Do you know the Muffin Man... the one on drury lane?

This is how it usually starts. Cute, and innocent (see Exhibit A).

EXHIBIT A

This is how it always looks somewhere in the middle and sometimes at the end (see Exhibit B).

EXHIBIT B

But this day we were lucky enough to end like this (see Exhibit C).

EXHIBIT C

Today Jenny (who takes Ky to preK) told me that when she brings treats for the kids on the way home, Ky usually asks for an extra for her "Brother Bridgey". Isn't that sweet! My heart leaped for joy, maybe we're not doing it all wrong after all!

"I wonder if I could make this..."

While I was shopping at Home Sense with Rachel last night she kept teasing me about thinking "Could I make this?" I never realized this about myself. But, as we kept shopping I realized, when I find something I like my first thought is "Can I make this?" or "How could I embellish on this one?" I just love to create. It just seems more special if it's made by hand. I can spend hours on Etsy appreciating all sort of handmade goodies.

Speaking of which, due to my love of the homemade I've been a Blog Slacker. Here's some new projects. Including my new puffy dress. I was so excited when I designed it, and even as I sewed it together, and then I tried it on. Disappointing. It just doesn't look nearly as puffy or cute as I imagined in my head. So, I'm in the process of making alterations. Then I made a couple of button bows for the girls and finished Fin's black dress. In the background you can see the new fireplace and wallpaper. I love it! It's so cheery and bright. Now I just want to find a way to incorporate more fun colors like, hotpink, red, and soft lime.

Potty trained at 8 months? Opinions?

Crazy I know. But, a friend of mine said she started putting her little girl on the potty when she awoke, before nap, after, etc. each day for about 2 min whether she went or not and the baby hasn't had a dirty diaper in 2 weeks. It's amazing. I can't decide if I dare try it with Fin. What do you guys think?

In response to one of our new family leafs (FHE) a dear friend of mine left this quote in the comments. Reading it only made me want to try harder to make sure we never miss.

"If the Saints obey this counsel [to hold regular family home evenings], we promise that great blessings will result. Love at home and obedience to parents will increase. Faith will be developed in the hearts of the youth of Israel, and they will gain power to combat the evil influence and temptations which beset them." (First Presidency letter, 27 April 1915 - Joseph F. Smith, Anthon H. Lund, Charles W. Penrose, emphasis added)

I'm grateful for the wonderful friends that I've been blessed with. Many of them are mothers like me, in different stages of their lives. I feel so thankful today for these friendships. They teach, strengthen and inspire me. Last night I went shopping with a good friend, and even though we just shopped and chit chatted, I left feeling happy and inspired to be better in my responsibilties at home.

Turning over some new Leaves

This Fall the Larsen Family has turned over some new leaves.

1. Mom got organized! It's been a perilous journey but, Hooray for little ol' frazzeled me! It started with the Pantry. Yes, our pantry no longer has 7 gallons of paint (literally), saws at random, caulking guns and adhesives for all occasions. I'm feel so empowered! Look out Linen closet! (if I'm not back in a few hours send in the dogs!)
2. Ky started "real school" as she calls it. Don't even try saying preschool or prepare to be corrected with a light scolding to boot! This is serious business. She goes to real school now, which apparently means many things, such as she's "almost an adult", needs a backpack even if she can't bring it to school, and no longer takes naps.

It's crazy how expensive it is too. Preschool? or Feed a small country? I guess we'll go with preschool? Everyday we are woken to the same 3 questions.

• Can I watch Treehouse?
• Will you make me breakfast?
• Do I have school today?

It's sweet how she loves preschool (I figure I'm safe since the 'almost adult' can't read yet). Her teachers name is Mrs. Hamilton, (she's taught pre-k for 25 years) and she has 10 classmates. Her favorites being Jayden, Area, Tiley, and Montana. I could do without the ATTITUDE she brings home on school days, but other than that were pretty happy for her. Bridgey misses her lots during those two hours, but we usually can keep ourselves pretty amused with Ikea hotdogs or something until it's time to go get Ky.
3. Bridgey has started talking and whispering. I am so happy. We went through a horrid stage of screeching and shrill screaming (It was torture). I was worried I wouldn't make it through, but alas we did, hearing and all.

He is now a full on conversationalist, and we can even understand a few words here and there. Ky's really good at understanding him, so sometimes we get her to translate for Bridge and Finn. Her Fin translations:

• "Fin says she wants to share her cookies with me, isn't that nice?"
• "Fin is saying she's awake" (she's asleep in her room)
• "Fin is saying she likes my dress and when she's bigger she wants to borrow it."

4. Hooray for Jess! His company has really taken off. I am so proud of him. He's so visionary, even when it's not so apparent to everyone else. It's been so fun having him work from home, and having a consistent schedule for family time.

5. Jess has been dubbed: "Pooh Master" -(a moment of silence please). I've always loved him, but now it's got to be twice as much. I hate when baby poo's make that 'People Poo' transition. It really grosses me out. And, worse is when your Heavy Weight starts begrudging your invasion of 'his personal spaces', and sends a few "kicks to the face" your way.

6. Fin officially became a walker at 9 months. She took her first little wobbly steps about a month ago. She's our "smart baby", our very own Livi. She's delighted with herself.

7. Family Home Evening every week. This leaf is one we all love, even Jess and Meg who do a fair amount of whining. A friend of mine shared with me their fhe routines which included testimonies each week. I love this idea so much we've decided to adopt it. The kids stood at the fireplace to say their testimonies on Sunday and it was so sweet. Ky's went on for a good solid 5 mins. She's such a grateful little girl.

Thankful for...

• Thankful for my 3 sweet babies! I love them so much words couldn't suffice.

• Thankful I'm married to my favorite friend in all the world!

• Thankful I get to wake up and snuggle with him and the kiddies each morning.
  

• Thankful I get to not only live with my cute husband, 3 kids, but my favorite Meggie too. Thankful that she never plans to move away. When she gets married we'll just build her and her husband their very own room with a door and everything.
  

• Thankful for our little smart baby that already knows how to walk and toddle around after her siblings at 9 months old! I was surprised how much I loved Bridgey moments after he was born, and when I had Fin I was again surprised at how much I loved her the moment she arrived on Earth. It just makes me want to have 10 more!
  

• Thankful that Bridgey has learned how to whisper. If he can't get my attention he starts whispering, it's so cute what else can I do but, oblige him.
  

• Thankful that Ky's 4 and so much fun to hang out with. We have real conversations, play house, make treats, clean, quilt, or do crafts together. It like a little friend all day long.
  

• Thankful for grandma's and grandpa's. I love how delighted the kids are at the sheer mention of their grandparents. Ky prays for them pretty consistently and speaks of them daily. Her Nana and Grandma Larsen are by far some of her bestfriends. Right up there with Lexi and Mamie. That's saying alot.

• Thankful for my Mom. Thankful for her kind heart and example of great love, and the happiness that comes from losing your life in service. When I was growing up I wasn't sure I wanted to marry, but I was absolutely sure I wanted to be a mother because my mom made it look so wonderful. She probably told us daily how much she loved being our mom.
  

• Thankful for my testimony of Heavenly Father's love. I know that I am His daughter and he cares about even the small things that matter to me. When I was a little girl I attended the nearby Baptist church with a neighbor each week. There in Sunday school they taught me about the Savior and how to pray. I'm so grateful for those early testimony building experiences and for that kind family who thought to invite an 8 year old out to church.
  

A miniature reflection...

Who needs a mirror when you have 3 little kids around to reflect the real you, for better and for worse.

Today I overheard Drill Srgt. Ky, laying down the law, complete with -the Mommy Stink Eye (which looks so much like her Nana's, it's scary).

Ky: "Uh-oh Bridgey. UH-OH (envision: evil eye, hands on hips). I'm the Mommy and you need to obey. Do you understand? Bridgey..."

While not yet fluent in English I think he got the idea, because he replied, in standard Bridgey Protocol: "NO!" and a simultaneous smack to the head. Sighing to myself, I again vow to be the picture of patience with a smile and a plate of cookies for good measure, that a "good" mother should be.

Sometimes as I am curtly correcting a kid I have this flash of insight: These are Heavenly Fathers babies too. How would I feel if someone spoke that way to my kid and dragged them by their hair (okay that's a bit excessive but I have thrown Ky over my shoulder while she was kicking and whaling loud enough to wake the dead, winning the sympathy of every person in the Lethbridge mall.)

Thinking of my kids as belonging to someone else helps me be more patient. And, see them as little people exploring their world, boundaries, and mother's self restraint.

Another of my less desirable traits Ky has taken up is: grrrr....ing. She's practically as good at it as I am... practically. Some of Ky's more common reason to grrr...

• not getting the 'square bowl' for breakfast.
• pants
• shirts without puff sleeves
• denying her 50 requests to 'cut and dye her hair black like Snow White's"
• letting Bridgey be the "Guest" and by that I mean letting him pick which color cup he wants at lunch.
• reminding her who's the Mommy
• washing her blanket
• lunch items without cheese
• non heel-shoes
• non bow-shoes
• pony tails as opposed to "Ballet Buns"
• chastisement for wearing dresses off the shoulder.

The truth is, in retrospect (definitely not in the moment) I love these quirky things about my little feisty princess, who's become a fabulous Copy Cat (speaking of which she learning how to spell C-A-T today at school).

She seems to notice and then copy everything I do, right down to the day I wore a shirt with a bit of a plungy neck line. I was just wearing it under a sweat shirt but the next thing I knew, there was Ky tugging at her modest shirt in attempts to be like mom. Or how about the time she wore a shoe lace around her bosom for days because she wanted a bra like Mommy's.

In the last few months I've come to realize just how important my example is. How close they watch and quickly they absorb.

Lizzy Anne Quilt Giveaway!

Just had to posted Lizzy Anne's (cutest name ever!) quilt in great hopes of winning it. The quilt nerd in me has been waiting for this giveaway for months... yes months! I'd shout, "pick me! pick me!" if I thought it would help, but alas I'll just share it with the web-o-sphere instead. So here it is. Lets give a warm welcome to: 'Spring Up'. A Lizzy Anne original! It's such a cozy quilt for the Fall and I love the retro fabrics.

I Heart Pres. Monson

Excerpt from Ky's lunch prayer:

"And, thank you that we could have a witch that crashed into the door, and that we could decorate for Halloween. And, thank you for the storm and the rain clouds, please bless them. And, Please Bless this meeting. In the name......."

Life is so fun-filled here at home. Each day is filled with little character building moments (see previous post), as well as magic moments like this sweet prayer. I can't believe how lucky I am to be here at home each day.

As I listened to President Monson's talk in conference about not being so focused on the past or the future but, making the most of "Today", I decided to rededicate myself to this. Everyday is a party, and we get to choose which one.

Today we had a cocoa/marshmellow party, and yesterday was a Halloween decorating party. And, were thinking about having another making decorations party on Thursday. My quality of life is so much better when I focus on having fun, along with all the other things I get to do each day.

Threats of a 4 year old: "If you do, you won't be my Best Friend!"

"Kyanne, can you shut the baby gate?"
"No!"
"Please obey. Close the baby gate."
"No. I don't have too. If you make me you won't be my best friend! And, I will spank you Mom!"

. . . .And, so goes life around the Larsen home. I've been reading books, praying, and discussing discipline styles with Jess, and anyone else who will listen (including but not limited to Ky's preK teacher, grandparents, and random strangers in the Superstore line.

A friend of mine (Thanks Heather) sent me this article by the Arbinger Institue, and it has been more helpful in handling this "New Phase" as it often gets trivialized, than all the books I've read this year combined. I think I read it in college, but you can guess it didn't mean as much then.

It has made such an impact on me, and the happy spirit in our home today, I had to share.

To read Click Here. (It's called the Parenting Pyramid. Scroll down and there will be a link to the PDF).

This cracks me up! I am so a dollar store HPT addict!

Okay the article below is kind of long, but it's so funny to those of us (and you know who you are) that are ridiculously addicted to dollar store pregnancy tests. Admitting your problem is the first step.

Ever since I had my little Kyanne, I've wanted another, and then another, and yes even now, with three kiddies born within 3 years, I want another! But, alas my sensible husband has forbidden even the thought until Fin is at least two. In the meantime I just secretly hope....shhhh, don't tell!

Addicted to HPT's
(Home Pregnancy Test)©

By Karen Squires

If you laughed at this title, this article may be for you. HPT (Home Pregnancy Test)'s are without a doubt, addictive. Alcoholics try to hide their addiction, so do women addicted HPT's. I know because I'm one of them.

I found HPT's at the dollar store for, you guessed it, a dollar. I was so excited. I only grabbed one test the first time I saw them. I ran home and used it right away. I got a BFN (Big Fat Negative). Of course I was only 7 days after ovulation so what could I expect.

The next day, after lying to my husband and telling him that I needed to run and get some shampoo, I was back at the dollar store for more. I bought five this time, figuring I would have enough to last until 12 days after ovulation. Two days later I had used them all up and was back at the store needing more shampoo. I bought another five tests.

As I drove home I tried desperately to remember when I had gone to the bathroom last. I needed to hold my urine for at least 4 hours to let the pregnancy hormone build up. I remembered that it had only been about one and 1/2 hours. It was now 10:00 am, I'll have to wait until 12:30pm. I told myself that when I got home I'd do the dishes, vacuum, dust, paint the bathroom, anything to keep my mind off of running the test. I pulled in the driveway, ran straight to the bathroom, and peed in a cup. Another BFN. Dang it. I have no self control. I'll have to start all over again.

It's now 11 am. I have to hold my urine until 3 pm to let the hormone (if there is any) build up again. At 1:30 pm I run another test. BFN! Dang it all to heck!

I decide to go to the mall to make sure that I can't run another test for a few hours. I am tempted to take a test with me to use at the bathroom in the mall just in case I can't control myself but, off to the mall without a test hidden in my purse.

I have now gone most of the day with out drinking as I don't want to dilute my urine and make what might be a BFP(Big Fat Positive) turn into a BFN by having too much water in my bladder. I am thirsty, frustrated and getting crabbier and crabbier by the minute.

We walk around the mall, me trying to get a peak at the baby and maternity things, but a five year old has no need for those so I don't even get a fix by doing that. Two hours later we are bored and my son is begging to come home and eat. I look at my watch. I can't go home yet, I just can't. I tell my son that I'll buy him something to eat, get him a toy, anything to stay there a little longer. He sees the desperation in my eyes and agrees to let me buy him a Hot Wheels car and some chicken strips. That uses up another hour. Soon he wants to go home again and no amount of bribing works this time. It's only been three hours now so I take the long way home. I keep hearing a little voice from the back seat telling me that I've gone the wrong way and a tiny finger points to the east telling me to turn that way NOW!

Okay, Okay, we'll go home.

It's been three and 1/2 hours and I'm so thirsty that I can hardly swallow. We pull into the driveway, I run into the house, down the hall to the bathroom, and run another test. Another BFN!!! Dang it! Dang it! Dang it all to HECK! Grrrr.

I had ran the rest of the tests by the next day at noon and since it was now 11 days after ovulation and I still hadn't got my BFP I knew that Aunt Flo and her dog spot would find me soon. On to the next cycle. I am going to have more self control.

A few days later I really do need some shampoo and tell dear hubby that I need to run and get some. He gives me a funny look and asks "Didn't you just get some a few days ago?"

I walk into the dollar store knowing that I'm safe from my addiction for another two weeks but as I walk past the HPT's to the shampoo I notice that they only have 20 tests left. I panic. What if they are all gone in two weeks, what will I do, where will I go. I grab all 20 tests and head to the cash register, kicking myself all the way there. When I get home I find a good place to hide them, way in the back of the closet.

My husband calls from the shower and asks me for the shampoo. I'm still in the process of hiding the tests and I call back to him, my mind still in an addictive fog, "Shampoo! What shampoo?"

Bridgey, you melt my heart!!

Tonight Meggie brought up what a bore my blog is these days since I became a Sewing-Crazed Wing Nut. So, I thought I'd take a peek at my recent posts, and I suppose she is right (don't let it go to your big, fluffy, needing to be dyed half as much as my hairy head!).

It's true, binging is part of my genetical makeup. But, I'm going to try to binge on something more fun, like activities for little Bridgey, who is really sad that he can't go to school with Ky. Poor little guy. And, on top of it he threw up his guts last night and was awake from 1am on. You can imagine how sad he was all day today. Still I rarely get frustrated with him. Even when he's mischevious, he's sooo darling, it makes me smile. The picture at the top of my blog is super outdated, but it's one of my favorites ever. It just sums up motherhood for me. What a joy. :)

Does anyone else say "Scarve"?

I found this flower print vintage pillow case a few weeks ago, and just knew it had beautiful potential. I had so much fun sewing up these little cloth scarves that I had to take some pics!

A perfect moment...

A snapshot, a glimpse into this moment that I love:

Fin stops nursing to look up and smile coyly. She pokes at my mouth with her chubby little fingers until I expectantly nibble them and then giggles delightfully.

Bridge is riding his mini snow board atop our tired couch in nothing but his Skippies, while measuring the air with my retractable sewing tape, and yelling "duh....duh-na...na----".

Ky is twirling like a drunken sailor and tripping over her new snow white dress that is 6 sizes too big. Singing so loud the neighbors are wishing their house wasn't in arms reach of ours.

The dishwasher is running in the background (a great accomplishment this early in the morning) and the house while simi tidy, still looks like a preschool/fabric store.

And, life feels perfect even if just for a moment.

(And, the moment has passed, with the pain from the Bridgey monster taking a bite out of my hair, literally.)

SA (Sewers Anonymous).

So secretly I just want to run away for a weekend with other SA's (sewing addicts) and have an all out binge! Wouldn't it be fun to rent a cabin, and have a sewing retreat away from the cute little distractions that never seem to have a lull in energy because they steal yours, leaving you without the needed energy to complete the many projects overtaking your living room and shouting: "For heaven's sake Woman! Sew Me!"

The sewing craze continues. Vintage material, old wooden spools of thread, patterns from the 50's and 60's, tutorials, I just can't get enough. My living room has become a full on fabric store. Oh, how I long for a fancy sewing room of my very own. I already have it all decorated in my head. Shelves of fabric organizationed in to coordinating colors, jars lining my desk filled with fancy buttons, and my old spools of thread, and my beautiful cutting table to hold my giant cuttung mat that I got for $5.00 at a garage sale this summer (Hooray for Golden Finds! It's like the Big Fish find that I'll have to retell for years!).

Above are some little aprons I made for Ky and her friend Porter. Jess was appalled when I said I was making a little boy an apron for his birthday. He and Bridge when right out and got the little 3yr old a gun to make up for the disappointment. In my defense, it had a tie, and manly colors, like blue and red.

A picture speaks a thousand word...these ones speak right to my heart!

To our good friend Liz, I quote -"and to one it is given one talent and to another many". So, that's not the exact quote but, Liz is on the "many" side. She was already an amazing semestress, quiter, artist, mother, and now a beautiful photographer as well. This leaves the rest of us feeling humbled, and inspired, but with a lot fabulous gifts (ie. our family photos and my sling that I cannot live without). We just love you Liz! Thanks for taking these wonderful photos that capture so much love and joy in our family.

I love those dirty toes, the whole lot of them! What a fabulous shot!

"That's soooo... Romantic!" (All rights reserved)

*For more pictures go: Here.
*If anyone has questions or comments for Elizabeth click: Here.

Sewing till 2am!

What can I say, this Mama likes to party, especially if it involves my trusty little machine, some cute fabric, treats and good friends.

It was 2am when the police broke it up, so really it was a call from Jess, but I was just as worried. He said he was a little confused when he woke to the cries of a hungry baby, and there no wife to be found. Who knew sewing could make for such a late night! Here's the little booties I made for new baby Piper Williams who was born a couple of days ago.


Great tutorial for these Here.

Teaching Ky to Quilt

I just love sewing, it is quickly becoming a passion. Right up there with chocolate and snuggles from my babies. So far I've only ventured out to sew things for the house, a few girly dresses, a sad looking purse and some quilts.

Out of all the things I've sewn, quilts are my favorite. They can be such a thoughtful gift and it's fun if others help. One of my sweetest memories is of being newly married and visiting Jess' family in Raymond. We got snowed in together and spent the day tying a quilt, singing along to the Beatles, and made homemade pizza. In retrospect it almost seems average, but to me it was magical.

A few weeks ago I started quilting with a good friend in the evenings and it's been so much fun, that I decided to try it with Ky. She's simply delighted to have the one on one time and quilt "like Mommy". I set a big pile of pink and purple scraps in front of her and asked her to just start cutting shapes. It was super fun and she did a good job. I'm not sure how to teach her to sew the pieces together (if anyone has any ideas). I figure the real goal here is FUN, rather than a completed quilt. (Here she is with her pile of pink material and her favorite little Fin.)

Sewing: a Family Affair.

Here it is. My finished nursing cover complete with a big fat button proclaiming my allegiance to the 'Pretty not Practical' regime. I made a cover for a good friend of mine, and loved it, so I made a another for me. (tutorial here)








Above are some pictures of my helpers. Sewing has been a family affair the last two weeks. Jess helps piece a quilt, Bridgey turns my machine off and on after every few stitches (it's not nearly so helpful as cute) and here's Fin and I sewing together due to my desperate attempts to finish my beloved apron.

Cape is to Batman, what apron is to Housewife?

My cheery Cleaning Apron. A statement of beautiful femininity. I have worn it just about everyday since I made it. I've cut the lawn, cleaned the house, conversed with the neighbors and sewn a few projects in it. It's like a superhero's leotard, it makes me feel powerful or at at least cute while I clean. (For those who've asked I tried to pattern this after a picture I saw online of the Emmeline Apron. It was fairly easy to make, straight skirt, gathered top, Wa-La!)

The prayers of a Princess

Goodnight prayers: "And, please bless that I can have a True Love Kiss on my wedding day."

Another prayer a few weeks ago went something like, "Please bless Princess Monson." (It's the thought that counts.)

In the car tonight:
Dad: "What's Fin saying?"
Ky: "She's just saying (high pitched singsong voice) Kyanne's a beautiful princess..."

Puffy Sleeved Princesses take a Magical Hiatus...

Just have to add another amusing conversation. Today the little boy from two houses over reluctantly asked Ky what she wanted to play in a polite attempt to be neighborly. Like any princess in waiting Ky replied:

"I want to play Get Married, it's the only game I like." The poor kid, turned around and headed back the way he'd come.

I hold Disney responsible and possibly my extra hour of sleep in the morning f0r Ky's preoccupation with princesses. At first I thought the princess craze was 'cute'. I naturally assumed the day would come when she'd realized there is more to life than "true love kisses", puff sleeves, and ballroom dancing. But instead, 'craze' is turning into 'crazy'. We discuss and often argue over modesty several exasperating times a day, we argue over wearing princess dresses every waking and non-waking moment, when I ask her to do something (wash her hands, chew slowly) she asks "Does princesses do this?", she even calls her dad Prince Robert, and today I was "the Queen, just the Ugly Queen, though." I've been demoted to Ugly Queen. Enough's, enough! (fabulous motherly one liner).

The time has come for the puffy sleeved princesses to take a magical hiatus. Harsh, I know. I'll miss them. I am a huge supporter of romance, "true love kisses" and big swishy dresses.

But Ky, I want you to know: This is going to hurt me more than it hurts you. -Another Mom one liner, but really a stupid one. It's like telling your boyfriend "we can still be friends" after you break his heart. I think my mom is actually guilty of using this ridiculous mom line prior to spanking my bare bum when I was 8. (For anyone who's wondering, I took a small box out of a random mailbox and opened it. To my pleasant surprise they turned out to be blank checkbooks with really cute panda bears. What else was there to do but, slowly rip each one off and watch as each blank check gaily floated away in the wind.)

"What the CRAP!" -Little Kyanne

Okay the title says it all. Our very own parrot.

Don't worry Aunt Meggie promptly washed her own mouth out with soap, and then Jess and I followed suit.

I guess this only leaves us with one choice when a vocal exclamation is needed: Pseudo swearing. Some of my favs being:

"Oh, snap", "fetchedy fetch", and "Oh, my heck!"

Summer Holidays!!

We have been living true to the our Motto "Larsen's Like to Have Fun"!

This summer has been nothing short of Fun! It's been one long holiday with trips to the mountains, sleepovers at the cabin, Pizza Parties, visits to the grandparents, the Canada Day parade, Jess' 10 yr reunion, Beauty and the Beast Musical, dirt biking, boating, horsebacking, hiking, birthday parties, Ky's ballet class with Mrs. Meg, kiddie crafts, and lots of sewing! It's been 2 months of holidays! Hooray for Summer!

Patiently Painting the Golden Gate Bridge

Tonight I decided to lounge on the couch instead of finish tidying up the house. I picked up Don't Sweat the Small Stuff, a fabulous book worth way more than the .50 cents I paid for it at a garage sale this morning.

(Tangent: Garage Sale-ing /(verb)/: the 2nd most beloved season of the year.

• 20 Bucks -(compliments of my sweetheart)
• Timmy Bits
• the kiddies
• a clean van to load up new treasures
• and my best GS buddy Keshia

No better way to spend a Saturday morning in the Spring).

Okay back to the book. It has a great chapter on comparing tending house to the continuous painting of the Golden Gate Bridge. By the time the painters reach the end it's time to start again at the beginning. I suppose their goal is not project completion but, instead to have a beautiful, well maintained bridge all year long.

Tonight I realized my domestic goals are unrealistic and the root of my frustration and charming outbursts. From time to time (as in just about every night), poor Jess (and Meg on occassion), have to listen to me have some sort of melt down about the messy pantry, untamed grass, or the laundry Blob that haunts me by day and by night.

While the truth is, at this time in our lives, Jess works more than usual I have 3 little darlings to run after, a vivacious quilting addiction to feed, not to mention my demanding Saturday mornings garage sale hopping! There's just not enough time to expect to keep house "just like mother did", so I've decided to be happy with Livable chaos instead. -"And, that's how we roll..."

Here's to more realistic expectations, a guilt free messy house, and becoming happier in my role as Domestic Goddess.