Picture Dump

Here are some random pictures from this month that I just took the opportunity post.

Samuel playing outside making a really weird face. Same with Jude. Look how dirty he gets!

We had pizza night at our house a couple of weeks ago. I made the dough, rolled it out on baking sheets (I used the Pioneer Woman's recipe) and put a bunch of toppings out for the kids to choose for their pizza. They had so much fun and couldn't wait to eat their own creation!

Of course they chose lots of meat and pineapple.

This Pack N Play has been my lifesaver lately. I have never had a baby this busy, so sometimes Juliet has to play in here so she doesn't climb up my leg while I'm working with the hot oven or if I have to run out to get wood for the fire.

Jude likes to play in there as well, or just climb in and rest for a few minutes with his blanket.

Samuel took this picture of us. FLASH photography. Got to love it. I swear I didn't give Juliet that many teething tablets before this pictures was taken - I'm not sure why she looks so drugged (wink, wink).

The other morning I had some quality time with the kids which turned into chaos quickly. They wanted to color and the baby usually ruins the fun my eating/stealing/scooting over the coloring materials.

Jude looking a bit mangy while he colors.

Juliet has a new fascination with the TV and continues her obsession with the remote.

Juliet eating breakfast - usually includes a banana and some rice milk. She doesn't know any different, so rice milk doesn't taste gross to her yet.

Juliet found some candy again - this time a huge Lifesaver. The boys left their candy bag within her reach.

She actually didn't cry when I took it from her. Do you like the lipstick marks on her head? I can't stop kissing that girl!!

A few random tidbits.

Books: I am currently reading Atlas Shrugged . It's a huge book but an interesting commentary on capitalism vs. socialism. I just received "The Historian" from the library on both CD (22 discs!!) and the hardcover version. I can't wait to listen to it - fascinating story so far. Entertainment Weekly called it a "Twilight for smarty pants".

Jewelry: Since having children, it's been increasingly hard to wear jewelry, what with all the tugging and such. The only thing I wear on a consistent basis is my rings. A year ago my engagement ring banged up against the fridge and the huge sapphire (the main stone) popped out of it. I took it to Fred Meyer Jeweler last week to be fixed and they quoted $280. I then took it to Ben Bridge. They quoted $190. Colin would like to find some independent jeweler who will do it for a bit less. Anyone have a jeweler they love?

Etsy: I am toying with the idea of turning my fabric stash and passion for sewing into an Etsy shop. I don't want to take time away from my kiddos, but I would love to have a small business venture of my own. I also get overwhelmed at the idea of marketing (taking the perfect picture, getting personalized fabric tags made for my product) and building up the inventory necessary to open the shop), but Colin supports it, so we'll see if I can make that happen.

As We Wait....

We are cycling the H1N1 through our house right now. We've been holding on tight to our homeopathics (colloidal silver and Exberitox). And as far as viruses go, this one hasn't hit our family that hard. Yet. I am a bit lethargic and achy and have been for a day here or there, but that's about it. Juliet will be the last to get it (but I'm praying that she won't!) and we'll see how she does. So, our house is on lock down (and have been for a week or so). Needless to say, I'm getting a bit cagey. To pass the time and not expend much energy (beyond being a mom of three small, crabby children) I've been reading and sewing. Our house is a pit right now, and I have to let that go. I've read "Midwives" (wonderful, heart wrenching book), "Her Fearful Symmetry" (same author as "The Time Traveler's Wife" - very haunting, addictive read) and am currently reading "Lovely Bones". I am awestruck at these amazing writers - great prose, great stories and a really wonderful way to pass time in this weather.

Some randomness: Clinique's website is giving away three amazing bonus gifts with free shipping right now. My favorite products? Black Honey Almost Lipstick and their exfoliator. Free shipping with code FSEMAIL. Do you ever go to slickdeals.net? I love that website - it really has good deals posted on a continual basis.

Pandora is a really cool website. However, I found myself lead from typing in "I Wear My Sunglasses At Night" (yep, I really have a thing for that song) to listening to "I Got Five on It" which is a rap song referring to a certain weed that is illegal in most states. Don't even get me started on my rap music past. It isn't pretty. And I'm not proud.

I ordered (from the library) Nigella Lawson's "How to Be A Domestic Goddess" and love it!! Such a British slant on cooking, which is so refreshing. She even has a cooking with the children section.

Pink Martini is releasing a fourth album tomorrow. I love them and they are even from Portland! They've gone international now, but they are having their release party at the Crystal Ballroom tomorrow - what a talented band. They describe themselves as "if the United Nations had a band in 1962, we would be it." That's pretty accurate.

Here's some pictures:
Juliet leaning over the back of the couch - she squeals with delight when she gets to do that.
And Juliet eating crumbs under the kitchen table. She was picking up leftover brown rice in this one, I think.

This is the stuffed Panda Juliet got from the ambulance driver that took her up to Doernbecher earlier this year. She loves playing with it now!

And this is generally what our family has been doing lately. Lots of laying around in an overheated wood burning room, snuggling, watching movies. Actually, it's been a bit fun!

I am off for an outing now - I must regain some sanity today.