I might be committing a blog “no-no” by combining two subjects into one blog entry but…that’s okay.

First up…audio books.  Remember those days as a kid?  You’d sit with a special audio book and wait anxiously for the “ding” that would be your que to turn the page.

We’ve recently been requesting audio books from our local library for Evan’s enjoyment.  I forgot how fun it was to sit and listen to a favorite story like that!  He finds the “chime” sound very intriguing and he’s very proud of himself when he turns the page at just the right time.  Our first book was by Arnold Lobel.  He’s a favorite of ours.  He writes all of the “Frog & Toad” books along with many others that we love. Not only are these audio books a fun way for Evan to spend 20 minutes, but it’s a nice break for mom.  We read aloud several books a day, but there’s something special about an audio book, too.  We’re anxious to start listening to our new children’s Bible audio CD’s for a “treat!”

Next…tea.  My husband and I have discovered a new tea that we BOTH love.  Hubby is a coffee drinker and always will be, but he really enjoys our new “brew” as well. Yorkshire Gold is the name. It’s a rich, dark, smooth black tea and, boy, is it good.  If you have a chance, get some.  It’s worth it!

Evan enjoying "Frog & Toad" audio book.

This folktale by Celia Barker Lottridge entitled “The Name of the Tree” is a lively story about perseverance.  We’ve been discussing this attribute lately with Evan and I was happy to have found such a wonderful book about it.  The illustrations are very soft and intriguing.

Snuggle up and read it.  You won’t regret it. :)

Another blog I read (www.whitakerwoman.com) had this link posted on her site.  I had a few minutes so I checked it out.  It was fun to see what style of home I was drawn to.  And I have to say, it’s very accurate!  I’m 75% Mountain Lodge Style and 25% Nantucket.  I like warm colors and also fresh colors at the same time.  My living room is warm tones yet I have two bathrooms that are white, tan and light blues along with a light colored bedroom.  So thanks, Sproost.  You’re right on the button!

Try it…

A few lady friends and I started a quilting circle.  Our teacher, a good friend, has years of quilting experience and she’s been kind enough to share her skills.  (Thanks, Sis!)  We looked at graphs, how to plan out our own quilt patterns on paper, talked about how to measure correctly and putting the correct color hues together and then began to sew.  There is something very rewarding about putting something like quilt pieces together, sewing them, and then seeing the result…and we’ve just begun.  Picking out various fabrics is so fun and interesting.  Being your own “artist” and creating your own quilt comes with a lot of freedom to express yourself in the quilts you create.

We learned how to make a nine patch sampler.  Here’s mine.  I also learned how to create triangles to add a different flare to the quilt squares.  Quilting is not for the faint of heart I can tell you that.  It takes a lot of time and a lot of patience.  But when you’ve got girlfriends like I’ve got and all of us quilting together, it’s a wonderful-good time.  My first quilt “creation” is underway!

I was reading a bit this morning on the Charlotte Method of home schooling.  I came across a quote that sums up this method beautifully.  Here it is…

Charlotte Mason Method-

A method of education in which children are taught as whole persons through a wide range of interesting living books, firsthand experiences, and good habits.

I started a yoga class.  I am a big fan of it.  The stretching, breathing, holding poses…it feels good.  I can do without the “Ohhhmmmm” part.  I imagine myself saying “I’mmmmmmmmm hungry.”  It works.  I’ve been out of the yoga loop for some time.  I used to do it quite faithfully here at home.  Not so much anymore.  I think that getting out of the house and going to a yoga studio will be the ticket for me.  I am super sore after my 90 minute stretchin’ session, but I’m glad.  My shoulders, mid back, tail end and triceps hurt.  Yessssss.  That means I’m doing something.  I’ll be doing the 90 minutes of super stretches every week.  It’s a great way to start the New Year!  Happy 2009.

This past weekend I hosted my first Christmas Tea.  I got out the fine china and set the table with utmost care.  It was so fun.  The menu was as follows:  Cream cheese, walnut, cranberry and orange marmalade tea sandwiches, creamy mints (homemade!), apple cinnamon oatmeal shortbread and loose leaf black maple cream tea.  YUM.  The mood was set by adding a lil’ Christmas music in the background.

I had looked forward to opening my home to my friends since October when I announced I’d be having this tea party.  The holidays are such a busy time thus the reason for sending out the invite so ridiculously early.

The guests arrived and we had the best time I must say.  It was a very intimate tea party with just two people besides myself.  We talked about this and that and was able to fellowship with one another in a quiet setting.  I think it was just what we all needed.  It was our “cup of tea” so to speak.

Life gets so busy.  I think the ladies back in the Victorian days knew something.  They found “tea time” very important and set aside time each day to do enjoy a cup of hot tea and a savory.   I might not be able to do this every day, but I am sincerely enjoying the time I do get with my friends when we have our tea time.

This will not be the last tea party I have!  No, ma’am!  I am already looking forward to my next one.

So, who knows, maybe you’ll be my next guest!

Merry Christmas!

For the past 6 years we have been parents to a very large, hairy beast named Uno. We adopted him when he was three months old. He was the most adorable little black puppy with the best disposition. He’s a part of our family and we just love him. He’s so gentle with the kids and fits right into our lifestyle. He’s a “no fuss” dog and that’s a good thing for us.

However, lately he’s become very paranoid of the kitchen. He’ll circle the living room when he has to go outside to do his “business” instead of coming to stand by the door, which he normally did. We open the kitchen door, WIDE, and say, “Come on, Uno. Outside.” You can tell he has to muster up all of the gumption he can to run full speed, nails skidding, feet sliding out from under him, to get to that open door! It’s nuts. We’re not sure what is up with him. His nails are pretty long right now so maybe he’s feeling unsure of himself on the kitchen floor? But he’s even getting weird about taking a treat once he comes in. He will very slowly make his way into the kitchen to retrieve his “tummy yummy.” It’s almost as if he’s afraid something is going to jump out and bite him.

We’ll start with the nails and see if that helps ease his fears. Maybe he just needs a doggie whisper to calm his insecurities of the kitchen. Until then, we’ll be understanding (as much as possible) with our furry friend. After all, he’s a sweetie and we love him to bits.

Seriously, look at that face…

I’m already getting geared up for Christmas. I am not overlooking Thanksgiving, however. I enjoy Thanksgiving very much and I’m looking forward to sharing it with friends and family.

It’s just that seeing all of the Christmas decorations in the stores, hearing the music, seeing the lights on people’s houses (yes, already!) have got me in the Christmas spirit. I think I enjoy all of the festivities leading up to Christmas more than the actual day!

I’ve always been a sucker for a cute lil’ snowman decoration and I’ve got my share of them to prove it. But this year I’ve discovered a new deco that I’ve never really given much though to. The Nutcracker. I’ve never bought anything “Nutcracker” in the way of holiday decorations and I’ve decided to change that. This year I want to sprinkle our house with a few of these guys. I’m even going to purchase the Nutcracker Suite CD. Something about the Nutcracker seems so nostalgic. I think this new found deco favorite will add a nice “nutty touch” to our home this holiday season. And, if I’m being honest, Evan will think it’s pretty cool having little soldiers sitting around the house.

What about you? What’s your favorite Christmas decoration?

As a mother, I have learned how to seriously multitask. I’m convincing myself that moms have rubber arms. It’s like there’s something that happens during pregnancy. Once the baby is born, you can juggle more things at one time than you thought humanly possible. Nurse while typing? A snap. Change a diaper while helping your little one put on his shirt? Easy. Twist your arm the opposite direction they were intended to twist to hand your child a snack in the car? Why not? Moms can do amazing things.

Today, I discovered one more thing that I can do while doing something else. Pumping while driving. Yes, it’s true. This is the first time I have ever tried this feat and I mastered it. I even did it with my seat belt on. Safety first, you know. ;) I was surprised at how empowered I felt. Here I was making food for my baby while operating a car. I almost wanted to beep the horn to the car next to me and shout, “Hey, look what I can do!” Somehow I think that would have been indecent. I was discreetly pumping with my hoodie over me. No worries. I used a red light to get myself back in order and set the pump aside. I glanced at the “liquid gold” I had just pumped and had to smile. Wow, I can do anything.