Christmas Morning

I keep forgetting that I need to upload the pics in reverse order from how I want them to appear.  Oops.  With that in mind, think backwards!  Here is the after-presents...

And the during...
Right after Emma opened her Diego costume.  It's all she asked for for Christmas and talked about it almost everyday for weeks before.  Needless to say, she loves it!
And, Christmas morning!!

Gingerbread, part 2.

Emma, aka Bella Junior, convinced me that we needed to make a Gingerbread Train.  Yes, a train.  And then when we finished she immediately wanted to eat it.  Not quite yet... but maybe tomorrow!!

Gingerbread, part 1.

I decided that today we would make a Gingerbread House.  Not from a kit, because I personally think it is actually easier to make my own- no fumbling with dry icing or cracked-hard cookie.  Despite that I haven't made the gingerbread or the plans and it is already mi-afternoon is not stopping me.  I am sure we can get it going in a bit here and be ready to decorate at least after dinner.  So, I decided to go and get some ideas for the plan on the Internet (which, of course, led to a blog... and still no dough!).  So, I don't think ours will measure up to these fancy houses, in fact I am sure it will pale in comparison.  Ah, well.... 

Above is at the Mall of America.  This is the largest gingerbread house in the world.  See all those little people?  They are real ;)

This tiny one is at Disneyland, and is actually very big.  Hmm.  Must've gotten a small file.
This one is the winner of the national Gingerbread House making contest from 2 years ago.  Pretty fun.
Here is the White House's gingerbread house.  Their theme is "A red, white and blue Christmas".  Is that original?  I am not sure.
And this last one is the "Eco-friendly, sustainable Gingerbread House", complete with solar panels and rainwater harvest tank.

So... me and the kids will probably be making the simple, Hansel and Gretel-ish House with sloppy dripping icing and candy wherever there is room for it.  Unless Bella sees this and starts making a fancy plan for something else!

random memories

Do you ever just remember something you haven't thought about in years?  Then all of a sudden, it is there... in your mind for no apparent reason?  Like you forgot all about it... then remembered?  That happened to me today.  Not a life altering memory.  Just a random one that I forgot about.  Curious?

When I was little, this sweet old couple used to pick me up and take me to church.  They'd come for me every Sunday I wanted until I was in about, 6th grade, I think.  5th or 6th.  One of them.  Anyway.  And I used to go to their house to swim in their pool, or spend the night or play with their grandkids.  I even went to Michigan with them once.  Of course, I lived in Ohio then, so it's not as grand as you might be thinking.  Anyhow, I randomly remembered today that he had a workshop.  It was like a wood working workshop, I am not sure what he made.  But there were saws and tools and power tools which we weren't allowed to touch.  But we could touch the scrap pile.  And the hammer and nails.  So I remember making creations in that saw-dust-filled place time and again.  Mostly just planks of wood nailed together in a pile, but it was fun.  Really, really fun.  Random Memory.

Which brings back other memories of that house:  The window from the attic to the attic hall that served as a secret message center.  The bitter taste of cereal after orange juice in the morning (random!).  The time I tried to snorkel under water in the pool because I didn't want my mom to see me and take me home... but I went too deep and breathed in a lung full of water.  Their giant backyard and the pond where we used to find frogs and tadpoles.  All of the Christmas cookies in tins on the buffet- I never felt bold enough to search through them looking for the good cookies. And I remember the ear-hair trimming of the Mr. at the table in the kitchen. (Old people are so funny!)  I remember being the lunch helper in Kindergarten (that's how we met) and she was the lunch lady at the church nursery school.  

The good ole church nursery school.  That brings back even more memories! Those giant waffle-like blocks they had which we used to build houses and giant castles and forts. (thinking back, they probably aren't as giant as I had imagined then!! Even so, I can still see their scratched up corners of thick plastic blocks and snapping them together, it seemed as though we were building all the way up to the ceiling because we were so high!)  ...The cots for napping, and the cards the workers used to play while they watched us.  I remember them letting me play with them a few times... Of running through the dark halls under the sanctuary where we used to play hide and seek- and the loud clicky footprints of Bill the Janitor- the keeper of the "No-running-in-the-house-of-God rule".  We were scared of that man. And Pastor Airheart and his wife's giant yellow hair.  And of being in the Christmas play, saying the lines and singing the songs. It's sacred, isn't it?  Childhood memories... so randomly!

Years later I met some church friends who lived in their old house.  I visited there and snooped around.  It wasn't quite the same, add-ons and re-dos.  I wonder where those people are now. I did see those pastors a while back.  Walking through the mall in Akron.  I wanted to stop them and tell them their investment payed off.  That they made a difference to that little girl they picked up each week for Sunday school.  But I was working and they were walking fast (and she had the same big yellow hair).  I guess we'll save it for heaven!

xmas crafts!

We finally did some kid-crafts together for Christmas!  We got this idea from the bracelet bead kit Grammy got Isabella for her birthday.  Oven-Bake clay, inlaid beads.  Perfect snowflakes! :)

...And

Breathe.

I finally got the Christmas cards out.  I really hope they get to all of you in time.  I am running so late this Christmas!!

And I finished the last touches of decorating tonight... I know, a few short days before Christmas.

And we started shopping a couple nights ago... yes, only a couple of nights ago.  And we aren't done!  I am hoping we figure this all out, because we have a few more days.

And I have not been able to find very much Christmas music on the radio.  We were scanning and scanning and there was none!  Isn't it strange?  We finally found a familiar tune, but when they starting singing- it was the Spanish station!  We listened along, I decided the girls don't know the words, anyway!  It was actually pretty cool listening to those old tunes in a new light.

And... we're having a Christmas party tomorrow night for our small group.  That should be really fun!!

And we went Christmas caroling again today.  ...Well... we thought we were just caroling!  And there weren't that many of us there.  But it was more like a performance!  With like 2 or 3 people from the worship team and a few other of us non-worship team people.  But our friend Angela did a really great job, and it was a success!  The girls even got presents from Santa there- except Emma who is terribly afraid of both Santa and Mrs Claus.

Today was cookie day.  Em and I started this morning making Gingerbread Cookies.  Em says "Binbingead".  She laughed when the Gingerbread Man ran away... when he cried "Don't eat my leg!' (And yes, it's me in my VBS Safari apron)

She also did an AMAZING job icing cookies.  Who knew a 3 year old could be so talented? And she rolled out the dough.  And cut out the cookies.  So sweet.

Then friends came and we worked the day away making: The Gingerbread Men, Iced Sugar Cookies, Russian Tea Cakes, Chocolate Crinkle Cookies, Peanut Butter Fudge, Double Chocolate Biscotti, No Bakes, Rockie Road Squares, & Peppermint Bark. Wow!!

I'm tired!  But I love cookie day.  

Walking in a Winter Wonderland...

... unless you were in Atascadero last night for "Winter Wonderland"!!  Now let me try to be positive about this one.  Eva and I have sort of been proud of ourselves for having good attitudes about these things even when they didn't work out the way we wanted- even when EVERYone around was... complaining, to say the least.  But last night.  Was.  A waste of time. A complete waste of time and money. 

It could have been because the day just started off wrong for me and I was a little stressed about finding and preparing for the babysitter and making sure everything was ready for Todd when he got off work. I wanted everything to be ready for him so he could just pile them in the car and go. But then. The phone. It rings on our way. Do you know where the car keys are? he asks. The keys?  I say.  Doom in the pit of my stomach as a fumble through my purse. (and the keys are already a sensitive issue with us because of a previous... let's just call it an adventure) I have the keys! I say. The keys. In my purse, an hour away.  So no car for the babysitter, who has to pick up Bella.  No car for Todd who was supposed to bring the girls up later with Eva's husband and son.  I was totally bummed because I thought that I had prepared everything SO well, so no one would be stressed.  But alas, I forgot to give her the keys.  So, that pretty much put a damper on the night for me... and therefore for poor Eva.  And then Eva says.  It would be worth having a spare set.  I stare at her.  She says.  Oh.  Nevermind. (That is another story.  For another day.)

So, trying to figure out the key thing, unload our car... and the fact that there was NO ONE there when we got there except some nasty old ladies across the street who were swearing every five seconds as they set up their booth, and because it didn't start till 5 and we were told to set up at 1.  Good thing we didn't get there till 2.  And the spaces were cramped... and the parking was far.. and down we go into the pit of the complaining vendor.  It just makes me realize that we have to go into a show with no expectations.  We have to think that it may or may not be the right venue for us.  And if it's not, it's not.  We won't make the same mistake next year.  And this one WAS NOT.  And I don't even think I would go next year.  Unless I lived in Atascadero & went for the community.

So they advertised piles of snow.  I am thinking PILES of snow!!  Like piles, you know- like a lot. But, instead, it was like one bulldozer-shovel-full of snow.  Seriously?  One shovel full?  OK, so there were like 3 piles... but wouldn't it have been better to just combine them?? And the man driving, who we affectionately named "The Snow Man" (tee hee) was SO grouchy that even when we tried to wave and smile he just looked away.  "He doesn't even know he's the snowman!!!" said Eva. (And, as a side note.  When we got there we totally mocked this little tiny pile of snow we saw on one of the side streets.  There is the pile of snow, we said, laughing.  Little did we know, that actually WAS the pile of snow.  Although, I could just think it is ridiculous because of having grown up where it does actually snow.  But I am pretty sure it was just ridiculous.)

And when it finally started the place was PACKED.  Packed in the way the fair is packed.  Full of people eating cotton candy who crowd the street so no one can move.  Except in our little booth where it was empty, but at least warm because of the Costco space heater that I made Todd buy me last year for our garage.  Yes, we were the booth where no one was.  It was sad. But we did end up giving away a lot of cards.  It was "Do you guys have a store?" and "Are you guys online?".  No one was there to shop. Good thing we got business cards.

Eric and Todd and the kids did manage to borrow someone's van and make their way up.  Emma was scared of Santa and wouldn't talk to him.  They sledded down the hill, but the lines were crazy for everything. And the "piles" of snow where just big melted puddles of water.  So they stayed for maybe an hour and then went back home.

On the way back we stopped at Wienerschnitzel for some chili cheese fries and hot dogs.  And to get warm since we were FREEZING. We were discussing how usually, even if it is a flop for us, there is SOMEthing redemptive about the time.  But this time, I could see nothing.  Eva pointed out the one silver lining: seeing our sweet friends Jesse and Shannon and baby Jude.  The last time I saw them was SO long ago.  And they finally got to pick out a blankie from the amen booth.  That was the one really great thing about the night.  

But at least now we have a break.  No shows on the calendar.  And we are learning!  Learning which shows are for us and which are not.  I am excited for the break, and it felt so good to get home last night.  I like that feeling.  

morning ramblings...

I never told you all how it went last weekend.  We had the show we were looking the most forward to, Holiday in the Plaza in San Luis Obispo.  All of us vendors set up by the old Mission in Mission Plaza.  We met some cool people again and were stationed next to a sweet couple who worked as a team, him selling metal yard sculptures and her selling sewn items.  The first day they wore shirts that said "Yes, Dear".  They were cute.  

This time it was a success!  We were steady all day long on both days, and once again people loved our stuff.  It is always really exciting when people love it.  And not just like, 'oh this stuff is nice'.  More like.  They LOVE it.  And get it.  That was encouraging!  And we made money!  So that was a bonus :)

And.  A store owner was raving about how well our stuff would go in her store.  She gave us her card, told us to take a peek, and then bring in some stuff so we could talk about price.  And after we packed up we walked over and looked in.  Her store is SO incredibly cute.  And she already had one of our signs hanging up with a price tag.  Pretty amazing.

All in all, it was a fun weekend.  Aside from missing hanging out with the family and missing church for weeks and weeks, it has been a great little adventure.  And we'll be looking forward to a break for Christmas.  And then to starting up again after the new year.

And did I mention we went to a boat parade?  We skipped the traditional, extremely LONG Parade of Lights in Santa Maria for a Christmas boat parade on the Pacific.  It reminded me of something I saw on TV once.  It was fun.  

Well.  I think I need to begin packing up for Winter Wonderland.  I'll let you know how it goes.  It looks fun from the video of last year's.  I am hoping to sled down a hill or two.  Love.

the adventure continues...

Our last show of the season, Winter Wonderland in Atascadero.  

And this one should be all-around fun.

She's 8.

She had a great birthday. Todd's rule this year: no party. We instead did his childhood family tradition where  she gets to pick dinner and I would bake her the cake of her choosing. Which, as a side note. (Because there always has to be a side note!)  I was sure that I would definitely NOT start this tradition. Mostly because I just like to either A. buy a cake or B. make cupcakes, and because C. Todd's mom makes some crazy cakes that are pretty impressive :)  But this year Todd announced it to her before I could make any objections and she was really excited about it.  And she choose Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches for dinner with Chips with Chocolate Milk. And I am always up for an easy dinner, so Todd's childhood tradition it is.  She picked Little Pet Shops in the Snow as her cake... which I think she may have seen at someone else's party because it seems really specific.  So I gave it my best shot.

So her birthday.  She took donuts to school and they sang her happy birthday twice.  Plus she got a bunch of pencils and a Blow Pop and you know how exciting those are!  She opened her gifts when she got home from school.  She was so sweet and excited about each gift.  It was beautiful.  And later in the evening we went Christmas Caroling with the worship team from church.  Bella had fun reading the lyrics and singing along.  And she felt extra special when everyone sang Happy Birthday to her at the end of the night.  

an excerpt

My great friend Eva put in to words the happenings of her heart as of late. As we go to the craft fairs, as we see the uniqueness of people and their talents, as we examine their wares and get lost in their art... as we explore the community... something is stirring.  As we meet the variety of people and see how different we all are, yet all so full of promise, I am sensing something more. And as we have been researching different venues and events, the excitement grows. Excitement not just for what we can become involved in, but excitement for the movement we see happening in this generation on a wider scale. And even though I didn't appreciate the little voice of one of the indie-artist she references, I love the revelations she partially evoked.  

From Eva's "home sweet home":

Driving around the other day, I had some deep thoughts as I was listening to a mixed CD my loving lil' sister made me. As the charming, unpolished notes of various indie-sounding musicians calmed me and the rain fell gently, I started thinking about how much beauty there is in the imperfection of humanity. What is it, I asked myself, that makes you look for the places in the painting where you can clearly see the brush strokes - the work of the artists hand? What is it that makes husbands think their wives look beautiful first thing in the morning with no makeup and messy hair? 

My mind traveled on to AMEN Handmade, and how we love things to look worn, flawed, one of a kind. There's also a major uprising going on right now (ucc) of young crafters (renegade) and artists (capsule) who share the same feeling, selling wobbly, almost childlike drawings, and lopsided craft-monsters, funky felted purses where you can see the stitching, and clothing with raw edges exposed. EXPOSED. That's the key word, I think. There's something in all of these experiences that lets you into the secret little world of the person who made it. Somehow you feel that you've gotten to see a glimpse of their honest soul - the inmost part of their creative heart, and that..... that is something precious. More precious than ever in this world of  quick notes and backward glances, top eight friends and wall-to-walls.

Last weekend at the poorly attended Paso Robles Digital Film Festival, Ann and I were lucky enough to get situated next to a man with a positive attitude. A silversmithing storyteller.  And, he told us a good one as we were about to pack up and go home. In the story of the "Cracked Pot", a water carrier took water in two jugs back to his master's house time after time. One perfect pot, and one cracked. The cracked one was very ashamed of it's flaw, and always apologizing, until the water carrier helped it to see that it was watering flowers all along the roadside each time it was carried, and that the flowers were known throughout the land for their beauty.

Maybe the parts of us that are different are ready to be shared, and maybe what the world sees as awkward or flawed is actually just the intricate and beautiful work of the master's hand?

So, I am not sure why I am writing this (or crying about it), but I know there is something in all of us that longs to connect... to really know and be known. I will end with this verse, which has been a particular treasure to me of late:

Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. 1 Cor 13:12

mixed message

Emma was playing today....

Do you see it?  

A wise man and a flying reindeer.

poor eve

Well, yesterday I finally took Evie in to Urgent Care since there was some really gross funk draining out of her ear.  I told you before, she is getting molars... like 4 molars right now.  She has been so crabby and not at all herself for weeks.  I had been blaming it entirely on the teeth.  And then the past week or so she has been a complete grouch.  It finally dawned on me on Saturday that she may have an ear infection.  Hello, light bulb!  And wouldn't you know it, later that day the funk started dripping.  But Urgent Care was closed by then and I figured she'd be alright until after church on Sunday.  So.  After a long night and stressful morning, I finally took her in.  Which, by the way- as a side note.  I hate hospitals.  Hate them. Seriously.  I know they help people and that's great.  I just don't like being there.  So, anyway.  Two ear infections and a burst ear drum later, Evie is souped up on antibiotics, antibiotic ear drops and pain reliever.  And she is already beginning to look like her old self again.  Poor little thing!  

You're Invited!

We made it in!

Join us if you can and

support your local crafters and artists!

Peanut Butter Pie.

Carol's Peanut Butter Pie....

This was... well, probably still is.... Todd's favorite, even though he really shouldn't be eating it.... and why I haven't made it in over a year.  His mom's pie.  I have gotten pretty good at making it- although I am sure not as well as the original!  And I still remember the first time I made it in Defiance... with Carol and Wilma.... and the meringue was.  Let's just say... not at all fluffy.  And those sweet ladies blamed it on the humidity.

I made it the other night and almost forgot to bake it at the end.  See the snowy white peaks? I was thinking:  Wow, it's like marshmallow.... Mmmm.  I bet it would be good toasted.... Wait a minute... aren't they are supposed to be a little toasted on the tops? Oops!  I threw it in at the last minute and it turned out delicious, but I my picture turned out blurry.  So I used the pre-oven toasted photo.

Looks pretty good.... right?  :)

from far away.

Happy Thanksgiving!

It is late!  I am planning my day for tomorrow: turkey, stuffing and cranberry sauce...

We just ushered the last couple of stragglers out of our house from our annual Wednesday night game night... We had a loud night of Nerts, Spoons and Wii.   Now we're preparing for about 15 more people tomorrow.

And I thought it was going to be a quiet Thanksgiving.  And I was dreading it.

But as it turns out, this week has been full of family (friend-family) get togethers and lots of delicious food.  So far, so good!

And even so, we sure do miss our family back East... and wish you a wonderful Thanksgiving day.  Wish you were here!  Love.

randomly.

One of the girls' favorite things to do when I am shopping at Michaels is to find little treasures from the floor.  Little pieces of forgotten flowers.  Stray beads.  Half broken marbles.  A fake grape.  I am not quite sure if it is stealing if they bring it home.  I think I asked once.  

This weekend was.  A good experience.  And a complete flop.  But I met some cool people?

I have some really fun craft ideas.  But I think they have to wait until after Christmas.

Working on some of Todd's mom's Peanut Butter Pie.  I think I'll post pics of it too.

Evie is getting molars.  Molars!

It was a little cloudy today, which was nice.  When I came out of Michael's tonight it was a little chilly.  Getting Christmas-y!

There is something really fun about being in wine country.  We spent the whole weekend at a vineyard.  It was relaxing.

That is the end of my random thoughts.  Love, love.

am.en store

Our esty storefront

Templeton.

We had a great time in Templeton.  The downtown is so cute and quaint, the perfect backdrop for our adorable booth!!  Our second show was so fun... and it was a beautiful sunny day.

it was... good.

Wow.  The day.

What began so early this morning is now winding down.  I am so pleased with the new things that transpired today.  OK, so we didn't make much money.  We barely broke even... and we accidentally gave away a onesie by forgetting to charge... and there were lots of crafty crafts and poofy Christmas ornaments... and tank tops for women made out of.... hanes...for men.  There were people with REALLY bad taste.... but those are almost ALL of the bads.  Now.  NOW.  Let me list the goods.

1.  Grandma Bonnie.  Grandma Bonnie, aka Grandma, was in the booth behind us.  Never mind what she was selling (ehem...hanes!).  Right when we got there she showed us the ropes.  Introduced us around.  Gave us her dolly to bring in our stuff.  Later, she gave us the low down on all of the craft fairs and gave us her number to keep in touch.  You go, Grandma Bonnie.

2. Our display.  Looked BEAUTIFUL.  Props to Erik for building one of the most amazing displays in the entire boutique. We got SO many compliments from those putting on the show as well as other crafters.

3.  Teens in touch.  The lady across the aisle was so inspiring.  She runs an outreach to troubled teens where they get together and make bottlecap jewelry, bracelets and other fun little things.  Then, they sell them at local places and the teens take home the cash.  Isn't that cool?  I thought so.  What a great idea.

4.  Rachel.  Eva and I decided that Rachel is a kindred Spirit.  She makes really REALLY cute necklaces.  You can buy them HERE!  She has 2 little girls who *loved* our ribbon swirls.  I am excited to get to know her better.

5.  Cute old lady #2.  OK.  So, this one was a little scary.  But this lady was SO cute that I just HAD to tell her.  "You are so cute!"  I said... before I knew it I blurted it out.  But she was!  And so sweet too.  Even though it caught her off guard, she may have appreciated it.  Who knows.

6.  Personalizing a bib for a BRAND NEW BABY.  She was born at 1:43.  Lilly Ann.  And she is A for adorable.

7.  There was a man across the aisle who made the MOST beautiful wooden toys.  So intricate and detailed.  He had a Circus Train that looked like something out of an old children's book.  Gorgeous.  And as it turned out, the man was from Alaska.  And he loved Gov. Palin.  Loved her because she was the babysitter and friend of his daughters!  And apparently he watched her hunt with her dad when she was 6 years old.  Pretty sweet that old man was.  Eva got to talk with him more than I did, but it was so exciting to meet all of these different people with all of their many different talents.

8.  As I was sitting in our booth, a lady came around with some fliers for other craft fairs.  This one is tomorrow, she said.  You may as well come, you've got all your stuff together already! she said.  I was not completely sold.  As she looked around our booth, she began to get excited.  So, she said- OK.  I have to give you this too.  What?  An invite to participate in ANOTHER fair.  But this one is a bit less crafty she says.  She names people.  I don't know them.  It is really an honor for me to ask you, she says.  OK, I nod.  Your stuff is really great, she says.  So, we will see.  We may be entering another craft fair NEXT weekend.  

9. Hanging out with EVA.  And making fun (in the nicest possible sense of the words) of the ridiculous things people think are cute.  Example?  Picture a onesie with an picture of an ipod.  Only it says "iPood".  *SO cute.  Maybe they should just make a onesie with an actual picture of some poop.  That would be SO cute.  The only thing that would make it better would be if it could be scratch and sniff.  That would TOTALLY sell.*       *excerpt from actual conversation.

10.  Now we feel like we are totally and completely qualified, if not more, to be a part of craft fairs.  In fact, because we had a great time, we ARE going to do the one tomorrow.  So if you are anywhere near Templeton, CA tomorrow, come on down to downtown for some Founder's Day fun.  They have a really cute old feed building, some tractors and free pie.  How can you resist?

11.  At the end of the day, Grandma Bonnie forgot her stool.  So I called her house.  I guess it was Grandpa who must've answered.  Later when she called back, I said.  Bonnie, you left your chair!  But do you know Sally?  She has it.  She'll bring it tomorrow.  See you there!  mmm. hmm.  Grandma Bonnie.

today is the day

Today is our very first *official* craft show!  It is early.  I am making coffee.  We're getting ready to hit the road!  I don't know what to expect, but I am excited and a little bit nervous!  But mostly excited!  If you're in the area ;) come on over to the Atascadero Lake Park and join in some holiday buying fun!  :)  

Introducing Patty

Introducing Patty.  Not to be confused with Tigerlilly from last year, this bird has actually lived more than 2 days!  And she is warming up to us, as you can see!

We let her out of her cage for little bits of time each day.  She is a great bird, because when she has had enough, she flies right back into her cage and we shut the door.  So, that is nice...

She LOVES Evie and Emma both.  And she lands on heads and likes to play with our hair.  She had some fun with Em today, and Emma LOVED it.  She was laughing, she thought it was so funny!!

almost time!

If you want to come see our stuff, we'll be selling at some local craft shows!  The first is this weekend.    Here for info.  We'll also be doing Christmas in the Plaza in San Luis which is the first weekend in December.  

vote!

costumes and candy

Emma had wanted to be a horse, but when we got the dress up clothes out,

the mermaid took over.

Abigail was a Pirate.... Captain Hook, to be exact. 

(See the lace-y sleeve on the hook?  That was her very own addition!)

And Bella was Cleopatra.  She won the contest at church.

They all had a great time at the Fall Celebration at church.  Much candy was attained.

Games, Castle Maze, Trunk or Treating....

I, however, was sick!  I had to miss all the fun... but am better now!!

the school lunch

The school lunch.  I never really got a school lunch, except on Pizza Day... though I now wonder why.  It it so easy to just send a kid to school and get a lunch.  And looking back I even wonder if we just might qualify for the school lunch program.  But all that aside...  my kids qualify for the school lunch program.  Because their school offers it to all students.  So, breakfast and lunch everyday are free.  To everyone.  No matter what.

So, the girls, though.  They had been looking forward to, as one of the very exciting things to do at school, taking their own lunch boxes from home with their very own treats inside.  So, each day we have a little struggle as to whether or not they'll bring a lunch vs get a school lunch.  Check the menu, decide if it sounds good... if not, pack the lunch.  And there better be a note! Bella ALWAYS wants to bring.  Abigail almost always wants to get.

So today, the menu said Peanut Butter and Jelly.  So Bella wanted to bring.  Which is silly, because we always send PB & J.  Only on wheat and with honey.  And I am sure that what they give at school is the "Uncrustables" because it is easy.  So, I am waiting for today when I get them- for them to tell me all about the delicious (white) bread that the sandwiches were made from.  Because they tried them once at Costco.  And they loved the white bread.  So I am waiting for them to come home and tell me how delicious the sandwiches were at school today.  Because we made them get school lunches!

vote as though you're not voting

if you are a christian, this is a great article.

it discusses voting as a general people.

it helped me gain a right perspective

and brought comfort amidst all of the strife.

harvest party and neighbors!

Our neighbors. (yes, neighbors!!  I can hardly believe I am referring to neighbors!  It is more exciting than you know! ...and an entire blog post of it's own.)  So, our neighbors(!) invited us to join them for a literal harvest party.  They are farmers and run an organic farm.

Today we joined them, their friends and CSA members to have a final harvest (aka: treasure hunt) in their garden.  We found pumpkins, eggplant, peppers, arugula, parsley, cilantro, carrots... we harvested them from the ground.  

And then we shared a meal with strangers, made new acquaintances and even some new friends.  And we even tried some wine that had no label because it was straight from the barrels.

And then we walked home....   Neighbors. (!)

Doesn't it sound wonderful?   AND we found dandelion wishes along the way, the girls blew them and we made bracelets from the stems.  It's been so long since I've seen those cute little weeds.  It was wonderful.

sneak peek

Here's a sneak peek at some of the cuteness coming from {amen} this holiday season!  We have been working deep into the night and are in full craft-fair-preparation mode.

Our first event is November 15 for the Holiday Boutique in Atascadero.  We're hoping it is fun and goes well!!  So, here are a sampling of tonight's creations.  (Do you like the onesie, Eva?)

she walks!

Evie's first steps!!

On Wednesday, she was cruising along the wall, to the door... 

I thought to myself... "I bet she'd take a step."

So, I held out my arms, and she did it!  Five steps straight into my arms.

She is amazing!  Five steps!!

Abigail, our official photographer, tried to capture the replay.

peek

8,000

This weekend my friend and I and a few girls from the youth group went to the Revolve Tour.  It is a conference for teen girls in 6th to 12th grade.  It was a lot of screaming and high pitched fervor.  Bands played, speakers preached.  I barely knew any of the speakers or performers... and they were mostly crazy!

There were some tender moments, too.  Like when the 14 year old boy spoke about how when he was 9, he watched a movie about the mass of orphaned children in Uganda, parents having died of AIDS. And he thought he must help.  So, he went on to found "Hoops of Hope" and raised enough money to build a hospital and a school in a village in Uganda.  One boy changing the world.

Or when all 8,000 sweet little voices were singing together:

"This is what it means to be held
How it feels, when the sacred is torn from your life
And you survive
This is what it is to be loved and to know
That the promise was that when everything fell
We'd be held"

...8,000 teenagers singing together and giving God all the pain in their life.  The singer quieted her voice, was barely singing, and the whole arena was alive with song, resting in the arms of love.  It was beyond beautiful.

And my ears are still ringing, especially because I came home to 4 screaming little girls and a new bird who apparently doesn't like the screaming because it always starts whistling when the girls start crying or yelling.  Wow!  That was a run-on.