5 & Dime Couture

The international hobby of most girls: Shopping.

Dangerous. I know.

Unnecessary. That too. I am not supposed to be shopping for Like-to-Have or Wants. Only Necessities.

Today I stopped at a little local charity shop and walked away smiling. It was almost like the IKEA commercial...."Start the car! Start the car!"

Three birthday gifts for three teen nieces plus a couple little items for me.

Whoever thought that a little "hole in the wall" shop would produce high end, brand name and designer items, un-worn, two for the price of three and just waiting to come home with me!

Not one, but three, Juicy Couture handbags (for the nieces....they're a little too flashy for me). These little numbers had a price tag of $10...not bad compared to an original price tag of $198.

Then these vintage inspired mary jane shoes by Sofft jumped off the shelf and right on to my tootsies. Get this...they're not red! You all know I have a penchant for red shoes. To me, a red shoe is a neutral. Red shoes....have you not seen Chocolat? I love that movie. One of my all time favorites. Ummmm....am I off topic here?

Anyway, these retro-vibed cuties are black, Sofft, and fabulous! $5, never been worn compared to $98 original price. Where would a SAHM wear such sweet shoes? Why, in the kitchen of course! Just wait until I have sewn a sweet apron to complete the look.

SCORE!

Do you ever consignment shop? A favorite haunt?

Wouldn't be caught dead?

Now, promise me you'll keep my little secret. Shhhh! I'm a couture girl at 5 & Dime prices!

5 & Dime Couture

The international hobby of most girls: Shopping.

Dangerous. I know.

Unnecessary. That too. I am not supposed to be shopping for Like-to-Have or Wants. Only Necessities.

Today I stopped at a little local charity shop and walked away smiling. It was almost like the IKEA commercial...."Start the car! Start the car!"

Three birthday gifts for three teen nieces plus a couple little items for me.

Whoever thought that a little "hole in the wall" shop would produce high end, brand name and designer items, un-worn, two for the price of three and just waiting to come home with me!

Not one, but three, Juicy Couture handbags (for the nieces....they're a little too flashy for me). These little numbers had a price tag of $10...not bad compared to an original price tag of $198.

Then these vintage inspired mary jane shoes by Sofft jumped off the shelf and right on to my tootsies. Get this...they're not red! You all know I have a penchant for red shoes. To me, a red shoe is a neutral. Red shoes....have you not seen Chocolat? I love that movie. One of my all time favorites. Ummmm....am I off topic here?

Anyway, these retro-vibed cuties are black, Sofft, and fabulous! $5, never been worn compared to $98 original price. Where would a SAHM wear such sweet shoes? Why, in the kitchen of course! Just wait until I have sewn a sweet apron to complete the look.

SCORE!

Do you ever consignment shop? A favorite haunt?

Wouldn't be caught dead?

Now, promise me you'll keep my little secret. Shhhh! I'm a couture girl at 5 & Dime prices!

Vintage Sesame Street "Quilt"

At last! Bup's Sesame Street quilt...of sorts...is complete! I started this during the Olympics and haven't touched it until yesterday.

Before I get into the details, I have a burning question about sewing.

How in the dickens does one sew on a regular basis, pumping out projects, with children in the house? How do they do it? You know the ones, Disney, Lex, Sewing Dork, etc. Small children and creative, beautiful projects. (They must have girls!) Seems impossible to me. I take months to accomplish a half-a$$ed quilt that is low quality. At one point yesterday, Bup was sitting on my knee, sobbing his little heart out while W was making a bombshell out of Man's World ...only after he had ran the "accelerator" on my sewing machine.



Which brings me to my machine. It is a Brother. Circa 19old. I'm certain this explains the more than amateur sewing technique. Sometimes the stitches are accurate and sometimes they morph into goodness knows what and let me tell you that my eyes must be crooked as my sewing lines are too.




R's Sesame Street quilt is heavy. Don't ya just love a heavy blanket? It will also be cool & warm as it is all cotton. It is recycled, repurposed from 5 sheets. 4 all cotton sheets that my lovely grand-aunts in Kentucky had sent Mom over the years and the piece de resistance of the quilt is the front. A vintage Sesame Street top sheet that my favorite husband received at the age of 5yrs. His mom bought it while on holiday in Las Vegas.

It is sewn into a grid of large squares with satin blanket binding on each end, and cotton quilt binding on the sides. Nothing fancy. Just thoughtful, comfy, heavy and a vintage re-purpose.

What creative project are you working on?

I'm thinking of some others......but when? With my sewing skills? With my machine? Hmmmm.....still thinking....

Vintage Sesame Street "Quilt"

At last! Bup's Sesame Street quilt...of sorts...is complete! I started this during the Olympics and haven't touched it until yesterday.

Before I get into the details, I have a burning question about sewing.

How in the dickens does one sew on a regular basis, pumping out projects, with children in the house? How do they do it? You know the ones, Disney, Lex, Sewing Dork, etc. Small children and creative, beautiful projects. (They must have girls!) Seems impossible to me. I take months to accomplish a half-a$$ed quilt that is low quality. At one point yesterday, Bup was sitting on my knee, sobbing his little heart out while W was making a bombshell out of Man's World ...only after he had ran the "accelerator" on my sewing machine.



Which brings me to my machine. It is a Brother. Circa 19old. I'm certain this explains the more than amateur sewing technique. Sometimes the stitches are accurate and sometimes they morph into goodness knows what and let me tell you that my eyes must be crooked as my sewing lines are too.




R's Sesame Street quilt is heavy. Don't ya just love a heavy blanket? It will also be cool & warm as it is all cotton. It is recycled, repurposed from 5 sheets. 4 all cotton sheets that my lovely grand-aunts in Kentucky had sent Mom over the years and the piece de resistance of the quilt is the front. A vintage Sesame Street top sheet that my favorite husband received at the age of 5yrs. His mom bought it while on holiday in Las Vegas.

It is sewn into a grid of large squares with satin blanket binding on each end, and cotton quilt binding on the sides. Nothing fancy. Just thoughtful, comfy, heavy and a vintage re-purpose.

What creative project are you working on?

I'm thinking of some others......but when? With my sewing skills? With my machine? Hmmmm.....still thinking....

Purplelicious... Give Away

Check out Stephanie at Purplelicious for a fun kids give-a-way!

A fellow mom, Moe, of two boys has similar ones for her two boys and they seem to use them quite often.

What do you think? Distraction during dinner prep? Keep the learning momentum going throughout summer? Older child "teaching" the younger sibling?

Speaking of Purplelicious.....stop by to check out many vegan, healthy and yummy recipes. Stephanie's recipes are user friendly, with common ingredients and most of all family friendly. You can't beat that!

(Pic courtesy of Purplelicious)

Purplelicious... Give Away

Check out Stephanie at Purplelicious for a fun kids give-a-way!

A fellow mom, Moe, of two boys has similar ones for her two boys and they seem to use them quite often.

What do you think? Distraction during dinner prep? Keep the learning momentum going throughout summer? Older child "teaching" the younger sibling?

Speaking of Purplelicious.....stop by to check out many vegan, healthy and yummy recipes. Stephanie's recipes are user friendly, with common ingredients and most of all family friendly. You can't beat that!

(Pic courtesy of Purplelicious)

IPP Day

Another IPP behind us today.

No surprises. Yay!

The sweetness of today's meeting? Yes, there can be sweetness in an IPP! Hearing the OT chuckle and comment that W is such an amazing kid....that no other child has ever gotten 12 out of 12 on the cutting section of the MFUN assessment. (woot! woot!)

W's Top 10! Oh! My heart has warmed and floweth over as I read this list compiled by W's miracle-working SNA. Miss C has done more than assist and teach W. She has captured his essence. She is a God-send. We are so grateful to have had her in our lives and will be so sad to see her go in the middle of June when school ends.

PUF- still waiting the results as to whether funding is awarded for next year. However, the last sentence of the psychologist's letter included..."severe behavioral...recommends further funding." SOOOOOO....here's hoping!

I know some people in our personal lives will negate the behavioral aspect, but it's there...and very real, which has been evident since Sunday. We're still reeling from the effects of eating "contraband food" and just settling back into routine after a weekend away. The extreme emotions, "super-fast engine", tears, anger, tantrums, not able to listen or sit still are side effects of consuming food that's on the allergic list for W. These behaviors and emotions affect all in our family....W, Bup, B & me....teachers and friends. It's hard. Hard on W and so not fair. I can't wait until tomorrow when it's a new day, and another day of detoxing from the contraband foods.

School....whoever thought the idea and choice of kindergarten would be so stressful! Is the private kindergarten with small class size, therapists on staff, geographically close in our neighborhood the right choice? Would a regular public school with large class size, no support and in our community be the better choice because it's real? Not the utopia of private school? I DON'T KNOW. The pros and cons do not help me at this point. So far, we are going with private. Here's hoping it's the right decision.

There's the IPP in a nut shell. Sweet and predictable all in one. And that, as Martha would say, "Is a good thing."

IPP Day

Another IPP behind us today.

No surprises. Yay!

The sweetness of today's meeting? Yes, there can be sweetness in an IPP! Hearing the OT chuckle and comment that W is such an amazing kid....that no other child has ever gotten 12 out of 12 on the cutting section of the MFUN assessment. (woot! woot!)

W's Top 10! Oh! My heart has warmed and floweth over as I read this list compiled by W's miracle-working SNA. Miss C has done more than assist and teach W. She has captured his essence. She is a God-send. We are so grateful to have had her in our lives and will be so sad to see her go in the middle of June when school ends.

PUF- still waiting the results as to whether funding is awarded for next year. However, the last sentence of the psychologist's letter included..."severe behavioral...recommends further funding." SOOOOOO....here's hoping!

I know some people in our personal lives will negate the behavioral aspect, but it's there...and very real, which has been evident since Sunday. We're still reeling from the effects of eating "contraband food" and just settling back into routine after a weekend away. The extreme emotions, "super-fast engine", tears, anger, tantrums, not able to listen or sit still are side effects of consuming food that's on the allergic list for W. These behaviors and emotions affect all in our family....W, Bup, B & me....teachers and friends. It's hard. Hard on W and so not fair. I can't wait until tomorrow when it's a new day, and another day of detoxing from the contraband foods.

School....whoever thought the idea and choice of kindergarten would be so stressful! Is the private kindergarten with small class size, therapists on staff, geographically close in our neighborhood the right choice? Would a regular public school with large class size, no support and in our community be the better choice because it's real? Not the utopia of private school? I DON'T KNOW. The pros and cons do not help me at this point. So far, we are going with private. Here's hoping it's the right decision.

There's the IPP in a nut shell. Sweet and predictable all in one. And that, as Martha would say, "Is a good thing."

High School Reunion

An "Old School" long weekend.

Old Friends, old memories, new memories, new laughs, maybe even a new friend or two...

It was great. Easier than I expected.

Yes, there were nerves involved. Well, I'm not the cute little 18yr old I once was and that is nerve wracking. Expectations right? Mostly mine.

Sharing laughter, a few tears, seeing everyone's spouses and children...the kids! Genetics are amazing. I love that my boys were able to play with old friend's children and start new friendships. What a gift.

Despite the monsoon, hurricane winds and cold temperatures a good time was had by all and this morning one son was asking if we could drive to "the Hall". So, it wasn't just me that had a good time!

As a group we remembered those class mates we have lost. Too many. Too young.

Alex

Glen

Dwayne

and Trent.

Still heartbreaking. Still hurts. Still remembered. Still loved and still missed.

Hopefully, we will all gather again....before another 20 years pass and there are more people to remember and miss.

High School Reunion

An "Old School" long weekend.

Old Friends, old memories, new memories, new laughs, maybe even a new friend or two...

It was great. Easier than I expected.

Yes, there were nerves involved. Well, I'm not the cute little 18yr old I once was and that is nerve wracking. Expectations right? Mostly mine.

Sharing laughter, a few tears, seeing everyone's spouses and children...the kids! Genetics are amazing. I love that my boys were able to play with old friend's children and start new friendships. What a gift.

Despite the monsoon, hurricane winds and cold temperatures a good time was had by all and this morning one son was asking if we could drive to "the Hall". So, it wasn't just me that had a good time!

As a group we remembered those class mates we have lost. Too many. Too young.

Alex

Glen

Dwayne

and Trent.

Still heartbreaking. Still hurts. Still remembered. Still loved and still missed.

Hopefully, we will all gather again....before another 20 years pass and there are more people to remember and miss.

Baby Bup is 3!"

Three I say. Three. How can this be?

He's loving being three. "I'm free!"

What has three brought so far?

- attempting toilet-training..."I don't like the toiyet. I cared." But he sure likes "mackpack" of Toy Story underwear and the stickers and high fives he earns!

- new sayings like, "I just kidding. I say Stu not stupid. Oh, that's nice. Yook at that cool car. Oooooo...pooky ghost. I ghost. and the cuteness goes on...."

- wearing a size 5. Yikes! He's shorter than his older brother but that's it.

- pedaling a tricyle....running and dragging the scooter behind him

- loving the garden...likes to see the "wormans" (thank you Backyardigans)

- movie/TV tastes? Carebears, Backyardigans, Iron Giant, Wonder Pets, Super Why, etc

- books...any & all

- music....the ABC song, Twinkle, Twinkle and "Pum" ( The Little Drummer Boy....gawd I am tired of that song!)

- sporting an Astro Boy hairstyle and only cried at the end of the appointment because he thinks they are going to cut him. "Don't (sob) cut (sob) me (sob)!"

- still loves to "wuggle" and especially when there is a "kiki" (blanket) involved...likes to hold the corner of his kiki in his hands while he is falling asleep, Oh & remember to keep the door open, even if just a crack...took his smart parents months to figure this out.

- foodie.....lots. carboholic...cucumbers...broccoli....fruit....steak....circle toast....and anything contraband.

- dislikes....having his hair washed, combed, face washed, having to drink from a glass, and listening to his mother.

- favorites....anything his brother has done first..."don't copy me Bup!"

- and is just do darn cute and edible I can hardly stand it. Mr. 3.

Baby Bup is 3!"

Three I say. Three. How can this be?

He's loving being three. "I'm free!"

What has three brought so far?

- attempting toilet-training..."I don't like the toiyet. I cared." But he sure likes "mackpack" of Toy Story underwear and the stickers and high fives he earns!

- new sayings like, "I just kidding. I say Stu not stupid. Oh, that's nice. Yook at that cool car. Oooooo...pooky ghost. I ghost. and the cuteness goes on...."

- wearing a size 5. Yikes! He's shorter than his older brother but that's it.

- pedaling a tricyle....running and dragging the scooter behind him

- loving the garden...likes to see the "wormans" (thank you Backyardigans)

- movie/TV tastes? Carebears, Backyardigans, Iron Giant, Wonder Pets, Super Why, etc

- books...any & all

- music....the ABC song, Twinkle, Twinkle and "Pum" ( The Little Drummer Boy....gawd I am tired of that song!)

- sporting an Astro Boy hairstyle and only cried at the end of the appointment because he thinks they are going to cut him. "Don't (sob) cut (sob) me (sob)!"

- still loves to "wuggle" and especially when there is a "kiki" (blanket) involved...likes to hold the corner of his kiki in his hands while he is falling asleep, Oh & remember to keep the door open, even if just a crack...took his smart parents months to figure this out.

- foodie.....lots. carboholic...cucumbers...broccoli....fruit....steak....circle toast....and anything contraband.

- dislikes....having his hair washed, combed, face washed, having to drink from a glass, and listening to his mother.

- favorites....anything his brother has done first..."don't copy me Bup!"

- and is just do darn cute and edible I can hardly stand it. Mr. 3.

Second to None

My little Free Eating boy is often requesting "hot dogs".

Oh-oh....sad, aren't they a childhood experience? Just not an option for our family.....until today!

All natural, all beef hot dogs with no fillers, no msg,natural casing and a very, very low dose of nitrates. I'm so excited! So is W! The staff here are phenomenal as they offered to make us any type of sausage we prefer and will do so with no nitrates too..."just provide a list of what we can and cannot have". This is life changing!

So, hello hot dogs, hello regular camping meals...HELLO!

To all my vegan, cow loving friends....sorry, tofurkey just doesn't cut it for us. Too much soy, too much wheat, too much stuff. We'll repent somehow.

Second to None

My little Free Eating boy is often requesting "hot dogs".

Oh-oh....sad, aren't they a childhood experience? Just not an option for our family.....until today!

All natural, all beef hot dogs with no fillers, no msg,natural casing and a very, very low dose of nitrates. I'm so excited! So is W! The staff here are phenomenal as they offered to make us any type of sausage we prefer and will do so with no nitrates too..."just provide a list of what we can and cannot have". This is life changing!

So, hello hot dogs, hello regular camping meals...HELLO!

To all my vegan, cow loving friends....sorry, tofurkey just doesn't cut it for us. Too much soy, too much wheat, too much stuff. We'll repent somehow.

Green & Lovin' Him

Our little man requested a green birthday with five cakes. Who are we to deny this blue-eyed boy's request?

Today, we had a little party for our little man. It was just the right size for an almost three year old. Not to mention for his parents as well! Birthday parties are busy, fun, exciting, and tiring.

Bup's highlight was blowing out the candles. "More fire, please." They were relit many times and finally the cake was consumed until all five have disappeared.

Green & Lovin' Him

Our little man requested a green birthday with five cakes. Who are we to deny this blue-eyed boy's request?

Today, we had a little party for our little man. It was just the right size for an almost three year old. Not to mention for his parents as well! Birthday parties are busy, fun, exciting, and tiring.

Bup's highlight was blowing out the candles. "More fire, please." They were relit many times and finally the cake was consumed until all five have disappeared.

A Weekend of Celebrations

Four birthday parties in one weekend. Whew!

Unfortunately, the camera was not in use for all events.

Some of the highlights include a flip-tastic partay for a special little 8yr old. W's shyness surprised me....although it shouldn't have.....but he was content and calm so it was a huge success.

If you have gymnast kids in your midst, this is the place to check out for a out of home party.

Then we moved on to a dear friend's 40th surprise bday party. No pics here! Lots of laughs and a night out with my favorite husband. A sweet Saturday night.

Which lead into a busy Sunday to celebrate our Bup's upcoming 3rd birthday. Three!!

"I'm free. Ah want a green birfday with five cakes!" So, a green birthday with five cakes it is!

A Weekend of Celebrations

Four birthday parties in one weekend. Whew!

Unfortunately, the camera was not in use for all events.

Some of the highlights include a flip-tastic partay for a special little 8yr old. W's shyness surprised me....although it shouldn't have.....but he was content and calm so it was a huge success.

If you have gymnast kids in your midst, this is the place to check out for a out of home party.

Then we moved on to a dear friend's 40th surprise bday party. No pics here! Lots of laughs and a night out with my favorite husband. A sweet Saturday night.

Which lead into a busy Sunday to celebrate our Bup's upcoming 3rd birthday. Three!!

"I'm free. Ah want a green birfday with five cakes!" So, a green birthday with five cakes it is!

Saturday Savior

Shhhhhh......it's 7am.

The house is quiet. Messy,but quiet.

The children are sleeping....all snuggled up together....in one little red race car bed... with an angel xmas-tree topper on as their night light.

I can hear birds singing, there is no TV on, no voices other than the ones in my head, and an iced diet coke by my side.

Ahhhh...a heavenly start to the weekend!

Saturday Savior

Shhhhhh......it's 7am.

The house is quiet. Messy,but quiet.

The children are sleeping....all snuggled up together....in one little red race car bed... with an angel xmas-tree topper on as their night light.

I can hear birds singing, there is no TV on, no voices other than the ones in my head, and an iced diet coke by my side.

Ahhhh...a heavenly start to the weekend!

Finally!!

Okay, you all, it's no secret that since we went to a Free Eating regime, my baking S*^CKS! I've found it really difficult to use different flours, no sugar and have baking turn out moist, tasty and not dry as chalk.

Try and whistle after consuming some powdery rice bread....I dare ya!

Last night I put together two recipes found in Eating for Autism and finally, F-I-N-A-L-LY, I have succeeded in making two kinds of muffins that my family enjoys.

Hot damn & Hallelujah! (Can you hear the angels singing??)

Two you ask? Well, yes! I was practising for Bup's upcoming third birthday...3!!....and also a special birthday cake for W as he is attending a birthday party on Saturday and he will have his own special little cake so that he can join in the eating portion of the festivities.

Now to master an icing or frosting. Until then, here's the successful recipes:

Carrot Cake

1 cup GF flour mix (or brown rice flour)

1/2 cup canola oil (I used coconut oil)

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp baking soda

2 tsp GF baking powder

1/2 tsp Guar gum

1/2 cup carrot

1/2 cup zucchini

1/2 cup agave nectar (or honey)
2 eggs

1 tsp vanilla

1/2 tsp cinnamon.

Preheat oven to 350. Lightly grease a 9in pan.

In a med bowl combine flour and oil. Stir briefly. Add remaining ingredients and stir well. Batter will thicken with mixing. Spread in the prepared pan. Bake for 30-35 min until a toothpick test comes out as clean.

Double Chocolate Muffins

3/4 cup GF flour mixture

1/2 cup canola oil

1/3 cup cocoa

1/2 cup applesauce, unsweetened

1/2 cup agave (or honey)

1 tsp vanilla

2 eggs

1 tsp GF baking powder

1 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp guar gum

`1/2 tsp salt

1 cup GFCF semisweet chocolate chips or carob chips

Preheat oven to 350. Place muffin liners in muffin tins.

In a mixing bowl, combine flour and oil. Mix well. Add the remaining ingredients, except chips and mix well. Batter will thicken as it is beaten. Fold in the chips.

Divide batter among 12 liners. Bake for approximately 17-21 min until a toothpick inserted tests clean.

By the way...as I write this only one carrot muffin still exists. Hello W!

This morning when I asked Bup if he would like a muffin, he vibrated with excitement and exclaimed with great fervor, while dancing in one spot, "A muffin!! Just yike Moween's howse! Muffin!"

Finally!!

Okay, you all, it's no secret that since we went to a Free Eating regime, my baking S*^CKS! I've found it really difficult to use different flours, no sugar and have baking turn out moist, tasty and not dry as chalk.

Try and whistle after consuming some powdery rice bread....I dare ya!

Last night I put together two recipes found in Eating for Autism and finally, F-I-N-A-L-LY, I have succeeded in making two kinds of muffins that my family enjoys.

Hot damn & Hallelujah! (Can you hear the angels singing??)

Two you ask? Well, yes! I was practising for Bup's upcoming third birthday...3!!....and also a special birthday cake for W as he is attending a birthday party on Saturday and he will have his own special little cake so that he can join in the eating portion of the festivities.

Now to master an icing or frosting. Until then, here's the successful recipes:

Carrot Cake

1 cup GF flour mix (or brown rice flour)

1/2 cup canola oil (I used coconut oil)

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp baking soda

2 tsp GF baking powder

1/2 tsp Guar gum

1/2 cup carrot

1/2 cup zucchini

1/2 cup agave nectar (or honey)
2 eggs

1 tsp vanilla

1/2 tsp cinnamon.

Preheat oven to 350. Lightly grease a 9in pan.

In a med bowl combine flour and oil. Stir briefly. Add remaining ingredients and stir well. Batter will thicken with mixing. Spread in the prepared pan. Bake for 30-35 min until a toothpick test comes out as clean.

Double Chocolate Muffins

3/4 cup GF flour mixture

1/2 cup canola oil

1/3 cup cocoa

1/2 cup applesauce, unsweetened

1/2 cup agave (or honey)

1 tsp vanilla

2 eggs

1 tsp GF baking powder

1 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp guar gum

`1/2 tsp salt

1 cup GFCF semisweet chocolate chips or carob chips

Preheat oven to 350. Place muffin liners in muffin tins.

In a mixing bowl, combine flour and oil. Mix well. Add the remaining ingredients, except chips and mix well. Batter will thicken as it is beaten. Fold in the chips.

Divide batter among 12 liners. Bake for approximately 17-21 min until a toothpick inserted tests clean.

By the way...as I write this only one carrot muffin still exists. Hello W!

This morning when I asked Bup if he would like a muffin, he vibrated with excitement and exclaimed with great fervor, while dancing in one spot, "A muffin!! Just yike Moween's howse! Muffin!"

The Lost Generation

Read it and weep...or cheer!

My sweet, funny, feisty little sister-in-law sent this to me today and I just had to share.

What was your response? At first I was shocked...and then ready to cheer and get up and take action.

The Lost Generation

Read it and weep...or cheer!

My sweet, funny, feisty little sister-in-law sent this to me today and I just had to share.

What was your response? At first I was shocked...and then ready to cheer and get up and take action.

An Aspiring Momma

Oh, Mother's Day.

It's come and gone....yet resonating in my mind.

I spent it recovering from a week at "home", attending my grandmother's funeral, and driving 5 hours with my favorite sister...an amazing mother whom I admire and aspire to be like.

This Mother's Day I learned more about my grandmother and my mother's up-bringing...raised in poverty by a determined single mother....and a little about how good I've got it as a mother. Despite all my winging and complaining....I am living the "gravy life" (as my dear brother calls it) compared to my grandmother and even my mother.

Can you imagine at 22 marrying a much older man, who had four kids, three of which he adopted...a city girl moving to a farm? That is my mother's story. Some of it, anyway.

I do have it good! Very, very good.

As an example of how good I have it....upon arriving home Sunday evening...dinner was on the go, wine poured (from a bottle labelled "Mommy's Time Out"), a candle burning on the table (except for the three times the boys blew it out), a sweet little card, and a trip to the "movie store" for a family movie, popcorn with butter and a snuggle with each boy at bedtime. Low key, sweet, thoughtful and wonderful....just what this momma needed.

Tell me about your Mother's Day. Was there a surprise for you?

And....as an aspiring Momma....this gal has hit it on the head for me. This is what I aspire for myself as a mother.