kidding around

We have had an absolutely spectacular Fall weekend here in the midwest. The past few weekends have been pretty shotty and so we are trying to take every moment to enjoy. All sewing plans have gone out the window!

Another nice part of the weekend is not only the days my kids have off of school, but my sister and her kids came in (from Ohio) as well. The only bad thing is that my sweet Simon is on a camping trip with Poppy (my husband)- but somehow I think he is having his own fun. Last I heard they were sled riding down sand dunes in Michigan.

To start off this nice weekend, Ellie pulled out her first tooth on her own! Finally after waiting and being the only 3rd grader with no missing teeth, she has joined the ranks of “funky teeth”.

Happiness is spending a day with your 3 kids. Taking the train. Seeing the city. Being together. But…

it can also be extremely frustrating and test a Mama’s patience. This little sas had her moments…can you tell by my expression. I wasn’t impressed. But I did have fun and the kids did too. I have come to the conclusion that although it is important to take these sort of adventures I personally can not enjoy them. Maybe when they are older- but until then, we will tackle our day together and get through it.

Happy Weekend.

Sorry, more shameless photos of my new niece. I swear tomorrow there will be something else! These shots are for all the family and friends that can’t be near to meet our Tizzy.

I had to drag myself away from her today and actually be a mother to my own kids. Oh well, that girl has enough love and arms wanting to hold her…I suppose it’s only fair to share.

Elizabeth Kathleen…otherwise known as Tizzy Kay has entered the world!

She was born at 5:17pm, weighing 7lbs. 14 oz.

She is sweet and actually pretty laid back. But who doesn’t like taking photos of a screaming baby? Her aunt does!

Yea, welcome sweet Tizzy.

A few months back, this nice blogging friend suggested a swap. I had commented on her knitting and she so generously offered to make something for Penelope. Nice, huh?

Well, right before I hosted my sister’s shower, I received her marvelous package. You should have heard Penny imitating my oohing and ahhing…I obviously could not restrain myself and ripped the package open while driving to pick up my kids from school. The lady at the post office kindly cut the envelope for me!

Check out the matching sweater for Penny’s best pal “Piggy”.

The washcloth was also a really nice surprise. I am ALWAYS taken by knitting and can not even imagine how you people do it…really. It’s like when people put additional electrical wiring in their house…can’t imagine doing it!

The 3 soaps Allison sent you will not believe the play, clutching, and sleeping these poor little bears have gone through…that is why there is only one left. Hopefully Ollie won’t decide to chomp on it. Seriously, everytime Penny sleeps, eats, or leaves the house, she must have have the pig, the washcloth, and the bear soap with her. She even puts the soap to bed and pats its’ back. Okay, I need to stop. I’m sure most of you tire of hearing about a 2 year olds life…I would!

And of course, this hat was such an extra bonus! The little kitty cat ears gives Penny every reason in the world to meow and I love it!

THANK YOU Allison! What a fun swap and thanks for the great book too!

By the way, this was my end of the bargain.

Okay- so my son and I have a typical “mother/son” relationship, but there are many times I am often challenged by him…he takes me to places of aggravation I have never been (the kind in your mind, I should stress that). I do know he has helped me be patient and how to act in love and I have such gratitude to this kid. Maybe it’s because we are alike or maybe it’s because I have never been around little boys before. I grew up in a family of all girls.

Anyway, I find getting him and I involved in the kitchen together brings us much more closer and we really work together well. By the way, notice Si’s special friend watching as we work? I think it’s funny since in Penny’s scone making, her friend was checking out the process.

To go with the traditional Labor Day BBQ, we decided to make pudding. I bought a really dark dutch-processed cocoa and man, it’s black! The photos don’t show the nice chocolately pudding you would imagine, but the taste was there.

Of course everyone loved the treat- something we actually don’t have often after dinner…dessert that is!

Anyway, thanks in advance to all of those who can relate to my experience as a mother…it’s so humbling and not perfect all of the time and pretty darn lonely.

Sorry for more photos concerning my daughter’s birthday. I suppose I should have waited and shared them all at once-

She is not a big fan of cake and so I thought making a bigger version of her favorite cookie would suffice. I make these cookies at work often and they are a perfect mixture of almond, vanilla, and butter! Hmmm, where are the leftovers?

Okay- now that Ellie’s birthday is over and the kids have started school, it’s time to get crackin’ on my “to do” list. I have many ideas swirling around, but unfortunately I also have tasks that need to get done like finishing painting projects, planning a baby shower and potty training for Penelope…

It’s my sweet Elisabeth Helene’s 8th birthday today and her first day of 3rd grade!

I love this wonderful girl so much and will write a personal note to her (I do every year). We will be having Nana and Papa over for Chicken Satay, coconut rice, and garlic green beans…her favorite. Funny, we served this for her first birthday bash.

Here is my sweet Simon’s first day of school mug shot! He loves kindergarten and wanted to go back once we were in the car. I love the optimism of a grade schooler. The kids go to a great school and this is such relief for me.

Penelope will still be my sidekick. I believe she and I are up for some adventures!

First off, I want to thank those that commented on my last post. I appreciate your sympathy and supportive words. I found it really comforting to hear from people I have known and others that I have met throught this blog. I am obviously back and feeling a bit numb…and figuring out how I can be a supportive daughter to my mother. One thing I came away with was a huge sense of pride I have for my family history…I am a very grateful person.

Before leaving last week, I was busy with making Ellie her birthday gifts. I knew once I got home I would not have much desire to do sewing. I think it was also a good “therapy” and it just calmed my mind.

I found these suitcases at my favorite thrift store…why do they make such ugly ones now? I love the plaid one especially. I know Ellie will love filling these bags with all sorts of make believe stuff.

So tomorrow is school and Ellie’s actual birthday. My husband was brave to host her party on Thursday night while I was gone. It was a “make your own pizza, paint your toenails, and sundae” party and it was a hit.

Anyway, thanks for checking in…sorry for the bad photos. I tried to shoot them on the sly while Ellie was busy with a project. Oh well- in reality they are fun and the recipient will be delighted.

The weather was spectacular today and so we decided to go visit one of our favorite places. I can tell that we will soon see many of the plants replaced by Fall beauty…everything was starting to look tired and a bit worn.

It’s hard to believe, but my kids will be returning to school in 2 weeks. Just as we were getting to used to the summer routine, we now will have to adapt to early mornings. I will have to be a bit more organized and deal with missing my kids and husband. Good thing I still have Penelope Tess!

We are trying to fill our days with togetherness and anticipation for school, friends, and new teachers. Ellie and I are also busy planning her 8th birthday party (her party happens to be the first day of school!). She insists on having her party at home (love that!) and making icecream sundaes. We also will have the girls paint their toe nails and make individual homemade pizzas. I know we will have fun. I love the planning, but know that next year we must keep it small. It’s time to take a break.

I love this idea. I’m already beginning to make mental notes for next Spring and summer. Visiting places like the Arboretum could totally make me change my preoccupations- FAST!

I rarely can get a shot of these three together!