kidding around

Yesterday I was obsessively looking for a library book that has been missing for about 6 weeks now. Just KNOWING I have something that is not mine lost really bugged me!

For the Shackelford children, having about 30 library books checked out at a time is not unusual. Honestly, I love having so many different books every few weeks that I don’t mind the 30-40 lb haul monthly. The thing I do mind are the fines and if you have has many as I do and they are late- well, I could own the place!

So, anyway, as I was searching for “Animal camouflage” (ha!) I discovered that I am a collector of vintage or sentimental books of my childhood. I started piling them up and have decided to set them aside so that they can be given their respect…their very own special place on the bookshelf! And protected from the hands of Miss Penelope.

I always wondered if I ever would have a collection. My mom has a pretty teacup collection, some collect baseball cards, Kim has oodles of stationery…even Simon has a fossil collection he keeps in a cigar box! Now I feel I am an adult!

I wonder if my growing stash of fabric would be a collection? Or my multiple shades of lipstick…or ribbon…buttons?

Yesterday I was obsessively looking for a library book that has been missing for about 6 weeks now. Just KNOWING I have something that is not mine lost really bugged me!

For the Shackelford children, having about 30 library books checked out at a time is not unusual. Honestly, I love having so many different books every few weeks that I don’t mind the 30-40 lb haul monthly. The thing I do mind are the fines and if you have has many as I do and they are late- well, I could own the place!

So, anyway, as I was searching for “Animal camouflage” (ha!) I discovered that I am a collector of vintage or sentimental books of my childhood. I started piling them up and have decided to set them aside so that they can be given their respect…their very own special place on the bookshelf! And protected from the hands of Miss Penelope.

I always wondered if I ever would have a collection. My mom has a pretty teacup collection, some collect baseball cards, Kim has oodles of stationery…even Simon has a fossil collection he keeps in a cigar box! Now I feel I am an adult!

I wonder if my growing stash of fabric would be a collection? Or my multiple shades of lipstick…or ribbon…buttons?

This morning I was awakened by a squawking bird and it was not a cardinal! Penelope decided to wake up really early, which made the morning a bit more chaotic, but we managed better than ever. All that to say, she took a nap as soon as I got home from dropping off Ellie and Simon.

I caught about 2 hours of sewing that was unplanned! Hurray! I am in the midst of making pillows and a blanket for the playroom couch. So as you can see, Beatrice has decided to “try” to bust my 2 hours of freedom. I managed to get her off and complete my blanket.

I just love the lighting in our playroom. The morning light is so cheerful and warm…it really felt magical!

Another distraction this morning was this gorgeous piece of cloth. I found it on my kitchen table and had to wonder who delivered it. Well, my sweet husband found it for me at school and no one seems to be the owner, except for me now! The photo does not do any justice! What can a make with it…I can only imagine…!!

This morning I was awakened by a squawking bird and it was not a cardinal! Penelope decided to wake up really early, which made the morning a bit more chaotic, but we managed better than ever. All that to say, she took a nap as soon as I got home from dropping off Ellie and Simon.

I caught about 2 hours of sewing that was unplanned! Hurray! I am in the midst of making pillows and a blanket for the playroom couch. So as you can see, Beatrice has decided to “try” to bust my 2 hours of freedom. I managed to get her off and complete my blanket.

I just love the lighting in our playroom. The morning light is so cheerful and warm…it really felt magical!

Another distraction this morning was this gorgeous piece of cloth. I found it on my kitchen table and had to wonder who delivered it. Well, my sweet husband found it for me at school and no one seems to be the owner, except for me now! The photo does not do any justice! What can a make with it…I can only imagine…!!

The past few weeks I have had my parents over for our weekly pizza night. Since Nathan no longer can eat pizza, pasta, or bread we have a carb fest! It was once a tradition and I have now reinstated as a Monday night event. I don’t know who is more happy, me or the kids.

This dough is so lovely. It rises well, rolls out perfectly and is so crunchy!

I like to pre-bake the crusts in a 425 oven. It remains crunchy and there are little bubbles that are fun to burst once it is out of the oven.

Of course when I want to make dinner, the demands of kids are intensified. I tried to distract Penny and Simon with the good old bowl and whisk trick. It didn’t last long.

Ellie preferred a “honey crisp” apple before devouring the pizza.

The end result. I think I will have what is left for lunch. By the way, Tuesday nights are titled “roasted chicken” night- so, we really don’t go off track when Nathan is gone on this night as well!

Cheers! (If you want the pizza dough recipe I will be happy to post it)

The past few weeks I have had my parents over for our weekly pizza night. Since Nathan no longer can eat pizza, pasta, or bread we have a carb fest! It was once a tradition and I have now reinstated as a Monday night event. I don’t know who is more happy, me or the kids.

This dough is so lovely. It rises well, rolls out perfectly and is so crunchy!

I like to pre-bake the crusts in a 425 oven. It remains crunchy and there are little bubbles that are fun to burst once it is out of the oven.

Of course when I want to make dinner, the demands of kids are intensified. I tried to distract Penny and Simon with the good old bowl and whisk trick. It didn’t last long.

Ellie preferred a “honey crisp” apple before devouring the pizza.

The end result. I think I will have what is left for lunch. By the way, Tuesday nights are titled “roasted chicken” night- so, we really don’t go off track when Nathan is gone on this night as well!

Cheers! (If you want the pizza dough recipe I will be happy to post it)

This past weekend, my sister Kim and I went to the city and attended the “Renegade Craft Fair” in Wicker Park. We had such a fun time “oooing” and “ahhing” over the many creative goods for sale. It was nice that most of the stuff was not overpriced and attainable for my small budget. My only complaint, I felt like I was in high school again. Everyone was checking each other out noting if someone was cool or not. I probably wavered on the NOT, but that’s okay. I am not trying to fool anyone. Face it, I am a suburban mom of 3 that likes to imagine the city life. But then again, my sister and I thought that maybe people thought we were a really animated lesbian couple…you know, finishing each others sentences, excitedly calling each other to booths. Who knows…

I love Chicago and really love going with my sister. She knows the city so well and can just intuitively maneuver herself through the confusing sections of Damen, Armitage, etc. I love going with her because it’s far from the tourists and Michigan Ave., but the parking is HORRENDOUS!

Below are my purchases…it was nice to see other people’s work and also not as intimidating as I thought.

I love this “bird cuff”…handembroideered.

Felt pins- most were flowers or polka dots. They were all so sweet, I had a hard time choosing just one (ha!). The colors and textures of all the pins on the table was just full of so much energy!

I love this needle book to hold the sharp little ditties I find all over my house! I got this from “Sew Darn Cute” and I think Wendy Jung made this, for those of you in Cali.

I was giddy when I saw “wool and hoop” at the fair. They do have a website and have some really fun crewel kits-check it out!

Finally, these intricate cards are from “Hammerpress”. They are so beautiful and I had a really difficult time choosing WHAT to buy. They are all handprinted…sheesh!

We ended the day with some great food at “Piece”, shopped around at “The Art Store”, got a cupcake at “Cupcakes” (check out their website, cupcakesacrossamerica.com), HAD to get a margarita at “Adobo” and scowered the aisles at “Treasure Island” (a fun food market)…ANYWAY, a great day for my memory bank! Thanks Kim! (and Nathan )

This past weekend, my sister Kim and I went to the city and attended the “Renegade Craft Fair” in Wicker Park. We had such a fun time “oooing” and “ahhing” over the many creative goods for sale. It was nice that most of the stuff was not overpriced and attainable for my small budget. My only complaint, I felt like I was in high school again. Everyone was checking each other out noting if someone was cool or not. I probably wavered on the NOT, but that’s okay. I am not trying to fool anyone. Face it, I am a suburban mom of 3 that likes to imagine the city life. But then again, my sister and I thought that maybe people thought we were a really animated lesbian couple…you know, finishing each others sentences, excitedly calling each other to booths. Who knows…

I love Chicago and really love going with my sister. She knows the city so well and can just intuitively maneuver herself through the confusing sections of Damen, Armitage, etc. I love going with her because it’s far from the tourists and Michigan Ave., but the parking is HORRENDOUS!

Below are my purchases…it was nice to see other people’s work and also not as intimidating as I thought.

I love this “bird cuff”…handembroideered.

Felt pins- most were flowers or polka dots. They were all so sweet, I had a hard time choosing just one (ha!). The colors and textures of all the pins on the table was just full of so much energy!

I love this needle book to hold the sharp little ditties I find all over my house! I got this from “Sew Darn Cute” and I think Wendy Jung made this, for those of you in Cali.

I was giddy when I saw “wool and hoop” at the fair. They do have a website and have some really fun crewel kits-check it out!

Finally, these intricate cards are from “Hammerpress”. They are so beautiful and I had a really difficult time choosing WHAT to buy. They are all handprinted…sheesh!

We ended the day with some great food at “Piece”, shopped around at “The Art Store”, got a cupcake at “Cupcakes” (check out their website, cupcakesacrossamerica.com), HAD to get a margarita at “Adobo” and scowered the aisles at “Treasure Island” (a fun food market)…ANYWAY, a great day for my memory bank! Thanks Kim! (and Nathan )

I realized that I had taken shots of Ellie last weekend in the popcorn shop. It really is a fun place. I loved the “bit o’ honeys” and “sixlets”.

I realized that I had taken shots of Ellie last weekend in the popcorn shop. It really is a fun place. I loved the “bit o’ honeys” and “sixlets”.