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The Costumes....da da daaa daaaaa

Can u figure out what I did with my free time this weekend? I have a new appreciation for all the costume makers in the world!!

Happy Autumnal Equinox

Bags, Bags, Bags

Two bags finished today:-) The "A bag" is for a friend's daughter's bday present & the cool orange one is all mine!! I found this heavy fabric at an antique store this weekend & couldn't resist. The pattern I used was from my favorite new book "Handmade Home" by Amanda Soule. I even added pockets:)

It's that time of the year..apple pickin

Lots of apples to eat..

Another walk..

Paying attention in "reality"

We've been reading a great book "The Phantom Tollbooth" by Norton Juster. It's a modern day fairytale full of all kinds of adventures. It's one of those children's books..I'm not sure children really appreciate or completely understand until they aren't so little anymore.

Most of the book takes place in the "Kingdom of Wisdom," there you will find Dictionopolis, Digitolpolis, The Forest of Sight, Mtns of Ignorance & much more. So far one of my favorite chapters is "A Colorful Symphony" when Milo gets lost in the forest with Alec, a boy who grows downward:0. Milo wonders if people live in this forest & Alec explains that some people live in a wonderful city called "Reality." he sees a majestic city off in the distance & assumes this is "Reality", but soon is told it is only "Illusions." He is standing in "Reality"... a city he can't see. Reality was once a city with beauty where people often stopped to look around & enjoy the scenery. A place where people were never in a hurry. Alec also explains that "the most important reason for going from one place to another is to see what's in between." Later someone realized you could get places much faster if you walked as fast as you could & looked at only your shoes. It wasn't long before everyone was doing this & all the beauty that was around them went unnoticed. Things in "Reality" started changing..the beauty faded, slowly disappearing & then becoming invisible. Life went on in "reality" even without a visible city & that's the way reality remained.

This little piece of the book stuck with me & I soaked it in thinking I should pay more attention to my "reality." it's amazing what you miss when you aren't fully present...do you know what I mean? It's easy to find a rhythm to your days, weeks & slowly the special things don't seem so special or beautiful. I decided to take my camera with me on a walk & capture a few moments from my reality yesterday. This is what I caught.

Projects Accomplished..

This sewing thing is addictive!! I guess it's the same feeling I had a few years ago when I learned how to knit. I never knew I could be so domestic :) & it makes me feel smart. I have always felt so "ADD" when it comes to learning new things, so I'm feeling proud of myself today:0 I was able to finish all the unfinished piles & even a new zippered butterfly bag for my Maddie. Feels good. Also I have a new pile of beautiful fabrics..thanks Yaya.

Bubbles..

The magic of bubbles..

Maddie's Timbit's Debut

Soccer started for Mad yesterday & to say she was excited to finally play instead of watch would be an understatement. Maybe I should join a league too:-)

I Still Remember..

8 years ago..I remember starting my day at New Hope Elementary with a class full of new 2nd graders. It would only be a few days later that I would find out that I was pregnant with Jackie. I think back about finding out about 9/11 with a note from the guidance counselor...something about our country was attacked by terrorist this morning..I dont remember the details of the words, just that it was on bright colored paper that was passed around to each teacher that morning. We all anxiously waited to turn on the tv when the kids were at recess or to make a phone call. The phone lines were crazy..I remember. No one knew what kind of terror those victims of 9/11 were going through that morning, but I often think of them & my heart breaks. I think about the families left to move on & heal. I wonder how they all are doing & hope they know that we still remember their lost loved ones.

Dublin Charity Cup

Jack played in his first soccer tournament this weekend. Here a few pics from the weekend of soccer.

President Obama

Tomorrow President Obama will give a speech directed to the schoolkids of the US. You can read it here. http://www.whitehouse.gov/MediaResources/PreparedSchoolRemarks/
Jack's school will allow students to watch the speech only if they send in a signed note & those students will watch it in a designated area. Does this seem crazy to anyone??? President Obama is our president & I imagine that if he decided to visit Jack's school or any school he would be welcomed with open arms not with a signed note admittance only.
One argument is that parents don't think a president should speak directly to their children w/o the parents knowing what he will say ahead of time. I wonder if those same parents preview all the tv shows & movies/media that their children watch. So much is thrown at our kids thru tv that is truly negative & violent, but I don't think our president (the one we elected) will do anything but inspire the young people...especially those students that need a positive role model. They may even go home & explain to their parents that Obama isn't so bad.

35 years old today...

The Pet Whisperer is Home..

Afterschool the animals all know where to go for loving..Jack aka "the pet whisperer." He loves his furry friends & they miss him when he's at school.

She's off..

bluebird skies above our heads,
dancing by the day begins.
i see you smile & know you are ready,
off to school slow & steady.
no wave goodbye with a friend hand-in-hand,
going to make new creations in imaginary lands.