Expressionless...

We had a great time on vacation. Really...Really we did. Skiing was amazing..Really...Really it was. You could never tell it by the expression on Esther's face though. It never changed.

I am A Sheep.

Baa baa. A conformist. A follower. Baa baa.



I mentioned that I read a lot on our vacation. Well, 35 hours in a car gives you some personal time. I had a nice pile of books to bring on the trip - the ones that I collected this Summer and I just kept moving around the house so I could dust them and around them...never opened and never read. I usually stick to the classics, trying to stay away from any series. I have never read Harry Potter. So, I had my classics, my Summer romances, my People magazines and ahem one Danielle Steele(shh!) in my stash. All set. However, on my quick trip to Target to buy the girls some surprise Dora art books for the car, I noticed a display out of the corner of my eye. Oh Rachel, Michelle and Beckie...couldn't you have just kept quiet about these books. I have no need to read them...none. Sucker. I bought it.



I decided that I had to see what all of the hype was about...that is all. After reading a bit, if I decided if it was trash, I could toss it out the window in Nebraska and some rancher would be grateful to save a trip to The Wal-mart to buy it. Funny thing is, I had the book finished by the time we made it to Nebraska. Thank goodness for the movie marathon going on in the backseat - it was "mommy uninterruptus" time. I did remember to throw goldfish to them on occasion.



Now, what to do for the next 8 hours of the trip? Back to my regularly scheduled reading selections. Fine. Within 2 days of being in Vail though - my hunger peaked and I had the visit The Wal-Mart and buy the next installment. Sucker. I skipped skiing for the next 2 days just to read it. Thank goodness for ski school. "Bye-bye girls!"



So, I am a sheep - baa baa..take me to your leader. The final 2 books(in hardcover) are now sitting here next to me. I am trying as I might to save them for Mexico at Christmas. We'll see if I can resist.

xoxo,t

More Sewing

I am trying to get my sewing done for the Holidays. With the economy the way it is, my intention was to produce sort of a "homemade holiday" for family and friends this year. What was I thinking. Many of you will receive your homemade holiday gifts in August at this rate. I have made a few items though.

I finished about 24 of these gift card holders. The pattern is free from one of my favorite blogs sewmamasew.
I would suggest going there and making your own. Please don't count on me at this point. Thank you.
xoxo,t

"Happy" Birthday

We took the girls to the American Girl Bistro for Eloise's 6th birthday today.

These girls had fun...

This girl did not...

..and yelled at me most of the way home...

...next year, I am taking these girls only...they smile a lot, don't talk back, like what I dress them in, and are cheap dates. Sure, their hugs are stiff and they don't give kisses.
...maybe I will rethink my strategy by tomorrow. I should sleep on it.
xoxo,t

In a Nutshell..

What we did on vacation:

Day 1 - Drive, drive some more, see Iowa and Nebraska out our windows. I read, Jed drove, the girls watched a movie marathon.

Day 2 - Drive, drive some more, see Nebraska and finally Colorado out our windows. I read, Jed drove, the girls watched a movie marathon.

Day 3 - rest(Esther got up at 5:45 as usual), swam, walked around, grocery shopped, laundry - wow, it is like being at home.

Day 4 - Esther and Jed - ski all day, Eloise cry all day, I read all day, trying to ignore crying daughter.

Day 5 - Jed - ski all day, Esther and Eloise cry - and I mean HARD - going into the ski school. I shoved them in quickly for a very quick escape so I could read all day. After the initial screaming, Eloise and Esther ski all day.

Day 6 - Swim, eat and ice skate.

Day 7(Thanksgiving) - All 3 of them ski all day - HAPPILY - and professionally I might add. I read all day(more about my reading addiction later). Get back exhausted to Condo at 5:30 - we had planned to go to a fancy smancy restaurant for their $150 Thanksgiving feast - but the state of my skiers(tired, stinky, crying and laying on the floor) made it impossible. Next best thing, Chinese food! Yummy. Everyone is happy - most important thing about Thanksgiving...happy people being together.

Day 8 - Explore Vail/Eagle valley, swim, eat, clean condo - go see Santa, tree lighting and fireworks at Beaver Creek.

Day 9 - Drive through snowstorm in mountains and finally make it to Nebraska.

Day 10 - Drive though ice storm in Iowa, DVD player in the car breaks, finally make it home.

Whew! We had a fabulous time...first vacation in over a year. ..and YES, I AM a skier...I LOVE to ski...and YES, we were in Vail and Beaver Creek and I DID NOT ski. Can you believe it? Crazy. Not really. This was the girls first time skiing and I really wanted to watch them and take pictures..and you know, I don't think I've read a book in 2 years - so I read 6 of them last week...ALL BY MYSELF - with NO ONE asking me for goldfish once. It was sunny and lovely and I sat outside with my latte, camera and my book for 7 hours a day. Pure bliss I tell ya - and FREE too! xoxo,t

We're Back...

..with so much to tell. First, enjoy our view...no, you are right, this is NOT Minnesota!
xoxo, t