owl fly away

I actually made it to the mall the other day to use up a visa gift card that was burning a hole in my pocket.  Per the instructions of my Mom I was to buy something for myself and I actually did.  I found a cute shirt that would act as a nice staple to my casual wardrobe so I scooped it up.  Unfortunately I got said shirt home and found a hole in it which made me mad but mostly because I would have to go back to the dreaded mall to return it.  We’re back from the second trip (in one week) to the mall and have returned with the following:

These:

And, these:

Obviously neither of which are for me.  Oh well, maybe next year I’ll get a little something (for myself) for my birthday.

On our way to the car yesterday we (the girls and I) were met with a pretty little finch that just happened to have lived out his last moments right outside our gate.  Needless to say Charlotte was very curious.

Charlotte: Look at that yellow and black bird!  What’s he doing?

Me: Well, he’s not alive so he’s not doing anything.

Charlotte: Why?

Me: Well, he’s dead.

Charlotte: Why?

Me: Well, when things stop breathing they’re no longer alive…they’re dead.

Charlotte: Why?

Me:  Remember how in the God/Jesus movie (Hanna Barbera’s Easter Story, a Charlotte favorite) Jesus died?

Charlotte: Yes

Me: Well, the bird died too.  Everything dies but the good thing about being human is that if we know and love Christ, when we die we will be in heaven with God and Jesus.

Charlotte: Can I hold the yellow and black bird?

Me: NO!!!  We don’t touch dead birds.  Daddy will bury him when he gets home.

Charlotte: OK

I put the girls in the car and prayed for wisdom and clarity on the answers I was giving.  Fortunately, during the car ride to Bible study Charlotte asked only a couple of times if I remembered “that yellow and black bird that’s dead” and each time I told her I did.  I probably will never forget that little finch that introduced Charlotte to death as more than a mere concept.

…Delia.  I just administered a second round of mom’s milk drops to Delia’s poor red and weepy eyes.  Praying that this works and open to advice on proper treatment technique.  Currently I drop milk directly into her eyes and dab a cotton round in the milk and gently rub the eyelids.  I plan on doing this three times a day till it clears.  Anything I’m missing???

Today is rainy and chilly and my kind of day.  Husband ordered us some coffee from Sweet Maria’s as an early Christmas treat and I am thoroughly enjoying it as I construct this post.

Yesterday we celebrated our sweet niece’s 9th birthday and the gathering of family was a nice precursor to what Christmas has in store.  The highlight for me was baby D saying (more like shouting) Mama for the first time in a room crowded with family.  I had been playing with her on the floor and had to get up to throw something away.  The minute I left the room she shouted Mama and it was one of the sweetest sounds ever heard…our babe is growing…quickly.  Happy rainy Monday to you locals and to everyone I hope that God’s love and mercy is revealed to you in even the smallest of ways!

Hope you can swing by the BHCP boutique being held Thursday 12/3 and Friday 12/4.  friendkidly will have a booth along with a myriad of other handmade vendors so you will be sure to find something great to giveaway this coming Christmas season!  Check out the flier and we hope to see you there.

This darling tank is being given away by my dear friend apple likes orange. To enter click on the photo above and you’ll be linked to her site with all the info.  Good luck!

A Thankgsiving to Almighty God for the Fruits of the Earth and all the other Blessings of his merciful Providence.

Most gracious God, by whose knowledge the depths are broken up, and the clouds drop down the dew; We yield thee unfeigned thanks and praise for the return of the seed-time and harvest, for the increase of the ground and the gathering in of the fruits thereof, and for all the other blessings of they merciful providence bestowed upon this nation and people. And we beseech thee, give us a just sense of these great mercies; such as may appear in our lives by an humble, holy, and obedient walking before thee all our days; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with thee and the Holy Ghost, be all glory and honour, world without end. Amen.

(1928 Book of Common Prayer Page 50)

I think the best part of buying on sale clothing for my children is that I’m not afraid to alter them.  I’d probably shy away from cutting up something that I paid full price for unless I got it from a Target, or Old Navy, or the such (but in that case the garment would probably be too cheap to be worth my time in alterations).  A good example is this dress I picked up from Gap.

The sleeves engulfed poor Charlotte and just didn’t look cute.  I love cap sleeves on her so I chopped the long suckers off and turned it into this much better version ( I didn’t think to try to take a pic of the sleeves so this is the best shot I got).

She wore it to the Thanksgiving celebration we had with my family over the weekend.  It was the first time in a looong time that all of us kids (me, my bro and sis and my 4! stepsisters) along with all our kids and spouses got together for a holiday dinner, it was very lovely.  Happy Thanksgiving to all and I hope you are able to spend time with your families as well.

I’m really curious to get people’s opinion on gifting a DUSTBUSTER to Charlotte (2 going on 3) as a Christmas present.  We only give our children 3 Christmas presents and I don’t want her to look back on that gift and think we were selfish for giving her a cleaning apparatus.  Do you think it’s a bunk gift?  Personally I think she’d be stoked and would love to help me clean up her messes under her table but I’d love to hear what you have to say, (not that it will sway husband and I one way or the other I’m just very curious).

Ever since Charlotte’s hair has been long enough to fix into two braids she’s always reminded me of a Swiss miss or German beer wench.  That being said, what could be more perfect for Halloween than a Gretel costume!   This was made from simplicity 2571 and came together in the two days prior to Halloween, minus the trim on the skirt which was done the day of.  Much thanks to my Mom who, without her help, I would never have been able to cut out and construct a costume in such a short amount of time.  I took the girls up to my folk’s home in the mountains and we sewed and stayed in our pajamas all day and had a great time.  Here’s the result of two sewing machines running simultaneously and sewing into the late evening hours…

…kinda wish she could wear it all the time.  I did tell her I’d take her to Disneyland in it so that should be fun.  No costume for Delia this year but I’m excited to construct something for both of them next year, especially now that I know my Mom is graciously willing to lend a hand.  Happy Halloween!