cookies for kids' cancer

 remember this great program? Well, some great local gals (and yours truly) are making it happen this weekend right here in our little town.

Come visit Cookies for Kids' Cancer 

at the Ammon Farmers Market

Saturday, August 28th 

10 am until 2pm 

(or until the fabulous treats are gone!)

I have it on good authority that jumbo homemade oreos will be available in limited supply...

read about the mom and little boy that inspired this entire program here
need more inspiration? read about more kids fighting cancer here

100% of your donation goes to pediatric cancer. the kids. It's a cause that has or will benefit someone you know--pediatric cancer has already impacted Mr. J's family.

So, be a good good cookie and come see us on Saturday!

a moose says...

well, I'm not sure what a moose says, but we made a few silly moose for father's day. last year's were a big hit with daddy and grandpas, so we did a redux with butterscotch pudding & googly eyes.  needless to say, the leftovers were saved from waste by an eager three year old.

sweet idea

My friend's younger brother is battling leukemia right now, facing a bone marrow transplant this week. My brother-in-law battled leukemia as a child. Twice. It's awful business. Recently I saw a promotion for this program and I think it's a grand idea. Now, where do I start?

a finished project

i finished it. a sewing project that completely overwhelmed my non-sewing self at first. but I managed. it's not perfect, obviously, but I do think it turned out cute despite it's flaws (adding character?). Off it goes in the mail for a special new bundle of sugar and spice.

and not one nervous breakdown from start to finish. honest. I don't come by any craftiness naturally. this is a monumental occasion.

brown paper packages

A sweet and savory treat for those dear to us and near to us. If you weren't home yesterday, expect a special delivery just in time for dinner. 

pretty books

One of the fabulous finds in my latest magazine: these beautifully bound classics. I'll take one of each, thank you.  I'd line them up on my bedside and admire them every day, reading each one in turn. Wishing I could gift them to some of my favorite bibliophiles: Jane Eyre for Marty, Wuthering Heights for Jenny, Pride and Prejudice for Missy, Sense and Sensibility for Joy...

old treasures

My brother came for a visit recently, and brought with him a treasure chest of loot for my little boys. The chest itself is the toy box of his childhood--wooden, worn, emblazoned with cowboys. It's wonderful, though in need of a bit of TLC.

The treasures inside? Original series matchbox cars from the 60's. Dozens. Die cast, made in England, not like the toy cars available now. Jeeps, dump trucks, a combine, a milk truck. Also a very cool jumbo-size toy John Deere tractor. A pint-sized football helmet, circa the 1960s Rams. And baseball gloves with the [new favorite] uncle's name printed in sharpie many many years ago. Treasures indeed. All things our little boy loves: wheels, football, soccer, cowboys.

Piglet has hardly played with anything else since they arrived, giving no heed to the scratches and signs of age, periodically looking up from play to question what type of vehicle this is or what that truck is used for. He is enthralled. And I love strolling down memory lane, imagining my much-older brother playing in much the same way.

I'm so happy these nearly-vintage toys are being loved again. Thanks big bro for sharing.

baby quilt

my sister had this darling quilt custom made for our little Nanuk. Love it. Get your own via monaleisa's etsy shop. 

I always wanted a doll house

If you ever watched Little House on the Prairie, you'll recognize this charming dollhouse. It's OK for little boys to play with dollhouses, right? Because I totally want to play with it, too. My dad used to call me "half pint."

the good in people

My B is a teacher--12 year olds--at a Title 1 School. (He has a gift, a knack). There is a 10 year old boy at this school that is a regular, frequent trouble maker. Always in the principal's office for some sort of mischief. The kind whose reputation often precedes him from school year to school year. But, it seems he's recently risen to the occasion to do some good.

B was asked to chair the school food drive this year which he has done thusly: Each week until Winter Break will focus on a specific need for the local food bank, such as Canned Meat one week, Peanut Butter the next, Soup and Chili the following. Organizing it this way seems to bring in more food, and more of what the food bank needs.

This mischief-making boy alone has brought in over 300 items. His neighbor called the school to make sure they knew how hard he was working. With his wagon (can you just picture it?) he goes door to door every week collecting the specified goods. Then he brings them to the school. Apparently he is persistent: the neighbor said that he knocked on her door as she was leaving, so she asked him to come back at 5:30 and she'd leave a bag of items on her porch. She forgot. At 5:30 there came a timid knock at her door--the 10 year old boy reminding her of her promise. She promptly made a contribution, then called all her neighbors to insist that they help this kid in his efforts. Precious.

Isn't this what Santa Claus and the Christmas Spirit are really about? Even naughty is mostly nice, lest we forget Ebeneezer Scrooge or Fred Claus. Not that those 2 characters belong in the same sentence. Sorry, Charles.

special delivery

sweet season's greetings to you

gifts for teachers

teachers on your shopping list? sure, teachers are grateful for any little thoughtful gesture in their oft-thankless jobs, but check out this post at petit elefant for a few helps.

Update...

what a great feeling that this is done. all done

Spouse. check. 

Toddler. check.

Parents. check.

Siblings. check.

Nieces and Nephews. check.

Stocking Stuffers. Check. 

and it's time to get my gift-wrap mojo going

sometimes I don't know what I enjoy more, the giving or the wrapping. or the stuffing of the stockings. or the opening of the stockings...yep, that's definitely my favorite part.

Bring on the Holidays: Shopping simplified

[photo via real simple]

I realize the risk I take with this post, as it regards a major holiday (dare I type it?) that is, believe it or not, only a few weeks away. There are those that shudder to think of it before our day of thanks, but not me. At least not when it comes to shopping. Call me crazy, but I really look forward to it. All of it.

I love making the list (especially) and thinking of just the right thing for each person.  I love acquiring those things long before the holidays, scoring a great deal when I can. I love wrapping each gift with tender loving flair. Maybe it helps that we keep our shopping list simple, our priorities specific, and our budget small. Since we shop ahead of time there is no last minute frenzy or overspending on credit cards.  With rare exception, I refuse to do gift shopping after Thanksgiving, which allows me to really enjoy the decorating, wrapping, giving, eating, and socializing of the season. Here's how it breaks down for us. 

For the spouse: 1 gift, plus stocking stuffers. LOVE stocking stuffers.

For the toddler:  2-ok, maybe 3--gifts, plus stocking stuffers, within a specified budget. He's 2. His expectations are nill.

For our parents: we established a special mission savings account for each set of parents into which we  contribute money for Christmas and birthdays. The gift grows a little each year.

Siblings: B has 4 siblings. A couple of years ago they opted not to exchange gifts with each other, not even to draw names (Scrooges!) but it simplifed the list by one.  I have 2 siblings and we select a family oriented gift for them each year, like a beautiful book, a family game or a DVD.  They live out of state, so it must always be something easy to mail.

Nieces/Nephews: We give each niece and nephew an ornament each year. We go for a theme each time like Santas or stars, and I generally find a great selection on sale after the holidays.

Friends and Neighbors: Usually something special from our kitchen. Not just ordinary cookies on a paper plate, but something signature, wrapped with style. Maybe homemade vanilla extract or pumpkin butter??

Not glamourous or extravagant, but still fun, still thoughtful, and it leaves us with wiggle room for unexpected extras and charities.  And sometimes B and I surprise each other with our creativity or not-in-the-budget generosity. Don't you love surprises?

How do you manage your Christmas shopping? 

Need a photographer in Utah?

The ever fabulous Petit Elefant is hosting a wonderful giveaway this week: a complimentary photo session (plus a disc with all images) with the very talented Nicole Carman. Perfect for families, especially if you live in Utah, which I don't, so I can't win. Also I can't win because I'm something like a co-host over at Petit Elefant. I would so want to win this if I could. So, if you live in Utah, or will be in Utah soon, and would like some beautiful family photos (I hear she's a whiz with kiddos), I suggest you click on over and enter the giveaway! I see enviable family holiday cards in your future..."Say Cheese!"

For Mommy

After a particularly long and tiring day, B took little M on a much anticipated outing to the park. I stayed home and made dinner without interruption. Upon their return, B carried a beaming, rosy-cheeked M into the house. M stretched his hands out to me and stated with pride, "Fwowers, Mommy!" 

He gave me these:

I think I'll keep them forever.

According to B, all damaged "flowers" were tossed aside as M perused and inspected the fallen pine cones beneath a large tree at the park. With each toss he announced "It's bwoken." He chose only the most perfect 2 for taking to Mommy. They are now nestled among the pumpkins displayed in my living room. Later I'll attach ribbon and hang them on my Christmas tree. 

On the Good Ship

Grammy and Boppa are loyal fans of the Disney Cruise Line. If I'm not mistaken, they've taken 5 cruises so far--4 without grandchildren, 1 with. Note: They have never taken their actual children, only the offspring of one of said children. They recently returned from their 5th voyage (no grandkids along) and naturally had a grand time. Great entertainment, great weather, great food, great doing a lot of nothing, blah blah blah.  And, naturally, they brought home presents. For their grandchildren. And I have to say on M's behalf, they totally scored.

Since M's love affair with Toy Story (aka "WoodyBuzz"), and with cowboys (aka "Yee Haws!"), began, B's been hunting down "Woody."  You know, cowhide vest, big hat, pull-string that says "Is there a snake in my boot" and all that. Very hard to find.  B in particular feels that "Woody" is a critical purchase. Enter Grammy on her cruise ship. She found a single, solitary "Woody" like the one from the movie, the last one on the ship (that boat must be enormous) and marked down 50%. I hope that's all true and not just added for the sake of drama. She has tendencies.

Because M will likely be more than overjoyed with his new toy, which I'll probably be able to use as serious bribery fodder, I'll overlook the fact that I have yet to be invited along on one of their cruises, and that they didn't bring any presents for little old me.

Good Deeds at BR

I've always like the clothes at Banana Republic. Especially their trousers, which always managed to flatter my hard-to-fit frame and could usually be found in my size on the sale rack. While they aren't on my shopping list right now, here's another reason to like BR: receive 30% off all regular priced merchandise when you bring in your gently used coats and sweaters to benefit Goodwill Industries. Valid October 16-26.

Notable

I attended a special meeting over the weekend, the message of which was entirely uplifting and inspiring. To paraphrase my interpretations of the message:

The role and work of women in this world is endless and crucial and full of goodness, as each woman on earth is blessed with talents, inspiration and compassion. As we seek to serve others first and bless their lives, so will we also receive immeasurable blessings.  The closing speaker shared this quote from a beloved author.

Those who bring sunshine into the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves

Sir James M. Barrie

Goodness the whole blogosphere over

though I've never visited the nie nie dialogues, (until now--I'm always the last one to the party) I'm sending my prayers and happy thoughts to Stephanie and Christian as they struggle to recover from a plane crash.

Their needs are great and the blogosphere--their friends and loved ones and strangers-- is gathering resources to help. Thursday, click on over to the ever kind and resourceful  Design Mom and participate in the auctions she organized--proceeds to benefit Stephanie and Christian on their long and costly road to recovery. Or check out the many  other blog auctions being hosted tomorrow for this same purpose, like this one by Leslie at A Room Somewhere.

It's amazing what can be accomplished with one kind thought...and the internet. Let's toss a little more goodness out there into the universe.