We Do Things

HOLIDAY EXCITEMENT

Hope you all had wonderful Thanksgivings. Ours was adventurous to say the least.

The Dad had been noticing some health issues the past couple of weeks, fatigue, faintness, head rushes, and some pains in the chest.

When he went in to Urgent Care, he was told he was having a panic attack. That didn't satisfy him, so he pushed for more medical care. After a stress test that he didn't pass, they sent him off for an EKG, and then a stress EKG.

He was then referred to a cardiologist. When we met with this most wonderful man, he scheduled The Dad for an angiogram the next morning. He didn't know why he felt the need to rush, he just said there was something that was throwing a red flag in his face and he wanted to get The Dad done before the Holidays.

So, the Wednesday before Turkey Day, we headed to the hospital at way to dang early in the a.m.  The Dad ended up getting a full service angiogram, angioplasty, and two drug-eluting stents placed in his ticker.

His left anterior artery was 100% blocked and his main artery was 80% blocked.

Other than the pain from the artery in his groin area, and a bruising feeling in his heart, his recovery was perfect.

He came home Thanksgiving morning and TheGoodFriendsFamily ensured we had a most delicious TUrkey dinner.

TGFF also ensured that I did not once have to worry about The Kids through this whole process. Man, we love them.

The Dad is feeling better than ever and is awaiting being cleared by his doctor so he can return to his dog walking responsibilities.

I also need him to be cleared so that he can put up the Christmas decorations.

We enjoyed a delicious Turkey dinner Saturday, with The Aunt, The Uncle, and The Littlest Nephew, who is growing by leaps and bounds.

Pictures soon to follow.

I attempted getting pictures of All Three Kids together. I think I might have more outtakes than not.

Still wondering how you amazing photographers wrangle all those kids.

FAMILY RULES

I love the internet. I get most, if not all of my creative ideas from the internet. I have found my way to the most creative blogs and people who are so willing to share their ideas. Just because.

When I found my way to The Pleated Poppy, the site grabbed my attention and I spent hours searching through the archives. Amazing creativity.

I found The Pleated Poppy by following a link from a link from a link. You know how it goes.

I landed on the Family Rules Canvas post and knew I'd be making one of these in the not so distant future.

So, I did.

I love this constant reminder to be a better mother, person, and family.

 

My pictures don't do the real canvas justice. It is one of my favorite pieces of work thus far.

Since you most likely can't read them, our rules are:

• Kindness Matters
• Always tell the truth
• Have a positive attitude
• encourage your sibling, share in their joy
• Use nice words, think about what you say before you say it.
• Say I love you
• Be responsible and helpful. If you see something needs doing, do it.
• Give your guests your best
• Keep your promises
• Charity begins at home, Always give to others
• Work hard, do your best in all you do
• Obey your parents, the first time
• Own your mistakes and your triumphs.

Without having to beat The Kids over the head with reminders, we have definitely noticed subtle changes around here. There are a lot more random acts of kindness occurring. I can't blame it all on the Family Rules Canvas, but I'm sure the constant visual reminder doesn't hurt either.

I'm also thinking that these would make wonderful Christmas gifts.

YES MY HUSBAND LOVES ME

this I know, because his actions tell me so.

I have my old barn that I've always wanted. It is all mine. The Dad made it special, just for me.

It took him a while to finish it. This old barn is my anniversary present from way back in August. I forgive him though, old barns take time.

It's the first thing I see when I open my eyes in the morning.

My old barn.

MAX IS BACK 2009

You all remember Max right?

Santa's helper that stays with Justin after his Christmas work is done?

Well, Max came early this year. Apparently, our silly elf, who is a carpenter for Santa, fell off Santa's roof and broke his little arm.

Santa sent him to Justin so he could help him heal and probably keep him out of the other elves' way.

Justin has been taking very good care of him and thus far, Max is staying out of trouble due to his owie.

 

He says he can't wait for Max to start making mischief because then he will know Max's arm is feeling better.

I have a feeling we won't be waiting too long.

F4F: KNITTING STUFF

This is going to be a long one. Sorry about that.

I've been in a knitting frenzy lately, there is so much cute stuff out there.

I also had my first request.

I'm proud of that, even if it did come from my own niece. 

First though, I added to The Littlest Niece's play food collection.

Crooked cupcake. Just like my real cupcakes.

Sunny side up.

This egg is a tad large. I almost tossed it actually. Then, I thought about the fact that The Littlest Niece is not even two yet and she most likely won't care if her egg is larger in proportion to the rest of her playfood.

Which is a very good thing because this eggplant was nearly the death of me.

 

I know, it's just an eggplant. It came out way too small though.

 

For an eggplant. I think we'll just tell her it came from our garden this year. Which was a total fail.

Perhaps, one of my favorite of my recent knits. The coffee cozy with a carrying pouch.

I even taught myself, or You Tube taught me rather, how to knit button holes. Another knitting skill knocked off the list.

Then, I knit this guy, just for fun.

The Pink Blob.

Goofy isn't it? It called to me for some reason though.

Now for the request(s). Remember way back, when I first ventured out of my hat and scarf phase?

Well, The Oldest Niece is big sister to The Littlest Niece who carries around her pink bunny like it's attached to her. Isn't that sweet?

So, jealousy kicked in (not really, but I can pretend) and she begged and pleaded with me to make bunnies for her and her best friend.

So, here are the BunnyBestFriendsForever toys. These are my favorite bunnies of all and I'm having a tough time giving them to my 23 year old niece and her BFF.

Bunny butts.

 

Then, I caught them in a BBFF fight.

 

Silly bunnies, couldn't agree on what to watch on television.

I read them some chapters from our favorite bunny book and they quickly made up.

 

Thanks for looking at all my stuff.

Head on over to Lit & Laundry and give some encouragement to all the other participants!

ONE ON ONE TIME IS IMPORTANT

The Dad and The Girl headed out for some Daddy/Daughter time. They went to The Dad's old haunts in and around Hollywood. The Girl swears now, to never do drugs or become a prostitute.

I think that trip was well worth the gas money.

 

They enjoyed a fine lunch.

I can't tell you how rare this look of pure joy is these days. It almost makes me forget about her yelling at me because I'm stupid. Not that she would ever say it out loud, but she conveys her message fairly well.

 

The Dad drove her by the Nickelodeon Animation Studios. This made her day.

She now wants to become an Anime animator.

Even though she is adamantly opposed to taking animation classes.

Sigh.

HAPPY VETERANS DAY

IT IS THE SOLDIER

It is the Soldier, not the minister
Who has given us freedom of religion.

It is the Soldier, not the reporter
Who has given us freedom of the press.

It is the Soldier, not the poet
Who has given us freedom of speech.

It is the Soldier, not the campus organizer
Who has given us freedom to protest.

It is the Soldier, not the lawyer
Who has given us the right to a fair trial.

It is the Soldier, not the politician
Who has given us the right to vote.

It is the Soldier who salutes the flag,
Who serves beneath the flag,
And whose coffin is draped by the flag,
Who allows the protester to burn the flag.

(? Charles M. Province)

Thank you.

HOW TO KNOW HALLOWEEN IS OVER

If you thought we cleaned them up after seeing that, think again.

 

My parents will be glad to know, they are cleaned up now.

Environmentalists will be happy to know, they are in our compost bin.

GARAGE SALING

We have recently rediscovered our inner red-necks and have been garage saling. Or is it sailing? I guess it depends on The Dad's driving.

I would like to politely ask all of you garage sale hosts to make BIG signs. That point in the correct direction. Also, please take signs down after garage sale closes.

Oh, and for you maniacs? Please find an actual spot to park your car which does not include either the middle of the street or the host's driveway.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Also, if your great-great twice removed, elderly aunt dies and she just happened to be a knitter who did not use acrylic yarn. Call me. I am still looking for my treasure.

Oh, and I'm sorry about her passing.

The Kids love to garage sale. It means we'll be having donuts for breakfast and they get to play DS in the car for a few hours. No pesky momma making them clean their rooms first.

See, pure bliss.

Also, The Girl loves when we purchase items too large to fit in the back of The Tahoe. Then, she gets to ride in the front with the seatbelt, while The Mom gets smushed in the back with her new $25 desk.

Happiness. She is actually reading. Not wasting her mind on numbing video games.

We didn't find much this weekend, but as I mentioned, The Girl scored a desk.

 

Which may or may not contain her mess. I'm taking bets if anyone is interested.

I also scored something that I never even knew I needed until I saw it. $3 bought me this almost pristine, vintage, hamper.

 

Isn't it beautiful? Wait, it gets better.

Look at those handles. I am in love. Who knew love could be so cheap?

See that nose? That dog nose? The Dog's nose?

Let me show you some of the outtakes here because Lord knows when The Camera comes out, it must be to photograph the most gorgeous Lab in the entire world.

 

This one is much safe than the 5 pictures before, all with his butt facing us.

After losing my temper with him, he decided to show the proper respect.

 

That's right, dog, bow down to your Master!

Please ignore those gigantic dog fur mounds. I'm lazy and I have a gigantic dog.

 

Seriously, just get out of the way now.

HALLOWEEN, IT CAME AND IT WENT

Alien Princess.

 

Alien Princess*  being pushed around by Alice Cullen.

 

*please note, this is actual pretend angst on The Girl's face. I know it is hard to tell the difference, but this time, it is pretend.

All of The Girls

 

The Trick or Treaters

 

Luigi being a pest. And why did I let him? Because I recall this picture taking event all too well.

 

I'm learning to take what I get.

Who says we adults can't learn from these pesky kids?

Again, it was made obvious that The Boy is the last child in this family.

I failed to get a decent picture of him dressed up. As an archer. Who is not Robin Hood.

 

Although, I seriously think he would have raked in a ton more candy if he had been Robin Hood.