The Daybook April 22

Outside my window... the sun is out, but temps are still (relatively) cool. We've had my kind of weather this weekend. Yesterday was a bit dreary (rainy and surprisingly cool), but today the sun is shining again. I like a bit of rain to mix things up every so often, but one day's worth is plenty. 

I am thinking.... about so many things I can't keep them all straight.

I am thankful.... that the three of us made it through the night last night. This outcome wasn't certain at about 2am. Last night was night three in our Everyone Stays in Their Own Bed ALL Night regime and it wasn't pretty. When night 1 was not so bad and night 2 was downright easy we thought we were home free. We were wrong. Yogi voiced his complaint VERY LOUDLY last night and we're all pretty tired as a result. Cross your fingers that night 4 begins a trend in the right direction.

In the kitchen.... the times are changing. Again. Kate has gotten to the No More Room stage of the pregnancy and just about anything you can think of is just too much food. We've had huge salads with veggie burgers and as much sushi as we can get away with lately. I'm imagining that within the week we'll be done with meals entirely and on to all day grazing. If only it was cherry season already. It doesn't feel quite like the third trimester without them. ;)

I am reading...  far too many books at once. As I type this, I have four going. I think this is likely a reliable indicator of my anxiety level. 

I am looking forward to... a good night's sleep. Yes, I know I am a broken record.

I am hearing.... words like No! and Done! way more frequently than I would like. 

Around the house... it's all Monkey all the time. The arrival of this baby and what we need to do to prepare for is all anyone around here can see at the moment.

One of my favorite things... is Sonobana sushi. 

Highlights from the week: 

• Yogi helped with his first batch of banana muffies. Who knew the boy was such a skilled banana masher?! Yum! 
• Kate made it home from Las Vegas with Monkey safely on board. Whew! NOT a fan of third trimester air travel. 
• Yogi had an appointment with Dr. Wonderful and at 20 months he is 30" tall and weighs 23 lbs. When the doctor asked whether he had any words, Yogi piped up immediately with "Horsies. Hay!". 
• Yogi made daily visits with his new best friend CoCo (the dog across the street) AND enjoyed lunch on the patio at Star Bagel IN HIS OWN CHAIR with his friend Eb-brett (that part is Yogi speak). 
• The three of us spent the afternoon at the local Children's Theatre production of Click Clack Moo: Cows That Type. Total win. Yogi was mesmerized (I'm not sure he moved a muscle for almost an hour) and we had a blast. 
• Kate and Yogi met a tarantula (they have 8 eyes, did you know that?!!) and what Kate described as a giant bunny at Zoo Babies. There was also a craft and animal crackers.

Here is a picture thought I'm sharing.... "MY Goldfish!". Sometimes when you've got good food, you've got to protect it.

The Daybook April 14

Outside my window... the world is both sunny and pleasantly not hot. At the same time. Love when that happens.

I am thinking.... that I should probably cut down on my coffee consumption. Humm....

I am thankful.... that no one besides Kate, Yogi and I have been in my house since Tuesday. Bliss!!!! The remodel is over!

In the kitchen....there are banana muffins. This is Yogi's food of the moment and I've been baking two to three times a week. We've GOT to get a new muffin recipe around here. I just keep baking them because the way he requests them "Muff-eeen!!" is so cute.

I am reading...  pretty much anything I can get my hands on that addresses A. labor and B. toddler behavior. At this moment in the A category I have Penny Simkin's The Birth Partner and Tracy Hogg's The Secrets of the Baby Whisperer for Toddlers. So far, so good on both. I'm eager for a little fiction. Anyone read anything good lately?

I am looking forward to... Kate's plane touching down safely next Tuesday afternoon. In case you're thinking, "Plane, what, at 35 weeks?", I'm thinking the very same thing. Unfortunately, Kate is thinking something a bit different. She will be flying to Las Vegas of all places (professional talk at a conference) on Sunday afternoon. Pray. I will.not.have my baby born in Las Vegas. Did you hear that world?!!

I am hearing.... episodes of Mad Men in the evenings after dinner. This is our new show and so far, so good. We're only six episodes in, but it's certainly interesting. I like the insider view into the time period and the advertising industry, but man oh man, the gender politics. Wowza. Glad I'm not raising a family in the 60's.

Around the house... life is good again. We have order and cleanliness and everyone sleeping in their own rooms.  

One of my favorite things...is sleeping through the night. It's the little things really.

A few plans for the week: It's been a fun week at our house. The main focus has been Monkey prep and we have made a lot of progress. We've got a room and a comfy chair and a pretty stocked closet and a bassinet. The weather has been beautiful which means that we've spent most of our time outside. Lots of walks and  trips to the park and even some visits with friends.This morning Kate and Yogi went to the Zoo for their first Zoo Babies class. They met an owl and a chinchilla and even had some craft time. Tomorrow is the Flower Communion service at church and we're looking forward to that.

Here is a picture thought I'm sharing.... my loves.

The Daybook April 5

Outside my window... it's overcast. The sun and heat of the last few days have leveled out and it's a nice break.

I am thinking.... about VBAC and paint colors and Easter dinner ideas. Are you having anything special?

I am thankful.... that we are in Week Four of the remodel. Being in Week Four of a three week remodel has to mean it will be over soon. Right?

In the kitchen.... there are toys e.v.e.r.y.w.h.e.r.e. See above.

I am wondering.... if there will be a Week Five.

I am reading...  Bringing Up Bebe by Pamela Druckerman.  Actually I'm starting it today. My book club meeting is Tuesday night. Fingers crossed for the finish. I finally finished It and while I am glad I read it, I am also glad that it's over. Man was that book long. The major writerly lesson I got from it was trust the story. The plot of It is CRAZY and I would think that it would be hard to stick with it. How many times must he have thought "This is ridiculously out there and no one will ever connect with it."? But if he did think those things, he kept writing. And in trusting the story, he created something that is deeply relatable. Funny how that works.

I am looking forward to... Easter. It is definitely my favorite Christian holiday and I can't wait to celebrate it with Kate and Yogi.

I am hearing.... more and more actual words in the cloud of Yogi chatter. He repeats the main word in everything we say and he's just beginning to pair words. When he wants to watch the dogs in the yard next door, he says "Puppy check!" while pointing. Love it.

Around the house... I'm not talking about "around the house". Week Four. That's all I'm saying. Week Four. 

One of my favorite things...is the Cookie Butter at Trader Joe's. If you have a TJ's, buy some.

A few plans for the week: The overarching plan is to enjoy life in the first floor of our home. There is sanding and staining and all sorts of things afoot upstairs that both smell bad and require that we stay away. It's an adventure around here. In the morning Yogi and I will be joining some friends for our first Easter Egg hunt of the weekend at a local farm. We've heard that the Easter Bunny will be there! The weekend holds a trip to the first neighborhood Farmers Market of the Spring and at least one more egg hunt. Should be fun.

Here is a picture thought I'm sharing.... I'm in love with this expresison.

The Daybook March 29

Outside my window...the sun is shining. Cherry blossom blooms and lawnmowers are everywhere. Spring is here.

I am thinking....worried kinds of thoughts. Unfortunately the sort of hypomania that I always feel in the spring is intersecting with the fact that my Dad's white cell count has been dropping over the last month (not a good thing) and Yogi has suddenly developed a pretty serious case of separation anxiety (Huh? My child doesn't cry hysterically when I drop him off at school. What is this?) leaving me with something like manic anxiety. Lovely.

I am thankful.... that Monkey is head down. What a tremendous surprise this was! We had been feeling what we were SURE was a head in the very.same.spot Yogi's head had been, but when the OB did her own investigation she wasn't so sure. She brought in the ultrasound machine to be sure and that head turned out to be a tail! Way to go Monkey!!!

In the kitchen....Yogi is done with porridge every morning. It was bound to happen at some point, but I'm sad to see it go. I felt so very healthy about it and it was such a nice simple system. I guess it's time to get creative. Anyone have good breakfast ideas?

I am reading... It by Stephen King. I'm super impressed with the writing, but I'm ready for the book to end. Does that make any sense? The man is one hell of a writer, but it's hard for me to hang with his l...o....n...g. action sequences. Enough already. Got it. I just start to tune out.

I am looking forward to...Monkey.

I am hearing...Yogi talk, talk, talking with the sounds of nail guns in the background.

Around the house... things are topsy-turvy. We are in week three of a four week remodeling project and although we LOVE the guy who is doing the work (he built the house) I am ready to get my house back. Yogi is sleeping in a Pack & Play in our bedroom which means that no one is really sleeping. As soon as he even begins to toss and turn, his eyes fly open and the "Mommy, Mama, Up!" chanting begins. Tired......

One of my favorite things... is the idea of this book. It's called Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World that Can't Stop Talking. Susan Cain (the author) also has an awesome website with lots of interesting resources and information about introversion. Love it!

A few plans for the week: Sanding and painting and drywall oh my! We've had Grandpa in town early in the week and in the morning we will be hosting our third playgroup. I'm really getting into the playgroup thing. It's lots of fun and I love watching Yogi greet everyone as they come in. This weekend we will be in Nashville together, just the three of us. I can't wait! So far there are no solid plans on the agenda, but I'm sure there will be lots of time outside.

Here is a picture thought I'm sharing.... 

The Daybook February 23

Outside my window... it’s Springtime.  Truly.  I just got back from a jog wearing short sleeves and shorts and feeling warm.  Just last Sunday we had snow.


I am thinking....  pizza!!!


I am thankful.... that in spite of the fact that I have to FORCE myself to do it, my body is capable of both jogging down the street and (mostly) enjoying it. 


In the kitchen.... I’m getting efficient.  Last night I realized that I’ve got a real system going.  Only a few years ago Kate and I were eating out or getting take-out from Whole Foods almost every night.  Now I cook breakfast, lunch and dinner for three people.  It still surprises me that I run the dishwasher 7 days a week.  We eat out maybe once a week and I feel really good about that.  Go me!


I am wondering.... if I will ever hear the sound of my own voice in this house again.  Yogi talks all.the.time. and he’s not even stringing words together yet.  It’s just one word at a time, but it’s over and over and over.  Totally fabulous and precious, but also causing my ears to bleed.


I am reading...  Stephen King.  At the moment it’s Christine and I am just as wowed as I always am when I read him.  The man just gets it.  While I’m reading I feel like an 18 year old torn between falling in love and pleasing my parents.


I am looking forward to... having watched at least one of the nominees for Best Picture at the Oscars.  That will happen again someday, right?


I am hearing...  whining.  Constant whining.  It’s not Yogi, it’s Baker.  About a month ago he decided that he can’t navigate the stairs without someone standing close by encouraging him.  He will stand at the top of the stairs and whine at top volume until someone walks to the stairs and coaches him to the bottom.  This would all be a bit sad (in addition to the obvious irritating) were it not the case that he clearly makes it both up and down the stairs into the playroom while we’re away from the house.  His red Viszla hair all over the couch gives him away.  Baker, Baker, Baker.....


Around the house... we’re preparing for renovation.  After imagining that Yogi and Monkey could share the one upstairs kid bedroom, we’re biting the bullet and adding a Monkey room.  No changes to the footprint of the house, but we will be losing our open play/work space at the top of the stairs.  I’m sure we’ll be glad we did it, but it will certainly be a change.


One of my favorite things... is collapsing on the couch with Kate at the end of the day.


A few plans for the week:  Last weekend we had Bella, Sera, Zach and Theresa at our house and it was a blast.  We played and played and talked and talked.  And talked.  There was a lot of talking (I’m looking at you Bella!).  There were even some flamingoes and adorable baby monkeys - at the Zoo of course!  This week we had another kiddie dinner and Yogi was so excited about hanging out with his big boy friend that he insisted on drinking out of a cup and ended up losing his shirt in an icy waterfall incident.  Tonight I’ve got my Simplicity Parenting workshop and tmw we’re having dinner with some friends who have just gotten pregnant.  Yay!  Babies!!


Here is a picture thought I'm sharing.... 

The Daybook February 16

Outside my window... Yogi says there's a "cah" (translation: car) or maybe it's a "bd" (translation: bird), but there is definitely something out there and he will be sure to let you know what it is. 

I am thinking.... about this book.  We bought it shortly after Yogi was born, but I've only gotten as far as a skim.  I'm going to hear the author speak next week and I'm thinking it's time to jump in with both feet and perhaps, a highlighter.

I am thankful.. that today my Dad didn't have to spend the afternoon in the doctor's office.  Somehow the poor guy now has Shingles.  Prayers/positive thoughts/healthy wishes welcome. 

In the kitchen.....I've decided that this (minus the edible flowers) is the new Sunday dinner.  Grilled Tempeh, Quinoa and Green Beans.  Yum! 

I am wondering.... whether Monkey is a girl or a boy.  This tops my "wondering about" list at all times.  

I am reading...  Dreams of Joy by Lisa See.  I loved Snow Flower and the Secret Fan but I'm not so sure about this one.  The main character (Joy) is so naive that she borders on the unbelievable.  I'm sticking with it though.  

I am looking forward to... next Wednesday when the online writing class I got for my birthday (thanks Kate!) kicks off! 

I am hearing...  Modern Family and Kate typing. 

Around the house... we're getting ready for our peeps!  One more sleep and Yogi's cousins will be here. 

One of my favorite things..... is asking Yogi a question and getting an actual response.  How can he be so big already?!!

A few plans for the week:  It's been a fairly run-of-the-mill Kate work/Yogi school/StoryTime/Playgroup/Errand Running and Home Management kind of a week.  All of that changes tmw night when Bella and Sera roll into town.  I'm not entirely sure what we'll be up to, but I know it will be fabulous.  

Here is a picture thought I'm sharing.... Happy Birthday to Me!  Garden Veggie pizza and a red velvet cupcake made a delicious birthday dinner. Yum!

The Daybook February 9

Outside my window... it's dark and (shockingly!) cold.  You might even think that it's February. 

I am thinking....  about taxes and organizing important paperwork and creating a system for something (namely our financial records) that I don't really understand. Not my favorite things to think about. 

I am thankful.... for the last 33 years. 

In the kitchen....the magic word is "light".  Think soup and salad and take-out sushi.  Monkey is doing some serious growing and even the lightest of meals is feeling like overload. 

I am wondering.... why Baker (our dog) has suddenly decided that he cannot come down the stairs without an escort.  I know he's getting older, but really?  It's like having two toddlers.  Well, with one of them being a toddler who barks. 

I am reading...  Holy Ghost Girl: A Memoir by Donna Johnson.  It's not that great. 

I am looking forward to... getting a visit from four of my favorite people very soon. 

I am hearing...  the sound of the fire and not much else. 

Around the house... everyone else is asleep. 

One of my favorite things... is PaperBackSwap.com.  It really is a genius idea. 

A few plans for the week:  Last night I took a class on a Buddhist model of personality.  At church!  I love my church.  This evening we went out to dinner with some friends we haven't seen in much too long.  The dinner involved two high chairs, a booster seat and a search through the parking lot for a missing shoe.  It started at 5:30.  Yogi and I have a coffee shop/park date with a new friend in the morning and we're hoping for sunshine.  No formal plans for the weekend yet, but I will be turning 34 on Saturday!  Happy birthday to me. 

Here is a picture thought I'm sharing.... is this not the happiest birthday cake you've ever seen?  It's totally loud and fairly out of hand, but I love it.

The Daybook February 2

Outside my window... Spring marches on.  Weird.

I am thinking.... about Monkey.  Baby on the brain.  Kate is starting to show (love it!) and in less than four months we will have two children under the age of two.  Excited and (appropriately) frightened.  ;)

I am thankful.... for a healthy Pops AND a healthy Grandpa.  Both of them.  At the same time.  Sending love and prayers for Bella and Sera's Pop Pop.  

In the kitchen.... I'm in need of an intervention.  The box you see below contains my latest addiction.  Kind of unexpected, no?  It's a cracker which isn't really high on my exciting foods list, but there is something fabulous about these things.  The box is about as unsexy as you can get but, crack doesn't need marketing, does it?  A combination of perfect texture and the slightest hint of sweet.  It's a problem.  They need to stay on my "Do NOT Buy" list for awhile so I can detox.

I am wondering.... how it could be possible that Monkey is due four days after Yogi's last day of school.  My logical self says that it's always something, but it seems like we keep having babies with uncannily inconvenient due dates.  Yogi was due the day the graduate program I was accepted into (but declined - it seemed like an omen) began classes for the Fall semester.

I am reading... The Weird Sisters by Eleanor Brown.  What's really exciting about this book is that I got it FOR.FREE.  I love that.  The free part isn't entirely true as I got the book in exchange for writing a review on my lesbian parenting blog.  No, The Weird Sisters has nothing to do with lesbian parenting but I do talk about books from time to time, so it makes some sense.  At any rate, I'm reading the book and feeling quite fancy about being a book reviewer.  :) 

I am looking forward to... Monkey!!!  Les has called girl on this one and I can't wait to find out. 

I am hearing...  I Was Told There'd be Cake by Sloane Crosley on my Nano.  It's a collection of very funny essays that I've been meaning to read for sometime.  I've been getting (even more) into memoir lately and only my quiet reasonable voice has kept me from starting a Memoir Book Club on Meetup.

Around the house... I feel like I've settled into a new groove.  A schedule that works.  My baby experience tells me that this likely heralds change.  Hoping I'm wrong...

One of my favorite things...is watching Yogi cleaning up his toys.  How cool that he's game for that!

A few plans for the week: Kate and I got a date afternoon last Sunday and we went out to the movies to see The Iron Lady.  Wow.  The best movie I've seen in quite some time.  This week Yogi has gotten lots of good play time with Grandpa and Muzzie as they are heading back to NC soon.  On Wednesday morning Yogi and I did some dancing, singing, nursery rhyming and work with pastels at the library's Mother Goose on the Loose program.  We've got some shopping to do on Friday morning as Yogi has suddenly gotten too tall for everyone of his 12 month pants.  This weekend holds a Coal Train Railroad concert at Parnassus Books AND a Super Bowl party!  I have not a clue about who will be playing, but I've heard there be food.  Count me in.

Here is a picture thought I'm sharing.... not incredibly practical (how many books could you really fit on those branches), but lovely.  

The Daybook January 26

Outside my window... I don't know what's going on.  One day it's 30 degrees and the next is 65.  This cannot be good. 

I am thinking.... that perhaps locusts are next.  Not really, but that is what came to mind. 

I am thankful.... for a woman named Christina Katz.  I'm thinking she's a genius and maybe even my new best friend. 

In the kitchen.... I am making my own buns.  Get out!!!  I can hardly believe it myself.  Tonight we will be eating burgers (from the book I was talking about last week) on Agave Wheat buns (recipe from the same book). 

I am wondering.... if Yogi will be speaking in full sentences by the end of the month.  I thought things were moving fast when he was coming out with a new word every day.  Now it seems like there's a handful. 

I am reading... The Art of Fielding by Chad Harbach.  I'm actually listening to it, but you know what I mean.  People (The NY Times) are comparing him to Jonathan Franzen, but I think the book is a little more accessible.  If you like a good character study and don't mind a little introspection (read: lots of narrative, less action), then this is another one to add to your list.  I'm on a real winning streak lately. 

I am looking forward to... hearing that my Dad can finally put these terrible shots behind him.  Fingers crossed for his appointment next week. 

I am hearing... an awful lot about Adele these days.  Thinking I need to check her out.  Also Mitt Romney.  Hearing LOTS and LOTS about Mitt Romney.  We keep NPR on in the mornings and some afternoons and I'm thinking Mitt might be Yogi's next word.  How will we all survive the next election? 

Around the house... I can't get the temperature right.  See above. 

One of my favorite things... at the moment is a show called Lie to Me.  Kate and I usually have a show that we watch (primarily on Netflix) and this is the one we're watching now.  It is fabulous and focused on Dr. Cal Lightman and his work as a deception expert.  Tim Roth plays Cal and I think he's captivating.  A downside to watching almost exclusively old shows is that you know that they get cancelled, but we're enjoying it while it lasts. 

A few plans for the rest of the week: Kate is home this weekend so great fun will be had by all.  I'm not sure what form that fun will take yet, but we'll figure it out.  So far the week has held a playgroup with a Chinese New Year theme (who thinks of this stuff?), lots of playtime with Muzzie and Grandpa and a handful of rainy walks.  Yogi has an 8am bagel and park date in the morning.  Looking forward to that! 

Here is a picture thought I'm sharing.... an oldie but a goodie.  Hard to believe that was almost a full year ago.

The Daybook January 19

Outside my window... it is January for sure.  There's no mistaking it. 

I am thinking...about purpose and discipline and making it happen. 

I am thankful...for this life. 

In the kitchen.... things are getting interesting.  I got the MOST FABULOUS cookbook for Christmas (thanks Kate!) and yesterday I bought Vital Wheat Gluten flour.  Watch out world!  More on that later.

 

I am creating...the best veggie burgers on the planet!  Obviously.  :) 

I am wondering.... why The Bachelor exerts an influence over me that I am powerless to resist.  It is SUCH a terrible show and yet....... I watch it. :(  At least it's not crack, right? 

I am reading... a book I've been saving for more than a year.  If you've been thinking about reading Let the Great World Spin by Colum McCann, don't wait another minute.  The man is a genius. 

I am looking forward to... the mailman.  I've got a book order on the way. 

I am hearing... the washing machine, the soundtrack of my life. 

Around the house... you may find a tiny train anywhere you look.  Deep within the produce drawer of the refrigerator, buried in the laundry basket, or maybe nestled inside an oven mitt.  It's an adventure. 

One of my favorite things... is watching Yogi arrange himself in his own chair with a book in one hand and his milk sippy waiting on the armrest. 

A few plans for the rest of the week: It's been a busy-ish week around here with Kate moonlighting at the hospital on Monday night and being on call this weekend.  The other Book Club Moms and I closed the bar Tuesday night (a fun discussion!) and earlier that day I found out that I don't have rheumatoid arthritis which (if you can believe it) had actually been a possibility.  Whew!  Tonight we're going out to dinner with Kate's colleagues and this weekend Yogi and I will be missing Mommy and looking for ways to keep ourselves entertained while she's at the hospital. 

Here is a picture thought I'm sharing....

The Daybook January 12

Outside my window... it is winter without a doubt.  They are even talking about snow this afternoon.  After the winter we had last year it's hard to believe that we've made it to January without so much as a snowflake.

I am thinking... about my novel.  Unfortunately, thinking is not the same as writing.

I am thankful... for guardrails.  Everyone is perfectly fine, but I swear our parents are going to worry us into an early grave.

In the kitchen.... I've been trying out some new soup recipes.  I'm in a warm and cozy kind of cooking groove.

I am creating... a mighty nice schedule for myself.  So far, so good with the early rising.

I am wondering.... why Yogi is quite capable of taking off his shoes in the car, but not in the house.

I am reading... (actually I just finished) It Looked Different on the Model by Laurie Notaro and it was hysterical. She's entirely new to me, but I checked her website and found out that she has 8 other books.    

I'll be finding those pronto!

I am looking forward to... a birthday dinner date with Kate this weekend.  We haven't decided on a restaurant just yet, but I'm thinking here or maybe here.    

I am hearing... all kinds of new words from Yogi.  There is a new one almost everyday.  Here's a run-down of what we've heard so far - Mama, Mommy, banana, ball, bubble, turtle, socks, no (sounds like nah, but we are SURE of what he's saying), and apple (bapple).

Around the house... we have a new addition!  Yogi got a train table for Christmas and he loves it.  Pictures soon.

One of my favorite things... is running in a light rain.  First of all, it's nice and misty which feels good, but my favorite part is leaving my glasses at home.  It makes the world a bit fuzzy.

A few plans for the rest of the week: a playdate at The Monkey Treehouse, another gathering of our neighborhood potluck group and a belated birthday dinner out.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing... meet our new playroom pillows!

The Daybook January 5

Outside my window.... it is a BEAUTIFUL day.  Bright and only a bit windy and much warmer than it's been lately. 

I am thinking...about goals and the year ahead and alarm clocks and  how to make time every day for writing. 

I am thankful.... for the rhythms of everyday life.  Growing up in the Episcopal church I remember always feeling a kind of glee when we got to Ordinary Time in the liturgical year.  I love Ordinary Time. :)

In the kitchen... life is getting back to normal.  Lots of our favorite dishes on the menu this week.  Tempeh Ettoufee, Roasted Carrot Soup, Kale and Quinoa Pilaf, and Farro with Roasted Mushrooms and Parmesan. 

I am wearing... jeans with quite a bit of flare (are these the Mom jeans of today?  I'm getting concerned, but not concerned enough to buy a pair of skinny jeans), a grey t-shirt and a maroon vest.

I am reading... writing blogs at the moment.  Writer's Digest just published their list of 2011's Top 10 Blogs for Writers.  There is a lot of good stuff here, but my favorites are:

StoryFix - Nuts and bolts advice on writing fiction and getting it published

Courage to Create - this guys tag line is "Writing a novel teaches you how to live a better life" - love him!

Cat's Eye Writer - For bloggers who write and writers who blog

I am looking forward to... the Montessori Open House this Sunday.  This will be the second school that we've checked out.  So much to learn.

I am hearing... a chattering Yogi and NPR.  One of my favorite combinations.

Around the house... not a sign of Christmas remains.  I wonder if Yogi misses the tree.

A few plans for the rest of the week.... Kate went back to work on Tuesday so we're getting back in the swing of things.  We spent the afternoon Monday at The Monkey's Treehouse and it was the perfect last hurrah for the holidays.  Yogi had a blast watching the big kids run around, honking the horn on the kiddie truck and discovering the wooden banana in the shortie kitchen.  We will definitely be back.  Yogi went back to school this morning and he was totally pumped, eager to see his teachers, his friends, and yeah....the toys.  This weekend we'll be celebrating Kate's birthday, so good times ahead!

One of my favorite things...my new VitaMix!!!!  Kate is a fabulous Santa.  :)

Here is a picture thought I am sharing... I found this on Pinterest and it suits my feelings about the new year.

The Daybook December 15

Outside my window.... it's dark.  The day has been rainy and unusually warm.  Highs in the 60's with only days until Christmas feels wrong.

I am thinking... about packing and the fact that I haven't had time for a shower yet today and how much I love the jambalaya recipe from the Peas and Thank You cookbook (that I talk about ALL the time).

I am thankful.... for the fact that as I type, Kate is emptying the dishwasher.

In the kitchen... you've got to watch out these days.  In addition to always having Yogi underfoot, we also have Yogi's toys underfoot.  Balls (some plastic and some wooden) and Magic Bullet paraphernalia and even a set of bongos.

I am wearing... old, comfy Adidas pants and a soft brown henley.  Ah lounge wear.....

I am reading... the most interesting book.  It's called Inside Scientology: The Story of America's Most Secretive Religion by Janet Reitman.  If you're fascinated by charismatic leaders who are possibly psychotically bipolar and certainly power crazed, you should read this book. 

I am looking forward to... meeting this little lady tomorrow.

I am hearing... the sound of Kate typing beside me and Top Chef: Texas in the background.

Around the house... all is tidy.  I spent the day getting the house ready for my early morning departure and the place looks fabulous.  Everything is ready for Yogi and Mommy weekend!

One of my favorite things... is this ice cream.  Be still my heart.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing...

Yogi and his friend doing their job as greeters at church last Sunday.  How funny are they?  They look like they're in a line-up.