Stella and Sherlock Holmes

I just can't get enough of this girl!

As I was editing pictures and starting to write this post, Jaime started watching Sherlock, the PBS/BBC show.  

 We hadn't seen any of them.  Usually I multitask by blogging or reading blogs/Pinterest while watching a show or just tune out whatever is on tv.  Not this time! 

At first I kept asking Jaime questions then finally just had to close the laptop and focus.  It was great, good intrigue and a little comedy.  I've needed a new series...too bad this one only has 3 episodes (available on instant stream Netflix) for the first season and season 2 just started.
If you watch it, let me know what you think.  If you've seen season 1, are the next 2 episodes great as well?

Just thinking

I took Penelope to the park yesterday afternoon for a little play time before picking the boys up from school.  While I pushed her on the swing, I listened to an elderly couple chat as they pushed their twin probably about 2 year old grandsons on the swings too.  It made me think about how Jaime and I will be as grandparents.  I hope we are close to our grandkids, that we'll get to take them to the park and hang out.  It just made me happy listening and watching them interact.  Happy to be able to have this time with my kids.  Happy to be able to take them to a park, to push them on the swings, to watch them climb and slide.  This week I've been acutely thankful for the gift of the sense of hearing.  I get to hear their laughter, their prayers, their arguments, their ideas, their crying and whining. Some days I find myself wondering what life will be like when my kiddos are in their teens.  Alexander will be in high school when Stella starts kindergarten, she'll be his age now when he goes to college.  Exciting and sad to think about.  In other news, John Paul came home with lines to memorize for his Kindergarten play in a couple of weeks...just 2 days before the end of school...SUMMER STARTS IN A COUPLE WEEKS!!! :)

Like a Lion

You know the saying, "in like a lion, out like a lamb" for March weather?  Well, the last week or so has been incredibly windy here in Kansas.  Definitely a lion start to the month!  We were at the park yesterday and were nearly blown away.  Crazy!  Penelope has been wanting to fly a kite, but it's too windy for that.  I'm thankful we haven't had any serious/dangerous weather like so many others have suffered through recently.  My prayers go out to all of them. 

Busy Week

It's been a very busy week and it's only Wednesday
so far I've...
been spit up on way too many times to count
been pooped on
begged for a few moments to take a shower
taken a shower--actually one everyday :)
been to the park twice (yes, in January and February in Kansas!)
gone for a couple of walks
made food for my family
nursed Stella
shopped
cleaned
snuggled
washed, sorted, and folded laundry
read
gone to story time
visited the library twice
hugged
played Monopoly Deal several times
played storytelling game
driven
organized
prayed
talked
texted
and now, blogged :)
I'm sure I'm missing a few things, but these are what come to mind as I spend 1.2 minutes reflecting on the 3 days of this week.

Projects and A Day Off

I've got some projects in the works, but haven't had much energy to work on them lately.  I should hopefully be able to post some pics and tutorials this week. 
I took the day off yesterday--I did practically nothing except drink hot tea and read most of the day.  Want to know why? Of course you do:)  I'm getting over an awful cold that took hold of me.  Today is Columbus Day.  In our house it's another day off of work and school and another day to get stuff done.  I need to write up our weekly menus (they're floating around in my head).  I've got laundry to get done.  I got the kitchen cleaned up this morning, but have the rest of the house to clean.  Ugg, taking a day off is almost more of a set back than a gain.  Oh well, at least I'm starting to feel better.  And, a highlight for today, it's Monday which means I get to have my weekly sonogram today :)  I'm enjoying getting to have little peeks at this sweet baby.
So, Happy Monday, Happy Columbus Day.  Enjoy your day!

Mid-Life Crisis?

  I've been thinking lately about life in general specifically my life.  Life is so fragile and in the blink of an eye all that I know it to be can change.  Where's my life going? Am I on the right path? What's the right path?  Should I be doing more? How can I be a better person, wife, mom, sister, daughter?  I love the idea of starting and running my own business.  However, I feel like I need to be making a difference.  I tell myself that being the best mom right now IS making a difference.  For some reason it just doesn't seem to be enough.  Maybe it's because I haven't been able to define what being the perfect best mom is.  I know I should do such a good job so as to essentially make myself and all that I do not needed by my kids.  Teach them how to do all that they need to do and be holy, well-rounded, and upstanding.  I'm finding it hard to let go of the control. Controlling the way that things are done.  I tell myself that it's the process of the kiddos learning and not always necessarily the end result that's important at this time. 
  The business I'd like to create is a furniture refinishing one.  Seems kinda shallow, but I can spin it pretty well.  It does play in to the living green theme.  I could make it make a difference in people's lives by improving their surroundings, donate profits, empower others with the knowledge to do refinishing for themselves, provide opportunities for therapy and conversation while working.
  Maybe it's a mid-life crisis (I'm suddenly feeling like I'm getting older!)  maybe it's just desiring more and trying to actually follow through, fulfill, and attain a dream.  Who knows where I'll go with this, but it feels good to get it in writing and out of my head.  :)
  Anyone else out there feel similar???