Mountain Climbing

A couple of weeks ago Scarlett and I were making plans for the following day when she suggested we go climb a mountain.  Considering that we don't have mountains in Indiana, I naturally dismissed the idea.  But the next day while running errands she persisted.  When I asked where she thought we could do that, she replied "Granny and Grandpa's".  Well...why not?!

It happened to be an unseasonably warm day and I figured we might as well take advantage of it.  And by the way, my parents' property is probably as good a place to "mountain climb" as any around here! 

Above: late fall in Indiana.  Kind of dreary, but I still love it.

My sweet, pretty girl.

My little man's man.

I guess our hike didn't satisfy Jud's need to climb.  One day I was working on going through papers when Scarlett said, "Mom, Jud needs some help." 

Hewo Dada! I mush you!

Look at how serious he is on the phone, so sweet!

As manly as this guy is, he is still a sucker for sparkly shoes.

So, this is what happens when you walk around on a stoop with your eyes shut, poor baby scrapes are the worst!

Go Shorty, It's Your Birthday!

Are we ready to party?! Scarlett gives a thumbs up while trying to show off her stylish shirt.

If there's anything that could distract Jud from the presents, it would definitely be chocolate cake. Now make a wish little man and blow out that candle!

Now he's focused.

I guess the gorilla puppet Scarlett gave to Jud was feeling a little frisky.

The puppy made everyone happy! Sorry the pics are blurry, they couldn't stay still.

Hallo! Too Tired to Write More

Aren't my babies adorable?! The best "Monster High" 5 year old ever and OBVIOUSLY the most frightening costume ever: an almost 2 year old with a chainsaw!!!! Like I said, too tired to write more for now, may see more later. If not, happy Halloween.

Next

Adorable, right? And the head wrap turned out pretty well too! This red one was my first try and knitted up pretty quickly. For my head, the pattern will need to be adjusted a bit, but it is totally cute - just as it appears on North Thirty-Fourth.
Scarlett will get one in a purpley-pink (smaller, of course), but she was a great model.

In the meantime, we have a friend working on some very authentic Halloween decor on our front porch:

Just the Beginning...

Only a few of the reasons that my house is a disaster zone and I didn't even have clean clothes to wear this weekend! Okay, so the photos probably should have been uploaded in a different order, but here goes...

So, I used Mod Podge for the first time in my life, interesting. Above is a 1990's flip photo album/frame. My friend Jedda has lots of great ideas on her blog and I fully intend to copy her idea found here.

Then I thought my kids would like these cheap-y frames. Scarlett totally participated in crafting and even picked the paper for Judson. He was so proud of his "work" that he carried it everywhere for several days. And I am proud that I so cleverly placed the word "dumper" right next to the photo opening on his frame. Impressive!

Scarlett is participating in a co-op-ish preschool this semester. I am happy for her, but it meant that I had to do some time. I took the first three weeks and got it over with. Ended up better than I anticipated, but glad to be done. So, what mom has the bright idea to have 5 year olds mix paint?! Again, clever.

And last but most definitely NOT least: thanks to a friend of a friend...
Discovered "craft fail" blog. Literally L(ed)OL!!! Look at my favorite.

LOOK OUT, I AM ON A ROLL!

What is it about fall and cooler weather?! Just gets me in the mood to craft like it's 1999!

So, contrary to my nature, I have several small projects I am working on at once. Here's a preview of one (you, if anyone besides the Comcast guy reads this, will have to follow the link because I am just waaay too busy to put up a photo right now, but trust me it is worth it). I may even try the "Gap Cowl" pattern which is gorgeous, just not sure it is a great idea for a busty gal. ?

Oh!, and I suppose I should mention I found this pattern on Ravelry, my absolute fave source for free patterns.

Stay tuned pics to come!

PS - Not that he reads this, but an absolutely gigantic HAPPY BIRTHDAY shout out to my brother Sam on his 30th (and you know how loud that would be if I were actually shouting!) I am so proud of you and pray all is well.

Jud-boy

Sweet Scarley-girl

Hillbilly Waterpark

Well I was born in a small town, and I live in a small town...

No one says it quite like The Coug and not just because he lives in my small town.
However, growing up in a college town is a bit different than other little towns, particularly in southern Indiana. I lived in the country, but we didn't farm so it took me a surprisingly long time to realize how really "country" I am.
So, enjoy the proof:

The waterslide, just add a trashbag!

The kiddie pool.

Probably, the most hillbilly part...Jud "swimming" in a onesie with the most water logged diaper of all time!

Lingering in Limbo...

sums up the last several months of my life perfectly.

In Feb/March I decided that if we were ever going to actually move then I would need to do something about it. So, I boxed up the majority of our household items and moved them to storage. Then I painted, fixed up, had wonderful help fixing up and waited. Comcast increased my cable/internet rates. Accordingly, I ended that relationship. "And why not? I'm moving anyway", I thought. Now it is August and I am back and so is Comcast. Still lingering, but at least I am not alone...

Hey-ho!

This is Hip Hop of today

So hip hop hooray! My little homeboy kickin' it old school.

I'll Just Go Ahead And Say It Again

I thought I might get used to it, but I still abhor daylight savings! That's all.

Bye Bye Buddies!

Looks like the buddies are ready to go.

Big Boy

This was actually well over a month ago, but here goes Juddy Boy:

Tah-dah!

Now Entering The 21st Century

Just yesterday I realized that I could simply remove the memory card from my camera and insert it into a little slot in my computer to upload new photos. Wow.

So, here is a bit of catch up to brighten a rainy day in southern Indiana.

Juddy's actual birthday date...can you believe it was like 7o degrees?!

p

Moey made a terrific Thanksgiving feast! Thank you.

I think Scarlett could have survived on snow alone this winter, but this photo was taken at the beginning of December and beginning of snowfall.

Back to the Grind

We had a satisfactory Christmas...lots of time with family, many thoughtful gifts, and just enough sweets. However, there was one big man that was missing and I'm not talkin' 'bout Santa!

Snoring, drooling, and rapid eye movements were the staples of our New Year's Eve celebration. And now, we are happily back to the daily grind.

While Juddy and I chilled (well, he chilled, I washed dishes), Scarlett went to preschool. She came home full of sass, telling me "Mah-um, you always worry about everything!" simply because I told her she couldn't wear her flip-flops in the cold weather. Still, she is my little buddy and is, unfortunately, getting too comfortable sleeping in my bed. In the meantime, poor little Jud is breaking four molars at once! He is really having a hard time with it, but he's still our "Chuckles". I am having technical issues with my camera/computer setup, but just for fun this pic. is pretty close to what Jud looks like now.