Marci's Musings and Misadventures

Jeff's 20-year high school reunion

2009-07-12T17:44:00.001-05:00

4th of July

2009-07-05T07:34:00.001-05:00

Uninvited pool guests, camping & swimming

2009-07-01T11:03:00.003-05:00

An article to share :)

2009-06-28T09:02:00.004-05:00

Love this short and simple article about happiness. :)

Click here to read this *happy* article.

Summer fun

2009-06-27T07:52:00.003-05:00

Alex is showing his muscles, not about to punch someone!

Blue slushy mouths--yay!

Electric---Check

2009-06-22T20:49:00.002-05:00

A pleasant visit with an old friend

2009-06-21T19:20:00.003-05:00

Tony was visiting family in good old P-town this weekend, so we enjoyed catching up over lunch Saturday. We went to high school with Tony, and Jeff attended college with him.

The Martins are always a good time! We missed Tammy and Josh, though, as they stayed back in Missouri for Josh's football camp.

TGIF

2009-06-20T07:53:00.004-05:00

Just a quick reminder that my friend, Heatherty Featherty, has an AMAZING Etsy shop, and she's added several new items since it opened. Please stop by and check it out...by clicking here!

Construction porn

2009-06-17T11:11:00.000-05:00

Pavers for walkway and patio.

Fireplace stone.

Appliances!

Don't give up on me

2009-06-16T21:48:00.003-05:00

I know I have been spotty with my posting lately, but please stay tuned! We should be in our new home in just a few weeks, then I will have time for blogging once again.
Hope you all are having a wonderful summer so far!!

Finally...a dry day to pour concrete

2009-06-12T17:14:00.000-05:00

I finished painting! And I have the incredibly sore elbow to prove it.

2009-06-10T19:18:00.003-05:00

Alex's Pittsburgh Steelers bedroom.
I don't know why it's up here and not down there with the other Alex bedroom pictures?

For Jami, we went with the traditional light pink--cotton candy, actually.

I like my cupolas.

Alex's Pittsburgh Steelers bedroom.

My father-in-law's 70th bday par-tay

2009-06-09T15:50:00.000-05:00

You will be so jealous

2009-06-08T17:51:00.005-05:00

That's right. We are having lunch on Menards tomorrow. But you can't. It is not open to the general public. Invitation only. And guess who has an invitation? That's right--we do. Because we've spent-no make that saved (ha!) big money at Menards.

And guess what else? School is out, so I will definitely be attending our friendly Menards luncheon.

Did you catch that? School is out. I survived, people. My cute little part-time art job that I thought would be so fun? Kicked. My. Ass. But I survived.

So anyway, what does one wear to a Menards luncheon? Jeff actually has Menards jeans, but I do not. I do, however, have a Menards ball cap. Hmm...

Wedding with a twist

2009-06-08T06:45:00.003-05:00

We went to a really fun wedding this weekend.

The groom is 40 and this is his first marriage. That right there is something, right? But the other thing is that the bride's ex-husband has been in a coma for 15 years. She actually divorced him in order to re-marry.

Technically, her ex-husband can wake up at any moment, to discover his daughters are no longer babies, but 16 & 18, and that his wife is no longer his wife. (Like the movie Castaway, with Tom Hanks?) Sad. But I'm happy for the bride and groom, as they were truly glowing.

Gettin' our happy on once again (at happy hour, of course)

2009-06-06T07:17:00.001-05:00

I just ain't into it

2009-06-04T07:04:00.002-05:00

I just haven't felt much like blogging lately, which is unusual for me. I've lost that lovin' feelin'... but I'm sure it will return soon.

In the meantime, happy Thursday, lovely people!

I miss Mr. Buckeye and I love Joel's pool

2009-06-02T19:27:00.005-05:00

Pinwheel cookies always remind me of my dear friend, Mr. Buckeye. He died 11 years ago, but was the most influential person in my life. I met him when I worked at Hardee's my senior year in high school, and he used to bring me pinwheel cookies.

Joel's pool is so fun. As Alex and Jami say, "Joel's pool is the best! You just never know who will show up and there is always something fun happening." So true.

How we spent our Saturday

2009-05-31T07:21:00.000-05:00

Updated construction porn

2009-05-29T19:18:00.001-05:00

And we enter a new phase...

2009-05-28T06:36:00.008-05:00

My son rebelled last night. He's only 8 1/2...just seems too young. He wrote this letter after he felt "over-worked and under-appreciated", while he feels his sister doesn't have to do much of anything, chore-wise. He's right, of course. Alex does far more chores than Jami, but she's the baby after all.

So Alex came up with a new chore plan (that gma put in his head) where he gets paid per chore instead of a flat weekly rate. What a load of paperwork, I tell you! Oh, and he decided how much every chore is worth. Right now he's getting breakfast for all of us, so that's 75 cents. I guess that's reasonable.

Oh, the drama of being a mama...

BTW, can you believe the nerve of him, addressing me as "Missy" in the letter?!!
My favorite part: "I know I'm gonna be in trouble for this, so sorry."

Another BTW: I've never had a Brazilian bikini wax, just regular bikini wax. Wanted to set the record straight. I love the conversation that flowed because of that post! Funny.

Click here to enter a fabulous giveaway at Heatherty's blog!

The brazilian secret revealed...

2009-05-27T18:06:00.005-05:00

Alright, because you asked, I shall tell. The crazy thing I learned about a Brazilian wax is that in addition to the obvious spot, they also wax where the sun don't shine, but evidently the grass still grows. There. I said it. The secret is out.

Happy Wednesday evening, friends!

You must check out Heatherty's blog for another fabulous giveaway!

Brazilian wax

2009-05-26T19:51:00.008-05:00

So while at a party the other night, my girlfriends and I engaged in a tintalating discussion about Brazilian bikini waxes. Fascinating really. Naturally I'm aware of Brazilian bikini waxes, but I learned something about them that I never, ever knew before, and, quite frankly, I wish I didn't know now.

I can't even type about it. Fortunately for all of us, I am not including any pictures with this post.

Some things should just be left as mother nature intended, you know? Or better yet, mother nature ought to evolve with the times so we don't have to go to such extremes. Wouldn't that be nice...

Construction porn...because we did more than just party all weekend

2009-05-25T15:48:00.004-05:00

Jeff installing ceiling fan.

Can't wait to put plates in my plate rack.

Farm sink base.

Tile for master bath, mud room, Alex's bath and Jami's bath.
And thanks Home Depot for the 10% off in honor of Memorial Day!!

Memorial Day pool party @ Joel's

2009-05-25T07:01:00.005-05:00

He's all mine and you can't have him.

Thanks once again, Joel, for a fun party!

Memorial Day cook-out at Andy and Jen's

2009-05-24T07:54:00.007-05:00

Swansons make these bag sets--Swanny builds 'em and Jen paints 'em.
They're cool.
(the bag sets and Jen and Swan)

Drew loves his dad's tractor.

My mom sporting Lore's "Kathy" purse.

A fun game of wiffle ball.

Jen and Kiley.

My sils, Jess and Heather, and their babies.

How sweet is that dual chair? Has a built-in cooler, too. So sweet.

Happy hour highlights

2009-05-23T06:20:00.003-05:00

Jeff, Alex and I.

Drew was entertained by dropping objects in empty beer bottles.
Whatever works.

Lore's fab purse.

Lore and Franklin.

Heather, Gabe and Jake.

Kylie, Jami and Drew-Doo.

Frank and Jeff.

Sportin' Heatherty Featherty to Picnic at the Playground

2009-05-21T18:05:00.007-05:00

Alex and Jami's school hosted a fundraiser tonight: picnic on the playground. Clever, huh?
Jami wore her Heatherty Featherty top to school today and to the fundraiser tonight, which she thought was pretty cool.
I'm scared, though, so scared to have her wear the Heatherty Featherty white bermudas. Terrified. She wants to wear them, they fit perfectly, but they are crisp and new and did I mention white? I know I need to just let her don them now, as she'll outgrow them in a few months, and wouldn't that be a shame if she outgrew them having never worn them because of my silly fear of dirt on white?
Well that decides it. She is wearing her beautiful clean white bermudas this weekend, dirt be damned!

**To check out Heatherty's other creations or buy some from her Etsy shop, visit her blog by clicking here.

Glee

2009-05-20T06:47:00.005-05:00

Did any of you watch the new show on fox last night, Glee? Oh, I think I'll love it. Jane Lynch is a hoot and a holler. Glee just might be a hit, folks.

I've got nothing

2009-05-19T17:31:00.007-05:00

Yep, the title pretty much sums it up. I've got nothing. Blogger block, I guess.
The pictures are from McD's after school...milkshakes and happy meals. Yay us.
Ordered our carpet today and picked out tile. That's something.
Hope to have more tomorrow.
Have a fabulous evening, friends!
If you haven't checked out Heatherty Featherty's creations, now's the time. Click here to see what she made for Jami--fab-u-losa!! Also, stop by her blog to enter a fun contest.

Are you bored to tears yet?

2009-05-18T17:25:00.010-05:00

Sorry that it's all about the house lately, but it is pretty much consuming our lives at this point.
These are pictures of the stair/railing parts I'm working on and our venetian plaster. It will dry a little lighter than what it is now.
Mud and tapers will finish up Friday on the rest of the walls.
Brick complete at the end of the week.
Cabinets arrive Friday.
Concrete driveway and appliances next week.
We are so approaching the finish line~woo-hoo!!

Construction porn

2009-05-18T06:27:00.001-05:00

Tequila's and Dad's bday celebration

2009-05-17T16:00:00.006-05:00

Tequila's for dinner and drinks with Gabe, Heather and Jake last night.

Jami would have been sporting her fabulous Heatherty Featherty ensemble if not for her tomboy ways and my worry of grass stains on her fresh white bermuda shorts.
Beautiful weather, fun day. Happy birthday, Dad!!

I am blessed to know Heatherty Featherty

2009-05-16T19:16:00.010-05:00

I love Heather of Heatherty Featherty. If you've never visited her blog, I insist you hop over there right now by clicking here. These are the fabulous tops and shorts she made for Jami. Isn't Heather talented? I didn't even send her any of Jami's measurements and everything fits like a glove. And isn't the fabric to die for?
Heather's very cool and always has been. Thank you, Heather...you ROCK, girl, and I love you!!!
Oh, and check out her Etsy shop by clicking the picture on the side. Or here.

Cos' you just can't get enough...

2009-05-16T07:40:00.001-05:00

construction porn!

My bridge faucet arrived yesterday...ooh-la-la.

I was ill, but now I'm not

2009-05-15T06:43:00.004-05:00

I had a cold for about a week. I am all better now, thankfully, but was highly irked by the whole sick situation. I mean, I have a superior immune system after all, not some flimsy-flamsy-catchin'-sniffles-all-the-time immune system, but a superior immune system. Anyway, I caught a cold, no fever, didn't miss any work, just a nuisance. The upside? I will never take breathing out of my nose for granted again. Until I forget that I'll never take it for granted again. A couple weeks, maybe?
Have a great weekend, lovely persons!!

More construction porn (thanks Heatherty for coining such an AWESOME phrase)

2009-05-14T06:40:00.004-05:00

Heatherty calls all my construction updates/pictures "construction porn" and I think that is fabulous!! So from now on, "construction porn" it is.
**Happy 29th birthday shout-out to my sil Jessica!!!

Wood, brick and stone...oh my!

2009-05-13T06:33:00.002-05:00

Ordered our wood floors last Saturday--4 3/4" maple. Fabulous.

Brick and Stone.

Oh, yeah. Now we're talkin'...
love it when it all comes together.

Clothes make the coach

2009-05-12T06:24:00.011-05:00

I'm in need of some cute coach's clothing. I feel as head coach I should look adorable. Because I'm fabulous like that. Thing is, shiny shirt/short combos aren't really my style. I'm thinking just a few nice, fitted tees with cotton shorts or jean shorts? After all, my job is just to feed the pitching machine, not actually sweat. Which I am thrilled about, because it gives me an important purpose and it is super easy. Found my niche on the field, couldn't be happier, just need the cutie-patutie clothes for the job and I will be s-e-t set.
**You absolutely must check out Heatherty's Etsy shop by clicking here. Good stuff, folks.

Mother's Day photo recap

2009-05-11T06:26:00.003-05:00

My SIL Robin and me.

Alex and Jami with Aunt Robin's itty-bitty puppy.

Eric and Annie.

Mikey.

Melissa and Robin.

Sheri and Kristin.

Cousins.

Gifts from Alex and Jami.

First pool party of the season!

2009-05-10T07:15:00.008-05:00

Alex and Jami were the only brave souls who actually swam at the pool party~the water temp was a frigid 70 degrees. Thanks for a fun party, Joel~you are the host with the most, my friend!

**Check out Heatherty's Etsy shop by clicking here.

Dinner at my folks'

2009-05-09T07:44:00.005-05:00

We had dinner at my parent's last night. Gondolas~one of my (many) favorites. Mom and Dad are babysitting baby Jake for a few days while Gabe and Heather are in Vegas. Beautiful weather, good food, great company!

Ceilings!

2009-05-07T17:34:00.001-05:00

Lovely plastered ceilings~yippee! Oh, the things that excite me anymore.

Crushin' on my base trim

2009-05-06T08:22:00.003-05:00

Finished painting casing last week, started base trim this week. I am head-over-heels in love with my super-extra wide base trim!
Other good news on the house front...plaster-ers started today. Plaster-ers. That's awkward to say.
Brick begins Monday. Our bricklayer (much easier to say) has been poking, so we're glad he committed to a start date finally. Okay, I guess his "poking" has been finishing other jobs, but doesn't he know my job should come before all others?!!
Good things, good things. Sooooo ready to move into my new home and decorate, landscape and ENTERTAIN!!! Have been missing hosting gatherings soooo very much!

Dining alfresco

2009-05-05T17:37:00.005-05:00

Beautiful day on tap in P-town, so the kids and I dined alfresco, overlooking the lovely Lake of the Woods Plaza parking lot, at Bernardi's. What can I say? When it's nice out, I'll take a parking lot view over being inside any day.

For the love of vacation bible schools

2009-05-05T07:04:00.009-05:00

Ahhh~time to register for vacation bible schools. I'm a HUGE honkin' fan of vacation bible schools.

Vacation bible school = nearly free, wholesome, educational babysitting!!

I have registered Alex and Jami for one VBS so far, but will be on the search for more today. It's a win-win, I tell you. Kids happy/parents happy. What could be better? To steal Heather's ex-boyfriend's dad's phrase, go out and "gitchusum" vbs!

Heatherty skirt heads to class and a surprise photo

2009-05-04T15:25:00.012-05:00

This sweet student of mine said the nicest thing about my skirt:
"Wow, that is the coolest skirt ever!"

I got compliments from adults and students all day about my unique skirt...it was totally fun to bask in their kind words.

Surprise!
This is my Charles. (in the navy blue)
He may look a little goofy, but this was taken early morning in the garage, temperature still a little cool, so his shirt is still on.

Believe me, these pictures don't do him justice, but you asked for a visual and I delivered!

Kentucky Derby party pics

2009-05-03T21:24:00.008-05:00

Marci and Jeff.

Heather, Gabe and Jacob.

Nikki and Sarah.

Jenny and Nikki.

Here are the pictures I "borrowed" from my SIL, Heather, since I forgot my camera. Fun Kentucky Derby party and, even better, it was all for a great cause--a benefit to raise money for S t. Jude Children's Hospital.

A few weekend pics

2009-05-03T19:12:00.006-05:00

@ the Hirsch's, dropping kids off before the Kentucky Derby party.
I was going for the Derby cowboy look, also known as "no chance to shop for a fancy hat so making due with what I have".
I am soooo bummed...I left my camera in my car for the Derby party, and we took Jeff's car, so no camera! I feel lost without my camera. Could have used my phone, but didn't. I'll have to borrow photos from my SIL.

First baseball practice of the season.

Co-head coach, Jeff.
I am the main head coach, and don't you forget it.
I did a great job getting to know the other parents, chatting them up and all, while Jeff and the boys played catch and whatnot.
I am a super head coach, let me tell you.

Father's Day gift idea

2009-05-03T07:54:00.004-05:00

Father's Day gift idea: crocheted drink coozies!
My mom sent me this link with the information. For your free pattern, click here.

Tailgater's happy hour

2009-05-02T06:58:00.003-05:00

We met friends for dinner and drinks at Tailgater's last night~good times!
I love me some happy hour.

New head coach and marshmallow mama

2009-05-01T15:57:00.011-05:00

Introducing...head coach Marci! I volunteered to coach my 8-year-old son's baseball team. Volunteered. Me who knows nothing about baseball beyond 3 strikes you're out. What was I thinking?!! Jeff is my co-coach, which will help (a lot), except he will be out of town on Wednesday evening practices. Fortunately there are 3 assistant coaches. First practice tomorrow a.m.~wish me luck!! It'll be interesting...
I'm just wondering how I will juggle coaching, teaching, painting/staining, parenting and my new boyfriend Charles?

Me in my marshmallow suit that I wear while painting to protect my school clothes.
You can imagine my dismay when my boyfriend Charles saw me in this ridiculously sexy get- up!!

My feet still look glamorous, though, right?

Pictures of my boyfriend, Charles

2009-05-01T06:36:00.009-05:00

I can neither confirm nor deny that these pictures aren't of my boyfriend Charles, but are actually Mario Lopez.
But these give you an idea of what my boyfriend Charles looks like. And an accurate visual of what he wears to hang drywall.
I almost shot a pic of my boyfriend Charles after school yesterday, but got all silly-acting about it. Darn crushes, make me all giddy.
Also, you have to know my boyfriend Charles to appreciate his hot-ness. (Know him like I do, after one week.) I didn't think photos would do him justice. I'll have Jeff take a picture of me in my marshmallow suit and post it later.
Have a lovely Friday, my friends, and don't forget to enter Heatherty's giveaway here!

My new boyfriend

2009-04-30T08:17:00.006-05:00

I have a new boyfriend and his name is Charles. He's one of the guys hanging drywall at our house. Jeff is aware of it, so it's all good. In fact, he brought Charles to my attention by saying, "Marci, I bet you think Charles is cute, don't you?" And I was a little flustered, because can I help it that I love working guys? Big muscles? Smoothy skin?
I think my boyfriend Charles is from some island or something. He just has that island look about him. And he's soooo friendly and nice.
I go out to the house to paint trim before and after work, so I'm dressed in my school clothes. I wear this jumpsuit-thingy that makes me look like a giant marshmallow to protect my clothing. My boyfriend Charles only sees the dressed-nicely me, because I don't change until I'm in the basement.
Except for this morning, when my boyfriend Charles had to come downstairs to ask me a question (translate=flirt) and he saw me in my marshmallow suit! Oh no! He giggled (in a very masculine way) and told me he needs to get one of those. Oh, well, I'm sure he still loves me.

A visit to the storage unit

2009-04-29T17:30:00.003-05:00

We visited our storage unit today in search of Alex's baseball, bat and glove, as baseball practice begins Saturday.
I miss my things! My 2 oak rockers and my 25 gallon crock~can't wait to move you into our new home!
And the piano? Jami has been waiting for you so she can start lessons. Sadly, Alex hasn't missed you at all, since he didn't care for piano lessons in the least.
Soon, my glorious objects, soon!
**Click here to enter to win a very chic Heatherty skirt!!

Child labor rocks

2009-04-28T16:08:00.016-05:00

My children have been receiving a weekly allowance since they were 3 years old. Jeff and I agreed that Alex and Jami would have to use their own money to purchase "extras" they yearned for. We foot the bill for food and clothes, cause we're good parents like that.
Our goal is to teach our children to manage money and realize that they can only buy items that they can actually afford. No money, no toy (or whatever). It is very important to us that we raise our children to be financially responsible adults.
At 3 years old, their chores were limited. But now, oh the glory of their chore capability now! It has come in particularly handy of late, because I am super-swamped with painting, staining, etc at the house.
Alex cooks breakfast now, saving me at least 10-15 minutes in the morning. They are both dishwashers, hallelujah, so that chore is also crossed off my list. Add to that vacuuming, dusting, making beds and pretty much anything that doesn't involve cleaning products. I don't want them exposed to all those toxins, cause I'm a good parent like that.
And the best part is...they don't even complain because they are so excited to make money! They each get $4 a week. Oh, my friends, I am getting such a bargain for only $8 a week.
And I saved the best for last...guess what chore I added to their list this week? Giving mommy a back massage! Yep, that's right. Two maids and two massage therapists for only $8 a week. Makes a mama proud, I tell ya...
***Another marvelous giveaway at Heatherty's blog! Click here to enter!

House update

2009-04-27T14:54:00.002-05:00

Jeff built our master bedroom balcony deck yesterday.

My apron/farm sink arrived!

Rerun--clipper-crazed mama

2009-04-27T06:35:00.003-05:00

Clipper-Crazed Mama

August 31, 2008

I have been cutting Alex's hair all summer--just a simple buzz cut, no big deal. Why I would wait until school started to get "creative" with my poor son's hair is beyond me. Maybe it's because I teach art now, so I think all the world is my canvas, even Alex's head, I don't know.

Anyway, I got all funky with the clippers, took the attachment off, and before you know it, my son had a bald spot on the back of his head. But, no, his clipper-crazed mama couldn't stop there, no. I had to proceed to buzz another bald spot by his right ear, then to make it match, his left ear. Seriously.

Finally, I got a grip on myself enough to step away from the clippers. However, the damage was done. I thought I just wouldn't tell him, since he couldn't see the spots. But Jami announced two seconds later, "Bear, you've got a big old bald spot on your head!"

Fortunately, he handled it really well. In fact, he barely seemed to care at all. We will need to figure something out before school on Tuesday, though. Also, I am retiring my clippers, much to my son's and husband's delight!

Thanks for serving

2009-04-26T07:21:00.008-05:00

Our friend, Muck, at his going away party.
Muck is in the Air Guard and heading overseas soon.

Muck, Marci and Dave.

Jeff W. and Brian.

Jeff and Dave.

**Last day to enter to win Heatherty's fabulous giveaway!!
Click here for details.

Trim time

2009-04-25T16:29:00.004-05:00

I painted our casing trim today. A creamy off-white color, called antique cream? Or creamy antique? Something like that. It was a rather peaceful time, quite enjoyable really.

Preppin' for plaster

2009-04-25T07:39:00.006-05:00

Blue board was hung this week, in preparation for plaster. I am finishing up our doors this morning with their last coat of varnish, then on to painting trim. I am definitely seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. Lots of decorating and entertaining in the near future...bring it!

My skirt's big Friday night

2009-04-24T20:50:00.013-05:00

My skirt (and I)had a lovely evening at Ludy's. A quick 5 minute rain shower passed through, leaving a pretty rainbow. Sorry for the blurry picture of Jeff and me. I wouldn't have included it, except that it shows the skirt. The last picture looks like I have some crazy ponytail coming out the side of my head, doesn't it? But it's really Jami's head behind me. Funny.

Stay tuned

2009-04-24T16:06:00.011-05:00

My Heatherty skirt is making her big debut on the town tonight. Stay tuned for pictures...

Other items of interest:
1. Don't forget to enter the awesome giveaway on Heatherty's blog by clicking here!
2. If you are interested in big savings with coupons and CVSing, two of my sil's are experts. Check here and here if you want to learn more.

Introducing my Heatherty Featherty skirt!

2009-04-23T16:11:00.014-05:00

I love this skirt!!!
I will take better pictures when I'm all dressed up to go out. Alex and Jami helped me take these, and one I took on my own. The mirror one. Seriously, I need to clean that mirror!
Jami spends a lot of time in front of it, spraying detangler in her hair, brushing her teeth, looking at herself. Should I be concerned? Hmm... I digress.
Heather is considering opening an Etsy shop to sell these fabulous skirts~I think she'd be highly successful.
Thanks a million, Heather!
Check out Heatherty's blog for a spunky giveaway!
(spunky? i'm just trying to come up with different adjectives and i love the word spunky.)

Super Suppers book club

2009-04-23T15:36:00.002-05:00

Book club was at Super Suppers last night.
I like that Super Suppers and will return soon.
I also like my book club friends and hope to see them again soon.
For our next meeting, we are reading "The Shack", a book that has received gobs of rave reviews!

Earth Day overload

2009-04-22T16:47:00.017-05:00

How my earth-friendly children honored Earth Day this year:

1. Picked up gobs of yucky, germy garbage then handed it to me, as if I am the keeper of other people's yucky, germy garbage.
2. Took their baths in the dark to conserve energy, then complained about how they couldn't see anything.
3. Filled their baths just a little bit, then complained when their inch of water turned cold almost instantly.
4. Collected all our empty food boxes to reuse as nifty jewelry boxes, pencil holders, and treasure chests, which, of course, just clutter up our home.
5. Actually attempted to dumpster dive in order to retrieve bottle caps that they are collecting for a school recycling project. I thwarted their efforts.

What are the schools teaching our kids?! (asks the teacher).

I'm all about the Earth...honoring it and all...but we are on Earth Day overload in this house. Can't wait to return to our energy-consuming, garbage-tossing selves tomorrow.

Ode to my morning commute

2009-04-22T06:55:00.010-05:00

I must admit, I thoroughly enjoy my 20-minute morning commute.
I've gotten to "know" other people and their vehicles that travel my way every morning.
I greet my fellow commuters, albeit silently in my head, with a jovial, "good morning, fellow productive members of society", and bid those that exit the highway prior to me a happy day.
Alone time in a car (or anywhere) is a precious commodity to a mother, and I cherish every serene moment.
I won't miss my job when it ends in six weeks, but I think I might miss my commute a little. Definitely won't shed any tears for it, but will remember it fondly.
I wonder if the other commuters along my path will notice I'm missing?
How about your commute, if you have one? Like/dislike/indifferent?

**After re-reading this post, I thought I'd clarify that I don't think people heading off to work in the morning are the only productive members of society. Not at all. That's just how I view my road companions, is all.

Lovely spontaneous dinner with friends

2009-04-21T17:43:00.006-05:00

My friend Jen helped me out by watching my children for an hour after school. Then when I picked them up--lucky day--they graciously invited us to stay for dinner!

Yummy pork chops, salad, potatoes, asparagus (favorite of mine) and rolls. Sure beats the smooshy sandwich I was planning on fixing. Thanks, Stumbaughs!

**Over at Chatting at the Sky, a little gratitude lesson called Tuesdays Unwrapped is practiced every...you guessed it...Tuesday!
What I am grateful for today:
1. That my friend babysat Alex and Jami so I was able to varnish a lot of doors.
2. I'm also super-grateful that my friend fed us a delicious dinner!
3. Drywall was delivered today--yay!
4. Insulation is finished--yipee!
5. 80 degree weather coming up this week!
6. Always, always grateful for family and friends.

One more use for a plastic bag

2009-04-21T06:26:00.008-05:00

Alex and Jami are all a flutter to have "invented" their own garbage cans for the car. I'm still trying to wrap my brain around the thrill that plastic shopping bags attached to car hooks has caused in our vehicle.

They'll eat their fruit chews and be like, "I don't need to hand you the wrapper, mom, I've got my own garbage." And let's not forget the joy when the windows are down and the bags flap wildly about. Now that beats the radio any day, right?

It's cute, I guess, because I'm always complaining what a pigsty our car is, and they are proactively trying to help. Gotta love that.

I'm pretty sure I'm going to keep Alex and Jami for the long haul.

Rerun--tailgating season

2009-04-20T17:57:00.007-05:00

These pictures were taken in October, when we tailgated at Thompson's Halloween party.

**In lieu of an original post today, I am replaying one of my very favorite blog posts from my Shutterfly days.

**Also, crafty people can click here (Heatherty's blog) to learn how to refashion rugby shirts into boy shorts. Really clever and cute.

Tailgating Season

September 16, 2008

Ahh, tailgating season is upon us. I have no idea if tailgating really has a season, but if it does, I'm sure it's autumn. I am a HUGE fan of the tailgate party. Jeff and I tried to start up a "tailgating for the school bus" Thursday and Friday morning routine in the neighborhood a couple years ago, but, sadly, it never caught on. Something to do with people on their way to work and not having time to hang out at the trunk of our car drinking coffee and having donuts, waiting for the school bus. Whatever.

A couple weeks ago at Joel's, a guest had a sweet grill set up on the back of his truck for tailgating. I went so far as to google "tailgate grill for Durango". Are you kidding me? When would I ever use that? Then again, if I had one, when wouldn't I use it?

I think parties should have a start time and a tailgating time, an hour prior. So, say, party at six, but tailgating for the party starts at five in the cul-de-sac, street or driveway. I've told people that idea, but so far it hasn't caught on.

Must run. Jami is playing with neighbor kids and Jeff and Alex and some neighbor boys are playing football. Perfect time for icecream, tailgate-style, at the trunk of the Durango. Icecream will have never tasted so good!

Happy tailgating, friends!

Postpartum depression--an interview

2009-04-19T11:54:00.007-05:00

Yesterday at her blog, Heatherty Featherty wrote a very honest account of her experience with postpartum depression. You may read it by clicking here.

Heather was gracious enough to allow me to interview her with a few follow-up questions that I had about ppd. It is our hope that perhaps this might help someone else suffering from ppd.

The following is my interview with Heather:

1. What advice would you give a woman suffering from ppd?

Get help! I know it's difficult to put your finger on it sometimes. You just don't feel "right" you know? You can't sleep or you sleep too much. You can't eat or you eat too much. You're cranky and irritable with everyone in your life, or just some people in particular that you usually like. Talk to your OB about it, especially at your six-week postpartum checkup. Tell your husband or your mom or a close friend that you don't feel right. Don't keep it to yourself, that's when it starts to snowball and you can't get a handle on it.

2. When did you first recognize it as ppd, and not just baby blues or sleep deprivation?

I felt like the "baby blues" were hormonally related and usually happened between week 1 and 4 postpartum. They included lots of weeping over sad songs or finding myself crying in the shower because I realized my baby was growing up too fast. PPD felt totally different, it was like a heavy dark blanket that slowed me down and kept me from doing things like I normally do. My body and my brain felt very sluggish, although I know everyone doesn't feel that way. My doctor thinks my depression wasn't classic PPD because it didn't include any negative feelings towards my baby. I know some women who just didn't bond with their baby at all, didn't take an interest in it at all. And sleep deprivation is a great form of torture, it can make the most sane and rational person start to hallucinate and act crazy. All I can say for me is it was a gradual process where I realized what I was feeling was depression that was probably made worse by the sleep deprivation and the crazy hormone shifts.

3. Do you think therapy along with drugs is a must, or not?

For me, yes. For most people I would recommend it, although I know lots of insurance plans don't want to cover therapy and it's expensive. I think it's important to find a professional you feel comfortable with that you can tell your darkest thoughts to. That's what ended up helping me the most, when I confessed my "crazy" thoughts to my therapist and she instantly picked up the phone to call a psychiatrist and get me in to see him right away. I thought my "crazy" thoughts were just me. I didn't realize they're called ruminating thoughts and they everyone didn't have them. I don't have them anymore, so now I know what was going on wasn't normal.

4. Advice for spouses, friends, family dealing with a person with ppd? e.i. what support from fam/friends would have helped you thru that period?

One of the most powerful things I ever heard was a radio interview while I was getting treated for my depression. A man had lost his wife to suicide three months after having their first child. She was suffering with PPD but had managed to hide the severity of it, and her husband and family missed it, too. I clearly remember him saying that the trauma of childbirth and the aftermath to a woman's body is enormous, yet as a society we expect women to just breeze through it without any help. We expect women to come home from the hospital and just pick up like nothing happened except you've added a new person to your family.
He said it is everyone's responsibility to make sure pregnant and new mothers get the most help we can give them. If it's helping them with laundry or watching their kids so they can take a nap, do that. If it's letting them get out of the house for a few hours and wander around Target alone, let them do that. Especially the spouses, the men must do everything they can to help out. In my case, my husband didn't so much help as not help and there was some chaos in those first few weeks that made it worse for me but that's another story altogether. I'll try to find a clip to that interview so you can hear it, too. It really moved me.

5. After having ppd, is there a fear of having another baby and experiencing it again?

Oh yeah. It's a very scary thing to go through and the fear it might happen again is very real. But also, I know there's help out there and I don't have to feel that way. Unfortunately for me, I won't be having more kids but I have friends who have gone on to have babies after suffering from PPD and they didn't suffer the next time. So I know it's possible to have a great postpartum experience, too.

I hope this helps someone. I never expected to need medical intervention like I did, and while I didn't feel like it was a weakness on my part I was really resistant to it. I was nursing my son and didn't want to give that up but I did so I could start antidepressants. Thank God I did!

Thanks, Marci. It's really therapeutic to be able to talk about my experience.

Oh, and like everything else in life, there's a great blog dedicated to PPD. It's http://postpartumprogress.typepad.com/weblog/ and I wish I'd known about it when I needed it!

Hilarious website

2009-04-19T07:39:00.001-05:00

Despair Inc....you must check it out if you want to laugh large.

Allie Grace's 6'th birthday!

2009-04-19T07:22:00.002-05:00

Likable things

2009-04-17T22:20:00.005-05:00

Jen D's cute purse hook.

Janet's darling sandals and lovely pedicure.

Michelle's rockin' purse.

Jen S's purse hook.

The purse hooks side-by-side.

Happy birthday, Gabe!!!

2009-04-17T22:01:00.007-05:00

Heather and Gabe

Castaways bday party.

Drew is all about Uncle Jeff.

John, Swanny, Pordge and Michelle.

Party-goers~fun neighbors and Hirschs.

Me and the birthday boy--my baby brother. (one of them, anyway).

Enjoying the fabulous weather.

Andy, Gracie, Jen.

Jami, Marci, Jeff.

Jami and me.

Giveaway on Heatherty's blog next week!

2009-04-17T16:50:00.001-05:00

Just a quick giveaway alert...Monday, Heatherty is going to announce a giveaway at her blog, so be sure to check it out! She's clever and crafty, so I know it will be amazing!

Vertically-positioned oval

2009-04-17T15:49:00.001-05:00

Vertically-positioned oval. That's my mind's view of a calendar. When I think of a month, season, or year, that is the image that springs to mind.

Weird, huh?

How do you mentally picture a year, or a calendar?

Right now I am hoping that all of you have an idea what I am talking about or I will feel ridiculous. But at least I have the varnish to blame it on, right?

**Check out this great taco soup recipe, if you're so inclined:
Little Birdie Secrets: taco soup

Owwww!!

2009-04-17T06:29:00.002-05:00

I walked at lunch with coworkers yesterday, as usual.
Except I was wearing my new cutie-patutie flip-flops.
The result=owwww!
Lesson learned--back to packing my sneakers to change into.

Smooshy sandwich season is upon us

2009-04-16T15:44:00.008-05:00

Smooshy sandwich season is here again. Oh yes, smooshy sandwiches do have a season. And it is NOW.

I take me some bread, slather some mayo on it (preferably Miracle Whip), add the cheese and meat, then top it with potato chips (preferably Lays). Then I smoosh the sandwich together real nice.

And don't think for one second that the smooshing is irrelevant and doesn't affect the taste, because it is all that matters, my friends. Without the smoosh, it's just a boring sandwich. With the smoosh...magic yum. Mmmm...

Side dish=dill pickle. Perfecto.

Heatherty finished my skirt!

2009-04-15T20:54:00.004-05:00

Check out my fancy new Heatherty original skirt here. It isn't in my possession yet, but will be soon.

By clicking on the link you'll also have the extreme pleasure of viewing my senior year prom picture. Heather's mom and my mom both made our dresses~we're the ones who bucked the trend and wore pink, or "dusty rose", as I insisted on calling it.

Thanks, Heatherty!! You ROCK!

Things I like in Jess and Mick's home

2009-04-15T20:40:00.004-05:00

Jess sewed Luke's "Cars" curtains.

Love neat woodwork and crown molding.

Their home has lots of character, like this built-in.

Hardwood floors are my favorite.

Jess and I snuck in and took pictures of sleeping Emily footers.

Precious!

Jess sewed Emily's curtains, too.

My neurons are misfiring

2009-04-15T06:32:00.001-05:00

You know how when you hear about someone having lice, your head starts itching? (Can you tell I'm a teacher?!) Or when someone throws up, how all of a sudden you start feeling a little nauseous? Well I think that is the phenomenon occurring with me, regarding staining our wood doors and my fuzzy head.

I hear all the time how paint, cleaners, varnishes, etc are bad for you to breathe, so while inhaling stain, my brain started feeling fuzzy. That's really the only symptom, although I tried to search for others. So I'm worrying that the fumes and whatever ingredients the stain contains may be bad for my health. Too much information can be a bad thing, I think. Meaning, I wouldn't worry if I wasn't inundated with things to worry about.

I googled "pictures of stains and varnishes" to add to this post and the grossest thing popped up. Pictures of blood-stained gloves. Yuck. I am not pleased to have viewed those. So distraught am I by those images that I am not going to add a picture at all.

Please pray for my fuzzy brain and misfiring neurons and maybe my transmitters, too. Thank you.

**If you want a great laugh, check out this blog of unnecessary quotes. I laughed my booty off, I tell you!

Top 5 reasons to watch Rescue Me

2009-04-14T18:17:00.011-05:00

Rescue Me is on tonight! Last Tuesday was the first time I ever saw the show and I'm already hooked.

Here are my top 5 reasons to watch Rescue Me on FX:

1. It's on at 9:00, so it's an entertaining, non-thinking activity prior to sleep.

2. Denis Leary is surprisingly hot.

3. It has raunchy scenes, and who doesn't need a little raunch now and then?

4. You know you're curious as to what all the hype is about.

5. I can't think of a fifth reason, but didn't want to change the title to "Top 4".

Who's counting?

2009-04-14T06:29:00.016-05:00

First day back to school after spring break. Not much longer to go until I am finished with my job as p/t art teacher...FOREVER.
Allow me to break it down for you:
8 weeks left of school
6 full weeks
2 short weeks
6 Mondays
7.5 Wednesdays
3 sick days left

I think I can do it.

Jen's rock star purse

2009-04-13T20:10:00.004-05:00

Fashionista Jen is in the green shirt.

This is Jen's way cool rock star purse.
Jen has it going on fashion/style wise, and this fabulous purse is yet another example of her grooviness.
I now covet a rock star purse...to fit my rock star lifestyle, of course.

***Other big fashion news...Heatherty Featherty is making me a skirt!!! I am way excited about it and will take pics when I receive it!
Click here to get a preview of what it will look like.

Easter pictures

2009-04-13T06:51:00.004-05:00

**Cool canvas print giveaway is being sponsored by online printing at 4 Reluctant Entertainers. Click here to enter!

Things I like in Gabe and Heather's home

2009-04-12T08:05:00.006-05:00

This wine rack is a great use of space.

Lofts are cool.

They bought this lovely buffet at Big Lots, of all places.

Peaceful display.

Nice oval bathroom mirror.

I love transoms. This one is above the master bedroom door.

Gabe and Heather's cook-out

2009-04-12T07:47:00.002-05:00

We could adopt her

2009-04-11T06:49:00.004-05:00

We've spent a lot of time with cousins this spring break, especially Allie Grace. Alex told me the other day, "Mama, it's okay with me if we adopt Gracie." Hmm...good to know. Now we just need to clear it with her parents?

I love the "girls time only" sign. Some things never change, as I remember making signs like that when I was little.

We took the photo of the three of them in the parking lot of Hannah Montana movie. Yes, I am that good of a mother that I took my children to see Hannah Montana on opening day.

Our friends, the Franks, joined us, so there were plenty of giggles and singing and smiles. I must say, the movie was cute and the Hannah's music is always catchy.

Nobody puts Marci in the basement

2009-04-09T19:46:00.007-05:00

I was the staining queen today, working on our interior doors. They will look fabulous with our creamy off-white trim, I think.

Jeff wanted to set my work station up in the basement on this beautiful day. I told him, "Nobody puts Marci in the basement", reminiscent of Dirty Dancing's "nobody puts Baby in a corner".

So I got to be in the sunshine.

Now I am enjoying a nice glass of Moscato wine and will laugh my boo-tay off at The Office in exactly 8 minutes.

BTW~I like basements fine, just not unfinished ones on a sunshiny day.

Siders finished Tuesday

2009-04-09T07:44:00.003-05:00

One more job checked off the list! Brick/stone any day now, I hope. We passed the county's hard-core inspection yesterday with just a few minor corrections. What a relief!

I like that pompous ass

2009-04-08T14:18:00.018-05:00

Once upon a time, Jeff worked with a pleasant pompous ass. When I first met the person, I told Jeff, "I do believe he has the mannerisms of a pompous ass." But you know what? He was actually a really nice guy. In fact, I ended up saying to Jeff later, "I really like that pompous ass."

He couldn't help that he had that pompous ass voice--you know, kinda like Tom Brokaw's? I'm not saying Tom Brokaw is a pompous ass, in fact I think he's a swell guy, just that his voice has definite pomposity to it, you know?

I guess the moral of the story is that you can't judge a pompous ass by his voice. Like, don't judge a book by it's cover/don't judge a person by their voice? Or something like that...perhaps you can just take away from it what you will? A "moral of the story free-for-all". Fabulous fun!

Versatile vinegar

2009-04-07T16:50:00.013-05:00

Our BUNN needed some routine maintenance. Poor thing was suffering the ramifications from hard apartment water and was poking out our morning coffee, which was unacceptable, I tell you. Jeff and I want, no make that need, our a.m. coffee, and we need it pronto.

So out came the vinegar for the cleansing process. As I opened the vinegar, memories washed over me. You see, I have been known to use vinegar on my children for "offenses of the mouth". I think it is a gentler approach than soap.

I started the vinegar treatment when Jami went through her wailing phase at the tender age of two. If she wailed, she would receive a swipe of vinegar in her mouth, which would leave her gagging. It was great fun.

Alex was included in the excitement, but not for wailing. His offense was sassing. Oh, he was a mighty sasser when he was four. (Still can be at 8, come to think of it.) Out with a sass, in with the vinegar. Good times, good times.

My children have mostly outgrown offenses of the mouth, so the vinegar was shelved a couple years ago, until the BUNN beckoned it.

I called the kids in to share my fond vinegar memories and they started gagging and salivating. Oh, their expressions were absolutely priceless! Obviously they have fond vinegar memories, too.

Cute sweater

2009-04-07T07:31:00.003-05:00

My mom knitted this adorable sweater for Jami.
I particularly like the little button on it.
Cutie-cute.

Role models

2009-04-06T18:09:00.026-05:00

I have women in each age group that I admire and try to emulate. They are my role models, if you will. These role models have to be people I actually know, not celebrities.

A friend of mine represents the 50s age group well, so I look up to her for how I want to live my life when I'm 50+, and even now, for that matter.

This 50-something friend has the qualities that I seek in a role model, qualities that I continue to try very hard to possess. She is calm, cheery, positive, down-to-earth, funny, intelligent, family-focused, kind and graceful. Yet she readily admits her flaws, never claiming to be perfect.

For me, it is important to have role models in my life. They are like guiding stars leading me along the right path. I like to know people who are worthy of imitation, and I wonder, am I alone in that sense, or do many of you seek out role models for your life, too?

**I don't actually know the woman in the photo, but thought it was a good representation of a calm, cool, collected and groovy lady. I might have Jeff take a picture of me trying to imitate that pose. It would be hilarious. I'm not good at jumping/balancing type stunts. Actually, I'm not aware of any stunts that I excel at, since I don't really participate in stunts. I guess I would, though. Where does one sign up for stunt-doing? Do you suppose it is called stunt-doing? If not, what would one call it? Hmm...so many things to ponder...

Quite possibly the funniest "vacation" I've ever taken

2009-04-06T11:36:00.009-05:00

We woke up Sunday morning and felt ugh and blah. The weather was gray, rain and snow were in the forecast, and we were tired of working on the house. Jeff suggested we head to Starved Rock water park, but we needed to be in town early Monday morning, so I had the bright idea to check into a hotel...3 miles up the road. And you know what? We had a ball! We called lots of people who came out to swim and hang out with us. Overall, I thought the whole experience was relaxing and fun. You'll all be receiving your postcard any day now...

Random pics

2009-04-05T08:44:00.003-05:00

Heather and Baby Jake.

Siders are getting it done.

Cousin fun~human dominoes.

Can you believe Jeff framed this whole house???

Love my arched garage doorways!!!

I am so darn cute

2009-04-04T07:20:00.002-05:00

I have been feeling so adorable lately, sporting my new spring threads. Especially my bright green trench coat/jacket. LOVE it. Get compliments on it all. the. time. Who cares if the compliments are mostly from Alex and Jami and my students at school? I'll take compliments any place, any how and any age I can get them.

I always experience this "feeling adorable" stage at the beginning of each new season. Fresh wardrobe, something different. Adds a bounce to my step, makes me stand a little taller.

Ahh...the power of a new season and a new attire...

**Haven't actually worn the shorts yet...still too cool for that. Wore my capris and flip-flops, though!

My day in grades

2009-04-03T06:00:00.014-05:00

Thursday report card

Morning-before school: A+
comments: Everything went smoothly. Alex helped make the scrambled eggs for breakfast and I had plenty of internet time before I left for work.

Morning-at school: A+
comments: Thursdays I have good students, so no problems.

Noon: A+
comments: The rain held off, so I was able to walk with my co-worker buddies.

Afternoon: B+
comments: Not bad for a gray day, but I'm mad at myself because I ate at least 15, maybe 18 mini 3 Musketeer bars. Ugh...

Evening: B+
comments: Pretty good. Had to run errands with the kids, then ate at Steak N Shake. I felt a little (by a little I mean a lot) irritated watching Jami run her sleeve through ketchup at least a dozen times. She'd push her sleeve up, it'd fall back down. You get the idea.

Night: A+
comments: I love Thursday nights and Thursday night t.v.! And I so love me my bedtime every night. Zzzzz...

Post-Edit:
I wrote the top part before bed but I'm typing this part on Friday morning. I change my overnight grade to a D because I felt extreme anxiety before falling asleep. Worried something might happen to Alex and Jami or Jeff. Hate it when that happens.
Then, I had a horrible nightmare which involved being sued over a hot dog. I know it doesn't sound bad now, but it was so realistic and upsetting in the middle of the night.
So anyway, a "D" it is for Night.

Happy Friday!!!!!!!!! Hope it's an A+ across the board!

Celebrity crushes

2009-04-02T06:49:00.003-05:00

Jack Bauer, from 24. He was my celebrity crush BIG-TIME a couple of years ago. Seriously, I'm pretty sure I would have thumb-tacked a poster of him to my bedroom wall, and if you've been to my home, you know that is so NOT how I decorate. But for Jack, I would.

We haven't watched 24 for at least 2 seasons, just one of those things. Got busy, the writer's strike delayed the season, etc. I'm over my Jack Bauer crush now, although I guarantee I'd fall right back into if I watched his show again.

Last year, a totally fun teacher I subbed with polled all the teachers for our 5 top celebrity crushes, and then even went so far as to type and print the list. Funny. She had George Bush on her list. Oh, we razzed her for that. Nothing against George Bush, but for your celebrity crush? Come on.

Blair Underwood is on my list, too. He is hunky. Hunky. Not sure how I feel about that word. I don't think it expresses how hot I think Blair Underwood is. Hunky is too close to chunky, don't you think? Not to mention junky, gunky and funky (in the bad way, like "those socks smell funky").

Who is your celebrity crush, I wonder?

**Special thanks to Heather, of Heatherty Featherty for guest blogging for me yesterday! Large fun!

Marci's Musings and Misadventures

Jeff's 20-year high school reunion

4th of July

Uninvited pool guests, camping & swimming

An article to share :)

Summer fun

Electric---Check

A pleasant visit with an old friend

TGIF

Construction porn

Don't give up on me

Finally...a dry day to pour concrete

I finished painting! And I have the incredibly sore elbow to prove it.

My father-in-law's 70th bday par-tay

You will be so jealous

Wedding with a twist

Gettin' our happy on once again (at happy hour, of course)

I just ain't into it

I miss Mr. Buckeye and I love Joel's pool

How we spent our Saturday

Updated construction porn

And we enter a new phase...

The brazilian secret revealed...

Brazilian wax

Construction porn...because we did more than just party all weekend

Memorial Day pool party @ Joel's

Memorial Day cook-out at Andy and Jen's

Happy hour highlights

Sportin' Heatherty Featherty to Picnic at the Playground

Glee

I've got nothing

Are you bored to tears yet?

Construction porn

Tequila's and Dad's bday celebration

I am blessed to know Heatherty Featherty

Cos' you just can't get enough...

I was ill, but now I'm not

More construction porn (thanks Heatherty for coining such an AWESOME phrase)

Wood, brick and stone...oh my!

Clothes make the coach

Mother's Day photo recap

First pool party of the season!

Dinner at my folks'

Ceilings!

Crushin' on my base trim

Dining alfresco

For the love of vacation bible schools

Heatherty skirt heads to class and a *surprise* photo

Kentucky Derby party pics

A few weekend pics

Father's Day gift idea

Tailgater's happy hour

New head coach and marshmallow mama

Pictures of my boyfriend, Charles

My new boyfriend

A visit to the storage unit

Child labor rocks

House update

Rerun--clipper-crazed mama

Thanks for serving

Trim time

Preppin' for plaster

My skirt's big Friday night

Stay tuned

Introducing my Heatherty Featherty skirt!

Super Suppers book club

Earth Day overload

Ode to my morning commute

Lovely spontaneous dinner with friends

One more use for a plastic bag

Rerun--tailgating season

Postpartum depression--an interview

Hilarious website

Allie Grace's 6'th birthday!

Likable things

Happy birthday, Gabe!!!

Giveaway on Heatherty's blog next week!

Vertically-positioned oval

Owwww!!

Smooshy sandwich season is upon us

Heatherty skirt heads to class and a surprise photo