It's Time!!!

Do you think it's time for a new camera?

I do!!!

Ugh...!!

Well, thanks to some friends we have a new camera and I'm taking lots of pictures!!! Here's just a sample of the late summer/early fall shots...

Things you did not expect upon turning 32...

Zits. Being happy it was a low key celebration. Being happy to wash dishes (cold in the shack - love the hot water!). Being loved so fiercely it makes you want to cry. Having 301 facebook friends wish you a happy birthday - LOL! Seeing your favorite QB in the enemy's jersey. Eating all kinds of veggies and healthy foods and liking it. Being in charge of someone else's medical needs and asserting yourself when it comes to their care - like an adult. Finding joy in wearing 2 pairs of socks. Honestly wishing for less stuff. Wanting to get married again to get a 2nd honeymoon =). Having 3 out of 4 grandparents still alive. Feeling weird when you go somewhere alone. The urge to be a better wife, mom, daughter, friend, Christian...

Not just in the big cities!

(I know I owe you a real blog post, but I couldn't resist sharing this one...)

I've heard of people/businesses doing non-motorized moves before, but it was always in big cities like Seattle, NYC, etc. Guess what? One of the local coffee shops in our 'burg' did it too! Read the story here... We had really wanted to attend, but we were busy for the first part and then it was dinner and shortly bedtime for the kids. It would have been cool for them to experience that, but that's life. I'm hoping this story inspires other people and small businesses though!

Monday is now renamed ZucchinDay (Zoo Kin Day)!

I have been so busy in the kitchen! I made zuke/choco chip muffins, zuke brownies and broccoli cheese soup (w/zuke!). Here's a pic of the soup - I hadn't added the cheese yet.

I also cut some fabric squares for another project I've been working on...soft flannel =) Don't get too excited, it's not for you, it's for me! Let's see, what else? I have so many plans of things to make on Mondays! There will be more to come!

Handmade

Last year I attempted to make a bunch of Christmas gifts and I will admit to not finishing them all! I hope to get them completed for this year (and those that didn't get some will get extra =)!) but I also hope to shop around for a few things that are handmade by others. I'm spreading the word - I found the 'button' to promote this idea on CrunchyChicken's blog. Are you going to be making any gifts this year? Any ideas of what you are going to make? Any thoughts about where you could find handmade goods to buy? (Besides etsy.com of course...) I'm always looking for ideas!

Consider this...

I just read an inspiring blog post from Tree Hugging Family's Jenny. Please take a moment and go read it...go on...I'll wait...

To me, the best part was the last number. So many people think they shouldn't bother doing anything 'green' b/c it isn't worth their effort. I disagree. I could give the whole, "If everyone did one small thing..." speech but that's old, right? Honestly, I think if you actually read what Jenny wrote, it should motivate you to do something, anything, to take action. Even if you just recycle your toilet paper tubes or give up the store bought bottled water. Me? I'm cooking up (sort of literally and sort of not literally!) all sorts of new ways to cut down on disposables and reduce waste in general. I'm feeling ready for a few new challenges! I am always grateful for people who are willing to talk about this topic and not judge. Our reasons for doing things like this might be different but inspiration can come from anywhere! I'll put the soapbox away now, I promise =)

Workout Wednesday (better know as bike your butt off!)

Today I let DW take the van and biked the kids to and from school. Two roundtrips = 8.4 miles! For Fabi, this is her 2nd time in the Burley trailer and she seems to love it. Thank goodness! She and Mo don't fight as much as Mo and Ayden did. That's not to say that they don't fight at all =) They're still siblings. The weather today was a bit unexpected - after a while of 75-80* temps and pure sunshine, it's cloudy and breezy. Like a real fall day! Hey, I can't complain, the laundry dries in both types of weather! I did write a little about today's workout on the other blog but not much. I didn't write about what I made this Monday b/c it is still a work in progress...but I will brag about my breakfast making skills! Today I managed to whip up some Wilke egg muffins in about 5 mins - totally surprising my hubby! He said, "Don't bother, there won't be time." But in the time it took him to comb his hair (*snicker*) I had one done! I need a breakfast super hero cape! I am so glad it's fall - my attitude has been improving greatly and I don't know why but I feel like I'm getting more done around here...that's a workout in of itself!