So ... I have this habit of writing partial posts that I post date and forget about -- like the candy corn kisses. Oh well. Prior to South Africa, I was putting together a bunch of Thank YOU posts to various friends that have sent me wonderful surprises and it was all supposed to be scheduled for posting while I was away. Didn't happen of course, so I'm going to stop procrastinating and get it done today!
Here, in incomplete form is a short list of cool things I have been enjoying ...
1. An adorable children's book, called Lambaroo.
Emilie sent it to me (Thank YOU Emilie) and I LOVE it. It features a lovely hidden message about being different and being loved in spite of those differences. It has already become an Addie favorite. If you are a lover of children's books and don't have this one -- get it.
2. Love my new Jack Johnson T-shirt. It should say, my friend got to go to Jack's LIVE concert and all I got was this T-shirt. But at least this way, people can perhaps think that I was there and that is a very fun thought.
3. A Year of Seeds.
What a cool gift eh? This came as a total surprise from Lori at Super Noots. Remember, my fun food boards that hang in my kitchen and attempt to help my boys eat a more balanced diet?? Anyway ... Lori sent me this wonderful collection of 12 colorful pots and 12 seed packets. I'm so going to give this for Christmas this year, as I can't believe how happy they make me. I even purchased a new shelf for my studio, so I could display my little growing pots!! Don't forget that you can use the coupon code "stacy" to save $5 off of your own Super Noots board.
4. If you've been reading my blog long, you likely know I am a big fan of Kermit the Frog. Imagine my delight at opening a fun little package with a copy of "It's Not Easy Being Green" that is only 4" tall. It's adorable and sits on my top shelf, full of Jim Henson wisdom, like this ...
" I believe that we form our own lives, that we create our own reality, and that everything works out for the best. I know I drive some people crazy with what seems to be ridiculous optimism, but it has always worked out for me."
Love that, and love even more than Yvonne thought of me when she saw this little book. That you can create a connection between two people and know that a happy thought will trigger for someone each time they look at a well-chosen gift? That's good stuff.
5. Last (for today) and certainly NOT least ...
my YELLOW purse! I love my yellow purse. Heidi Swapp brought it to me from China and I carried it all over Philly. Its so awesome. Has tons of great pockets and an amazing capacity. Trust me on this. So ... long overdue, I love my purse. Thanks Heidi!!
On the home front, this week is turning out to be even more crazy than I anticipated ...
Darci, my sweet sister had emergency surgery yesterday for an almost ruptured appendix. So, there were lots of back and forth calls last night trying to keep up on her progress. I wish I could go be with her. Luckily she has a street full of really good friends ... I'm sure they will take good care of her. Scary though and lots of emotions.
Chase had an assignment to interview someone who lived during WWII, so even though I didn't have time for one more thing in my day, we went to visit our 83 year old friend Jay Grant and I was reminded how enjoyable it is to sit and listen to people recount memories. I went in all caught up in the to-do of my life and left thinking, why don't I visit people like Jay more often?? Think about this. The whole experience only took an hour out of my day and yet was so worth it.
Clark, my reluctant thespian who didn't really intend to try out for the fall production somehow got casted as one of the lead males in Diary of Anne Frank, schedule to run (of course) the weekend I'm teaching at CKC in Seattle. Wow. Between school and soccer and now play practice --- ahhh!
And ... of course, Jenna's wedding tomorrow. Man am I going to miss her. Sweet Kimberlee is upstairs working hard, but I took for granted all that Jenna had learned to do and all that I didn't have to ask or explain. Boy was I spoiled.
Little Addie is struggling with mom just coming home and so much change around her, so I'm spending more time with her, which is obviously not hard to do. I missed her so much. But seriously, every time I take her somewhere she removes socks and shoes! She is sooo two -- not at all terrible, but definitely two.
All of this and more is making my head spin, but also keeping me sane. Strange how that works!
I'm trying my best to stay present and soak it all up -- and now ... I'm off to be taxi mom and prep for cub scout pack meeting.
Life is good and I'm working on my post about South Africa -- set for Saturday!!
