The Art of Mechanical Music

When I hear the term "music box", it automatically conjures an image in mind of one of those pink boxes you open and a ballerina dances, possibly to "Music Box Dancer". Or maybe I am mixing my memories. However, those memories couldn't be further from the truth about some of the most unique and eclectic new Music Boxes that are available from Reuge.

Reuge is known for its Swiss-quality products, but has now taken their design to a new level with the Studio and Lounge lines.

As you can see, these are beautiful works of art that look as great as they sound. Although the company has been in business since 1865, I had not heard of them until now. With these chic designs, they are sure to catch the eye of a whole new generation. Reuge is also the manufacturers of the smallest musical movement in the world.

~t

What's in a name?

Zane is finally starting to say his own name! It's so exciting. For a long time, when asked, "What's your name?" he would think for a moment, and say something like "Mommy" or "bear". I would tell him, "I don't remember naming you 'Mommy'" which he didn't seem to understand. Babies.

Tonight, in bed, he had to have Caspian's Snoopy stuffed animal (who he calls "who'-knee") and his baby. Then, he set about pointing to everything in bed and naming it. "Mommy, hooney, baby." "Mommy, hooney, baby." This went on for a while.

Finally, I pointed to him and said, "And who is this?"

"Zane!" (he has a little bit of a hard time with the Z still)

I said, "My sweet Zane."

And he said, "Hi!"

~t

nutraOrigin Vitamins for Women

We all know we should take our vitamins. It can be tough, especially as women, to find the time and energy to take that little extra bit of care for ourselves. I just found a new site that focuses primarily on Women's Vitamins and makes it a lot easier.



It is important take care of ourselves at all times, but women especially can use extra help at specific times in their life--like pregnancy and menopause. Personally, I feel that the vitamins I took during my pregnancy with Zane were important in producing a healthy result. But I had to run out to the store to get them. Shopping online is so much easier, and nutraOrigin also offers autoship.

To see nutraOrigin's line of products arranged in an attractive table that is handily organized by health concern (Blood Sugar, Cardiovascular Health, Menopause, Osteoporosis Pre Menstrual, Pre Natal), check out their Health Matrix. The table includes the essential supplement, the unique benefits of each supplement, and a suite of supplements that works dynamically together to help with each particular health concern. How cool.



The site itself is attractive, informative, and easy to navigate. (I know, I say that a lot, but I am a bit of a design snob and really appreciate when something is well put together. I wouldn't say it if I didn't really think it.)

Check them out and get the radiant health you deserve.



~t

Sick Baby Sucks

Ha ha ha...just my little double entendre to myself to try to make myself feel better about how much sleep I'm NOT getting. Zane was up multiple times all night. Nursing most times. Ha ha--sick baby sucks.

Yesterday afternoon he woke up from his nap with the crabbiest attitude I may have ever seen from him. It made me realize how lucky I really am. He is such a good boy generally. In fact, it almost made me rush him to the hospital for fear something was terribly wrong.

But, we went ahead with baths and snacks and milk and rest and trying to figure out what he wanted. Baths helped. And finally, Tylenol seemed to help. Ahhh...the old home remedies. We are thinking it must be teething. He did end up having a fever and still has one a little today. But he is acting mostly like himself, so it's ok.

He is such a "bo boy" as he says. LOL. We tell him he is a "good boy" and then he says "bo boy". And then when he does the same good thing later, he comes up to us and says "bo boy."

~t

Postie Patrol

Well, here's another incentive to join up as a payperpost postie. "Postie" is the term that is affectionately used for us bloggers who post about payperpost opportunities. It's the Postie Patrol!

It is great to be appreciated, and from what I've seen, payperpost agrees it's important as well. Postie Patrol is their newest way to show appreciation to their posties. The video in the above link shows the first Postie Patrol, where they surprise a postie with a challenge that includes the opportunity to win some cash.

The thing that really gets me about this is the fun spirit of the company. In my opinion, not only are they doing the right things, but in the right way. I'm excited to see where it all goes! I'm sure if you keep reading my blog, you'll find out.

~t

ps--did I mention payperpost also gives Posties the opportunity to donate our earnings to charity with each post? How cool is that? I LOVE payperpost! (obviously)

Ten Chimneys on NPR--Follow Up

I announced yesterday that Ten Chimneys would be featured today on NPR's "All Things Considered". The segment aired today and was a smashing success. To see the printed story (along with some lovely pics) or LISTEN to it online, please visit ALL THINGS CONSIDERED Ten Chimneys Feature.

Broadway legend and co-creator of Ten Chimneys, Alfred Lunt (1892-1977), was well known as a marvel in the kitchen. NPR also prominently featured Alfred's recipes for cardamom bread and coffee, made the old-fashioned way.

Great exposure, Ten Chimneys Foundation!

If YOU haven't had the opportunity to tour Ten Chimneys, you really must make a reservation today. (I only say that as one of the founders of the tour program.)

~t

Payperpost, Again

Ok, I just can't stop talking about payperpost. It really is the coolest thing I've found in a while. I get paid to research new things, write them up, and share them with you in my blog. Now, I am not the only person to have this amazing good fortune. You, too, can make money by blogging!

If you're already blogging, it's really quite easy. All the details are at the above link, but the general gist is that to get started you need to have a blog that has:

at least 90 days under its belt
at least 20 entries
no gaps of 30 or more days in it
unique content on each post (written by you and not duplicated elsewhere)

(Again, please read all the details at the above link.)

If you do decide to sign up, please list my email, terri@shamelesscreations.com, as your referrer. I get a petite bonus for bringing payperpost such a prize as you.

Happy posting! (and paying!)



~t

Always, Part Deux--A Small Apology

Ok, I have learned that the Always website I linked to was specifically targeted towards girls. Not me. I have to say, there are some nice features on there. And if I could have gone to a website to learn about my period when I was 13--that would have been way better for me. The real website is here.

A lot of my previous post still applies. (I do still want the Red Tent. I still do NOT want to be told to have a happy period by a piece of paper stuck to my pad.) And just from a cursory glance, I do see that the site for girls might be giving out some hopeful, if possibly false information: ("If you’ve had your period for less than two years, chances are, it hasn’t become regular yet. But don’t worry – it will be soon. ") I know many full grown women, including myself, who do not have a super-regular cycle. But I think I knew what they mean. Like, rather than every 3 months, more or less every month.

So, in general, I applaud the site for what it is trying to do. And hey, it's a pretty sure bet that if you want to a find a place where just girls hang out--this would be it. And a place for teens to go to get real information--kudos.

Just don't tell me to be happy when I'm on the rag.

~t

Brilliant Earth Diamonds

I am so excited!!! Before Kevin and I got married, we went to the mall to get a wedding ring for him. I was going to use a ring I already had. We ended up finding rings for both of us, to the tune of $40. These are still our wedding rings. That sort of thing was just not that important to us. However, I have always said that when we we make it to 10 years, I want a diamond. But, we also had some ethical concerns about what goes into getting many diamonds to consumers.

So, why am I so excited? I just found a place that specializes in a conflict-free diamond. Brilliant Earth is based in San Francisco.

From their website:

"What is a Conflict Diamond?
Did you know that some diamonds have helped fund devastating civil wars in Africa, ending millions of lives? Conflict diamonds or “blood diamonds” are associated with human rights abuses, environmental damage, and terrorism." Blood diamond facts can be found here.

Offering Canadian diamonds, they carefully track each one to make sure that their supply is not corrupted by blood diamonds. Additionally, the company gives back 5% to African communities. They also offer eco-friendly rings made of recycled gold.

Not only does Brilliant Earth have some fabulous jewelry, which they call "luxury with a conscience", the site is informative, attractive, and easy to navigate. Soon they will even be offering customers the option of creating their own ring.

I don't know if I can wait until my ten year anniversary!



~t

The Rains Have Come to Olympia

That's all people ever said about Washington: rain, rain, rain, and more rain. And they said it in such a way that implied, "You'll be sorry you moved there." Well, they were WRONG. It has only rained a few times since we've been here.

My poor little baby is so averse to harsh sunlight, that he complains and says "bright" when it shines on him. His dad is about the same. We even heard some fellow Olympians complaining about the sun as they walked past our house one day. We must be a special breed.

Now, I know there hasn't been the normal amount of rain, but we've been WAITING for it! Our grass died, for heavens sakes.

Guess what? It's HERE!!! And I'm pretty sure we STILL won't be sorry we moved here. So there.

Wait, I'm nervous that maybe I am telling some Washington trade secret that keeps outsiders away. Never mind. It rains every darn day. It is so dreary and depressing. Oh why oh why did we move here?




The artsy shot











The shot where you can see how cloudy it is and Zane's cute new 2T jammies. That kid is just growing like a weed. The lack of rain hasn't hurt his growth.






~t

Holly Hunter is Funny as a Tough Guy

Just sitting here watching Holly Hunter in "A Life Less Ordinary". She's being tough. It's funny. She is like 4'7" or something. Ok, I think she may be taller. Let me see if I can find out how tall she is. She's 5'2". (Don't you love how you can find anything on the internet?) That's pretty shrimpy. I love that word. Thanks to my friend Michele on the word shrimpy. At any rate, with that height and a sweet little accent, when she's tough, it's funny. I think she was even wearing an eye patch in this movie. (Zane was running around and had to have milk and be put to bed, etc., etc., to I didn't really get to pay attention.)

And how about Holly Hunter in "Raising Arizona"? Holly Hunter as a cop. Also funny. Is there anything really to say about "Raising Arizona" that hasn't been said? It's one of Kevin's favorites. Classic.

I love imdb.com. It must be the whole Friday the 13th and being close to Halloween, but they had a lot of horror movies up. I don't get the appeal of horror movies. Ewwwww.

Anyway, back to Holly. She's pretty versatile. Quite an actress. I'm going to check out her body of work. As I suspected. Impressive.

So, there's my spotlight on Holly Hunter. Not too terribly intellectual. Sorry about that. I think I'm tired. But an ode to Holly, nonetheless.

~t

Self Storage and Moving Help

No, I'm not offering to help anyone move or asking help from anyone to move. Trust me, after the move we did this past summer (Milwaukee, WI to Olympia, WA), we're ready to stay put for a while.

Moving can be full of stress and hassles, so it's important to find a way to make it as easy as possible. This is ESPECIALLY important if you are planning a long-distance move such as ours was. You never realize just how much STUFF you have until you have to pack and move it all. And sometimes you find out that either you have too much stuff that you still need or your dates for the move don't coincide with the dates you can get into your place. It's a tricky thing to manage. I found a great site that helps with all of that, and includes a fabulous Self Storage Directory - Moving.bz.

You can search for storage in any part of the U.S. (by zip code, city, or state) and also get quotes from up to four companies you like. Comparison shopping at it's best. And you choose which companies will contact you. Not only that, but they have other resources available, including movers, packing supplies, checklists, mortgage companies, and so much more.

It's also easy to understand and navigate, which is so important at a stressful time like moving. Anything that can take alleviate stress away is worth a try!



~t

Ten Chimneys on "All Things Considered" TOMORROW

Just got an email from my friend Sean Malone, President of my old employ, Ten Chimneys, which is going to be featured on NPR tomorrow. Here's the scoop from Sean himself:

"I'm excited to share that National Public Radio's 'All Things Considered' will be airing an in-depth feature on Ten Chimneys this Sunday, October 15th. Acclaimed author and NPR correspondent Jacki Lyden recently spent two days at Ten Chimneys recording this feature. I'm eager to hear what they've put together - and wanted to share the news so that you can listen in if you're interested.In the Milwaukee area, you can hear the program at 4pm this Sunday (October 15th) on WUWM, 89.7. I've been reminding myself and my staff that it is national radio, so air times are always subject to change. But I'll certainly be tuned to NPR this Sunday at 4pm."

Congratulations, Ten Chimneys & crew, on the exposure.

~t

Poker Night for the Ladies

It seems poker is everywhere lately. Not too long ago, poker night conjured up an image of a few guys around a table, eating chips, drinking beer, smoking stogies, and if they were lucky, being waited on by "the little woman". (ha ha ha--did I just say that? Oh yes, I did!)

Well, that has all changed. Just recently I was invited to either a "hair highlighing night for the girls" or a "poker night for the girls". I've also been invited to "co-ed" poker evenings. I suppose that's always been popular with the strip poker crowd. I did once play strip yatzee with my husband, but that's a different story. Anyway, I digress.

There's also lots of celebrity poker going on and tournament poker championships, and let's not forget, I was just in Vegas, baby!

I wasn't really sure I was interested in poker. Not sure I'm a gaming kind of gal. But I do like some games. And poker and highlights sounds good. The problem, however is--I don't know how to play poker!

Luckily, I just found a handy little site and includes poker rules for all the most popular versions of the game. (The most popular version these days, I'm told, is Texas Hold 'Em.)

You can also try out your new skills at the site in real games with other people for fun or money. A good place to get ready for poker and highlighting, I would think. Or, I suppose, Vegas.

~t

Has the Always Feminine Products Marketing Team Lost It's Mind?

Now, before I go off on this rant, I have to say that I am a fan of Always feminine products. That is why I was so disturbed when I noticed that the little paper covering the sticker on the pad one month told me to "Have a happy period." I've been looking for the actual paper, which I saved, and even tried to photograph, because I knew it would come to this. But I cannot find it.

I'm looking for it, because I know it also said the same thing in French. WHAT have the French done to us that they could not be spared this indignity? The truth of the matter is that I thought the French for it was less offensive. It was something about a bonne semaine. "Semaine" may actually be a synonym for period--I dunno, they didn't cover that in my high school OR college French. So, to me, "semaine" is week. Have a good week. Still kinda annoying, but doesn't feel the same to me as "have a happy period".

So, back to the original English. "Have a happy period." I cannot think of a single girlfriend I could either A. say this to or B. need to explain how wrong this is to say to anyone, and specifically how wrong it is to say if you are a piece of paper stuck on a feminine product. Do I have to explain what's wrong with this? I don't know if I can. It's like explaining why a Botox t-shirt on a pretty young woman is funny to an 8 year-old. But that is another post. I guess I will try.

1. We are not generally happy when we get our period (unless we were having a pregnancy scare, but that is a different story). I know, the pad is trying to make us happy. Nice try. (see #2.)

2. Salutations on pieces of paper stuck to our feminine hygiene products will not make us happy. In fact, it had quite the opposite effect on me and everyone I told it to.

So, now because I couldn't find the actual paper that was stuck to my feminine products, I was directed to visit the website. Are you seated? It is actually entitled "Have a happy period." Allright. I am slightly less mocked by the website than I was the piece of paper stuck to my feminine product. But now the site takes it so much further. A wish your friend a happy period ecard? time of the month mantra? Pad-o-meter. Ok, they are targeting a younger audience than my 34-yr-old self, but still. Do people go for this? I noticed they didn't have an ecard that said, "So sorry you're not pregnant." or "Whew!" Maybe they should print that on the paper. They could color code them, to make sure you buy the right box, depending on your mood.

Further, I am invited to join "beingirl" and tell them how I make my period happier. Again, obviously not for my age bracket, but what is with that? Don't we matrons need pads too? Are only the young, skinny girls allowed to ride horses and go shopping and frequent photo booths during their periods? Sheesh. Now, I originally misread it and thought it said that I could tell THEM how to make my period happier. I had visions of the Anita Diamant book, The Red Tent. I envisioned them setting me up for a week without anyone to care for but myself. Resting, sharing the company of other women also on the rag, eating the cooking that was made by the young girls of the village who knew how to cook, and taking a break. As God(dess) intended. That would make my period happier. Not riding a horse or trying on clothes even though I am bloated. But I do hear there's a cure for that, too.

Why can't we just rest? And eat chocolate? And be taken care of? And be CRABBY? Maybe we have this week so we will stop being so nice to everyone and be honest for 20% of our lives. Maybe if we are crabby enough everyone will leave us alone and we can finally read that book we've been meaning to. Because if I'm having a happy period, I'm guaranteed people will still want me to do things for them. No thank you. I'll forego my happy week and live as nature intended. In pajamas with an Instyle magazine and some dark chocolate while I watch What Not to Wear and Project Runway. Now THAT would make me happy. (Don't tell anyone.)

~t

Again, I have to say that I have been a loyal user for years. Dryweave and wings rock. But I just don't need a note in pad. I don't know that anyone does.

Singing Fool

So, just this morning someone compared one of my blogs to the Madonna Ray of Light video and I had a hard time finding the video to view online. Well, I found it, but it wouldn't play. Then I found it for SALE and I BOUGHT it and it STILL wouldn't play.

Then I found singingfool.com. Check out over 11,500 music videos! It was so easy to find the video I was looking for, it played, and it gave me the code. Within minutes, I had the video on my myspace page. (Or is it myspace page? I dunno.) At any rate, I felt compelled to share this information. There is a huge selection and it's very easy to use.

Using singingfool.com you can:

1. search and save video from library plus YouTube’s 6million videos.
2. create playlists.
4. get video codes.
5. Upload your own music videos

We are a bunch of singing fools in our house, so I'm sure we'll be visiting this site again.



~t

Book Review: Go, Dog. Go!

Yesterday I heard my mom and Zane making believe that they were running into each other on the street, saying "hello", "how's the family?", all that stuff. It was funny, especially since Zane really is into only one-word-at-at-a-time still. But then he said something about a hat. I'm not sure I interpreted it right or not, but I remembered this book I got for Caspian that I'd read to Zane as well: Go, Dog. Go!

This was one of my favorite books, so when Caspian began to read, I couldn't help but buy it for him. It's an "I Can Read it All by Myself" book, like many of the Dr. Seuss books. In fact, I am confused by the fact that it seems just like a Dr. Seuss book, but isn't. I'm gonna search the author, P.D. Eastman. Ok, click his name for the dope on Eastman. We also love Are You My Mother?

Anyway, Zane is 19 months old, and this book REALLY held his attention. I realized it has all the things he's really into right now: dogs, trees, cars, "going" and prepositions. He just learned "up" and "down" and this book is great for those and many others. Plus, it's just fun.

Ok, the site with the info about Eastman also has a review of Go, Dog. Go!

Check it out!

~t

The REAL Story on payperpost

Rumors abound on the true nature of the origin of ads on blogs. Where did this practice start? How did it get here to the world wide web?

I hear that it was brought to us onboard a spherical vessel containing our space brethern and sistern from Venus. Considering that today is Friday the 13th, and the sun is in Libra, I have been authorized to disclose this special secret. The reason being that Friday and the number 13 are both ruled by Venus, as is the astrological sign of Libra.

So, rejoice, Venus is all about love. Love of beauty, greatness, social grace, peace, and happiness. It is about all of us benefiting: bloggers, advertisers, and readers alike. This is what payperpost is here to bring us all.



~t

Debby and the Termites

No, it's not a hip, new Olympia band. It's our neighbor out the window from my office, digging up the little buggers. Sorry for the screen picture.

Well, I was going to post a picture of a termite, but you can all thank me that I chose this picture of Debby instead (except maybe Debby won't thank me). Those termite pics made my hair stand on end. Debby and Kevin have been outside for two days now, dutifully ripping down our fence that has been harboring the nasty little bugs. Yucko. Apparently, when our house was sprayed as a term of our purchase, they decided to forego the fence. Hmmm...not so good. Debby is pretty sure she has found the whole freakin' nest. The bug dudes will be coming back, it seems. Here, for those of you who want to look at the yucky bugs.

So, now we are fenceless. The dynamic duo of Debby and Kevin are now plotting to erect a new wall from reclaimed concrete, as Kevin did at our last place in Milwaukee.

I think it makes him almost as happy as the the fact that BSG will be on in 20 minutes.

~t

Aviva Trivia Blog

My husband is a vast repository of knowledge. He likes to collect useful and useless knowledge alike. I have recently found another vast repository of knowledge, Aviva Trivia Blog.

This is a unique blog with a wide variety of information on different subjects. I especially liked the posts on Little Known Facts About Venus and Women Behaving Badly. Is that saying too much about me? Other categories include information about history, food, nature, clothing, and animals, just to name a few.

The site is easy to navigate and includes pictures along with its entries. The bulleted or numbered nature of the blogs make the fun facts easy to read. It appears that a new entry is added every other day. Learning about Chicken Sexers and whisky and milkshakes just got that much easier.


~t

The Effects of My Blogging Habit

Well, you may wonder where Zane is while I am doing this blogging. He's around. He's rifling through everything he can get his little baby hands on. (I don't think this picture even comes close to accurately portraying the mayhem that is my living room right now.) Oh well.

He's also making lots of poopy diapers so I have forced writing breaks. I think it's good for him. It's teaching him some independence. Oh wait, he's not in this picture. Hey, Keviiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiin? Have you seen Zane? Just kidding. He's right here. He's yelling out the window at our neighbor Debbie in his best redrum voice. Whew.

~t

TechCrunch Discusses payperpost

From my last post, you can see that I'm addicted to blogging. I've decided to take this addiction and turn it into a positive thing by joining payperpost, a website that pays you for blog advertising. It is a great site that connects bloggers with advertisers and pays bloggers just to give their opinion. Holy heck, how great is that, something we bloggers readily do anyway?

This is a real, honest opportunity to make a little bit of cash. And I know real people who are already doing it. If you are at all interested, or if you are already on payperpost, a real good way to learn more about the site and the business is to check out the TechCrunch podcast with payperpost founder, Ted Murphy. It includes great information about the site, the business, the people who are using it, and the recent announcement of $3 million financing by Inflexion Partners, Villiage Ventures and Draper Fisher Jurvetson. Payperpost is a new company that has made a big splash in a somewhat controversial way. This podcast takes a look at the different implications of this new way to advertise online.

~t

Might as well face it...

...I'm addicted to blogging.

Yes, I've been blogging like a maniac these days. Both here and at Writing Up. It's been interesting (if unpaid) work. I feel like I'm flexing my writerly muscles again. There is also a certain satisfaction to the fact that I am able to immediately publish myself. Ping! What an interesting world we live in. 20 years ago we would not have been able to imagine all the instant gratification we have now. I am feeling old today. DVRs and Digital Cameras, blogs, cell phones, IMs. It is amazing how much these things have exploded in just the past 5 years. I hope I can keep up. I know just enough about this stuff to be dangerous. I am hoping, however, that we never lose the human element in all this technology. Writers like George Lucas and Gene Roddenberry understand/stood the importance of that.

So anyway, if you are out there and reading this (Heather and Kevin), I hope you are enjoying it. I am.

~t

Dr. No

Disclaimer: This post has absolutely nothing to do with James Bond, Sean Connery, Ursula Andress, or the movie Dr. No.
Zane's favorite word these days is “No!” I know I shouldn’t laugh, but I can’t help it. He gives it numerous different shades of meaning with a variety of emphatic intonations. And I’m not crazy enough to argue back and forth with him when he tells me “no.” I usually just go about doing whatever he should have agreed to (e.g. changing a poopy diaper.) However, I have taken to calling him “Dr. No” because of all of this. (He has also gone by “Dr. Crazy Hair” for obvious reasons.)

Today my sweet son and I were taking a bath together, as we do, so I have a chance to get clean, too. Multitasking. I knew I could be letting myself in for trouble when I asked it, but I decided to risk it. The victory would be so much sweeter if I got the answer I desired. Because sometimes he does say “yes”.

So, I asked, “Zane, do you love me?”

“Nooooooooooooooo.”

“That’s disappointing, because I love you.”

“Nooooooooooooooooo.”

I didn’t take it too personally.

Of course, everyone in our household knows of Dr. No’s penchants by now, so my mom got a big kick out of it when later in the day I decided to ask a different question.

“Zane, do you think I’m ugly?”

“Nooooooooooooooooo.”

Which was quickly followed by these questions:
“Do you think I’m mean?”
“Do you hate me?”
And the piece de resistance, “Do you think I’m a bad mommy?”

And to all of these, I got a big, glorious “No!”

It cracked me up. It cracked my mom up. What’s the harm? Maybe I will get it for this someday, but for now I’m enjoying myself.

~t

New Car

Well, he just had to have it. The last two things he just had to have were watermelon at the grocery store and cake at Starbucks. I have to say both the watermelon and the cake were two of the best things we've had in a long time.

So, since I broke his other bike yesterday (after Kevin told the 8 yr olds not to ride it--hey, I still maintain that I paid the $2 for that other bike and I had a right to ride it--uh, break it--if I wanted to), we decided he could have the car. See, we're not the completely indulgent spoiling-your-kids type of parents. AND, this car also teaches him stuff. The toy barons have realized that us parents today are such suckers for that.

This little thing was supposed to last him until 36 months but he is almost to big for it now! I guess he is wearing some 3T stuff already.

And dangit, the movie is NOT out on DVD yet. (Cars) Durrrrr. I thought he could ride around on it while we watched the movie and listened to the music. Not until 11/7, apparently. I hope he hasn't outgrown it by then.

Zany Milestones

Today, Zane experienced the following firsts:

• First time he offered a beverage to a stuffed animal and/or doll.
• First time he made sounds as if above had drank said beverage.
• Also fed the stuffed animal some food. Probably cheerios.
• First time he participated in a toast at dinnertime. "Here's to Daddy!" (for cooking dinner) Then, we ended up toasting everyone, of course. Zane drank water.

~t

Lola Rooster, NOT Stella Chicken

Upon rigorous IM speculation with Heather, we have decided that Stella Chicken is actually a rooster. I know, SHOCKING!

Caspian and I were thinking she was a he and that's why it was funny that s/he was wearing a dress. But we were calling s/he a chicken, which led me to believe s/he was a she. It was the ever-wise Heather who said, I think that's a rooster. Well, a cross-dressing rooster. We were right! Hence, Stella Chicken has become Lola Rooster.

AND, for those of you who can't get enough Lola Rooster, I did make a small section of Lola Rooster paraphernalia on one of Kevin's cafepress test stores. (Page down all the way to see him. Er...her.) Tell me what you think of him/her!

Of course, Kevin's real store is Shameless Humor. His hottest new seller are these cool dishwasher magnets.

A Chicken in Baby Stella's Clothing

Zane asked me to dress his chicken in Baby Stella's dress. I think she has a lot of personality. Here she is:

Zane's Latest Tricks

Allright, it looks like I won't get a decent picture of me and Kevin on our anniversary or the next day and I'm not even sure about the next day (today). So, instead, I thought I'd give some Zane updates.

He is getting so big!

He:

• wears mostly 2T clothing now and some 3T.
• weighs about 26 lbs. (he's sturdy)
• has peed in the potty a few times. Woooo hooo!
• is talking up a storm--don't ask me how many words. I'm not a counter, really.
• has become "Doctor No"--not the 007 movie, but that is the word he says more than any other. This morning I heard him saying it a lot, only to hear my mother say, "Can you say 'yes'" and Zane's answer was "nooooooo." For the record, he CAN say "yes".
• also signs a LOT of words. We looooove signing. Esp. Signing Time.
• is in size 6 diapers
• has picked his nose and eaten boogers. ewwww. We're trying to work on NOT doing that. However, he is also good at blowing his nose, which is nice.
• now understands the concept of "2" as in 2 plates, 2 cookies, 2 squares of toilet paper. He wants 2 of everything, basically.
• loves to "pick" things, especially from "up" on the counter with Daddy.

Pay no attention to all the margarita mix next to Kevin.

~t

4 More Years! 4 More Years! 4 More Years!

No, this is not a political blog. And NO, I am certainly NOT in favor of 4 more years of Dubya. Yesterday was our wedding anniversary! This is a pic of that historic day 4 years ago.

And I thought my arms were fat then? Ha!

So, we almost had a babysitter lined up for yesterday (for the first time in Zane's young life), but sadly, that fell through. So, we took him with us to lunch. We are so totally crazy. We went to the Mayan Family Restaurant and drank a collective of 36 ounces of margaritas. It was no Taqueria Azteca (our favorite in Milwaukee), but it was good and fun and the service was fab.

Well, I wish I had a recent pic of Kevin and I to compare with the above, but we just haven't taken any recently and he's asleep right now. Maybe I'll get one later today. (of course, there's always Bedhead for seeing him.) For now, Zane is beckoning from his high chair. Something about poo? He says it's "Yucky".

~t

Sean and Erika WED!

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Yep, it was Vegas, Baby. Meaning I took my baby to Vegas. I left my camera here, so I'm experimenting with putting photos in here from Erika's dropshots page. I feel so cool.

So, Zane and I went to VEGAS. It was crazy and fun. It was GREAT to see everyone. And Sean and Erika got MARRIED!!! I suppose we all knew it would happen someday. I guess I knew sooner than most, but it was still a little weird to see them canoodling. ha ha. Gotta love the word canoodling.

Vegas was so much cooler than I thought it would be. Well, not temperature wise. But I just really never wanted to go to Vegas. Was just going for my dear friends' wedding. But I kinda like the all night all day feel of the casinos. I really would have loved to see some shows--esp. Cirque de Soleil. I would have even done some lightweight gambling (read: machines). I did do one machine. And then I convinced Amanda to be bad with me and drink a martini before noon and play the slots with a baby. Unfortunately, I got caught trying to play the slots with a baby. I don't know why, but that is a strict no no.

We flew in on Wednesday (after Zane puked in the car on the way to Seatac--As he would say, "Gheeyucky".) Had a nice dinner and hangout Wednesday night.

We all had breakfast together Thursday morning. Then I tried to corrupt Amanda. Then nap and getting ready for the wedding. Then we went to the wedding, which was lovely. Or I'm sure it would have been if I could have heard it over Zane's fussing. Go figure. Such a good boy. Except for the 10 minutes I needed him to be. Oh well. We had a petite reception in Erika and Sean's suite. The Bellagio...so nice. Then on to Tony and Tina's Wedding performance. That was fun. Poor Zane had had it, though. And Tony's obnoxious relatives didn't really help his comfort level at all. Somehow, he fell asleep during all of it. When we got back to the Bellagio, it was just in time to see the fountains go off, which was way cool.

On Friday, we had breakfast in Paris. Was so cool and the service was much better than the "real" Paris. I am bad. So American. Then Zane and I flew home. He took a poo all over Tacoma. That was funny.

I'm going to go see if I can lift any more pics off of Erika's dropshots. How cool is this?




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When we got back, the whole family fawned all over Zane like crazy. It was so cute to see Kevin, Caspian, and my Mom all lovestarved for Zane. I guess they really missed him...er, I mean us. It was fun and GREAT to see everyone, but it's also good to be home.

~t

Peek a BOO!!!

These are just too too fun. Had to share. Two of my favorite pictures of all time. :)

~t

Houseguests, Part Deux

Well, the fates conspired to have Kevin's family here at the same time his friends were here, so this was all sort of going on at the same time. Of course, I didn't have time to write about it until they were all gone.

Zane finally got to meet his other grandparents! It was very exciting. Grandpa Bill enjoyed teasing him and teaching him about his watch and Grandma Nancy did some nice peek-a-boo action--one of Zane's favorite games. Zane also got to meet his cousin, Jackson, who just turned 3 years old. It was such fun to see the two of them playing together.

Jackson likes to have his picture taken, and very cutely would show up in most shots if he could. I like this next one, because it reminds me of the sort of upstaging that the Muppets tend to do to each other for laughs. (Just to be clear, this was originally a picture of Zane sitting on the chair. LOL. But that picture wasn't nearly as good as this turned out to be. I love the Muppets. Manah Manah.)

I also got to meet my sister-in-law, Darla, for the first time. That was lots of fun. Here we are, hamming it up together.

Here are the dudes all hangin' out together:

Grandpa Bill even got in on this one:

That's Uncle Gene and Aunt Kay's backyard. I don't seem to have gotten any pictures of Aunt Kay. But heck, my mom was there, and the only picture I got of her was when she fell off the chair. Bad, BAD daughter. I won't post it.

It was great to see everyone and hope to see you again soon!

~t

Houseguests!!!

Well, we have gotten a great opportunity to show off our new house--two sets of houseguests in the same week. Yes, it's been kinda crazy--esp. since it is also Caspian's first week of school--but it's been a lot of fun. Everyone took off today and the house feels oddly empty after about a week of activity.

The first set of guests were Kevin's friends from Pizza Man in Milwaukee. (If you ever get a chance to eat there, you should.) Chris and Lindsey came to the mighty Pacific Northwest to visit us and check out the area. They made us a fabulous stir fry dinner while they were here and we really just enjoyed hanging out with them. Here's some pics of that:

We had a really great time together and they both seemed to like Olympia, Vancouver, and Portland. Well, who wouldn't? Well, I'm assuming I would like Vancouver and Portland. Haven't been there yet, but I hear GREAT things. Hopefully Chris and Lindsey will be back soon.

Ok, baby calling. I better write about my other houseguests later.

~t

Caspian's First Day of School!














Caspian started school today at Roosevelt Elementary. He's in third grade. Wow, I can't believe this is our FOURTH first day of school. He's getting so much older all the time. And his behavior has been much MUCH better lately. Whew.

There has been a flurry of activity here with tons of houseguests (that will come in the next post). Caspian and I took off together the other day to do his school shopping. We like shopping together. Kevin isn't such a good shopper, so Caspian and I have done most of his shopping together over the past few years. We have a very organic sort of system that we have settled upon. We tend to agree, with a few exceptions. And we are both really good about how we compromise and how we don't and respecting the other person's choices. It works out well. So, here he is in one of his new outfits for school. ("Outfits" makes me sound old, doesn't it? Am I old? I think I might be getting there.)




















~t