It's About Time You Updated the Blog!

Ok- I am way way behind! When you throw a little travel into the ole schedule, I get all out of sorts, and lose the will to blog- but I am back, so all two of my readers can rest easy. I am sure you all are ready to see the latest photos. These are from a few weeks ago when some fellow moms and myself took the kids to the Museum of Appalachia for their homecoming. It was a great time had by all, and the weather was pristine. A perfect Fall day in East Tennessee! This is the 27th annual Homecoming- so it is a pretty big deal! This is a great place to visit any time of the year, but this event included various musicians and historical stuff that didn't so much impress the little ones as it did us moms. The fresh apple cider was my favorite. And the moms did partake in some awesome fair-like food. (have you ever seen ribbons of spiraled potatoes deep fried?) Well they rock. Anyway, I digress- here are some great shots.

Maddie Discovers Sweet Potatoes!

I just thought these photos were too cute to pass up. Maddie is such a great baby. Sweet potatoes seem to be her mashed food of choice these days. She is warming up to the idea of eating baby food, although she does love that bottle!

Fall Easy Art Project

With Fall in the air, I was looking for some way to bring it in the house...with Ben's help. This is a really easy project that takes very few supplies. It started on Friday, while on a walk, Ben and I started collecting leaves, trying to find all different colors and shapes. Ben had fun, and Maddie looked on! Anyway, I had recently purchase a 8" wide role of art paper at a local school supply store, so I rolled it out across the table, and let Ben (with my help) glue on the leaves. I then took it to a local Kinkos and had it laminated fo $3! I had intended it to be placemats, but because I did not pre cut the placemats, I just decided to make it into a runner. Or, in the meantime, a window treatment! Ha! Anyway, I thought it turned out great! It will be interesting to see if they colors last. As for now, we are enjoying God's artwork in our home!

Time to Blog Daddy! & All Things Orange

What a great week we have had here at the homestead. Today was a particularly great day. The morning started off with cool weather and a breakfast outing to Court Cafe. This is a very old diner that smells just like my Grandmother's kitchen. From there, we went to the "pumpkin patch" where Ben excitedly helped pick out pumpkins for my latest project.

Dad helped greatly today, as I wanted to get some semblance of Fall on my doorstep and in my flowerbeds. I have these great iron rods that fit into a planter, to created this crazy stack of potted plants

I had always envisioned pumpkins stacked on these with drilled holes and filled with christmas lights. If you can't see it yourself, here is the end project;

But, I wanted to note some great "Daddy" moments today that I caught on film. Todd really is a stellar Dad and Ben and Maddie are in for some great times ahead. He knows that all Ben really wants is undivided attention or the opportunity to help "build" something. Even though our nerves get strained now and then, Dad enjoys being Dad- and it shows!

The day was peppered with classic boy moments, as Ben discovered a worm, and brought it to show me.

So many beautiful moments to be thankful for. I simply love days like this.

Ben's Art Project

In the mind of my 3 year old, Crayola Crayons are built for one specific purpose- breaking in half. He occasionally likes to color, although he likes markers better. I even went so far as to buy the "twisty" crayons that twist out of a plastic holder. To no avail, he still is not interested in coloring; painting, yes "I like to slap the paint" he says. Recently I had tired of throwing away bits of crayolas when I came across an idea in one of my favorite publications, Family Fun Magazine. I actually recently purchased two compilation books of Family Fun Craft ideas. So, this is not an original idea, much to my chagrin. I simply took the broken crayons, peeled off the paper cover, and melted them in foil lined muffin tins. Here is the outcome

The Feeling of Accomplishment!

Ok, I know I have been very behind on the old blog here- by the way is anyone really reading? I have been having a great week- the hubby is actually home every night- stellar! So, life is really good. Two weeks ago, I finished something that I am most proud of, because it was a labor of love. I did a photo book as a cookbook of some of my Grandmother's best recipes. About a monnth ago, I traveled to my Grandparents' home and got to take the photos and then feast on the subject matter- what a treat! The end product turned out great! I used www.ofoto.com which is also www.kodakgallery.com . I know many sites offer this service, but I have always used kodak, and I am really pleased with the outcome.














The website gives choice of cover and there are about 10 layout choices for photos. I just used the blank page for the recipes. There are so many other creative things to do with this service, like kids books, birthday books, etc. The final cost- to my door was 33 dollars, so I think it was well worth it for a great keepsake. I can't wait to show it to Grandma.

Report to Board of Directors

If I were working- which I am, technically, I would probably be required to do some sort of report to show that my time was being well spent. So I guess you could say, that this is my report of sorts. Ok, old habits die hard. Just trying to keep my market share at the top, and my customers happy. In my case, I have two of the best customers going- Ben and Maddie. So, in an attempt to celebrate, I will now recap some highpoints of the week so far (it is only Wednesday, for goodness sake!)

Well, the week started strong, with Dad leaving town. Just kidding, Dad. Anyway, with that in mind I set out to quickly call my friend, Jennifer and ask her if her daughter, aka Ben's favorite play buddy, to come over for a morning of great times. She graciously brought over half of her clan and Ben and Kaeley had a real fun time.

After riding around the dining room and kitchen- Vroooom! Ben and Kaeley helped me make bird feeders with pine cones. Remember doing this in Girl Scouts? Anyway, I thought it sounded like a good idea, Ben just thought the peanut butter was tasty. Ben does enjoy watching the birds- which was the end result of hanging the feeders.

So, where is Maddie during all this fun? She is watching and loves laughing at her brother. She is really growing and changing. It is not so apparent to me, but when I look back at photos, realize how time flies. A milestone happened today with Maddie- she sat up on her own. For just a little while, but it was long enough to snap a few photos. Paw Paw should be happy to see that Froggie is getting a second round! Maddie loves it. Something of note this week is that Maddie is having a day with Miss Kim on Tuesdays so mommy can get some much needed "alone" time. 5 hours of sanity repairing, and a possible lunch with friends or dental appointment. Also, we all made it to BSF this week, and thanks to Miss Lori, Maddie gets more excellent one-on-one care. So, for all you moms out there- we've got no time for guilt, only balance. So, there you have it. The weather is unbelievably gorgeous this time of year here in E. Tennessee! Dad - we are looking forward to your return tonight! We hope that if you are reading this in an airport somewhere that it is not during a delayed flight. Godspeed.

Peace.

My Life So Far

Ok, some weeks, really, most weeks, Life is GOOD! Fall is creeping into East Tennessee, and that is typically good. As I have said before, the key to happiness with a toddler who has a 5 month old sister, is a good schedule. Because preschool is back in as is BSF, we are cruising thru our "work-week" and having fun to boot. Monday started right out of the blocks, as we visited Paul and Mary Ann. Many thanks to them for showing us hospitality and lots of love. Paul treated Ben to some time in his workshop, and I feel very honored for my son to be under his tutelage. He still talks about Mr. Paul. He was ready to "go to work" the rest of the day.





Mary Ann was a pro at getting Maddie settled down, as she has had a little experience raising 5 kids and all!













So, many thanks to these fine folks- you make me feel loved, and my kids are so lucky to have you in their lives!!
Tuesday went off without a hitch as Ben went to preschool, and we had a great afternoon playing and then to the dollar store, where he got one dollar for not taking his shoes off all day- this is what I am reduced to, bribery! Anyway, Maddie is an amazingly good baby, and bedtime is not a problem for her, so when I am here solo, as I am this week, she makes evenings a little easier; Ben, not so much. Although the bedtime thing is getting better. Lots better. We are starting much earlier, which seems to be the ticket to a good night's sleep.

So, that brings me to tonight. So Dad, if you are reading, I hope you enjoy these photos while you are away.

It's Pizza Night!

Tonight I was feeling adventurous and wanted something activity oriented...so we made pizza, Southern Style! We used frozen biscuits, rolled them out and dressed them up. Now because the Jello poeple haven't called, I figure the Prego people will be next. Ben was literally eating this sauce out of the jar

Maddie got into the action too, and helped us put on the cheese.

I have to say, these pizzas were really tasty, but not the healthiest way to eat pizza! But isn't that the point? Maddie has started eating cereal now, little by little, so she had to pass on the pizza.

Ok, so there you have it, my blogging fix! Now, lets get some much needed sleep!

Harvest and Helmet Time in Tennessee

OK, I know everyone (all two of you who read this) are probably wondering whatever happened to the sunflower...well, we picked it, and we are going to roast the seeds...does anyone have any tips?













And how about my son's love of helmets? His Dee Dee recently purchased this jewel (actually he picked it out) at the dollar store. He has gone thru many-a-helmet style in his young life, so I thought I would review.... Here he is with his Grandpa Bob, aka Bob Bob. This Atlanta Braves helmet (purchased at a church rummage sale for 50 cents) has been his official favorite! It is now one half of a helmet, as Ben liked to throw it in the air and watch it crash to the ground. He still wears it all the time.

Although this helmet was almost a year ago! (last Halloween) I believe it is what started his fascination with helmetry (is that a word?)

Comrades in Motherhood

One of the great things I have discovered about motherhood, is that you open up to a whole new world of friends, as well as a whole new level of friendship. I am finally on the other end of the 15 years of hearing..."you just don't understand" ...which is altogether another blog topic in itself...anyway, positively speaking, I love having fellow moms as friends. Last Friday was a great example of how moms banding together keeps you sane! Friday morning was spent at Walker Springs Park, which is this hidden jewel in W. Knoxville. The kids enjoyed the playground, swings, riding trail and picnic lunch. It was all very shady which was great! After a great start to my day, my afternoon was rounded out with preschool "happy hour" with new friends. I don't remember when I laughed so hard. These are the days that will pepper my memories with happy thoughts of being a mom. This motherhood thing was a much sought after job, so I hope to savor every moment!

Hello Jello!

Ok- the Jell-O people should be lining up right about now at our front door to hire their next spokesperson- Ben. Tonight, we made Jell-O pudding cups with "dirt and worms" and Ben had a really good time. Many thanks to Dee Dee for assisting us. Maddie was a big help too. I see lots of cooking in her future.

Autumn Song

I was riding along in my most favorite car, my Honda Odessey, when on my second favorite invention, XM radio(second to Tivo), played a song by my second favorite songwriter, Van Morrison (second to Joni Mitchell), it was called The Autumn Song. It was great to be riding along, sans kids, just enjoying the moment. Autumn. Isn't this a great season? So, you're wondering how I am riding along without my kids? No, I did not leave them at the grocery store, my Dear Dear Mom joined us yesterday to help me out with some much needed childcare. I had to report for jury duty this morning- and interesting act of civic responsibility, which I quicky evaded because I the primary caretaker of two beautiful kids. I and about 300 other Knoxvillians showed up this morning to do our civic responsibilities. I have to admit, that getting dressed- with real clothes, makeup and hair products was fun, as I toyed with the thought of going back to work. I would be lying if I said the thought of someone else lovingly caring for my kids while I earned money and exercised my brain didn't totally rock. Then, I realized that this is a very fleeting time, Maddie and Ben won't be this age forever, and that I can go back to work when they are older. I must explore this more, because frankly I, like many other moms out there are torn by this - let's face it Motherhood is great, but my brain feels like jello. Well, I digress.
Here is an update on the wonderful goings on in Knoxvegas.

Friday afternoon started with a bang. We headed to the park again, and Ben honed his baseball skills. I know I sound like an obnoxious parent, but really, because I am not responsible for his genetic make-up I feel perfectly comfortable gushing about his athletic abilities. So, watch out. I am gushing. Golf, baseball, hockey, tennis, swimming. He is not even 3 yet! Ok. I am finished.













After the park we had some heavenly pie at Mellow Mushroom pizza. After that we decided to forego any Friday Night Lights in an effort to get the boy to bed earlier. Nights have been hell for us lately as Ben is in the habit of letting us know how much he needs us at 2,3 and 4 am. It is not fun. We proceeded to seek any and every bit of advice for getting our toddler to sleep better, and decided that an earlier bedtime (like 7:30) might be better. That way slumber might come at 8-8:30 instead of starting at 8:30 etc. Well, as of today, our efforts are paying off, as Ben is getting a bit better. It is a journey right?
Saturday came, and I got to actually help in a great community effort called FISH. Many volunteers and I come together once a month (several churches each take one day a month to run this program) We happen to take the second Saturday of each month) anyway, FISH is a "hotline" anyone may call that provides a three day supply of food for any individual in need regardless of their situation. I was able to help coordinate taking calls, and dispatching delivery I was thankful Todd stayed home with the kids while I exercised my brain and felt much better for it.

Remember the Watermelon???

Well, we ate it Saturday. It was yummy.

Then, we had some great friends from Johnson City drop by as they were in town for a soccer tourney. Hannah put on a great show Sun. for all, and we got a glimpse of life with active teenagers. Yikes, and I thought I was sleep deprived now???

We just thought we would share Ben's first crush with everyone. We hope you will keep him in mind, Avery!