catching up

Okay, so I didn't mean to slip out the back door like that. First was Alfredo's birthday party and then before we knew it we were on a plane to California. And then the red-eye back home.

So, let's see if we can do a little catch up...

Alfredo's birthday party was so much fun. We did the party at his Little Gym and it was the best decision ever. The team kept him and everyone else well entertained. This was my favorite part...

They put him smack in the middle of the giant parachute and everyone spun it around while they sang "Happy Birthday" and then they shook it. He had the biggest smile on his face the whole time and it was so touching to me that I had to fight back the tears. It was just magical.

After playing in the gym for an hour, we had cupcakes and treats...

Remember those lollipops? We also made tiny dinosaurs for the cupcakes and big ones for the plate. It was a bit of overkill but we were having so much fun making them that it was hard to stop. (The chocolate molds are from here)

It was a really great day.

Then we were off to California. Alfredo spent a lot of time with his family and it was wonderful. He really misses his papa.

I did quite a bit of work on the next issue. I can't wait for you to see...seriously! But we took a break on Friday to go on an excursion. The weather was a perfect 70 degrees, sunny and beautiful. We drove to Bodega Bay, where the film The Birds was filmed.

With birds on our minds when we saw this weird bird sunning himself on a fence post, we just had to take a picture...

So imagine me with the window of the car just cracked enough to take this picture because I'm actually a bit freaked out...and then just after I snapped the picture, another huge bird flew in and landed on the post beside him. Oh boy, did I freak out. These birds were less than 10 feet away from our car. I was so freaked out that when we got to Bodega Bay I couldn't make myself get out of the car. It's so silly but I seriously thought these birds were going to "get me"! Rich and I laughed ourselves silly.

I finally talked myself out the car and had no problems at all with any flying creatures. But just looking at that freaky bird gets me all over again.

dino birthday party

We're working on the treat bags for Alfredo's birthday party and just look what we're elbow deep into around here...

Dinosaur lollies! 

We also made some dinosaur chocolates to go on the cupcakes. Fun fun!

More on the dinosaur party tomorrow...

you can't beat a beet...

I love beets. I really do. But when I think of the mess of preparing them (and the fact that Rich won't even touch them if they land on his plate) I don't eat them enough.

That's why when I spotted these

at my grocery store, I was so excited.

And then I had them for lunch one day. It was the most beautiful plate...a little cottage cheese, some interesting whole grain crackers, and these beets (Sweetfire). Let me just say I have been thinking of them ever since. Not everybody is a beet person but if you are, look for Love Beets at your store.

Besides this little unsolicited endorsement, I also wanted to pop in to let you know that my dad is at home (since last Thursday) and he's doing so well. It will take at least 3 months before he can walk or drive but he's doing really, really well. His spirits are high and he's amazing at hopping around (with a walker).

Land of the dinosaurs!

 Do you want to see Alfredo's new Dinosaur Room?

 Alfredo is way into dinosaurs and has been for a while. But just in case this is a passing phase, this theme can be changed fairly easily.

I bought these dinosaur decals from Amazon...the three big ones plus a set of small ones. I think the total was about $50 for all of them. But that was just about the only expense in this update.

The walls were already painted with the sky and hills from when we first prepared this room. Remember?
I wanted to keep the scallop edge along the top of the walls but quite a few of them were wilting and coming off. Maybe I'll add more someday.

 I picked up this super cute trunk from Ikea yesterday. Sometimes Alfredo has a little trouble at night. I told him to fill the trunk with things that he thinks will help him fall asleep at night. We tried it last night and I think it worked. He only popped in our room once and that was to say he thought of something he wanted to add to his room...a volcano!

 This sweet vintage bed used to sport bird finials (they were so cute!) but for his new room he needed dinosaurs. These 4 were from the dollar bin at Michael's. I just glued them to a wooden disk and then to the bed but they can be removed when the theme changes.

 He doesn't really play in his room...it's more for quiet time, naps and bedtime so there aren't a lot of toys in here.

I think we do need a bigger bookshelf. I have an old one that needs a fresh coat of paint.

And even though it's filled with scary dinosaurs...

I do think it's turning out to be rather sweet.

invitation and a new camera

Last week Alfredo and I set up a little scene with a birthday dinosaur and Club Little House miniatures for a little photo shoot for his birthday invitation. Isn't it cute? As soon as he wakes up from his nap, we're off to the post office to put stamps on these babies and send them on their way. 

And guess what...I got a new camera for Christmas!

I've had the same old one for years and years and really needed an update. I don't know a whole lot about photography so I wanted to stick with a point and shoot. Whenever I looked for a new one, I would go away so confused and frustrated. Finally, I just asked Rich to research and pick one for me.

I'm just fiddling around with it, learning all about it and seeing how it compares to my ancient one. I snapped a few dozen just now of this sneak peek at something I'm working on for the magazine. Something about them just doesn't "feel" like my photos...you know what I mean? And I don't like to read manuals...I'm a button pusher. Only something tells me this old dog is going to have to break down and read at least a few pages.

so, how are you anyway?

1. I'm super busy organizing the next issue of the magazine. I think you're going to love it.
2. My father is doing so well. We're hoping he'll come home this week. Thank you so much for your prayers. Alfredo and I are going for a visit later this week.
3. Alfredo's 4th birthday (can you believe it?!) is just around the corner. Invitations go out today and he's excited about going to the post office and putting a stamp on each one. Isn't it wonderful the little things that are exciting to an almost four year old?
4. I didn't mention it here when it happened but Alfredo's father moved back to California late summer. We're heading out for a visit in a couple of weeks and Alfredo is really excited. 
5. I'm planning an update for Alfredo's room. Hopefully in the next couple of weeks. 
6. I've had a single wall taped up and ready to paint with chalkboard paint for over a month. It's time to do that, I'd say.

That's me these days... Busy. Happy. A little tired. A little behind. Grateful.

How are you?

Happy New Year

Hello, 2011!

What gifts will I unwrap this year? 

 What gifts will I give? 

What will I learn about love in 2011?

What will I teach?

How will I be tested?

Will I emerge stronger? 

I pray my eyes will be open to all the new & wondrous things this year offers.

I pray my heart will be tuned to the truth. 

I pray that with each day I will grow into someone better, happier, worthier of God's great love & grace.

And, when I fail,

in small and big ways,

may I feel the hands of God in my life, 

may I find the way back to the path of my life, and 

May I always be open to His will. 

2011

{the year I turn 40}

bring it on.