Let the democratic process begin...

Since it's been a slow week on the blog, I'm posting my decorating dilemma. I've been wrestling over which baby bedding to make or buy for several weeks now. What I really want just doesn't exist, so I'm compromising... I'd like to do a space - rocket - alien theme, but incorporate a chocolate brown as well. I know, I'm difficult. No cute novelty fabrics to be found. With either set, I will probably have some artwork painted that matches, and paint the walls a light blue, and have light blue crib sheets. Here are the top two choices: the first is called "spa", the second is "zen". Vote as you will, but please justify your motivations behind the vote.

Sign of the Times

I was at the Walmart and as I was returning to my truck, I could not help but notice the white minivan parked next to me. I saw a few rainbow flag stickers (which isn't a rarity), but then I noticed one of those family stickers that some people apply to the back of their cars' window.

Here is what I saw...

The prettiest blossoms in our yard

A Minor Distraction.

Sometimes Addie gets distracted when we try to take her picture. Here she was looking at the camera, but became more intrigued by the words being typed.

Hey, Len! Where you been?

I got a nice post card from an old friend the other day. Len Tuckwillow is doing well up on the Oregon coast where he goes out each day, collects some sand-sanded pieces of driftwood and makes them into small baskets. They are actually available from a number of catalogs--and we seem to get a lot of them. I am thinking of making a catalog basket and sending it to Len. If you are interested, leave me out of it. Please.

Valentine's Day Secrets

So I decided that it would be fun to take Nathan (not big nathan) along with me to go and get Robyn a Valentine... Tuesday morning, I asked Nathan to come with me to get her gift. We set out for See's Candies in downtown Scottsdale, and I explained that we were going to the "chocolate store" to get her a box of chocolates. Nathan was great, even though the store was both packed and understaffed, undermining my hopes of getting in and out quickly. We ultimately selected the perfect heart-shaped box of chocolates for Robyn, ate some free samples, and even bought a bag of chocolate gold coins (treasure) that Nathan had spent the entire time in the store hiding and finding in the hood of his rain jacket.

On the way home, I emphasized how important it would be to keep the gift a secret because we would not give her the chocolates until the morning of Valentine's Day. Nathan agreed and promised not to tell mom about the present. Here is the discussion that took place later that afternoon:

Robyn (to the boys): Let's all go to the store and get Daddy a Valentine's Day Gift!

Nathan: Are we going to the chocolate store?

Volvo be gone!

We sadly, but happily announce the sale of the old Volvo. It was time. It took a week or so and we are fans of Craig's List as a way to unload all kinds of stuff. No more nifty turning radius, no more wondering if it will run another few miles. No more insurance! Hey, this is not all that bad after all.

Go in peace. To Tucson with you! Go!

I guess I will save this for another day....

The Donald shares his secrets

I received four of these in the mail yesterday so I officially have 8, count 'em, 8 passes to this conference. Early bird gets the chance to learn The Donald's secrets. If that's not enough of a lure, they're giving you a free lunch and a free book if mine eyes don't deceive me. If it wasn't on a Wednesday, I'd go just to meet George.

Location: Pointe South Mountain Resort, Phoenix - 7777 S. Pointe Parkway

Date: Wednesday, March 7

Time: 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

This was also my test on our new color scanner. Now I can post scans instead of blurry pictures taken by my cell phone.

Slaying the Dragon

Good thing our little knight Nathan has slain that dragon - he looks pretty scary! Seriously, such a cute idea and treasure map!

Click HERE...believe me.

Everyone loves a chocolate festival.

This weekend is the Glendale Chocolate Affaire. It's just one more reason to be a fan of SRP, who presents and sponsors it. Has anyone been to it? It sounds really fun.

I'd like to see this "largest chocolate Valentine's heart" they're going to have. Plus "Families with children will enjoy a myriad of activities, including hands-on arts and crafts, face-painting and a rock-climbing wall. Horse-drawn carriage rides will be available throughout the weekend to take couples or families on a scenic, charming ride through the historic Catlin Court district."

More info can be found here. I'll be there with chocolate bells on.

It's a Boy!!!