Ballet!

She' loved her first class. But then again, pink, twirly skirts and dancing are among her top ten anyway. It seem like it will be a true staple.

denouncing cloth diapers

Because its not worth it with these around. I keep going back and forth, searching for a perfect combo that just suits us perfectly. It's taken me quite a while to realize this is what works for us.
No diapers give me quite as much joy. Also, just about all of their products Rock the Casbah. In case you wanted to know.

Christmas shopping

(a blooper from last years Christmas pictures)
I know, it's a bit early. I have been trying for the past three years to shop early and be done by thanksgiving. In order stay ahead of the rush an enjoy the season a bit more. You know, less stress? It actually helps me out and I like the system. And being that this baby is due right around Thanksgiving,...I would like to relish in new motherhood for the third time knowing everything is shopped for. So I've started little folders on my computer for everyone I plan on getting gifts for. Sort of like an digital Christmas list. This way I can narrow down choices, and get the job done. Within the next 6 weeks. Plenty of time I know. I want everything wrapped and hidden by this time too. Did I mention I want to beat the rush?

homeschool

I know its very early to be schooling a three year old. But, he has been diligently asking to learn to read all summer. He also pays a grand share of his attentions towards time telling and numbers. So I figured we could start out slow.
So far he has been a great encouragement to me. He's eager and excited. Asking to do "school" for a second time during the day. Little miss kitty, who will not be left out of anything, has been learning her colors. But in truth she is a bit more of a distraction that anything else. We love her all the more. So, here's to another week.

because pregnant girls want to look cute too

I'm really feeling this outfit on anthropologie. But I don't go for those kids of prices.
So here's my budgeted version.







The necklace is the same, the dress is Old Navy Maternity :$30,
and the croc knock offs are from Target $7.

in the backyard

I'm so excited to be living in the new house. Not so excited to pack and actually move. I'm also excited about outdoor living. Since we will have our own backyard. And boy, its been a while. Here are some goodies I found that might be worth purchasing now and bring with us.




I think most of you know that there is no ikea near Moscow. Its sad but true. I'm going to need to stock up.

deodorizer for those of us

I made myself some deodorant last night. I had been using this stuff. I love the smell to pieces. But the first ingredient was propylene glycol. I was given this recipe by my sister. And dang does it work.

all natural deodorant for real

1/4 C virgin coconut oil
1/4 C baking soda
1 1/2 ts cornstarch

My coconut oil was soft enough to mix the other ingredients in with heating it first. So after I mixed them completely, I stuffed it into an old deodorant container that I had saved and washed. Then I put it in the freezer over night just to speed up the hardening process.

I really don't think this is regrettable. I mean these are all food grade ingredients. Which is nice for nursing. Babies come pretty close to whatever you put on. That used to stress me out.

home owners again

We closed on this lovely little house in northern Idaho today.
I can't wait to do some renovation and decoration!

there is no reason not too

I've never seen a triple stroller look this streamlined, and compact. If anyone would like to donate monies for its purchase. Please feel free to email me. ;)

Yes I know, we have two children, but if it be Gods will, baby number three should be joining us just in time for Thanksgiving this year. That's right, am I pregnant and suffering from some gnarly type of morning sickness that worsens at night. Preparing dinner has become quite the task. All in good form right?

Please pray for our growing bean!

we got married

Five years ago today that is. It seems like yesterday that we said our vows, yet I feel like I've known Joel forever.

We celebrated by cleaning house. (oddly satisfying), and dining out at one of our favourite eateries. God is so good, and blesses us beyond belief. It really was a wonderful day and my life is wonderful as your wife honey. I love you. Here's to spending a zillion more years together.

xoxo

last minute,

I finished! With little to no time to spare. I had this idea to make a toy mouse for Phoebe. I had seen one in a catalog online, and almost bought it but thought it would be so much cuter handmade. I think I was right. Even with all its crazy stitching, and lopsidedness. I stuffed a bell inside for added jingling, and filled it with old plastic shopping bags needing to be recycled. This lil' gal with definitely be getting some friends just like her real soon. For now, she is waiting in Phoebe's stocking to get some kitty hugging.

I hope you all found the time and will to finish all you last minute preparations. Merry Christmas, and may you all enjoy this awesome season given to us by our Lord Jesus Christ!

• What time did you get up today? 7:30
• Diamonds or pearls? diamonds.
• Latest movie in a movie theater? iron man
  
• Favorite TV series? jamie at home
  
• What did you have for breakfast? a bowl of hot oatmeal
  
• What's your middle name? leanne
• Favorite food? italian, sushi anything cooked by my mom,.....the list goes on, and on.
  
• Which food don't you like? bananas
  
• What's your favorite CD at the moment? thats tough,..
  
• What car do you drive? my dodge caravan
  
• Favorite sandwich? does a cheese burger count?
  
• Which human traits can't you stand? liar
• What are your favorite clothes? dresses
• If you could travel anywhere, where would you go? Italy
• Favorite clothing brand? anthropologie in theory, but gap in actuality
  
• Where would you like to retire? don't know yet
  
• Favorite time of day? when husby get home
• Where were you born? new york
  
• Which is your favorite sport to watch? soccer
  
• Coke or Pepsi? (If I had to drink one cause I don't really) pepsi
  
• Soccer or hockey? see above
  
• Are you a morning person or a night owl? both?
• Pedicure or manicure? pedicure
• Any exciting news to share? I"m designing a children clothing line due out this month as we speak!
• What did you want to become as a child? a ballerina
  
• Best childhood memory? My parents took us to a family resort on the shores of North Carolina every year, for a long time. I can still smell the hall ways.
  
• Ever been to Africa? no
• Ever rolled anybody in toilet paper? No
• Have you ever been in a car accident? yes. But one is sticking out in my mind. We were hit from behind by a drunk driver at a red light in an intersection. We spun out like crazy.
  
• Favorite day of the week? Saturday. We get to spend the day with all four of us together.
  
• Favorite flower? Peonies.
• Favorite - Hot dog or Chinese food? yeah, depends on the mood.
  
• Do you own a bike? Yes.
• Who was you latest e-mail from? my mom
• Where would you like to shop more if you could afford to? anthropologie
• Bed time? between 10 and 11.
  
• Latest person to share dinner with? Joel. Perfect.
  
• What are you up to now? trying to finish this up so I can spend the rest of the night relaxing with yours truly.
  
• Favorite color? green
• How many tattoos? nada, zip!
  

the start of a beautiful thing etc,...

This weekend, I'll be happily joining the tea season club, while devouring the new, and "first ever" holiday blueprint. I can't seem to get over the excitement! Did I mention I really love magazines? Something about the carefully planned out pages, photography and ideas. Oh yum.
It feels like Christmas is here early. Speaking of which, I need to finish the list of who gets what homemade gift. And of course how much time do I need to give myself for all this crafting ahead.
Alot.

Speaking of crafting! Here is a little london beanie I made for the wee chap. It only took me 24 hours! This may not really sound great to most of you, but for me this is quite the accomplishment. On to the next. :)



Poor Sam is sick with a cold. I'm praying it stays in the boogey stage, and never moves on to a fever. If you are wondering? yes, he is playing with arrows. I don't know what to tell you.

flutterings

Thank you to everyone who has been keeping my mother in law( for dorie sake link on sidebar) in your prayers. As you can see from her blog, the Lord answers prayers.

Things are busy. But not quite as busy as they could be. My sister is getting married saturday. We are pretty much prepared. I have some last minute cake topper perfections to make but other than that it feels surreal. It is going to come and go, and be over. Its going to rock the house. And hopefully I'll be able to take some decent pictures worth sharing.

Samuel has more ideas than his 16 month old self can carry out. This makes for a very frustrated boy. Today he spent alot of time in uncle kyle's room. There he has learned to place head phone jacks in their respective homes, listen to music on an mp3 player, and wear protective goggles. For what I'm not sure, but he had a good time.

At 12.6 weeks pregnant, I think I might be feeling some phantom mini nugget movement. Its so slight I almost doubt myself. Only to then try to reconvince my unbelieving self.
It has been much to hot to cook indoors. So to the grill we go.

Barbecued Pork and Apple Kebabs

Serves 4

• 1/2 cup apricot jam
• 2 tablespoons cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for grill
• Coarse salt and ground pepper
• 1 1/2 pounds (about 1 1/2 inches each) pork tenderloin, halved lengthwise and cut into 16 cubes
• 1 medium red onion, cut into 8 wedges
• 1 Granny Smith apple, peeled and cut into 8 wedges

1. Heat grill to medium-high. Make the sauce: In a large bowl, combine jam, vinegar, tomato paste, and 1 tablespoon oil. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
2. Assemble 4 long skewers, alternating 4 pork cubes with 2 onion wedges and 2 apple wedges on each (begin with pork and end with apple). Roll skewers in remaining tablespoon oil. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Lightly oil grates. Place skewers on grill; cover grill, and cook, turning occasionally, until grill marks are visible, 6 to 8 minutes.
4. Open grill; baste skewers with some sauce, and cook, turning skewers and basting occasionally with more sauce, until pork is no longer pink in the center and is nicely glazed, 4 to 8 minutes more.

Well the party on saturday went splendidly. I'm always nervous when providing any kind of entertainment. Will my guests like the food? the music? Will they be bored out of their minds? Well, I think they enjoyed the food at least. Which consisted of Baked macaroni and cheese, coissant panini and mesculun greens salad with gorgonzola and dried cranberries. The dessert was cupcakes cookies and this decetent creamchesse tart my husbands mother makes. She puts fresh blueberries, peaches and almonds on top.... Yum. I was happy when the party was over not stressed. Sucsess!

I'm sure some, if not all of you are wondering about my empty etsy shop. Zero items listed; zero items sold? Yeah I'm working on that. I've kinda hit a lump in the progress of some upcoming goods. When will I be done, I can't give any definites because I have none. But sooner than later is the goal.