bittersweet loveliness

home for breakfast

2009-02-26T08:28:00.000-08:00

the boys are home for 2 days so we celebrated with a pancake breakfast. They thought I was weird for taking photos of the eggs and cakes. Well I guess I am.

starting fresh

2009-02-14T19:42:00.001-08:00

I am starting fresh with a new business and a commitment to record my thoughts and activities and photos here again. Here's to new beginnings..........

Yes we can.

2008-11-06T20:43:00.000-08:00

A busy life

2008-10-26T04:39:00.000-07:00

It's almost Halloween and I have not posted something for so long. We are here in our little corner of the world enjoying learning, soccer, theatre, first loves, growing up and bright, cool and crisp Fall weather. Though it may not appear so in the photo, this was most intense rainbow I have ever seen. Rainbows always give me hope.

apples and sunflowers

2008-09-09T18:24:00.000-07:00

Here is what I am seeing in our neglected corner of the world. With Mama in school some things just fall by the wayside, like yard and garden maintenance. These are the prettys I see out there. I have to look at the beauty and forget the rest. School is a lot of information and learning techniques for different treatments. It is both exciting and intimidating. When I perform on another of my classmates I enjoy it but also I am very nervous and feel like I'm constantly making mistakes. It's a lot harder than it looks! So much to remember and many subtle nuances about how much pressure to apply, what order to do each step, which custom ingredients to use for each client. It is a real growing and learning time for me and I love it. Very, very exhausting though for all of us. Thanks to my family for standing behind me.

School Daze

2008-08-25T12:08:00.000-07:00

I have enjoyed my first two weeks of school immensely! I am learning so much all at once and getting to know new people and navigating the hairy world of commuting. I am fascinated by the skin and how it responds to what we feed it inside and out. It's like a sponge and it protects us so well! My family has gotten along with flying colors and I appreciate and love them so so much. So far I am feeling pretty good about this decision and looking forward to reaping the benefits of my knowledge. My teachers have been wonderful and I even found a great classmate to carpool with. She is amazing and I feel like I have known her for ages. All in all it is definitely a more hectic pace than I am used to but it has been doable for everyone. Next up is our umpteenth Labor Day Party! More on that later.I am happy and excited about the prospect of becoming a Skin Care Specialist.

A break for me

2008-08-18T17:46:00.000-07:00

I'll be posting randomly for awhile because I am training to become an Aesthetician.The definition of which is- "A person who is knowledgeable about the nature and appreciation of beauty" I am hoping I can help people feel good while discovering their own inner beauty. So far so good, the class has been fun and I like the group. A lot of very different personalities. I will definitely post photos, maybe I'll do a photo project for the Fall.

stripey feet

2008-08-11T18:52:00.000-07:00

Thought I'd post a picture of these cute little stripey toes.

Happy Anniversary and Happy Love Thursday!

2008-08-07T06:46:00.001-07:00

Images

2008-08-02T07:27:00.000-07:00

Being Born and Love Thursday

2008-07-31T07:08:00.000-07:00

Women of the United States need to be empowered when it comes to making choices about giving birth. This is a step in the right direction.

Cousins!

2008-07-30T19:42:00.000-07:00

We visited my sister Susan and her husband and family over the weekend and the kids had so much fun. We went swimming daily had a trip to a water park with a huge steep water slide and spent a few hours enjoying a sculpture exhibit and all of the plants at the Missouri Botanical Gardens. Grandpa Sam was there too so he was able to see how big everyone has grown. I am glad we are close enough so we can see each other throughout the year and the kids can make connections with their cousins.They all really enjoy being together and playing nonstop and I get to catch up with Susan too.

The Lovely Fosters!

2008-07-25T07:40:00.000-07:00

We had our lovely friends the Fosters here for a long visit. The kids played nonstop and I got to catch up with Tess and hang out with "Baby Libess". She called me "Mama Libess" because we are both Elizabeths.It felt great to have them with us and I wish so badly they were closer. It is really hard to have a friend like Tess move away. I can share everything with her and feel supported by her love and friendship. We would make excellent room mates! Her family is so sweet and fun and just cool to have around. It was a whirlwind of lemonade stands, sleepovers, movies, and playtime here and in the country. We miss them and we love them so much.

Wordle is fun!

2008-07-22T12:40:00.000-07:00

Wordle
I just discovered this fun website,thanks to FIMBY called Wordle. It has limitless possibilities. We had a long and lovely visit with good friends, hence the absence of posts. I'll be sharing some of that goodness soon so until then, try Wordle!

Farm visit

2008-07-08T10:51:00.000-07:00

I always have such a good time when we visit our friends on their sheep farm. They are so lovely and gracious and leave me with such a feeling of pure love.

Happy Birthday America!

2008-07-06T13:21:00.001-07:00

2008-07-01T14:30:00.000-07:00

"The positive mind has extra solving power."

We're back

2008-06-26T07:00:00.000-07:00

We toured, we biked, we admired, we ate, we took it all in. Now, we are glad to be home.

pure bliss

2008-06-04T11:16:00.000-07:00

A boy+ a bike+ a dog + a mud puddle+ a dirt mound= pure bliss.

tea party

2008-06-03T07:07:00.000-07:00

Even with a 13, 10 and 7 year old two of whom are boys, we still love dressing up for a tea party. Our dress up basket has seen more vigorous use in the past but every now and then we have a resurgence of interest. Here they are with a friend enjoying a lovely spread of blueberry waffles and orange juice. I love seeing everyone's personal style and reinvention come through.

fit momma

2008-05-28T13:39:00.001-07:00

fit momma, originally uploaded by lolitasedita.

This is my entry to the "Fit" photo contest at Shutter Sisters. I participated in the Regional Yoga Championships last September after completing a 30 day challenge by attending class 30 days in a row. I greatly improved my practice and accomplished much through challenging myself physically and personally. I wanna win the wii fit challenge!

School's out for Summer!

2008-05-23T10:06:00.000-07:00

We are so ready for some summer fun! We attended the annual Art Togeau in our town and had supper at the lake with the Grandparents. The water was cold but the sunshine was warm.We look forward to- a family road -trip-sleepovers-seeing cousins-movies-popsicles-swimming-potlucks-picnics-reading-taking photos-starry nights...............

first salad and thrifted bowl

2008-05-20T12:10:00.001-07:00

We had our first garden salad last night and it was divine. The perfectly balanced vinaigrette along with the tender fresh greens was delicious. I also found this bright little bowl at the Social Service League, a thrift shop just a block from my house. I love the summery colors of the bowl and this card together.

Love Thursday-WILCO!

2008-05-15T09:46:00.000-07:00

We had a great evening of music just two blocks from home. WILCO played a concert in downtown Lawrence. We have loved them for a long time and been to see them in Columbia, MO but to have them play right in our back yard was amazing! Almost every night of his first year of life, Will fell asleep to the song "California Stars" He has always known it as his song and we were able to e-mail a request for this special song for Will. They played it and it was a perfect moment for him and our family. Music is love.

me, in profile

2008-05-13T13:27:00.000-07:00

Controversy

2008-05-13T08:41:00.000-07:00

I didn't know of the little controversy surrounding this photo. (see previous post) There is a heated debate as to whether or not it is real. I wondered myself but even though I wasn't sure I thought it was cool so I decided to share it here and through e-mail. Many people say it's physically impossible, some say it''s been photoshopped and others claim it as their own or a family member's. I don't know for sure but I think it's a neat image nonetheless.

Happy Mother's Day!

2008-05-11T12:13:00.001-07:00

A friend sent me this amazing image today. Enjoy!

A Faerie Tale Told

2008-05-09T16:08:00.000-07:00

These are the photos I sent to my swap person for the Nectar and Light April Photo Trade. The theme was "A Faerie Tale Told" I couldn't choose just one so I kept clicking. It was such fun!

Love Thursday

2008-05-08T06:07:00.001-07:00

I "heart" lilacs!

me, me , me

2008-05-06T17:51:00.000-07:00

Here is a shot Rowan took of his Mom while home playing hooky from 1st grade. Everyone, including me, is sick of school!

Absconded!

2008-05-05T07:22:00.000-07:00

This weekend Sophie absconded with the camera and produced a few choice shots. All of my wandering around taking photos of anything and everything gave her ideas. I am so happy to see her trying out self portraits and taking walks with an eye towards observing the world in her own way.I have inspired a teenager to get behind the lens, go me! I am really looking forward to summertime with my lovies at home and on the road moving at a slower pace and taking photographs along the way.

trial by error

2008-05-02T07:33:00.000-07:00

I am finding that the most fun I am having with this blog is experimenting with photography. I like to record our happenings and projects too, but playing with the camera is really giving me a creative outlet. I am participating in The Photo Trade at Nectar and Light, and I have found it quite gratifying, not to mention the fun I've had with my co-conspirator and models. Muchas Gracias to Jen for the great idea. Whoa, I just learned how to insert these links so I went a little batty there. The point is, I am so much less self conscious about taking shots, planned and spontaneous, and while the results are not always what I intend(see above white space), I am learning so much about myself and how I see the world around me.I also love documenting bits and pieces of our lives. I owe this awakening to the inspiring women over at Shutter Sisters for a daily dose of wisdom and exploration. Their sense of adventure and zest for life with all of it's nuances and complexities, gives me hope. In a short time, I have become more aware of the heartbreaking beauty that surrounds me. For this, I am eternally grateful.

Love Thursday

2008-05-01T06:59:00.001-07:00

Show some love! Happy Love Thursday! xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

little hands

2008-04-30T11:52:00.001-07:00

Little hands digging and little hands making music.

Best Shot Monday

2008-04-28T08:39:00.001-07:00

Here is my best shot during a whirlwind weekend of Jr. High duct tape dances,
History Day contests, soccer stars and neighborhood kickball matches.

5 things in a perfect day

2008-04-25T09:46:00.000-07:00

I just read a blog post at my topography, challenging us to think about what we would do in a "perfect" month if we could choose anything. Then, pick 5 things you would do every day in that time. Hmmmmmmm. After I drank a good, steaming cup of coffee out of my favorite mug, I would.

1. wake up to snuggles and love from my three beautiful children
2. create something beautiful
3. practice yoga
4. read something engaging
5. sing

we LOVE thunderstorms!

2008-04-24T10:12:00.001-07:00

Good Granola

2008-04-22T09:17:00.000-07:00

This is my favorite granola of late. Easy and very yummy as Rowan can attest to.
Good Granola
preheat oven to 300 degrees

dry ingredients-

4 C rolled oats
1/8 C wheat bran
Any combination of nuts to equal 1 1/2 C, I use sesame seeds, slivered almonds and pumpkin seeds it's ok to use less nuts and add more of the oats and bran if you like it less nutty.
3/4 C flaked coconut (optional)

wet ingredients-

1/3 C oil canola or safflower oil or other similar type of mild tasting oil
3T brown sugar
1T molasses
2T water

Mix dry ingredients together in a large bowl, set aside. Whisk together wet ingredients in a smaller bowl then pour over dry. Stir with a wooden spoon or hands to coat thoroughly, (kids love to mix stuff with their hands) Spread on a large cookie sheet brushed with oil or use a silpat liner and bake for 40 minutes until golden. Stir every 15 minutes throughout baking time. Viola! Yummy with milk, yogurt, or as a topping for ice cream too!

fun with my camera on a Saturday in April

2008-04-22T09:05:00.001-07:00

little shoots

2008-04-21T10:35:00.001-07:00

here are the first new pea shoots sprouting up out of the brown earth. We spent much time in the yard picking up. Pete cleaned the pond and he and the boys went and bought new goldfish. So much promise and hope with all of the blooming bulbs and budding trees, it just makes you smile!

my garden

2008-04-17T07:40:00.000-07:00

Oh my, after a long winter I crept out into the garden. Here is what I witnessed; piles all around, piles of wood , piles of leaves and piles of Lucy presents. It needs a major overhaul which starts me feeling anxious and defeated before I even begin. I have a good sized space with many plantings, many of which need a makeover, but since we are planning an addition some of that is on hold until that is complete. Oh yeah, along side those piles, I saw daffodils, tulips and violets blooming, buds on the redbud tree and the viburnum and peony shoots that have seemingly grown a foot overnight! Why is it that my eye is inevitably drawn to the imperfections instead of the beauty? I focus on these shortcomings in my yard and home and especially in myself. Why am I conditioned to see the best in others but I don't give myself or my own family even a tiny break? I am often paralyzed by the tasks before me, feeling I may not do it right or I don't have enough time to finish. What if I give myself permission to be a work in progress along with everybody else? What if I give myself permission to be good enough? What if I say "could" instead of "should" all of the time? "I could clean up a corner of the yard." instead of "I should have this place cleaned up!" It opens up the possibilities rather than reprimanding me with the "should haves" I believe the words we choose in our inner dialog affect how we feel about ourselves and others.I want to see beauty in the imperfect world and imagine what can be, not what should have been.

haircut # 2

2008-04-16T08:49:00.000-07:00

Better but maybe even shorter next time.

haircut #1

2008-04-16T08:44:00.000-07:00

Eddie Van Halen or Keith Partridge?

A few things

2008-04-14T07:11:00.001-07:00

This weekend we had a birthday party for Papa, went to the Bodies Revealed exhibit at Union Station, and went to the final Jayhawk Parade.

camera happy

2008-04-10T11:06:00.001-07:00

Here are a couple of pictures I took on a walk the other day. I am sick as a dog so that's all for now.

Champions!

2008-04-08T07:38:00.000-07:00

Congratulations 2008 Kansas Jayhawks! Thanks for the fun, we've enjoyed every minute of it.

assertive/aggresive/flexible/indulgent

2008-04-07T09:03:00.000-07:00

Teaching our children, especially our girls to stand up for themselves can be tricky business. I see that it can be tough for Sophie to distinguish subtle differences between being assertive and say, argumentative or between me being flexible and understanding but not overindulgent. I tend to err on the side of permissiveness and then have to pull hard on the reins to regain my footing as a parent. I want her to have freedom and choices but I want to reinforce those choices with some accountability at home. She so much wants to be let loose in the world when some days all I want to do is shut the door and snuggle under the blankets as we did when she was small. I want to protect her from the pain of adolescence while letting her create her own boundaries, which means allowing the hurt and being there to pick up the pieces and being empathetic but not overly empathetic. It is such a strange balancing act of supporting but not propping them up. I think I am at least doing some of it right as she still talks to me openly about so many things and still gives me lots of love along with the eye rolling exasperation as well. I'm always learning patience from this tough/beautiful/strong/intelligent girl.

Macro

2008-04-07T08:55:00.000-07:00

Here are a few close up experiments with some of our first daffodils, I think I need to shoot more think less!

baby chicks

2008-03-31T08:07:00.000-07:00

Introducing the baby chicks!

Force #2, Jayhawks Finally Final 4!

2008-03-31T07:37:00.000-07:00

We had a busy weekend of soccer playing and basketball watching. Will's team hosted a tournament here in Lawrence and his team the Kaw Valley Force made it to the finals. Will scored 3 goals over the weekend and also had a couple of assists. They worked hard all weekend and came in second yesterday afternoon. We are very proud of all the boys and they enjoyed playing a tourney at home. At the same time the Jayhawks were battling it out with Davidson for a chance to go to the Final 4. They came through in the end and it seemed all of Lawrence went downtown to Mass street to join in the celebration. It was a riotous gathering of happy people and a small band formed playing KU fight songs on the corner of 8th and Mass to a crowd of appreciative listeners. We sure have had fun cheering them on this year and this makes it sweeter still.

Go Hawks!

2008-03-28T21:33:00.000-07:00

Kansas Jayhawks basketball! We love em!
file:///Users/elizabethlaufer/Desktop/www2.ljworld.com:.webloc

The Bearer of Bad news

2008-03-27T07:40:00.000-07:00

Why as a parent do I always have to be the bearer of bad news? "No, you can't have any more cookies, it's time to get off the wii, come inside from your glorious game, turn off the computer, come home from the friend's house, brush your teeth and go to sleep!" When I bring the news I am often greeted by disappointment and sometimes disgust and contempt for the messenger. I am always trying to wreck their fun, "Clean up! Get dressed! No, we can't have any more chips, juice, cereal,cake, ice cream, chocolate........ I want to be the one who brings the good news. "Hey everyone it's time to play naked soccer in the family room! and have root beer floats and play in the mud for 6 hours and not have to clean up before we go in to play more games and eat as much as we want and never bathe or wash the dishes!" Just call me Peter Pan okay?

Waiting

2008-03-26T10:39:00.001-07:00

I am waiting for Spring Fever to hit me. I haven't felt too much like digging in the dirt yet and the dull grayness of the days is getting to me. I enjoyed having the kids home for Spring Break.We did some fun projects and watched a lot of college basketball. I guess it's a bit quiet now that they are back to school.I promised each of them I would make a lunch bag to carry to school as the ones they have now are falling to pieces. I'll post pictures when I finish. Here's a little pick me up, crocuses bursting forth.

just shoot it!

2008-03-23T15:50:00.000-07:00

I took this photo into the sun on a walk with a bunch of kids and a dog. I like it.

Happy Easter!

2008-03-23T15:40:00.000-07:00

We dyed a few eggs and made some cool felt ones. So easy peasy and cool looking. I'll post a pic later, I forgot to take one before I downloaded the camera. In the meantime here is a bunch of the old fashioned hard boiled kind!

A 5 minute poem

2008-03-21T07:25:00.000-07:00

The moon shines brightly,
glowing yellow against the newly fallen snow.
A sight that only owls may see. written by Sophie Happy Spring!

Wet St. Patty's Day

2008-03-17T15:17:00.000-07:00

We went down to the St. Patrick's Day parade on Massachusetts St. with some friends and it was super sloshy and wet! The parade crowd was definitely thinner than on a nicer day but the kids braved it out and came home with quite a bit of parade loot, including candy, fake tattoos and a good share of mardi gras beads. We came home to a warm house, dry clothes and steamy mugs of hot chocolate.

self portrait

2008-03-15T08:55:00.001-07:00

Love Thursday

2008-03-13T09:58:00.001-07:00

Water, precious water.

2008-03-13T09:19:00.000-07:00

Saturday morning a city trucked stopped by our house to inform us that our water line had ruptured and they would be shutting it off. Pete called his friend Kenny the plumber who came over to survey the situation. He might be able to get someone here to dig by Monday. Okay, I guess we can make do for two days w/o the luxury of bathing. We purchased some drinking water and filled up buckets from the neighbors hose in order to flush the toilet.We informed the kids "No flushing unless absolutely necessary" you know the rhyme "if it's yellow let it mellow............" Monday came and went and they weren't able to get here until Wednesday....afternoon! Sophie and I finally went to our dear friends Kellie and Greg's to bathe, and I bought some baby wipes for cleaning up hands and faces etc. This means no washing dishes, no laundry, brushing teeth is a lesson in conservation and hauling a 5 gallon bucket over every time you want to flush. By Wednesday we were pretty cranky. Pete kept the 5 gallons filled most of the time and the boys could have cared less abut bathing, they thought it was great not to have to wash regularly. We were almost out of clothes and patience when before dark on Wednesday evening, the water began to flow in our house again! Rejoice! Water, glorious water, may I never take you for granted.

Proud moment

2008-03-10T07:24:00.000-07:00

Here is Sophie and her partner setting up their display for the district competition for National History Day. The theme was "Conflict and Compromise" and their topic was Brown vs Board of Education the conflict within the black community They came in 1st in the Junior division and now are headed to the state competition. It has been a really good experience for the girls with lots of research and hard work. Check out the NHD website for more information. http://www.nationalhistoryday.org/

thrifty dress

2008-03-10T07:06:00.001-07:00

Here's a dress I found on my latest trip to the Goodwill store. You have to love a purple dress with ruffles just the right size!

friends

2008-03-10T05:48:00.001-07:00

When my children were small I regularly got together with friends at the park or at our homes to chat and have coffee while our children played. Now, not so much. I miss seeing those people but everyone's schedule has changed, my kids are in school and we don't spend much time hanging out at the park. Last week I made a pot of coffee and a batch of scones and had two friends over for a visit. It was a good reminder that I need to connect with people and not just randomly, but on purpose. Lively conversation+strong coffee+a delicious bite to eat=happy afternoon.

Love Thursdays

2008-03-06T18:25:00.001-08:00

old friends

2008-03-04T14:47:00.000-08:00

I got the chance to talk with a very dear friend of mine last night. I have known her since 7th grade and she just had a baby in January. I love how I can talk to her as if we talked last week when it has been ages. I wish I could reach through the airwaves and give her a big hug and hold her little baby for awhile. Having a baby is so beautiful and such a special time but while talking with her I also remembered how vulnerable it makes you feel. It leaves you completely bare and open and raw and tender. The metamorphosis is gradual through pregnancy but as soon as you hold that precious new life, something inside opens up and you burst out of the chrysalis a brand new being, a Mother. It truly is bittersweet loveliness and nothing is the same again, ever.

my sweet boys

2008-03-03T08:03:00.000-08:00

I can see clearly now!

2008-03-01T06:53:00.000-08:00

It is sunny with blue skies and the forecast is for 60 degrees here today! It is such a great relief. Happy Saturday!

10 things

2008-02-25T08:02:00.000-08:00

I've decided to take a cue from one of my favorite blogs, "soulemama" and list 10 things that make me happy to take the edge off of the February blues.

1. baking fresh bread.
2. my two February birthday boys.
3. hearing my children play the piano.
4. looking at a brand new magazine.
5. new stationary.
6. rubbing Lucy's ears.
7. Pete's warm feet on my icy ones under the covers.
8. clean sheets.
9. Sophie's smile.
10. SUNSHINE!

I couldn't resist

2008-02-22T18:46:00.000-08:00

I couldn't resist posting this one too. I got these Ya pears at the store today and had to use them in my photo project but I couldn't decide which one to use so I sneaked this one in at the end.

day 30 the end and the beginning

2008-02-22T18:30:00.001-08:00

Here is the last installment in the 30 day photo project. I have renewed my interest in taking pictures and had a lot of fun observing the world in a new way. I plan on continuing posting photos as often as I can and pushing the limits of my little camera. My eyes are opening and my world is expanding.

day 29 swirly colors

2008-02-21T08:04:00.000-08:00

day 28 the light inside

2008-02-21T08:03:00.001-08:00

day 27 Goodwill score

2008-02-20T07:45:00.000-08:00

I bought two of these babies for $4.98 yesterday at Goodwill. I can't wait to pick out a bright retro-y fabric to recover them with. They are super sturdy and the ere is an inlaid medallion on the legs that says Gunlocke Chair Company, Dallas-New York. At least thats what I think it says, it's in a difficult place to read and very small, or maybe I just need some glasses. At any rate they look to me like they belong in Bruce Wayne's study with some 60s hipster sitting in them discussing poetry and smoking a pipe.

busted

2008-02-20T07:29:00.001-08:00

My children have a sense of smell that rivals a narcotics sniffing German shepherd. The other evening when the children were all in bed, I prepared two plates of the leftover chocolate ganache cake for Pete and I to have together. I put the whipped cream and raspberry sauce on the plates in sweet anticipation of our night time child- free treat. I took a tiny taste of the whipped cream from the spoon and put it in the sink. A few minutes later I went up to kiss Rowan goodnight. After the kiss he said "Why do you smell like baking?" I asked what he meant and he replied "You smell like that stuff in the bottle in the cabinet with the olive oil." I replied innocently, "Oh, do you mean vanilla?" "Yes" he said, "that's it, why do you smell like that?" I came up with some lame cover up that he seemed to buy and he drifted off to sleep. I remember when Sophie and Will were small and I would sneak a handful of chocolate chips for a little pick me up and they never failed to catch me as sat down to read a story. "Why do you smell like chocolate?" they demanded. "We want some!" and off they would run in search of my secret stash. It's tough to get anything past those well trained noses.

day 26 muck and mud

2008-02-19T07:25:00.001-08:00

It's a sad day when you try to build a snowman and it turns out like this!

day 25 thrift shop discovery

2008-02-18T11:15:00.001-08:00

balancing acts

2008-02-18T09:20:00.001-08:00

Whew, we had a very crazy- busy weekend. Soccer tournament for Will History Day research for Sophie and a piano recital for all three kids. It can be exhausting but we all really enjoy each activity. Will's team came in 1st in a futsal tourney in Kansas City. He had a blast and did very well but he is wiped out this Monday morning. Sophie and her friend Sophie T. are close to finishing up their project for the regional competition for National History Day. They have spent many hours planning and researching and their exhibit is excellent. It has been a learning experience for everyone involved. Everyone played a piece they have been working on for a Winter piano recital and they all did great. I wonder sometimes if we keep them too busy. I do think it's good for them to work and play hard and they also have plenty of times when they are at home or relaxing with friends. Too much hanging around time turns into a problem as well. I guess it's all about balance and balance is a constantly changing act. Balancing work and play, nutritious food with treats, wild and crazy time with calm and peaceful time. Oh wait, I forgot about some calm and peaceful time! That's right around 10 pm when Rowan finally has had his last snack/drink/potty break/bad dream discussion and the house is silent and little (and big) bodies are still.

day 24

2008-02-17T09:00:00.001-08:00

day 23 mmmmmmm.............heaven

2008-02-15T16:05:00.000-08:00

This is the chocolate ganache cake in the making. It was simply so beautifully yummy and creamy and chocolaty. I wanted some Chambord for the raspberry sauce and my friendly neighborhood liquor shop owner sold me a diminutive bottle just right for my purposes. I want to make one of these for everyone I know. One of my favorite people came over today and I was able to share the treat with her while we caught up a bit. There is nothing like sublime chocolate and conversation to make your day a little brighter, even in dreary February.

day 22 valentine love

2008-02-14T09:07:00.001-08:00

here's Lucy sniffing the 3 roses Pete gave me this am. She thought I was giving her a drink. We went to Allen Fieldhouse last night and watched the Lady Jayhawks beat Colorado. It was fun and each child brought a friend along. Today I'm making a Chocolate Ganache Tart that I learned how to do from a chocolate treat class that Pete gave me for my birthday. It is very easy and divinely delicious. I'll post the recipe later.

day 21

2008-02-14T07:04:00.001-08:00

day 20 blood orange designs

2008-02-13T06:10:00.000-08:00

I'm dreaming of................ blood orange marmalade mmmmmmmmmmmm

Gocco love

2008-02-11T20:37:00.000-08:00

I inked up the Gocco for the first time tonight and it was like magic! I drew a little valentine and cut up a brown paper sack and voila! I made about 30 of these in 15 minutes. Very easy and not messy at all. The kids are going to embellish them to give away at school on Thursday. Oh the possibilities................I am so excited to have discovered this lovely little machine.

day 19 sisterly love

2008-02-11T20:09:00.001-08:00

Here is the plate Sophie made for Will on the occasion of his 10th birthday. He danced around the kitchen and proceeded to christen it with some tacos.

day 18 gratitude

2008-02-10T20:41:00.000-08:00

These are Rowan's thank yous for his birthday gifts. I only had to give him the supplies,and his sister got out a box full of ink pads and stamps and he went to town. Each letter lovingly thanks the giver and mentions the gift as well. He used his neatest penmanship and worked diligently without any input from me. I am very proud of the results of his hard work.

day 17

2008-02-10T06:59:00.000-08:00

day 16

2008-02-08T21:01:00.001-08:00

gocco here!

2008-02-08T20:57:00.000-08:00

I bought a gocco and the bulbs and screens came in the mail today! I can't wait to try it out. I have never done anything like this before but I have lots of ideas brewing!

day 15 let's eat cake!

2008-02-08T07:42:00.000-08:00

sweet Willy

2008-02-07T09:57:00.000-08:00

My Will is 10 years old! I could burst with all of the jumbly loving feelings I have. He was born at home with Papa and Sophie and friends by our side. He got stuck(shoulder distocia) and Fran and I had to do some wrangling together to get him out. He was a beautiful dark baby boy with a mass of black hair. Now he is a blond soccer star with a good heart and strong body. He makes friends easy wherever he goes and he's curious and smart and loves math and reading. This year he transitioned from homeschooling to 4th grade at New York Elementary and he is a shining star. He is a sweet, sensitive boy with a very strong "will" (the name fits) and we love every inch of him. Happy Birthday Will!

day 14 the snowy day

2008-02-06T18:17:00.001-08:00

experiments

2008-02-05T09:41:00.000-08:00

here are some photos I took using a cardboard tube around the lens. I got the idea from a website called "shutter sisters"

day 13 chilled to the bone

2008-02-05T09:33:00.000-08:00

Despite the cold, wet and dreary day the children were in happy spirits this morning. It makes me a bit snail like and unfocused.

day 12 blue jean baby

2008-02-04T10:07:00.000-08:00

Here's what I have in store today. I let it pile up and now I'm on the laundry track. Football watching was actually fun! I haven't watched a Super Bowl in at least 15 years and that was about as exciting as it gets. At first I was hoping the Patriots would go undefeated but over the course of the week I started having a tiny crush on Eli Manning and last night I was pretty much rooting for the underdogs. What a scramble and hustle!

day 11 lucy's new toy

2008-02-04T10:02:00.000-08:00

As you can see I am having to be creative in finding things to photograph. Yucky grey cold and wet weather makes outdoors pretty unappealing.

day 10 birthday bash

2008-02-02T22:39:00.001-08:00

day 9

2008-02-01T21:13:00.000-08:00

Sophie playing her Sonatina.

goodbye chickens

2008-02-01T21:00:00.000-08:00

Pete went out tonight to feed the girls and shut them in for the night and could only find one of the brood alive. Two missing and one headless. It could be the work of a neighborhood dog or maybe a fox that has been seen around lately. I am so, so sad about this. Maybe I'm not cut out to be a farm girl, if it comes with the reality of chicken massacres. They were doing so well and giving us about three eggs each day. I didn't have the heart to tell the boys before they went to bed tonight. Sophie heard Pete and I talking about it and gave me a sweet bit of comfort with a hug and some company in the kitchen after I heard the news and searched for awhile outside for a sign of the others. Maybe they'll turn up in the morning.

day 9 the birthday project

2008-01-31T16:29:00.001-08:00

Rowan turns 7 on Saturday and I am making a little sweet something for my baby boy. It will be a soft pillow cover for him to lay his head on at night while he dreams of soccer goals and skateboards and snowballs.

day 8

2008-01-30T13:58:00.000-08:00

bittersweet loveliness

home for breakfast

starting fresh

Yes we can.

A busy life

apples and sunflowers

School Daze

A break for me

stripey feet

Happy Anniversary and Happy Love Thursday!

Images

Being Born and Love Thursday

Cousins!

The Lovely Fosters!

Wordle is fun!

Farm visit

Happy Birthday America!

We're back

pure bliss

tea party

fit momma

School's out for Summer!

first salad and thrifted bowl

Love Thursday-WILCO!

me, in profile

Controversy

Happy Mother's Day!

A Faerie Tale Told

Love Thursday

me, me , me

Absconded!

trial by error

Love Thursday

little hands

Best Shot Monday

5 things in a *perfect* day

we LOVE thunderstorms!

Good Granola

fun with my camera on a Saturday in April

little shoots

my garden

haircut # 2

haircut #1

A few things

camera happy

Champions!

assertive/aggresive/flexible/indulgent

Macro

baby chicks

Force #2, Jayhawks Finally Final 4!

Go Hawks!

The Bearer of Bad news

Waiting

just shoot it!

Happy Easter!

A 5 minute poem

Wet St. Patty's Day

self portrait

Love Thursday

Water, precious water.

Proud moment

thrifty dress

friends

Love Thursdays

old friends

my sweet boys

I can see clearly now!

10 things

I couldn't resist

day 30 the end and the beginning

day 29 swirly colors

day 28 the light inside

day 27 Goodwill score

busted

day 26 muck and mud

day 25 thrift shop discovery

balancing acts

day 24

day 23 mmmmmmm.............heaven

day 22 valentine love

5 things in a perfect day