Hey you - Listen Up!

Pssst - Heidi's birthday is Sept 28th(tomorrow). Since her time zone is 9 hours ahead, she is safely tucked in bed right now, snoozing away. Join me in wishing her a fabulous day by commenting on her blog.

For those who don't know Heidi (she is my one and only(goofy) sister), you don't need to comment - but the rest of you will not get off the hook (and I mean it!)

Simple Pleasures

I love crawling into bedding that has been "line dried". Mmmm, it smells so clean and fresh - it is one of the first things I do at the hint of Spring and I'm feeling that this is one of the last opportunities before the rain hits for good. When we lived on the sailboat, we used to bring the hose in, and scrub the floors with bleach - I oftentimes wish we could do the same thing here - it always felt and smelled so clean.

I'll send some to your house

Milah always has a "kid" birthday party later in the month of September as her real birthday is such a busy date for everyone. Today was the big hoorah and judging from the banging and thuds above me, the slumber party is now in full swing.

Horse riding enjoyed by all (except for the poor old horse)

Cowgirls, renegades, and bandits

this time with facial hair . . .

Up the hill we go . . .

Child Abuse!

May we call this meeting to order . . .

We found it necessary to hold a "family meeting" the other night to redirect, reinforce, and (even) congratulate. Don't let these 2 smiling faces fool you. Each child reluctantly sat and all took turns groaning, snickering, and the girls each shed some tears. Sten yawned through the monologue and Maren hollered out from her shirt several times that, "she hates work."

We have determined that the girls need to help a bit more around the house. And there is no reason to have to remind these children to pick up after themselves, put their clothes away, and put their dishes in the dishwasher all the time. Do your kids ever put their dirty clothes back in their drawers or throw the freshly cleaned clothes in the clothes hamper (still folded)? Have you ever watched your child walk by the same stray shoe or sock belonging to them? (Please tell me that we are not alone) The only explanation for this behavior is "brain damage" as explained by Bill Cosby, and as he says, "our children are all struck with it."


The smallest resident felt the biggest pinch and was THRILLED to wash the toe kick area of the cupboards today. The word, "disgusting" was muttered a few times as she wrung out the rag.

The Birthday Kids - Dad's birthday is the day after Milah's and he's been miffed at me for 11 years that I couldn't wait just a few more hours so they could share the same day - boo hoo.

Sten is getting ready to tackle a "frame off" restoration. This means that he will completely strip his truck from the frame and then begin rebuilding piece by piece. He hopes to swap the engine with a Dodge Cummins, so charitable donations to this project - large or small, would be certainly welcomed. He hopes to drive it to school next year - so he has about 12 months to complete this task. Good thing I'm not in charge of this project - otherwise there would be a heap of left over parts and when you pressed the brake, the horn would honk and the wipers would squirt the passengers.

Maren recounting a story of "old" to Grandpa. Once upon a time, we left adorable baby Maren napping while we ran to town, assuring Grandpa (the babysitter) that she would sleep for hours. Apparently, within minutes of our departure, she alerted her babysitter with a statement that horrified and panicked him (as he had never changed a diaper). She said, "Grandpa, I poopy." Well, he folded up his sleeves, and got the job done with a little guidance from 5 year old Milah. Maren finished her nap in a clean diaper and we've had many laughs since.

We had unexpected but welcome visitors from Hotchkiss Colorado yesterday. Rich and Elaine D (she is Dad's cousin), arrived and they were quickly hussled about by the resident tour guide, Maren. Maren said she hadn't had such fun since her 6th birthday - what a nut!

What's happen'n around here

First day of School - there's definitely a chill (and precipitation) in the air.

Milah - 5th Grade

Maren - 2nd Grade

No that is not a pigment issue. No that is not a tan. Yes that is dirt. Yes he did shower.

Within minutes of Dad and Mom arriving for the night - Dad was grabbing apples to make applesauce. We had a large garbage can full and this little bucket.

Thank you Miss Maren

Give them a bath, and core them (we used one of those pampered chef gadgets that cores and cuts them in several wedges at once).

Put a little water in the bottom of a stock pot and cook, occasionally mashing down into the liquid.


Side note: When we were married 20 years ago, the one thing Scott requested were these Magnalite pans. I have loved them and I'm sure they will last until "death do us part". The one piece I didn't have was a large stock pot. At a garage sale recently, I spotted 3 magnalite pans and lids, with one being a stock pot. They were not marked, so I asked the lady what she was asking - how 'bout 5$ for all 3? Sounds reasonable (snicker, snicker) - and no, Dad, I did not bargain! I shoved them in the car and we were off . . .

Add salt and sugar to taste, cinammon if you wish. Cook until it looks soupy.

Pour into a colander and mash.

Side note: Dad is looking especially lovely as the girls always "style" his hair with clips/headbands/rubberbands. This particular "do" was compliments of Maren and she even accessorized him with Hello Kitty lip gloss. Sten was finding it very difficult to look at him without breaking into fits of laughter.

Cooking 101 (or 82)

Surely they don't mean you can't heat syrup in it's original container in the microwave? Well, maybe this sugary liquid could have survived the 15 seconds it was heated, but when I accidentally pushed a "0" and roasted it for 1:50, it didn't fair too well. I don't know what the chef's term for "beyond carmelized" is, but it's definitely a solid at this point . About the time I noticed an odor and heard the microwave continuing to roll - I glanced over to see smoke billowing out from the appliance. Milah had a friend for the night and she can't wait to go home and tell her Mom.

Happy Birthday to YOU!

Milah Moo turned 11 today. She also discovered that if she puts the seat ALLLL the way forward she can reach every pedal, allowing her to drive on her own - EEEk! I think the big grin on her face was not due to the birthday factor but the driving factor.

It's amazing to think that 11 years ago tonight we were thrilled to be holding this perfect little bundle and could hardly imagine anything better. However, sitting across from her at dinner, seeing her cuddled up to Scott and merrily chit chatting away - I realized we had no clue what great treasure we held in our arms 11 years ago. Milah is a sensitive, loyal and caring kid who is unselfish and down to earth. She has high standards and sticks to and defends her beliefs. She is hardworking, determined and dedicated but will quickly help and encourage others. She recently told me that she will be very sad (when she goes to College) and can't see us everyday. I explained in my all knowing "mother tone", that something will magically occur about the time she graduates (if not before) and she will have an itch to leave the nest. Happy Birthday Mooster, we love you!

P.S. Those other two are just as amazing creatures and I will extoll their virtues at a later post. Right now, I need to go find some kleenex.

Burlap Again?!

Mantel Scarf from Burlap. This is an easy one girls . . . grab some burlap the length of your mantel - pull strings on all sides to "fray" the edges. Iron a crease so it will "fall" over the edge. Use a stencil for the letters - spell your last name, season, address or . . .

I spotted similar table runners at a show earlier this sumer and I thought they were adorable.

Cut a piece of burlap the width and length you wish - I used the finished edge for one side and then hemmed the other side. At about 1 1/2 inches from each side, pull out 2 or 3 threads lenthwise down the entire piece (this is actually kinda fun).

Take an old damask tablecloth, preferrably with detail. I purchased mine for 2$ at a junk store (and I mean heavy on the junk - yes I did wash it (multiple times)), hem the edges and gather before attaching to the burlap.

Use a stencil to form the words (or not). The ones I saw did not have words and they were just as beautiful. Burlap is cheap and looks and feels Fall-ish. And it's always fun to hunt in a junk store - so go forth and find a cool tablecloth to cut up and attach!

End Table Redo

This nightstand with interesting detail was a find off Craigslist. Yes, Dad - I did attempt to bargain. The pecan finish was in need of repair, but I loved the little shelf underneath - a perfect perch for some burlap . . .