Lifted up.

I have convinced myself, as of late, that no one really reads this, and thus have silently slunk away. 

If you couldn't tell. 

But, lately, I've been inspired to keep up with my old friend, the blog.

Mostly because of a group of lovely people on Instagram. 

I have found a niche of lovely people that have become more than just a community of like minded 'techie-nerds', but more like an interweb family.

Oh, if only we could all fly to the same place and spend a day in the sun together...

Now wouldn't that be lovely?

Life has been more than distracting lately.  I am having a hard time keeping up with 'older' kids and all of their sports and school commitments.  Which is ironic considering we limit activities, sports, and clubs to one thing a season/semester.  We have approached a time when seasons overlap for several weeks, and games and practices have become to numerous to talk about.

Is it wrong that I would be perfectly content if they wanted to stay home and read books?  Ha!

Which is strange since I was VERY active in my adolescence both athletically and academically, and Big Daddy played numerous sports and continued with football in college.  I like to refer to my mom style as vintage parenting rather than lazy parenting.  That's seems fair.  The whole 'keep it simple, stupid' phrase is constantly resonating in my head every time I'm approached with a new sign up sheet. 

Alas, it makes them happy to play, and participate, and learn.  They get fantastic grades, and are good kids.  I don't get to decide everything for them, even though I wished I could. 

Life is fast, and I can only slow down so much.  We must be doing something right if I hear them say CONSTANTLY that their friends get video games whenever they want, have cell phones, TVs in their rooms, etc.  The pace here is slower than outside of these walls, but certainly not as slow as when we were kids. 

Which all I can say, although not eloquently, is that is dumb. 

What's the rush?  Time robs us of so much already, why do we push it along? 

So, after all that rambling...I can safely say {disregard all the times I've said it before}, that I'm back. 

And this time, something feels different when I say it. 

Really.

Ahhhhhhh...

Well, the holidays are over, and I feel I can breathe now that order has been loosely restored to the House of Grebe.  I had a post all worked out for today, but I have plum run out of time, and need to scoot off to pick up Rosie from school.

So, I thought I'd show you some of our 2011 family photos taken by my friend, Brenda.  She never disappoints. 

Also, I will have a giveaway coming up shortly, and lots of news, and funny little stories, as well as, our master bath reno to share.  I'm back, baby. 

Is it me? Or are those some of the cutest little humans you've ever seen?

Why, yes...yes, they are.

Peace out ladies and gents, and buckle up.  It's going to be a bumpy ride

Oh, and one more thing...you can find me on Pinterest and Instagram under Oddgirloutblog.  Fun, fun!

be blessed & stuff.

just because it makes me smile.

So, just a few things before the big turkey day...

1. I totally forgot to celebrate my 3rd bloggersary.  It was officially on October 12th.  I cannot believe it's been 3 years.  Wow!

2.  A big welcome to all the new followers I've gotten in the last few days.  You have landed in Crazy Town.  I hope you enjoy your stay.

3. Thanksgiving is one of my most favorite times of year.  It's like Christmas, but without the presents.  And, let's face it...the presents just complicate things.

4.  I hope you find blessings in the little things.  They are EVERYWHERE...if you look hard enough!  My advice would be to look with your heart, not your eyes. 

Happy Thanksgiving, and many blessings!

Yum!

You have to try this...

-whole wheat bread
-nutella
-peanut butter
-toasted marshmallow cream {yes, there IS such a thing}

I wanted to add some sliced banana, but, alas, we were plum out. 

It is soooooo good.  Guaranteed to turn a frown upside down.

One more thing...

if you have a spare moment go HERE.

My newest adventure is about to begin.  :)

Doubt.

image via Brave Girls Club

{If you aren't reading that blog, you need to be.}

So, after all of my theological questions and my being hopelessly misunderstood by some of you, I've decided that I really don't need to explain myself.  Either you appreciate me for what I write {even if you don't understand it} or you don't.

I know my heart.  I know it is full of goodness, and even a bit of evil that lurks in dark corners, hopefully, never roused out of its hibernation.  I know my intentions, and my blunders.  I know that there is a plan for me and my life, and no one needs to give me their stamp of approval.  

If you've stuck around this long, I'm thinking you want to see what I have to say and share next, either out of a fondness or a pure distaste.  In the scheme of things, it really makes no difference either way.  I will continue to exist, and write, and trip over myself, and, at times, recover even stronger than before.  

That being said, I've been reading a new book, 'The Life of Pi', by Yann Martel.

It's pretty profound.  At least in my life at the moment. 

I haven't even finished the first of the 3 parts, but it is really poignant.  

Incidentally, I finished 'East of Eden', and am trying to find a way to articulate my feelings about that book.  I'm not sure I can.  Needless to say, I think you should all read it.  

Anyway, upon reflecting about 'the situation' that occurred on the blog-diggity, I came upon a passage that touched me deeply in 'Life of Pi'.  {And, for those of you who are interested, I have thought about THE POST often over the last week or so.  It will stay with me for awhile, I'm sure.  For many, many reasons.}

I will share the passage with you:

"I'll be honest about it.  It's not atheists who get stuck in my craw, but agnostics.  Doubt is useful for awhile.  We must all pass through the garden of Gethsemane.  If Christ played with doubt, so must we.  If Christ spent  an anguished night in prayer, if He burst out from the Cross, 'My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?' then surely we are also permitted doubt.  But we must move on.  To choose doubt as a philosophy of life is akin to choosing immobility as a means of transportation."

For me, it's the 'But we must move on.' that is quite haunting.  We must move on.  Whatever you choose to lay your faith in.  We must move on from doubt.  Decide what it is we believe in, and stay the course.  Faith.  Belief not based in proof.  Heart over head.  Nature over culture.  

I'm hoping sooner is the time for me to shake off my conflicts about my own faith and spirtiuality.  Because in all honesty, it's giving me a headache.

An announcement.

This is my sister...

Jilly Bean and Me at the "Iron & Wine" concert, 11/13/10


and I like her a lot.

The end.

Missouri residents: read.

If you live in Missouri OR if you are just plain kind and find this cause worth fighting for, please write your legislator.

Personally, I cannot imagine if Betsy had not had early childhood intervention {she received it from 5 months-3 years}.  These littles depend so greatly upon it.  It is the most crucial intervention they will receive in their lifetimes {those first 3 years}.  

THANK YOU!

image via 'The Technical Writing Company'

Infants and toddlers with disabilities (birth-2) and their families receive early intervention services under Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).  Children and youth, ages 3-21 receive special education and related services under Part B of IDEA.   Special Education for Kindergarten – 12^thgrade is mandatory under IDEA.   Early Intervention and Early Childhood Special Education are voluntary under IDEA, but Missouri enacted legislation in 1990 to make it mandatory.   This past year, several states, including Missouri, have considered making these programs voluntary in order to cut costs. 

In the upcoming session, the Mo. State legislature will be reviewing options to reduce state expenditures for Fiscal Year 2012.     If the state leadership considers a withdrawal from the current statutory requirement that all eligible 3 and 4 years old children  receive special education, it must be made by a statutory change.   We know that such legislation would have a devastating effect on children, so we are urging families to contact their legislators to ask their support in insuring that Early Childhood Special Education does not get cut in an effort to balance the state’s budget.  

How can you help?   Please consider writing a letter to your senator or state representative.   Never underestimate the power of your voice!    Legislators need to hear from their constituents; and we want them to hear this message from many individuals!    A sample letter is attached to simplify the process,  but it is important to add your personalized message to the letter; especially if your child is currently (or recently) receiving early childhood special education (see paragraph 3 of the letter).    Including a photograph of your child is even better!  

Who is your legislator?   Here is a link to finding one’s legislator.  You search by home zip code.       

http://www.senate.mo.gov/llookup/leg_lookup.aspx

No legislation has been filed at this time, but we will be watching closely as bills are pre-filed in early December.   

Just a bike?

Yes, I know Nie has a Madsen.

Madsen bikes are gorgeous.

{See them all here.}

And, although that is how I discovered these wonderful bicycles,

that is not why I want one.  

Admittedly, I want a lot of the 'things' Nie has.

Anyone else?

But the bike...

oh, the bike.

You see, my dear readers,

Betsy cannot ride a bike.

{Yet!}

She scoots on her trike, 

but it's not on a level even close to that of 

keeping up with the fam if we were to bike the afternoon away

on Grant's Trail.

A typical bike trailer would not be the answer, either.

They have lower weight limits, y'all.

Our girl is 6 and growing, growing, growing.

Alas, this bike will never be ours

unless some rich old lady buys it for us because

she has nothing else to do with her gobs of cash money,

OR if we were to win one.

{I blame the $1400 price tag.  Boo.}

I'm banking on the latter.

Well, it's more likely than the former, anyway.

Betsy would giggle the day away riding in 

the back of that bad boy.

And my grin would spread ear to ear for seeing it.

If you would like a chance to win your very own Madsen Cargo Bike...

click HERE!

But, seriously, don't enter, because it will totally

decrease our chances of winning.

Just joking!

Kind of.

P.S. GO VOTE!  If you don't, you have no pass to complain when things don't go your way.  Just sayin'.

Blinking cursor.

I've been staring at a blinking cursor for 5 minutes.

I've got nothing, today.

Unless, you want me to get all philosophical.  Which I'm tempted to do.

I'm reading 'East of Eden' by John Steinbeck.

That will make anyone a bit philosophical.  About life in general.  You know, just stuff.

Not in a bad way.  A good way.  Makes you find the bad stuff in you, and want to purge it out.

Good, right?

Also, I took that photo up there.  Nothing exciting.

I like it.

It's like two leaves that belong together in a sea of sameness.

That has nothing to do with 'East of Eden'.

I don't think, anyway.

I'm only half way through.

Bottom line: I just like it.

I like a lot of things.

I think people should think about the things {non-material} that they like, often.

It will make you instantly happy.

Like:

your spouse

your kids

hugs

the smell of coffee

crisp fall air

words

music

belly laughs

prayer

rain

grace

I could go on and on.

Suddenly, I'm smiling on the inside.

Works every time.

See?

Now you....go.

Quotes and such:

Here are some of my favorites, lately: {I will try and source them the best that I can, I have an obvious favorite origin as of late}

1. Never argue with idiots.  They will drag you down to their level, and then beat you with experience.
    -unknown

2.  Whatever it takes...For there are many times, even in households where television is allowed only on weekends, that mothers resort to dirty tactics to claw back those few minutes that will define the success or failure of not just the rest of the day but even the rest of their {children} lives, because sometimes tiny things seem to have enormous resonance.
  - from "Slummy Mummy", by Fiona Neill

3.  In my world everyone is a pony, and they all eat rainbows, and poop butterflies.
    - Katie, "Horton Hears a Who"

4.  Do not trust your memory; it is a net full of holes; the most beautiful prizes slip through it.
     - Thomas Merton

5.  Sometimes it is a question of getting through the days, but then from nowhere come those moments that  you want to preserve forever.
    - "Slummy Mummy", by Fiona Neill

6.  Human existence is the sum of our relationships.  We all want to connect with people.
    - "Slummy Mummy", by Fiona Neill

7.  I think blood must be proof to children that they exist separately from their parents.  A sign that one day
     the travails of life will have to be borne alone.
    - "Slummy Mummy", by Fiona Neill

8.  "Mum, how big is a sperm?" he asked.
     "Tiny," I said.
     "Even if you are a sperm whale?" he asked.
     "Correct," I said, hoping that if I didn't engage, he would choose another moment to embark on this          
      discussion.
     "Can I keep some as a pet?" he asked.
     ***
     "Dad could give you some," said Sam, trying to be helpful.  "He grows them."
     ***
      Sam lives on the light side of life, but for Joe there will always be questions.
     ***
     "I think I'll save up my pocket money and buy some instead," Joe said.
      -"Slummy Mummy", by Fiona Neill


~Obviously, I seem to have gathered many of the above from a book I read awhile back.  It may not seem like it, but it is a very light hearted read.  A very cute novel.  Quite entertaining.

~Oh, and also, I was bored today
I shouldn't have been, but I was.

~That is all.

Psycho-babble.

First off, I wanted to invite you to like 'Odd girl out...?' on Facebook.  You can do that here or by clicking the button in the sidebar that says, of all things, 'Odd girl out...? on Facebook'  Clever, huh?

I know many of you keep up with blogs via Facebook, and I'm hoping the new page will help you with that.   I will also be sharing links and music that I fancy, and posting photos that don't make it to the blog.

Twitter may be next.  I'm actually on Twitter, but rarely log in.  Surprisingly, I don't know if I have enough to say to be on Twitter...who am I kidding?  Really, I'm just trying to avoid another time suck!

I'm also thinking that IF I can reach 100 fans, I will host a little giveaway.  Now, isn't that special?

Secondly, that beauty up there will be arriving to my greasy mitts very shortly.  I have mixed feeling about it, but mostly they're ecstatic ones.  I will be starting my iPhone journey with a white 3GS.  I don't think I'm ready for the the iPhone 4, nor do I want to pay that kind of money for a freaking phone.

I have no doubt this will make me an Apple freak.  I think Jake will divorce me if I tell him an iMac or iPad is next.  Yikes!

Finally, I am really looking forward to Betsy's Dora fiesta for her 6th birthday.

Don't ask me how that invitation came to be.  Let's just say, I ordered some of the Dora offerings at TinyPrints {I loved how Dora didn't look like Dora per say}, combined them, and added my own text.  Then, after they were printed, I ran a straight stitch through the cardstock connecting the flags that make up the papel picado.  It actually was pretty easy, it just sounds complicated.

She carried one around for 6 days.  That makes it very much worth it and me happy.

The End.

It's a girl, a girl, & a boy...I think.

The stork brought us a surprise.

Triplets, no less.

l to r: Jane, Annie, and Ike

They are right outside Big Jake's and my bedroom window.

And, when they're hungry...boy, oh boy, do they let you know it.

Jane is the shy one.

So, when she came out all bright eyed & bushy tailed,

I had to snap away.

Aside from the fact that I don't have feathers,

and my bones aren't hollow,

I think she confuses me with her real momma.

This is 'real momma'.

She knew they were hungry.

So, she waited patiently for me to quit shoving my camera

in her sweet brood's faces.

At one point,

I, actually, think I heard her sigh.

Amazing, I know.

Nature & regurgitation hard at work.

Those littles go crazy when it's time to eat.

Crazy.

Then, they sleep.

Like, immediately after eating.

Seriously.

I've never seen anything like it.

It's like the equivalent of a human baby's breastfeeding 'high'.

Little narcoleptic chicks.

They are so happy and full,

they are overcome with sleep.

Baby bird bliss.

Night-night, my sweet babies.

See you tomorrow.

Not much longer, now,

and you'll be leaving the nest.

Now, it's my turn to sigh.

On perception & insight.

I have always had a pretty firm grip on how others may perceive me.

Even when I was younger.

Despite that wonderful gift, I have always had difficulty changing my naughty ways.

I mean, I'm not a horrible person or anything, just hopelessly flawed.

Isn't everyone?

Here's what I know about myself:

1. I am a control freak.  For better or worse.  Sometimes better, sometimes worse.  It's just the way I am.  Isn't there medication for that?  Part of my controlling is because I want things to be just so, and the other part is because I really just want to help people.  I love it...helping people, not having things just so.
2. I am often times viewed as bitchy.  Here's my theory; I have certain standards.  That isn't a bad thing, really.  When judgement is used properly it can be a wonderful thing.  I could whip out 2 Bible versus that say use good, discerning judgement, for every one that says don't judge.  Example, "By all means, use your judgement, and hold onto whatever is good." 1 Thessalonians 5:21, or "Why don't you judge for yourselves what is right?" Luke 12:57.  I just like to surround myself with good people.  People that I see redeeming qualities in; good mothers & fathers, positive role models, people who see the goodness in me, loyal, nurturing, funny.  People who I can have an equally reciprocated relationship with.  It may not be even-Stevens all the time, but at the end of a life, you like to look back and say that you both learned from each other.  You could rely on one another.  When one is weak, the other is strong. 
3. I like to gossip.  There I said it.  I'm not vindictive, just curious.  I'm nosy, not mean spirited.  I don't use it to purposely hurt people.  I'm trying to teach myself that curiosity killed the cat, and quite frankly, at the end of the day, gossip gets you nowhere.  And, I don't get any personal growth for having heard it or shared it. So, why is it so darned satisfying?  I think, sometimes, it makes my life seem so normal, and normal is good.  The theory that it could always be worse.  Here's my pickle:  I KNOW it could be worse without having to hear first or second or third hand accounts of how.  This is a work in progress.
4. I'm shy.  Yes, it's true.  Sometimes, painfully so.  Because of my shyness, I do one of 2 things; overcompensate and act all loud and goofy, or sit in a corner and laugh politely here and there.  Ironically, I do NOT like to be the center of attention.  At all.  But because of one of my compensation techniques, it appears I do.  It's my way of forcing myself into a social situation, acquired many years ago when climbing social ladders was of utmost importance, which, now, I could care less about.  All too often, it backfires.  Again, a work in progress, I guess.  Old habits die hard.
5. I'm incredibly honest.  This is both good and bad.  Over the years, I've encountered many people who, although they asked for my truthfulness, couldn't handle it.  Sadly, those relationships ended.  Many of my friends and family have come to rely on my honesty.  They know I won't beat around the bush, and I'll give it to them straight.  Reciprocally, I expect the same thing from my relationships.  I'm a tough cookie, and I can handle it.  Really.  I don't think a lot would surprise me. 
6. Despite the shyness, I am confident.  I know my self-worth.  I don't let myself get walked on or abused or manipulated.  I have no room for that in my life.  I am a good judge of character, and so this hasn't really been a problem.  Because of that, I've generally tended to avoid these kinds of issues. 
7. Once you get past my seemingly snotty, controlling, OCD exterior {which doesn't take nearly as long as it might appear}, lies a very loyal, loving, supportive, faithful interior.  Even though I like to 'coffee talk', I can take a secret to the grave.  My heart is full, and my eyes are open.  I love to show people a good time, and like it when everyone is laughing.  I'm happiest sitting at home with my posse watching Disney{okay, HGTV}, and just hangin'.  I take my commitments very seriously.  Most importantly, I'm happy.  I have had much sadness in the past 5 years, but despite all of it, I've never felt more secure or content.  I have a deepened relationship with God because of these hurdles, and a renewed spirit. 

Basically, I'm too old to be interested in who doesn't like me, because I have enough good people that do. 

Is that so wrong?

I think not.

Hair today...

Good news, here.

Ohdeedoh featured Miss Rosie Kathleen's 3rd birthday party.

You can check it out right HERE.

Also, as some of you noticed...

my hair is gone.

I can't believe how much of it I had.

It filled half of a 'Chipotle' take-out bag.

{Don't you love my 'size' reference?}

I'm not gonna lie...seeing hair like that kinda grosses me out.

Anyway,

to recap,

I went from this:

To this:

Oh, wait...that's not me!

That's the sweet & fab, French actress extraordinaire, Audrey Tautou.

Silly me.

Well, I look nothing like that pretty little pixie,

but I can tell you that my hair does.

I, really, just don't feel like trying to take a close-up picture

of myself at this time.

Maybe, I'll have Rosie do it {wink, wink},

or Big Jake could do it when he gets home from work.

You'll just have to wait and see.

Peace out, pop-tarts.

hump day bullets.

• I love coffee.
• I love cannolis.
• I love cannolies with coffee.
• Rosie just farted on me.
• Thank you Julie for my gift.  You couldn't have shared it with a more font-crazy person.

Now, let's discuss this sign business...shall we?
• My filling fell out, and it's time to get it fixed.  Ouch!
• I really want this.  My running is getting way better, the Nike + iPod sensor is just what I need to take it to the next level.  It tracks your progress, and 'tells' you your times,distance, etc. while running.  And you don't need the shoes...just a pouch or a tutorial to make your own pouch.  A HUGE motivator.  For me, anyway. 
• There is only about 3 weeks of school left.  I really have to mentally prepare myself.  Last summer far exceeded my expectations!
• Jake and I leave for Louisville to see them in 24 days!
• I am in full party planning mode for Jakey's Army party. {Try doing an Army party without guns.  It's tough.}

inspiration board

• I love this goofy photo of my mom & me at my cousin's wedding on Saturday night.  She'll probably disown my for posting it, but i think it's hilarious.  I don't care how high her eyebrows are raised, she is one sexy 56-year-old.

• I want to be Ohdeedoh's next blogger.  I guess you have to apply, though, huh?
• That's all I got.

Randomness or Camera: No Batteries

image via Giver's Log

image via Send a Ball

I am in love with this idea of mailing a frisbee or an inflated ball.

Imagine how excited kids would be to get one of the above in the mail?

All you need is a firsbee or ball and the proper postage.

Genius.

Also, my cousin, Andria, is getting hitched this weekend.

My family is very close, and a wedding with us is always a good time.

It should be quite an event,

and I'm looking forward to dancing the night away with these peeps...

(ignoring Jake and my Bro-in-law in the background)...left to right:

me, Mel, Jill (my sissy), Stephanie, Emily, Andria, Tony

There are 10 of us missing from this photo.

It's a real chore getting us ALL together for a quick pic.

Maybe, Saturday is the day...

quick update...

lately, i suck as a blogger.

photoshop is on the fritz.

this puts a real damper on a couple of posts i had planned.

i feel fat.

i have a zit the size of brazil in the middle of my forehead.

that is crap because my cousin's wedding is this weekend.

i want 2 big planters for the patio.

i want good, pretty pots.

it probably won't be as cheap as i'd like.

boo.

my husband is showing me new van wheels on ebay as i type this.

how can i politely tell him to get whatever wheels he'd like because i don't care?

{i love you, jake.}

bridezillas is possibly the worst show on television.

who, on god's green earth, thinks it's okay to behave that way?

worst still, who allows people to treat them that way?

why am i so dumb that i sometimes watch it?

pete has a band-aid on his nose.

i'm not sure why.

i need to go for a run.

then to bed.

seriously.

Global responsibiltiy.

photo of a big oak in our front yard

It's Earth Day.

I must admit for a long time

(the greater part of my 32 years)

this day didn't mean a whole lot to me.

Fun activities to do at school,

themed television shows,

save the Earth,

blah, blah, blah.

Then,

I had children.

A pull to make this planet the best it could be.

For them, their children, all children.

Suddenly,

I had a new consciousnss.

An awakening to what throwing a diaper or a can

in the garbage really meant.

Chemicals in food, cleaning products, chemicals everywhere.

Now, I must admit...

my enlightenment can be shortlived at times.

I can't always get to Trader Joe's or buy the food I'd like,

I don't always want to rinse out every recyclable that crosses my path,

or is it feasible to clump earrands together to reduce my carbon footprint.

However,

I am aware.

I make a concerted effort everyday.

Rosie wore cloth diapers,

our recycle been is full to the brim every week,

I buy eco-friendly cleaning products,

buy unprocessed/organic when I can,

unplug/turn things off when not in use,

and generally, try to be less wasteful.

With 4 kids, the waste can abound at times.

Although, every little bit helps.

Really.

I could do a lot better.

No doubt.

But the distance I've come is vast.

All without burning any extra fossil fuels.

Pillows & Formspring.

My sewing machine may burn up, I've been using it so much lately. 

I've been making some new toss pillows out of the pillows I already had, because of the yellow I've added to the scheme around here.

Bonus: I taught myself how to make an envelope backing on them, so, I can wash them.  That is tres important around here. 

I think they turned out great. 

Next up, is putting the finishing touches on Betsy's Father/Daughter Dance ensemble.  Three to five-year-olds and their daddies dancing the night away!!!!  Is that not the cutest thing you could possibly imagine?!?!?

Also, recently, I've joined Formspring.  I'm not sure how long I'll stay {I guess it depends how you all respond to it}, but I think it's an interesting concept.  If you would like to ask me a question, all you need to do is submit it in the box near the bottom of my sidebars.  That's it.  Every so often, I will post the answers to those questions right here.  I will do my best to answer them as honestly as I can.  I hope you will want to play along. 

And, until I need to do otherwise...anything goes.  Just remember this is a fairly conservative blog.  :)

Come one, come all!

If you live in the South County Saint Louis area...

stop by.

There will be LOTS of fantastic junk!

Hope to see some of you there!

I may even give you a cake ball.

We'll see...