One Year Ago

 Today is one of my three favorite days in a year.  I love my babies' birthdays, but this one is bittersweet.  The first birthday is always bittersweet.  Especially when it is the last first birthday we will have in this household.

Catching leaves and eating them while I had my back turned.

No big party plans today.  Just a roasted chicken with root vegetables (no leaves) and some type of little cake.  Unfortunately, I have to go to work for a little bit. 

Random Order Part II

 More pics from our camping trip.  We camped at Roaring River, known to be a fly fishing hot spot.  I still have more to post, and I promise it won't be like a gazillion days before I do.

Yes, at this point, with children leaning over the rock wall above the water, I was experiencing a wee bit of anxiety.

One of my favorite moments of the trip was sitting by the River with Charlotte and her leaning on my knee.

Life is busy.  Work, school, birthdays, doctor appointments, holidays and I don't even have the kids in any activities - that part makes me feel like a bum.  I have been very focused on experimenting with handmade stuff and trying to make a lot of Christmas gifts.  We will see how that works out...

In Random Order

 From our camping trip.  I tried to "glamp" it out, but since this was our first family camping trip my attempts weren't really all that above and beyond.  I learned a lot, and have already started scheming planning for next year.

This was our campsite upon our arrival and set-up

This was the scenery directly behind our site.  Minutes later, total downpour = cold wet night. When I woke up the next morning, the first thing I thought was we need FIRE.  It was like an episode of Survivor.

Of course, I didn't take any pics of the lanterns at night.  But with the fire and the lanterns lit up (@night)  it was very cozy.  Large paper lanterns are not exactly camper friendly.  Will need to find an alternative for next year.

My first sewing project, a bunting especially for the camping trip.  Thank you Josie for acquainting me with the sewing machine.

Some old doiles and baby food jars I had been saving for craft projects

Joseph manning the camera and my makeshift cutting board - a beer box

Roaring River flowed around the campsite, and there were lots of fly fisherman.

The girls by the river at our campsite.

Who knows what was so interesting on the ground.?

Oh yeah, a rock!

Baby on my back.  Cooking was always a joint effort, it was nice.

Hungry children eagerly await breakfast.

My friend Jodi brought her 1950s camper.  Loved it. 

Didn't realize the "flys" used for fly fishing were so pretty.  I may have to learn to fly fish.

No explanation needed.  Kids and a puddle.

The river by our camp sites.

Another post to come in the next few days with camping pics.

Just Because

Sorry I have not been posting.  Enjoy this one, I love it so much.  Those are bananas on her chest, and if I don't belt her in the chair she is trying to climb out.

Inspiration and Trash Talking

This Friday is my nephew's 8th birthday party, and the first official Toland and Laird Pinewood Derby race.  Charlotte and I will be entering a car together.  Needless to say, I needed some inspiration.  So what did I do?  I googled pinewood derby cars, and these were some of my favorite results.

Always love superhero themes. 

Hardcore detail.  I don't have this much time or talent.

All I want to say, is "duh".  Love the frank simplicity, and clean lines.

Digging the double wide.

A tongue shaped car never crossed my mind.

Again, not enough time, but impressive detail.

I love hot dogs.  Especially "gourmet" hot dogs.  No, really, they are darn good.


Ok, and this was my favorite picture.  If this doesn't inspire you to kick some pinewood derby ass then I don't know what will.

http://www.columbiamissourian.com

 

Sincerely,
Taking Names

Guys, I Want to Go GLAMPING!

 Tonight I decided to sandblast my feet, scrub them mercilessly, and then grease them up with Crisco.  Then, I also decided I needed to post an entry on this lingering "blog" of mine.  So, people don't really like to read a post, they generally want some pics.  But don't get excited, they are pretty boring.

Tonight I am dreaming of camping, no wait, glamping, by a river.  A river banked with Fall Foliage in the Ozark mountains.  That is where this picture was taken.  I was so thankful, to be able to sit at a picnic table by myself, and read a book by this river, which was surrounded by trees.  The sky was overcast and I could hear thunder above (higher in the mountains).  It was an awesome day.

The water was cold.  In October, we will be camping  glamping by this river, I can't wait.

While I totally want to "glamp" out our camp site.  I fear my husband does not share my enthusiasm for glamorous camping.

What do you think of when you see this picture?  Deep Thoughts by Jack Handy, anyone?  For those who know me, I am sure you can guess why I took this picture.  A) I seriously was saying "deep thoughts by Jack Handy" as I stood over this leaf, and B) I was also thinking Fall is almost here!

Another glamp site.  The two glamp pics were taken from Pinterest.  I am not sure of their origination, but obviously they are not my photos.

Dear Valerie, you have quite the collections of pins.