Wednesday Wisdom

I had a family photo session on Labor Day at one of my favorite locations in Osceola.
A photo preview will be up on my photography site shortly.
Or right now, depending on when you're reading this.
Ah, the wonders of technology.

I've been sewing a lot lately.
To show for it I have a finished quilt,
another one in the process,
a gift for my bff's soon-to-birthed baby boy,
and a Festivus dress for Elena.

I've been knitting, too.
I'm working on a cowl (that I'll likely never finish because it's hat season),
and a baby blanket for an upcoming newborn session
(see above comment about a bff's soon-to-be-birthed baby boy)
as well as a hat (for said session. Man, I'm a great bff....)
I also have some hat orders that have come in
that I have to get crackin' on.
Oh, and one for Faith for being so amazing with grammar.
Or an apron.
I can't decide.
Neither can she.
Turns out we're perfect for each other.

But I digress.

I don't have any photos to show of my craftiness.
Please keep your disgruntled disdain to yourselves thankyouverymuch.
Photos are coming.
Promise.

I made a half dozen felt flower headbands over the holiday weekend.
The girls hate wearing them.
Super.

I painted my nails dark grey.
Essie's new fall grey.
I love it.

I'm addicted to Spotted Cow beer.
Thanks to Anda, and my trip to Madison in July.
I want it on tap,
but I'll settle for it in a bottle.

Lucinda has been on vacation for two weeks.
We've barely talked in that time
and I miss her like crazy.
I feel bad for being glad that her vacation is up today.....
Sorry, Luc.

College football started over the weekend and I bet on Georgia
even though I knew Boise State was going to win.
Good thing I didn't bet anything of any real value...
Sorry, Noel (aka, my brother).

I found myself missing Texas the other day.
Was sort of weird.
But not.
We'd have stayed if some of you would have been there with us....

That's the news for now.
What I can remember of it anyway.

Cheers,
A

Wednesday Wisdom

Courage is a tricky thing, really.  Being brave.  Doing what you know is right even as a sea of voices is telling you otherwise.  I am not good at courage; living life out loud. Being brazen. Individual. Me.

All that changes.

Right now.

Some say it took courage to move my family 1100 miles for a job.  But it didn't.  Not even a little, actually.  That choice was easy.  Money, career, big house and fast cars, designer clothes, blister-causing red-bottomed shoes, prestige, clout.  All the trinkets of a trivial life that society tells each of us we must strive for. Pine for. Lust after.  Taking steps to get all that was simple. Moving to Texas to fulfill a once sought-after, haughtily fought for, perfect career didn't take courage at all. Moving home? Leaving it all to pursue a life where I can spend all my time creating pretty things? Art? That is going to take some courage.

I'm scared. Terrified, really, but I am doing it anyway. Moving home, taking action, playing the lead role in my life. Even in the presence of fear. Regardless of it. Because of it. Because one of the marks of a gift is having the courage to fulfill it. I am moving my family back to Minneapolis. So that my kids will have a life outside of their parents.  So that my husband will have his chance to find a career, a passion, and pursue it.

So that I can pursue photography.
So that I can be a photographer.
Every.
Single.
Day.

If life really is about the choices we make, I want to choose wisely.  I want to choose what's important to me, and be guided by it. I want to think big and make things happen.  I want to surround myself with people who believe I can, and more than that who, instead of asking, "why?" are quick to say, "why not?" People I don't need to impress in order to stand amongst them and hold my head up high. Friends. Family. You.

This decision, to uproot my life, leave a cushy job for my old one, making less money, working more hours, and sitting behind a desk all day so that I can focus all my extra energy on photography, was surprisingly easy. Making it was like choosing to breathe.  Natural. Intrinsic. Still, I'm scared. Terrified. But in the most amazing way.

Money, after all, is just a thing. If I lose a little, make a little less, struggle, or even if it pours for a while, I don't care.  I have every intention of setting fire to the rain.

Cheers,
A

Goings On

This week has been a whirlwind.
Austin to Dallas to St Louis to Minneapolis.
To Wisconsin.
To Minneapolis.
And back.
Engagement session.
4th of July.
Family session.
An amazing head cold.
Worn out kids.
Good, good friends.
Wine.
Laughter.

I've been too busy to blog, and I'm sorry.
But you can head over to my photography site (here)
and see some of the fruits of my labor...

Cheers,
A

Thursday

This is technically a family blog.
I started it, nearly three years ago now, to keep family up to date on...well...the family.
Which I have been horrible about doing lately.

If the idea of this bores you, please, turn the channel.
Leave the room.
Navigate to another page.
Like this one, for example....

If you're still here, and I haven't scared you away, below, in list format, is what's happening with
the family pelton.

*Stella still doesn't sleep through the night.  At a whopping 17 months, she wakes up at precisely the same wee hour each night. We've tried "Sleep-training." She cries so hard she causes herself to vomit. A condition our pediatrician tells us is completely normal. And un-curable. Like some airborne toxic disease or a bite from a brown recluse. "Wait it out," she says.  I convince myself that some day I am going to miss being horrible sleep deprived all of the time snuggling my little girl for the better part of the night. Unfortunately for me, I am a horrible liar.

*While she doesn't sleep very well, she's the most amazing child. Ever. Already saying "Please" and "Thank you." She's a bruiser, too. Doesn't mind being knocked over. Walked into. Stepped on. Tripped over. Pushed. Must be the side-effect of second-child syndrome.  I am taking advantage of her toughness and training her for roller derby already.  Seems only fair to give the kid a head start as she's likely to have received the gift of my unimpressive stature.

*Elena is drawing every day.  Just today she drew her first stick-person. Complete with ears, which is perfect. I'm not raising a Van Gogh: in this house we draw heads with all the necessary appendages. We also try to write letters every day. This usually requires a bribe of some kind.  She wants to learn reading, and bugs, and everything about the universe, but she could care less about writing. Typical. This kid is totally a replica of me, even down to the tutu she wears on her head instead of her waist. Because, duh, she's a lion.

*It's currently hotter than a sweaty armpit outside. It was nearly 100 degrees yesterday, with the humidity up over 80%.  In Minnesconsin, when the humidity gets stifling, it storms.  Tornadoes, hail, fire and brimstone. Michelle Bachman is driven back into her crazy cave for fear of melting.  Once the smoke clears, the air is left cooler, drier, less palpable.  The only moisture Texas gets is in the form of humidity and beer.  A Tornado Watch typically occurs in the middle of the afternoon when one would be about as apt to find a 1 in the Twins win column as they would a cloud in the sky.  Needless to say, we don't exactly run for cover.

*I've become addicted to Pinterest. It's the most amazing place. Request an invite. You won't be sorry.  Promise.

*I shot a wedding over the weekend in Port Aransas (a teeny town on an island just north of South Padre where the humidity there is just about 94% and no matter how hard you try you're never really dry).  You can see some of my favorites over at my photography site here.

*I also took photos of DRL and the girls playing on the beach. Then accidentally I deleted them all.  Because I'm awesome.

*I really don't like the word 'alright.'  Mostly because I don't actually think it's a word.  I just had to slip that in there.

*We are planning a two-week stint in the middle west come July.  A sleepover with some friends in Omaha on our way to Minnesconsin. I'm still trying to get my hands of four pairs of adult-sized footie pajamas.  We might have to settle for snuggies and bug spray. Nadia's baby shower. DRL's birthday. Time with Rebecca and her family. Some engagement sessions. A trip to madison to see Anda.  Food. Family. Friends. Oh My God friends.  And the new Harry Potter.  Duh.

*I've given up gluten. Not forever, but for now. I've made it two days.  I'm hoping it sticks. At least long enough for my body to decide to shed some of this baby weight.  I keep telling it there is zero fear of future pregnancy so there's really no need to hang onto it. But, like my kids, it just doesn't listen to me.  I think I need to have DRL give it "Mad Face." Everyone in this house responds to Mad Face.....

*I'm addicted to "The Hunger Games" trilogy and have just started reading the third and final book of the series.  Read it. F'real. It's engrossing and perfectly paced.  And unlike the Twilight series (which it is being compared to, for reasons beyond my grasp) (which I also read and devoured and aside from their horrid writing and complete lack of substantial main character, I fully enjoyed) the main character isn't a whiny wimp. She's got guts. And a personality. Of her very own!

*My brother is living with us now. It's great to have family in town. Even better, he's just down the hall. Can you say "babysitter?"

*Abby is coming to visit next weekend.  We are beyond excited to see her.  Elena thinks Gramma Abby is going to take her back to Mexico when she leaves.  I don't have the heart to tell her that's not going to happen.  She really wants to go to Mexico...

*Elena completed a six week spanish course at the YMCA.  All she retained was a song.
(To the tune of Frere Jacques)

Buenos dias, buenos dias
como esta? como esta?
Muy bien, gracias. Muy bien, gracias,
Y tu? Y tu?


Although she much prefers to sing "Uprising" by Muse.  Oh, no, wait. I take that back. Her current favorite song to sing is "Tik Tok" by Ke$ha. I love my kids.

That's the news for now.
Happy Thursday!

Cheers,
A

Organization Station

Elena's toys have outgrown
her toy box.
This weekend
TFP took it upon ourselves
to seek out a new method of toy storage.

We ended up with a Closet Maid Cubicle
from Target.
(Pronounced: Tar-Zjeh)

The baskets on top?
My current quilting projects.
And my iron.
No longer strewn across the dining room table.
The place meant for eating.

Which,
as it happens,
no one in this house is currently doing anyway
as DRL and Stella are perfecting their upchuck reflexes
and I am walking around in a dress made of kitchen towels
and bits of dried up reconstituted milk.

I paint a pretty picture, don't I?

In light of the current state of peristalsis in my humble abode
I will be working from home today.
Ordinarily I would relish such an idea.
Today, however, I had Big Plans.

A large part of which involved wearing these:

Salutations from the Vomitorium,
A

Four Wheels

While the family Pelton was in Minnesota
the last two weeks of July,
we spent a few days at my mom's place
in western Wisconsin.

My step-dad has a four-wheeler.
Elena has always been terrified to ride it.
Until now.

Her Uncle Phil convinced her to get on and go
for a little ride
around the yard.

Her cousin Logan was helpful
in that regard, too.
Hopping on, bravely, in front of his daddy
for a tour of my mom's 4-Acre front yard.

He was brave
certainly she could be brave, too.

I managed to steal the
contraption from Phil
and steal a few precious moments
with my first-born.

I (obviously) cannot take credit for this photo
but it is one of my favorites.

In other child-related news,
the most recent fruit-of-my-womb
has
in one day
starting clapping
waving
and drinking from a cup.

Oh, and she ate from an apple.

It was feral, and wholly strange looking.
She was laying on the floor on her stomach
the apple in front of her.
But still, she did it.
And that,
afterall,
is what counts.

Cheers,
A

Sunday Secrets

Elena is currently wearing a very fitted "Madonna 1987 World Tour" tee.
With a pink petticoat skirt.
And bright blue eyeshadow.
She exemplifies the 80's.
And I am so proud to be her momma.

I am in love with red wine.
I never in my life thought I would say that, but it's true.
I am Paul Giamatti from Sideways.

Joe Montana is currently playing a game of flag football
with Dawson Leary.
I am at once awed and disturbed.

I covered some serious ground on my
duvet cover quilt this weekend.
Enough to realize I don't have the materials to make it large enough
to cover my bed.

DRL and I went on a date on Friday night.
We saw Inception.
It was amazing. And confusing. And wonderful.

I need a good book to read.
Suggestions?
For lack of anything book-ish in my house
I am re-reading the Twilight saga.
I don't really want to.
All of our books are in storage at my mom's place in Wisconsin.

Stella is crawling.

I am glad I know how to cable.

I had a meeting with the bride of the first wedding
I am officially photographing.

We agreed on a fee.
And a time frame.

I can now afford to purchase the elusive 50mm 1.4 prime
the I've been lusting after for the better part
of a year.

I have almost finished a knitting project
for Rebecca's new baby.
I cannot finish it until s/he is born.
As the S/He part is important for the final details.

I got in a discussion on facebook last night
regarding bigotry.
And ignorance.
It made me angry.
And sad.
Let's just say that I don't think it is fair to discount an entire
group of people because of the actions of few.
And let's just say that not everyone is so
...
gracious.

I am sorry that I have been such a sporadic blogger.
I will try to be better.
Promise.

Now,
go read the REAL Sunday Secrets.

Cheers,
A

The Usual

I suppose it's about time for an update.

Stella had her four month well baby visit.

(I miss our family doctor.)

She's perfectly healthy and normal and average.
13 pounds. 23 1/4 inches.
a large head.
The usual.
She got some shots.
She screamed.

Elena isn't napping.
This is making post 6pm very interesting.
And by "interesting" I mean frustrating.
Full of whining.
Crying.
Temper tantrums.
The usual.

Stella is putting everything into her mouth.
Hands.
Toys.
Feet.

We think she might be getting her first tooth.
Though, she's not making too big a stink about it.
Which is fine by me.

Keep on comin' little painless tooth.
And tell the rest of your buddies to come on in {painfree} too!

She does have a pretty significant rash at the present moment.
Likely from the night I plopped her in the tub with me
completely forgetting that I used Aveda products for the bubbles.

Silly me.
Everyone knows Johnson & Johnson is for babies.

Just like everyone knows Trix is for kids.

We thought Stella got bit by something...
...and we got worried.
So we spent the better part of an hour in an Urgent Care clinic.
We also spent the better part of fifty dollars there.

Stupid copays.

My new job is going well.
I am getting acclimated nicely.
It is fun.
Interesting.
New.
Exciting.
and hot.
H.O.T.

I sit in a car all day.
And when I am not in the car I am walking to or from it across a parking lot.
Without trees.
or shade.

Paved in black asphalt.

The sun is relentless.

This is my only complaint.

That, and my work phone is also my personal phone.
And yes - patients do call at 8:38 on Friday nights.

Oh...and I loathe Verizon wireless.
So I guess I have two complaints.

DRL found a skate park.
He proceeded to break his skateboard in less than an hour.
The usual.
Needless to say, he's adjusting well, too.

That's the news for now.
Sorry for not calling.
Sorry for not updating sooner.
Sorry for my love-handles.

Cheers,
A

Unofficially Official.

Yesterday afternoon my soon-to-be new boss, Kristan, walked into my cubicle here at the EMPIre.

"Pending final approval, I wanted you to know that the job is yours."

I'm stilling waiting on that "final approval."

But I wanted to share with you,
my lovely, faithful, without-you-I'd-be-nothing
very quiet
5.7 readers
that it looks as if TFP will be moving.

Just look at the Capitol building.
Ain't it purty?


Legal Dislcaimer:
Due to the unofficial nature of this job offer, I cannot tell you the name of the job, for which company, or what city/state this Capitol building is in.
But..you are all very, very, extremely smart individuals.
And you can probably figure it out.
 
Cheers,
A

This Just In

My 2.3 year old is potty trained.

That is all.

Thank you for listening.

Cheers,
A

A Star is Born

I started having contractions at 2:00pm on Tuesday. 

At work.

They didn't hurt.

Not even a little.

At 4:30 I left work and called the hospital.

They said to stay home and relax. If the contractions got worse, I could come in.

I woke up at 3:30 to a contraction that H.U.R.T.

Then my water broke.

And off to the hospital we went.

Stella Noel Pelton was born at 10:55 am on Wednesday, December 23rd.  Also known as Festivus.

She weighed in at a whopping 5lbs 3oz and stretched to 19 whole inches.  Her head was barely over 10cm.  This, dear friends, was the greatest attribute.

Until I looked at her.  

And saw her sweet, sweet face.

Big sister gave Stella her first bath. 

(and attempted to take her umbilical cord off.  She said it looked hurt-y).

Her feet are big for her small size.  I thought this needed to be photographically documented.

Sweet flowers from three sweet girls.  
She sleeps!  

In two hour increments...

but still...

she sleeps!

And Elena loves her.

Until she realizes that she's here to stay.

Then I am guessing her reaction will look a little more like this:

Happy Birthday, Stella.

Happy Big-Sisterhood, Elena.

Joyous Festivus Everyone,

A

Bullet Points

Here's what happened this week...in rapid fire format:

*By Tuesday evening I had already logged 22 hours at work. Things are crazy at the EMPIre.

*I finished my cabled scarf. Now I need to block it. Any advice on how to do this?

*Reviewed Open Enrollment information for my benefits plan at work. Premiums are up again this year, and coverage is down. I'm glad we're a healthy family, though I really wish Empi would offer a HSA option. The Pelton Family would really benefit from that setup.

*I finished two more hats...for no one in particular. Though, I made one out of Teal Malabrigo that I think I have to keep. I love that yarn more 'n my luggage (as P-Dub would say).

*Elena had her first ever fever on Thursday...complete with a blazing hot forehead and chilly body. Doctor said all is well and the fever responded to Motrin, so we kept close watch on her through yesterday and she's back to her cheery, healthy self today. Seeing a toddler turn purple with the chills will give you quite a fright though. I'm happy she's feeling better now!

*Nearly 32 weeks gestation and wondering how I'm going to get through the next two months. I'm SOOOO full feeling already. And this baby moves nonstop! I can't wait to meet her.

*I can't wait to name her, either.

*And take her picture. Something like this (*Editor's Note: GROSS! If you're not accustomed to the whole "birth" thing. And I don't know how I'd get these photos seeing as how I'm going to be busy ejecting the kid. I think they're wonderful, though.)

*I'm ready for snow. White, flaky, downy, fluffy snow. Coating everything. Making it look like Christmas. I love this time of year. It's unseasonably warm, though, so I might have to wait a little while for a blanket of the white stuff.

*I recieved Elena's two year photos from White House Custom Color and I could not be happier. I love press printing. I love WHCC. I can't wait to "need" more photos so I can place another order.

*DRL has Bronchitis which is keeping him from working tonight. I'm sad that he's not going to be making money...but that is grossly overshadowed by my glee at getting to spend another Saturday evening with him. We don't get near enough time together, the two of us, and I still get butterflies at the thought of some quiet time together. I guess that's a good thing!

That's the news for now, friends. I'm hoping to get some good photos of my hat creations this weekend and then get them uploaded for all to see.

'til then,
A

Pomp and (a change in) Circumstance.

I have made a very difficult decision today, friends.

I am going to "drop out" of college for a little while. Again. But I will go back. I will return to St. Kate's in April when the Spring Trimester begins and finish the degree I started in 2000. I'm a month away from my 3rd trimester of my (final) pregnancy (Gasp! It's going so fast!!!), and there are still so many things I need to do before the baby comes.

1.) Sleep.
2.) Spend as much time with Elena as I can before I have to split my time between her and her sister.
3.) Sleep.
4.) Make hats (to keep the masses happy).
5.) Avoid a nervous breakdown of any sort.
6.) Give myself some time for me. Some time alone - a moment or two of quiet - to take in my life. What I already have and what is yet to come.
7.) Eat. A lot. Often.

School would be number 8 on that list. And I cannot in clear conscience attend school when it's not in the top on any priority list. It's not fair to myself, my fellow students, my family, or the professors.

And so, it is with mourful regret that I withdraw from fall classes. The light on the horizon is the knowledge that, like always, I will return to class next Spring and finish the degree that I have been so arduously pursuing for nearly a decade. I deserve it. I owe to myself. And I owe it to my family.

That's the news for now,
A

Two Girls

I am having another girl. She's coming in January. I am excited (to not have to buy more clothes or, anything, really) and terrified (two weddings, two teenagers, two (more) women in menses).

Mostly, I'm just excited.

Any of you (2.5) readers out there with two daughters? Any words of wisdom? Any special advice or things I need to "prepare" for?

Oh, and don't worry about DRL, he's thrilled. A) He guessed the gender correctly, so he's got bragging rights and 2.) Little girls love their daddies. They hate their mothers. He's pleased as punch.

Pray for me,
A

Overwhelmed

School is taking more out of me than I initially anticipated, largely due to the fact that there are only 24 hours in a day, and approximately 18 are already taken up by work and sleep. Another 4-5 are occupied with all things Elena. Which leaves me about an hour to cram in some schoolwork at the tail end of my exhausting day. I am assigned about 2 hours of work a night. How's that for math, Obama!? Can I get a homework bailout??

Okay, okay, that was a cheap shot, and probably uncalled for. But I'm tired.

That's about all I have time to say.

Off to bed I go....

A

College Bound. Again.

I had my registration session at St Kate's last night, and I'm all set to begin classes on April 3rd. I'm taking "The Reflective Woman," a writing intensive course that is required for all Katie graduates, and "Business Law." I have a paper and 100 page reading assignment due the first day of class. I think I'm going to have my work cut out for me with this weekend college stuff. Four hour classes that meet only 8 times - eek! It is somewhat unfortunate that classes are scheduled to begin the weekend of my birthday, but I am still excited to return to college. It's been so long since I've been -- it'll be nice to be in a learning environment again.

I finished my first bird a few nights ago - a Cardinal that hangs in Elena's room. Just like I promised I would do. It was acutally quite an easy pattern to follow and took about an hour to complete. I was sooo excited to get home after such a long day yesterday to find 4 skeins of Blue Sky Cotton from Lucinda waiting on my kitchen counter!!! I can't wait to start on some more birds. She had a poster on her blog the other day that read, "Be happy for this moment, this moment is your life," and I just loved it.

So often I get frustrated with all that I have to do -- all that is asked of me as a wife, mother, student, daughter, friend, etc and I want to throw my hands up and scream -- and then I read this green banner on her blog-- and I realized that if I take this to heart, and truly apply it everyday, perhaps I can learn how to be thankful for every moment. To be thankful that I have a child who frustrates me and screams and kicks and is alive and perfect and healthy. To be thankful that I have a husband who, even though he watches baseball all the time without end and tunes me out and leaves his dirty clothes on the floor, he truly is my partner. To be happy that I have a job, even if I don't love it as much as I once did. To be much more satisfied with all that I probably take for granted, and to try, as best I can, to remember that I really am very very lucky.

I feel blessed to have stumbled across so many amazing people through the interwebs and the blog world. To see the life of a child through Mandy's photos, to read of Simone's triumph, to be a part of Lucinda's grief - and the journey to help her heart to heal, to make hats with Susie, and to stay in touch with my cousin and her family. I'm thankful to all of you for being such an important part of my life - and of who I am becoming.

Hearts,

A

The Shape of Things to Come

I realize that my blog has really turned into a photo album, rather than any sort of forum for discussion or actual blog of my (and my family's) life. I hope to amend this and start posting actual bits of text and information other than photos!! I'll start with the announcement that I'm officially returning to college in April, and will be attending the College of Saint Catherine (St. Kate's) in St Paul. They have a program specifically geared for working adults that will enable me to finish my four year degree in two years and only take class on Friday evenings and every other weekend. I'm hoping to maintain my current GPA so that I'll be offered some sort of (monetary) incentive to stay on there and complete my Master's. We'll see.....

In other news, as if any of you didn't already know, today is the day that Barack Obama will become the 44th President of the United States. It's an occasion marked by joyous pomp and circumstance, and for those of us who are smart enough to be realistic, there is a little bit of trepidation at the shape of things to come. With bailouts, increased spending, tax cuts, stimulus packages, and the overall size of government on the rise and common sense on the decline, I can say that I am somewhat skeptical of what good 'ol Barry O will do for our nation. I'm hopeful, and I'm excited, and I'm genuinely looking to be impressed. Either way, today will be a day to remember.

And I'm so excited to see what Michelle will be wearing.....

And I'd like to go on the record as stating, that I'm over Oprah the way the rest of the nation is over Bush. Seriously. Can we inagurate someone else into the "Most Powerful Woman in the World" seat? I'll start taking suggestions.....

Finally, Christmas Pictures

A very large "Thank You" to Santa Claus for bringing me the fabulous Nikon camera that made these pictures possible. I hope you enjoy looking at these pictures as much as I enjoyed taking them. There are a few that are my favorite of all time....Elena looking out the door at my Mom's place, Belle on the couch, Elena playing with the tealight holder at my Dad's. At the risk of sounding redundant, Christmas truly was amazing.

Logan looking rather dapper.

Elena Sandwich

Possibly her favorite Christmas gift. Thanks Great-Grandpa!

Daddy's Girl

Watching for Santa

That kitchen's made three generations of little ones VERY happy....

Elena and Papa Al

DRL, Me, Elena, and Grampa Mac (my dad)

This tea light holder was the best thing EVER.

Being cute.

Our fabulous, and often forgotten, dog Belle.

Christmahanakwanzakkah 2008

Another Christmas has come and gone, and this year's was great. DRL and I got to enjoy watching Elena open gifts on her own, and actually get excited for what was inside the fancy packaging. She received many extraordinary gifts (especially the fairy ride on car from Great Grandpa Beaver that is soooo very verrrrry verrrrrrrrrrry loud), and DRL and I enjoyed every moment that we spent with family and friends. Thanks to all for making the holiday so warm and special this year. We love you bunches!

And I'll post more photos soon, I promise!! Santa brought me a FABULOUS new camera.....and I've already taken nearly a hundred photos - just of Christmas - so I have to weed through them and find out which I like best.

Love to all and have a safe New Year.

Steps

Elena has taken her first steps, and the best part is that DRL and I were both home to witness it. It's rare that we both get to witness a first, and I feel so blessed that she included us together!!

She's also gotten her first molar. While, not entirely, but it's coming and it sure did cause quite the upset while the corner was breaking through. Hopefully she's rounded a corner and will be all smiles from here on out.

Since my last post, I have finished the sweater I was knitting for Logan (again, I know, the pictures...they're trapped in cyberspace. I've summoned a horde of CSI's to search for them.) and have also managed to crochet three hats. I'm thinking about making up a gaggle of them and selling them like hotcakes at Empi's yearly craft fair. We'll see. That's a lot of crocheting...and my carpal tunnel may start to act up. (Ok ok, I don't have carpal tunnel. I think I just have an aversion to taking something that is presently a hobby and turning it into a sort of "job." I'm worried all fun will be lost.)

It has also been determined that I am quite possibly the worst NFL Picks person out there. If there's ever a contest for who can get less than half right, I'm your girl. I've been playing the pool every week here at work, and I tell ya, it's been rough. Each week I leave the office with a big ol smile on my face thinking that this week will be my time to shine, my time to ride the golden pony of triumph. And Monday morning I sulk in knowing that no matter the result of that night's game...I'm not even in the running. It's funny that I can't even master 50/50 odds!!

That's the news for now. Boo on the Bailout, and hold on to your dollars.

As my dear friend Amie says,

"exes and ohs"