Cottage on Fox Hollow

Whew! It's Almost February?

2010-01-23T14:04:00.003-05:00

How did this happen? Seems like I just picked those apples yesterday. Well, well, well.

How has your new year been treating you? Staying busy? We sure have. SuperBoy just started gymnastics last Thursday and thoroughly loves it. Couldn't be happier. So happy in fact, I keep getting asked, "Mommy, when is gin-nastics again?"

On the same day, a book club at the local library started up again for SuperGirl and other gals her age. They have a tea party tomorrow afternoon at the library to celebrate. Some local English ladies host it for the girls and bring scrumptious treats to enjoy. My favorites are the cucumber sandwiches. Yum!

Below is a pic of my latest endeavor. It's a scarf I've started at least 3 times and I think it's finally starting to take shape. If you're interested, you can find the pattern here. I'm hope mine turns out half as gorgeous as the first picture in the link. I can't wait and I'll keep you posted.

Time to wrestle the dust bunnies around here. Have a wonderful and safe weekend everyone!

Jenny

Apple Picking. . .

2009-11-03T10:15:00.008-05:00

Abandoned home in the orchard. LOVE the color of the staircase.

On our way home. . .

Hello to Palmyra!

2009-09-26T09:16:00.003-04:00

I notice you check in a fair amount and I just wanted to give you a special wave.

Thank you for checking on us! xo

The First of Two Fish Hats. . .

2009-09-24T09:51:00.004-04:00

Believe it or not, you heard me correctly. Er, read me correctly. I have almost completed SuperGirl's hat. THe only thing it needs are eyes, and I may go in search for those today. I'll update this post when I get them.

Pumpkin Picking 9.13.2009

2009-09-21T07:14:00.005-04:00

I LOVE that folks still use the honor boxes.

Uh, yeah. We didn't buy this gourd, but I couldn't pass up the photo op.

Happy little fellow.

Pumpkin number one.

So long pumpkin patch! See you next year.

SuperGirl decided to take the gourds for a ride around the yard.

Our two lovelies. Unfortunately, the green one has started turning orange. Still fun though!

A Favorite New Quote. . .

2009-08-28T16:51:00.000-04:00

I am aware that I am less than some people prefer me to be, but most people are unaware that I am so much more than what they see.

Do you have a favorite quote?

Spring Trip to Maymont. . .

2009-06-07T18:00:00.009-04:00

If you ever have the chance to go to Maymont, go! It's an amazing place full of history and built for only TWO people!

This is Rachel, my web-friend-turned-real-friend. I met her on her blog and we met at Maymont this past Saturday. It was SO much fun!

Upon arriving home, we found two of our three black swallowtail butterflies had hatched. Beautiful end to a beautiful day.

My "Baby" Has a Fat Lip. . .

2009-05-31T21:54:00.003-04:00

No, I didn't give it to him, though it has been tempting, lol. While setting up the stage for SuperGirl's Spring recital yesterday, SuperBoy was playing in the cafeteria of a local school(where I was) and somehow slipped and bumped his lip big time. It has a good gash inside the top lip and just above his lip on the outside. He said he hit the side of a table, but it sure looked worse than a mere run-in with a table. Here's how it looks today. Still a bit swollen and painful, but there are no more tears. I hope the healing's fast and there are no scars. Prayers for that.

I understand boys are a bit more rambunctious in general, but I really don't know if I'm up to it. It certainly keeps us on our toes around here, lol.

Blessings for a wonderful week,
J

Hellllloooooooooooo!

2009-05-31T21:48:00.003-04:00

How has your Spring been so far? Ours is flying by. Here's a picture of our sugar snap peas that are growing far past where I had intended. They're now up to my forehead and I think they've stopped since they're blooming. It's my first time with a garden and I'm winging a LOT of it, lol.

Do you have a garden this year? Large or small? Ours consists of four 4' square boxes, so it's nothing extravagant, by any means. It's certainly enough to keep me busy. Tell me about yours!

Sweeter Than Honeysuckle. . .

2009-04-21T11:45:00.004-04:00

These are our 3 judd viburnim bushes in front of our house. They're about 5-6 feet tall and smell miles better than honeysuckle ever thought of smelling!

If you ever get the chance to smell one of these, please do! They really are a yummy plant, but I don't think they're edible. :)

And this is the bee friend I made while taking pictures of the flowers. Any idea what the little yellow sacs are on either side of its body? Supergirl thinks they are pollen collectors, and her guess is as good as mine.

I hope you are all enjoying the spring weather in your area. Have a terrific day!

The Ripple Stitch. . .

2009-04-06T17:20:00.005-04:00

Have you seen the blog Attic 24? It is awesome, especially if you crochet or knit. The colors are fabulous and the are even tutorials! Here's the ripple blanket she has completed. Isn't it beautiful? She recently posted the how-to for this and I've posted my attempt above. It took me three tries, but I really love it. I'm thinking of doing a cotton blanket/throw in the colors of this sweater of SuperBoy's.

The colors don't do it justice in the pic.

♥

Need Some Rocks?

2009-04-01T07:19:00.004-04:00

A couple of days ago, the kiddos and I went out in search of rocks. I wanted to get them from a couple of local creeks, but it seems everyone and their brother's family was out fishing. (Apparently, the DNR had stocked the streams with large trout the same morning.) So, the kiddos and I went up the base of a local mountain near a trail head entrance and scored some rocks. Here are a few pics from our adventure. Warning: some of the pics are messed up and I'm really not sure why. Enjoy!

I really wanted to get a good shot of this house, but had a hard time stopping and leaning over as it was, since we were on a 55mph two-lane road. :)

What a Beautiful Sunday!

2009-03-30T08:43:00.002-04:00

How was your day? It was 73 and sunny in the afternoon here and 42 at home 2.5 hours away in West Virginia. Wacky spring weather!

A Hex and a Half?

2009-03-28T13:02:00.005-04:00

Ordinarily, I wouldn't have thought this is possible. After following Attic24's wonderful directions for crocheted hexagons, I thought I'd give it a whirl. And here's what we ended up with:

I had an extra bobble stitch, possibly due to too many double-crochets in the beginning. Who knows? I'll try again later, but I'm pretty happy with this little booger. It has a new home and it seems quite content (for an inanimate object). It's a doll rug for SuperGirl.

Have a great weekend!
♥

P.S. Check out Attic24's Ripple Blanket. It's on my to-do list. Can't you just imagine snuggling up under this blanket in the winter by a snowy window?

What a contraption. . .

2009-03-23T10:27:00.004-04:00

This would be SuperBoy's latest large invention.

According to him, this is a *bear scarer awayer*. Yep. When a bear gets near it, the wind blows, causing the logs to sway in the wind, scaring away the bear.

A few days after he made this, SuperDad made a "bear print" in the mud near the tree while we were at the grocery store. SuperBoy was mighty impressed.

We've since taken this down for the sake of everyone's safety. I can only imagine what he'll come up with next.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

2009-03-18T09:07:00.005-04:00

Today is my Dad's birthday.

Happy Birthday, Dad! It's hard to believe you're 64. Sixty-four!?!! How did that happen? Last time I looked, I think you were 35. I hope you're not working too hard today. Take care and I'll talk with you soon!

Love, Jen

P.S. Here are a couple of pics from 2003 for you!

Kiddos at the playground. . .

2009-03-10T08:57:00.004-04:00

Goofball on the move.

Avoiding the camera. So he thought.

Playing with their buddies.

On the way to a friend's home. . .

2009-03-09T20:05:00.004-04:00

I snapped a few pictures on the way to a friend's home this past weekend and thought you may like to see them, too.
More than the mountains in this one, I believe I like the rock wall. I can only imagine how long it's been here.

This is the home across from the above rock wall. I would love to see the inside. I think the home dates back to the early 1800s. Click on it to enlarge.

The following are from a church on the same road. It dates back to 1846.

Isn't this well wonderful? It's across from the church and almost flush with the ground. Seems there's no great concern for safety issues with it. :)

Small old building on a rock foundation.

I'd love to know what this building and area has seen in it's history.

Does this make you happy?

2009-03-04T16:23:00.006-05:00

Silly, isn't it. I absolutely love it. Many times, when there is a fussy child around here, I'll pull out the 'ol pink spoon. Yes, at times I wanna wallup the heck out of the little darlings, but I refrain. I hold the spoon o-so-gently at the base, face of the spoon about bosom height, and ask if this makes them happy. I usually get a smile, and the situation can be diffused. Usually. My husband thinks I'm a nut job and rolls his eyes like I"ve jumped off the deep end with no water in sight. Upon returning from the grocery store by myself a few weeks ago, my daughter holds up a wooden spoon, much like I've held the happy spoon in the past. Only this time................. my dear husband has drawn a frowny face on a piece of masking tape and taped it on the spoon. I just looked at him and said "This doesn't make me happy." He burst out laughing, like he had pulled the wool over my eyes and had a great time. Needless to say, the two spoons sit side by side in the crock that holds our utensils on the counter, forever together.

I hope we've made you smile.

♥

Attempting Crochet. . .

2009-02-13T12:50:00.005-05:00

My good friend, Melissa, is helping me delve into the world of crochet. My next thing to tackle will be granny squares to make an afghan similar to this one in the movie Nanny McPhee. I absolutley love this one! The colors they used were stunning. Sorry about the pics. :) I had to pause the movie and take these myself.

Here's what I've been working on so far, not related to the afghan. Thank you, Melissa. I hate to tear it out, but I likely will.

Time for a new deck. . .

2009-02-08T11:45:00.005-05:00

We're going to redo our deck from the floor up pretty soon, and I'm wondering if any of you fine folks out there in blogland have a railing anything like these.

I plan to use these kind of panels, and make sure they continue horizontally, like the ones on the steps do, and we plan on framing them in like the picture below, with less fuss.

And this deck railing. {I'm not a friend of theirs, so I wasn't able to save the pic.}

What do you think? I really like it, because it will enable me to see down into the yard with a clear view of the kiddos. :)

♥

From a Friend. . .

2009-02-06T14:04:00.003-05:00

click picture to make it bigger

Snow, Glorious Snow!

2009-02-04T10:42:00.003-05:00

Well, I can't really say it was glorious. It was only about 2 inches, and it was beautiful. We're use to getting more, but we're thankful to even have this come through. It's been a super cold winter, with very little snow. Maybe next year. Did you get any snow?

Consumed. . .

2009-01-31T07:09:00.003-05:00

I apologize for not posting as often as I was. A sad thing has happened. I have been consumed by Facebook. It's like crack. Only worse. No joke. It has sucked me in and spit me out, but I continue to return for more. :) I've found so many people on there, it's ridiculous. If you join, please let me know!

I'll still try to post. It just won't be as regular.

Thanks, Crackbook.

Look Out James Bond. . .

2009-01-22T09:42:00.004-05:00

Just yesterday, Superboy started carrying a manbag. What makes it even more fun is that he had chosen a fuschia one. He carries all of the important things: pet shop figures, a rock, monster trucks, a deer call, 4 pennies, your basic essentials at 4 years of age. The ladies at the quilt shop really liked it.

In this one, he looks like he's a squirrel with a mouthful of the winter's provisions. Unfortunately, there's not a thing in there. I'm not exactly sure how he did this. :)

My First Two Hats. . .

2009-01-10T16:09:00.002-05:00

Christmas Present for a Friend. . .

2009-01-09T15:31:00.003-05:00

Here's a purse/knitting bag I made for a friend for Christmas. Super simple!

He's Been Busy. . .

2009-01-09T15:29:00.004-05:00

Sorry for being away so long Rach. I actually didn't think most folks would notice. :) Here's a pic I took of Fletch a short while ago. I should have more pics soon! Happy New Year everyone!

Merry Christmas Every One!

2008-12-24T17:51:00.002-05:00

Are you tracking Santa's where-a-bouts? Here's the site we're checking often. Enjoy your night, folks!

All I Needed For Christmas. . .

2008-12-22T22:20:00.002-05:00

My girl received this lovely gift from friends at our Girl Scout meeting last Tuesday. She promptly came home and hung it on her wall. Last night before bed, I came in to find a message for me.

Lovey. . .

2008-12-21T11:43:00.002-05:00

My Girl. . .

2008-12-19T22:37:00.003-05:00

I was fooling around with this picture of SuperGirl on the PhotoShop website, and ended up with this. I love it!

I can't wait to get PhotoShop Elements. :)

Happy Birthday to Me. . .

2008-12-18T21:52:00.003-05:00

It was a pretty uneventful birthday for me around here. I actually had to remind my husband it was my day today. I've been needing a new driver's side headlight for about a week now, o.k.? Well, when SuperDad returned home from work at 11 a.m., I couldn't stand it anymore. I was going to go all day if I had to, to see who would remember my birthday without my prompting. I couldn't do it, so I asked him if he got me a new headlight for my birthday. He had the look in his eyes husbands on tv so often do, when they've been caught forgetting something very important. Know what he says? "Is that today?" Lucky for him, I had already received my camera for my birthday and Christmas present. It could have been so much worse. :)

A friend of mine teaches SuperGirl dance and offered to keep both kiddos for a couple of hours for me this evening as a birthday present. Boy, was that overdue. I don't believe we've had a "date" since late April of 04, shortly before SuperBoy's arrival. This hardly wualified as a date, but, hey! I'll take what quiet time I can get.

Hope you've had a blessed day where you are!

Orange Cat. . .What Orange Cat?

2008-12-13T09:51:00.004-05:00

The Nutcracker. . .

2008-12-13T09:24:00.006-05:00

Here are two pics of SuperGirl from the local Nutcracker Ballet she was in last night and tonight.
As a Spanish Chocolate. . .

As a flower in the Waltz of the Flowers. . .

Receiveing flowers from Daddy after the show. I needed to get a better shot, but it was so busy. He's not able to come to tonight's show, so I had him give them to her last night. I wanted her to (hopefully) remember that her first flowers came from Daddy.

Side note: That would be SuperBoy's jaguar SuperDad is holding. SuperDad doesn't usually carry it around, lol.

Our Christmas Parade. . .

2008-12-06T19:20:00.011-05:00

It was a freezing 34 degrees, but it was still so fun! Here are a few of our pictures!

The kids were on the Dance Barn vehicle, so they missed many of the sites. Hopefully, they'll like these. I know SuperBoy will like the last one, a tow truck with Mater from the Cars movie on the side.

Some of the buildings were fuzzy, but I think they were my favorite. I'll try to get daylight pics of them some time. It was so cold, cameras were freezing up. Enjoy and have some hot chocolate for me!

My Little Man. . .

2008-12-06T12:03:00.000-05:00

Playing With Our New Camera. . .

2008-12-05T22:27:00.007-05:00

It's funnier when you drag the little dot a little faster. It's really funny if you know the kids. They're total hams. Looks like Christmas pictures will be interesting this year. Forgive the house. I hadn't planned on publishing this. :)

Brain Surgery. . .

2008-12-05T11:47:00.006-05:00

This is what I look like with long hair.

Alrighty. Where do we start?

Let's start in 7th grade, shall we? I was a whiz in math. I wasn't a prodigy by any means, but I really enjoyed math. I made straight As. In 8th grade I believe I made As and Bs. In 9th grade geometry, I started having terrible headaches. Very painful and only in math class. I think I was getting Bs and Cs as far as grades went. I'm guessing we attributed it to sinus issues, which we had enough of. In 10th grade Algebra II, I kept having headaches. I eventually started seeing double. Not fun when your lockers are 8" wide. Steps were interesting, too, lol. After telling one of my teachers I couldn't do the homework the night before because I was seeing double, he made fun and said he's seen every color in the rainbow and he was colorblind. Smartass, butI can see where he was coming from. It was a pretty original excuse for not doing homework. :)

I started throwing up shortly after and was treated for the flu. My mom and step-dad plied me with water to "flush" the germs out. Water was not my friend. :)

On December 2nd, 1987, I went back to my former pediatrician and he immediately ordered a CT scan. It came back showing a tumor the size of a tennis ball. We drove the 2.5 hours to the University of Virginia hospital and I was admitted through the ER. It was just my Mom and I and we sat there for HOURS.

Long story shorter, I had most of that tumor removed and it was found to be benign. Just after graduation from high school in 1990, I had surgery June 29th for the removal of a golf-ball size tumor in the same spot. I'm assuming it sprouted from the original.

I was then off to college at Wheeling Jesuit in the fall of 1990. Shortly after arriving, I discovered my forehead/temple area was a little squishy. After checking in with my aunt's neurosurgeon, we discovered I had an infection from the previous surgery in June. I immediately (same day) traveled back to UVA from Wheeling, WV to have surgery again. The docs cleaned me out and left a 3x3" or so piece of bone out and I had to wear a helmet. College kids aren't near as kind as I'd assumed they would be, so I had to write "SURGERY VICTIM" across the front to keep from getting odd looks. I think they all thought I was missing my bike or something. :) It made for fun tricks with my brain though. I could put my hand over my softspot and hang my head upside down. This created a sinking of my brain into that spot, which grossed out many a fellows. In early January of 1991, I returned to have the bone put back in place.

Fast forward 7 years and a new surgeon in Roanoke, VA, 3 hours away. I was sick of seeing residents at UVA and getting rude remarks as far as radiation exposure. My now-husband and I were moving in to this house and I had called my doc to let him know I'd been feeling this needle-like sensation in the top of my head. He tells me to get down to Roanoke ASAP. I was in the-hold-your-horses-doc mode, but relented and headed to Roanoke anyway.

This would now be surgery number 5. Turns out UVA must have wired me back together with twisty ties when they put my bone flap back in. Bone flap. Doesn't that sound awful? Seems like there should be a hinge or something on there. Seems a twisty tie was poking through my scalp, creating the needle-like sensation and poking into the top layer of my brain. Anywho, my new doc took the bone flap out again and left another sink hole for a few months. Again. I went back and he put in a piece of methomethacrolate (sp?), which he said could survive an atom bomb. Which does me how much good? Here's another possible spelling and definition. After inserting my new jack-o-lantern (to prevent shifting) shaped faux bone flap in out-patient surgery, he tied it and my skull back together with silk, to prevent it from poking into my brain/scalp again.

After the last one was an out-patient surgery, I asked him to just install a zipper for office visits. He wasn't going for it.

I still have MRIs every 2-3 years as a precaution in case anything decides to turn malignant. I've been very blessed so far, and not had anything more than surgery. As much as I would love to grow my hair out, I keep it short. I'm sort of superstitious about it, since it seems like I get it all shaved off if I try to grow it out, lol.

I hope this explains some of what you may have been wondering. If you have any questions feel free to ask. I'm an open book.

As for the math mentionings earlier, it turns out that was a sign. I wasn't able to process the math problems as I had before with a tennis-ball size tumor taking up residence. Who knew?

Hard to believe it's been 21 years and a day.

21 Years Today Since My First (of 6) Brain Surgeries!

2008-12-04T14:59:00.004-05:00

Totally unrelated, but I thought I'd give you a picture. :)

Today's Garfield. . .

2008-12-01T16:41:00.002-05:00

click to enlarge

My Boy. . .

2008-11-28T22:39:00.000-05:00

Tutu Mock-Up. . .

2008-11-28T19:18:00.003-05:00

I'm working on some tutus for the Nutcracker that SuperGirl is in in mid-December. Here's the test run. Actually, it's test number 2. :) Only 8 more to go!

New Scarf!

2008-11-25T09:41:00.004-05:00

I finished it this morning and may put it into the etsy shop. Do you like it? I feel like it would get too hairy from our pets if I kept it. Either that, or SuperGirl would steal it. :)

Rachel's Apron!

2008-11-20T14:43:00.003-05:00

Here's Rachel's apron done in Heather Bailey's Pop Garden fabric. I would love to decorate my home with all of her fabric. It's wonderful!

Introducing.......Aspen Simone. . . .

2008-11-14T10:25:00.005-05:00

Meet Aspen the cast-iron pig. She'll be going with her knew owner in just a few hours over a couple of mountains to her new home. I bought her for my friend because she LOVES all things when-pigs-fly related.

My idea, goofy as it maybe, is to make a photocopy of one of these Aspen shots and send her to folks willing to show her their area/town. It would be much like Flat Betty or Flat Stanley. I guess that would make her Flat Aspen. LOL! Sorry, mind-in-the-gutter moment. Speaing of which, her name sounds like a pole dancer, which is why I couldn't name my daughter this. So yes, I'm now living vicariously through a cast-iron pig.

Which picture would you choose? Please let me know if you would like to show Aspen around and I'll get her ready!

Tap, tap, tap, anyone out there?

2008-11-13T16:06:00.006-05:00

"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ofn8-3SWd8M"
O.k., so the last couple of posts haven't been really busy with comments. So today I thought I'd throw you a curveball. It wasn't my intention, really, but my husband received this and I thought I would do my duty and pass it on. :) It may be offensive to some, but please know I don't mean it to be. I do guarantee you will laugh.

Sorry Mom, I know you raised me better than this. If it makes you feel better, child number one hasn't seen it. :)

Once Upon A Drive. . .

2008-11-11T21:24:00.004-05:00

Random shots from our drive this afternoon trying to get SuperBoy to nap (no success).
From this morning. Fletch is still suffering with his neurosis. He says he can quit anytime he wants.

A pretty farm I came across on our drive. Love it! The trees were so pretty.

A calf that wasn't so pleased to see us. For this I got to see both ends of the animal at the same time. :)

Guido the Cat. I stopped to ask someone where they purchased their curtains and discovered this guy off of the drive-way near their back door. I learned his name is Guido because the older owners have two cats with long names and the husband said if they ever got another cat it would have to be a male named Guido. There you go. This cat is 6 feet tall and weighs 800 lbs. She said if we came back in a few days, she'd have a pilgrim hat on him for the holidays. Who can resist that!?!

Magical Apple Pie Filling. . .

2008-11-10T16:32:00.005-05:00

We made Brin's Magical Apple Pie Filling earlier today. It says it's good for a beginner. I beg to differ. Maybe she meant "Good for a beginner with no children". It also doesn't help that I'm a canning virgin. Well. Not really. I watched Herbalina can some yesterday. Here are some shots of our afternoon. I plan to do another batch tomorrow.

SuperGirl, helping me stir.

Peelings from the first 20 apples. . .

Kitchen table, plus a Toys'R'Us gift mag, confiscated from the mail by the wee people.

Apple yumminess. That's a word, right?

How not to make the sauce. This is my second batch. The first batch, I heated while I finished cutting the apples. By the time I got back to the pot, it was already sticking to the bottom and no fun to stir. So this batch above, I poured everything into the hot water, corn starch included. Yeah. I forgot it helps to stir the cornstarch into some warm water to dissolve it before I cook with it. These were popcorn-size pieces that refused to dissolve.

They look so good before they go into the canning pot. The third batch of sauce worked like a charm.

After I removed them from their 20minute water bath, 4 of the 5 oozed their innards out. Not a delightful sight. Not on my first ever batch. Anywho, at Herbalina's recommendation, I put the ones that didn't seal back in for another round. That ended up being 4 of the 6. After I pulled those out, I had to give the last 2 a third bath. After they were all squeaky clean, only one didn't seal. Good golly, was that a LOT of work for 6 quarts. Let's say a prayer that the last 6 go much more smoothly. . .

More pictures to come. . .

Fun New Site I Just Found!

2008-11-08T10:09:00.003-05:00

Check out Sock Dreams! I haven't perused the whole site yet, but it looks like there's lots of fun stuff, armwarmers included. Enjoy!

How Exactly Does One Dry Pumpkin Seeds?

2008-11-07T16:45:00.003-05:00

Man, is there a trick to drying pumpkin seeds? I sure thought it was pretty clear cut, that people just put them on a cookie sheet, or something similar and they air-dried. I feel like it's taking forever and now they may be starting to mold. Yep, the 'ol "M" word. Not my friend. Not now. Not ever. I dried them for a few days on our cookie sheet, then put them in the stove with NO heat(space restrictions), only to pull them out a day later a little sticky again. I thought they were already dry, but apparently they were holding a little moisture. Now they've been on a cookie sheet again, even in the sun, and now the mold decides to creep in.

What's the deal? Rosa? Anyone?

Neurotic & Cute. . .

2008-11-04T15:57:00.004-05:00

O.k., here are some shots of Fletch in his Christmas clothes we found today at Target. I couldn't resist, especially after reading PW's post about Charles yesterday. So today, I decided to get closer to Fletch's level and take some shots of him.

And SuperGirl's favorite? Are you ready?

GIVEAWAY!!!

2008-11-04T15:48:00.006-05:00

O.k. whoever, whomever, whatever, can tell me first the kind of tree this leaf came from (with documented proof) will be sent a package of seeds from our wonderful polka-dot pumpkin to add to their seed collection. No kidding. I cut our pumpkin open and there were seed packets in it. O.k., I lie. But still. I'll send you some in a little packet I make with my very own hands. Makes your mouth water, huh?

I have NO clue what it is, so you could absolutely tell me it's a Dingleberry Tree from the West Indies, and I'd likely believe you. Sad, huh? Anywho, let's see who guesses it, or comes the closest. I pulled the leaf from a tree in the Target parking lot. I promise it did not hurt the leaf or the tree in any way. I heard no screaming or whimpering whatsoever. Well, actually I did, it just wasn't tree-related.

Woo-Hoo!

2008-11-04T10:34:00.002-05:00

Now to just sit back and wait on the results. . . Ugh. . .

Vintage Apple Festival. . .

2008-11-02T08:56:00.008-05:00

We arrived at the Vintage Virgnia Apple Festival just before opening yesterday morning. Although it was chilly, it was perfect weather and crisp as could be.

It was a beautiful day, although it was chilly at first. The tent with the boxes under it was the main place to purchase your different apple varieties. Free samples too!

Just a few of the vendors on the right and a flatbed that had young ladies providing musical entertainment shortly after the picture was taken.

Three pots of applebutter going at once.

This one was still in the applesauce phase. Boy, did it smell yummocious.

The petting zoo that consisted of a precious calf and a skittish goat.

Preparing for the bumpy (read "extreme") hayride.

Another 30-minute hayride returning.

Girls playing their little hearts out. They did a wonderful job!

One of the barns I'd love to have.

A wonderful little pond on thier property.

A view of the festival while returning on the hayride.

A view of the trees on our bumpy excursion. Beautiful!

My boy on a tractor, completing our trip!

Almost home. . .

My $19 stash of apples for Christmas presents. They consist of Albemarle Pippins (delicious!), Ida Red, and Virginia Gold varieties. I plan to make some of Brin's Magical Apple Pie Filling to give as gifts. If any of you receive this, please act surprised, o.k.?

Angry Chicken. . .

2008-10-31T12:52:00.003-04:00

Have you checked out her site, yet? Look at these ridiculously cute shoes in her post! If only my kiddos were still little. . .

I wonder how hard it would be to felt some slippers for me and the kiddos? Oh, how I need some! And the options available?! The sky's the limit!

Pictures from our trip. . .

2008-10-29T13:45:00.007-04:00

O.k. I don't know why, but these pictures are out of order posted and not exactly as I'd like them. Anywho, here's what you're looking at.

Kiddos in our room after the rehearsal dinner. SuperBoy was not a happy boy. Sleepy boy sums him up, and I came home around our 9 o'clock bedtime, so it's not like we partied hard, lol.

Outside P.F. Chang's. We had the rehearsal dinner at Buca di Beppos and it was delish.

On my Aunt CeCe's front porch in Wheeling as we headed for Cincinnati.

Yep. Aunt CeCe's living room.

A rainbow on our way to Aunt CeCe's driving up I-81.

SuperBoy pre-wedding, doing what he does best.

Danielle, Jessica, SuperGirl and SuperBoy pre-wedding.

SuperGirl getting her hair done.

Same.

Just starting to get her hair done. I don't know why all these pics loaded backward in different groups. Hmmmm....

SuperKids with Jessica at the reception.

My flowers.

SuperGirl and her Aunt Jody.

Jody and her family.

I apologize about the color in these shots. When I get pics from Jody, I'll post them.

Jody and Jon before they shoved cake in each other's face.

An ice "M" sculpture.

FYI. . .

2008-10-20T20:23:00.003-04:00

I'll be out of town for my best friend's wedding starting tomorrow. I leave tomorrow and return Sunday, I think.

Take care and have a blessed week,
Jen

New Flower Bed. . .

2008-10-19T19:17:00.003-04:00

It's not much, but it makes the house look a little better. It's certainly better than grass up against the house; and besides that.............. I was able to get all of it half price at Lowe's. :)

SuperBoy's Apron. . .

2008-10-19T09:54:00.003-04:00

Here is the train apron I made last week for SuperBoy. He's been wanting one for a while and I found some awesome train fabric and a deep royal blue batik that matches wonderfully. The apron has for pockets across the front for various things. Hopefully no frogs or lizards enter the picture. :)

News To Me. . .

2008-10-14T08:31:00.003-04:00

I didn't know this until last night at the dinner table, but it seems my 4 year old son knows Harry Connick, Jr. Yes, THE Harry Connick, Jr.

It all started simply enough. I asked the kids if they'd like Frank Sinatra, HCJ, Michael Buble, etc. for dinner music. (It was just me and the kiddos eating pot pies, to put it into perspective.) SuperGirl opted for no music this time, while SuperBoy asked for HCJ.

He then starts into this story of how HCJ was at my in-laws a couple of years ago (when he was 2) eating dinner. Superboy sat between HCJ and Papaw. After numerous questions, we find out that HCJ lives in California, picked SuperBoy up and drove him to my in-laws. SuperBoy also mentioned he didn't have to use his car seat because he was big enough and didn't need it. SuperGirl asked SuperBoy to describe what HCJ looks like and he said he looks like Michael Buble. SuperGirl then asked what Michael Buble looks like, to which SuperBoy replied "Harry Connick, Jr." Turns out HCJ has black and blue hair and also spent the night at the in-laws. Seems SuperBoy, HCJ and the in-laws all slept in the family bed together, with HCJ in the middle. I asked if SuperDad, SuperGirl or I were there and he said no and he didn't miss us. Granted, he's never stayed at my in-laws without us before. ???

And he appears to totally believe this story. Seriously.

On another note, he's voting for one of my husband's friends for President this year. He rarely even sees him. We have no idea why, but he said he would vote for Dale. SuperDad just tells him, "I'm sure he'd apreciate your support."

I love the imagination, but geez, it's kind of scary, too.

:)

SuperGirl. . .

2008-10-13T14:35:00.002-04:00

Getting ready for last Tuesday's tea party at Girl Scouts. . . The subject was manners and they had great fun!

Received in an email. . .

2008-10-12T09:12:00.002-04:00

Once upon a time in a village, a man appeared and announced to the villagers that he would buy monkeys for $10 each.

The villagers, seeing that there were many monkeys around, went out to the forest and started catching them. The man bought thousands at $10 and, as supply started to diminish, the villagers stopped their effort.

He further announced that he would now buy at $20 for a monkey.

This renewed the efforts of the villagers and they started catching monkeys again. Soon the supply diminished even further and people started going back to their farms. The offer increased to $25 each, and the supply of monkeys became so small that it was an effort to even find a monkey, let alone catch it!

The man now announced that he would buy monkeys at $50!

However, since he had to go to the city on some business, his assistant would now buy on behalf of him. In the absence of the man, the assistant told the villagers, "Look at all these monkeys in the big cage that the man has collected. I will sell them to you at $35, and when the man returns from the city, you can sell them to him for $50 each."

The villagers rounded up all their savings and bought all the monkeys.

They never saw the man nor his assistant again, only monkeys everywhere!

Now you have a better understanding of how the stock market works.

Play Time. . .

2008-10-11T16:27:00.002-04:00

You Go Girl. . .

2008-10-10T09:42:00.004-04:00

I'm as tired of anyone of Angelina, but I have to give her major kudos for putting it/them out there. Literally. I love this tastefully done shot of her on the cover of W, taken by none other that Brad Pitt.

In many areas, it's hard for nursing mothers to feed their children in public. I know I was "offered" a more secluded place to feed my children a time or two and declined. If they don't eat in the restroom/dressing room, why should my child?

Here's the article from Comcast. Please let me know if it doesnt' come through.

Pumpkin Time. . .

2008-10-10T08:02:00.003-04:00

The kiddos and I went to pick pumpkins yesterday. $5 for the smallest ones?!? Well, not the smallest. The Baby Boos and ones like-sized were 2 for a dollar. :)

Have You Heard of Acorn?

2008-10-09T07:05:00.004-04:00

They're registering people to vote over and over! What a fraudulous thing to do! One man admits to signing up around 72 times! With only 26 days left until this presidential election, someone has to fix this!

Have You Read This Book?

2008-10-07T09:01:00.003-04:00

TIMES UP!

Home Another Way by Christa Parrish is soon to be released from Bethany House Publishers. If you have read it, let me know what you think.

If you haven't read it, pop on over to Rachel's blog, A Hippy Chick, and sign up for her give-a-way of this book! All you have to do is leave a comment for her! Join in the fun, folks!

No thoughts of my own. . .

2008-10-06T09:28:00.007-04:00

Seeing as how I have no exciting news, and no camera to share pictures at the moment, I'll share another picture I just found at Tin Cup Chalice. I thought of you when I saw this, Rachel. :) Thank you for the original post, Miss Caron!

(Click the pic to enlarge if you don't have your bi-focals on you.)

Have a great week everyone!

I borrowed this from Ryan. . .

2008-10-02T08:04:00.002-04:00

Check him out at this is reverb. . . His latest post is worth checking, too.

Seeds for Next Year. . .

2008-09-30T13:20:00.009-04:00

I purchased these seeds for next years garden from Cherry Gal, and they look wonderful. You get to read a history of the plant, and more!

These are Long Island Cheese pumpkins. These pumpkins are what started it all. I was having some work done at the dentist office and while perusing their lovely magazine collection, came across these filigree pumpkins. These are in the current issue of Martha Stewart Living.

Here are the Musquee De Provence ones. . . Groovy.

Star of the Veld, just because I found them on the CherryGal site and love the burst of color.

will post again soon. . .

2008-09-30T09:18:00.003-04:00

Just feeling a little tired and my mind is just cloudy..... with snot. Yes, dear mother, I said that word. Sorry about that. I don't like the word now that I'm a mom either, but it's the best one to get my point across. Plus, I REALLY can't stand the words mucous and flem. Makes me wanna yak just thinking of them. Anywho, I'll be back soon, hopefully with some witty verbage for you.

:)

Fletch's First Trial. . .

2008-09-24T21:16:00.008-04:00

Here are the pictures from Fletch's first Jack Russell Terrier Trial in Buckingham County, Virginia.

A beautiful old home near Gordonsville, VA. Can you imagine how large this home is up close? I'm not sure if anyone lives there.

A sunrise shot through the fog just past the above home.

Some of the first races. Fletch was too young to participate.

SuperBoy by the terrier trial entrance at the farm.

Fletch's brother Okey Dokey in the right of this pic.

Fletch's brother Tux in the center of this pic.

Standing in line waiting for the Conformation part of the trial. There were 10 dogs in Fletch's class, including 2 of his brothers, which was supposedly a high number. The judge was brought over from England for that day's judging and only the top 6 were awarded a ribbon. Fletch and his brothers did not place, as mainly shorter-legged dogs were chosen. All judges choose differently.

The motor home of some new friends. Cozy, huh? I'll spare youthe pics of the heated marble floors and stainless full size refigerator. :)

Nita, holding Okey Dokey. They were getting ready to do go-to-ground, which I forgot to take a picture of. Nita and Wayne are who we bought Fletch from. Super people.

The Lure Course, with Fletch's last time on it, 9.513 seconds. Not bad, since he'd never seen a course before. Other older dogs were running it in 8 something. I think there was one 7 something scored. Here's more info on Lure Coursing.

A view of the three motor homes on the property. Wayne and Nita have the one on the right.

Notice the flat-screen tv hanging down hear their door. I could seriously live in this thing. Oh, did I mention the leather couch and loveseat and the king-size bed?

A common site. Don't worry. We'll be sticking to one dog entered in a trial. Can you imagine??? There were full-size trucks with rails inside the bed of their trucks that slid out holding 8 Jacks, garden carts carrying 6 crates with Jacks inside, etc. Whew!

Fletch's dad. Turns out, he lives 15 minutes away.

These last two pictures were taken by another new friend, Jill.

Me getting ready to do our first confirmation. Clueless Josephine and her doggy Clueless Joe.

Fletch's very first Lure Course run. I'm so proud of him! Here's to a good showing next time.

Remember this picture?

2008-09-22T20:13:00.003-04:00

I found it's history! Check it out here!

It's the Old Canal Warehouse in Scottsville, Virginia. Please check out Scottsville Museum's pictures at the site above. There is so much to see and learn here. So many pictures!

How's your Monday gone?

2008-09-22T19:21:00.005-04:00

This sums up my day.

This lovely ballcap was given to us (me, I'm sure) by our wonderful neighbors (Herbalina & the Skagginator) who just returned from a visit out west.

My children have been hoopies today, not listening to a word I say. I'm sure they have, it just hasn't felt like it, my gums still feel like crap from being prepped for a crown last week. Oh, and the first temporary crown broke within two days of getting it. Seems my nighlty tooth-grinding didn't accomodate the thing. I go back the day after tomorrow to have the real deal put in, but if I'd thought of it sooner, I may have considered just pulling the tooth.

Oh, and dear, sweet Fletch. . . The honeymoon phase is over. I let the damn dog loose upon returning home and he immediately found a mouse the precious kitties had left for us on the driveway. He scooped it up and ran straight to the front door, approximately 25 feet, and swallowed the damn thing whole. This may have taken a total of 4 seconds, max. Besides be grossed out, which usually takes a lot, the image of him hurling, yakking, ralphing, puking (you get the idea) a whole shrew or whatever it was, out inside our house really gives me the heeby-geebies. Yeah, I tied his little wonderful self back out for a while. Now he's inside and so far so good, but you know what? You may want to quit reading if you have a weak stomach. Or not. You've been warned. O.k. You know what? I got to thinking about him eventually having to poop this thing out. Yeah. Mom's think about poop a lot. Anywho, will he poop a whole shrew or whatever, or will it break down within? I wonder this, because I'm the primary person that goes out with him right now, and I usually have to watch to make sure he poops before coming inside.

Whew! No kisses from that pup today, or maybe the rest of the week. Yuck.

Anywho, I'll be fine, but needed to show you the ballcap. Enjoy.

I hope your day is happier than a warm gut pile.

Over and out. . .

Life Experiences and Songs. . .

2008-09-21T21:50:00.002-04:00

This has happened to me twice now. The most recent was at the dentists office last week. I was getting prepped for a temporary crown until my permanent one is installed this coming Wednesday. Well, my doc starts drilling on my tooth (I was numb, thank Heavens) and I start seeing the "tooth dust" fly around. What pops into my head?

Dust in the Wind. . . No kidding. "All we are is duuuuuuust in the wind. . ."

A few years ago, I had to have a benign cyst drained/aspirated. What popped into my mind then?

Carly Simons' song, Anticipation, with the word Aspiration replacing it.

Warped, yes. It's too fun sometimes, although it seems fewer and fewer people "get" my train of thought.

Has this happened to you?

FedEx Rules!!!

2008-09-21T12:44:00.004-04:00

I only say that because my latest parcel was delivered by them, but hey! it works for me! What do you think, Rachel? :)

In the next day or so, I'll post pictures of our first Jack Russell terrier trial from yesterday! The picture in the blog header was taken on our way there. . .

Have a blessed Sunday!

Ike Shots. . .

2008-09-19T14:17:00.002-04:00

My mom forwarded this link to me. Picture number 11 wowed me the most. Which pic spoke to you?

Yesterday's Adventure. . .

2008-09-15T07:06:00.008-04:00

We took a little hour or so drive yesterday and here are some of our pics.

The Coast Guard airplane practicing touch-downs at our local airport.

Not the Coast Guard, but another big one SuperBoy loved.

I should certainly hope the road is closed beyond this sign. :)

My three kids.

A picture of the James River. You can almost imagine how it was in the old days on this river.

Wouldn't you love to know what this building has seen, inside and out? I'm not sure what this building is/was, but this is the view from the river's side. Between us and the building were a set of railroad tracks and a levee. You can't see the building from the main road on the other side of the tracks.

We love cheap entertainment. I know it will change soon enough.

Throwing more rocks.

Almost a good shot, if you exclude the wrinkling of the nose from the sun.

Buddies.

Finding little shells by the river.

Having fun.

They could have stayed here half of the day.

Trying to catch minnows. SuperDad and I were amazed SuperGirl even put her feet in the river water. Those of you that know her, know she doesn't really care for things like that. If dirt is involved, forget it.

An old train station. Isn't it neat?

Aren't these river trees wonderful? I wonder what they've seen?

Through Our Backyard Trees. . .

2008-09-14T19:59:00.004-04:00

It's a full Harvest Moon. Well, according to the Farmers' Almanac, it will be at 5:13 tomorrow morning.

SuperGirl's Blog. . .

2008-09-09T18:28:00.004-04:00

Guess who asked for her own blog today? Yup, the title gives it away. It's all moderated by me, so fear not.

Have a peak if you like. You'd never guess an 8 year old chose the color. :)

It's Not Easy Being Green. . .

2008-09-09T07:25:00.006-04:00

As I was mowing the grass yesterday, I looked up and saw this. . .

My little man cleaning out the back of his "tractor". . .

While wearing a hunting jacket SuperDad wore when he was little. It has pockets for gun shells and everything. Kinda scary from a Mom's point of view. :) Don't worry, no bullets in there, Mom.

Did I mention it was 87 degrees?

Harvest Apron. . .

2008-09-07T22:37:00.003-04:00

This has one big pocket, or a seam can be sewn down the middle to make 2 large pockets. Great for clothespins or green beans!

Latest Project. . .

2008-09-07T12:30:00.002-04:00

This is the quilt for my best friend's wedd---------------------------

Oops. I just realized I can't show you what I'm doing, just in case she pops in here to see what we've been up to. I promise to post it just after she receives it at the end of October.

Meet FiFi. . .the Turtle. . .

2008-09-07T12:29:00.005-04:00

Thank you, Hanna. After the rains moved northward, we found this little turtle in our front yard. The kiddos had a great time humanizing it. . .

The kiddos building FiFi a home. Thankfully, SuperDad came home soonafter and FiFi was able to roam and flee to his/her turtle family.

Gourds. . .

2008-09-07T12:01:00.004-04:00

Here are two apple-shaped gourds we bought last year to make into birdhouses this year. We let them set outside all year, turning them once a week or so. As you can see from the first picture, they weren't so pretty before I scrubbed them (right). After (left), they were gorgeous. We still need to finish the holes and water-proof them to hang for the birds. Think they'll like them? Here's a link to different size holes you need and the height at which to hang them if you want to make your own.

Mom Tip of the Day. . .

2008-09-04T21:52:00.000-04:00

O.k., it's probably my tip of the week, or maybe even month.

Ready? Let me set the scene. . .

SuperBoy comes to me after going to the potty.

Me: Did you wash your hands?

SB: Yep.

Me: Let me smell them (checking for soap smell).

SB: (as he's running back to the bathroom), Actually, I didn't.

He knows he's been caught and corrects the mistake himself. I love it, and I get to catch him in this one often because he knows there's no way around it.

Mwah, ah, ah. . . Maniacal mom laugh. . .

If you don't already employ this little trick, give it a try and let me know how it goes.

O.k., I Can't Resist. . .

2008-09-02T22:11:00.001-04:00

Did you see the Bill Clinton Kiss and Miss?

Not-Back-To-School picnic. . .

2008-09-01T12:13:00.005-04:00

SuperGirl's spur-of-the-moment nail salon.

Here's our "class picture" for 2008. Unfortunately all the kids couldn't be here.

Tanning Dilemma. . .

2008-09-01T12:00:00.004-04:00

Photo courtesy of these folks. . .

Here's the problem. . .

I am the matron of honor in my best friend's wedding in October and we're wearing strapless navy dresses. Well, I had hoped to sit out in the yard and at least get some sun from the boobs up. It seems that's not really an option with two kiddos running around. Lesson learned.

Anywho. I need sun. I'd prefer not to use the tanning bed, and I wonder about those spray tans. I just need to be tan where my farmer's tan is. It's basically a t-shirt tan, and it won't be too fetching in a navy strapless dress. Oh, sis I mention it's just 3 of us standing beside her? Yeah. I'll be the reflecting white chested thing shooting rays toward the bride. Again, not so pretty. I've tried the cream tanning stuff before, but it doesn't look so hot when you forget to do your ears. Stop. It's not funny. What would you do? I'm thinking a tanning bed is in my future to make sure I look "naturally" tan.

Oy, the predicament! Help me out here!

Buddies. . .

2008-08-28T21:40:00.002-04:00

Hard at Work. . .

2008-08-28T21:17:00.002-04:00

First you drive the railroad nail you found in the yard in to the ground. Or is that "into the ground"?

Action shot of the actual "driving", the only driving he'll do for a long, long time, lol.

Removal of said nail to do over, and over, and over. . .

He Doesn't Stand a Chance. . .

2008-08-25T20:13:00.001-04:00

What's a pup to do with an 8 year old girl in the home?

SuperGirl's Sunrise Pictures. . .

2008-08-25T07:43:00.001-04:00

Having a Hard Time Adjusting. . .

2008-08-22T11:20:00.000-04:00

Fairy Home, for SuperGirl. . .

2008-08-21T15:07:00.003-04:00

Complete with glitter and chocolate chips(bait, er, lure). What else do you need?

Time at the Park. . .

2008-08-21T14:37:00.002-04:00

All is Well. . .

2008-08-18T20:40:00.004-04:00

Minus SuperGirl's expression, I'd say it will all work out just fine. Now, if I could just photoshop your couch in here, Rachel, it would all be peachy. Wait. I don't have Photoshop. Nevermind.

P.S. The camera was in the front floorboard of the car. Oops. :)

Well. . .

2008-08-18T17:57:00.001-04:00

The Fletchinator is here, but my camera is not. And no, he did not eat it. :) As soon as I find it I will post pics of him with the kiddos.

Soon,
SuperMom

Four. . .

2008-08-15T17:24:00.005-04:00

PLUS

EQUALS