Very Mary

The First Snow

Thank you. For all the kind words. 

I read on yahoo.com yesterday about a study that suggested that people spend about half their time thinking about doing something or wishing they were doing something other than what they are actually doing, and it makes them unhappy. Apparently, it is better to "live in the moment." Ironic for me to read it yesterday, actually, because it put into words a concept that's been on my mind a lot. I've been really struggling to just focus on the present and enjoy what is happening right now. My mind is always racing a few steps ahead or dwelling fourteen steps behind. I'd like to take some time everyday to just be involved and really play with my kids without having to multi-task. I know you mothers out there know exactly what I am talking about...

My focus for today? Playing in the snow...

Just some gently falling flakes, a few snowballs, a happy little girl, and a Mommy with very cold fingers. 

More snow promised for tomorrow. I might have to get some better mittens. :)

Making some changes...

The reality of life with two kids is that I have less time. Much less time, actually. And something had to give. That "something" just happens to be scrapbooking. 

I resigned from Write.Click.Scrapbook. and Two Peas in a Bucket. 

It was a very difficult decision to make because scrapbooking has been such a big part of my creative life for such a very long time, but it was the right decision. And it doesn't - by any stretch - mean that I am done forever with cutting and pasting photos and telling stories. It just means that I am done with monthly deadlines, so there will likely be fewer pages posted here. I still love scrapbooking. I just can't devote every single waking minute of free time to it. I want to do other things. (And I want to sleep too.) :)

So hopefully in the next while, I can use my time to get organized. I have plans for 2011. Plans for a few projects and things that I've always wanted to do (or decided that I want to do) and never quite had the time. Hopefully, you'll bear with me, and I'll see you here in the future. 

In the meantime, expect some sporadic blogging here and there...

Lil' Pumpkin

Little Man went Halloweening this year too. His costume was a hand-me-down, however, and he did not appreciate the hat. He wouldn't wear it. I have a few snapshots of him wearing a fuzzy duckling body, with fuzzy duckling leggings, and fuzzy duckling feet.  But there is no fuzzy duckling head. He wore a snow hat instead.

I like this shot better:

He is just now sitting up on his own, and he's feeling all casual about it. (I swear I did not pose him. Other than plopping him down next to the pumpkins. The rest is just plain ol' good luck).

For this one, I had S stand behind me and talk to him. He loves her. He watches her constantly, and he just beams when she notices him. It's really something. 

And now, I have to do something with the 56 other lil' pumpkin photos I took today! 

Howdy, Pardner

Back in September, I asked her what she wanted to be for Halloween, and she surprised me with "cowgirl." I fully expected her to change her mind several times, but apparently she did not inherit the indecisive gene from me because she never wavered. She did however, inform me in no uncertain terms that "cowgirls wear belts."  And after discussing the costume choice with her Grandpa, she added "cowgirls have ropes. Mommy, I need a rope." Gee, thanks, Grandpa. 

Amazingly enough, lassoes come in pink. And the rest was easy to find right here in the heart of the west. 

Dang it, rodeo never looked so good. And by the way, these poses and expressions were entirely her idea. Being a cowgirl is very serious business.

Although I did manage to coax a smile for the grandparents. And also to prove that she really did love her costume. 

Especially the cowgirl belt. And also the pink boots. Which she told me she will wear until Christmas. This is a good thing since I am cheap and bought them two sizes too big so that she can wear them from now until she is in second grade. :)

Yahoo!!!!!!!! Happy Halloween, y'all.