tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-258016732024-03-23T12:54:06.629-05:00leta joycreating, mothering, beingleta joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12251275195124741571noreply@blogger.comBlogger255125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25801673.post-65273370350530599722007-04-26T15:49:00.000-05:002007-04-26T15:50:53.077-05:00GoodbyeThis will be my last post on blogger. Come visit me at <a href="http://www.letajoy.com">letajoy.com</a>! Please update your bookmarks and feeds accordingly. Thanks.leta joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12251275195124741571noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25801673.post-9213724138844732002007-04-16T16:30:00.000-05:002007-04-16T16:31:46.001-05:00NewbornI have started a new blog, <a href="http://www.shutupandread.wordpress.com">shut up and read</a>, where I will be posting reviews of books that I have recently read. Come on over and take a gander.leta joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12251275195124741571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25801673.post-2489998954546066822007-04-16T08:28:00.000-05:002007-04-16T08:30:35.832-05:00Moving DayI am in the process of moving the blog to <a href="http://www.wordpress.com">wordpress</a>. If you can't find me try<br /><a href="http://www.letajoy.com">www.letajoy.com </a>or<a href="http://www.letajoy.wordpress.com"> www.letajoy.wordpress.com.</a><br /><br />Thank you for your support!leta joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12251275195124741571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25801673.post-26297876974450709872007-04-15T15:29:00.000-05:002007-04-15T16:05:04.766-05:00Daily DoseSo, yeah the natural doc thing. In January I started seeing a doctor of natural medicine. I'd been having some health "issues" and felt that my family physician only wanted to treat the symptoms I displayed and never tried to get to the root of what was causing the problems in the first place. I knew about this doctor through some work that Bubby had done and after talking with a friend that had seen her, decided to give her a call.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZp1YSeWwSoqvmLY4xy-ZqpUe338ce4_ExE2nycB8Y4QqY6q1Mrult9wavWkMWWkxW54gziEUHM0lBrGuLJ5LED56loHzusxZuEIUdVgwJKl-MajrS95ellb_8pqtxDnGjwAWT6Q/s1600-h/daily+dose.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZp1YSeWwSoqvmLY4xy-ZqpUe338ce4_ExE2nycB8Y4QqY6q1Mrult9wavWkMWWkxW54gziEUHM0lBrGuLJ5LED56loHzusxZuEIUdVgwJKl-MajrS95ellb_8pqtxDnGjwAWT6Q/s320/daily+dose.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5053754889120845026" border="0" /></a><br />I liked her and felt that a lot of what she said made sense to me. I knew that I would be making a big commitment if I decided to pursue this: change of diet, lifestyle and that pesky little matter of money. Insurance companies don't look too fondly on the world of natural medicine, it seems. I was already shopping for organic food and filtering our water. If my health improved, I felt it would be worth the extra cost. <br /><br />After three months of treatment the majority of the problems I was having before are gone. I have increased my water intake drastically and it is now just a part of my day. My immune system is still low and she is still concerned about my liver and adrenal system. I do not know how long I will have to continue the litany of pills and drops and I DO get frustrated with dietary restrictions that I've never thought about before. I will say that I do not adhere to the diet as strictly as I should and I'm sure this slows the process down. If I could just give up the cokes and sweets! Is life really worth living without Coke and dessert?!<br /><br />One of the strangest and best side-effects of this whole process has been the common ground it gives me with my parents. I have talked to my mother a great deal about my current health concerns and hers, something that rarely happened in the past. She asks about my health and doctor appointments, something that has only happened when I was pregnant. My parents and I have a somewhat tense and shaky relationship and anything that gives us something to talk about that won't cause even more tension is a wonderful gift. I'm trying hard not to focus on the dollars flowing out of our bank account and instead find the benefits of this journey. If I weren't going through all of this myself, I wouldn't understand their fascination with<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homeopathy"> homeopathics</a>. I joke with Aunt Banana that our parents are turning into hippies in their old age. Next thing you know they'll be growing pot on the back forty of the family farm.leta joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12251275195124741571noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25801673.post-92080902788570894322007-04-13T13:23:00.000-05:002007-04-13T13:25:45.302-05:00RedA book we found at a local antique shop that we like to frequent.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFU45hm4MQkhqepRXzVPfh5kjP069rZTwRdl_Dj3tbT81ud0mzcOHJpTIgru3oJM8znD9uF_MeTStfCuSYhgS5NTN12c6SnGxhdhxCKji38OIwEIo6csPrVezVE5eYhYFXd6OccA/s1600-h/red.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFU45hm4MQkhqepRXzVPfh5kjP069rZTwRdl_Dj3tbT81ud0mzcOHJpTIgru3oJM8znD9uF_MeTStfCuSYhgS5NTN12c6SnGxhdhxCKji38OIwEIo6csPrVezVE5eYhYFXd6OccA/s320/red.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5052980257409273042" border="0" /></a>leta joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12251275195124741571noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25801673.post-25017546705362026052007-04-12T14:55:00.000-05:002007-04-12T15:02:48.700-05:00YellowTwo rooms I spend a lot of time in.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicxPlJCFEQ6eyWtxo7wYSBGzyH_ygFXSFOyPq9DA8v0nDY_ak1KGBthoBfXcVr_f4TzkEZS7Mom4ezqPH3L2eeUEBG8OWOtVf8trWPc0l34zJonPzyMY3VkWeEGuTpfWf33DF4XQ/s1600-h/yellow.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicxPlJCFEQ6eyWtxo7wYSBGzyH_ygFXSFOyPq9DA8v0nDY_ak1KGBthoBfXcVr_f4TzkEZS7Mom4ezqPH3L2eeUEBG8OWOtVf8trWPc0l34zJonPzyMY3VkWeEGuTpfWf33DF4XQ/s320/yellow.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5052632807439928498" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW_gja0Y9upqwMVm-YyC7aTT6B4IVKoFyFjkLj7amGIQSlA60uMR5i0-nm9kSIhxitOFHvOJbzGFEGyHqa8Jmtrci36h1SOG6-zmhP5U0LEJ5JYVkAoOhrvRvIF5neWXyt39VvRg/s1600-h/yellow2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW_gja0Y9upqwMVm-YyC7aTT6B4IVKoFyFjkLj7amGIQSlA60uMR5i0-nm9kSIhxitOFHvOJbzGFEGyHqa8Jmtrci36h1SOG6-zmhP5U0LEJ5JYVkAoOhrvRvIF5neWXyt39VvRg/s320/yellow2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5052632833209732290" border="0" /></a>leta joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12251275195124741571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25801673.post-19037892763482852142007-04-11T21:59:00.000-05:002007-04-11T22:22:31.330-05:00Pink<a href="http://letajoy.blogspot.com/2006/08/bye-bye-mamaw-ruth.html">Mamaw Ruth</a> made a quilt for each of her grandchildren to be given when they were married. I think I had my choice between two or three and this is the one I chose as a teenager and then received several years later. It has grown on me over the years. I am not a fan of storing things away never to be used in daily life, so this is currently protecting our recliner from all things child-related: mac-n-cheese, yogurt, toe jam, etc.<br /><br />I am quite picky about my quilts. They must be thin and soft and two is my maximum unless it is frigidly frigid. Bubby prefers them heavy as hell and piled up to the ceiling. I don't know what this has to do about anything, I just thought it would make an interesting story. Perhaps I was wrong.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj37E0AXTHN8xmrd2TTTbzKlRrAI2PZlHVCkI4BxOcKaeNTDZqXmbO5ESZzVeiHBK_ZdvxrYEeEpoQj5J2O4fFa8aXuvjXUW-ED4_MTy56_UpB5ULhf2DeL4XoMDf-8vT0iYVOgmA/s1600-h/pink.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj37E0AXTHN8xmrd2TTTbzKlRrAI2PZlHVCkI4BxOcKaeNTDZqXmbO5ESZzVeiHBK_ZdvxrYEeEpoQj5J2O4fFa8aXuvjXUW-ED4_MTy56_UpB5ULhf2DeL4XoMDf-8vT0iYVOgmA/s320/pink.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5052371046363106450" border="0" /></a><br />I wish I were:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiaMpnMdI-s_MCLRjk3kMCFoHs64GmUXNvPXyWVrAuZNHbX1tauYgYPE9P6W2U2P050K_C-Z0pqToq13CyMDtDMPi_vRNQQXkf6WPcfgBYRfk19ixrphSCiTXYKV3PA9SzOqYjCg/s1600-h/pink2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiaMpnMdI-s_MCLRjk3kMCFoHs64GmUXNvPXyWVrAuZNHbX1tauYgYPE9P6W2U2P050K_C-Z0pqToq13CyMDtDMPi_vRNQQXkf6WPcfgBYRfk19ixrphSCiTXYKV3PA9SzOqYjCg/s320/pink2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5052371050658073762" border="0" /></a><br />Remember when I used to post about crafty things and stuff? Yeah, what happened with that?leta joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12251275195124741571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25801673.post-9504824395498417872007-04-10T14:40:00.001-05:002007-04-10T14:51:21.762-05:00One YearJulie at <a href="http://handmaidby.blogspot.com/">handmaid</a> is reviving <a href="http://handmaidby.blogspot.com/2007/04/colour-week.html#links">Colour Week</a>. I missed out on Monday, so here's what I found in my search for a green view for Tuesday. Green napkin, green drink and green Care Bear (Good Luck Bear glass circa 1983).<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqqesiU6cvC3mbhBDnExkAHaC8ZJB9Xr9IBFdd1MjlwjJfewc7gSYue0U6mP0FtEnYXV2caj1T1luZxlDsJTz_DKUSCFVk9o8874TypiPOCdO0qmIZrP6YI-cznDHJhRg29G9sqw/s1600-h/green.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqqesiU6cvC3mbhBDnExkAHaC8ZJB9Xr9IBFdd1MjlwjJfewc7gSYue0U6mP0FtEnYXV2caj1T1luZxlDsJTz_DKUSCFVk9o8874TypiPOCdO0qmIZrP6YI-cznDHJhRg29G9sqw/s320/green.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5051886720081005698" border="0" /></a><br />Today marks the one year anniversary (birthday?) of my blog. Thanks for visiting my corner of the world.leta joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12251275195124741571noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25801673.post-52201932948670173552007-04-09T16:09:00.000-05:002007-04-09T16:56:34.830-05:00Bunny RecapWhat better way to kick off Easter weekend than with a pitcher of <a href="http://www.coors.com/brews_brands.asp">Blue Moon </a>and the best pizza in town? None, I tell ya! Arwyn's at her aunt Banana's house for the weekend? Even better!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4EWAirCPeQoAKXNlzVxKMAicH8-03Mdk7R9BL8MB5trI-3eIBpBWhZsJl1bm7B5wnl4Ly0iv7DHAsNGN_S2TK0lvJruZoAFyO2THWIwArccbNnOWEl5Ad1yYMhIxJVf70s_Or8g/s1600-h/blue+moon.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4EWAirCPeQoAKXNlzVxKMAicH8-03Mdk7R9BL8MB5trI-3eIBpBWhZsJl1bm7B5wnl4Ly0iv7DHAsNGN_S2TK0lvJruZoAFyO2THWIwArccbNnOWEl5Ad1yYMhIxJVf70s_Or8g/s320/blue+moon.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5051538904157734370" border="0" /></a><br />We'll skip right over Saturday and the boring trip to Lowe's to pick out <a href="http://www.peerlessfaucet.com/wps/portal/peerless/">faucets</a> and grass seed (we just go hog wild when our child is out of town) and get right to the good stuff. Who wouldn't love to wake up to a plate of orange rolls hot from the oven and an Easter basket on the table?<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTWS-5TZM-EcWYOwaqCqdvg_uleiKGxzoSJ8KmoOdUEhFZIkAr5rvuHZxzuWBU0hRxrWrpc32uLf5kYvcRWBfc4AJxPfW7houpS_8ORMFdmzPwxTv6EBoAgkpMYrozZ62C5-sVQw/s1600-h/easter+morn2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTWS-5TZM-EcWYOwaqCqdvg_uleiKGxzoSJ8KmoOdUEhFZIkAr5rvuHZxzuWBU0hRxrWrpc32uLf5kYvcRWBfc4AJxPfW7houpS_8ORMFdmzPwxTv6EBoAgkpMYrozZ62C5-sVQw/s320/easter+morn2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5051538908452701682" border="0" /></a><br />Bubby's basket. The Easter bunny gave him women's flip-flops. Oops. No pictures of Arwyn with her basket because she got so much crap from other people that we decided to keep the goods and use them as potty <strike>bribes</strike> presents.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtn-6IaAYaa6XoE7_8vmK_vYMUK1nuW3yjL93E5B1qzTl3IqxK7osNTAbxqlKo6Qw_AAmXwn0EPXoue4Zx-oWX8ip4DL8_EQ6TB6Wr9nUXMhqUU02raNTdCpznnxhp4zxVufLtaA/s1600-h/bubby+basket.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtn-6IaAYaa6XoE7_8vmK_vYMUK1nuW3yjL93E5B1qzTl3IqxK7osNTAbxqlKo6Qw_AAmXwn0EPXoue4Zx-oWX8ip4DL8_EQ6TB6Wr9nUXMhqUU02raNTdCpznnxhp4zxVufLtaA/s320/bubby+basket.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5051538908452701698" border="0" /></a><br />Neither bone-deep wind chill nor snotty noses shall keep us from hunting eggs at Grandma's house. Those cows better stay away from my eggs.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYodOA65UGpIk_TQPlwJl5PLHXOrz0xoziA-w5Pq-02v8dlnfE9SegI_DdFwJEVZptkLPtKRb_RxW88whY1oaST-b-h75NtCBqESzratuAPSQj-cUKRfq4d4zQkdTDnqR73L6bUw/s1600-h/egghunt5.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYodOA65UGpIk_TQPlwJl5PLHXOrz0xoziA-w5Pq-02v8dlnfE9SegI_DdFwJEVZptkLPtKRb_RxW88whY1oaST-b-h75NtCBqESzratuAPSQj-cUKRfq4d4zQkdTDnqR73L6bUw/s320/egghunt5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5051538912747669010" border="0" /></a><br />Breaking up fights between cousins and eating your kid's chocolate. Its what Easter is all about. Isn't it? What?leta joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12251275195124741571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25801673.post-9202458670043161292007-04-04T15:46:00.000-05:002007-04-04T16:18:26.366-05:00Smells Like ChristmasI went to bed with the AC on and woke up to turn the heat on. Bizarre weather that put me in the mood for baking and soups, so I tried the no-knead recipe that Alicia <a href="http://rosylittlethings.typepad.com/posie_gets_cozy/2007/03/bready_in_no_ti.html">posted</a> recently.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWn3rGhZMSHjbytoWnUBPVGFsfeL856p2w4Wu1t3NBG7JmduVvlMHrlwvJSo0LsXjrRFOWoiE0r0AqNHNMOOK5epCTdWGsHIl3NeamKlyxZAVeK1BrUf8ND_bjRa2UtvZhwUaloA/s1600-h/bread2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWn3rGhZMSHjbytoWnUBPVGFsfeL856p2w4Wu1t3NBG7JmduVvlMHrlwvJSo0LsXjrRFOWoiE0r0AqNHNMOOK5epCTdWGsHIl3NeamKlyxZAVeK1BrUf8ND_bjRa2UtvZhwUaloA/s320/bread2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5049677525461190034" border="0" /></a><br />I am a fairly accomplished cook and I love to bake, but there are some things (mostly bread-y products) I just cannot make, no matter how many times I try. I've overcome my pancake problem by sticking with a recipe from a Bizquick cookbook. I just add different things to it to make various flavors of pancakes. Its the only recipe that works for me, whatever the reason. This might be my new bread recipe.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN_LFdvFNVtSU_urTTwc5P58c9vd0ihCyz5EVdroNDJM_ypZN3aiKZ9QWLqssT3gpq4xaswn78Myvyzz7H_EhD2nSXTGRFZDRVHbGpQtydPLhxmi-Uvs1_URejryQHeMZhJ94JuA/s1600-h/bread5.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN_LFdvFNVtSU_urTTwc5P58c9vd0ihCyz5EVdroNDJM_ypZN3aiKZ9QWLqssT3gpq4xaswn78Myvyzz7H_EhD2nSXTGRFZDRVHbGpQtydPLhxmi-Uvs1_URejryQHeMZhJ94JuA/s320/bread5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5049677538346091970" border="0" /></a><br />Isn't it pretty? It was easy to throw together, it rose like it was supposed to, and it is de-lish. I pre-heated the oven early and left the oven door cracked to raise the kitchen temperature, so perhaps that's why a bread product finally decided to turn up properly. It was easy enough to make while running to the basement for laundry and overseeing a paint project by my very own little <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Picasso">Picasso</a>.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaQUeyjQy0oMiU0Ha5_gJfM24xh1QuyLDm8ioiH1XeRdIi5RWvfMTEb70sTliiuilpC7-KIeh1AICZwiEpANTpBBecQkNiV8YkEV8sq8VgDjkXaekOa90ek74RwpSXfhlwsO8gPg/s1600-h/bread3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaQUeyjQy0oMiU0Ha5_gJfM24xh1QuyLDm8ioiH1XeRdIi5RWvfMTEb70sTliiuilpC7-KIeh1AICZwiEpANTpBBecQkNiV8YkEV8sq8VgDjkXaekOa90ek74RwpSXfhlwsO8gPg/s320/bread3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5049677529756157346" border="0" /></a><br />It made a lovely afternoon snack, topped with <a href="http://dillmanfarm.com/">Dillman</a>'s Black Raspberry Seedless Preserves (shameless family plug).<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHlcOej_2ev3o1hQ-SdSOTIi_14L1VFPIrKKFnSjLEZEn6Y-mqzErPUyQWRztp0eb68GtjcpJZcwxPXKopUWQnzEq6hOIQN58QAJpcmwIDmNMEHCQ-9g_ZqtJKGJov2_gK1N_Z_w/s1600-h/bread4.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHlcOej_2ev3o1hQ-SdSOTIi_14L1VFPIrKKFnSjLEZEn6Y-mqzErPUyQWRztp0eb68GtjcpJZcwxPXKopUWQnzEq6hOIQN58QAJpcmwIDmNMEHCQ-9g_ZqtJKGJov2_gK1N_Z_w/s320/bread4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5049677534051124658" border="0" /></a><br />I give it a hearty five fruits.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3k_9sp5GjvikHwssZQP7e3atIlp6TIJuMXfh4avWHqljAAZZmCPZX4vyKZsZ0LJxNbJvALRc0asq9k36Sa0aL3NyjHseNeEIzMfRzhB_Ccne7MsnOaTfsPDkLgb7xlRrxFq3r-g/s1600-h/5fruits.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 129px; height: 48px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3k_9sp5GjvikHwssZQP7e3atIlp6TIJuMXfh4avWHqljAAZZmCPZX4vyKZsZ0LJxNbJvALRc0asq9k36Sa0aL3NyjHseNeEIzMfRzhB_Ccne7MsnOaTfsPDkLgb7xlRrxFq3r-g/s320/5fruits.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5049677658605176274" border="0" /></a>leta joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12251275195124741571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25801673.post-81215848076524321152007-04-04T10:46:00.000-05:002007-04-04T10:52:07.541-05:00Swaparooni<a href="http://www.ohmystinkinheck.com/black-n-white-swap"><img src="http://www.ohmystinkinheck.com/swaps/banners/black-n-white-swap-240x135-banner.gif" title="Black and White Swap" border="0" /></a><br /><br />OMSH is cookin' up a swap!leta joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12251275195124741571noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25801673.post-65129145265121617262007-04-03T07:39:00.000-05:002007-04-03T07:49:01.199-05:00New Knife<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpMEE5DflPAJnWMMd3RC0wH54EzKJW7i8VYOP3bIN99BL8N69oGJ2eypMkvbP3Zf220QtDsePyBdtfNRpLvgMGgNyWjp4ITrprQ8cgdEzXGWKA_6PcISyI7Gmn4XRXJEPhEXeZZg/s1600-h/knife.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpMEE5DflPAJnWMMd3RC0wH54EzKJW7i8VYOP3bIN99BL8N69oGJ2eypMkvbP3Zf220QtDsePyBdtfNRpLvgMGgNyWjp4ITrprQ8cgdEzXGWKA_6PcISyI7Gmn4XRXJEPhEXeZZg/s320/knife.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5049182578926122178" border="0" /></a>leta joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12251275195124741571noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25801673.post-76233111192362135442007-04-02T15:42:00.000-05:002007-04-02T15:50:19.547-05:00Not ChaiMy doc of natural meds recommended I drink a cup of this vile concoction every day:<br /><br />Brew 1 cup peppermint tea. Mix equal amounts of cinnamon, ginger, cloves, cayenne pepper, and cardamon. Add 1/8 to 1/4 tsp to tea. Use <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stevia">Stevia</a> to sweeten. <br /><br />Every morning I get to look forward to the sensation of my mouth and throat being licked with the flames of hell.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV7Z8TU96bCr7mUnfXfN-RJQ4-XZ3ETvpf2W8t996-dI_0I34qyVlt4tM_y8_esfhImROERZkUdQF1RoV-1Qpmdcn02uFj5tc6QEnfLRaZkyKcdNPPQcUbElczlIAUOw1AicOSqw/s1600-h/vile+tea.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV7Z8TU96bCr7mUnfXfN-RJQ4-XZ3ETvpf2W8t996-dI_0I34qyVlt4tM_y8_esfhImROERZkUdQF1RoV-1Qpmdcn02uFj5tc6QEnfLRaZkyKcdNPPQcUbElczlIAUOw1AicOSqw/s320/vile+tea.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5048934106478113954" border="0" /></a><br />I would MUCH rather be drinking this:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL3wqSCd4msbdwDTZoOIOM1Pvbed5a40b3bqLnwkQQy8IqxAQZy-qSj9ZiS7UhUPtG3yqLTyTinPEfF9yToj7zJYco5fEAWp4zoq3Z5t9HIlw21g6vW2NxLOhpptNTWVyD9cycXQ/s1600-h/sonic.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL3wqSCd4msbdwDTZoOIOM1Pvbed5a40b3bqLnwkQQy8IqxAQZy-qSj9ZiS7UhUPtG3yqLTyTinPEfF9yToj7zJYco5fEAWp4zoq3Z5t9HIlw21g6vW2NxLOhpptNTWVyD9cycXQ/s320/sonic.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5048934110773081266" border="0" /></a>leta joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12251275195124741571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25801673.post-63290988677365013132007-04-02T15:14:00.000-05:002007-04-02T15:31:32.915-05:00Goodies!I received my order from the super talented Theresa of <a href="http://rock-paper-scissors.typepad.com/snowbear/">Rock-Paper-Scissors</a> fame last week. So much fun stuff! I immediately tore the package open to see inside, but haven't had a chance to play with any of it yet.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6R30mkIh3jKD8buVBEKODn1ZGOarXjgXTtz6_6p_961ziue6NqjP22PoG3gnTPXMRcKXp2GTvfUuYnTbkw9BAs7NE4ki6B0RMQ7Vm5DGOAuNYJoagAr7gGCC4YipoV9t4XysA9g/s1600-h/snowbear+stuff.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6R30mkIh3jKD8buVBEKODn1ZGOarXjgXTtz6_6p_961ziue6NqjP22PoG3gnTPXMRcKXp2GTvfUuYnTbkw9BAs7NE4ki6B0RMQ7Vm5DGOAuNYJoagAr7gGCC4YipoV9t4XysA9g/s320/snowbear+stuff.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5048926869458220162" border="0" /></a><br />Go check out her etsy <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=9760">shop</a>!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgosA2KfI_QwCZwvUwKi38ZP462Fvhq2A0_p__lTRIDlIZRx2FLf9mGsXlA_YVWxre38sebxgVNDyMCSqidWaa377g9wtJZ8gFgVJo86n1ZR31RdxBrl3HQXZJIK46ZJHARTPM82A/s1600-h/snowbear+stuff2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgosA2KfI_QwCZwvUwKi38ZP462Fvhq2A0_p__lTRIDlIZRx2FLf9mGsXlA_YVWxre38sebxgVNDyMCSqidWaa377g9wtJZ8gFgVJo86n1ZR31RdxBrl3HQXZJIK46ZJHARTPM82A/s320/snowbear+stuff2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5048926873753187474" border="0" /></a>leta joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12251275195124741571noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25801673.post-72852603128533308492007-03-30T16:00:00.000-05:002007-03-30T16:05:44.684-05:00More Potty TalkI'm researching potty books and DVDs online. On Amazon, I come across a cute book called <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Does-Pig-Flush-Early-Experiences/dp/1929766653/ref=cm_lmf_tit_1_rsrsrs0/104-3918065-2915155">Does a Pig Flush</a>? WHY is this book $73.96?!?! Does someone from the publishing company come to your house and potty train your child for you? If so, then it might be worth the price tag. OK, it would <span style="font-weight: bold;">definitely</span> be worth the price tag. (Hey, maybe I could start my own business: We Wipe for You) Is this a typo? After looking at this listing three separate times and trying to figure out what I was missing, I finally see (in small type) that there is a paperback version available for $5.95. That, I might consider.leta joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12251275195124741571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25801673.post-30005972853424459952007-03-30T14:27:00.000-05:002007-03-30T14:30:38.352-05:00No WordsSometimes I rail against the forces that brought me to be living the life that I am. Sometimes I get so angry for having to do all of these jobs. Sometimes I am ungrateful and ugly. Sometimes I lose my shit. Sometimes I read <a href="http://cribchronicles.com/?p=91">something</a> that makes me remember how lucky I am.leta joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12251275195124741571noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25801673.post-32260612353555373722007-03-30T14:12:00.000-05:002007-04-02T15:41:03.186-05:00As My Garden GrowsThis tulip is outside our back door and it has now been joined by seven of its brothers and sisters. And that black plastic which I loathed? Gone! I plan on filling this space up with flowers, flowers and some more flowers. We might be eating canned beans by the end of the summer, but at least our yard will look good. Bwa-ha-ha-ha!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU4YBf8ZIKDxL_HAmUUr8j-DdHh1EBir_1AATcRLLJ9ppocg3oR8nkpBPSHulMfDUJ0I-Es1HoNHyS7a4zyUYJyYjgooUtUkni76tgPQs7Ep7w1Tkq5nasi-A4Y4Gvbup47_vrVQ/s1600-h/back+door+tulip.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU4YBf8ZIKDxL_HAmUUr8j-DdHh1EBir_1AATcRLLJ9ppocg3oR8nkpBPSHulMfDUJ0I-Es1HoNHyS7a4zyUYJyYjgooUtUkni76tgPQs7Ep7w1Tkq5nasi-A4Y4Gvbup47_vrVQ/s320/back+door+tulip.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5047797696786297906" border="0" /></a><br />This is a small tree in our backyard. It was half expired when we moved in and we (by 'we', I mean Bubby) had to remove several branches, and we weren't sure if the tree would survive the amputation. Now it is so pretty! Our neighbors told us it had beautiful flowers in the spring, but this is the first year it has looked this good. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTlde2mtAF4Foxxo-LU5uCZ1veKWDBW87VrtxWj7AAUYTxlsR3OUx1N8E40BWJm8scA4e-0lnrTIHPiA_cHMLDP4P1bR1aQgY5B_6nBbGZB5bN6b8RHKN8zxw3kZxQPnSypwQ_Rg/s1600-h/berry+tree.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTlde2mtAF4Foxxo-LU5uCZ1veKWDBW87VrtxWj7AAUYTxlsR3OUx1N8E40BWJm8scA4e-0lnrTIHPiA_cHMLDP4P1bR1aQgY5B_6nBbGZB5bN6b8RHKN8zxw3kZxQPnSypwQ_Rg/s320/berry+tree.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5047797701081265218" border="0" /></a><br />The peonies are coming out of hibernation. These babies grow so fast! I think I took this picture two days ago and they are already doubled in size. Incidentally, I've always called peonies "pee-on-mes". Sick, but true.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoMQ9b209P9nJKfmH6NPDkyzbs6_feo_U_dfjrvXzHV1GKcUFaybIsCCYroEszrvPM-U9K7nXg7_n5UR-O1KjEWE1fc-Y2IDZ_uDLEW3pVpoPm_IvS_O1VKAwXx0eMnqRdvnfqXg/s1600-h/peoni.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoMQ9b209P9nJKfmH6NPDkyzbs6_feo_U_dfjrvXzHV1GKcUFaybIsCCYroEszrvPM-U9K7nXg7_n5UR-O1KjEWE1fc-Y2IDZ_uDLEW3pVpoPm_IvS_O1VKAwXx0eMnqRdvnfqXg/s320/peoni.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5047797705376232530" border="0" /></a><br />I have no idea what my recent fascination with the flowers in the backyard is all about, but I'm going with it. It's that or poop talk. That's all I've got right now.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI7_Yz7Qth_xQJ-uGW1s-jiLho1Ifmt30DqF8lfyKop77cIjE__K_6tGR3zLAJsjzhUce1Jzz3RSnzX8JYy5SctYgnS3A4gqtQEd4s2xEZ6LSx1R40cHXcwceagaMdf2TK9If-1g/s1600-h/pink+tulip.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI7_Yz7Qth_xQJ-uGW1s-jiLho1Ifmt30DqF8lfyKop77cIjE__K_6tGR3zLAJsjzhUce1Jzz3RSnzX8JYy5SctYgnS3A4gqtQEd4s2xEZ6LSx1R40cHXcwceagaMdf2TK9If-1g/s320/pink+tulip.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5047797705376232546" border="0" /></a><br />This is a really pretty little tree on our side yard. I have no idea what anything is called. It has these gorgeous flowers in the spring and then dark red heart-shaped leaves in fall. I like it.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhNshUUKSWew4b7ywH1ki4IVyoFzZrxkXkSFVSBWljj6QNEv1k0nuDHnZXvi-1tux1mKvHSWrmHn7TnrsqofonIP2AyS2my15ditOZLFhGXIL9aK2LsuEu7f9xId7_UNerLkzTNw/s1600-h/red+bud.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhNshUUKSWew4b7ywH1ki4IVyoFzZrxkXkSFVSBWljj6QNEv1k0nuDHnZXvi-1tux1mKvHSWrmHn7TnrsqofonIP2AyS2my15ditOZLFhGXIL9aK2LsuEu7f9xId7_UNerLkzTNw/s320/red+bud.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5047797709671199858" border="0" /></a><br />Bubby, I hope you like canned beans.leta joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12251275195124741571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25801673.post-62312548099214996292007-03-29T15:24:00.000-05:002007-03-29T15:33:56.519-05:00A Real MomentI saw <a href="http://www.ohmystinkinheck.com">OMSH</a> had joined the Real Mom 'movement' and decided to start my own flickr <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/98138381@N00/sets/72157600035243981/">set</a> celebrating moments of what? Insanity? Ineptitude? Survival?<br /><br />More times than I'd care to admit, Arwyn enjoys her lunch in front of the computer or the tv. It keeps her busy and quiet for a few minutes so I can enjoy my own meal without the constant stream of "Sit down. Get back in your chair. Don't do that with your fork. Eat your lunch." etc, etc. This works as long as it is a game she can do by herself and I don't have to rescue her.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfVT3twsC2a1prsXQ0olk_TT3ezy4H6GIRSgsRjnHSjqhS1nBCp3kOg4152qXpLDUBeWtk64qaS9svSRyLF9obdm9mE_6ZZUjeD3ebLHS7PXWzZTrfqghpEYpXoLj73oBTjRzc_w/s1600-h/lunch.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfVT3twsC2a1prsXQ0olk_TT3ezy4H6GIRSgsRjnHSjqhS1nBCp3kOg4152qXpLDUBeWtk64qaS9svSRyLF9obdm9mE_6ZZUjeD3ebLHS7PXWzZTrfqghpEYpXoLj73oBTjRzc_w/s320/lunch.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5047445217410249762" border="0" /></a><br />Today's Real Moment was brought to you by the letter P and the number 2.leta joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12251275195124741571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25801673.post-32568643535664901652007-03-28T15:15:00.000-05:002007-03-28T15:28:45.778-05:00Oh MyI just discovered another blog to add to my ever-growing bookmarks. Because really, who doesn't have the time to read 500 blogs per day?!! I mean, its not like I'm doing anything but cleaning up bodily <a href="http://letajoy.blogspot.com/2007/03/poop-fest-07.html">fluids</a> anyway.<br /><br />I'd seen <a href="http://www.ohmystinkinheck.com/">OMSH</a> referenced on other sites but had never checked her out before today. And wow, I'm really glad I did. She's straight forward and funny and sounds like a person who would be great to get to know. And she loves Sonic, so how could I resist? I'm loving her Real Moms flickr <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ohmystinkinheck/sets/72157600009376183/">set</a> and have decided to attempt something along those same lines. <br /><br />Tonight the girls and I are having a night on the town. And by girls, I don't mean me and my ta-tas. I mean <a href="http://www.imollie.blogspot.com">iMollie</a>, our buddy BJ and myself. I think we're all looking forward to it slightly more than may be appropriate, so here's hoping it lives up to the hype.<br /><br />And now I'm craving <a href="http://www.sonicdrivein.com/index.jsp">Sonic</a>. The best birthday gift my brother-in-law BW ever gave me? A Sonic gift card. I'll have a large coke, please.leta joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12251275195124741571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25801673.post-60024838770558448322007-03-27T16:37:00.000-05:002007-03-27T22:04:17.018-05:00Can You Dig It?I made a list of everything we planted so I wouldn't forget anything. I'm such a nerd, but we already knew that, didn't we.<br /><ul><li>Hyacinths (2) - one purple, one white</li><li>Cosmos (seeds) - orange and yellow</li><li>Zinnias (seeds) - multi-colored</li><li>Daisy mix (seeds) - multi-colored</li><li>Anemones - purple</li><li>Dutch Iris - don't recall</li><li>Bearded Iris - black</li><li>Phlox (2) - purple</li><li>Viola (6 pack) - orange and purple</li></ul><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh78z6bQLbS_FlryI3XkRMFaDADaEsbKN9MN8_q80sxrVNfG6p4_mxY_5RZQ4ZTOoTkiZPNRophCj23oN4dy0K21fCpAevY9bMI2a-zDl1VHa2-dsseSKZ5xFzN2Fjf1PChKpHftQ/s1600-h/mini+gloves.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh78z6bQLbS_FlryI3XkRMFaDADaEsbKN9MN8_q80sxrVNfG6p4_mxY_5RZQ4ZTOoTkiZPNRophCj23oN4dy0K21fCpAevY9bMI2a-zDl1VHa2-dsseSKZ5xFzN2Fjf1PChKpHftQ/s320/mini+gloves.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5046721809183774562" border="0" /></a><br />Here is the "tool" I was using before Monday. This is actually a promotional item given away at a library grand opening. Suffice to say it was not meant to be used to dig any actual holes, but I did anyway because that was pretty much all I had on hand.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvuHXuEHZwEbfziNlHkQI7B_djuH8xONVzHOJurw63rLFCddkKol6N5bcsWcZNgRScEgjC3qMQYMbhgHXKVgOX5hu8Zb1SF81SMqHEK-SlesHLtX4ararQRkfIe89F6p2QcmwNiA/s1600-h/mini+shovel.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvuHXuEHZwEbfziNlHkQI7B_djuH8xONVzHOJurw63rLFCddkKol6N5bcsWcZNgRScEgjC3qMQYMbhgHXKVgOX5hu8Zb1SF81SMqHEK-SlesHLtX4ararQRkfIe89F6p2QcmwNiA/s320/mini+shovel.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5046721813478741874" border="0" /></a><br />My first actual gardening tool. Its amazing how much faster the digging went once I wised up.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_9yAKRquDi4vfrUVEhm9wzNgE5Jwm6Ss2GHhdLNse8Nfv7j7vnv4wXiqpMRUoMnj64tYGXewXujSu33qcaewaOcXoe4TFwTxc3PQjbjf3vUkVxOT2Ek-dmVNuEcwM6uwBZJaBiw/s1600-h/shovel.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_9yAKRquDi4vfrUVEhm9wzNgE5Jwm6Ss2GHhdLNse8Nfv7j7vnv4wXiqpMRUoMnj64tYGXewXujSu33qcaewaOcXoe4TFwTxc3PQjbjf3vUkVxOT2Ek-dmVNuEcwM6uwBZJaBiw/s320/shovel.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5046721817773709186" border="0" /></a><br />My assistant's tools. They don't dig too well either, but they do fling dirt really well in all directions and water anything in sight.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjctVwhxNIN2sDTJlbU2maIMaITxbUp2ovw0hnxRoe2PiGCf82mZxrzsl6kTvFiSiwNPE4clYUJmKk_bXBUHOIt434IbsVJTKMjJwINEsivErXZTA0ZMmplrPDhUFtIizPelBxgjQ/s1600-h/helpers+tools.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjctVwhxNIN2sDTJlbU2maIMaITxbUp2ovw0hnxRoe2PiGCf82mZxrzsl6kTvFiSiwNPE4clYUJmKk_bXBUHOIt434IbsVJTKMjJwINEsivErXZTA0ZMmplrPDhUFtIizPelBxgjQ/s320/helpers+tools.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5046721804888807250" border="0" /></a>leta joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12251275195124741571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25801673.post-76992406331544797502007-03-26T14:53:00.000-05:002007-03-26T15:13:45.710-05:00WildernessWe walked outside this morning to leave for errand-running and were thrilled to see a profusion of flowers had popped up overnight. This is the second year for these and they were one of the first things I planted in our yard. We have an odd assortment of things planted around, but most of them were put there by the previous owners. I was truly amazed that they lived and continue to do so, as it seems the multitude of squirrels living in the tree above these tulips like to dig up the bulbs. Perhaps I'm messing about in their favorite nut hiding place.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHp0sgegqcIRfFOQeUhWupKHv615cMVyk76Vi9bBzqfrg2YoJWI9cSN3pAUFzBDAPvwG4H7c7jG2ETOlsQ2jtt38VqUP4fJpEwMFCNK7tyOhUt8iMdDKGM9LzFK7j_1fTedtIe2w/s1600-h/coral+tulips.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHp0sgegqcIRfFOQeUhWupKHv615cMVyk76Vi9bBzqfrg2YoJWI9cSN3pAUFzBDAPvwG4H7c7jG2ETOlsQ2jtt38VqUP4fJpEwMFCNK7tyOhUt8iMdDKGM9LzFK7j_1fTedtIe2w/s320/coral+tulips.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5046324022197720834" border="0" /></a><br />We have quite a few daffodils scattered around and I'm always glad to see them show their sunny heads. These are in our front yard, which is still a bit of a muddy mess from pulling out old shrubs last year.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-K6CvH18gSsXDhcCthgNf6vz-r7AxFH0hxF29iGRMuDbDV_rmfhOrSVQnEGIt5PHiWPV1ofNsiQGBmbGLI7QPnMD1JfkuogEXxSTx3Yt5G1FMMXvclTE7OnpgPoyCpybB-w8aJQ/s1600-h/daffodils.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-K6CvH18gSsXDhcCthgNf6vz-r7AxFH0hxF29iGRMuDbDV_rmfhOrSVQnEGIt5PHiWPV1ofNsiQGBmbGLI7QPnMD1JfkuogEXxSTx3Yt5G1FMMXvclTE7OnpgPoyCpybB-w8aJQ/s320/daffodils.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5046324022197720850" border="0" /></a><br />Arwyn and I spent some time outside Saturday and today putting in a few new additions to the 'flower garden', which is quite an overstatement. We both ended up sweaty and covered in dirt, but I felt like I'd accomplished something and have the sore hands and arms to prove it.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgePQ1cEq2AylrwvKD0l_EUm5PV9E9-sxrROm5VFYqoSZBXjTKmi1JRI4imgd3gaTpxllNcXODqdaBh5k2QTCQDZu5p9RQ46YnthJBiQWoO3c9qFa4LQinFc8fJeWKAxKNVYXi2ew/s1600-h/hyacinth.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgePQ1cEq2AylrwvKD0l_EUm5PV9E9-sxrROm5VFYqoSZBXjTKmi1JRI4imgd3gaTpxllNcXODqdaBh5k2QTCQDZu5p9RQ46YnthJBiQWoO3c9qFa4LQinFc8fJeWKAxKNVYXi2ew/s320/hyacinth.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5046324030787655490" border="0" /></a><br />And, lest you think the whole place is brimming over with beauty, we have a few of these as well. I actually don't mind them and Arwyn likes to pick them, which keeps her from picking the actual flowers. Although, she seems to have moved on to a worm obsession and every time one was uncovered she would carry it around until it escaped her clutches.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia6pOQUU9afLTPpzU9MnDsGITqqwum_pCfcve6JERIUZWeA8xS6aYXcSkVM-rXoIsM_zUP0snN4tgo3SRhaoGNtflsqGWC0Jwq-VZhP85uK_AIkUaNPXUZJJ2gitr-KY7zAmZq6g/s1600-h/dandelion.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia6pOQUU9afLTPpzU9MnDsGITqqwum_pCfcve6JERIUZWeA8xS6aYXcSkVM-rXoIsM_zUP0snN4tgo3SRhaoGNtflsqGWC0Jwq-VZhP85uK_AIkUaNPXUZJJ2gitr-KY7zAmZq6g/s320/dandelion.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5046324026492688162" border="0" /></a><br />The weather here has been amazing, and even a little frightening. 80+ degrees and running the a/c in March seems a tad scary, even though I am so glad for the sunshine and ability to be outside for long stretches.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqF3_DfMra1P_mq8Yo3Bawwv_S5Le6U9UbnRUCMmgNKiE2HhMV9tupxO9EFushCI7qto1hHEoG2kvJxHRXLsNFSvncYBg95UhZy3Mtlu9iPZZ_jP4kkUbPDhdgClmlV7zTDoM8Mw/s1600-h/green+pot.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqF3_DfMra1P_mq8Yo3Bawwv_S5Le6U9UbnRUCMmgNKiE2HhMV9tupxO9EFushCI7qto1hHEoG2kvJxHRXLsNFSvncYBg95UhZy3Mtlu9iPZZ_jP4kkUbPDhdgClmlV7zTDoM8Mw/s320/green+pot.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5046324030787655474" border="0" /></a><br />Happy Monday.leta joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12251275195124741571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25801673.post-48492233896987741342007-03-23T14:29:00.000-05:002007-03-23T14:57:32.042-05:00Poop Fest '07Who would have thought that a day that started out with this:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKArV_vhTyEO5zZbGRvbSpYOhQ6LcEzZgp4LCl-VnPPBPRzyjSFt8RRU60jnSkSWTlnaCKGkmm2OCIbH0aC61AYJaLtHSRFNYVlbWK8B5cGLoh7evVbsBRNzuH-yCR3qam4xskeQ/s1600-h/adh+flower+glasses.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKArV_vhTyEO5zZbGRvbSpYOhQ6LcEzZgp4LCl-VnPPBPRzyjSFt8RRU60jnSkSWTlnaCKGkmm2OCIbH0aC61AYJaLtHSRFNYVlbWK8B5cGLoh7evVbsBRNzuH-yCR3qam4xskeQ/s320/adh+flower+glasses.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5045204500420480066" border="0" /></a><br />would end up like it has? A little time line of my day so far:<br /><br />8:40 am Arwyn announces her awakening.. She has peed out of her pull-up and pooped. Clean her up, strip bed and changing table, get her dressed, start laundry.<br />9:00 am Eat breakfast. Watch Sesame Street.<br />9:30 am A friend calls, inviting us to the park. Throw on clothes and pack a bag.<br />10:00 am Arrive at park.<br />10:30 am Arwyn has to pee. Park bathrooms are LOCKED. Concept of squatting has not yet been introduced. Attempt to hold her above the ground behind a trashcan while she pees. Partially succeed.<br />10:45 am Get pooped on by a bird. I could not make this stuff up.<br />11:50 am Grab Arwyn's feet to keep her from falling off playground equipment. Get kicked in chest and covered in wet sand.<br />11:00 am Arwyn has to pee again. Attempt behind-the-trashcan maneuver a second time. Succeed less than first time.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKSFEKunPLRwjH_9pf2h6UBNIWpQrLGQ7lBaKTUApwd1l9zE52QpppKFQqmOYO5lOCb3HQCriwHexJx8KOJ5jAEYyBiv0ruqZ9Znka_HhmPdhoBoVONI0p8lLwGGxt7CLSEcHhhA/s1600-h/adh+yellow+slide.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKSFEKunPLRwjH_9pf2h6UBNIWpQrLGQ7lBaKTUApwd1l9zE52QpppKFQqmOYO5lOCb3HQCriwHexJx8KOJ5jAEYyBiv0ruqZ9Znka_HhmPdhoBoVONI0p8lLwGGxt7CLSEcHhhA/s320/adh+yellow+slide.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5045204500420480082" border="0" /></a><br />11:45 am Arrive home covered head to toe in wet sand and dirt. Strip Arwyn outside, try to shake off sand. Comb sand out of Arwyn's hair and give her a much-needed bath. More laundry.<br />12:15 pm Make and eat lunch.<br />12:30 pm Arwyn pees in her pants on the recliner. Strip Arwyn, get her dressed again, strip recliner, scrub recliner, more laundry.<br />1:00 pm Play computer games with Arwyn.<br />1:15 pm While I am in the bathroom, Arwyn poops in her pants, then sticks her hand down her pants. I return to find her covered in poop. CUT OFF her clothes and throw them away. Give her another bath while she cries, throw away bath puff and get her dressed for third time. Clean tub, bathroom floor and chair she was sitting in. Take out trash. More laundry.<br />1:45 pm Put Arwyn down for a nap before I lose my mind.<br />2:00 pm Take a shower. Wonder when I can start drinking. More laundry.leta joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12251275195124741571noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25801673.post-5727027826235575732007-03-22T14:06:00.000-05:002007-03-22T14:20:24.017-05:00SpunkyTomorrow is our niece's 14th birthday. Fourteen?!! How did this happen?? Our sweet little funny gal has grown up into a punk-loving awesome teenager(!), hence the stripes and skull. She lives in Texas and we don't get to see her very often. She was in town last week for her Spring Break and we had a great time hanging out and shopping, of course.<br /> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWybUarEWaG3_X-N2YHAOwyolGcRLWTIMBIcVXfjBFbXdl_FHKe4tyzejMwKZVZEaunbfxdtCGah491qBF4QVZ7ypUnnzM4awxqWhZatsTWe6xrB0ZoVX76uT2pwn-z4VNqI-Uqg/s1600-h/tay+card.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWybUarEWaG3_X-N2YHAOwyolGcRLWTIMBIcVXfjBFbXdl_FHKe4tyzejMwKZVZEaunbfxdtCGah491qBF4QVZ7ypUnnzM4awxqWhZatsTWe6xrB0ZoVX76uT2pwn-z4VNqI-Uqg/s320/tay+card.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5044827419471760434" border="0" /></a><br />Bubby and I feel that she is part of the reason we got together. She was here for a visit when the Bubs and I were working together. I saw what an awesome dude he was with her (great daddy-to-be) and he saw what a goofball I can be. She has always been, and definitely still is, a completely wonderful and very special person to us.<br /><br />Happy B-day, Tay. We miss you.leta joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12251275195124741571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25801673.post-15173311131213469132007-03-20T14:25:00.000-05:002007-03-20T15:17:57.621-05:00Rainy Days and MondaysDreaming of what the weather was like last week (was it only last week?) when Arwyn and I spent the morning at the zoo with friends. I saw our first daffodil is finally blooming this morning, so I am holding out some hope for Spring's return.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZYoOxUinsMzK5lSc-keH6chDBH8ThyihOx1NOIoxSZQMAWDeZfu5505r20Un97ddtvsW-99Vsa4DIsW6WYvRHtteo5uQsPkJO_44peAd0r2EusaK2kTL_hf7DRw024WHnufdD5w/s1600-h/zoo.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZYoOxUinsMzK5lSc-keH6chDBH8ThyihOx1NOIoxSZQMAWDeZfu5505r20Un97ddtvsW-99Vsa4DIsW6WYvRHtteo5uQsPkJO_44peAd0r2EusaK2kTL_hf7DRw024WHnufdD5w/s320/zoo.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5044090390198864930" border="0" /></a><br />I finally got my cookie fix. I know you all were worried. Crisis averted. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRMmXSa3obwORwwbgTtpXwwvrqsqoOLE-80_B71dqJkweCM8ORq0-e12mIQmlE5MbAXBOg1X0VqyfLuPr0-QPS3Ix8gZEnPl72e28zlDqMl_USVphbb_pAtHH_vNF7Zb2EKKNPeQ/s1600-h/pb+cookies2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRMmXSa3obwORwwbgTtpXwwvrqsqoOLE-80_B71dqJkweCM8ORq0-e12mIQmlE5MbAXBOg1X0VqyfLuPr0-QPS3Ix8gZEnPl72e28zlDqMl_USVphbb_pAtHH_vNF7Zb2EKKNPeQ/s320/pb+cookies2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5044090390198864914" border="0" /></a><br />Arwyn modeling her tiara and earrings (thanks, <a href="http://www.imollie.blogspot.com">iMollie</a>!) and trying out her new jump rope. They're never too young for multi-tasking.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBAzD11ZyCgzHkug-ePh7n-9SaVkhI10vkQhDtJ4JWGQ900bNK_HO3bBPPlKS7PnLfLx_c4logMEE6uOEdTs67jrAqmGWgo_cBSf5G7LEndxiyoRLQcK-80lH1J-ZBdMv-vVc22g/s1600-h/jump+rope.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBAzD11ZyCgzHkug-ePh7n-9SaVkhI10vkQhDtJ4JWGQ900bNK_HO3bBPPlKS7PnLfLx_c4logMEE6uOEdTs67jrAqmGWgo_cBSf5G7LEndxiyoRLQcK-80lH1J-ZBdMv-vVc22g/s320/jump+rope.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5044090381608930306" border="0" /></a>leta joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12251275195124741571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25801673.post-67256797374320884252007-03-17T16:37:00.000-05:002007-03-19T16:37:39.575-05:00B-day ManiaMid-February marks the beginning of birthday season among our group of friends with kids. Saturday we went to a raucous party at <a href="http://www.imollie.blogspot.com">iMollie</a>'s house for Henry. Best quote of the day: "Time to break out the New Castle."<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1G9Ol_BIAPzyHrDpmlI5jB8Q_qV6JSECcj0k2XwrSyyfkU7tXH07c_q3JNPE44UUAWGQxbPRe3MvfhSe_I5eMsiyQejWjp8QYLrYzV-3iJZUverrBA4oVaU1BajctOJPlmYt61A/s1600-h/h+pres.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1G9Ol_BIAPzyHrDpmlI5jB8Q_qV6JSECcj0k2XwrSyyfkU7tXH07c_q3JNPE44UUAWGQxbPRe3MvfhSe_I5eMsiyQejWjp8QYLrYzV-3iJZUverrBA4oVaU1BajctOJPlmYt61A/s320/h+pres.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5043011251836883938" border="0" /></a><br />His pressie was a retro-throwback t-shirt. I got a red and white three-quarter-sleeves t-shirt for my 8th(?) birthday that had letters just like this, only mine were my initials. I love making (and buying) things that remind me of stuff I had when I was a kid.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGkBkk3UbBDmrrsoNczJ24038QCPseBPSC5xI4yF-1X-f0HGKhooBiEyfLiPFLi89sxkaHufU5H7qI9cEI1U_rAw-g90dKrrg4OM8RsNKH4zOqLbBE6KTi1OdYHnCQZ0Qa_C8IVw/s1600-h/hen+shirt.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGkBkk3UbBDmrrsoNczJ24038QCPseBPSC5xI4yF-1X-f0HGKhooBiEyfLiPFLi89sxkaHufU5H7qI9cEI1U_rAw-g90dKrrg4OM8RsNKH4zOqLbBE6KTi1OdYHnCQZ0Qa_C8IVw/s320/hen+shirt.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5043011251836883954" border="0" /></a><br />Sunday's party was an indoor/outdoor affair complete with blow up jumping thing in the yard. Arwyn declared her place as life of the party by walking into the garage and announcing, "I pooped!" to anyone who wished to hear.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLpeANylw0f25_n16v7zvyz-RYZauOOOIx52Grj3wXlbjBPOkWThVzfP_-oYXBjgrzTXKwMjRZZ814XnsX59E_eaNyS46T7cfkNrV5AfMn07f7hD5iI7pGJcFPko_PN9opr65ZmA/s1600-h/j+pres.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLpeANylw0f25_n16v7zvyz-RYZauOOOIx52Grj3wXlbjBPOkWThVzfP_-oYXBjgrzTXKwMjRZZ814XnsX59E_eaNyS46T7cfkNrV5AfMn07f7hD5iI7pGJcFPko_PN9opr65ZmA/s320/j+pres.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5043011238951982002" border="0" /></a><br />We spent the remainder of the day camped out at home with a recurring fever, which seems to have mysteriously disappeared over the course of today. I'm hoping we didn't spread the germy love to everyone at the party.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFlS52HF4y-sqAcDwogLT22AUlDP9Wszhwb8dq5cnCdmxvWTw9jUFHD16cJpk9YLXtzgoTLV_tQJB7rhEVLVy-30zafS_SISOEeTvaOKBvSvoD1_1IJev9DwhLSY6A3hA4ZkjjHQ/s1600-h/j+pres3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFlS52HF4y-sqAcDwogLT22AUlDP9Wszhwb8dq5cnCdmxvWTw9jUFHD16cJpk9YLXtzgoTLV_tQJB7rhEVLVy-30zafS_SISOEeTvaOKBvSvoD1_1IJev9DwhLSY6A3hA4ZkjjHQ/s320/j+pres3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5043011243246949314" border="0" /></a><br />I've spent the majority of the day pouring over the Strawberry Shortcake listings on ebay. We are currently in a phase and I am happy to encourage this one. It brings back all those rainbow colored childhood memories, coveting my friend's humongous Strawberry Shortcake collection while sniffling over my one little measly doll. I sound like a spoiled brat. I wasn't then, but am now! hee hee<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOlyZI7p2-QBs-023Hk2uKOTZ8jpT8loGHNhTMeLzDCzmtOVW06pMQVb8cx7h6MGohzgJvGG8d-Iv12u4nwAQvrWq1g8B7oUBOTbeAvJDrMxHFJKP_10Dbl2qukjiplAZWecfdxg/s1600-h/j+pres4.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOlyZI7p2-QBs-023Hk2uKOTZ8jpT8loGHNhTMeLzDCzmtOVW06pMQVb8cx7h6MGohzgJvGG8d-Iv12u4nwAQvrWq1g8B7oUBOTbeAvJDrMxHFJKP_10Dbl2qukjiplAZWecfdxg/s320/j+pres4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5043011247541916626" border="0" /></a><br />After reading a magazine article about people who won the Lottery, Bubby and I had a funny discussion about what we'd do if we hit it big. Now he's accusing me of harboring a secret toy fantasy all these years. But it's all for the girl! I swear!leta joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12251275195124741571noreply@blogger.com2