Not much

I apologize profusely for the complete lack of crafting round these parts. Being sick did not help, of course (we are finally on the mend - thank you for your well wishes!)

These were the intended favors at the Green Cleaning Party. They are just bags of wildflower seeds purchased as is with the exception of the tag from the Target See.Spot.Save Section. I gave them out to my friends last night at our monthly Mama's Night Out.

Some day, I will have even 15 minutes again to myself to craft.* I believe it.

*This *craft* would have taken 15 minutes, but a certain little boy woke up at an unexpected time.

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Favorite of the day: DIY Pop Tarts (via Edible Crafts)

Working on: Guest room/craft room prep for my parents' arrival

Happy Earth Day!

I feel like the biggest loser today, Earth Day, going through a box of Kleenex instead of my usual handkerchiefs. But, when you are producing snot by the gallon, it's hard to keep up with nondisposables.

Thank you all for sharing your green housekeeping tips! The winner of the earthy cleaning bag is -- Deidre! Please send me your addy thefeltmouseATgmailDOTcom

Hope your day was more reverently spent cherishing Mother Earth!

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Favorite of the day: Green stores in LA (who knew?)

Working on: Seeking good health

Turns out people don't like cleaning

The winner of the book is -- Full of Heart! Please send me your addy (thefeltmouseATgmailDOTcom)

And that leads us right into another giveaway!

I had a little party planned for this weekend - a green cleaning party. No, I wasn't inviting people over to clean my house. Rather, I was going to use the party planning kit here to put together a little discussion about reducing toxins in the home, and then we would make our own environmentally friendly cleaning products while noshing on organic goodies.

Well, I didn't hear back from most of my invited guests. I finally decided to cancel, and then I received a barrage of emails from people who apologized for not responding sooner but they a) don't like cleaning or b) don't have any interest in using green cleaning products.

Totally understood. I will plan a *fun* party next time, ladies!

So here is a bag of goodies that was going to be the door prize at the party that I would like to give away here. It has a few cleaning products in it, but mostly it is just fun and earthy. Leave a comment about an environmentally friendly activity you do or would like to do in your home. Winner will be chosen on Earth Day, April 22. U.S. only for this one - sorry!

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Favorite of the day: The Mayberry Sparrow (via Smaller, another fave added today!)

Working on: Hank and I are STILL sick, if you can believe that. Probably wouldn't have been a good weekend for a party, anyway. Working on getting healthy again.

It's me again!

As promised, here is the second Lark book that I have a project in - Pretty Little Cozies

I guess they could always have changed their minds and bumped me and my bread basket cozy out - hehe

I'm just glad there is physical evidence in the world that I once used to be a crafter.

Be it on purpose or accident, I was sent two copies of this book. So - giveaway time!! Please leave a comment and I will announce a winner on Sunday. Let me know a project you want to work on, but don't have enough time, money, skills, energy, etc. to complete.

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Favorite of the day: This is mesmerizing. I get overwhelmed on the Zappos site, so this might help me make a decision. You know, by copying somebody else. Via kirtsy.

Working on: I've gotta do something crafty or you guys are all going to ditch me!

Easter Fun

Just had to post a couple of pics from Easter - my handsome color-coordinated boys

and Hank's first Easter egg

(courtesy of BT's cousin, Jenny)

Hope you all had a good weekend as well!

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Favorite of the day: I have 300+ blog posts to get through - I'll get back to you!

Working on: Recovering from illnesses old and new, and hoping things don't get worse!

Now with more produce!

I joined a CSA through church. Wednesday was our first delivery. The box

contained

which became

Yum!

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Favorite of the day: Brad's porn 'stache

Working on: Packing for our trip - Happy Easter, everyone!

I am not immune

It was with some smugness that I read blog posts this winter of folks that battled through colds and flus described as the worst the bloggers could remember.

I, on the other hand, felt unusually healthy this season. But you know what they say about pride coming before a fall. First down was Hank, who battled a minor fever. Then BT complained he was getting something. Finally it struck me - the worst fever I could remember having in years, aches and pains, and general malaise. Guess I am not immune after all.

I stayed home today and tried to rest, but you know how that goes. I did manage to finish our Easter preparations, including Hank's 1st Easter basket (a Little Golden Book of Bible stories, Vulli vanilla flavored teether, and a little lambie) and treat bags for his cousins.

I intended to adapt a style of treat bag topper used by my favorite new-to-me blogger, inchmark. The plan was to cut a bunny shape into a piece of white cardstock with a piece of fabric showing through (in this fashion). Well, even with an extra day at home, this seemed a little too ambitious for me right now. So I opted for pretty origami paper and letter stickers. The younger kids will receive a soft toy from Ikea and the big kids' bags have candy, a small toy, and an eraser.

Really hope we are for the most part done with the ick. And if any of you haven't got it yet, drink your OJ just in case.

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Favorite of the day: Aladdin Lunch and Go Lunchbox

Working on: R&R

Soup-er Dinner

I am always intrigued by the 4-course meal in Martha Stewart Living magazine (you know - the set of recipes found in the magazine each month printed on tear-apart cardstock?)

*See note

I rarely make them, though. Maybe I'm intimidated by thinking I have to make all four components? Anyway, I had almost everything on hand to make at least one dish from the April issue, the Scallops with Wilted Spinach and Arugula, so I decided to give it a go after a quick trip to the grocery store.

Looking through the other recipes in the set, and realized I inadvertently had everything on hand to make the Spring Onion Soup as well (using yellow onions instead of spring onions).

It was really good - like a light version of French Onion Soup. I am definitely inspired to recipes from this section of MSL more often!

* This is the oldest trick in the book for having essential ingredients on hand. I buy organic chicken broth in 1 quart boxes, but rarely need to use a box all at once. I freeze the remainder. Each cube is 2 ounces.

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Favorite of the day: Tapeswell (via Kirtsy and a few other sources as of late)

Working on: Easter prep

Mini me

The first two days of day care were -- not as bad as expected

Jennifer 1975

I won't win the Mother of the Year award for admitting it was nice to have a little break, and to spend a couple of days meeting a different set of needs - those of my adult children (my employees). The days went by so fast, and I do get to visit Hank at lunch to nurse and see how his day was going.

Hank 2009

Picking him up last night, however, the reality set in that this is our life now, not just an isolated week that we did something different. Some days I won't be able to see him at lunch due to meetings. Business trips will start again. The control freak side of me doesn't know exactly how he spends his days (there is a sheet with basic info, but it is not enough), how much he is allowed to cry, etc. What's normal to the teacher may not fit with how I have cared for him to date.

Beyond the regular questions any parent would have about just about any day care facility (why does every friggin kid have a runny nose?), there are a few things that really bother me about the school he is at. I have exactly two more options left to try, otherwise I am going to need to smuggle him in to work every day in my purse. Make that a suitcase - he is quite large.

I am confident that the right situation will present itself with time. I am thankful BT and I are able to stay at home with him on Mondays and Fridays. Now if I could just figure out a way to make my same salary through more creative stay-at-home measures...

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Favorite of the day: Guerilla love kit via Kirtsy

Working on: Projects for church (LB folks - Rummage sale this weekend!)