I'm a Winner!!! (at least for today)

I am a huge fan of Lisa Leonard's jewelry.  She has just the right combination of sweetness and whimsy.  I have several of her pieces including my much beloved "Mommy" necklace.  I enter every single Lisa Leonard contest I can find online but I have never won one because everyone else loves her stuff too!

Well, I finally won today!

Lisa gave away her new "Love is My Anchor" necklace on her blog and I won! It hasn't even been released yet!

(image source)

Not only will this necklace be so nice for Summer but it makes me think of Mindy Gledhill's lovely song "Anchor." 

Times have been tough these past few years and they continue to be challenging. That's just the way life is.  I always have to remember that it isn't the good times that shape us but how we face the bad times.  When my little ship feels tossed about on stormy seas, it is my loved ones that anchor me back down.

Thank you, Lisa, for this wonderful necklace that will be my reminder about those who serve as my anchor each and every day.

My Knight

I always try to do a handmade Halloween costume for Noodlebug but sometimes I can't quite convince him to wear it.  Last year, I made him a Prince Philip costume from "Sleeping Beauty."  On Halloween night, he ended up wearing a store-bought Jack Skellington costume. Still, I figured we would get some use out of the prince costume by incorporating it into the dress-up trunk. 

FINALLY!

This month's Kiwi Crate features crafts and activities based on Medieval times.  One of the activities was to make a knight helmet.  (or a princess hat)  We made the knight helmet for Noodlebug and he insisted on getting completely dressed up in his prince costume. I was the princess that he rescued from the dragon.  A good time was had by all!!!

(helmet by Kiwi Crate, tunic and belt by me from my own pattern, cape made using a pattern from GROWING UP SEW LIBERATED by Meg McElwee)

Rocket on a Budget

Noodlebug wanted this really great rocket toy that he saw a friend's house.  I have to admit it was pretty cool.  I really wanted to buy it for him for his birthday but it was just too expensive.  We're still in financial dire straits and $60 for a toy just wasn't going to happen.

Then, I saw an unpainted birdhouse in the shape of a rocket at Michael's for $3.99.  I pulled out my paints and a few leftover peg people from Noodlebug's Christmas present and came up with this:

When he saw it on the morning of his birthday, he couldn't have been more excited.  Plus, it has the added bonus of working with his other peg people as well. 

Total cost: $4.

Whoopee!!!

37.

37 years old.  No makeup.  That's all me.  Including the bags under the eyes and the ungroomed brows.  That's okay, though. That's life.  I'm blessed.

Blah....

This is how I feel right now...

(image source)

The stress and lack of sleep and caring for sick loved ones has finally caught up with me.  I am always the last to get sick and I always get it the worst.

I just wanted to lay in bed and listen to some music and my iPod broke. Permanently.  My husband gave it to me when we were dating seven years ago.  It makes me sad to see it go.

In my OTC medicated stupor, I made the poor decisions to invest in an iPhone. It hasn't arrived yet but I'm already experiencing buyer's remorse. I use a cell phone for talking. I don't text. I don't do apps.  I'm old school.  What am I going to do with an iPhone?

My birthday is Friday but I doubt I will feel like doing anything. I had arranged to take a vacation day to do something special but then my mother ended up having her foot surgery scheduled that morning. So...if I can get my pathetic self out of bed on Friday morning, I'll be driving her to the hospital and catching up on some reading in the waiting room.

What a way to kick off my 37th year, huh?  (that sounds really old for some reason)

Birthday Countdown: Day Eighteen

Max from the books by Rosemary Wells and the "Max and Ruby" tv show.

We made it!!!  All eighteen days accounted for!  I think Noodlebug really enjoyed it. He knew that when he colored Max, his birthday would be here.

We'll see if I can do it all again next year!

See other pages from the Birthday Countdown Coloring Book by clicking on the "Birthday Countdown" label.

Four Years Old

This picture makes me sad because it makes me think of this:

(Eight Months Old)

Same chair but a much smaller child!!!  Where has the time gone? 

Birthday Countdown: Day Seventeen

Eeyore from WINNIE THE POOH by A.A. Milne.

See other pages from the Birthday Countdown Coloring Book by clicking on the "Birthday Countdown" label.

Birthday Madness Continued

I just realized that I missed my Blogiversary yesterday!  It has been five years since I started this blog.  This year will be the ninth anniversary of my book blog. I can't believe I have been blogging for nine years!!!

I am working on a post about Noodlebug's party. Just waiting to get photos. I am behind in posting the Birthday Countdown pictures. I will finish those this weekend.  In the midst of recovering from the big birthday party last Saturday, my husband got sick, Noodlebug has goopy eyes (possibly pinkeye...gulp) and my mother has her ongoing health issues. In fact, my mother will be having foot surgery on the morning of my birthday next week so I will probably spend my day off doing that.  Today, she had to take my car since hers is in the shop.  I feel stretched to the limit right now trying to keep up with everything and take care of everyone.

I am taking tomorrow off to spend the day with Noodlebug on his actual birthday.  Not sure what we are going to do yet but it will be nice to spend some quality time with him.

I mentioned in a previous post that by the time my birthday rolls around, I will be over it.  I still feel that way. There really isn't money to do anything and I doubt I will have any energy. And that's okay.

On my wishlist?

1.  Snowcone Maker--I saw one for $17 at Target yesterday.  Wouldn't it be fun to have backyard snowcones this Summer?



2.  Soda Stream Maker--This is really out of our price range but the whole family is addicted to sparkling water. I almost think we would save money in the long run if we got this machine.

3.  Electric Fondue Pot--When I lived in Denver, my friends and I would have regular Fondue Nights. There is something so social and bonding about eating fondue together.

Those are the big things I'd love to have.  Beyond that, I would love gift certificates.  For Michael's to support my crafting habit. For Cinema West, so I can take Noodlebug to the movies.  For Starbucks, so I can get my hands around a nice warm beverage to get me going in the morning.

What's on YOUR wish list?

Birthday Countdown: Day Sixteen

Super Grover from "Sesame Street!"

See other pages from the Birthday Countdown Coloring Book by clicking on the "Birthday Countdown" label.

Birthday Countdown: Day Fifteen

Lyle, Lyle Crocodile from the Bernard Waber books!

See other pages from the Birthday Countdown Coloring Book by clicking on the "Birthday Countdown" label.

Birthday Countdown: Day Fourteen

Curious George and the (soon-to-be) Yellow Hat!!!

See other pages from the Birthday Countdown Coloring Book by clicking on the "Birthday Countdown" label.

I Survived Camp Fusco

We made it through my son's 4th birthday party on Saturday.  It had a camping theme.  It was a lot of hard work but I think he really enjoyed it and that is all that matters.  I'll share the details later when I have more photos to share.

Happy Mother's Day

I know I have said it before but I'm going to keep on saying it. 

I never thought I'd be a mom. I never even thought I would get married. I had resigned myself to being a Crazy Cat Lady.

I am so blessed.

I think Mother's Day means more to me than my birthday.

I printed out this wonderful printable from Laura Winslow Photography and filled it out with Noodlebug.  I think we are going to try and make this a yearly tradition.

Here are this year's answers:

My mom's name is.....Amy.
My mom's age is......6.
My mommy's eyes are...blue and green.
When my mommy works, she...works in her office on her computer.
My mommy's hair is....brownish and long and crazy.
My favorite thing to do with my mommy is....play games.
My mommy laughs when....my building falls over.
My mom's favorite tv show is....movies. (we don't really watch tv around Noodlebug)
I love when my mom...dances.
My favorite thing my mommy cooks is....pizza.
I really love my mommy because....she's really beautiful.


A few days ago, I watched this video about the Taylor family and the loss of their sweet girl Ruby. I cried and cried and cried. I can't imagine loss like that.  I wonder sometimes why I am so blessed to have a strong and healthy 4-yr-old while others must face the loss of their sweet babies.  I want you all to be my witness and know that I do not take it for granted. I am amazed every single day by the blessing of family and health. 

The greatest Mother's Day gift I could ever get is my healthy boy. 

If you are a Mommy, take a moment today to give thanks for the blessing of a healthy child.

Birthday Countdown: Day Thirteen

Max from WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE by Maurice Sendak.

See other pages from the Birthday Countdown Coloring Book by clicking on the "Birthday Countdown" label.

Birthday Countdown: Day Twelve

Tigger!!!!

See other pages from the Birthday Countdown Coloring Book by clicking on the "Birthday Countdown" label.


Today is Noodlebug's big birthday party.  Wish me luck!!! I'll be posting photos of the event soon.

Birthday Countdown: Day Eleven

The Pigeon from the books by Mo Willems.

See other pages from the Birthday Countdown Coloring Book by clicking on the "Birthday Countdown" label.

Birthday Countdown: Day Ten

The Very Hungry Caterpillar (sideways) from the book by Eric Carle.


See other pages from the Birthday Countdown Coloring Book by clicking on the "Birthday Countdown" label.

Birthday Countdown: Day Nine

Frog and Toad (sideways)  from the Arnold Lobel FROG AND TOAD books.

See other pages from the Birthday Countdown Coloring Book by clicking on the "Birthday Countdown" label.

Birthday Countdown: Day Eight

Bob and Larry from "Veggie Tales."

See other pages from the Birthday Countdown Coloring Book by clicking on the "Birthday Countdown" label.

Birthday Countdown: Day Seven

Arthur from the Marc Brown "Arthur" books and tv show.

See other pages from the Birthday Countdown Coloring Book by clicking on the "Birthday Countdown" label.

Birthday Countdown: Day Six

Olivia from the OLIVIA books and tv show.

See other pages from the Birthday Countdown Coloring Book by clicking on the "Birthday Countdown" label.

Birthday Countdown: Day Five

Clifford from CLIFFORD, THE BIG RED DOG.

See other pages from the Birthday Countdown Coloring Book by clicking on the "Birthday Countdown" label.

Birthday Blues

May is a busier time of year for me than the holidays!

So many important birthdays to recognize!!!
The birthday extravaganza kicks off with my dear friend Brandon's birthday on April 30.

Then...

Laura (friend and godmother to Noodlebug)--May 10
Vieve (college buddy)--May 12
Noodlebug--May 18
Andre' (friend and co-worker)--May 18
Brian (brother-in-law)--May 19
Mick (close friend/male bridesmaid)--May 23
ME--May 25
Kim (blogger and triathlete)--May 28

And that doesn't even include the May birthdays that AREN'T at the top of the list.  Plus, there is Mother's Day and end-of-year teacher gifts to do.

Two of those friends are having milestone birthdays this year that MUST be celebrated and recognized in a big way.

By the time my own birthday rolls around, I am exhausted. 

I have no excitement around my own birthday anymore.  The continuing burden of financial worry crushes any enthusiasm plus there is the fact that another year of (potential) fertility has come and gone. 

I kind of just want to skip the whole thing this year. I can't muster any enthusiasm for it.  Right now, I'm just focused on the production of Noodlebug's birthday party on May 12.  Hope I can pull it off!!!

Birthday Countdown: Day Four

The Lorax from Dr. Seuss' THE LORAX.

See other pages from the Birthday Countdown Coloring Book by clicking on the "Birthday Countdown" label.

Birthday Countdown: Day Three

Harold from HAROLD AND THE PURPLE CRAYON.

See other pages from the Birthday Countdown Coloring Book by clicking on the "Birthday Countdown" label.

Birthday Countdown: Day Two

Brother Bear from the BERENSTAIN BEARS.

See other pages from the Birthday Countdown Coloring Book by clicking on the "Birthday Countdown" label.

Ten Days of Laura

My good friend Laura (godmother to my child) is celebrating a milestone birthday this year.  She has been through a lot over the past two years and it was very important to me that her birthday be extra special this year.

I saw this wonderful idea on Oh Happy Day and thought I would try to do my own version.

Since Laura's birthday is May 10, I gathered together ten of her close friends and family and had them each sponsor one day.  They could do something big like a gift certificate or something small like offering to take her out for a cupcake on the afternoon of their day. 

I snuck into Laura's apartment this past weekend and set up the surprise wall:

She loves leopard print so I used that as a background along with bright pink letters and numbers.  She gets to begin opening envelopes today. (one per day)  There will be a special surprise from her sweetheart on the day of her birthday.

I wasn't there to see her reaction when she came home to find the surprise wall but her sweetie captured it for me:

She opened her first envelope this morning and texted me right away.

I hope she enjoys every minute of it!!!

Birthday Countdown: Day One

Here is the first page of Noodlebug's Birthday Countdown Coloring Book.  Each page is in a plastic sleeve and we'll be taking out one page per day until his birthday to color.

All drawings are hand-drawn by me. No tracing. I looked at various images for inspiration and then modified as needed.  Most of them come from our favorite children's books.

The first page is from MOUSE PAINT by Ellen Stoll Walsh.  Noodlebug particularly loves the red mouse so I'm guessing this one will be colored red.

See other pages from the Birthday Countdown Coloring Book by clicking on the "Birthday Countdown" label.