Lil' Roo

My kangaroo costume is coming along great! I cleaned up the basement; my craft area and the office area are now clean, organized, and extraneous items put away. Whew, now I can work-work down there. I can craft down there. And with all clean ups, I vow to put things away after the use of items. Hah! But so far so good.

In the clean up I found this awesome tan, heavy fabric. Not really fabric, but not sure what you would call it. It is even a bit heavier than upholstery fabric. I had purchased a large amount for something, but decided against that fabric. After closely viewing kangaroos in the zoo and google images, I am now aware of kangaroo color. Not dark brown.

I remembered that I have an a-line tunic dress pattern already in my possession. Sew easy! I cut it out one day, sewed it up the next. I did not make it two-sided, but did add a second coordinating/matching layer from the straps down past the arm pit an inch and a half or so. That was for a more finished look. Because I previously made the 2-sided a-line tunic dress, this was eezy-peezy lemon squeazy!

I have plenty of that heavy fabric to make a tail. Just need to figure how to attach and if it will be bothersome. Any suggestions for a removable tail would be greatly appreciated. Last year's Big Bad Wolf had some tail discomfort when sitting down. But the tail cannot fall off, remember, this is a kangaroo and not Eeyore.

Today, I made a(nother) dash to my local Jo-Ann that is closing Sept 1st to reopen to a bigger store Sept 2nd, just a longer dash away, to look for more deals. I found overall buckles. At 90% off. I think that will be the perfect way to fasten this awesome kangaroo dress. No need for dressing and undressing struggles.

A previous dash to Jo-Ann resulted in finding the awesome kangaroo yarn at $1.50 a skein. I just paid $5.50 for the hat pattern.

I will head to the new Jo-Ann's store to look for pouch material. I am thinking a creamy fake fur. I am also considering fur around the bottom of the dress. Not sure. I could crochet a pouch and trim along the bottom, reduces the number of materials. Must consider.

Needed:

Main kangaroo costume: practically done. Just need to find an under long sleeve shirt for day and possibly something warmer if cold on Halloween and tights that coordinate.

Hat: pattern ordered, yarn in possession, a long car-ride this weekend makes for crafting time. (We are heading to the MN State Fair!)

Pouch: still needed, just need to google images for shape of pouch, cut, and sew onto dress in perfect location.

Tail: not sure how it will all work out

Joey: furry friend found in my bin from early childhood days of beanies and other stuffed animals for playing zoo, sorting, tossing, and having a good ol' time

Feet: What?!?!?!?! Not even in the plans?!?!?! Today, Norah states that she will need feet. I just discovered and ordered these. Rarely are shoes purchased brand new; and these will come in handy for more than just a costume! They look kangaroo-ish to me!

Completely original and handmade Halloween costume with great deals, that is quite fantastic in my book!

Norah already has the hands pointing down while jumping ready to go! (Because she needs to bounce, and have a joey.)

I bet you can't wait to see it; I can't either!

(I might just pack it on my quick trip to MN just to show my Mom! Rarely is she the first to see something.)

During

During the roof

The view from our family room window looking at the trailer on our driveway. A wheelbarrow was used to dump the old roof into this trailer. Quite noisy!

Before

Before

cozy pup

Norah needed a sleeping bag for her little puppy. Simon had one for his bunny. Naturally, Norah's furry friends felt a bit left out. To the fabric bin we went, and Norah picked out the perfect combination! Paw prints with pink gingham. Now wouldn't you sleep a bit more comfy?

Not quite possible,

I am finding it difficult to watch a movie with subtitles and crochet away. Quite awhile ago I read "The Diving Bell and the Butterfly". An intensely moving book, written by someone who suffered a cardiovascular accident. A CVA, or a massive stroke. He was left with the ability to understand everything, completely. And move an eye. It was called "locked in syndrome". He managed to write a book by blinking it to someone. Previously, he was the editor of Elle magazine. I recorded the French movie with English subtitles from t.v. This fascinates me. But, I cannot crochet. Perhaps I need some training like Jessica, who wants to read and knit at the same time (I think it was her, I could not find her post about it). I see the possibilities now.

Read the book. It is very good.

Halloween

I know, I know, why am I crazy talkin' about Halloween?

That is sooo far away. Let's review this week first.

We are just barely getting through the first week of school. I am overwhelmed. I have so much to do. I don't know where to start. I really do, I just know the impossibility of the task ahead of me. I am actually over-caseload, and have to make a schedule for me to see my students based on their schedules. I have so many classes to avoid. It is nearly impossible. Plus did I say that I am over-caseload? Oh, and I am sharing my space this year. I am supposed to share my desk with this person. Only, she plans to be there the same days that I am there?!?! Really, of the other 2 1/2 days I do not work could not be arranged to have her come then? And I am sure we will want some of the same students. Ahhhh, such is the first week of school. And even though I worked a full day more than usual, I have had zilch time to accomplish this impossible feat.

And Simon was quite overwhelmed with his first day of first grade. Hopefully this weekend I can put up the lovely going to school pictures. He seemed calmer and less nervous on his second day. He actually ate a full breakfast and some lunch today. I'll add more later.

But how does Halloween fit into all of this? Somehow today Norah has decided she wants to be a kangaroo for Halloween. Yep, so she can have a Joey and can bounce. Her favorite animal is a kangaroo, and she spent minutes looking at them at the zoo; she did not want to leave. We could have watched them all the day long. I have it all planned out, of course. Thanks to the lovely internet.

Simon is thinking about being a Home Depot worker. He also shared this today. Because the new sitter has a Home Depot apron with some tools. I am all over this. The first Saturday of any month, from 9:00 a.m. until noon, a child aged 5-12 with an adult will receive a child sized Home Depot apron and a project kit. October 1st is the day Daddy and Home Depot Man will go. Of course we will call to confirm this program continues. If not, we will purchase this - it will not break the bank. Apron, some plastic tools, goggles, a tool bin. All set.

Any costume is about the accessories and usually the hat. So, in a week or so this pattern will be ready for me to purchase. Of which I will add a big pink bow to one of the ears. Referring to Google images of real kangaroos and kangaroo costumes along with following these directions, I will make a tail and a pouch to add to a brown shirt/sweatshirt and pants. A stuffed kangaroo has been selected from my bin of stuffed animals from early childhood days. We will see if it is a good size for the pouch.

Oh, and candy bags? Well, just drop the candy in the joey pouch and place desired goodies in an apron/tool bin and we are good to go. It just helps snacking along the way that much easier!

Like I said, it is about the accessories.

I love how my children really do choose the most appropriate costumes for themselves. This is Norah's first time choosing.

"But Mommy,

I want you to stay at home!"

Setting:

Walking home from our new daycare provider's family picnic. Simon was holding my hand walking slowly to the car. Norah was trotting along holding Daddy's hand a few sidewalk squares away from us.

Topic of conversation:

I was reviewing that tomorrow I return to work. Simon will spend a few days at the new sitter's. And then start 1st grade on Wednesday.

Simon's response:

His lip turns pouty, his eyes become sad, and he says "but Mommy, I want you to stay at home".

My heart strings pull!

We had a lovely summer, doing mostly whatever passes our fancy (starting July 3rd)! We enjoyed long days at the pool, library, parks, picnics, pajama days, garage sales, bowling, time at Grandma and Grandpa Sota's, with some friends, strolling around the block, playing around the yard, gardening, reading, complaining about writing, cleaning, jobs around the house, new roof and siding, beach fun, zoo trips, lego time, toy time, playing all day with sibling, squabbling with sibling, crafting, projecting, and loving our time together.

Granted I had my moments of housework piled high with limited desire to do it. Or dealing with yet another day's routine of unload the dishwasher, make breakfast, load the dishwasher, clean something, dissolve a squabble, make lunch, clean up lunch, prep dinner, pack a swim bag with snacks, load up on sunscreen, watch two kids like a hawk at the pool, drag the exhausted kiddos home from the pool, snack for one - bath for the other - switch and repeat, make dinner, clean up dinner, kids to bed, little bit of housework, and fall asleep on the couch!

But I will always take those lazy summer days back! Norah became quite attached to me and will now sadly say ,"but I really love you", while hugging me tight around the neck with no release in sight, as I head out the door without her. Her little body may be in for a shock with a new sitter and starting preschool.

Simon does not want me to go back to work and wants me to stay at home. Little does he know what is in store for him in all-day 1st grade beyond taking his lunch to school. His system is in for a shock. We might be too, with homework, reading, packing a lunch, and keeping it all together!

This year, though, I get all day Monday with just my little Norah. And I get Thursday mornings all to myself, while Lil' Miss is in preschool. And Friday afternoon? Let me tell you that I am done at 11:30. I do not have to scoot right away as lunch at the new sitter's is at 12:00. I will pick her up at 12:30. That gives me some time to breathe and complete a task or two before heading out the door, run an errand or two on the way, have a lunch-date with my Eric, grocery shop, or head to the library for me! Since she will have eaten, we can head straight to an adventure or come home to nap if needed (more alone time for me) until Simon comes home on the bus.

And the bus plan? Well, right now Grandma is slotted to be at our house Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon to be with Simon from bus time until I get home. I think they both will love that little bit of time together, possibly 1 to 1.5 hours. That means one pick-up for me and Simon will get off the bus and come home EVERY DAY!!! Such a gift. I hope it works out!

June 2012 cannot seem any farther away than tonight.

To work I must go. My heart will hurt as I leave my babies tomorrow. I will deal with 1st grade in a day or two. Too much for this Mommy's heart to handle tonight.

Topless with Men on the Roof

Today, we are topless. Yep, completely uncovered and free to the elements, with men on the roof! Today is roofing day! The roof is currently being scraped off into a large trailer parked in our driveway. The new roof will arrive and piled on our grass by 10:00 and we will sleep in our beds today recovered with a new roof! Thank God for no rain today!

Tomorrow we will be sideless with a 50% chance of rain.

This morning Simon asked with tears appearing in his eyes and a lump building in his throat, "Will this be the last day of our white house?" I replied with a definite "yes". But then explained that only the color of our house will change to wicker and we will still live inside. He seemed to acknowledge understanding. Norah's eyes looked confused when the trucks showed up.

Not a bad 11th year anniversary gift! Blessings do come with hail, wind, and water damage.

With an "h"

In 3 1/2 years, there have been two instances when the "h" was left off of Norah in the written form. The first time was in her baptismal bulletin. The second time happened today, on her preschool letter for an at-home visit by the teacher. Perhaps they have not yet received the forms with an official spelling of her name, with an "h". I am not incredibly disturbed by this. We chose to add the silent "h". It really is not that unusual. After naming her with our chosen spelling, we learned that the "h" makes the name Norah Celtic. Which totally suits her and her birthday. We love the elegance that the tiny last letter brings. Nora just seems too short, and as if something is missing. The "h" brings happiness. Norah is not a Nora. She is Norah, with an H.

I'm sure it won't be the last time.

Makes Me a Heart

A recent and totally random conversation between Norah and me.

N:He's in my heart

Me: Who?

N: Jesus

Me: Do you know he loves you so much?

N: Yes

Me: Do you love him so much?

N: Yes

Me: What does Jesus do for you?

N: Makes me a heart

A few of the little books that Norah carries around daily include devotional, prayer, and Bible board books. Nothing wrong with always on our minds!

With a Cherry on Top

After a 2nd insurance adjuster visited the house, we received coverage worthy of paying insurance! Our full roof and all siding are covered as well as the ceiling and walls of Simon's and Norah's room. Previous adjuster covered the ceiling and walls, half of our roof and 3 sides of siding, but missed a lot of the details I do not understand. The contractor even covers our deductible! Woo-hoo!!! So far the extras we are going to cover include a new garage window, a new Chicago window (a big picture window flanked by two smaller windows), outside lights, shutters, and I am sure a mailbox will be added to this list. It will look like a new house. Here we go Wicker dutch lap with Driftwood shingles!!!! We will be uncovered and re-covered next Friday and Saturday! Things like the kids room and guttters will be completed after that. Whew, a whirlwind job.

Lunch, To Go

I ordered this, to go along with Simon's lunch system. And fell in love with this to match my own lunch box. Simon's lunch box and back pack are plain blue, so the sports theme will jazz him up a little bit. His lunch box is perfectly sized for these Rubbermaid containers. We L.O.V.E. these containers. I pack an entire lunch for each kid in a container for picnics. We arrive at our location, snap the lid off, and they are munching away faster than imaginable! The reusable bags and containers should make prepping his lunch a snap!

I know, I know, I could have made them. But right now, I felt like just purchasing it already made. On our plate of things to do this month include, but not limited to:

1. sorting through and labeling recently purchased school supplies
2. completing and returning registration forms for one school, one pre-school, and 2 sets for the new daycare provider
3. moving into my new "room" at school, popped in yesterday and my boxes still in old office and hallway filled with furniture
4. getting a head start on work organization (printing out all students demographic info, goals/objectives, making my chart of annual review dates, creating data folders with attendance sheets, thinking about new program to support, getting students' schedules for making my schedule, etc.)
5. new siding and roof on our house (long story, but insurance is allowing us to now move forward), I have a feeling this could be done by the start of school. And a small fear that we will be topless and sideless the first week of school.
6. And actually starting school! My first day back is August 22nd. Simon meets his teacher on August 23rd and he starts August 24th.

All while still enjoying summer and having fun with the kids. On that note, off to the pool we go!

Cheeky and Stingy

We have a cheeky squirrel. We see each other through the back door window about the same time every early morning. I am looking at the indoor/outdoor thermometer to see how hot it is already. He is lurking in/on/near/around the garbage and recycle bins. I am looking out the window to see the sun, check the sky, ponder what the day will bring, and other early morning thoughts. He is looking in to see what I will do. Sometimes I open the door just to see him scamper away. He usually has some little scavenged nubbin from the cans.

The other day I ventured outside early to weed in the cooler part of a hotsy totsy day. I wandered around the back, and heard some scampering. We were not that far apart, me on the sidewalk and he on the top of the fence. We looked at each other for what seemed like time standing still. I don't recall who moved first. I think I stepped forward and he immediately ran the fence line away. I hoped he would not jump out and land on my head or shoulders with paws outstretched and scratching. I just wanted to go to "no-man's land" and cut off the withered hosta flower stems and pull out some lanterny weed things that grew to practically bush size. I was glad I walked around the house without incident.

Only to have my Honey tell me about the wasp nest on the oregano and chives corner of my vegetable garden. Bees in a constant buzz don't entice me to pick oregano. Convinced the kids that if I went out the front door, around the garden to the bean corner, I would not get stung. Only to discover another wasp nest. With bees buzzing around. Nothing like being terrified to pick a few fresh garden beans.

I am not fond of this quote of which I read in learning how to rid of a wasp nest.

"Wasps are not the friendliest creatures at the best of times and when you are threatening their home they are, rather understandably, likely to get pretty mad."

And then my Lil' Miss asks "can I go see it?" Um, no and double no to that one! Not a chance!

More Trevors Purchased

We went on a few errands today. First we landed at the dollar store, I so love that store! We purchased toothpaste, q-tips, marker boards and window clings for my school/work, and snacks for the pool. Thanks to garage sale money funding a few fun snacks for the pool! Included in those snacks were "trevors". They are red, chewy and so delish. When we next head down to the pool, we'll be sure to pack and enjoy these when the whistle blows!!! I think that is the only sweet candy that my boy eats.

Next we found ourselves at the local ACE Hardware store. I also love that store, too. I grew to love the local hardware store ever since living in Madison, WI. There I purchased new garden snippers. We also searched for the in-store cat, not seen today. Perhaps next time. That is why my kids love the local hardware store - to see the cat.

Came home to clean the house in order to go to the pool with our Twizzlers. Well, that did not quite happen. Clean up took way, way, way to0 long and then lunch happened. Not enough time was left to swim as we are off to school-supply shop early this evening.

And now Norah naps, would not have done well swimming when over-tired.