Time.

So, I obviously cannot post everyday, but I'm hoping to post every few days.  I think that sounds pretty reasonable. 

It's a matter of time.  And time isn't usually very friendly.  Especially to me.

I don't know what has happened in the last 6 months or so, but I have significantly less of it.

I look at my little nuggets and can't believe how big they are, how independent they are, and how much they know. 

Certainly, Rosie was just spending her days happily nursing and snuggling the away, while Betsy got in-home therapy almost everyday, and the boys were boisterously wrestling on the floor or jumping off the couch...oh wait, the boys still do that.

Anyway, enough of that nostalgic stuff.

Even though, time robs us of so much, it also allows for friendships to blossom, wounds to heal, knowledge to be gained.

I have met many people through my blog.  Over time.

None has come to mean as much to me as Crystal. 

I never would have thought that of all the people I 'knew' from blog land, that she would be the dear friend to me that she is today.  Over time our spunky debates turned into quite a camaraderie. 

And, in time...I will see her in real life. 

How's that for time being on my side?

 

The most wonderful time of the year.

Things have been {for the most part} quite cheery around here.  I have had a stress headache for the last 4 days, but that is my own fault.  Betsy has been peeing on the potty at home A LOT!  Yippee!

Cookies are almost all baked, Harry Potter is on the tele.  Breakfast casseroles for tomorrow morning are up next. 

Sadly, my mom is sick, and probably won't be celebrating tidings of joy with us tomorrow, and maybe not even on Christmas day.  Which sucks, but what can you do?  When you're sick, you're sick.  Oh, and our washing machine is broken, and the part won't be in until next week. 

So, my sick mom has been doing my laundry.  I'm not sure what the hell she's thinking, but sometimes you just don't argue with your sick mother. 

Since this post has, sadly, taken a negative turn, I will also tell you I don't have any present wrapped, and still 3 more things to pick up tonight with all the crazies that will be out. 

We have made time for some Steak-n-Shake Happy Hour.  Which, I'll have to say, is better than Sonic's.  I will argue to the death about that with anyone, anytime, anywhere. 

I'm also ticked that I cropped the above photo the way I did.  I hardly ever crop, and I'm not sure why I did on this photo, but it was such a wonderful shot of my oldest's Lloyd Christmas hair.  The kid is almost 11, and really needs to start styling it.  Otherwise...Lloyd. 

In more uplifting news, the teacher gifts were a hit.

So, you see?  Things have actually been quite pleasant here as of late. 

Perspective, people.

And, finally, to bring this post about nothing to a close...
a big welcome to all the newest followers who found me via Young House Love.

I submitted our kitchen project awhile back, and was pleasantly surprised to see our remodel was featured on their blog-diggity yesterday HERE.  I have been enjoying all of the comments and questions.  Keep them coming.

I am also humbled at some of the wonderful emails I've been receiving about sharing Betsy's story.  If what our family has been through touches any one person, and makes them feel less alone, then this blog has accomplished just what I intended it do when it all started over 3 years ago. 

Thank you, thank you!

The Lulu.

When you blog, and your blog grows, you'll 'meet' people.  This phenomenon has enriched and blessed my life.  Maybe that sounds nerdy to you, but I don't really care.  Maybe in reality it is.  Then again, I never claimed to be cool.  The bottom line is this...{nerdy or not} these new people you'll find will be good. 

Trish from 'DAiSYS & dots' is one of these people.  Not only is she wonderfully nice and just plain lovely, she's crafty.  Much more than I.  She makes cool stuff.  Some of it, you can find HERE.  She also takes pictures.  Pretty, pretty pictures...you can see those HERE.  Sadly, she lives far away in a land called Michigan.  These days, Michigan might as well be China.  BUM-mer!

One of the great things she's been making lately is the 'Lulu Headband'.  I'm sporting one in the photo above.  I'm a huge fan of headwraps, even with short hair.  I have quite a few.  More than I probably should.  The 'Lulu' is my new favorite.  I get compliments whenever I wear it.  Even from strangers. {Which kind of creeps me out, but my irrational fears are a post for another day.} 

My only problem with this amazingly cute headband is that Rosie has quite a fondness for it, too.

Aside from the fact that she looks absolutely edible in it,  it bugs the tar out of me.  So, if you have little girlies, these headbands fit them great, too.  Just be prepared to fight with them over it.

Trish has kindly offered 'Odd Girl Out' readers a 10% discount on any 'Lulu headbands' purchased in her Etsy shop for the next 48 hours only!  All you need to do is use the code 'ODDGIRLOUT10' when checking out to redeem your discount!  How cool is that?  I would hurry though.  She sells quite a few of them.  

If you don't get one...well, you'll just wish you had.  So, do yourself a favor, and just order one already...or two, or three.

dumb.

I'm a big dummy!  I have run out of days this week to accomplish all I've wanted to, and to top it off, I've forgotton that my kids were off of school today. 

That being sad, I'm tired.  I am also having a birthday party here tomorrow night that is top billing which makes me even more tired just thinking about it.

But, I do love a good party once it is in full swing.

Makes me happy. 

And, I will have a pitcher of beergaritas for the adults. 

That makes me happy, too. 

THAT being said...my spectcular show and tell post will be postponed until Monday. 

You won't want to miss it. 

If you have hair, anyways. 

Although, if you don't have hair, but like to dress up your head, you'll still want to tune in.  I'm serious. 

{Sorry for the big, fat, dumb, delay, Trish!} 

Happenings...

Some of the treats for the Harry Potter bash...I actually folded those bad boys ;)

Chocolate Frog and Bertie Bott's printables from Britta Blvd. by brittadotcom

Pete will be having a Harry Potter party on Saturday night to celebrate turning 9.  I can't believe he's 9.  I also can't believe some of the awesome, CHEAP printables I've found on Etsy for the celebration.  Not that those 2 unbelievable things are quite equal, but Etsy still has a spell on me. 

We are approaching a crazy busy month in the House of Grebe.  I am booked solid with photo sessions, the boys are in heavy football mode, Rosie has started the fall session of dancing class, and Miss Bets is almost potty trained!  I hope we survive it all!

I'm thinking about boring all of you with some photos of our Labor Day Weekend Chicago trip.  We shall see, but for now, look for a fun 'share' post coming tomorrow. 

getting by with a little help from friends...

I've blogged several times about friends I've made from blogging.  It's crazy to think I have friends scattered across the country that I've never even met in person.  With miles separating us, we still try to lend a hand to each other when we can.

Case in point...Crystal.  {I've mentioned Crystal and her amazing blog and etsy shop before. Both aptly named, 'Little Bit Funky'.}

To make what could be a long story short...Pete's 9th birthday is coming up.  To say he is Harry Potter obsessed is an understatement, specifically all things quidditch.  If you follow me on 'Instagram', you may have seen a snapshot of him making his terrifically unique handcrafted quidditch brooms.  We now have about 12.  OBSESSED! 

Anywho, all he's been asking for is a 'Chudley Canons' team quidditch robe.  Oi-vey!  I can sew a straight line.  I've read & followed a pattern one time.  Years ago.  This robe thing wasn't going to happen in my lifetime with my sewing skills. 

I sounded a cry a for help, and Crystal answered.  It's fair to say she probably wasn't thrilled, as a quidditch robe is made of satin, and I'm told {by several sources} that it SUCKS to work with satin.  She had to deal with 8 yards.  WOW! 

The end result is nothing short of amazing.  A dead ringer for a 'Chudley Cannons' robe.  It is even complete with the number Pete envisioned on his dream birthday present. 

I love, love, love giving gifts, but I'll have to say...I'm going to adore giving this to Pete.  He thinks it is impossible.  He's said so just about everyday.  He mentioned it at the bus stop this morning, in fact. 

To say he is going to go ape is an understatement.  If I remember to, I'll have to take a little video of him opening this, and share it with all of you.

So, yet another reason I think blogging and the interweb can be used in a positive way. 

Wouldn't you agree?

P.S.  A thousand times...THANK YOU, Crystal!  You are the BEST!

Average people are cool.

Once again, I would like to thank Heather at "Blessed Little Nest" for the header help.  I was really at an impass, and couldn't creatively translate what I wanted on my own this time.  I think she nailed it.  She also tweaked my new tagline a bit, and I lurv it!

So, on that same thread, I will share with you the 'average' peoples' anthem.  "Where Have All the Average People Gone?", written by Roger Miller, performed by Mr.Scott Avett, and, yes, I met that handsome man.  Scott Avett, not Roger Miller. {Lyrics below, and I hope I'm not the only one that can identify.}

The people in this city call me country,
Because of how I walk and talk and smile.
Well I don't mind them laughing in the city,
But the country folks all say I'm citified.

The fighting men they say that I'm a coward.
Because I never push no one around.
Gentle people call me trouble-maker,
Cause I'll always fight and stand my ground.

Funny I don't fit.
Where have all the average people gone?

Some pious people point and call me sinner,
Because to them I've never seen the lights.
Other folks think of me as a preacher.
I'm just doing what I think is right.

The wealthy people think that I'm a hobo,
Lean and hungry, writing mournful songs.
And the poor, poor people think I'm a rich man,
But really, I'm just trying to get along.

Its funny I don't fit.
Tell me where have all the average people gone?

And the government has given me a number,
To simplify my birth and life and death.
And still my woman thinks I'm awful important,
Like the moon and the sun and the sea and the sky and breath.

Yes, its funny I don't fit.
Where have all the average people gone?

It's funny I don't fit,
Where have all the average people gone?

The Fork in the Road.

image via kaushik.net

As I struggle with my blog issues:  do I want to continue to blog?, if I continue, what direction do I want this blog to go in?, will a drastic change mean less of you coming along for the ride?, etc, I do know one thing in this sea of uncertainty...

I know I want this area of the Internets to be a nice place to be.  Maybe not super 'Suzy Sunshine' at all times, but nice.  Basically, I want to share what I think would interest you.  Things that keep me going back to blogs that I read.  Let's face it, blogging is narcissistic.  I read this once somewhere, "Nowadays anyone with a crap laptop and an Internet connection can sound their barbaric yawp, whatever it may be.".  I can't remember where, but it's true.  This is a me, me, me culture, and I never thought I'd fall pray to it.  This blog has evolved so much in the last 2 years, and I'm not happy with the place it is currently.  


I look back on all the posts, and really have mixed feelings.  Sometimes I'm so whiny, sometimes too boastful, opinionated, self-righteous, even proud.  Seasons of life, I suppose.  Because there are the funny posts, the informative posts, the moments of good writing or pretty photos.  


I don't think I'm great, but I'm okay.  And okay, is good.  Okay IS great.  Okay is a happy place to be.  I want everyone to think that their mediocre okay life is just as awesome as I think mine is.  Perspective.  Okay is the new cool.  That's what I want everyone to take away from here.  Okay is super.  There is beauty and amazingness in okay.  And, if I can't succeed in doing that, well, I will close up shop.  Just because I can arrange a mantel vignette or shoot my camera in manual mode, I assure you, there is nothing extraordinary about me.


Maybe during this trial period I'll get that loving feeling back for the blog.  Maybe not.  But, whatever happens, I'll be okay.  Okay is good.  Okay is great.  Okay is super.  

Howdy! Happy New Year!

Hope everyone had a great New Year's!  

We spent ours in the dark with candles all around.

A smallish type tornado hit a mere mile from our quiet little hood on Dec.31st.

Thankfully, no one in our area of the state was hurt or worse yet, killed!

My parents neighborhood was hit harder than ours, but all homes are still standing.

I can't say the same is true for other homes in the area.

Please keep these families in your thoughts and prayers.

FYI, we do not live rurally.

We live 10-15 minutes from downtown St.Louis in a very populated suburban area.

Lesson: tornadoes don't just hit the plains of Kansas and Oklahoma, peeps.

On a happier note...

The kitchen needs minor details: hardware, crown molding, accessories.

I am very pleased.

I apologize for the doo-doo photo.

I will take more impressive photos as we complete the project.

The before and afters are amazing.

I canNOT believe Big Jake did it all.  

I am a lucky duck.

I will be back for reals near the end of this week.

I'm tweaking my new look, and hope you like it.

I already have enough posts floating around in my head for about 2 weeks.

Now, let's see if I can stay focused enough to pull it off.