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!

Thoughts...

**I wrote this on November 19th.  I wasn't going to publish it.  I've decided that I should.  I am leaving all the typos and spelling mistakes because I was in a fragile state of mind when I wrote it.  I think it should remain just as it is.  I am sure some think I whine too much, but I think it's important to know that tragedy to one person isn't necessarily tragedy to another.  My world has been forever changed, and I'm not sure I will ever get over it.  I try everyday.  It gets easier and easier everyday, but it is always there.  A little black spot on my heart.  The spot where I have laid to rest my idea of what I thought all of my childrens' lives would be like.  Every hope and dream I initially had for Betsy has been buried there, and in it's spot I have planted new hopes and dreams.  Different ones.  It is a learning process.  One step forward, two steps back.  Certain things trigger my mourning to surface all over again, and I quietly push those feeling back into their grave and dust myself off, and carry on.  Yes, I am selfish in that sadness.  I can admit that.  In those moments, I have to remind myself my sadness is pity for myself and the way I thought things would be, or should be.  I definitely have other worries and sadness when I think of what Betsy's future will hold.  Jake and I cannot be there for her forever, but my darkest times are when I let the evil of self-pity grip my broken heart.  Pray for me.  Pray for sweet, sweet Betsy.  And always remember...EVERYONE has a cross to bear.  No one is immune from that.**

So, I've been watching 'American Horror Story'.

Not much to report. I guess I'm still waiting for it to get as scary as everyone says it is.

But, that's not really what this post is about.

There is a character in the show named, Addi. She is an awesome person living with Down's Syndrome.

Jessica Lange plays her kind-of-psychotic-but-has-good-intentions mother. And she plays the role well.

In one of the episodes, she's upset with Addi. She asks her if she knows what people think when they see the two of them walk down the street together. She goes on to tell her that they think two things:

1. That they feel lucky they're not either of them.
2. That she {Jessica Lange} must be a hero.

I watched this episode in one of those rare, rare, rare instances that I was home alone, and I cried.

Like a baby.

I wondered if that's what people think when they see my Betsy and me.

Grateful, and full of pity.

I am no hero.

Jessica Lange's character goes onto to say, "As if I had a choice.".

I didn't. Most mothers's do not.

Oh, well, I'm sure some think there is a choice.

But to the ones that are in it, really in it...they don't.

I had a choice in making her, but not how she turned out. Not how God thought she would be most perfect.

My, how long it's taken me to realize that she is just as she should be. Perfect in every way.

My perfect little girl.

We speak a perfect language only we understand.

She walks a perfect way that only I know when she'll fall.

She loves me so perfectly, sometimes I think I might burst from it.

One day, even she'll want to leave. She'll want to spread her wings in her perfect Betsy way. And, I will have to let her go.

And it will hurt.

More than with the other 3.

And the thing is, they'll understand why it will be harder.

Those other 3 are my hero. They know so much more than the average kid their age. And they didn't have a choice either. But I'm thankful. Thankful they know that kind of love, tolerance, empathy.

They let me love her the way I need to, and they get it. Even at their tender age. They know without being told why. Sure, they will resent me, or Betsy one day, for something, at some point for having to be so patient, and lenient. But it will be fleeting.

After 7 long years, I think I'm starting to get it. Why Betsy is all mine.

And the answere is simple...because she is supposed to be.

That's it.

Whatever I learn from it, no matter what I decide to so with those lessons, it's just 'to be'.

It's exactly what I needed exactly right now.

Maybe that doesn't make sense to anyone but me.

And that's okay.

Maybe it shouldn't make sense to anyone but me.

And her perfection is what I will always need right at that very moment

It's been awhile...

I have not fallen off the face of the Earth.  Quite the opposite.  I've been firmly planted on the ground trying to get things done for the holidays.  My goal was to have the non-glamorous stuff out of the way 2 weeks before Christmas Day.  For the most part, I've accomplished that, but there is little stuff that pops up along the way.  The little detail bits that I always seem to forget year after year.

Once school let's out, I will breathe a bit easier. 

But sharing details about my schedule is a total bore.  So, I will tell you what I'm making all of the teachers, bus drivers, occupational therapists, speech therapists, physical therapists, and teacher assistants for Christmas gifts. 

I insist on handmade when possible, and useful in some way.  You can imagine my difficulty every year in coming up with something.  Honestly, if I could give them all $100 in a card I would.  We love our teachers, etc.  They deserve it without a doubt, but my pockets do not run that deep.  :(

For the men on the list above, we are doing THIS.

Assembly will take place later this week.  If you want to know where any of my supplies came from they came from here and here.  I am making some cute, vintagey red & white labels for the spice containers with clip art from here.

For the ladies on the list, we are making THESE.

They are coming along nicely.  I was able to find fun wooden spools at Hobby Lobby, and I think they make the kits look much better than the cheap plastic ones. 

These gifts are turning out cheaper than I originally budgeted for, but I think since our blood sweat and tears {mostly mine} is going into them, they are more meaningful, even if it's just a little bit.

What do you do for teacher gifts?  Do you give to your mailman, trash men, etc?  If so, what do you give?  In the past, we've given those peeps fast food bucks for a quick lunch.  You'd be amazed at what good service you'll receive when you let them know they are appreciated, too. 

If you have any questions about these projects just let me know...

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!

The cleaner side of things...

So, now that you know what our house normally looks like, you may want to pop over to 'Life Made Lovely', and see what it looks like all purdy'd up in the 'Home Made Lovely' series Heather has put together.

I think you might like it better.  Or is that just me?  Maybe so.

Either way, hop on over and show Heather {and me, too} a little love. 

True to my word.

I'm starting to think that people have a HUGE misconception about me and what my house looks like on a daily basis.

I had promised awhile back to dispell those non-truths.  I have delayed this post as long as I could.  Mostly because I don't want anyone to think I'm a mess. 

If my house looks a mess at any given moment, what must my insides look like? 

To honestly answer that question, sometimes my insides are a mess.  Even with all the healing that's occurred on my heart the last couple of years, I still have dark days.  Bad times. 

Don't we all?

 So, here you go.  This is what my house looks like most days. 

A mess.

Sometimes I feel like the messier it is, the happier I am.  The more I've learned to let go of stupid hang ups.  Keeping your house perfect all the time is a source of GREAT stress and anxiety.  It's a full time job of worry and psychoticness.  Trust me when I tell you that.  I've lived that life.

Cleaning the house to tip top shop 3+ times a week for 3 years so that Betsy's home therapists didn't think I was a failure when they came over to work with her was hell.  Because somehow having a clean and tidy house made me have it all together. 

Back then, I didn't.  Not even by a mile.

But, I wanted so badly to control the things that I could because the rest of my life seemed to be spiraling so desperately out of control.  It was a hopeless feeling.  At the time, I thought my cute, clean house was all I had.  I was blind then.  By grief, by sadness, by hopelessness, by desperation, by whatever you want to call it, but blind.

I still have work to do.  Lots.  I know this because you have no idea how badly I want to make a million and three excuses as to why it looks like this.  Which really isn't that bad considering most of the mess is pillows, clothes that need to be put down the laundry shoot, and dirty dishes in the sink, and let's face it my toliets are freshly bleached and tubs scoured out, but for me this is a disaster. 

I want to scream at the top of my lungs to the internets that this is right after getting the kids on the bus.  That this is right before I start to do my morning tidy-up routine.  That I am editing photos like a mad woman {tis the season}, and haven't been staying current on my housework.  That it's get my work done and feed the kids, or have spotless floors.  That it NEVER looks this bad.  That I plan on cleaning tomorrow when the kids DON'T have a half day of school to interrupt the progress. 

But, those are all just excuses.

See? That's what I do.  I am always trying to make excuses for things like this, so you don't think my house is, heaven forbid, messy sometimes. 

**GASP!**

I mean, what would that say about me as a person?

Would you like me less?

Would you like me more?

Would I like myself less?  More? 

It's territory I don't really want to explore, but I'm going to.

So go ahead and judge away.

I am human. 

I have four kids.

Wait a minute, are those just more excuses?

As much as I would like to, I canNOT control everything.

A lesson driven home by the birth of a baby girl that would change everything I thought I knew about life.  Thank you, Miss Betsy Jane.

Random fact about me...I HATE a closet that is left open.  HATE, HATE, HATE.  Always have for as long as I have memories. 

Hey, at least Pete made his bed this morning.  That's progress.

Someday, I'll let you see our laundry/storage area.  For now, I'm not that brave.

Some news.

Next week {Thursday to be exact}, our homestead will be featured over at 'Life Made Lovely'. 

I am always most flattered when someone I admire seems to find something redeeming about my simple little life. 

In this particular case, Heather {who has amazing style, a penchant for finding joy in the small things, and is one of the most adorable people I've ever seen}, made my day when she asked if I would let you all take a peek inside our home. 

My {emphatic} answer was, YES! 

So, during the time you have to peruse the internets before November 17th, I HIGHLY recommend checking out Heather's blog, design shop {she designed my own blog's header}. and find out more about her 'Joyful Life Library Project'. 

And check out the other incredible homes already featured in the 'Home Made Lovely' series.

My 2011 Holiday Wishlist

Because sometimes people Big Daddy needs some direction, and PLENTY of time.

Oh, who am I kidding.  We rarely even do the gift thing. 

So, I will be really irrational and make some of these items DREAM wishes.

Go big or go home.

The gifts are more fun when they're for the kids anyway.

But, just in case...

Cath Kidston Gnome Jasmine Jumper

Lensbaby Composer Lens & the Sweet 35 Optic

Hunter Original Tall Wellies in Dark Olive or Green

AlienBees B400 flash unit

Tory Burch Patent Caroline Ballet Flat in Camille Pink

a trip HERE because I heart it, and haven't been in 12 years

{can we add Scotland & Ireland this time?}

Yeah, right.

And, since I have been a good girl this year, and will be receiving every item on this list, thank you in advance, Big Daddy. 

Wink, wink.

That time of year.

Well, it's that time of year.  The time of year that I costantly feel stressed, anxious, spread too thin.

Once New Year's rolls around, I can breathe easy.

It's the holidays and everything that goes along with it {baking, parties, gift buying}, the financial aspect of the holidays and never wanting to spend what we don't have which means getting creative, which means making my head hurt, all of the school obligations, the cold/bad weather starts {which I actually love, but it adds 20 minutes onto the commute anywhere making sure 4 kids are bundled}, and all of the unexpected things that you just don't plan on happening because, let's face it, they always seem to happen in force at this time of year. {This is my finest run-on sentance to date.}

Every year, I vow to slow down, say no, enjoy the time spent with family and friends that we don't get to see that often. But every year, I fail miserably. 

Is there some magic spell I should know?  A part of the equation I'm missing?

The real tragedy is, I have so much to enjoy.  So much to be grateful for.  The obvious: husband, kids, health, home, clothes, food, a general want for nothing.  But there is also the not so obvious: a thriving start up business, a husband who has been sober for 6 1/2 months, people who appreciate my gifts of which I love to share, the realized joy of having a child with special needs, the acceptance of who I am and being comfortable in this skin.

So, I have to ask myself, what gives? 

I am alone in this struggle?

I find it so hard to be in the moment from Halloween to Christmas.  And there are so many fantastic moments to find yourself in during these months. 

What do you do to slow down, enjoy, relax?

PLEASE TELL ME! 

Please?

You could potentially save me from certain doom. 

Insta-Friday

I love these shoes.  They stink, they aren't even gray anymore, our puppy has gnawed the insole, but I don't care.  I even have two other pairs.

But, when you love something, you love it.  I am starting to fall in love with my gilded herringbone pair, but I feel like I'm cheating on the gray pair.  Woe is me.

I'm sure you've heard that my hometown team, the St.Louis Cardinals, won the World Series.  Right? Well, we did.  It was a fun night, complete with a victory dance with some amazing people.

On Tuesday, I got a call from the school nurse to come pick up Betsy.  She wasn't acting herself.  About 10 minutes after we got home she basically collapsed and crashed.  Right where she was.  Turns out she wasn't sick.  At least not for reals.  She had TMH virus.  Too much Halloween.  She was golden when she woke up.

I had the pleasure of catching an Avetts' show with some special girls.  I've learned that if you're friendly, you get VIP treatment {.  We happen to meet the promoter {no lie}.  We didn't know he was the promoter, but we had a nice convo with him, and he asked if we wanted to be closer to the boys.  Uh, YES!  He told us who he was, led us through the 'velvet rope', and voila!  It was as if they were performing just for us.  Friendliness goes a long way.  I picked up a couple of t-shirts for my little boys, too.  They thought they'd died and gone to heaven.  Once they're back in the Lou we will be taking the boys to the show.  They won't know what hit them. 

Our family pictures are next weekend.  We have the outfits nailed down, AND the awesomest prop ever.  A red convertible Olds.  Holla!  We're going to a very urban setting downtown, so I'm super excited.  Brenda will work her magic for my family as always.

So, that's what's newsworthy from my instagram.  Have a super weekend!  I know I will be dancing the night away tomorrow at our 'adult party'.  Hahahahahaha!

The Rock.

Our master bathroom sucks.  It's functional, and that's about it's only endearing quality.  Real problems, right? 

Well, it's just not in the cards for a total gut job.  {Which it desperately needs.}  It's a totally awkward space, and needs to be reconfigured.  The sink area is open to our bedroom which is strange, and that door that you see {which we screwed shut}, is a pass through to Pete's room.  The toilet and shower are to the left and are separated by the sink area by a door.  It's just a little too cuckoo-ka-choo for me. 

It was so bad, I didn't even take before photos.  Which I now regret.  The sink was peach with some sort of permanent toothpaste'ish stain in it, the vanity was a creamy color, with a faux marble finish, and you can still see the pretty floor.  Stunning as it is.  It was lovely.  Plain lovely.

It made me want to vomit every morning.  Right in that pretty peach sink.  Something had to be done.  Enter creative ingenuity.  We had some grayish/tan paint that I slapped on the walls, stupid door, and ceiling.  Then I took this {but was able to purchase the faux bois 'rocker' separately,and not the whole kit at Home Depot}, and some brown paint that we had, and did a faux bois finish on the vanity.

Then, add a white-less-than-$30 drop in sink, and it looks MUCH better.  I added the white deer head for a little towel rack, and moved my old-window-turned-accessory-holder and hung it over the hole where an old, nasty medicine cabinet randomly was.  Big Daddy also changed out the light fixture for my old favorite stand by HERE. {Yes, you can still buy them in-stores, and yes, it's an outdoor light, but who cares? They also look fab spray painted obnoxious colors, which I still may do.} 

Then, the piece de resistance...that mid-century rocker.  It's awr-some!  My mother-in-law was getting rid of it.  YES, PLEASE!  Now, I know a rocking chair seems a bit odd in a master bathroom, but it just works, ya know?  

I 'rocked' the vanity, and 'rocked' the chair. 

What can I say?  I like to rock.

Now, I just need to find an affordable oriental'ish type rug to cover up some of that floor.  Yick!  I think the reds, golds, and blues will really tie into the other colors going on in the room.  I found one I loved at HomeGoods, but when I checked the price it was $99!!!!  For a 4x3 rug?!  Pass.  Hello, Craigslist. 

We have a plan for the shower/toilet area to cover the sub-par tile on the wall, but I don't want to talk about that now.  I'm tired of typing.  But, I can assure you it will be cool & cheap, with a super-fly industrial/cottage feel. 

Someday, we will lay the leftover hardwood where the nastiness now lies, dry wall in the non-functioning door, and we will retrofit an old dresser to fit this bad girl...

In all honesty, we will probably never gut it after doing all of the above.  The hard part will be finding the right piece to fit the sink.  That may take some time.  I am NOT patient, so it will be interesting to see how this turns out. 

Time will tell...

Hump day ear candy.

Matthew and the Atlas. 

Just really fantastic stuff. 

Had a few of their songs on my ipod, but then I saw them open for Mumford & Sons back in June. 

Wow, oh, wow!

You know, the same show I that I got to sit in the sound booth.  The show that I met Marcus Mumford, Ted Dwane, and Ben Lovett.  And, yes, I stood 5 feet from Winston Marshall, but it's hardly worth mentioning because apparently he was too good to frolic with the fans.  Dumb.  The show that I found myself in the same place as the band after the show for a good hour, and had a nice chat with Ted & my cousin while I was there. It's true.  I would bore you with photos, but this post is really about Matthew & the Atlas, after all.  Okay, just one...

So, where was I?  Oh, yes...M & the A are good.  Really good.  They will actually be here Thursday night.  Not here as in my house, but here as in St.Louis.  Just to clear up any confusion.  I mean, they are more than welcome, but I'm not sure they know who the hell I am. 

My favorite...

And more...







They also do a fantastic cover of The Pogues 'Fairytale of New York'.  Listen HERE.  They are definitely worth adding to one of your playlists.  Good, good stuff. 

I think I have a banjo problem. 

Halloween ramblings.

So, I don't have a picture with the boys.  They were too busy playing in the fire pit.  We like to keep it safe in these parts.  I have a couple, but you can't even see their costumes.  I can tell you we had a sailor, a doctor, a Quidditch player, and a gladiator.  They all looked great, and more importantly, they got a ton of candy that I can steal while they are at school today.  That is a reward of parenting.  If you didn't know that, now you do.  You are welcome.

Also, I was alarmed and appalled to learn that St.Louis is one of the few places in this great country that require kids to tell a joke before they get their candy.  Always has.  Check this article out HERE.  Do your kids have to tell a joke to get their candy on Halloween?  Please tell me they do.  You hear the best jokes.  Good, clean, funny jokes.

Want to give a shout out of thanks to my sister and brother-in-law for hosting a great little party, and for sending home a TON of leftovers with us.  I wish the kids were off of school today so we could have stayed later, but alas they were not.  Which isn't entirely a bad thing because now I have more opportunity to pilfer their candy.  Too bad for them.  Too bad.

Tale of a tripod.

I took on the daunting task of taking some photos of the whole fam damily with the help of a tripod, and, my friend, Hollie firing the shutter.  I had the remote with me, but I felt better with a human pushing the button.  Sometimes, I don't like to rely solely on technology. 

The weather was cloudy, we had pelting rain 5 minutes before we did this {believe it or not}, the kids were acting like nut balls, and my Dad was worried about the rain droplets on his truck showing up in the photos.  They're not the sharpest or greatest {technically speaking}, but I think they're pretty rad.  I know, I know, I'm a bit biased. 

I cannot even tell you how long it's been since my sister and I had a photo taken with just my mom and dad.  Maybe our weddings? 

AAAAAND, I flipped when I saw how tall I was in that bottom picture.  GIANT!  A six footer to be exact. 

I was also struck with how freaking cute my Mom and Dad are.  They're still in their 30s, right?  Because that's how I see them.  Probably always will. 

So, that's it.  With a tripod...even an endeavor this lofty IS possible.  Who'da thunk?

Hump Day Ear Candy.

Just because this song always reminds me of chilly, fall days {I have no idea why} spent warm and cozy inside while reading a book with some candles burning {for ambience} under a suggly blanket...

Okay, I'll stop.

Just listen.

Adult Party?

So, we are having our second 'Grebe Fall Ball' coming up here, shortly.

Basically, it's an event we have with no kids allowed, so that our friends {most of whom are paretns}, can relax, socialize, enjoy some good food {without worrying about sharing with little hands}, and the company of friends {many of which we don't get to see all the time}. 

To say I look forward to this night is an understatement.  It is such a fun time. 

We have even had guests come in formal wear, which may or may not have included a tuxedo shirt and old bridesmaids' dresses.  I mean, we do call it a ball, right? 

Funny enough, the first year we had this soiree, I was telling some folks that they should come, and I was giving them the deets.  All I said was, "You know, it's an adult party.".  I was met with some quizzical looks. 

Apparently, an adult party to some means something totally different than what it means to me.  Ha!  I was told I didn't seem like the adult party type.  At that point, I picked up what the were puttin' down, so to speak.  I assured them there was nothing 'questionable' involved.  No strange 'toy' demonstrations, or unrated movies, or bowl of keys, if you know what I'm sayin'. 

Needless to say, I have since referreed to the party as the 'no kids allowed party', or the 'find your babysitter party', or 'mom & dad's night out party'.  But, every once in awhile I catch myself saying things, like, "Hey, Big Daddy...did you invite Bob and Suzie to the adult party?".

I must admit, it does sound a bit sketchy. 

So, the moral of the story is this, if you ever receive an invite to an adult party from me...you can rest easy.  It's not what you think.

Hump day ear candy.

So, it's been awhile. 

And, today, I thought I'd do a little something different.

Instead of sharing some of my favorite music with you {even though I have tons of stuff to share: Local Natives, Jonsi (Sigur Ros), Miike Snow, Imagine Dragons, Wye Oak, new Mumford & Sons, etc} I was going to share with you my all time favorite lyrics.

I think lyrics are a pretty powerful thing.  Sometimes they can change the entire way I feel about a song. 

Say the melody isn't a favorite, but the lyrics are magic...

Or the tune is catchy, but the lyrics are all wrong, and just don't speak to you...

See what I mean?

I think they are so important.  It's poetry.  A lot is left to interpretation.  Subjectivity. 

So, without further ado...
my favorite lyrics come from Mr.Jeff Buckley, may he rest in peace.

This is our last goodbye
I hate to feel the love between us die.
But it's over
Just hear this and then I'll go:
You gave me more to live for,
More than you'll ever know.

Well, this is our last embrace,
Must I dream and always see your face?
Why can't we overcome this wall?
Baby, maybe it's just because I didn't know you at all.

Kiss me, please kiss me,
But kiss me out of desire, babe, and not consolation.
Oh, you know it makes me so angry 'cause I know that in time
I'll only make you cry, this is our last goodbye...

~Excerpt from "Last Goodbye" written by Jeff Buckley

Sigh.

I know, right?

Those words get me every time. 

The thing is, they really aren't relevant to me in my life.  Call me lucky in love, I suppose. But, the reason I think I adore these words so, is because they have the power to make me feel a deep sadness about something I don't know much about. Heartbreak.

They evoke so many emotions. I think that's what a good song {lyrically & otherwise} should do.  I think these words above others always stick out to me because even though I haven't experienced severe heartache in the love department, it still stirs something inside me.

Sort of like 'Wuthering Heights'.  Don't even get me started on that one!

That sounds totally cheesy.  Kraft Macaroni and Cheese.  But, geez, that is why I LOVE MUSIC!

There just isn't a good way to articulate it.  At all.

So what does it for you? Lyrically speaking? 

I'd LOVE to know.

Unless, of course, it's Lady Gaga, "Poker Face":

I won't tell you that I love you
Kiss or hug you
Cause I'm bluffin' with my muffin
I'm not lyin' I'm just stunnin' with my love-glue-gunning

Which, I'm sure every good crafter out there can appreciate, but c'mon...not a lot of substance, ya know?

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. 

FYI...

This parenting gig is hard.  Really hard.  That is all.

To bunk or not to bunk?

image via Dmagazine, photo by Stephen Karlisch

So, we've only been here for about a year, but I'm thinking about {per Rosie's urging} putting bunk beds in the girls' room.  They can use the ones the boys used to sleep in. 

It really would give them a lot more room since they have a shared space.  I could even give them a little art table, ballet barre and mirror, and a dress-up center.  Sounds like a long list of pros. 

The big con...talking Big Daddy into moving things around and putting the bunks back together.  Yikes!  That is a BIG CON!  I think he is done with house projects for awhile.  {Little does he know the master bathroom reno looms in his future.}

IF I can work my magic on the old man, I have another big idea to try a simple mural the girls' bedroom.  I'm loving the pagoda in the image above.  One of those in glossy red would fit perfectly on the wall space next to their closet. 

What to do, what to do?



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!