I know a lot of you dear readers will relate to this statement:
“I can’t believe my baby is growing up!”.

My first baby…the one that changed my world, made me a better person, gave a new meaning to love, filled my day with joy and yes, sometimes stress is now 10. She is wonderful and I am eager to see what the next 10 years will bring her. Thank you Elisabeth Helene for being so compassionate, forgiving and eager!

Like many of you mothers, you re-live your birth story with each of your kids on their special day. Hmmm, I think right about now I was told I was not making much progress and was given pitocin. By evening, I had my little girl in my arms and had forgotten about the contractions, pacing, pain (no epidural, THIS time), tearing, focusing…and was totally in love.

With every birthday, I try to make something for the kids. I love figuring out what I will make and then using that time of creating to reflect on them and their future. That’s what is so cool about “handmade” there IS so much more behind the actual gift! I picked this jacket up a few weeks ago at the thrift store and have one more to make for Peppy.

I did make something else that I am really proud of, but that will wait until next week. Happy weekend!


So school started this morning and we had to take our traditional “first day shot”. We had a half day which is fine, but I think it’s cruel for us to have to all wake up so early and then be tired for the rest of the day! Oh well.

Ellie is in the 5th grade and will soon turn 10 (this Friday, actually). She totally “gets school” and was less than thrilled of the routine, homework and early mornings. Simon on the other hand, was saying all day yesterday: “Today is not ending soon enough- I can’t wait for school and to see my friends!”. I’m imagining this school year we will experience a wide range of emotions and stresses.

Hate to break this to you, if you have young kids, as your children get older it gets more challenging! This summer, I concluded that I will not always be popular with my kids. Sure, as they were young I had no problems with setting boundaries and disciplining, but now we have added the foot stomp, rolled eyes and slamming of the doors. Geesh. At least I have Penelope that STILL thinks I am the best. (By the way, she is missing from the photos because of a sleepover she had with a favorite Nana.)

Anyway, I am happy to say that when it comes down to it- I am so grateful for these two kids and all their quarrels, crabbiness and back talk. They really are so great to be with…I mean, aren’t we all raising our kids so that we will enjoy them even more as adults? It’s even better when those around you enjoy their company as well- I suppose my unpopularity has paid off in this household.

It’s so nice to post again. Hopefully I will find a rhythm to my day that will include this blog.


When the kids and I pulled into the driveway yesterday, this is what Simon discovered. Man, that kid is observant.