Smiling Down

The whole family got together tonight to celebrate the wonderful exchange that is about to take place. On Wednesday, Derrek and Chris will undergo the greatly anticipated kidney transplant. For Derrek, it is about giving the gift of all gifts, the gift of life, to his oldest, dearest friend and cousin. And for Chris, it means a life-saving, life-changing act of selflessness and love from his oldest, dearest friend and cousin. Jimmy toasted the two of them on behalf of the family. It was very heartfelt and touching, and left everyone speechless. Except for Chris, who stood up and graciously expressed his gratitude. The whole evening was amazing. This is what family is about. Vernon and Zola would be so proud.

Billie Pride...Uber Alles!

We went to watch Alli cheer in the pep rally last Friday. It was the first time since I graduated (1995) that I have attended an FHS event. Wow, did it ever take me back! The familiar, pounding sounds from the band, the exact same cheerleading dance (yes, I managed to refrain from joining in...barely), the unbridled school spirit, the Billie Goat mascot and the silly skits, and that tear-jerking Alma Mater (school song.) You should've seen the goosebumps I got and the permasmile plastered across my face. Willa enjoyed it, too, and you can see from the pictures how she was enthralled with the noise and big-kid excitement. If only I could re-live a home-game Friday back at FHS. Those were the days...

My Plate Project

Well, here it is. I'm a day late to post, but did you really expect any different? When my mom came over, she was totally in, just as I predicted. But between the two of us, we decided that I needed a few more plates. So yesterday, I hit the antique mall and found 3 new ones to add to the mix. Once I laid them all out, I got really excited about it and just couldn't wait for my mom. She was with me in spirit, definitely, as I remembered and followed her no-fail tips for plate-hanging. #1 Lay out your design prior to hanging to avoid putting unneccesary nail holes in your wall...I wanted an arching pattern that would draw the eye up and emphasize the back door and it's sunny view of the yard. #2 Keep your spacing consistent...I went with about a 3 inch gap between all of my plates to give it a clean and airy feel. #3 Avoid placing plates of similar shape (with the exception of round ones,) size, pattern, and color next to one another. I tried to spread out the solids and mix up the styles, but kept with a set color palette. And #4 It's not permanent, so don't overthink it. I had to keep repeating this one like a mantra. I have a habit of overthinking (everything.) I am thoroughly pleased with the results and I love my kitchen again!

Calling in the Expert

Maybe the recent shift from shop-girl to stay-at-home-mom has given me an excess of pent-up creative energy. Or it could be that the construction in the backyard has re-birthed an enthusiasm toward our home. Likely it's the time I have been spending on various design blogs that is responsible for my feelings of domestic inadequacy and my urgent need for an interior overhaul. Problem is, it is very difficult to accomplish even the little projects, while tending to an active 8-month old. But yesterday, I just went for it and started multiple projects. Most of my walls (where photographs and miscellaneous art once hung) are now bare. With the current state of the economy and the expense of our garage addition, I need not spend frivolously on new decor. So I am attempting to move things around and revamp the place with what I already have. Here is a photo of a wall of bold, graphic plates in an interesting arrangement. I am going to try to achieve this look in my kitchen:

I am not new to the art of plate-hanging. In fact, my mom practically invented it. She is coming over today to see Willa, and I have a fool-proof plan will suck her right in. I will lay out all of my plates, leaving no room to play, work, or breathe. And I will cleverly direct her attention to my pathetically naked wall. She will be putty in my hands! Watch for the results tomorrow...

At the House

There are a couple of things going on...

Backyard Construction:

Here's Willa, overseeing the crew. "Finish that deck, and don't forget about the sandbox!"

And Self Feeding:

What a mess! You moms weren't kidding!

So Good Together

How sweet it is to wake up every morning with a gentle kiss on the cheek and a "Goodbye " as he heads off to work. Although this morning it was a "Happy Anniversary." We celebrated 9 years today, which makes it a fitting time to reflect on the joys of our marriage. I've always felt fortunate that Sean and I were just friends before we were a couple, and I attribute the strength of our relationship to that fact. I cherish the way he knows me so well, sometimes better than I know myself. And even though we have different interests (domino, the game vs. domino, the magazine; cold Bud Light vs. mod pendant light; whitetail deer hunting vs. vintage ceramic deer hunting) we completely get each other. Sean recognizes my idiosyncrasies, and even when they drive him nuts, he fully appreciates that they make me who I am, the girl he fell for at the Plateau Cafe. I admire Sean for his generosity, values and open mind. And I enjoy his sense of humor and intellect. He believes in me, and respects me, and makes me want to be a better person. It's been 9 years and I still melt when he looks at me that certain way (smitten and slightly amused.) And when I watch him share a tender moment with Willa, my heart swells up with fulfillment. Happy Anniversary and thanks for the date!

Que Sera Sera

We have officially reached that stage...the into-everything-gotta-watch-her-every-move stage. Last week, we went to a birthday party for Elle Theis. Willa and I were playing on a blanket on the lawn, watching the older kids blow bubbles. I looked over at Willa and noticed she had something in her mouth. Remembering that she had already finished off the last of the Cheerios, I did a finger sweep and pulled out a leggy, black insect. I know it's hard to tell by the looks of her lanky stature, but she gets plenty to eat.

And she has toys galore. Our dollars (and gift cards) were very well spent on a plethora of tacky infant necessities, like the Rainforest play gym, Johnny Jump-up, monkey-themed activity walker, and an array of educational, music-making toys, rattles, board books, and balls. Our best purchase, though, was the Fisher Price Rainforest Jumperoo, a noisy, flashy, primary-colored monstrosity that currently adorns our living room. Every morning the clever invention secures me a cup of coffee and a half-hour segment of Good Morning America.

Still, nothing can excite Willa like the cabinet doors and drawers throughout the house. I can't put her down for a minute without finding her next to one, grabbing hold by the glass knob, pulling herself into standing position, then grunting for someone to acknowledge her feat. I am aware of the dangers. So all day, I follow her around, swooping her up and redirecting her attention.

I need to start establishing some boundaries, which means telling her "no!" But honestly, how am I supposed to do that when she is so sweetly tickled with herself for such accomplishments? More and more these days, I find myself faced with parenting choices I am not ready to make. And the fact that I have had ample preparation for this role proves it's difficulty. Of course there are obvious "wrong" answers; the challenge is in weeding through all of the conflicting "right" ones and finding my own. Just look at how controversial basic issues such as sleeping, feeding, and vaccinating have become.

I guess this is where I take a deep breath, channel my God-given maternal instinct and trust myself. All we, as parents, can really do is try our best. And from there, whatever will be will be.