My Girl

Madeline found my old Strawberry Shortcake dolls and asked to play with them.  She played for hours.

At one point she handed me Huckleberry Pie and said:

"He's got cute shoes, but his leg came off."

I'm giving it.

Are you?

It's not even Thanksgiving yet...

...but I'm gonna dream of this room for Christmas right now.

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Breakfast with Santa

This morning my mom, the kids and I had breakfast with Santa.  And heard a story from Mrs. Claus.  We're pretty special like that.  The kids were encouraged to write a letter to Santa.  Madeline, not being able to write, drew pictures of what she wanted.  She asked Santa to bring her:

1. A real princess camera.  Not happening, FYI.

2. A puppet theatre.  Eeek!  I'm so excited about this one.

3. Small colored marshmallows.  She asked me  for some at the store yesterday and I absentmindedly told her to ask Santa.

4. a ladybug that lights up.  Santa may or not make this happen either.

This is the first year she's really *gotten* Santa, so it should be a super fun Christmas!

Today's clothes people.

I make these before bed, to avoid arguing with my little girl about what she's going to wear for the day.

All in a days work.

Possibly two or three days work.

Handmade Christmas on Mars

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I love this so very much.

Now, back to work (or start working, whatev).

Oh, How I love thee...

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A few days ago Madeline was looking through the Joann ad, and saw a small "kid-size" sewing machine.  She squealed a little and then asked if she could have it.  I love her.

A few months ago, while making something for someone else, Madeline asked me, "Why doesn't [insert child's name]'s Mommy make it?"  

Me: "Not everyone's Mommy sews."

Madeline: {GASP} "Yes they do!"

Just two of the reasons I love my daughter...and sewing.

Robert Bruno's Steel House

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I've driven by this house numerous times, very slowly, hoping to catch a glimpse inside.  Sunday was the day.  The husband and I were able to tour the inside. 

My husband took all of the pictures in the collage above.  Pretty cool, no?

Upon searching the internet about Robert Bruno/The Steel House, I've found lots of blog posts, or op-ed type pieces.  Only his obituary really told about him.  Go here if you'd like to read it.  Here is a video tour of the house; given by Bruno himself.

You can read my husband's views on the house, and the artist here.

It's Gonna Be a Good Day!

I saw two of these on the way to school this morning, a while back I decided a VW siting means a great day is waiting!

Do you ever play games like these with yourself?

I'm a Winner!

I enter so many online giveaways I can hardly keep track.  I can now add a win!  And it's a really good one.  The giveaway is from Arian Armstrong.

These are the three prints I chose.

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two

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I'm thinking of having a tiny little giveaway of my own.  I know I have a few readers out there.  So, let me know what you would like to win.  Browse through my flickr set for options.

Our Weekend

Friday night we headed to a birthday party.  These are the ONLY two photos I got.  One is super blurry, and none of the birthday boy.

Saturday we started carving a pumpkin.  It was a little more difficult than I thought it would be, and I didn't have the husband here with his know-how (and strength).

We then met Gran and Grandad for lunch.  I didn't have my camera, so no pictures.  Afterwards the kids went back to their house and I was able to finish up this little project.

They came home to this...

Sunday was packed with fun.  In the morning we went to see the Husband where he was house sitting for the night. While out there we picked pumpkins, carrots, peppers and radishes.  Chased some chickens.  Were a little frightened by the dogs.  And fed the horses.

 On to lunch.  Jumbo burgers for all.

After naps the evening festivities began.

  First stop: birthday party.  With a pinata!

Next stop trunk-or-treat #1.

Trunk-or-treat #2 didn't fare any decent pictures.  There was a BIG blow-up slide that both kids went down...and wanted more, but it was closing time.

Finally, bedtime.  The kids were so exhausted they went to bed without their normal bedtime rituals.  Not one single book was read!

What a great weekend, and wonderful memories.

Dance Rocks

Last week we (the parents and siblings) were allowed to sit in on dance class.  It was fun to see what they're learning.

Madeline kept looking back at me, and at one point cried a little and stopped dancing.  Which is completely out of character.  I convinced her to join back in for the tap portion of the class.  Topper was surprisingly quiet for the whole hour...oh that's right, he had my carmex to smear all over his face.  That always keeps him entertained.