Rashes Boils and Sores

I'm thinking those are the things Miley is so concerned about when getting her picture taken.  It must cause something bad to happen to elicit such a negative response.  I can't figure out where she learned of rashes, boils, and sores though.

Our family photo session was indeed a sad performance. . .  I tried to prepare her by telling her we were going to play outside in all her cuteness and Brit would follow us around just 'holding' a camera.  Maybe she'd push the button a time or two, but I assured her she wouldn't even notice.  I explained how bribery with candy would work.  I showed her props to play with.  We practiced cute smiles and spooky faces.  I told her she looked absolutely gahgeous. . . even when her hair was like this. . .

Yeah, it didn't really work though.  Nothing I did could trick her into pretending the camera wasn't there.  She may not like Brit so much anymore.  We'll see how long it takes her to be forgiven.  ;)  Now only Brit knows whether we got one good shot or not.  My fingers are crossed that something could be salvaged.  At least I know we got some awesome red-faced crying pics. . . and Miley was in those too.

So in the end when no rashes, boils, or sores appeared. . . just watery eyes, runny nose, red blotchy skin, crankiness, and some yelling. . . the prognosis was determined to be an allergy. . . to having her picture taken.  Sad, but true.  My brother had it when he was a kid, so with hope she'll grow out of it eventually.

Maybe she'd just rather be behind the camera. . .

a girl and a purse

 All spiffed up and ready to go . . . to church.

grateful for you

. . . all of our family.  Happy Thanksgiving!

the devil is in the details

I admit I was excited to decorate Mie's dollhouse. . . it has now worn off.  After all of my nails have broken off and I can't seem to get the paint off my hands completely; I've decided that it is much harder to decorate a life in miniature than I anticipated.  It's my fault of course, I bought all the bare bones furniture because I wanted it customizable.  Add to the fact that I can't help myself but add details that Miley will in no way appreciate or possibly even notice, well at least until I point them out and force her to say 'oooh and ahhh' about.  ;)

So if I can't get the appropriate feedback from her then I must at least enjoy this process. . . or I'm completely out of my mind anal about it.  Don't get me wrong, I've cut my fair share of corners.  The space about the stove. . . totally not a real light, I painted a glowing little square instead.  Oh my gosh that totally just gave me an idea.  I've got glow in the dark paint, why haven't I used that for the lamps and lights?  Add it to the list.

I get to try my hand at sewing for this little adventure as well.  I'm going to try and duplicate my duvet cover for the mini master bed.  Dave has bet against me on that one.  I'm assuming because he knows that that will give me the extra push to tough it out and beat him. . . which makes it kind of counter productive since I realize that fact, but then again, I do like to win. . . so maybe it will work.  Sewing is definitely not my thing though, so I've been putting that little challenge off until the last. . . unfortunately we are very nearly there.  Alright, maybe Dave really thinks I can't do it.  OOOh no.

Second project update. . . felted wool balls garland.  Sounds pretty cute right?  Well I thought I'd be crafty and make my own, and what I found out was that it's totally worth it to spend the money on pre-made balls.  Oh and that the stinkin tutorials on the subject sadly forgot to mention wearing gloves.  That should be common sense for most people, but unfortunately I can't ever remember to do that. . . if blogs were movies you'd be seeing flashbacks to the times when my hands were mauled on numerous occasions right now, most notably being covered in gorilla glue. . . for weeks until it finally came off.  Fun times.  So anyway, be warned always wear gloves.  I think I need to make a sign or something to remind me to do just that.  Well when the skin has recovered on my hands, I'll totally get on that.

So you're wondering, why all the chatter and no pics?  Well, nothing is done yet.  I've got nothin.  Sorry with all the words and what not.  One day I'll put my camera to use.  Speaking of which, I'll also let you know about my daughter's serious allergy. . . another time, but pictures will be included. . . so there's the teaser to keep you coming back despite the wordiness of today.  ;)

the perfect spot

And to think I was considering replacing this chair. . .

 I don't think this girl would appreciate that so much.  Alright you twisted my arm.  It stays.

ten years

Happy Anniversary hon, love you!  Sorry for posting the goofy picture, but let's face it, you make those faces a lot.  ;)

the thing is

I'm having trouble blogging lately.  I just can't think past my to do list to have something to say.  It's frustrating because I usually find writing nonsensical things here quite fun to do.

Here's why I think my subject list has withered. . .

1. Miley doesn't let me take many pictures of her right now.  So, not much to show.
2.  I feel guilty about posting embarrassing things about her since she now seems to care.
3.  I can only throw Dave under the bus so much before it looks abusive.  ;)
4.  I don't do itinerary posts because that is fodder for stalkers, and I have enough of those.
5.  I don't eat anything interesting enough to discuss.
6.  Health stuff is off the list because it sounds like those uncomfortable Fast Sunday testimonies, or TMI. ;)
7.  The weather is boring.
8.  Complaining is a nice fall back but I feel like I've filled my quota for awhile so that my blog isn't all sunshine and lollipops. . . don't want to go too far the other way either.
9.  I'm slightly concerned that talking about my projects is getting old.
10.  I'm not feeling so helpful and don't have any good ideas to share.

See, it's a hard knock blogging life here.  I'm sure inspiration will come from somewhere again.  You know, lightning striking my brain.  ;) . . . if anything I'll just fall back on random movie quotes masquerading as wit/content.

Oh wait, did I mention that we're officially APPROVED to adopt now?  Yep, totally on the other side of the paperwork wall.  Wahoo, as Miley would say.  Our profile is up online and everything.  I gotta say this time around it was actually easier, so forget my previously sarcastic comments about our office.  ;) 

Oh yeah, here's the link. . . Dave and Mindy

short order cook

The other night I asked Miley what she wanted for dinner.  She thought about it for a minute and then answered. . . toast, broccoli, apples, yogurt, and a drink.  ;)  Well she covered her food groups pretty well.

And of course, no meal is complete without her buddy. . .

It's usually Tink that she buckles in for her meals, but sometimes it's a doll or a stuffed animal, or even her cell phone. . . go figure.

odds and ends

I totally teared up at the end of Toy Story 3 after watching it again.  You'd think I would have been prepared to withstand it after seeing it already.  Stupid dust in the air.

A sense of humor is of utmost importance when I choose a doctor.  Credentials, second.  Seriously, if he doesn't laugh at my wit then I find another doctor.  Ask Dave, I've been through quite a few.  Thankfully our family doctor now finds me delightful.  ;)

 I am disgruntled with my trees.  I got two lemons, they're not red.  OK, so I don't know which trees turn which colors in the fall.  I'm not into horticulture so much.  I expected my landscaper to be though.  I was wrong.  What a hack.  I asked for red leaves and I got purple.  Maybe he's just color blind?  I guess I can't be mad about that.  No, I can.

Tis the season for pumpkin flavored crap.  Gross.

These blank books are a genius solution to Miley's mess of a table in my office.  No more coloring on scrap pieces of paper that are left everywhere and then thrown away.  An idea garnered from another blog.  I love when blogs are actually useful.  And I apologize for not being one of them.  ;)

I'm trying to decide if I should try and make an advent calendar.  I remember thinking that they were pretty awesome as a kid.  I haven't found one I liked enough to buy though.  However, this time of year is pretty much the worst to start more projects.  I think a paper chain will suffice as a countdown, for now, maybe.

Got an email with a cute garland depicted.  It's cute right?  Not really wanting to spend that kind of money on it, I'm thinking I'm going to try my hand at felting wool.  Never done it, but I found instructions to make the little balls so we could string it around our Christmas tree.  Our version of snowballs.  ;)  I hope I'm not allergic to wool.  And forget what I just said about not starting new projects.



I'm collecting stars for my Christmas decorations.  I already have a fair few, but I think I've decided this will be my new Christmas theme.  It feels good to be focused on one thing like that.

Miley is loving bringing a purse to church.  It's her new way to bring her little toys and snacks with her.  It's a lot smaller than the bag I usually lug around and this way she pulls her own weight by carrying it. . . and she doesn't even miss the fact that it holds a lot less stuff and food. . . because it's a cute purse.

It's almost my anniversary and equally exciting it's also time for the next Harry Potter to come out!  Pretty awesome.  How romantic would it be to stand in line at the theater for hours to see it?

So I cleaned my whole entire house for the home study.  I'm talking, behind the fridge type of cleaning.  OK, so I knew he wouldn't check behind my fridge or anything, but I was being thorough. . . and then our caseworker walked in, did a spin, and hit the road again.  I guess I should be happy with the two thumbs up, but he didn't even pull out a white glove to test anything.  OK, they don't actually do that, but while I was cleaning I was thinking about Full House, and Danny Tanner would be truly disappointed with our inspection methods these days.

Halloween took too much of my attention and I totally forgot about Thanksgiving.  We're too close to it now and missed our opportunity to order a yummy pie from the yummy pie store, Croshaws.  Sadness.  I'll have to improvise something.  Cupcakes?  Homemade ice cream floats?  Or I guess I could make a pie, but that would just remind me of what I was missing. . . . mmmm lemon sour cream.

I think I have an idea for a Christmas card this year, but I'm kind of stuck on what to be next Halloween.  I guess it's good that my ideas are coming in the proper order anyway.  I still can't convince myself to make one of those flat picture cards.  I don't know why, but I feel the need to have it be an actual card.  Crazy old tradition that I'm stuck with.

here we are

We're nearing the end of the endless paperwork.  This week actually.  I am busy cleaning everything in our house and outside our house for our inspection/home study.  This week. . . And then all our hard work is sent to committee to approve.  That's it people, we're inches away from making into 'awaiting to adopt' territory.  Crazy.

Next hurdle will be to finally get our family pictures taken. . . to add to our profile and just because I need some new pics in my house.  Yay!  Well, yay when they're over so I won't have to worry about Mie being altogether uncooperative.  Pray for us there. 

Speaking of. . . here's a little anecdote to tide you over until I am finished cleaning and dealing with my busy week. . .

The other night during family prayer Mie got the hiccups.  Pretty normal for her, she hiccups all the time.  Well she's on a super polite kick and so she had to say 'excuse me' after every single hiccup.  Well it sounds more like 'scuse me' in her little cute voice.  You're not supposed to laugh during a prayer, right?  Darn those hiccups.

Alright, maybe I'll be back here this week, but maybe not. . . I can't stay away for very long either way.  Peace out.

on the farm

 We celebrated adoption, on the farm (yeah my favorite), this month with the FSA.  The food was great anyway.

Miley was thrilled to talk to the animals.  Yep, talk.  She also gave nice head scratches to a goat who appreciated it greatly.  She is well practiced at that with Bear.

She chatted with a friendly sheep, up close and personal.  They weren't afraid of each other in the least.

Then she chatted up a donkey, followed by the turkeys, goats, ponies, and then back to the donkey again.  They were all very friendly and Miley's only problem was leaving them behind.  Sad.  She may be asking her Daddy for a donkey for Christmas, no silly pleas for a pony here.

Buyer's guide 2010

So now Christmas is on my mind and I'm trying to figure out what to give Mie.  It would be really nice if she could just tell me what she wants, but she wants pretty much everything I ask her about and that gives me no indication of the toy's longevity. . . you know like will it occupy her attention for an hour or a day?

Anyway, as I was struggling with these decisions I thought about all her family and how it could be frustrating for them as well to figure out a gift for her. . . and I thought I could give some basics that might help with that. . .

First, she is terrified of anything that moves and talks.  No scary possessed toys.  She's never even seen the Chucky movies and yet she knows toys should not move or speak on their own.  It's unnatural.  Make noises, sure fine.  Move a little, possibly ok. . . but both, not a chance.  Freaky.  Which also means that Disneyland is not in our foreseeable future.  Bummer.

Anything Tinker Bell would be a hit with her. . . as would Toy Story stuff.  She loves books.  Paraphernalia for baby dolls is fun.  She has a stroller.  More blocks would suit her fine.  She'd like to set a world record in tower building by the age of 3.  We support her in this goal as long as I don't step on any of the blocks.

More information. . . She currently wears a size 6 toddler shoe, but bigger never is a bad idea.  She hearts shoes.  She wears 3T in clothes, well 2T too, but once again opting for bigger is the safe choice.

So I thought I'd have more advice to give, but it turns out I'm still pretty stumped on what to give her myself and that makes me less than totally useful here.  Well, good intentions.

I hope that helps a little in your shopping, not that I'm expecting you to be shopping for her, just if you were going to already. . . you know. . . uh. . . because you wanted to, before you read this and felt obligated to.  ;)

'tis the season. . .

just call me 2nd place

How do you please an 8 year old (that's who judged the bottle challenge)??  Uh, don't ask me.  OK, so my bottle didn't win, but as previously discussed I'm good with failure.  ;)  Next time I'll think bigger.

Well, actually after packing up my Halloween stuff from just inside the house today I think maybe I won't have much more room for 'bigger' in my garage.  Exhibit A. . .

These are just the ones that I hadn't put in the garage yet. . . there were more. . . and this is just the stuff packed up from my house.  I may have a problem.  I'm running out of garage.  ;)

On to Halloween pics. . .  Mie and her ghost pumpkin.  It's a little heavy, can you tell?

 80's lovin zombies. . . that's right.  I dug deep to remember how I did my hair back then. . . it all came back to me, sweet memories of hairspray and multiple curling/crimping irons.  It was awesome!  I might be a little out of practice with the bangs though.  I'm sure I used to get more height. ;)

Miley loved everything about Halloween!  The costumes, the jewelry, the MAKEUP!, the hair. . . well you'll see. . .

. . . helping Daddy with his makeup too,

. . . but maybe not so much taking more than one family photo.  One is the limit.

She loved pointing out spooky costumes.  She loved going from trunk to trunk saying trick or treat and getting goodies.  She said big THANK YOUS for them.  Carrying around her 'purse' (aka cute treat bag) was awesome and then getting candy in it too totally rocked.  Actually, before we left she thought she had to fill it with something and I found a ball in there once she started trick-or-treating.  Silly girl.

If they let her pick from the treat bowl she usually picked out tootsie rolls.  I don't know why.  She's never had them, but they're my favorite so I totally scored with that!

I'm thinking if I let her do her own and our makeup next year, she'll totally let me dress her in something spooky again.  No princesses here.  ha ha ah ah ah haha hah ah aha!  Well maybe a decapitated one or something.

annual propensity

I can't help myself I am totally drawn to new table settings every year before Thanksgiving.  I have a thing for cool plates and glasses.

No cups have caught my eye yet, but these plates are totally haunting me.  I LOVE them.  Dave however, does not enjoy my same proclivity for dishes.  That sounds really weird.

Seriously though, every year I find something I want to add to my hutch. . . to maybe even use one day or another.  Maybe even for Thanksgiving?

Sometimes I resist.  I don't think I bought anything new for last year, so I'm thinking this may be a good argument to use to get a

couple of these in my possession this year.

They're black and white, graphic, and kind of look like funky paper plates.  AWESOME!

Are you tired of me sharing my crazy with you yet?  Because, well this does sound crazy.  It's absolutely true, but undeniably slightly odd.  I know.

Well, I think I love them enough to give it a try.  You know, pick your battles and everything.  ;)