A Christmas Song a Day.

Merry Chirstmas!

May the true meaning of this holiday be in your heart!

 card by Less Ordinary Designs

Today's song is pretty spot on.

Sufjan Stevens, "Joy to the World"

Love,
Odd Girl Out

A Christmas Song a Day.

Merry Christmas Eve to you all!

Thank you for sticking with me during my little break.

It's snowing in the Lou, and for once we have nothing to do tonight, but go to church this evening.

I'm making a big dinner {maybe some candlelight}, and plenty of cookies.

So, Jake and I will be snuggling with our four littles all the night through.

I saved one of my favorites for near to the end...

This gem features my 'boyfriend' Glen, and sweet, Marketa, of course.

'The Frames' classic is revisited with some Christmas cheer in the middle.

I could weep when I hear this song.

The Swell Season, "Star, Star" {Daytrotter Session recording}

A Christmas Song a Day.

This one is so pretty.

 So, so pretty.

It's a wonderful cover.

Feist, "Lo, How a Rose E're Blooming"

A Christmas Song a Day.

Oops...I think a missed a day or two.

Sorry.

If you like synthesizers, then today's song is for you.  ;)

The Raveonettes, Christmas (Baby, Please Come Home).

A Christmas Song a Day.

You may recognize this from a Target commercial.

Or maybe not.

I didn't realize it was from the Red Bullseye's advertising campaign until I searched for a video of it on You Tube.

But, either way...Target's cool quotient has gone of the charts in the last 15 years.

Jenny O., "Get Down for the Holidays"

A Christmas Song a Day.

Low, "Just Like Christmas"

Happy Weekend!

A Christmas Song a Day.

A classic in its own right...

The Waitresses, "Christmas Wrapping".

Plus, I posted a video of one of those crazy 'light' houses that time their blinking lights to the music.

Because, as you all know...that's what Christmas is all about.

Tacky lights.

People have way too much time on their hands.

A Christmas Song a Day.

This one is on my year-long playlist.

It's just too pretty.

Hopeful.

The harmonies will knock your slipper socks off.

Ingrid Michaelson & Sara Bareilles, "Winter Song".

A Christmas Song a Day.

Today's song is a new arrangement of an old, beloved classic.

Jack Johnson, 'Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer.

Be prepared to dance around.

A Christmas Song a Day.

Now, we come to "Last Christmas"

Many of you may recognize this song as the Christmas hit originally by Wham.

Ahhhhh, Wham.  Do you remember Wham?  Those were the days.

Not.

Anywho, this is performed by Erlend Oye, and, in my humble opinion, it's better than the original.

Enjoy.

A Christmas Song a Day.

Moving on...

This fact that I'm posting this is humorous, ONLY because my mom and I were just discussing Yo Yo Ma the other day.  Definitely a topic that doesn't come up too often with my mom...or ever!

Alison Krauss is flawless.  Yo Yo is flawless.

Here is "Wexford Carole"...

A Sneaker.

Only because I know I would be uber-curious...

Happy Sunday!

A Christmas Song a Day.

Can't help it...

another Sufjan song.

He is just so good at Chirstmas...and everything else he touches.

LOVE the banjo.

Sufjan Stevens, "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel"

A Christmas Song a Day.

This one is awesome!

I love 'The Maccabees'.

I love 'The Snowman'.

I love this song.

Here is, 'Walking in the Air'.

A Christmas Song a Day.

And, the next tune...

Fleet Foxes, "White Winter Hymnal"

Another tale of winter and snow.  Not so much Christmas.

Add a crackling fire, a cup of cocoa, a glittering tree, shut your mouth and like.

A Christmas Song a Day.

Next up...

Dave & Tim.

The End.

A Christmas Song a Day.

Song trois {3}:

This one is more wintery than straight up Christmas'y.

Laura Marling, 'Goodbye England (Covered in Snow)'

Folksy, woodsy, British'y, timeless. (I like to make up words, yo.)

A Christmas Song a Day.

Second Christmas song...

Owl City, "The Christmas Song"

Upbeat, very Christmas'y on the 'Reason for the Season' scale.

Peace!

Doh! {A Christmas Song a Day}

Because I would feel completely unconnected to you all, I've decided to post one super cool Christmas song until the New Year. It's my way of still being 'around'.  How's that?  A win, win for everyone.  Easy post for me, maybe-new-to-you Christmas music.  Sounds wicked to me! Here we go...

The first installment:

Sufjan {SOOF-yahn} Stevens, 'Christmas in the Room'

Bare with me.

I have been absent for awhile.  

Not really, but 'blog' absent.

{I wanted to post a short video of sweet, lil' Ro 

swinging on the trapeze at circus class to illustrate the fact

that I feel like LESS than a graceful trapeze swinger these days,

but, alas, I am too warm and snuggly on the couch to get my phone

and upload the cuteness.}

So, here's the deal...

I am finding it hard to add regular blogging into my priorities during these crazy days

{house reno, Christmas, room mother duties, etc},

BUT I will be back.

The new year will mean a new look, 

a new me {probably not that so much}, a fresh beginning.

I added our new family photos

just because they're sweet.

Don't ya think?

So, since I'll be on hiatus...

here's wishing you and yours

a truly blessed, special Christmastime.

The most wonderful time of the year!

Hope you don't have to drink too much

eggnog to get through it in one piece!

I, for one, actually LIKE being around

my {extended} family.

One of many blessings to count this time of year.

Happy Chirstmas!

See you in 2011!

The Winner & Hump Day Ear Candy.

Congratulations!  (Ha!  You have to watch the video to know if you won!)

Now, all you need to do is email me your contact information to send along to Krystal from Cardstore.com, and a set of photo gift tags or a photo notebook are all yours!

I apologize for my 'less than scientific' way of producing a winner.  In all honesty, it's as random as any number generator, and cuter, too {even if they did JUST wake up}.  Also, please ignore the construction mess.  However, I will say, I, currently, enjoy being able to put Diet Dr.Pepper cans wherever I please, like the window sill.

Now, onto the 'ear candy'...

this Wednesday, I would like to share with you the creative mind and beautiful music of King Charles.



My personal favorite:



Check these out, too  'Time of Eternity', and 'We Didn't Start the Fire' {a rework of the REM classic 'It's the End of the World as We Know It'}.

Unfortunately, most of his brilliant music is not available in the states.  It baffles me that iTunes UK and iTunes US are two different entities.  C'mon, Apple, let's get it together and just combine the two.  This is not the first  or the last time, I'm sure, that I've encountered this issue.

He is an eclectic sort, while seemingly still maintaining all of an English gentleman's best traits.  His blog is pretty interesting, too.  

Happy Wednesday!

And, if you're still confused...#6 is Amy!  Congrats, again, Miss Amy!

Because I still got it...

and because it's 10 seconds of funny.

THE END.

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.

First ever giveaway.

It is Christmas card season.

I know a lot of you get exhausted just thinking about it.  I, on the other hand, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE sending and receiving Christmas cards.  They are a true highlight to the season for me.  I hang them as I receive them, and they are one of the final 'decorations' to come down in January.

I've been having a bit of trouble this year deciding on one I like, but luckily, the fine folks over at Cardstore.com made it easy for me.  AND, they are going to make it really easy for you this year, too.

How?

By offering you a very pleasant discount.  That's right, just for being a dear reader, you can receive 20% your card order.  All you need to do is enter the code: CSHOLIDAY20.  These cards are the real deal.  They're printed on 130 lb. matte recycled cardstock, and they have super swift turn around time.

Cool, huh?

And, to make your holidays even easier, they are offering one of you lovelies a set of personalized photo gift tags OR a personalized photo notebook (which would make the cutest gift under $20!).  Your choice.

My favorites:

the 'Santorini'

'Hanging Wreaths' gift tags

All you need to do is leave a comment and tell me about the BEST Christmas card you ever received or sent, AND what notebook or gift tags you would choose if you won.  Easy peasy!

I will close this little giveaway on Sunday, November 21st, at noon central time, and announce the winner on Monday.

Good luck!

Hump Day Ear Candy.

photo of Sam Beam by Kevin Wrenn

This fine Wednesday, I am sharing with you 'Iron and Wine', or, more simply, Sam Beam backed by various bands.

His melodies are haunting, his lyrics will stay with you for days.  He's just one cool cat.  Not to mention, the father to FIVE daughters!

I like to call his music bluesy, southern, soul, chill, folk.

It can get a bit funky, but it's always a mood regulator for me.  

This past Saturday, I had the pleasure of accompanying my husband, my sister, and my brother-in-law to see Mr.Beam, and his 'Iron and Wine' live.  {Rosie Thomas helped out with some back up vocals, and she, too, is worth looking into}.

And, yes, I had to go to the show with the 3 plaid losers. 

It was humbling.  :)

The show was beautiful. Stunning, even.  And that man is so gracious to his audience.  It was my pleasure to sit and enjoy.

The following should be enough musical bait to hook you {a Sam staple}...

If that didn't do the trick, here are two songs I shot at The Pageant on Saturday. It's a bit shaky, but the sound ain't too shabby.

I hope you find room on your IPod for a little 'Iron and Wine'.  

I'm pretty sure you won't be disappointed.

A sore subject.

Some of you may be wondering about our new house.  Heck, sometimes I wonder about it.  I wonder about it a lot, actually.

What is potentially going to be a source of great joy, and a place where many new memories and traditions will be made, is now a big rusty nail in my side.  HUGE!

My husband is a rock, and I am a sloth.  He gets everything done that he can with us being DIYers and having four little noodles it is slow going, but he is awesome.

I, on the other hand, am perpetually putting things off, because, frankly, I want to be in the new house as little as possible.  Somehow, I think by avoiding all the rehab and reno it will magically get done on it's own.

My theory is really backfiring, because through the whole scientific process, I have observed this to NOT be true.  Avoiding makes it worse.

I think because we left such a carefully loved and cared for home, it has made all of this a bit harder.

Here's what we've been dealing with over the past several weeks:

Funny how I thought the origianl 'retro' kitchen' was the pits.

If I have learned one thing during this process,

it's that to get better, it has to get worse.

As you can clearly see here.

This is the first phase of the big kitchen and surrounding areas project.

Wall removal.

It is a dirty business.

It has made a drastic change to the overall feel of the floor plan.

One I adore.

Every living space is now so open, and airy, and light filled.

But it is still rough.

Oh, so rough.

Woe is me.

Living on one layer of sub-floor has been my big sore spot.

But, a floor doesn't lay itself.

If you know of one that does, email me!

So, the problem with this is that with all the demo nothing has a place.  At night, when I do a final pick up, there is nowhere to put things away.  With 4 littles, this is the tough one, the one thing that may just push me over the fine line between sanity to craziness.

But, here's the deal...

I need perspective.  I need to quite the pity party, whine fest, and suck it up.  

It's temporary.

It will turn out great in the end.

I am one lucky chicken to be able to move into a larger home, and have the means to redo it in the first place.

I am an idiot.

An idiot living on one layer of sub-floor.

And, I'm not referring to the one in my kitchen and family room.

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.   

The last 2 days.

Okay, so, back to what this blog is really about...

a whole lot of nothing.

Marcus breakin' it down at The Valarium Monday night

photo via Facebook by Deneicee Carter

{I was there, people.  I SAW that sick belt buckle.}

Monday morning my sister, my cousin, and my friend left for an adventure.

We traveled southeast to Knoxville, Tennessee to see 'Mumford & Sons'.

It was a beautiful drive, ending through hills full of trees all dressed up for fall.

Knoxville is an awesome big, little town.  And, we were completely unaware it is home to the University of Tennessee.  Duh!

We kept seeing people with backpacks all over, and finally asked the guy at the hotel's front desk.

His answer made us really laugh at ourselves, "Um, yeah, there's a college around here.  It's just a small one across the street and a block over, only about 26,000 students.  It's called the University of Tennessee."

Nice.

The concert itself was phenomenal.  The venue was TINY.  Maybe 500.  Maybe.

Everyone stood.  Everyone sang.  Everyone bounced.

There was amazing energy.

'Lover of the Light', 'Dust Bowl Dance', and 'Roll Away Your Stone' were my favorite.  New(er) song "Broken Crown" was pretty fantastic, too.

All lovely.

King Charles and Cadillac Sky opened.  Both awesome.  Marcus played drums for some of Cadillac Sky's set, then stood slightly back stage left and watched them finish their set enjoying a beer.  So normal.

Jerry Douglas appeared for the encore.  Brilliant.

photo via Facebook by Deneicee Carter

photo via Facebook by Deneicee Carter

photo via Facebook by Deneicee Carter

Then, they had to go and do an 'Avett Brothers' cover of 'Go To Sleep' during the encore AFTER King Charles did 'Lady of the River'.  Be still my heart.

Wow!

So great!

At the end of the day, it was one of the best live shows I've been to.  

I am very fortunate to have been able to go.

outside The Valarium the next morning.

The End.

Hump day ear candy.

Meet Joanna Newsom.

She plays the harp. 

If you didn't know, that's cool.

Many of you may not know her.

She might be most famous for dating Andy Samberg.  

Which is sad.

Because she's much more than the girlfriend of one of the funniest guys on the planet.

Really.

Her sound is definitely unique.

You'll either love it or hate it.

I subscribe to the former.

My favorite:

See?

Strange, but nice.  So nice.

Have another.

'The Roots' featured her on their single, Right On.

It's amazing.

I link only because it has curse words and such.

You choose if you'd like to listen.

So funky.  So danceable.

{Told you my musical tastes are all over the place.}

Give her a try.

She creeps in.

In a good way.

Trust me.

P.S. The above images came from a Google search.  I forgot to source them, so if that ticks anyone off, I apologize. I'll do better next time when I'm not too lazy.

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'.

I have been {hearted}, and some BOO!

I'm guesting over at 'Joy's Hope' today.

{HOORAY!}  

Check it out here.

I hope your Halloween was

spooktacular!

If your little chickens had

half as much fun as mine,

I would say it was a success.

BOO!

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.

"I love it all"

Okay, so the 'Me & You' print won!  Sweet Monika over at 'i love it all' was a real pleasure to work with.  She responded to my emails in about 2.354803789 seconds, and was quick to show me a proof in my selected colors.  Isn't Etsy grand?

Anywho, Monika was thrilled that you all like her work so much, that she is offering a 20% discount to you.  Pretty sweet.

All you need to do is mention 'oddgirlout' in the notes to seller when checking out, and then, she will promptly refund 20% of your purchase total back.  Yahoooooooo!

Here are some of my favs from her shop:

Shut up...

I don't believe it that kids can be so edibley cute.

I, also, can't believe that I finally learned to use my camera, 

and Photoshop with some kind of efficiency & a small amount of 'know-how'.

Just enough to turn out some pretty special photos for very special people.

Finally, I cannot believe people I know trust me to capture such special moments.

Thank you Julie & Emily for lending me your littles.

It means so much.

I wouldn't want to be pursuing my hobby on any other subjects.

Totally not important...

I wanted a print for the master bedroom that makes

a strong, bold, graphic statement.

My favorite is out of budget...

'For Like Ever' poster by Tracy Jenkins

So, enter Etsy, and the many, many, many {too many}

more affordable options I've found.

Long story short,

I can't make a decision.

Can you help?

Option #1:

'L is for Lover' by Dear Colleen

Option #2

'Fight for It' by Studio Mela

Option #3

'Love Candy' by Made by Girl

Option #4

'Me & You' by I Love It All

Can you help?

Hump day ear candy.

Greg Laswell.

Lovely.

And, no, I don't watch 'Grey's Anatomy'. Blech!  {Sorry, 'Grey's' fans} I hear his music is featured on the show frequently enough.

Beautiful lyrics.  Beautiful voice.  Beautiful songwriting.  Beautiful covers, too.  Very different than the originals.  {Check out Cyndi Lauper's "Girls Just Want to Have Fun".  Tres unique!}

Below are some of my favorites of his...enjoy.

Finally, please tell me you all remember Kate Bush from the 80s.  Please?  Anywho, Mr.Laswell does a phenomenal cover of her famous song "This Woman's Work".  Stunning.

My music picks may seem a bit melancholy, lately.  But, for me, I find this kind of music so awakening at this time of year.  Peaceful.  Blissful.  Fallish.  That probably doesn't make much sense.  But, work with me on this one.

I'm thinking about making one monster, wicked awesome mixed playlist that will be available to download.  It will blow any mixed tape you ever received right out of the water!  Maybe, a series of four playlists...Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer.  My tastes vary widely.  Hmmmm....something to think about.

Mad Hatter.

photo by Laura Siebert

I recently read some stuff someone wrote about being a mom.  It struck me in a weird way.  Mostly because it seemed to me that this person was placing their importance in life on being a mother.  That somehow in some cosmic phenomenon their 'being' started the day they became a mom.  They said they remember and savor every moment.

What?  Whaaaaaaaaaat?

This is puzzling to me.  For many reasons.  One of which is the fact that I was just as much a person before I became a mother as I will be the day they all leave.  News flash:  they DO leave.  The day will dawn that they no longer need you, or, heartbreaking still, want you.  And, I don't know about all of you, but I forget all kinds of stuff.  Honestly, if I didn't take as many photos as I do, I would look back on the last 10 years as one big blur.  I've always said that Pete's first 3 years of life, I had amnesia or something.  Poor dude!

I wear many hats in life.  Mothering is just one.  Right now, it's a big one.  Probably the biggest.  At times it consumes me.  I'm not sure if that's bad or good.  Yet.

I am also lots of other things.  Wife, daughter, sister, friend, artist, writer, music lover, traveler, dancer, baker, chef, control freak, photographer, teacher, runner, movie critic, book addict.  Some of those things are on hold for awhile, but will eventually reenter my life.  And in the time until then, they still need to be nurtured, nudged at times. I refuse to let my identity become strictly, 'mom'.

Becuase one day {sooner than later}, even though I'll always be a mom, they won't need me smothering them; cooking & cleaning for them, volunteering at school for them, driving them around, making snacks for baseball games, taking them clothes shopping, tying their shoes, wiping their noses, clipping their nails.  So, then what.

Can you say IDENTITY CRISIS?

Guilt for awakening our other roles in life is a waste of time.  Maintain a balance in things, no over indulgence.  My kids always come first, but I make room for the other stuff from time to time.  I don't love my kids any less than a super mom.  Trust me.

I was made to be a mother, no doubt about it, but I was also made to be LOTS of other things, not quite as important.  God made us dynamic creatures.  For a reason.  All those other things that I am make me an even better mother, too.  I'm able to pass things I know and love onto my children.  More importantly, I can teach them through example that you don't have to pigeon hole yourselves into one role in life.

Amazing, isn't it?

I'm going to be honest: my life is my own.  I don't want it to become 'them'.  I do not want to live through them.  My role is to help them along the way, nurture them, teach them, care for them, love them.  Equally, I don't wish their lives to be dictated by mine.  I want them to make their own mistakes, decisions, have their own triumphs, their own interests.  The line is fine, I know, but I try.

Our best is all we can do, no matter what hat we are wearing.  Then, we have to hope it's good enough.

Yikes!

Life {from an iPhone}

A poof from HomeGoods that I didn't NEED,

but couldn't leave the store without.

You can't tell just how delicious the turquoise and red are

in this photo.

Which is a real shame!

Because it is super tasty.

Our new house is across the street from a fantastic little park.

I'm blessed enough to use my legs to drag my rotund buttocks for a run

on the trails it offers almost daily.

It is breathtaking right now.

Fall is God's gift to us after the insufferable heat of summer.

Beauty.

We love our school.

Even though, we might {MIGHT} have to switch next year.

This is a photo of the littles at the fall fun fair.

Ahhhh, Sappington Elementary...I regret if we have to part ways.

What a special place!

A small painting commissioned by my sister.

Turned out pretty good.

Better than I expected, anyway.

I may have to paint a larger one for the new digs over here.

Let's get real...

McDonald's is just too easy.

Sure the meat has ground up eyeballs, teeth, and bones in it.

Your point?

But, seriously, 

it's so GROSS.

Why do I give in?

Not often, but I do.

Eyeball meat for them, and Diet Dr.Pepper for me.  

Both toxic poison.

Where is my will power?

I suppose I don't have any.

Wah, wah.