A Very Bloggy Birthday

Yesterday, I returned home from a Doctor's appt. where they drew 5 vials of my precious blood. This is always a big production for me since my family's veins are hard to find. I get stuck at least 3 or 4 times before they hit pay dirt (or is that pay blood?) and by the end I am nauseous and tired.

However, as I drove up to our house after the appt I saw this on my front porch.


Yes...all of those packages,
every single one of them,
was a belated birthday gift for me
from a blog reader.
Sigh.
I love you guys.

Emily gave me a orange Britta water pitcher, a cool orange liquid soap from Bath & Body Works, Peanut Butter M&Ms (my fave) and an adorable card.




Ellen (yay for new friends!) sent me this book, which I used to own and it got lost. I loooove this book and am so happy to have it back again. And Ellen got me a way nicer version than my first copy.


Tracy (my wonderful Canadian friend) sent me a fabulous little book called ABC NYC. If you love photography and have kids you simply must get it. Although this copy is for me...not my kids. And she also sent a remote control for my Canon. No more outstretched arm photos!!! Well, fewer anyways.

And finally, I sent myself a quilting jellyroll of Amy Butler fabric. Hey! I read my own blog too! And boy, am I ever witty and hilarious! Just kidding. I am started a local sewing circle with my friend Jenny Lemmons and this will be my first project!


I truly have the best bloggies in the entire world!

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Stress Test Flunkie

Once I was tested for TMJ (jaw) problems and they made me take this stress test about life changes in the past two years. I scored off of the charts for stress then so I decided to take it again this week.

Here is the breakdown of stress levels based on score...

• 0-149 Low susceptibility to stress-related illness
• 150-299 Medium susceptibility to stress-related illness. Learn and practice relaxation and stress management skills and a healthy well life style.
• 300 and over High susceptibility to stress-related illness. Daily practice of relaxation skills is very important for your wellness. Take care of it now before a serious illness erupts or an affliction becomes worse.

My score was.....
wait for it...
wait for it...



754
Wowza!
Can you beat me in amount of stress?
Take the test by clicking here and see.
Make sure to share your score in the comments.

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Noah Flying High

This is one of my all time favorite photos ever.
I captured it with a dinky little point and shoot.
And every time I look at it,
I feel like I have mad photography skills.



As I am working on upping my photo taking skills
I have stumbled upon a photography challenge site that
is pretty cool called I ♥ Faces.
So this is my entry for this week's challenge.

Check out the I ♥ Faces blog by clicking below.

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encyclopedia of me - W

Wallace and Gromit - This is one of those things that you like to think you were a pioneer in. Like I was cool before my time....and in this case, it is true. I went to England when I was 19 and fell in love with Wallace and Gromit long before it hit the US. And I tried to explain it to people, but nobody really got it. Now everybody gets it and it makes me happy. The best one will always be The Wrong Trousers. Hilarious!

Wedding Ring - I don't wear a wedding ring. This is not because I don't love my husband or a sign of a secret bar-hopping habit where I try and pick up on guys while moonlighting as a single woman on the prowl. The reason is, it hasn't fit for the past few years. Initially I took it off because I lost a lot of weight and it fell off my finger one day. I put it in a box and figured I would get it re-sized. Then, I gained back all of the weight and more. Now I can't wear it because it's too small. But I really don't miss it that much. I don't feel the need for a visual reminder of my vows and I don't care if people know I am married. And yes, that is my wedding ring.

Writer - I have always wanted to be a writer. Since my earliest memory when grown-ups asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up I would always answer, a poet. And nothing has changed. Words thrill and delight me. They are intriguing and exciting and powerful. I simply must write or I cannot be.

Wood, Grant - My favorite artist. I first fell in love with him while living in Iowa, the epicenter of Grant Wood love. There is something magical and ethereal about the way he portrays otherwise mundane farming tasks that all at once reminds me of and also transcends the heart of Iowa. My least favorite painting is the very famous American Gothic and one of my all time best pet peeves is when people credit the couple in American Gothic to be a Husband and Wife....when they are actually a Father and his daughter. My favorite painting is Young Corn.

Whip It by Devo - I adore this song. And truly, it finds its way onto every single mix tape I make, no matter what the topic.
Break up tape = Whip It!
Upbeat Cleaning CD = Whip It!
One hit wonders of the 80's mix = Whip It!
Dance mix = Whip It!
See? It's the universal mix tape song. I cannot stay still or silent during this song. I dance, a sing, I crack that whip!

The Wonder Years - A show I grew up with and whose cultural and social significance I did not understand until my adulthood. It is funny and true and universal. It is simply one of the best television series there ever was. I totally cried during the episode when Wayne's High School friend comes back from Vietnam and cannot adjust to normal life again. Someday, I will buy the entire dvd set and watch it all from beginning to end.

(you can read more of my encyclopedia here.)

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on girlfriends

I never knew how good they could be.

I am one of those girls who always had guy friends, especially in College...I seemed to relate to them, feel comfortable around them and enjoyed the drama-free aspect that friendships with guys almost always allows.

It wasn't until after my move to Clearfield, Utah that I first came to understand the true and overwhelming benefits of having a great group of girlfriends. I suppose it started with weekly Playgroup. During the first week Ella went on a hitting rampage, clocking every little boy in sight without provocation. And the other Mommies did not judge me, instead I asked for help and insight on how to handle this new hitting issue. And of course, we shared pointers, birthing stories, gossip, canned-formula recommendations and all of the other mundane topics which bring Mommies together. But the point was...it brought us together. Soon I relied on these Mommies for advice, understanding, laughs, deep discussions, light banter and a listening ear. And somewhere between those days, 2 years ago, and now I have become down right dependant on having a circle of amazing women to call my friends.



I spent some time with three of them last night to celebrate my birthday. These fabulous girls drove through the blinding rain to spend an evening with me. We waded in polite conversation for the majority of the night...introducing friends from scrapping world and church world. But in my mind, I see a day when we meet at a local restaurant and laugh until we pee our pants as we swap slightly irreverent stories about our lives and the sometimes hilarious mishaps of motherhood.

To all of my fabulous besties in PA and abroad...thanks!

Why do you think Girlfriends are so great?

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free spirit

Ella dressed herself yesterday and it was quite a colorful outfit. She then proceeded to pose for photos like a model. And "models don't smile" she informed me.(see left photo)

The center photo is what we like to call "High School Musical".Zach Efron would be proud.

That pose on the far right is a very hip and cutting edgeflamingo stance which she learned from Kate Moss.

We're off to a museum and a toddler birthday party today.
Then some much needed grocery shopping and finally....
my Girls' Night Out with my PA besties.
Pointy-toed high heels required.

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FREE Museum Day on Sept 26th!

My friend Julie has recently inspired me to become a freebie/coupon Jedi.

In my quest I found this great freebie Museum day.

Mark your calendars! September 26, 2009 is National Museum Day and each family can go here to download an admission card which will give you two free admissions to hundreds of museums nationwide.

Go here to see a list of participating museums and then go here to print your free pass.

I think we'll be visiting the Lancaster Heritage Center Museum or the Lancaster Museum of Art.

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this & that thursday

i wonder why adults are trained to be so secretive about their birthdays?
someone was chatting online with me and when it hit 12:01am
on my birthday i stopped chatting to scream, "it's my birthday!!!"

i say: let the joy of childhood birthdays be alive in us even now.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .



i trolled online fabric stores all evening yesterday....
yes, sewing projects are afoot.
i am definitely looking into quilting jelly rolls.
sounds tasty, but it's actually a great quilting time-saver!
or is that cheating?

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

the girls each got 4 shots yesterday.
i did not go over too well and i actually had to restrain
ella with all of my might. the doctor and nurses
kept saying what a great job I had done.
i don't get it...do other moms melt down and
sob uncontrollably when their kids get shots?

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

if i were skinny i would wear this.
with these shoes.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

I have decided to sell my scrapping stuff here instead of a yard sale.
Look for upcoming scrap packs and tools at rock bottom prices!

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Birthday Follow-Up

Okay...so you all know the birthday itself kind of struggled, however....

- My wonderful husband made dinner (a gift unto itself).
- Ella planned an orange birthday cake for me and helped her Daddy make it.
- The girls picked out a very flowery old-lady birthday card and doodled and drew on the inside.
It made my ♥ melt.
- I got a birthday postcard from my State Representative...in Delaware. LOL! That's a keeper!


A few of you have emailed and asked about which presents I received. Drumroll please.....none! Not even one. LOL! But it's okay because we're trying to save up for a car and I still have my fun girls' night this weekend. That Amazon.com wishlist doesn't make things magically materialize...who knew? I am leaving it up on my sidebar and maybe the magic will work around Christmas.

And I also have to mention that we have a family tradition where we go around the dinner table and each person says what they love about the birthday boy/girl. And there is nothing more wonderful than to hear the people I love most expressing heartfelt appreciation for who I am and what I do for them. Could any gift be better than that?

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l.o.l.

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Coo Coo Ca Choo...I'm Thirtry-Two!

Whew! Yesterday aside, it is always exciting for me to begin a new year. I am always introspective and look back at a year filled with happiness and look forward to even more in the year to come. Yes, my life is always getting better and better.

Here are 31 things that made me happy in the past year...



Left to Right, Top to Bottom:
01. Free Ice Cream day at Cold Stone Creamery.
02. Halloween in Delaware with the girls.
03. Exercising my right to Vote.
04. Leaving anonymous note for Operation Nice.
05. My first cannoli.
06. Autumn walks through Historic New Castle.
07. Delaware 2nd Ward Book Club.
08. Our Secret Santa in December.
09. Starting Project 365.
10. Vacation to California.
11. Ella's ballet classes.
12. Ella starts Primary.
13. Becoming besties with Emily Foley.
14. Mystery Hero Bunnies.
15. The New Castle Farmer's Market.
16. My Canon Digital Rebel.
17. My hand-knitted scarf from Dana.
18. Our first visit to Hershey World.
19. Easter in Pittsburgh, PA.
20. Planting seeds on Earth Day.
21. Amish Pretzels.
22. Winterthur Gardens.
23. Summer swimming lessons for Evangeline.
24. Joining the Presser Foot sewing club.
25. Separation Day in Delaware.
26. Lolly's visit.
27. Dennis & Louise's visit.
28. Finally making our move.
29. A home with a big back yard.
30. The girls first day of PreSchool.
31. Another year with this amazing man.

I usually set resolutions by Birthday, not around New Years, maybe that shows that I am ego-centric...who knows. And a new year brings new goals! Last years goals went pretty well. They were....Wear cuter shoes (check), watch Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (check) and submit an original essay to This American Life (not yet).

This years resolutions are to grow my hair into a bob again, make a homemade quilt, read Crime & Punishment and submit an original essay to This American Life.

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my toddler is the spawn of the devil + gushing blood

Happy Birthday to me...
While I was in the shower Ella dragged a kitchen bar-stool into our garage,
climbed up and got a pair of scissors from the top of our stand-up freezer.
She then chopped Eva's curls off.
I could kill her.
I really could.







Here's what it looks like after Mommy fixed it. I literally said a prayer before starting to trim it. That bow or one like it will be a permanent fixture for a while until the tiny bangs grow out.



Still cute, but Mommy mourns regardless.
I know it could have been much worse, but I still almost cried.


*UPDATE*

Since I posted this, Evangeline has stumbled onto a piece of broken glass from a recently shattered mirror. The bottom of her foot is completely cut open. Blood gushed everywhere. Onto my leg, the couch, the carpet...everywhere. We are heading to the ER right away for possible stitches.

Still smiling.....there's always next year's birthday!!

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{smile}

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The EMMYS 2009 Fashion Round-Up

I know you always wait for it. And here it is. Emilie's 2009 Emmy Fashion Round-up. It was a so-so year for fashion. The real star of last night's show were actresses who have always dressed horribly finally got it together. Hooray for the most improved!

So let's get started!

BEST DRESSED

Olivia Wilde showed up in an elegant, interested and classically styled gown that was fit perfectly and had great hair and make-up to match.


Alicia Witt wore an interesting, fresh and very current gown with a feathered top that is very of-the-moment. She is young and stylish enough to make it work and this risk paid off. The top was so cool up close. Love, love, LOVE!


Mila Kunis was another serious risk-taker this year and I loved it. Some may disagree, but I adore this bold, wine colored dress and her hair and make-up were a perfect match. I love the length and the shoes.


Kate Walsh was glowing in this simple, but elegant grey gown with soft hair and subdued make-up. She looks years younger and that bod looks fabulous!



WORST DRESSED

Jon Cryer - Horizontal striped sweater, diagonal striped tie, checkered lapel, red patterned pocket square? Are you ca-raze-ay?! You're not Duckie anymore.


Sarah Silverman - 7th grader hair and a terribly unflattering dress choice make this horrid. She needs to take a note from other female comic greats, Tina Fey and Julia Louis-Dreyfus, and remember that funny is also sexy.


Oh Leighton Meester, not only is Grecian soooooo last year, but you have done it all wrong. The hair is too messy, the gown is to frumpy, the lipstick is too red and the knots on the shoulders are just plain ridiculous!


Victoria Rowell - Girl...what?! A goodness no!


January Jones. I think we all know the issues going on here. The bottom is lovely, the top is the Chrysler Building.


CLOSE, BUT NO CIGAR

Kristin Chenoweth almost gets it right. The length is good. The shoes, hair and make-up are flawless. But the size of the sequins completely overwhelms her petite frame. This is a mistake Kristen often makes.


Christina Applegate may be on some Best Dressed lists. I know I am going against the grain, however, I felt this gown had too much going on. The see through cut-out, the bow, the mock caplet and the sequined edges, this is too much embellishment for one look.


Hayden Panettiere makes the same mistake at each and every awards show. She dresses too old. This ensemble would look great on an actress around 30-35 years old, but is not suited for a teenager. To add to the mistake her make-up is much too heavy. She is petite and young. She needs a lighter color, a shorter skirt and tousled hair.


ILL FITTED

Truly, this is the best we've seen Vanessa Williams look in a long time. And she almost pulled it off except for the poor fit. Notice the side view is terribly small with a flap of armpit showing. It is much too scant on top and a fitter should have noticed that and raised the underarm seams by 2-3 inches. So close.


Christina Hendricks showed up in this terribly fitted gown which pulled and puckered across her waist and hips. It didn't help matters that the train is a flopsy and ill conceived black pile of lace.


Mindy Kaling's dress is ill-fitting, oddly adorned and her hair is another style more suited for 7th grade.



MOST IMPROVED
I think this can only mean one thing...these ladies have been reading my blog.

Jenna Fisher - I have had issue with every single thing Jenna has ever sported...until now. Finally! The gown is gorgeous, your hair is great, your body looks good and everything is working.


Jennifer Love Hewitt finally ditched the awful wigs, crazy bee hive hair-dos, gaudy gowns and insane choices and showed up at this Emmys looking young, fresh, natural and elegant. Good girl!


BAD HAIR

This one goes to Alyson Hannigan who was going for a natural look, but actually looks like she just woke up and rolled out of bed...frizzies and all. Not good.


What do you think of my wrap up? Agree? Disagree?

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