Giveaway game

My friend Lindsay posted this on her blog and I thought it sounded like fun. Plus, as a fan of free stuff, I thought it might be nice to give things to other people. Here's what she posted on her blog (with some extra input from me to give you a better idea of what to expect).

The first FIVE people to respond to this post will get something made by me! My choice. For you. This offer does have some restrictions and limitations:

1- I make no guarantees that you will like what I make! (But of course I'll try. In fact, if you comment, I'd even accept your requests or suggestions.)

2- What I create will be just for you. (I don't know what this is supposed to mean. You can do what you want with it.)

3- It'll be done this year. (Sometime in the next 10 months.)

4- You have no clue what it's going to be. It may be a story. It may be a joke book, autographed picture of myself, handmade bag, or a little invention of my own! I may create you a blog header or paint something for you with my food. (Who wrote this? Doubtful that it will be any of those things. Have no fear.) I may bake you something and mail it to you. Who knows?

5- I reserve the right to do something extremely strange. Believe me... it may blow your mind! (Okay, really. If you respond to this you're probably someone I like. Not even probably. I do like you. So it won't be extremely strange.)

The catch? Oh, the catch is that you must re-post this on your blog and offer the same to the first 5 people who do the same on your blog. The first 5 people to do so and leave a comment telling me they did win a homemade gift by me! Oh, and be sure to post a picture of what you win when you get it! (I don't care if you do this or not. I'm not really into the chain-blogging sort of thing. Although maybe participating in this contradicts that. Oh well.)

Edit: Just to clarify, don't think you have to post this on your blog and give things away if you want to be one of my five. I just want to try to make and give away fun gifts, and don't really feel like obligating you to do the same!

What are YOU doing?

I was doing some chores and things about the house yesterday when Benjamin asked me, "What are you doin', Mama?" I replied something to the effect of, "I'm cleaning up. What are you doing?" With the slightest hesitation as if to say, Well that's a silly question, Benjamin responded, "I'm . . . standing on the ground."

In the Kitchen

Fish, anyone?

For Grandma Key

Thanks, Mom! Benjamin loved it!

Love Day

Consider yourself Valentine-d!


Valentine's Day 2009 kicked off on Friday night when Paul and I went on a DATE while the boys played at our friends the Katschkes' house. A night out sans children was Paul's gift to me. We took a nice stroll in downtown Bellingham prior to our delicious dinner at Anthony's Hearthfire Grill, and enjoyed the hands-free quiet of being together without the kids.

Saturday morning's Valentine's breakfast featured pink love-you heart pancakes. We ate all but one before I remembered to document our festive meal on film. (Can I still say "on film" since it's not really on film?)


The boys and I whipped up a construction-themed Valentine for Paul.


And Benjamin was absolutely delighted by a surprise Valentine balloon.

Next time there's a call for balloons, we'll get two.

We spent the rest of our morning on the beach at Birch Bay looking for sea shells (or "sea stars" as Benjamin calls anything found on the beach, including rocks) and mostly just enjoying being together. Who could ask for more than a peaceful Valentine's stroll on the beach with the most loveable boys (and man) I know?

Finally, we returned the favor to the Katschkes and watched their kids so they could go on a Valentine's date. We all enjoyed special Valentine's cookies thanks to Paul's mom and dad who sent the boys an awesome Valentine cookie kit!


Hope your day of love was good, too!

Peek-a-boo fun

Benjamin has been a real ham lately. A couple of days ago he found the roll of brown paper I use to mail packages and wrapped himself all up in it. He thought it was hilarious!


At this point he was on a roll (Ha ha! I just noticed this! No pun intended!) and decided to let Rhett play, too. (Notice how he peeks out and looks toward where Rhett is to see if he's watching. He loves to make Rhett laugh.)



Rhett wasn't too jazzed about the idea of being covered up by loud, dark paper with his crazy brother. He was crying after Benjamin covered him up, but this picture is a lot cuter.


Here's a video taste of the silliness. You probably would have had to be there. You also would probably have to be home all day with these kids to even think it was funny. But I love that Benjamin acts so silly (usually), and I love spending all day with these boys.

Rhett thinks this game is a lot cooler.

Big Boys Don't Cry

This kid is a champ.


He got his flu shot booster today.


When the nurse stuck the needle in, he looked like this:


Ten seconds later his eyes were dry and he was back to looking like this:


And the best part? He's always like that for shots. He cries for a moment, then is back to his usual smiles and wiggles in seconds. He hasn't even felt a little yucky after immunizations like Benjamin sometimes did. I won't count on this to continue into childhood, but wouldn't that be awesome?

(For the record, Benjamin also did great for his flu shots this season.)