All Smiles: Playing, Reading, & Pets

No one believes me when I say Ralphie smiles. Here is some proof:

Not enough proof? Here's more:
He shows his bottom teeth when he smiles. He does this whenever he's getting some loving! Too cute!
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Today we've been playing Lincoln Logs.
The kids are great when it comes to making messes...not so good with the picking up part. Usually I am left to do the picking up.

While I pick up, they move onto other things:
Moe got on one computer, while Mimi on another. They know how to find their games.
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I scored a huge stack of books at Goodwill.
And I started this one:
It's great. Already I am hooked. I tried reading Matters of Chance, but quit. I couldn't get into it. It did get decent reviews. I found it boring.

I gotta go work on gifts....and finish Moe's blanket. He is wanting it!
Karen

I can't believe it's mid-November. My work station shows it. I have 5 different projects going on. I know. 5. That is too many. Look at my space:

Hopefully by 2010 my junk will be reduced as the supplies get used up!
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Here is a blanket I am working on. It is killing my hands. I should have opened it up to show you, but I was too lazy!

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Here is Ralphie. He is getting bigger.

I can't resist saying "Fly away!" when I see him. Look at those ears!

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I finished The Bastard of Istanbul. I really enjoyed the book. It didn't have this perfect Hollywood ending either, and I can appreciate that.

What book are you reading?
and
Are you making most, all, or none of your holiday gifts?

~Karen

Friday Fun!

Moe has been laughing since finding this:

Look closely and who do you see shooting a basket? Yep, it's Oscar! And he is without the trash can. Moe thought this was hilarious. He keeps asking me if I can believe it! :)
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Mimi has been focused on the future etsy store. She wants to sell these:
She thinks 3 for $1.00 is fair. Why envelopes? "Because everybody needs envelopes."
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I made this with some scrap yarn, a felted sweater, and a vintage button.
I'm thinking it will be a pin?
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Kevin got this book at the library:

He and the kids have had the most fun making the things in it and reading the stories. Kevin's advice is to pre-fold before doing with your kids.

Have a great weekend!
~Karen

Weekends Go at Warp Speed

Weekends go by so quickly! I look forward to them all week, and then suddenly it is Sunday evening and I am hopeful and excited about the week ahead. We played outside a lot. We worked on the garden too.

Moe, in his big red car, had a lot of fun driving around.

I am trying to keep my pact with you, Amanda, to wear a skirt at least once a week. It has been a nice change from my usual tee and shorts. Crocs? Well, a girl has to be comfy....

The kids and Kevin had a tea party in the play house. They invited me in, but I was enjoying watching them and taking pics. The red roof makes the lighting neat.

And, finally, look! The garden is growing. For awhile I was concerned we would have tomatoes and maple trees. But, it appears there is life! We have yet to see any sign of green or red peppers, but I am hopeful. Next year, I think we will start the seeds in advance.

Oh, for you book readers...I tried to read Twilight. I got to page 9. I told my friend Adrienne it sucks, and she replied:
irony = a vampire book that sucks.
I laughed so hard I almost cried. Oh!

I did start Kite Runner. And I am completely taken in by it.

Have a great week!
~Karen

In my spare time

I've been keeping busy with playdates, crafting, and family visits. I really would like day where I could sleep in until noon or so, but I don't think that is gonna happen anytime soon! A person can always dream though....

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I finished a fantastic book: The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency. This book was a great read. The main character, Precious, is the kind of character every book needs. She has patience, wisdom, and inner peace. Get the book. I promise you will enjoy it.

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Yesterday my mom gave me my grandmother's quilt . I debated whether I should use it or store it away. I decided to use it. We only live once, and I will derive great pleasure from using it. It is in perfect condition since it was never used. It is fun to look at the fabric and wonder if which came my grandmother's dresses or my father's shirts.

Isn't it lovely?

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It is May, but I've decided to start making X-mas gifts now. I hated how I was making things up to the last minute last year. It was hard on my hands. This year I am making scarves and fingerless gloves for all the ladies! I am going to crochet little flowers to attach to the scarf and gloves....everyone needs some bling bling, right?

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And finally, the kids' art is taking over the fridge, so I decided to steal an idea from my friend Sara. She took strips of wood and glued on clips. Then she attached them to the wall:

Here is what I used:

You can use the E6000 to attach a button or whatever to the clips. I used quilted fabric with a button sewn on. It dressed the clips up a little.

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Alright, that is enough for today. I am off to read!
Have a wonderful week!
~Karen

Score! Books and Blocks!

Look at the pile of books I got at Goodwill. I really respect and admire Jimmy Carter and can't wait to read his book. I pretty excited about the needlework book too. It has everything in it. The only drawback is that it was most likely owned by a smoker, and has retained a smoky smell. Roald Dahl? Who is that you ask?? James and the Giant Peach, Matilda, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory....Can you tell I am excited???? :)

Another amazing book! I did order this one off Amazon. It is a great book. Although I love the internet, I still love to have plenty of books laying around. Another blogger Molly recommended this book. This is one you won't want to put down. Pretty much anything you can think of is addressed in this book.

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Another great buy! Generic Jenga blocks! The kids have been building non-stop, and have some pretty creative designs. By the way, not sure what Mimi has in her shirt. Probably a baby... :)
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Finally, evidence Spring will be here before long. I will remind myself of this later in the week. We are due for some cold weather and possibly SNOW! BLECH!!!

Hope everyone has a great week!
~Karen

Crocheting, Drums, Books

Here is what I am calling a "scarflet." I hacked it together the other evening. I love the vintage button on it. I didn't follow a pattern. I think I will make one for me.

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The drums are reproducing. The small set has suddenly grown and it is encroaching on my territory! I think Kevin waits until I am asleep or out of the house, and then he brings in more instruments! He denies this. ;)

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Last night we watched "the other Boleyn girl." It was a good film, although it is historically inaccurate, and deviates from the book bearing the same title. I think the acting was good. And now I will skip the book. I have far too many on my plate as is. Here are the books I am currently reading:

What your Kindergartner needs to know

Homeschooling for Success

And I am skipping around in this book to help learn more on crocheting. The cover boasts that is has solutions to every problem you'll ever face while crocheting...We'll see. So far it has helped. And the images used to demonstrate different stitches are easier for me to understand.

Please go here and look at the amazing book deals! We usually get our books from the public library, but there are always books a person wants to own....This site is addictive. I spent hours looking up books. Kevin got several math and physics books. I got the kids lots of books.

Oh, for everyone who recommended a book or books: THANKS! I will try to post the list soon. And I did send out some bookmarks to all of you! Thanks for the input! All of them look like good reads!

Have a great week! Eat lots of yummy foods and have good family fun!

~Karen