Why Penny wants a sister...

Penny would love a sister. I feel for her - I've always wondered what it would have been like to have one. Since this can no longer happen in our household, Penny is out of luck. So she has decided that Cyd is her sister, even though he's a boy, but that seems to matter little to Penny. He is warm, he listens, he follows her around and tolerates being dressed up and decorated. Doesn't that sum up a younger sister? Penny thinks so, as do I.

I have to say there are moments when Cyd drives me crazy, like when he needs to be groomed and drops yet another black cotton ball on my floor after a behind-the-ear-scratch. Or when someone comes to the door and he barrels through the house to run up and jump on them, or the way he skids out on my hardwoods making them resemble a shell of their former selves. Yes, Cyd drives me crazy, he's an attention whore and sneaks naps on the couch when I'm not looking, but honestly I wouldn't trade him for anything. He's a phenomenal dog and here's why:

He loves everyone. He tolerates Penny laying on him, putting bells, bows and necklaces on him daily, Drew covers him with blankets and stuffed animals and sometimes he becomes a hairy planet where lego ships land. And he takes it. all. in stride. For a dog who's first year and a half of life is sketchy at best, he is the most phenomenal pet I could have every asked for.

Penny takes him on daily walks around the house, leading him up and down the stairs, into closets, her room, you name it, he's been taken there. He gets locked in her room, and comes out looking like a bedazzler puked on him. He doesn't whimper or whine or even try to take it off - he just acts like it's no big deal and knows eventually someone will remove the swagger from his fur.

If you look closely you'll see that Cyd is sporting a sweet gold necklace, last week it was a red ribbon with a bell, the week before that it was a pink hair scrunchy on his tail. He's worn crowns, bracelets and been fed tea in a cup, with a spoon - he hasn't explained to Penny the whole awkward opposable thumb thing.

Penny also loves to love on Cyd. He cut his foot earlier this week and it made for a bloody mess all over the house (thank you hardwood floors) it was concentrated in Penny's room and on her bed - ugh. I got him to stop running around and played vet and cleaned and bandaged his cut. He's a good boy and sat still, but I think Penny kissing his nose saying, "it's okay baby, it's okay" was probably helping - I mean his tail was going a mile a minute - he really loves attention. I am happy to report he's a-okay - and nurse Penny had a lot to do with that, I think.

I had to take a minute to honor my fourth child because last night when he came into the kitchen wearing his necklace Ryan and I had to laugh, then take his picture and then remove the necklace. We're true parents: chuckle, document, resolve issue- I like to think it's just seasoned parenting is all.

So thank you Cyd for being such a wonderful, tolerant dog. I am pretty sure he can't read, but he's Border Collie/German Shepard mix - two of the smartest breeds on the planet. Sometimes I think he's on the lower end of the gene pool, but honestly between you and me and the fencepost - I think it's an act and that he's a lot smarter than he lets on. I think being conveniently stupid works for him and that my friends is a pretty damn smart dog!

Little Ballerina Penny

It was only a matter of time, before we starting dancing.

If you know Penny you know that she basically twirls through life.

We decided that a ballet class at the park would be a good start to ease us into this new world.

But as Leslie said - who are you kidding, this is only the beginning, there is not going to be "trying" ballet for Penny. We have a long road ahead of us that includes, slippers, leotards, tutu's and more.

Honestly I couldn't be happier. I actually cried today when she put on her ensemble. I love having a daughter, I do. I thought about my mom and how she would have just, well cried when she saw how adorable and perfect Penny looked in her ballet gear. Not to be too sentimental, so I'll tell you a little story - so while Penny and I were shopping for this little ensemble, she went behind the counter into the glass case and pulled out the bow you see above. She handed it to me and said, "I need this." Not I want, not can I, I need this. Boy, we are IN TROUBLE. But she it does finish the look perfectly.

Thanks!

Super Simple Month indeed!

Even though I blog - I don't have a huge blogroll of other blogs that I read. I mean I have my friends and a few more "famous" blogs - but generally I lose interest after awhile and I delete the RSS feed. See even though I blog - I'm not a huge BLOGGER. There is one that I generally enjoy - I know you are going to be shocked by this one - Unclutterer. Ha! My girlfriend Shannon, recommended it to me eons ago and I subscribed and I enjoy most of their posts and even keep some of them archived. Today, one came across my inbox - Setting Limits with Super Simple Month. A-ha - right up my alley. If you aren't involved in my day to day, I realize that I am very committed - not be confused with needing to be committed. I'm not going to bore you with the details, but my commitments seem to have tripled overnight and I'm not exactly sure how it all happened. What I do know is that I am finding myself wishing the next few months away and dreaming of warmth, summer, and commitment free days. I'm not a day-wisher-away, but unfortunately that's where I am finding myself.

So back to my simple month. While I can't control all of the obligations I have, I can control what I do with my remaining minutes of each day. So I'm trying to tie up my outstanding projects, I finished a little sundress for Penny (pictures to follow) and our taxes (come on refund!). Ryan has a lot of side work this month - which is great, but that means a lot of single mom nights. It isn't so bad really - we have our routine and I'm more likely to get things done in the evening, workout and go to bed at a decent hour because I'm not soaking up the few hours Ryan and I get together each day. It really isn't as pitiful as it sounds. Really. My goal is to get into March - with a little less hanging over my head, and then April and then May -that way when my summer happens, I can enjoy it. Fully.

As I mentioned in previous posts I am trying to be a bit more fiscally conservative - it's a good thing I've wrapped my hands around that goal because we just found out that Ryan and the rest of his office are receiving a pay decrease as a proactive measure to avoid lay offs. I hesitated to mention it, I'm not embarrassed, but I also am not one to air personal laundry. That being said, I don't want people to think I'm flaking out if I'm not jumping on the dining out bandwagon or taking classes or whatever. While it is of course upsetting, I am grateful Ryan has a job. We've faced the alternative, and it sucks, but more so than a pay decrease. Ryan is upset of course, but it makes sense given the economic climate and we give kuddos to his boss for figuring out exactly what they need to do to weather the storm. Things are looking up and the economy will revive and this too shall pass. That being said, obviously my quest to make better choices is even more important and Ryan is doing side jobs to help pick up the slack and pad the savings. I mean you just never know right? So there you have it. Good times, no?

We've had a bit of a talk with our children, who like most children suffer from a bad case of the gimme's from time to time. We've watered it down of course, but beyond our upcoming birthdays and spring break, we're on penny patrol. Like I've said in the past, I'm not a fan of hiding things from my kids (exceptions include: Santa, Easter Bunny and the Tooth Fairy (not the Rock version)). It is amazing how receptive they are and Jon especially is beginning to understand that valuing your money is important and that the ATM machine is not a magic place that you stick your card and poof! out comes money. Ha - we might still create three upstanding, capable adults! I think the whole thing is good for us as a family - I mean what's cheaper than fun at home together?

Thanks!

Just some stuff

This past weekend I headed to Ohio to go to IKEA to shop for some furniture for a classroom in our school. We applied for a grant through Lowe's the beginning of this school year and we won! It had been years since I had written a grant, so I was thoroughly surprised. But we won and now we get to stock the room. It was a fun trip because a. I could decorate a space and b. it wasn't my space or my money. I was accompanied by my partner in crime Mandy who has been working on this grant and program and space as hard as anyone. It was a fun trip, especially since Mandy was an IKEA virgin. She fared better than I ever did my first time. As I explained to her I was in tears by the second floor and I think Ryan was seriously questioning our future together. Fortunately we made it through and now I believe, without question, I am an IKEA expert. I could docent the store really - I know what they carry, generally where it is and where your biggest bang for your buck is. I have always recommended the buddy system - bring someone who's been before to lessen the stress of your first visit. It was actually pretty funny to watch someone for the first time - it was kind of like taking a kid to Toys r' us. I'm thinking of doing field trips for friends that have never been - it was only a two hour drive and when you fold down the seats in the van you can fit a crap load of stuff in there. It was a fun, long day - but I was proud because all I bought was a cup for my bathroom and a lazy susan for my kitchen table. I believe I may have zoomed to 60 years old because I've never seen anyone under 60 have one -but the kids had a blast with the salad dressing last night at dinner. Ranch, nah, (spin) Italian, nah, (spin) Vidalia Onion, nah (spin) you get the point. I don't care as long as they ate their salad and they did. I think it was my cheapest trip to IKEA yet.

I appear to be hot on the list of people to call when you are picking out paint colors - personally I love it and I am flattered to no end. I've had two requests this week and frankly I couldn't think of anything better than picking out colors and flooring and things like that for other peoples spaces. I mean eventually you run out of your own space (and money for that matter) so it's an awesome honor for someone to trust my opinion at all. I am really geeked and can't wait to see what comes of our little paint choosing escapades.

So what is on my agenda this week? Well I got out my sewing projects and will finish one up today - the little black and cherry number for Penny. I'm also thinking about doing something fun for her birthday - a t-shirt or something - we'll see. I have a bit more to do on my painting, but should be done by the end of the week. I also have a few crafts for the kids to do for Valentine's Day, so hopefully the week doesn't get away from us.

Some Random Bits:

Can I tell you the solace I get from this blog - the people on the Indy Star can be so hateful - not necessarily directed to me, but in general. Didn't their mother's teach them if you have nothing nice to say don't say anything at all? I mean, I don't mind a healthy debate, but these people clearly are hateful, negative individuals and frankly I can't handle the negativity. It makes me all sad and sick inside. Ugh - so I appreciate all of you and your interest and your not-hateful-at-all words. I suppose the more public you are, the more people feel they have some entitlement to comment on you and your words. Ah - I feel a thicker skin growing as we speak. I just wanted to pass along a thank you and tell you appreciate all of you!

Okay -I'm off to school to assemble furniture. I hope everyone has a marvelous day and hopefully I'll have some accomplishments to show off this week.

Thanks!

crafts and more...

I've been feeling the itch - I think it's being cooped up in the house. While I love this time of year, it can be a bit cumbersome getting three kids ready to go out the door. Generally speaking my kids are pretty self-sufficient. Jon and Drew can get themselves bundled up, into the car and strapped in. Penny can get her own coat on and most shoes, but she can't strap herself yet (she's in a booster- don't report me to CPS I know she isn't three yet, but her hot pink booster was just what a girl needed a couple of months ago). So I can't blame them entirely, but it certainly takes a bit longer to pull things together than say, getting myself out the door.

Where am I going with this... okay getting out. So I've also put myself on a spending freeze and running unnecessary errands. We've got some economic goals so I'm trying not to buy what I call piddly-shit items that add up. Being my mother's child, if I am going to be successful at that, it means I hit the grocery and that's about it. Otherwise I can find infinite possibility almost anywhere. Yesterday I took a solo sojourn to Super Target, with the idea that I could also get some groceries - I love Target. I mean it's like Meijer and Walmart, except much cooler. That being said, I don't think I can ever leave their premises without spending $100 and a good portion of that going to the one spot. I think it's been three months since I've been there for that very reason.

I did get a few non-grocery items, but they were birthday and valentine cards, along with valentines for the kids to give out. I treated myself to a new diffuser for my stairwell to the basement and a candle for the kitchen. I also got a new valentine t - (Leslie, it has a super cool squirrel on it!!! I could have died and almost called you immediately!) I also treated myself to two new nail polishes - which is fairly scandalous because I almost never buy cosmetics, but I liked them and I wanted them, so I bought them. See my problem?

Anyway - so since I've been trying to not shop (online shopping makes this a challenge) and go out and as a result I'm getting a bit stir crazy. I'm not like some of my friends that need to leave the house everyday - I can go days without leaving and be fine with that -as long as I'm busy. That being said while I may not have Albert Einstein's intelligence, the inside of my head feels like the way he looked. Crazy. Two nights ago I had to get up twice in the middle of the night because I came up with six different quirky sayings you could print on onesies for baby boys and girls. Ridiculous!

I also ironed this week, which if you ask my husband, never happens. I rely on the dry cleaning gods to take care of his many shirts. But trying to be a bit more conservative, I thought I'd give it a whirl. I've done it in the past, but I don't like to iron so it is painful for me. I can't say this habit is going to stay, but for this week, we're set.

I mistakenly clicked on a link from a friends (Betsy) facebook post and found an amazingly creative lady - so this week we promptly worked on this craft and it is happily hanging in my kitchen window. I ruined my pampered chef cheese grater - but I never used it anyway - so now it has a crafty purpose and I see grandparent gifts in the future.

I have a chair in the basement that needs to be refinished and recovered, I just need to get some foam and tear into it, I can't wait until it's done, I love the fabric for it and I've been waiting (not sure why) for about three years now and I've decided it's finally time.

I also have two different fabrics that I've been holding onto in my craft closet to make things for Penny. She's in an "all things twirly" phase. If she can twirl and the skirt flies out - then its a go. She put a perfectly adorable tunic on and leggings earlier this week and twirled after we popped the top on and she looked at me with her little hands on her little hips and said, "I no like this!" and promptly pulled it off and tried to go in the dirty laundry to pull out her hand-me-down hanna anderson from Merdi (thanks again Les!). We found a clean and a little bit too big sample dress I bought from Matilda Jane two years ago and it twirled just perfect, so for the day we were in the clear. We'll be staying in our pajamas more now until I can get these twirly skirts done. I'm thinking I may need to splurge on one of those ridiculous tule skirts because I'm guessing it would become a prize possession in a small girls wardrobe.

a girl needs to move (modeling a pp2 dress)

I am working on a painting for a previous client, but it is an emotional piece and I work on it, step back and take a night off - so that I can really get it right. I'm excited for when it is finished because I think it is going to be beautiful, but it is hard to not get caught up into why I am painting it in the first place and that it breaks my heart.

Finally I am feeling the house/decorate/purge/building itch. I see Ryan's eyes glaze over when I talk about painting the kitchen, getting new windows, adding a skylight and finishing the workout room. Not that he doesn't want to do those things, but it means more work for him, more money and I suppose my psychotic squirrel-like-flitting from project to project is probably a bit overwhelming. I promise once I can open my windows again, fresh oxygen will rejuvenate my brain, that or our spring break trip to Florida in April. One or the other will help, I hope.

So see today is much lighter and I've only had one cup of coffee so far - I guess I better sign off and get going on all my projects - before I lose my steam.

Thanks!

time heals, sort of

I don't intend this post to be a woe is me depressing sort. If you know me, that isn't my style - or at least I don't try to be! It is hard though when discussing loss and pain to not sound miserable so bear with me!

Today marks the 2nd anniversary of my mom's passing. It is hard for me not to think about the days events, how they went down, what mom was like, etc. When I think of all that, I am grateful for two years - time doesn't heal necessarily, but the raw edges smooth out a bit and the details get a bit fuzzier in some areas.

I miss mom for a number of reasons. First off, I miss her because she and I could have a bitch session like no other. I could trust her implicitly and know that if I needed to get something off my chest, she wouldn't try to fix it, she wouldn't pass judgement and with her years older experience had some clarity or comparison to offer. Secondly I miss shopping with her -mom could shop with the best of them and had exquisite taste - she spoiled me, my kids, my family and friends. She had such a giving heart - to a fault almost. If I had to choose a final one it would be I miss her for my kids. Jon has a memory of an elephant, he remembers details of things he did with mom when he was two. He is so much like her, in so many ways that it's like having a little boy version of her around. They were truly kindred spirits, and for that I am grateful because her legacy lives on vividly in him. Drew remembers things as well, although his time with her was much shorter. That being said my mom adored her Drewski - they had a bond, an understanding. Where Jon and her were outwordly similar, Drew and her share different connections, habits. I do wish she were here to have time with Drew as a little boy and not a toddler, I think they'd be great friends. Finally my pickles, this one in particular is the hardest for me. My mom adored dolls, dresses and although she wasn't a particularly girlie girl, she loved girly things. My daughter can wrestle with the best of them, but her love for her dolls, twirly dresses and pink is borders on the ridiculous. I know that mom would have taken great delight in seeing her granddaughter twirl and sing and push her pink stroller around with yet another naked baby in it. I also know my mother would be in debt up to her ears because of all the adorable things that are offered to clothe a girl. Not to mention the knee deep toys we'd have at this point. I am grateful that mom and Penny shared 11 months together, but for me I truly wish there had been more.

So today is another day, a small milestone. It's not a day I celebrate, but I certainly don't hole up in the house in the fetal position crying. I do what I do best and it's holding my kids and my wonderful husband close, enjoying them and soaking in all my blessings. I met up with an old friend this past weekend, we hadn't seen each other in about 14 years. It was wonderful and it seemed like little time had passed. We are the same girls, just older and it was a wonderful visit. She lost her mom when we were in college - she was 18 or 19 at the time. When I think about her loss, I can empathize with her pain, but I realize I was blessed with more time and for that I am eternally grateful, but equally as heartbroken for her. We all lose at some point, and when you love someone it is always too early and you never had enough time.

Thanks!

08-08-08?

I was contacted by one of Ryan's co-workers, Courtney. Courtney is a delightful group, who recently got married and spends her "free"time in a Christian singing group. ( I quote that because I believe she spends most of her time that isn't in the office singing) Courtney asked if I could do a painting to memorialize their wedding date, colors and flowers. I was happy to oblige and created the following little 8 x 8 gem:

Her flowers with light green hydrangea's with dark purple, white and tangerine iris', her girls wore tangerine dresses and it was the perfect color combo for a summer wedding. Sometimes I wish I could get married again, if for no other reason to plan out another wedding. Curious why I put a question mark in my title? Well I'll tell you, I'm 2/2 so far this year - Courtney sent me an email with the specifics and details - which included the date. I sent the painting and packaging to work with Ryan to give to Courtney - she loved it, but well, uh, the date was wrong. She got married on 08-08-09. I called Ryan towards the end of the day, because I hadn't heard from him and I was concerned she was displeased. So he answered and told me the problem - I freaked, I could have sworn she told me 08-08-08. Good thing I'm an organized gal - I located the email and I was right - she sent me the wrong date. I find this hilarious for two reasons first - this is my second painting this year that I had to modify the date and second she got married less than six months ago - it just made me chuckle. So Ryan brought it home, I fixed it up and it now displays the appropriate date. It was really no problem to fix it at all - you'd be surprised how easy you can make corrections. In any event - thank you Courtney - I really enjoyed doing you little painting - I wish you love and happiness in all the days of your marriage!

Fortunately my next painting does not include a date - so at least I have that going for me! Thanks!