Gingerbread Men

As the rice pours off the table onto the floor, and 3 children are simultaneously asking me questions, I again wonder why I started another craft project. The 4th has just discovered that he can climb just about anything (he came down the stairs this morning, apparently he figured how to crawl out of his crib), so I'm constantly trying to keep him off and the crafts on the table. So, we finished half of them tonight. (6 people, 6 gingerbread, of course!). I think they enjoyed themselves, I did after I put the mountain climber to bed. Garry even sewed one. Check 'em out...

Whistlin'

It's a well known fact around here that I have difficulty keeping up with my keys and other items. The kids are safe from getting lost being that they holler too much! So, when my friend showed up last night with this noisy little gadget, I had to laugh. I guess she figures if my keys holler, they are less likely to be lost! Thanks, Mary:)

Craft time

With the eldest away, and the littlest one asleep, me and the other 2 had a chance to play. With Thanksgiving coming up, we thought it would be fun to make some fun crafts. So here we are, outside, in the dark, with the flashlight looking for acorns. Ok, Shelby and I were looking for acorns; Bryce was looking for bugs. I hope he didn't find any and put in his pocket. I hate those kind of suprises!

1 hr later, the table full of beans and acorns, fingers sticky from glue, and kids smiling, we completed 2 acorn bracelets and 5 bean napkin holders. I didn't take into consideration how long the glue would take to dry for the napkin holders, but we had fun anyway:)

BIG SALE TODAY!

If you weren't in Orlando today, you missed the biggest sale of the season. No, not at those big box stores, but in our front yard. Our subdivision was having a community garage sale, so we decided to get rid of some of the junk in our garage that we had packed up to move (it's been 6 months and we haven't even got the for sale sign up yet!). So my son and his friends manned the fort. Business had been a little slow, and I told the boys that anything left was going to Goodwill, and the less we had to move, the better. So these salesmen-in-training got out their cardboard signs and Crayola markers and went to town. They decided on a half price sale, a buy 2, get 1 free sale, and went around the neighborhood holding their signs and waving at potential customers to come our way. I don't know if they've made any profits, ya gotta love their industriousness! (Notice the 3erd!)

Found Camera!

Here's a couple of my quilt blocks. I have all but 2 finished. By next weekend I hope to have them finished and at least beginning the quilting process:) I'll keep you posted!

Good night

Another evening draws to a close. Sometimes during the day, I'll count down the hours til bedtime. You know those days, everybody's whiny, you're tired, and the evening seems so loooong. Well, not today. These days that go smoothly make up for that occasional long day. My hunny got up early to allow the guys in to replace the shower surround (yeah!). So we played games with the kids, watched Meet the Robinsons, and even got a nap in. Then my friends and their multiple children came over for dinner and an attempt at quilting (my friends, not the kids!). I've hidden the camera so well that even I couldn't find it to take a picture of the quilt, but it's coming right along. This particular baby blanket was started for my nephew (um, he's seven months now), but I hope to finish it before he enters college, LOL. Anyway, we have another date on the calendar before the month's out to work on it again. Maybe the camera will make an appearance by then so I can post my work of art!
Among the kids that came tonight was my eldest son's best friend. They have been buds since the first time they met, over 5 years ago. Back then, they referred to each other as "friend". I think it was a whole year before they learned each other's names. I suppose a name is not near as important as good friendship. I'm so thankful for these good friends my kids have. And of course, I'm thankful that my friends who keep calling in spite that I rarely return my phone calls! They all are just hopeful on the odd day that I might be able to hear the ringer, locate it, put it together (my son has dropped it so many times that it falls apart when I pick it up) and actually answer it. I must say, I sometimes wonder why they bother going to all that trouble to get together. Mmm, it must be that I cook the dinner every time:)

Thanks, Big Gary:)

My cousin Gary flew in from California Sunday night. He stayed with us until today, when my mom picked him up. I have to give Gary kudos. He is 30 years my senior, and his 2+2 boys are well grown and out of the house. However, he did survive the time change, noise, the pulling of kids, and the hr long (VERY LONG) trip to Cocoa, all with a smile on his face. My kids rarely meet someone they don't climb, waller (sp?), and talk nonstop to. He was no exception. He was gracious enough to let my 11 yr old play with his beloved camcorder and camera. Big Gary even gave my son Garry pointers on how to take good pictures and movies. Very patient with all the questions, too. We sure love to see you come, Big Gary.
And to your beloved wife Diane, who we greatly miss, is forever in our hearts:)

In loving memory-Diane 1949-2008

Hawaii '05

G-duh

When I don't use my recipe planner, it screws my entire week up. This past week, I haven't really done any shopping because I was out of town several days, so I've just been piecing dinners together every night. Tonight was no exception. However, one must always check the expiration dates!!! Now, mind you that I usually don't keep food for very long around here, I was quite suprised to open the salsa (the very mild kind that comes in the taco kits) and discovering that it was a yucky brown, circa 2006. Of course, I didn't discover this until after I had placed on enchiladas. So, not using my brain, I announced dinner was ruined and we headed to Boston Market. When we got back, I had a g-duh moment. Why didn't I just removed the insides and restart???? The only thing effected was the tortillas and I had plenty more. I even had enchilada sauce that could have replaced the salsa.... By that time, said dinner was under water and unusable. Sometimes I really miss my brain.
I had a fun afternoon with my 2 middle kids. I put the baby down to nap, and left my oldest to do his school. (Dad's home). We went on all my errands, picked out some Christmas decorations and even out to lunch for a pizza. They have so much to say! I think the kids had fun as well. Bryce head butting the Postman (he asked for it!) made for a great laugh, and we talked about everything we came into contact with. It's amazing that even just downsizing a couple of kids makes a huge difference. Aidan (baby) takes up so much time, I don't always get to sit down and chat with the others.

Home Again

I'm home. Tired. We went to my cousin's wedding Saturday, where my daughter was a flower girl (pictures to follow). My daughter is in love with weddings. The gifts, the dress, and of course, the dancing. She danced from the time the music started, until it ended, 3 hrs later. AND THEN she helped dismantling the decorations. We didn't get into the van until 11pm. There she did tell me she was "pretending" to be tired! LOL, I was way past pretending...
So here we are, home again. For a least a couple of days! I cannot believe the holidays are fast approaching. I think the calendar is already full, and we're just barely into November. I can't wait to decorate. I really do love Christmas!!!