to eat. Tops on the list are blueberries, hummus/pita and pretty much anything you put down in front of her. She is standing, but not quite ready to walk. Crawling is so much faster and efficient, you know. She can sign our version of the word "more", says "duck, duck, duck", "hi", "bye-bye", night-night is a backwards wave and blows kisses when you say you love her.

She had a great weekend -- it was perfect. We had a lovely time with our visitors from St. Louis. Thank you to all those that made the trip.

It's hard to believe the panic and fear that surrounded her birth has given way to such a calm, funny and genuinely sweet little girl. We are so blessed. Happy Birthday, baby girl!

the kids are alright

2008-09-29T11:06:00.004-05:00

We have been busy around these parts fancying up the house for out of town guests for Lola's birthday party. It was fantastic...we had such a lovely time. Pictures to follow on her actual birthday tomorrow! In the meantime, here are some shots from R's first ever soccer game. So what if the score was 10 to 0 in favor of those other kids in the orange shirts?!

It was so great to watch them all. It was almost as if they were playing dodge ball instead of soccer -- a huge clump of 7 and 8 year olds would chase the ball in any number of directions and then run away from it when they caught up to it. Too funny. They had much more success at their second game this weekend.

Hope your week is off to a good start. This week marks the beginning of working part time and keeping Lola home 3 days a week. We are loving it! We went for a long, long walk this morning and now she is snoozing with the sweetest little smile on her face. I couldn't be happier!

yes, please

2008-09-19T09:01:00.009-05:00

Just doing a little window shopping at Supermarket.

Birch Top from Little Houses
Leaf Garden Wrap from Ahpeele
Small Ab Imo Pectore Pendant from Melanie Favreau

snaps

2008-09-18T22:48:00.006-05:00

That's Riley on a recent trip to Powell Gardens. And L is just happy to be alive. Her new favorite toys are those that belong to big brother.

alive and well

2008-09-18T14:05:00.009-05:00

I adore blogs with daily/weekly updates with features, inspirations and general on-goings, don't you? It is sometimes such a high to see what so and so will do next. You girls (and guys) are amazing! This is not one of those blogs. Sorry, kids! I am lucky if I update once or twice a month. I always promise to be better, but yeah...

So here is the latest in photo form. With inspiration drawn from Sugar City Journal, I have been elevating the mundane. I've also really been enjoying the trend of brightly colored remakes of bad "came with the house" chandeliers. I have pretty much been painting and/or decoupaging anything that will stand still.

Oh, and we also installed a new floor in the make-shift kitchen. For those who do not know, we are slowly but surely remodeling the first floor to include a new kitchen. We are lucky to have a full kitchen upstairs to use during this process. In a previous attempt I painted the upstairs kitchen floor with outdoor paint. It looked great for about 10 minutes and then disaster. So, a year later enter another temporary but so beautiful solution.

The house is in random states of disorganization with a million projects in the works on all three floors. Aside from that, we are all doing well. Riley is really enjoying first grade and the new school. He has also started playing soccer through the Y. Action shots to follow after tonight's practice. And Miss Lola is so lovely. She is growing and learning everyday. She will be 1 at the end of the month and we are gearing up for family to visit from St. Louis to celebrate. I can hardly wait.

More soon my lovelies. xo

Bring on the hot dogs!

2008-08-07T08:33:00.003-05:00

This article from the New York Times eased 10 of my fears. Though it is a long list...perhaps they should do a regular feature.

Grosgrain Giveaway - So lovely!!!

2008-08-01T09:13:00.001-05:00

Fields of Gold Frock GIVEAWAY!!!!

My daily dose of beauty. Sigh. Kathleen is so talented.

1,2,3,4...Feist on Sesame Street

2008-07-24T15:31:00.001-05:00

Seven days of Seven

2008-07-24T13:48:00.008-05:00

Riley turned 7 yesterday and we have been celebrating around here for the last week. There was some face painting, some dancing, some cukecake eating, some homemade icecream eating, some present opening, some sugar overload, some friends and family visiting and then some sugar crashing. Love to you all!

P.S. His favorite present was a cheetah blanket that he had been coveting from TJ Maxx for about 3 months. It is very bachelor pad in his room now -- next year it'll be a live nude girls sign.

2:44 am

2008-07-17T02:44:00.000-05:00

Can't sleep. Hmmmm. I'm so very tired but my mind continues to race. Watching some bad TV and listening to the quiet in the house.

makes me smile

2008-07-08T14:23:00.000-05:00

it's not you, it's me

2008-07-02T15:43:00.007-05:00

Sorry to those whose calls I have not returned. Having a little mini-vacation from folks right now. Just don't feel like talking. Hope that's alright.

Be well. Talk to you soon!

She's so "solid" now.

2008-06-19T21:18:00.002-05:00

Saw this on Design Mom's site and couldn't resist sharing.

please to describe

2008-06-12T16:42:00.004-05:00

busy is the word i use most often to describe my day/week/month/life...but today i choose lovely, fantastic, surprising and just plain old good.

thank you to all those who contributed.

carry on. :)

catching up

2008-06-11T11:54:00.006-05:00

Hi, hello, how are you?

Things have been busy round the compound. Plumbers in and out to give estimates for the never ending remodel. Lots of massagey-goodness: did a chair event at academie lafayette and met some wonderful people (bonjour enseignants), was asked to donate a massage and instruction class to a radio station auction, met the sweetest little baby boy, sam, for an instruction class with his mama and continuing to spa it up a bit.

Will be launching my website in the very near future. Quick peak at the logo above. Start thinking of your best haikus, there will be contests, prizes and hopefully a haiku mad-libs style generator on the site. Thank you, to my lovely husband who is so very talented. I know you are busy and I am so grateful you have taken the time to build me something so wonderful.

Saw Sex & the City last night with A. There may have been some tears -- from both of us. Yeah, I just outed you, my love. Allergies. Uh-huh, sure, we'll go with that. We then had some dinner at the Cheesecake Factory. I would like to issue a public apology to our waiter. Yes, the conversation was a bit heavy -- as was the salad. But thanks for your time and nervous looks as you approached our table full of uneaten food. Enjoy the tip and we promise to never come back.

The small people are doing wonderfully. Riley is in his summer program and very excited to start 1st grade in August. Lola is crawling and getting her bottom two teeth! Pictures soon I promise.

That's it for today, my lovelies. Be well.

we might have a problem

2008-05-31T00:51:00.004-05:00

wii fit - why can't i quit you? thank you for being so polite and encouraging about the 10 lbs i need to lose. well played nintendo, well played.

i heart portland

2008-05-28T19:45:00.004-05:00

we had a wonderful time in portland. i think i asked aaron if we could move there about every 5 minutes. thanks for the hospitality portland hoyts. hope everyone is on the mend.

Oh, the places he'll go!

2008-05-15T14:17:00.008-05:00

Riley graduated from Kindergarten last night. It was a wonderful program that included quotes from a number of presidents and songs about capitals. They were all cranked up to about 11 and had so much fun.

Riley was Abraham Lincoln and said with pride, "as I would not be a slave, so I would not be a master." JFK, John Adams and GWB were represented. All of the quotes were those that inspired and moved generations, well all but George Walker Bush. The only quote the teacher could think of was "no child left behind." There were audible smirks in the audience.

All of the kids worked so hard and were so sweet. We are so proud of Riley. He did so well and has known not only his line for weeks, but everyone else's as well. Such progress has been made this year. This was his second go'round for Kindergarten. Last year was such a struggle and he just wasn't ready. This year he has accomplished so much and grown up quite a bit. He is funny, charming, bright, creative, energetic, determined and a READER. Best decision I ever made. Look out 1st Grade here he comes!

Lola had fun at graduation, too. She sang along to each song with raspberries and squeals. Another 4 or 5 years, baby girl, and you will be there too!

damn. now you tell me.

2008-05-13T13:31:00.005-05:00

oh mama

2008-05-13T12:27:00.008-05:00

One lump or two?

2008-05-08T16:24:00.006-05:00

Just returned from a Mother's Day Tea Party at Riley's school. The kids served their mamas a choice of hot or cold tea, assorted sweets and chips and salsa. He was so proud and couldn't stop hugging me. Completely made my day. Thank you, sweetest (Swedish) boy.

"Why do we have to feed her? She is going to have to learn to do that for herself, you know." says Riley, aka Dr. Phil Jr.

2008-04-24T12:45:00.006-05:00

box it up

2008-04-23T14:38:00.004-05:00

pandora radio is becoming a close and trusted friend. she usually knows exactly what i want to hear, when i want to hear it and every once again surprises me with little gems from the past. thanks pandora, it's the little things that make me happy.

whatelse, whatelse? spent the day doing homework, catching up on some craft blogs, handsewing a little project for lola and doing some laundry. kind of nice, really. though i am looking forward to a much busier schedule.

interviewed for a part time day job sort of gig yesterday and should know by friday. and will be doing massage at riley's karate school a couple of days a week.

Quotes from the end of a day

2008-04-03T09:38:00.002-05:00

R: I was not really thrilled with this day, actually.

Me: Oh, really? Why not?

R: I don't know.

Me: What do you think could make it better?

R: Well, soda would be a really good start, if you ever let me have that. Like duh.

The first rule of Fight Club...

2008-03-31T08:53:00.005-05:00

Had a lovely weekend with my friend A. We enjoyed some delicious foods, wandered about, listened to some cultish affirmations, laughed like hyenas, told ghost stories and purchased nothing while in some of the cutest shops. I enjoy her quite a bit. She knows *all* of my stuff and she still likes me.

(Coo)

Luck of the O'Hoyts

2008-03-17T10:24:00.006-05:00

The weekend consisted of: karate for the little man (he did not get his belt -- not ready and has to practice for another 4 weeks), tried to go to the Rainforest Cafe as a little celebration of hardwork and Riley shoe (with laces) purchasing but he FREAKED out and was crying hysterically. "I hate those robot animals. They are not my friends". So there you go. We ordered this giant, ridiculous drink for R. and before we ordered lunch we decided to settle up and leave. Went to another family joint and all was well. Cooked some dinners -- chicken chili and some spicy kung pow action that R. also hated. Rearranged furniture and repaired the holes in the living room hardwoods.

I finally figured out my sewing machine and will begin on a couple of projects this week.

My classes have come to an almost stop...only Eastern Bodywork in the evenings and then I am finished! Hooray. But then it's finding a job, being a success, etc., etc. et al. (Yikes)

Quotes: he loves them and i love him

2008-03-08T08:20:00.005-06:00

Marriage resembles a pair of shears, so joined that they cannot be separated; often moving in opposite directions, yet always punishing anyone who comes between them.

– Sydney Smith

Happy Anniversary some days back, my love. xo infinity.

gocco, how i lust after thee

2008-03-04T16:15:00.003-06:00

gocco if you lived here we would be the best of friends. we would create cards and letters and shirts and bags and items for the kiddies and friends and family alike. won't you come and join our happy home? gocco, i love you so.

maybe i should buy you.

but then that would just turn our whole relationship into something else...

Once more with feeling

2008-02-22T10:42:00.007-06:00

While I should be focusing on creating genius in the form of a research paper on BART (Bonding & Relaxation Techniques), I am instead lusting over items at anthropologie and listening to music. This inspiration is critical to the writing process. Uh-huh, that's my story and I'm sticking to it.

Whatelse, whatelse...

I have a practical interview at a spa today for a therapist role. That's some exciting stuff. It would be part-time a couple of days a week. Fingers crossed. We shall see.

And I have had a migraine for the last week or so and I have convinced myself that it's a tumor. So, there you go.

A great weekend

2008-02-22T10:25:00.006-06:00

i heart you Vampire Weekend (more than friends).

Oh, and Aaron and I are going on a date this evening sans children. Happiness, bliss.

new pics - first foods, first loves & snowboarding in the entry way

2008-02-19T12:16:00.005-06:00

The Five Million Dollar Woman

2008-02-07T08:06:00.000-06:00

So I'm reading CNN headlines and enjoying some tea at work and I come across this article about Hillary donating $5M to her campaign.

$5M dollars?!

Ok, so I will be the first to admit that I am not one to often follow politics. However, I spent a great deal of time researching Clinton vs. Obama for the primary. I do believe that if I don't do something about issues that are close to my heart then I have no room to complain about them. So, I'm trying. Making the effort.

This article left me with a sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach.

First off, how does she have that much money? And secondly, if you care so much -- and really this goes for all candidates and the process in general -- about universal health care, the environment, a poor economy, the huddled masses, etc. why waste copious amounts money standing in corn fields and kissing babies when those MILLIONS of dollars can help someone eat, get prenatal care and put a roof over their heads?

We should be ashamed of ourselves.

lola grace

2008-01-28T00:32:00.000-06:00

sometimes google brings you nice little presents filled with "awww" like this one here.

good night, google.

good night lola graces' everywhere.

good on paper

2008-01-22T08:12:00.000-06:00

Just a string around my finger. Nothing more to see here.

Up, up and away

2008-01-18T08:43:00.000-06:00

Hello to my faithful readers, aka the Portland Hoyts. The new year is off to a good start. Made some resolutions, broke some resolutions. (The first of which being keeping up with this blog.)

My primary goal this year is to be more of an active participant in my own life. I often find that days upon weeks pass and I'm not present. I am there going through the motions but rarely experiencing them.

I also resolve to:
1. Spend more time creating -- whatever that might lead to
2. Spend more time having adventures, even if they are only found in trips to Target ;)
3. Be less critical and judgmental of others
4. Be open to learning new things (i.e, Reiki - maybe it's not just for wacked out old hippies)
5. Learn from the past and then let it go
7. Trust myself and have faith that I can make my business a success

On that note, it's a busy time around the Hoyt household. I am in the process of finishing school - while working full-time, raising two kids and trying to remember what my husband looks like.

As far as school is concerned, I will be very honest and say that I wasn't entirely sure that massage was for me. There are aspects of this business that suit me well and others that definitely do not. I am very grateful to the academy/universe/great river/whatever that I enrolled as an expectant mother. Being so involved in that process naturally lead me to pregnancy massage and later infant massage instruction.

I am going to be certified in infant massage instruction later next month -- can't wait! And have already started networking and marketing my concept of Zen & the Art of Mama Maintenance. The ultimate goal includes retail space and some ideas that friends are telling me to stop sharing so freely. The master plan has been set in motion and while it will be a difficult and exhausting road for a bit, I really trust that it is the right decision and will be such a good fit for us all.

The littles are doing well. Riley is thriving as a student - he is reading more and more and has a great affinity for numbers. He is learning to tell time and has just started Tae Kwon Do. I can already tell that it is going to do wonders for his self confidence! Right now he just enjoys "that yelling and punching".

Lola is getting bigger and learning new things every day. She is 3.5 months old currently and suffers from second child syndrome in that she has an empty baby book and pictures that only exist on flickr. Sorry, baby! On the development front, she has rolled over in both directions a couple of times, sits up on her own for about 6 seconds and will laugh at anything. She especially loves to have her hair brushed and will laugh like the two of you are sharing the funniest joke ever. Probably the best part of my day.

Progress is being made everywhere and we are all the better for it. Love to you all!

What to say? What to say?

2007-12-07T17:13:00.000-06:00

So, I committed to this whole blog thing but find myself at a loss for interesting tales from the compound. I'm taking requests -- the phone lines are open -- what do you want to hear about?

The quick of it is as follows:

Kids: Great! Still alive and thriving.
Husband: One year older a few days ago
Work: Back at it and while it broke my heart initially I guess it's alright. Lola doesn't seemed to be scarred. The picture depicts her really exciting day.
School: Not exactly my favorite thing right now
General Holiday time stuff: Sparkles and beauty all around, I can hardly stand it! Hooray for silver trees and shiny bird ornaments galore.

Which craft?

2007-11-30T14:48:00.000-06:00

I often have great intentions of being that certain breed of urban-chic mom. You know the type -- she crafts, bakes, sews with her kids, decorates with said craft/sewing projects, saves the planet/whales/cause of the week and still finds time to check out the latest, hippest local happening.

I am not that mom. Or at least not all at once. I figured (and my husband would often be quoted as saying) that I should just do it. Do something. So here goes nothing. All of my nonexistent readers out there can hold me accountable. Deal?

First task...record for posterity all of the Riley-isms that I carry around in my head. Many of these have already been past around anecdotally. But should be recorded nonetheless.

One of the earliest and most memorable was "The Dangerous Moves Academy". He was probably 2.5 -3 years old and he told me very matter-of-factly and on several occasions that before he was born he trained at the Dangerous Moves Academy. Apparently the "Academy" taught him how to be brave and do Dangerous Moves. The moves were mostly twirls and karate kicks, but every once and awhile they also included some sweet Henry Rollins-esque moshing.

Another classic from the early years:
Q: "How was school today?"
A" "LaPetite is for chumps."

And then he gets philosophical and starts to ask about death. Casually as he is playing on the living room floor he asks, "when you die and you're not a human anymore you go up with Kevin, right?". When asked who Kevin was he says, "he's the guy who teaches you Kung Fu."

So there you go.

He can always be counted on to say something very literal, funny and incredibly imaginative. Only to him it's the facts. Like did you know if you are bad to Santa then you get coleslaw? True story. You heard it here folks.

I know there are and will be hundreds more. I love you, Riley Ohs!