angry chicken

more halloween stuff

It's pretty much the same Halloween decor here as last year, but I still have to show it. This garland is from mailorder #4, the one with the earflap hat pattern, and I realized while moving around boxes last night that I have about 20 left. It's a great one, with a pumpkin spike cake recipe card and cool paper projects for Halloween. E-mail me if you would like one (they are $12 which includes shipping)

Okay-thank you! They are gone! I am 99% sure that eveyone who has e-mailed me is getting one, you will be hearing from me shortly. . .

I am getting a new camera-see that weird purple?? My girl M gave me the lovely porcelain faux bois vase lurking back there. I love it so much.

These are new. Halloween Sonny Angel Kewpie dolls to add to my collection, from the eggplant of course. So flippin cute and funny, boy parts and all.

I also am now organized enough (new print run) to sell bonnet patterns wholesale, so if you have a brick and mortar shop or an online shop and want to sell some, please send me an e-mail! Thanks!

spooky stuff

These are the .68 cent cupcakes I mentioned last week. 2 kinds here--a pound cake with marionberry swiss buttercream and an espresso cake with mocha swiss buttercream. Mariko and I did the testing. I'm not a huge frosting fan, a little goes a long way for me, so I knocked off more than half. The marionberry was the winner-just a tiny bit of tart, very lovely. The Halloween sprinkles were added by the baker, which the girls loved, but they still wouldn't eat a bite of these. I plan to order more for a upcoming baby shower and will report further. They are from holiday essence, and it's run out of a house and you have to order in advance. It's old school, and there's something very reassuring to me about patronizing a non-hip bakery. I also ordered a Swedish princess cake for Mariko for a belated b-day, she will have to show photos of that one. They didn't even flinch when I told them to write "you suck" on it. It was perfect.

With all this cake love I should announce that the bend the rules flickr group is well over 1000 photos now, and I did eat way too much cake, coincidently, so thanks for helping me get a sugar headache you all!

Sally. This is who the girls want to be this year for Halloween. I plan to sew some muslin dresses, but I am also trying to be reasonable after my hardcore burnout last week. For instance, I am ordering the cupcakes for the upcoming baby shower, not making them from scratch. And, when grammie and I were out last week, we picked up some 50% off fairy costumes for the girls (complete with wings) to have in my back pocket if I just can't sew costumes this year. I feel sort of sick at the idea of not making the Halloween costumes, and I probably will, but come on, man! Plus, if I actually do, I can save the purchased ones for Christmas, they will be prefect in the dress-up box. I actually have felt a ton of relief knowing I have a back up plan.

Sally is from e-bay and the girls actually get the play with my Nightmare Before Christmas toys, although I sort of have to look away so I don't get all mean and controlling. I started collecting these before I had kids. They love them, good girls!!

autumn!

I was going through old blog photos while setting up our new mac (!!) and found this Halloween display from last year. . .I am getting excited to bust all this stuff out soon. I actually am wearing slippers today. I love it when the weather really turns.

We had our first apple cider of the season yesterday to celebrate the beginning of autumn. The girls were excited, but didn't even sniff at the cider. No marshmallows, you know. Next we are going to make these pumpkin chocolate chip muffins with some substitutions, like applesauce instead of most of the oil and less sugar--I will report back. I need to try some woodland crafts like these outstanding ones from Country Living but my velvet ribbon stash is terribly low. I need to remedy this very soon.

In a random search for a decent non-creepy eye makeup remover I found using grapeseed oil works just fine and I picked up a $4 bottle last will last a looooong time. I haven't done a ton of research on this, so if anyone knows if this causes blindness, give me a shout-out.

Easter part deux.

Both cakes fit in the pie carrier basket. It was such a satisfying experience, plopping them in and toting them all cozy to the belated Easter Family event Sunday. It was actually thrilling. I realized I could fit 2 pies or 1 double layer or a cake and a pie, or 2 single layer cakes. So awesome.

I used this recipe for the upside down pineapple cake but added of 1/4 tsp of ground cardamom and a bit of almond extract and it was lovely. The chocolate ganache cake was a shocking success. It's from Ina's Parties book,(the exact recipe is here) and I was doubtful because it looked WAY too easy and it's main ingredient was an entire can of Hersey's syrup. It seemed too weird, so I had to try it. The cake itself was not all that chocolate-y, Hersey's syrup not being the pinnacle of chocolate flavor in my book, but the super easy chocolate ganache on top made it unreal. The whole cake seems so 1980s to me, (it even has gold leaf as a garnish in the book) and it was so gooooooooood, I will definately make it again.

Okay, I know these look a bit messy and perhaps even unappetizing, but it's only because I couldn't stop messing them up as I ate them. Made not by me, but by my aunt, they are a Henniger family tradition, (as is the fiercely competitive Easter egg contest that has been going since 1970 and deserves its own book, I'd say, full of family lore and craziness) never in my life has an Easter come without these deviled eggs garnished with the olive bunnies. The way Grandma (Grammie's mom) did it was with olives with the pits still in them, sliced long-wise, and the ears stuck on some how, but these did the trick and were easier to eat without the pit. I need to document these here because I can't stress enough the importance they have to me.

Grandma was big on garnishing and having fun with food. In an odd ironic, sly, way. Not in a goofy way. Hard to explain really. . .and my family does their best to carry on the tradition. I don't know if we will ever make a rat shaped meatloaf however, I don't know if we are that cool. Perhaps one day. Grandma's holiday was Easter, and we miss her so, it warms my heart that the craziness continues.

And good god, I just read about the tragedy at Virginia Tech. Ugh. my heart goes out to all those families.

getting ready for easter-

Thank you all for the mailorder love! Madly stuffing red envelopes now. . .

And in doing some research for Easter fun, here are some natural easter egg dyeing recipes I found:

-Martha kids (Great Easter crafts)
-Wild Oats
-All Fiber Arts

Has anyone done this before? I'm not a huge direction follower when it comes to dyeing, I usually just wing it. But I would like these to not be all murky brown, or so light you can't even tell we dyed them when they are dry. . .

Oh, and I meant to mention regarding the No Knead Bread I made. I thought it had too much salt. So did Pete and my Mom. I still ate the heck out of it (I think all the jam covered the saltiness a bit, so I didn't notice so much) but when I make it again I will probably reduce the salt by half.

weekend goodies.

The sun was out on Saturday and we spent the whole day was spent basking in it. It was amazing. Luckily, I had made this bag and these clothespin dolls earlier in the week, so I could spend Saturday doing nothing but being outside. We had a 3 & 5 year old b-day party to go to this morning, and these were for the sister. The clothespin dolls were not finished, like these were, but more in a DIY kit form, which Stephanie had mentioned she had done before, which I thought was brilliant. Although Sadie was bummed to not actually make them up all pretty for the young recipient. The amazing ducky canvas is from atelier JADE, unless it was from Superbuzzy, now I don't know which and can't find it on either site. Sorry for the lameness.

Saturday also brought me a box from Bayberry Cove with these weird /cool Easter ornaments I fell in love with for the feather tree. These go under the heading of; I could have probably made them but feel just fine buying them instead. There are some painted wood eggs in back and then these bunny and chick freaky things. I love weird Easter stuff especially when it involves large heads. And the boxes they came in were so cute with the clear lids. . .  a very pleasing package to get.

baking and coloring

Sadie decorated the windows. I realize we need new window screens. This is quite obvious now that I see this photo, please ignore the holes and move on. . .

She also learned how to use the tape dispenser all by herself last week. I loved tape sooooo much when I was little. I didn't know that what I really loved was the idea of laminating everything. I'd just use tape as my personal laminator and would get in trouble (just a little) for wasting it. I actually thought about buying a laminator at Paper Zone last week, but held off. I'm not saying I still won't get one. Most of me is thinking "ick, more plastic." but then the 4 year old in me is all about the shiny badges, membership cards, and plasticy homemade stickers.

Chocolate chip banana bread. I'd give up the recipe but it's from a mailorder (#3 I think) so I can't without violating mailorder code. But it's what we made yesterday and what I am eating right now. But now I'm obsessing over the cake/berry/jam combo. I was going to make cupcakes, like these ones here from Sarah actually, or bake cakes like these here, (I think Alicia is trying to kill me.) but um, I need to get a handle on this pregnancy weight (she said while eating chocolate chip banana bread) and I know I'm eating chocolate tomorrow, so I am trying, trying, to be reasonable.

And speaking of mailorder, if you are stuck on the word scramble from #5, let me know and I can send you a hint. The prize is a Valentine, so you still have time to crack it and get your PDF prize for the big day tomorrow. I think you will find it worthy of your efforts.

what can I say but thank you.

Wow. I am stunned. Your comments have meant so much to me. The personal stories, the well wishes, the empathy, it's all so amazing. Thank you all so much. I can't tell you have much differently I have felt since Monday. I have slept so much better. I don't think I realized, until I wrote about it, just how much I was holding in. So, I thank you so very very much.

Okay, I got out the Kleenex, and I will now compose myself and move on to crafty stuff. Sniff. Sniff.

I have been reluctant to put away this feather tree since Christmas. I made this tree about 5 years ago and it was so hard and took so long, I have decided this year to milk it for all it's worth. So, we made Valentine's Day felt heart ornaments and then will hang eggs on it for Easter. This great fabric on top of the felt is from Superbuzzy.

A few things I have been meaning to link to:

-Sister Diane of Craftypod has this new amazing site listing local Portland classes and events called The DIY Alert. The amount of stuff going on here is mind blowing, as is this site she has set up. I had no idea so much was happening in this town! I need to get out more, obviously.
-Another local link, in Portland this Saturday Feb 3rd only, is the Wurst Gallery Wurstminster Dog Show at the very very new Ace Hotel. I hope to be cool enough and (motivated enough) to get out of the house and go.
-Queenthings has a wonderful new site up for her jewelry. This piece is my favorite. The collection is all very dreamy and the theme is so imaginative. I think everything is sold out now, but please visit anyway, the site is just lovely.

rehash of valentine's day stuff

I was looking for this image and realized my categories are a complete mess. I need to get a search feature on this blog. These are from last year and aren't even listed in the archives because that list only shows so many months at a time (can I change this?) anyhow-I am gearing up for some Valentine's day crafts around here and forgot I need to bust out this garland and hang it. Then start sweeping up glitter again.

and these are from last year too and I think I will do this again, it made normal candy bars so special.

I am feeling behind. I have the mini-swap to get together and. . I guess that's it, but still, for a family with 4 kids, most of whom are boys, so I'm gonna have to do some research. .also, Pete's b-day is coming up and I need to work some magic in 48 hours. hmmm.

Don't forget about the Tie One On theme for Jan/ Feb, the Valentine's Day apron. I need to get on this too. I think it will be a dolly apron this time, and I will use some of that cute fabric for it. oh, the coffee is kicking in now!

happy holidays!

We are super excited for the next few days of parties, a real tea at a fancy hotel, cookie swaps, and general silliness. My mom and brother have some time off and my plan is to not craft, but chill out and have a lot of hot chocolate while they entertain the girls.

These goodies that the girls are holding are super tasty, and I am thrilled to show you how to make them over at the always wonderful Kiddley. Hope you have time to try them out. And thanks so much for all the cheesecake recipes, I will report back. I bought 5 bricks of cream cheese today. (Is that gross? Maybe.)

Okay, we are outie until the New Year. Don't get in trouble, be safe, and relax!

doin' good.

We had a very productive weekend so I think I can relax and enjoy this next week. I got the cookie bags done, Pete bottled his amazing mustard, and then with Sadie's help, we actually made these little gifty crackers for our small friends, which I wasn't sure was actually going to happen. They have chocolate coins and either a stretchy frog or a paratrooper inside. Not too shabby. Pete choose the gifts. I heat Cost Plus.

Here are the bags all ready for the freezer. I think the ginger cookie flavor in there might be leaching into the butter cookies, but what can you do.

Okay, things are good. We dressed up on Saturday night and went to Pete's office holiday party which was so fun. Too much fun, perhaps? I wonder if I need to get out more. I had a really good time. I think I need to get out more.

And wow, kiddley has been rockin my world-there are so many cool ideas over there right now, I can't believe it! I think my project will be up this week, and keeping in the theme of my sugar obsession, it's cooking related.

ornaments, how I love them.

I love family ornaments. Some of these are from family and some from Pete's ornament box. Pete's parents had this wonderful tradition of buying ornaments to hang on their tree for their children (when they were too young to choose) and then the kids would buy their own every year until college (I guess in the teenage years, some were purchased for them as well, you know, cause teens are too cool for that kind of thing.) This ornament was made by my great Aunt Mickey.

Then when Pete and I had our first real tree, right after college, he got all the ornaments from over the years from his parents in a box. They are so special to us and he loves looking at them. It is so cool to have him show the girls his favorites when he was their age. He loved wooden ones that were toys, so his collection is mostly made up of that kind.

This is my favorite of his, certainly chosen by his mother because it's from when he was one. She dated them on the bottom.

I am 99.9% sure this one was his great Aunt Bea's. I am going to start this tradition of getting the girls ornaments every year too-so they have their own box when they get their own tree. It would be fun to make an extra cool box for them too, maybe with photos from Christmas over the years. So far we have been a bit lazy, skipped a few years, and haven't dated a thing. I might have to buy a few at once and do some back-dating, but they won't know, right?

little bits.

The decorations are starting to go up. And look at that Tord. (Wow, blogging friends are so generous, I am spoiled rotten, thank you!) I realized after some monkeying around that these garlands don't really drape, so the shelf seemed the best place for them. The deer is new and I heart her so much. She is flocked and jaunty as heck.

The village is up-almost exactly the same as last year. We also have one less snow globe in the house now. I didn't see what happened, but I found glass and snow and a lot of water in the couch and the 2 year old won't stop talking about it.

I made that white feather tree on the left about 5 years ago. I blocked it out. I actually made it from floral wire, real goose feathers, and floral tape with what could have been the most vague directions I have every read. It took a long time. A really really long time. But if you have ever priced one of these things, the real ones, you'll know why I made it. I don't plan to ever do it again, but I love it, and I usually hang little balls on it but these photo were taken mid-process.

This shelf now has a Tord garland too. The snowmen are from here, they come in a 4-pack. With these new items, I'm done buying holiday decorations this year. (Except the sales after Christmas, can't help that.) And we hope to get the tree this weekend. Seems so early this year, it's not even December 1st yet, but that early snow fall got me all excited. And the banner has a new holiday look too, refresh if you can't see the snow.

behind the curve? I think so.

I'm seeing some trees out in blog land and some holiday decorations up already. We are still looking at Lester the turkey and not a single Christmas decoration is up except these pillows, which I made a bit back. I don't feel behind, it's not even December first yet, but we need to get our tree this weekend, obviously. It snowed a bit here today, so I am in the mood. I'm always in the mood to get a tree, anyway. I am bummed because for 4 years we have been getting our tree down the street in a urban lot from some guys who I was secretly hoping were actually the Doobie Brothers. They were sure in a good mood every year. But there are gone this year-we are so sad. So, we need to come up with a plan B.

The holiday pillows are from this lovely fabric (sold out, but here's the info anyway) which I think will be just fine through march because they don't scream holidays. I saw the eggplant yesterday and got my super cool extra awesome superbuzzy order (love the walk-in shipping option) and she and her lovely friends and I had crepes at this great place on Alberta, so very good I can't stop thinking about them. I had the raspberry/nutella with lime juice on top. Yum, and yum. That Mariko is such a good time, but a bad influence. I'm not sure how, she just is. She's the type that makes you want to spend money and eat all the time. in the best way.

happy eatin' day!

Tomorrow is the day. Grammie's is where we are headed, with 2 pies in tow, a chocolate silk (her request) and a Thanksgiving pie, which is an apple and fresh cranberry filling in a single crust with a crumb topping. Both of these I have never tried before. I was assigned the Real Simple Chocolate Silk pie (link broken, but it is there on the Real Simple site), but after looking at the recipe, I skipped it. I have no problem eating high calorie foods, trust me, but at over 800 calories a slice, 6 eggs, and a pack of purchased shortbread cookies in the crust. . .hello? That's just dumb. So I found a classic 3 egg homemade pudding version with a normal crust that will work just fine. And I am still covering the top with whipped cream, of course.

I have been surfing way too much. There is a great art gift guide over at port2port and for random news items, I can't get enough of digg this week, courtesy of my husband. This is a cool news-feed type site slanted towards tech stuff, and has some really great articles and links. For instance, who knew megapixels don't matter (how can this be?) or that flickr has a Camera Finder? As someone who always feel like the last to know, I love these kind of sites. Also, it gives me something to talk to other adults about 'cause I usually just talk about poop, snot, and play dough.

sale tomorrow-

Thanks so much for all the Tord help. I think I am good to go, a few generous souls are sending me garlands to help counteract the train/fiber optic situation. . .thank you, really.

Tomorrow at 12:00 (noon pacific time) I will be selling the holiday ornaments and small quilt notecards. Now the ornaments will be sort of a pain, sorry, but I only have made ten sets, so you will have to e-mail me at 12:00 and it will be a first-come first-served type thing. I am apologizing in advance for this and whatever confusion is sure to ensue. The cards however, will have a handy paypal button. I will also have this free download up of a gingerbread guy and a poinsettia thingy to make a holiday garland. All over at kingpod tomorrow. . .

no Tord for us.

I knew we were too late for Tord. So, I held off going to Target, why drive myself crazy? But last week we got the urge. The long evening was ahead of us with girls bouncing off the walls, so we bundled up in the rain and went out to the nearest Target, which is pretty far out, really, so I still had some hope.

Well, the dishes were there and the candelabra, but no garlands, which is what I had hoped for. They don't even have them online. But you know, I am totally okay with all of it. I got some wrapping paper and some tins of smores and peppermint Oreos (warning, the packaging is way better than the taste) and I thought, "Well good, we didn't spend money on stuff we don't need. .blah, blah." If they had the Tord I wanted, I would have gotten all hordey and weird and stressed about how much to buy, etc.

So, I figure we were all good to go and I round the corner to see Pete stuffing a god awful moving train figurine into our cart. The kind that lights up with fiber optics and goes around. Seriously. There is not one cute/kitsch thing about this, um, decoration. It's just bad on every level. "What are you doing?" He freezes. I think if he thought he could fit it in, I wouldn't really notice. He quickly explains that the girls loved seeing it last year (they did) and that they sold out so fast and. . . . .so we got it. It's so flippin ugly, I can't believe it. The girls stare at it mesmerized and the fiber optics are so over the top. I thought we'd put it in th play room downstairs, but no, it's right in the living room on top of the modern Danish sideboard that would have been so perfect for Tord-type holiday decor. Oh the aesthetic pain here is very real, but somehow, in a fabulous way, it seems perfect. And I love Pete for wanting it for them so badly. And, the music turns off, which is a good thing.

Lester the turkey.

Thanksgiving is a hard one fro me to decorate for. I always run out of time. I wanted to make an acorn garland, but I don't think it will happen. I always have notion of a woodland animal/pinecone/forest type thing, but I seem to lose steam. Lester came to us recently and is proudly on display. The little sheep are meant for Christmas, but they were found by the girls so they came out early and they have to go right there, on the very edge, and you can't move them, ever. Lester is a bit fancy with a very small amount of glitter is on him, which I think he finds embarrassing, actually.

And my minimal display. It'd pretty much empty, I realize. This shelf has such potential but is perilously close to the sofa "jumping zone". In all this rain the girls need to run and jump and they do this on the couch. Feet are supposed to stay down, but when Sadie is flying, she says, they need to go up, and then the shelf gets in the way sometimes. . .

This is a vintage postcard I just printed super big and mounted on board. I love the turkey images on these old cards, and have always thought the whole turkey thing was sad and funny because, you know, that kid is going to eat him.

that dog was scary.

We had a lovely time trick-or-treating at Grammie's. It was cold and clear and there was only one dog that spooked the girls, a sweet but lively golden retriever about 10 times bigger than Delia, who for the rest of the night, wouldn't stop talking about. Sadie was bummed papa wasn't wearing his wig which she has grown quite attached too, unlike her mama. Lord help me.

I discovered the Take 5 candy bar tonight. What? pretzels and chocolate? What are they trying to do to me? Almost as tasty as the chocolate dipped mini pretzels from Trader Joe's that are crazy good straight from the freezer. I haven't indulged in that badness in awhile and the Take 5 brought it all back.

The Halloween aprons will be up soon-as will the new theme! And I think this new theme will be perfect for the busy holiday because it requires very little work and yet there is such a big reward. Excellent.

can't wait to get sick. (candy)

It's foggy here and all spooky, perfect for dressing up. We are going to go to a party this weekend, without the kids, which is so very exciting and needs to happen more often. I am going as a Spanish folk dancer and Pete as Magnum PI. Obviously they are unrelated (unless this comes up in a fantastic episode I don't know about, it could happen!) I really don't need to see my husband in shorts that are as short as Magnum's are, nor am I huge fan of fake mustaches, but what can I do. I think all I need is a flower for my hair and big earrings, the rest I have covered.

And don't forget to make a Halloween apron for Tie One On this weekend, the perfect costume accessory! And speaking of aprons, I got a nice mention and link in the Washington Post yesterday about the resurgence of aprons, very cool and thank you!

Okay, biscuits. They have been on my mind lately (and in my tummy) and along with Halloween candy,I feel a bit sick. The biscuits I am speaking of are in the new Everyday Food #37. You make 16 and freeze them, then bake them as needed, yum. That's just plain yummy in my mouth is what that is. I recommend skipping the herbs so you can eat them with butter and jam.

This crazy pumpkin man who is yelling about who knows what is from this great vintage postcard book. Perfect old-timey weird! They have some really cool books on their site.

mini cuckoo and fabric

I was all ready to post this lovely mini cuckoo this morning (we got this over the summer at the sweetest little toy shop in Canon beach) when I saw a similar find over at little birds handmade today! I need to thrift with Mia more, I assure you mine did not cost $5, but it makes makes me happy as a clam nonetheless. . .it's for the girls (um, yeah, right)  but I still have it tucked away. Maybe it will come out next month.

Also making me happy as a clam is this amazing holiday fabric from Cia's that will be pillows for the sofa very soon. I can't make them before Halloween however, that just seems wrong, right?

I can't believe it's 9 weeks away!

I usually don't start Christmas stuff until after Halloween, but the bug got in me early this year. Mostly because I need to get holiday ornaments, cards, and framed small quilts to Art Star in early November, so that has forced me to face the jingle bell music early. These are little mini framed art ornaments under glass. They are 2" x 2" and the 3 are $32 (includes shipping and a lovely gift box)  I love these fellows, but I know I will freak out if I have to make too many, so maybe just 10 sets? I am wishy-washy today.

And small quilt fold-over note cards. These aren't really specific to the holiday season, but the red and white make them seem appropriate if you were so inclined. . .I will be making notecards of the other two quilts in this series as well, but that requires some organization I am lacking at the moment, so they will come later.

Okay, now I actually need to make/pack/assemble the stuff. I am shooting for end of October/early November sale for these and will send out an e-mail to the maillist when I can get my act together. I have to wallow in Halloween first. Twix, I hear you calling. . .

new on the wanty list. . .

 

I have been spending some time looking at these cuckoos (they are all from this site) and I love them. Some are so stern and intense. I can see why they used to scare me when I was little. My aunt had one and I loved it-and it freaked me out a ton. I would wait for the birdy to come out and then when it did, I just wanted it to go away.

Here's a chalet style. I told Pete we needed one. He said they were too creepy. But I love them and he agrees they are way cool (yet creepy.) I don't think I could wind it. Our house is so quiet. We are quiet, the girls are quiet--the cuckoo bird would give us all a heart-attack. But how can we get one and not use it? I am so into the hard core folk art mixed with the modern furniture . . .this is one of those things we will talk about and not get. At least for a long time. Too much $$$. And for cuckoo clock? But the ridiculousness of this makes it even more pleasing to me.

Oh!! I just had an idea! I should make one! Out of flat paper and then just put it on the wall! HA! Like if I could find a really good photo, then blow it up,  and color copy it, even paste on pieces for a shallow layered effect. . .then cut it out so it looks real. . . . Oh, I need to get working on this. . .maybe even frame it, so it becomes a not-clock. Like a clock piece of art, not a clock at all. . .hmmm

 

And I am also diggin' these with the scenes. . ..

And I do think we need to get a candle pyramid at some point. We had one growing up (mom, where is this?) These are from a great site, the Wooden Wagon, which has toys and all kind of German folk art. I love them.

Pete says this one looks too oak-y, I am on the fence. I really like the votive candles on this as opposed to the tapers. Oh, the details. . .

 

slowly returning to a kind of normal

My relationship with my back is really spotty. I always take it for granted and I always am shocked when it goes haywire. But no one in my family and none of my friends are ever shocked. My first back episode was my senior year in high school (there is a long line of back issues with almost everyone in my mom's family) and I was so scared. It was exhaustion and stress applying for colleges + a dash of bad lifting form, or a sneeze, or whatever, and it went out.

Same thing in college. During the end of each term it would go out and I was always so surprised--like, really shocked. I think it's because I never wanted to be someone with back issues. I was a jock my whole life, always running around doing sports and injuries were normal. I have a horrible left ankle and a chipped kneecap and have been on crutches more times than I can count, but back pain, that is so scary. Like lifelong and horrible, so I just don't think about it.

My back and I went around again when I had the girls. My 9th month with Sadie I could barely move my back was so bad and then, not surprisingly, had a horrendous back labor. It took 9 months after that to get it back to a sort of normal and to learn what I can and can't do-like nursing in bed on my side- and wearing the sling in a bad way. Then I had Delia, and had back labor again (the midwife had warned my of this) I made it through okay and I didn't know any different. The recovery was faster and I was more careful, but I know, and can feel, that my back will never be the same after the births.

Then I started this blog and the stretching/pilates/yoga got less and less frequent. Sometimes I only have an hour a day to craft (often, actually) and I don't want to spend that time in a stretch, you know? Then add lack of sleep, a b-day party, work deadlines, and life, and I guess a hot shower and a bad sneeze? (Apparently a hot shower/bath is the worst for acute back pain, it should be ice-ice, baby.)

So, I need to work on this. I am on day 7 now of pretty bad pain. I am on the mend, and I am seeing specialists, making appointments, and doing what I can. Pete used up some vacation days to stay at home and help and that kills me. Kills. Family time is so precious, to have to use it this way makes me crazy. I need to balance this out. Maybe a little less art and craft time and a little more body awareness? And breath. And walks. And trying to figure out how to stretch with the girls not jumping on me. It can be done, I just need to try it. I hate having my creative time bitten into, but I know I am a body and a brain and need to take care of both. And thank God everyday I am in a little less pain. . .

And, we (Pete) decorated for Halloween. . .

sadie is 4 and we are beat tired.

The weather was amazing for Miss 4 year-old's little party. The ice cream sundae bar was a big hit, specially with the grown-ups. Much thought was given to the combos, like if you start with mint ice cream, it really limits your topping options. Kinda like "choose you own adventure" in dessert form. I loved those books.

Sadie started opening gifts on her own and then later hid with both the Woodkins and the paper doll book. I was able to coax her out with the cake lit up, but just barely. This great photo was taken by her grandmother. . .my brother got some loot this weekend too, it being his b-day as well, and he had his share of ice cream, I think he had the brownie on his.

Okay, we are all petty exhausted around here. The girls woke up with full on colds today. Lots of tears in the last 24 hours, toy sharing issues, my back going out (actually, it went out last Thursday, and has been slow to heal), icky diapers (worse than normal, anyway) emergency Kleenex run to the store and a missed trampoline class this morning because of it all. I hope to rest-rest-rest and hopefully that will rub off on the girls, that's the plan anyway.

I did get The Tie One On gallery up, along with the new theme posted. We have some pressing issues now. Like making Sadie's new dolly (the BIG gift) Kirsten, a nightgown. And maybe some soup tonight and an early bedtime for everyone.

spooky Tie One On

Thank you all for the Mailorder Love! I am thrilled to have so many new members. I will leave the buy button up through the day and then off to the printers! Woo-hoo!

The pinafore for this month's Tie One On theme is done. I had been kvetching about the idea of making pinafores for Sadie and Delia's witch Halloween costumes (I must multi-task with these craft projects, especially with both their birthdays coming up in the next 7 weeks.) but how could I make witch dresses without sleeves? Will they look witchy enough?

I imagined big bell sleeves, you know, that kind of thing, and Pete suggested  a capelet. My God! A Capelet!! Perfect! Who is this man!? I have to tell you, he didn't use the word caplet, but cape, and although it my seem a bit dandy, I should mention here this is the same guy who has made me put Magnum P.I. in our Netflix queue (and he does have a few Hawaiian shirts, but would never wear them with shorts.)

So here is the capelet, which completes the witch outfit. Now Sadie can wear it all over normal clothes (hopefully with the perfect stripy tights) and be all warm, snug, and comfortable when we go trick-or-treating. I really try to make costumes that will not be too small for dress up later. Mom always made mine and I wore them for years. Seriously. Like one costume, a bumble bee, I wore for more than 4 years. I loved that get-up. I probably still have it somewhere.

So, now I just need to make Delia's caplet and pinafore and the hats for both, none of which will happen before the 15th, but I have a good start anyway. I used my new machine's fancy stitch to attach that green ribbon, giving this whole witchy-poo costume a slightly folksy look.

I have noticed that my sewing projects this year for Sadie are running a tad short. I think I am in denial about how much she has grown and how tall she really is. Sigh. The Big girl is turning 4 next weekend and I really really can't believe it.

papa day!!

We did father's day gifts this morning because we will be celebrating father's day tomorrow with pete's wonderful dad (cinnamon rolls will be attending) and the girls and I made this card and framed photo thingy yesterday. I am so happy you can get cheap cool frames ($5!!) with mats now. So happy, it saved us, cause we had nothing yesterday morning. Just a little photography, a printer, and there you go! The art on the cards was the girls contribution as well as the stamping. .and in a fit of complete unoriginality we got pete an electric razor, which is almost as funny as getting him a tie or golf tees, which is even funnier if you knew him-but he's using it now and it's pretty deluxe, it cleans itself! we all watched it this morning (yeah, not much going on around here), so there you go.

The ice cream cake was not as successful in my eyes. I was hoping for one more like this, but it's okay. We started eating it 2 nights ago because it was too huge and was freaking me out. It suffered from sever structural flaws which made the act of frosting it a bit hysterical and caused some shirking. And I would not use buttercream frosting again to frost, just whipped cream I think. It actually looks fine here, but the actual cake is really horrible looking and weights no less then 12lbs it sort of looks already eaten, so I am sparing you the photo. Of course, Pete loves it.

We are off to our little neighborhood farmer's market looking for raspberries cause that raspberry buckle in the new everyday food I got last night has my name all over it.

Happy father's day to all you papas and thanks for helping us mamas be all crafty!

good lord, thank you!

ah man! thank so much for all the swell birthday wishes. It was so wonderful to read all the comments. It was really rainy here yesterday and I was in all day with a big goofy grin on my face reading what you all wrote. thank you. and so good to hear of the mutual LesportSac appreciation. And they still come with matching zip pouches! so I don't need another. The matching pouch was a big deal for me when I was little and obviously still is. So happy they didn't ditch that fabulous detail. This lovely card from Pete is by Johnathan Alder and I love it. Letterpress and all mod and folksy.

And this amazing card is from grammie-a quilt from the 1900's. The two color quilts always look so incredible to me.

And the most comfortable shoes ever. And I got sick not on cake, but on Lebanese takeout and way too much baklava. There is a special kind of sickness that comes with too much baklava and I am hurting. Must rest. Really, again thanks to all of you that indulged in anything yesterday, I felt your love and I have a slew of e-mails to write, please forgive my slowness. You all are awesome.

my happy day!

I am 34 today.

That sounds old, but then again, not so old, you know? That's mom and me at the beach. I obsess over old photos of her. It's funny, I think about my mom so much more on my birthday now that I have kids because she is the one that gave birth on this day. Yes, I was born, but I don't remember a thing. Really, aren't birthdays a much bigger deal for the moms? I remember the parties, mind you. The snoopy theme being a favorite of mine.

Back to being 34. A few things are different this year. Little things. A few more grey hairs. . and I wonder about things. . for instance, if I am ever going to be too old to wear barrettes? I think my own personal answer is no, but if I am wrong, just don't tell me. When the bliss catalog comes now (why do I get this?) I find the "corrective" products very very interesting. I never used to ever look at these and now I do.Who knew my upper lip needed so much attention and so many products could help me? I have been in the dark about this. Literally. Our house has the worst lighting. I know because I pluck my eyebrows way less now than I used to because inside the house they look just fine. Then when I do look in the mirror in the car. . . yikes. I know there are more important things than looks and I certainly could write about all my inner growth this year, yadda-yadda but really, I wonder who would want to read that stuff? And I just have not been in a very deep mood lately and honestly, it's been wonderful. And I feel pretty much the same inside year after year, so my birthday benchmarks are more on the shallow end of things I'm afraid. . .speaking of shallow, I am thrilled with my b-day presents-

The best bag from grammie (LeSportsac that I ordered for myself and had it sent gift wrapped. We are all very busy and damnit, I knew exactly which one I wanted!) The best gift for me is something I feel so guilty about not making myself, so this is the best indulgence. This is my new summer bag, complete with small illustrations of sassy snails on it. This might be right there with the barrettes. Am I too old for a bag that most certainly looks like it should be my daughter's? And more importantly, will she fight me for it? (She might relent if I give her the matching pouch. . shoot, I will have to get another for Delia!) LeSportsac takes me back, man. I loved my mom's so much in the early 80's and had my very own a few years later. Good times.

And these amazing shoes (Campers no less. Can there be a cooler shoe company?) from my brother and these I love so very much I am dying. They are still in the box which I can't open yet, hence the photo without my feet in them.

I had big plans of special downloads, recipes, and all these things for you all who come by and read the blog to help me celebrate. . .sorry, I didn't do squat. But, I do encourage everyone reading today to grab a cupcake somewhere and eat it. Then have a strong cup of coffee and then maybe eat another. Make me proud!

happy mama day!

I hope every mama out there is having a wonderful day! it's beautiful weather here and I had a lovely time with Grammie yesterday eating Thai food and going fabric shopping. Now I'm going to eat breakfast (chocolate) look at my tulips from Pete, finish a dress for Sadie, and buy some tomato starts. Perfect! I can do all this because of all the extra time I have from my All Electric Kitchen. Which is actually gas. And look at  the matching aprons here in the 1951 Better Home and Gardens magazine, which I adore. Okay-now for my chocolate (it's not yet 8:00am here, BTW)

may!

I don't know what I was thinking not making a "D" bag for Delia for Easter when I made one for Sadie. My bad. She has been copying her sister when we leave the house, collecting all sorts of things to take with her, in her not-bag. She usually grabs a huge felt bucket which she hangs from her neck. It's about as big as she is and she won't leave until it's full to the top. Sadie asked me if I could make Delia her own bag, because the felt bucket is really dumb in the car. It's a vision hazard. It's that big. I can't believe Delia is only 18 months. This second born thing is amazing. Sometimes she acts like she's almost 3. But then does a crazy baby thing (eats dirt) and all is normal again.

This "D" on the pocket pocket uses the amazing freezer paper stencil. Hannah has started a very cool group over at flickr for freezer paper projects/ideas. Check it out and add your photos if you have tried it. It's so cool to see what people have done.

It's may day! (tomorrow) one on the best days ever in my book. I just need to work on that maypole and some flower wreaths. At the very least I will get some flowers. Or pick some. There is a fun family style mayday thing happening at the Kennedy School, for you local types. I really really wish I were more witchy/pagan and knew all this stuff better (Beltane) I looked for a cake recipe and found none, but I think I could make one anyway and just call it a May Day cake. Actually, I need to hold off on that because I just tested the next mailorder recipe and it is so good that I need to take a break from the desserts for a bit because I have eaten it all.

Oh, I just have to say, not to sound completely vapid, I realize that May Day is now more about labor rights, but I also like it to be about flowers.

The new theme is set over at Tie One On for May, or at least I am going to do it very soon, hopefully tonight.

sicker. (I am gross)

A wonderful Easter was had here-but it was cold! like almost snowing, cold. But this didn't stop the Easter bunny from coming. The girls ate way too much chocolate, and so did their mama. I overindulged in this Teuscher bunny from Pete. Our local chocolate company Moonstruck makes stunning chocolates, and I do love their hot chocolate, but for straight chocolate and truffles, Teuscher is my fave.

And here's a tote for Miss Sadie. Using the idea of "use what you have" for April, which I could do for the rest of the year, seriously. The deery lou came in her Easter basket. Sadie is now wanting to take her "stuff" with her when we go out (understandable) and she needed a good sturdy bag for this. Big enough for books, dolls, sticks, and scotch tape. This one I lined with batting so it's nice and soft. The "S" is a big pocket (freezer paper, I still love you) with just surged edges. Minimal and a bit raw, because she has such deconstructed taste. (ha.I think all kids are true deconstructionists, right?) oh-the dots and the flowers I did with mini-hole punches and felt quite clever about that.

easter at my fingertips

Easter is coming so soon. It's usually such a big deal here and the decorations are normally up by now, but this year I am a bit behind, and you know that is O.K. (I'm saying this in a Stuart Smalley voice. does anyone remember him? I am dating myself, for sure-but man, I'm not that old!) This lovely glass bunny container is from target and I think was $1.99 or something ridiculous like that.

I like to dig out all my old MSL mags during the big holidays and I was wasting a lot of time flipping through ads, etc, when all I wanted was to find the article on Easter egg dying with nautral dyes from god knows when. Hello Martha Dex at the amazing craftlog. All I had to do was type in "dyeing eggs" and there it was. I use MarthaDex quite a bit. It's especially pleasing to me because I do have all my MSL all organized (anal) so it's super easy for me to find all the articles. Thank you again maitreya, and I still need to send you some early MSL weddings.

Now I'm going to go back to look up all the Easter stuff. So much more my speed at this moment than, um. . .  standing up. Tomorrow is Monday? gads.

b-day girl

miss delia jean is 1 today! she's is usually such a ham-I love this serious b-day cake photo. this year has gone by so fast. she's not walking yet, crawling works out so well for her. why walk? but I think her crawling days are numbered-cruising around furniture is her favorite. the b-day cake here is gingerbread. our whole family is crazy about ginger-anything.

there goes the small glass cake plate.

the evidence left. we had a small family shindig, which was low key and really nice. so far, sadie has been really good (sort of) about actually letting delia play with the new toys she's received-but I'm not sure how sadie will feel about delia getting this. hmmm. happy birthday my crazy chicken girl!

I'm sick (candy)

It didn't rain on us! it was raining all day here and I was so afraid we'd end up at the mall or something really depressing like that, but it all worked out great! Sadie wore her cape and insisted the hood be up the whole time (amazing.)

and here's Delia as the wolf. The wolf disguised as Grandma, like in the story. But it's actually a mouse mask, but we are pretending it's wolf mask, and I think it's passable. Delia doesn't wear hats easily (she'll learn, there is no escaping my hat mania) but for some crazy reason, she really got a kick out of this granny night cap I made for her costume. It was so funny. She also raked in a ton of candy. They really give it out to the babies, huh? terrifying. We left the rest of the candy at my mom's, I got sooo sick. and I have to leave room for the pumpkin spice cake (cream cheese frosting) we made. I am gross.

The new Tie One On theme will be up tomorrow morning and I will probably get the gallery done tomorrow too . .when I'm not eating pumpkin cake.

the party

Sadie's 3rd b-day party was a huge success (despite rain cold weather, and runny noses) these monkeys came from Lupine (thank you!) and I must remember to let Sadie actually play with them and not just pose them around the house. **update: you can get them here!

some favors that were stuffed in the goddie bags (which I did sew, filled with these, wooden animals, lizards, a sucker and some stickers)

Here's the not homemade cake. Thank god I came to my senses and bought one. When the cake was bought out a baby/child riot broke out. I have never seen cake disappear so fast.

What I didn't photograph (was too busy videotaping) was during 1/2 hour of dry weather we played with a huge (HUGE!) parachute which required almost every adult because it was so super big. the kids loved it. seeing kids play under/on parachutes almost makes my cry! it's so amazing how happy it makes them. really really fun.

the aprons are up and sadie is 3

Sadie is 3! we went to the pancake house for breakfast and she got these horses here and is happy as a lark and has a runny nose. The apron gallery is up (whew!) and now we are all gonna play with toys and kick-back until the party tomorrow.

last weekend

On Saturday we all went to a little harvest fair on Sauvie's Island with Pete's sister and her lovely new baby, Will. There was really good music from a local band, Trashcan Joe (great name) and lots and lots of food. And there was this great tractor pull cow ride.

Sadie on a hay bale. We ate marionberry pie, tamales, fresh donuts, sausage and chips, and lemonade. We also painted pumpkins, saw a scary-ass puppet show (that Sadie promptly left after about 5 min.) and got a little rained on. hooray for Autumn! which isn't really here yet, I know, but I am excited.

 

gone campin'

we are headed out tomorrow to Trillium Lake, near Mt. Hood, for a quick car camping trip,so I will see you all on monday. . .hopefully with nice photos and few tales of disaster. (tragedy + time = comedy)

some of your apron e-mails have been bouncing, I've been told. This is because my brother, who hosts www.kingpod.com, has a crazy-tight filter on the e-mail account. so, if your e-mail does bounce please try matern(at)comcast(dot)net. that should do the trick.

see you monday!

papa day.

this was this morning. pete got no gifts because I am a bad, bad, mama.

but he got these! there is one left and I'm swear I'm going to save it for him.

more easter?

gosh-more Easter? Yup, sorry.

Here are the cards we sent out this year. And all from my stash here in the craft room-not one single thing purchased for this project (well, not purchased recently-you know what I mean) so-I only made 10 cards-sorry to friends/family who didn't get one-I burnt out and am officially using the "2 kids under the age of 3" excuse to those of you left out.-So, lots of Easter love a few days late!

easter wrap-up

Easter was wonderful-albeit very rainy. Here's some cupcakes Grammie made with chick-in-red bonnets toppers that I had to have from the decorette shop.

 

and Grammie made the chicken cupcakes from the March Martha Stewart magazine

On the way home from the chiropractor today (pinched a nerve and woke up with such a pain, I looked like I was wearing an invisible neck cast all morning, charming!) I was able to score some Easter decorations half-off today. Love the day after sales. And love the fact that one of the shops that sells this sort off stuff in next door to the chiropractor. . .I feel much better now.

happy easter

these kitty heads have a lot to say! happy easter.

hello spring!

To celebrate the first day of Spring today-this is what I had for dinner last night and for breakfast this morning.

thank you Sharon!

My first little egg cup has two new friends. The middle one I picked up thrifting a couple weeks ago, and the one on the right was sent to me by Sharon-thank you! They look so happy together, they will have to stay out all year around.

spring is really coming

I just can't get enough of this stuff from christmas traditions-

I love it when christmas stuff, in this case a bottle brush tree, crosses over to other holidays, like "let's s make it pink and add bunnies and call it easter"

So, I am already combing stores in Portland to see what's out there and then the monday after easter I am running to buy these things on sale. so, look out!

shy chick

so far-this is the extent of my easter decorating. I really want to go all or nothing with holiday decorating, so I usually end up doing very little. Probably for the best since we have to fight Sadie every night not to take the little chick to bed with her. But, can you blame her?

odd little easter buddies

wow-what is it? I'm not sure, but it's about easter, and I love it! All these little goodies are available at christmas traditions, which has a ton of holiday stuff-some of it way too cute (not in a good way), and some is cute/strange-the best kind.

what happened to his little arm? so sweet and sad-

frog juggling eggs = easter. rad shorts.

easter is coming

I love Easter. Really love it. And I love eggs, and chickens (obviously) and bunnies, and all the odd things they do together in vintage Easter decor. like what are these chicks up too?

And here is a woodland animal croquet game. These postcards I think I got in Eugene, or Seattle. Here are some reproduction Easter items I've acquired recently. . .

This is important because it's the start of an egg cup collection. I want so badly to collect salt and pepper shakers, but I need a pepper mill-no other pepper will work for me-and I've developed a taste for kosher salt, and the grains won't fit in a small shaker. So, egg cups it is.

He was on sale and is my first cookie jar. I thought it would be fun for the girls to associate this jar with cookie yumminess. Hopefully it will be that and not nightmares from the slight creepiness of this guy.

Deviled egg dish. deviled eggs are very important food to me. I was so happy to find this glass one and not the plain white one you always see.