i am thankful for...

My sister always likes to say "you are SUCH a mom." I take it as a compliment even though I know part of her is poking fun at my OCD homemaker ways. Well, Cath, here is yet another example of something that you are going to say fits in the mom category.Last night after I got home from work I went straight to the kitchen and starting baking Thanksgiving treats for Graham's teachers. I made a few loaves of this gingerbread molasses cake. I thought it would make for a nice little break from all the pumpkin fever that surrounds October and November. Tastes amazing with vanilla ice cream or poached pear, apple or lemon. I skipped the latter part since these were gifts, but if you make this yourself, I would definitely say go for it.

I wrapped up the gingery treats in plastic bags and sealed them with labels that say "I am thankful for...YOU." We have been so thrilled with Graham's teachers this year, a little bit of cake love is the least I could do to show our gratitude.

Since we're on the topic of thanks, I have to say that I am truly thankful to all our friends and family for making our life as lovely and creative and inspiring as it is. So thank you all for that!

Have a great Thanksgiving holiday.

collecting

I've been admiring Poppytalk's whimsical collections series all week and was pretty surprised to see that three of my photos were included in the final round up on Friday. I'm not really much of a collector (except for nephews, I seem to have a whole lot of those!) but love capturing images of the colorful groupings around the house.

Thank you poppytalk...you made my day!

pirate ship

Trying to do anything with two little kids at your heels is a bit of a challenge. Today my attempt to wash our bedding turned into a game of peekaboo and pirate ship.I never actually got around to making it to the washing machine, but it was sure fun trying.

s & o

I can't get enough of these two.

the boy and his bath

As I've mentioned time and time again, bath time is serious business around here. It is an essential part of our evening routine, the perfect place to turn when we've run out of ideas, energy, or motivation to entertain the littles. When it comes to Graham, a dollop of shaving creme, a paint brush and a few plastic animal turns into a 45 minute adventure. Thank you oh claw foot tub, you were worth every penny.

Today the boys decided to experiment with a different sort of bath. This one involved charcoal ash, our fireplace, and my white shag rag. I thought things seemed a little too quiet this morning while I was brushing my teeth. Mother's instinct? You could say that. When I went to check on the munchkins, I found them gleefully playing with trucks and trains IN the fireplace. I couldn't bring myself to take any pictures of their hands, feet or faces covered in soot (though they did look pretty cute in a boys will be boys kind of way) so you'll have to use your imagination. I guess now I need to go rent one of those crazy carpet cleaning machines from Safeway. Oh joy.

After hearing this story, my mom sent me this image of Rene Magritte's painting, Time Transfixed. I see the inspiration here, but I don't see a dirty carpet!

ornaments

I've been busy working on these little handmade ornaments for an upcoming craft sale at a friend's house this weekend. I am thrilled to see that they are featured on poppytalk today, one of my favorite blogs. I've put of couple of these up for sale in my etsy shop, go play.

coloring 101

It seems like everything goes so fast with number two. Maybe it's just amnesia from the first time around, but I can't believe how quickly Simon is moving out of baby mode into toddler territory.

Yesterday I decided to try coloring with S, wondering if he would make the leap from eating crayons to drawing with them. I thought we were really onto something when into the mouth the red crayon went. Oh well, maybe he is still part baby. I can't say I mind a whole lot.