Halloween Sneak Peek...

In our little town, all the Halloween festivites are being conducted today. The excitement in our house is very adorable! All morning Caillou has been practicing, " Trick or Treat" .... "Thank you, Happy Halloween." At 3 pm, as Caillou puts it..."let the wild rumpus begin" we will be going up and down main street, trick or treating at all the little shops. Daddy is coming home from work early, and meeting us along main street, then we are going out to dinner at our most favorite little taco shop. Afterwards, we will go to our church trunk or treat, for more candy collecting, some games, and a cup cake walk. Caillou is dressing as "Max" from "Where the Wild Things Are" and Jasper is going as a little gnome! I finished sewing their costumes last night, and they are quite giddy about the whole thing. The above picture shows their headpieces, after tonight there will be many more pictures to come!

That Mommy....

This morning I woke up and decided no matter how tired, dizzy, and morning sick I felt, I was going to be "That Mommy" you know, the one who makes a huge hot breakfast for her kids, the one who does everything perfectly, the one whose motherly deeds are remembered for generations to come. So being "That Mommy" this morning.... I made hashbrowns, sausage, toast, and scrambled eggs... laid by our own chickens, yes I am quite proud of our chickens and their egg making wonders. I can't tell you how many times I ran to the bathroom morning sick before breakfast made it on the table,but it did make it to the table. I layed on the couch, enjoying seeing my family eat, then ran to the bathroom again. But.... determined to be "That Mommy" I then asked Caillou to join me in the kitchen to bake cupcakes for his Sunday School Nursery class. We made little white cupcakes with homemade cream cheese frosting, which I of course didn't want to just spread on, I want to pipe on with a pastry bag and special star tip, then we put a candy corn in the center of each one and sprinkled yellow and orange sprinkles atop. Then I put together Caillou's behavior card. In attempts to help him overcome some of his misbehaviors, we have begun introducing some new methods of teaching around here. One of which being, short term behavior cards. He gets a sticker on his card for doing good behaviors and gets a sticker for not doing bad behaviors. I am making them for him to use when we a meal out, a special play date, a trip to somewhere fun, and for his time in Sunday School. This one focused on no hitting, no biting, no yelling, following directions, sharing toys, listening to the lesson in class, and being kind. Okay, so breakfast done, cupcakes done, behavior card done, Jasper napped, Caillou dressed for church, mommy dressed for church, okay all of us successfully on time to church. Now before you think that I am wonder woman, getting all this accomplished in time to be to church bright and early, let me just shatter that illusion, our church starts at 1pm. So, no... not wonder woman. Got through the first hour of church, didn't throw up on anyone. Now that is quite the accomplishment, I am one of those pregnant ladies that just throws up without any warning, throws up in very un-throw-uppy places.... in front of the meat counter at the grocery story, at the drive-thru of McDonalds, in the pet store, in a trick or treating pumpkin. It is quite terrible. But, I made it through the hour. I got Caillou off to his class, handed Jasper off to Daddy.... and then I snuck out of church and went to Quiznos for a bowl of brocolli cheese soup and returned before anyone ever noticed I was gone. I know it was very naughty of me, but I was really quite hungry, and I am growing a baby, so I felt entitled to my craving. 3rd hour of church rolled around, and Iwas sooooo tired and feeling queasy once again. I really wasn't feeling like "That Mommy" was going to make an encore appearance this evening. So "That Mommy" became "This Mommy" the one who laid on the couch and couldn't change any diapers, couldn't cook any dinner, and couldn't get up if my life depended on it. I tried very hard to get Caillou to request in his sweetest of voices.... " Daddy, Sizzler.... salad bar, all you can eat buffet?" I totally understood what he was saying, but Daddy thought he was requesting a trip to the desert. No luck, no Sizzler. Finally Daddy, got the idea that I was not leaving the couch, and he fixed dinner. I did manage to play a game of Candyland with Caillou while I laid on the couch, and snuggled little Jasper before he fell asleep, but that was it. This is a hard time for me, I always want to do so much, bake yummies for my littles, sew them special things, take them on adventures, then when I get so sick that I don't feel up to all these things, I feel like a terrible mommy. I am trying to learn to pace myself, and not feel guilty or inadequate, but I struggle. I am also working on not being so grouchy. Feeling sicky brings out the grouch in me. Well, thanks for listening to my rambles.... Goodnight!
P.S. There would be pictures of our little cupcakes but my camera is broken. Another reason in which I am grouchy. I feel like I am losing memories by the hour, not being able to take pictures of my precious ones. I am praying that the tooth fairy will leave me a new camera under my pillow. I'm not holding my breath on that one.

We love Autumn...

Living in Southern California, it is so hot in the summertime, that our scenery is usually very brown and dry. But in Autumn, things begin to green up, and there are pretty colors all around to be seen. The weather cools down, (sometimes) and I don't complain to much about being outside, in fact I actually love it! I really can't stand the heat, my kind of weather is crisp cool air, thunderstorms, and I adore springtime! Planting seeds, having hopes of a wonderful garden, baby chicks and ducklings at all the feed stores. Okay, but this post is about Fall... Fall makes me think of warm pies cooling on the counter, apple picking, cozy sweaters, making quilts, sewing halloween costumes, planning a yummy Thanksgiving feast, snuggling the kids under a warm blanket, drinking hot chocolate, making scarecrows, and picking out the perfect pumpkin. A couple of years ago, I became a bit obsessed with pumpkins. When Caillou was just a tiny baby, I planted a pumpkin seed. We watched it grow and grow and vine across the lawn of our little rental on Ivy Street. One fall evening I wrapped little Caillou up in a blanket, and we sat next to our pumpkin and read a book about how pumkins grow. We moved out of that little house before Autumn time came, that little pumpkin came with us. The following two years I begged my mama and papa to surrender their backyard to my pumpkin growing fancies. And for two years they suffered very high water bills, for my pumpkin crazies. This year we had our own little pumpkin patch. Due to hungry, pumpkin loving chickens, only one pumpkin fully grew and ripened up into a deep orange ready for picking. One large, lovely pumpkin! We have been getting our fill of pumpkins, going to pumpkin patches, and everyday my little Caillou asks me to bake a pumpkin pie. And I will bake that pumpkin pie... I promise, I am just waiting until my morning sickness is a bit better! I hope everyone is enjoying this nice season! Have a great week!

I love love love this picture, it just captures Caillous fun loving little spirit perfectly

makes me want some salsa!

If you look closely at this picture, you can see a reflection of me and my silly striped stockings in the glass window!

Who is missing from this photo??? Caillou, he is busy snuggling a little cat, and Jasper is looking down watching him.

HAPPY FALL!

Stray dogs, emergency rooms, chicken murder, drive in movies, apple pie, and pumpkins....

This week has been quite long. Our favorite chicken, Magnolia, passed away this friday, she had a very tragic ending to her sweet 10 months spent here at the Little Hillbilly Farm. We are all trying to be at peace over the circumstances of her passing, but it was quite unexpected and very unfortunate. She will be greatly missed. Magnolia Chicken loved to come inside the house and sit in her favorite chair. She was very tolerant of Caillou and Jasper's affection and would not protest when she was carried from room to room and offered rides in toy cars, and snuggles with sutffed animals. She loved to find worms, eat watermelon, and blueberries were her most favorite treat of all. She was a very good chicken. Caillou is very sad, he was very good with his chicken, we will be getting him a baby chicken tomorrow, hopefully this one will be as sweet of a friend to Caillou as Mangnolia was. Later that evening, was spent in the emergency room, I was cramping and spotting. But all ended up being well, I had my first sonogram and was able to hear baby's strong heartbeat, and see baby too! Baby is healthy and mommy is quite relieved! It was so wonderful to hear the baby's heart beat, it is such an amazing experience. All though I have done this twice before, I don't think the miracle of pregnancy will ever cease to amaze me and bring me to tears, hearing those first heart beats, seeing that tiny little blur on the sonogram screen, and finally getting to hear a baby's first cries. It is truly a wonderful thing.

Last night was Daddy's birthday. We spent our evening at the Drive-In. We are very lucky to have one about 30 minutes from our town. The kids enjoyed seeing Where the Wild Things Are, I would have to say, it reminded me quite a bit of my own little wild thing Caillou! The kids dozed off during the second movie, Fame. We had quite a fun evening and enjoyed some birthday apple pie while we watched the movies.

yummy!

Halloween is approching, we have been visiting many local pumpkin patches. Caillou loves the freedom of being able to run around and around, playing, and admiring pumpkins till his little heart is content. He is very excited to make pumpkin pies with the many little sugar baby pumpkins he has picked. We did grow one very large pumpkin in our garden this year, there would have been more, but the chickens found the growing pumpkins and watermelons to be quite a tasty treat! I still have yet to sew the boys costumes, I am hoping to be able to get the money together for some material this week, so I can start sewing! Caillou wants to be either a gnome of cat in the hat, and sweet Jasper is happy to be whatever mommy sews for him!

This is PattyCakes. This sweet little dog found us one day. We were at the end of a bike ride, and she ran right up to me and into my arms. After looking for owners and none to be found, she has found her new home sweet home here with our little family. She is a young dog, very sweet, wonderful with the kids, and very loving and snuggly.

Well, that pretty much sums up our week. Oh, not quite, my cell phone met its death in the toilet bowl yesterday morning, my camera also is not any longer working, so I will be saving my pennies for another one, I can't bear to think of being without pictures of my little ones, even for just a little while, they grow far too fast! Well, this next week will be a busy one, we are going to another pumpkin patch on tuesday. I hope to can some homemade apple butter, make pumpkin pies with the boys, and do some sewing and gardening. Have a great week Y'all!

p.s. to all my bloggy friends, I apologize, I am, horrible about leaving comments on your blogs! I love all your blogs and visit them all the time, however it just seems that right as I am about to leave a comment... someone goes on time out, a gallon of milk has been spilled on the floor, someone is being bitten, diapers have gone missing and there are 2 naked little savages running amuck in the house, or a rainbow streaked child comes to me covered in paint, someone has eaten a crayon, a playmate has drowned a chicken, cookies are on fire, morning sickenss attacks me, there is a small flood, a tunnel to china is being dug in the front yard, there is always something! But I love you all! I love the sweet comments you leave me, they do truly encourage me and bring me many smiles, I love to read of your families, craft projects, and many wonderful posts that inspire me and bring happiness to my days. One of these days, I swear I will actually be better at commenting, perhaps when the kids are in college!

Morning sickness....

I have not felt much like blogging lately. I have been feeling quite icky with morning sickness. Ha! It is a bit more like round the clock sickness. I have been doing my best to try and rest, but rest is something I get very little of around here due to a certain spunky little boy....Caillou. Caillou is ever at my side, even when I am in the throes of morning sickness clinging to my dear toilet bowl. Caillou is right there, squealing..." Oh my, that's a lot mommy" "EEEWWW mommy threw up" " Mommy is the baby getting out?" Then he makes his own little morning sickness sounds and gags and spits, always wanting to not be left out of anything, he is certain that he too is morning sick and his tummy also needs the magic lotion so he doesn't get stretch marks too. Do I dare tell him, that only mommy's get morning sick and that he most certainly won't be experiencing stretch marks any time soon... or let him enjoy his "sickness" a bit longer and have a greasy, well lotioned belly?

Bumper to Bumper traffic....

Have A Great Weekend Y'all!

Little Hands....

In our home, I have been spending a good deal of time inspiring creativity in my little ones. Honestly, I need to do very little to inspire their creativity, all I need is to provide them with the proper materials, and their little creative spirits and imaginations take flight. It is a great deal of fun to watch what their little hands create. It is a great mess at times too, but if I stay calm and patient, and decide not to worry about the mess, we have sooooo much fun. I try to offer little interference with their projects, and let them make things the way they want to make it, of course I step in when someone is eating a crayon or licking the paints, but for the most part I let their little creative spirits direct the projects. Caillou loves it when I paint his hands and he makes hand print paintings. Jasper loves carved potato stamps and paints. And they both enjoyed painting pumpkins the other day, what color???? ORANGE, apparently the pumpkins were not quite orange enough for their liking! I have been making a scrap basket for the boys, fabric scraps, little balls of yarn leftover from projects, large crochet hooks, lacing cards, little things to keep their hands busy, so I can sneak in a few rows of crochet on a blanket without them going nuts with my ball of yarn, running away with it, unraveling my blanket all the while! Caillou calls his ball of yarn his "egg" and sometimes his "baby" he starts off holding it very nicely and then the unravelling begins, and he exclaims "what a mess!" It is often time difficult for me to actually do any of the many creative projects I have dreamed up, but when I do get the time to work on one of "mama's projects" I thoroughy enjoy the hum and whir of my sewing machine, or the relaxing motions of crochet. And my favorite thing to hear is " mommy made that" Sweet Caillou, oh how I love you for admiring mommy's handiwork! Well, Goodnight everyone, I think I will try to do a some of "mama's projects" before I grow much more sleepy!

A Blue Monster Birthday....for BLUE MONDAY

I like chocolate Mama!

Happy Birthday Blue Monster
In our house we have monsters. There is the Blue Monster, a funny creature I sewed for Caillou when he was 1. And there is the Hairy Monster. The Hairy Monster, is an authoratitive figure of sorts. He lives in Boo-Bah's purse, and is always only a phone call away, when Caillou starts acting up. The Hairy Monster, is a friendly monster, but he is also a "don't mess with your Mommy sort of Monster" The Hairy Monster is spoken of daily, Caillou gets great enjoyment from telling tales of the Hairy Monster, however he isn't to eager to actually ever meet the Hairy Monster!!!! Ever so much attention is paid to the Hairy Monster, so we thought that perhaps the Blue Monster was feeling left out and was in need of a celebration. So we made some treats, blew up some balloons and hosted a monster shin dig!

Please Visit www.smilingsally.blogspot.com

Thanks Sally for creating Blue Mondays!

happy, happy, happy news

Well, I couldn't keep my happy little secret to myself any longer. A new little bundle of joy is coming our way at the end of May. I found out last friday, it hardly seems real to me yet! I am sure it will feel very real once the morning sickness kicks in! I am ever so happy to know that in no time at all I will have three little sunshines cuddling on my lap, three little loves to cherish, adore, and love with all my heart and soul. My children are my all and all and everything, they are the source of all my happiness, love, smiles, laughter, and joy. I am so thankful that our Heavenly Father, has blessed me with the opportunity to grow, give life to, nurture, and adore another one of His precious blessings. All though my life is often times uncertain and there are ever so many rainy days, a little more sunshine has been sent my way, and I know that with God on my side, and my sincere and joyous love of motherhood, that all will be well. I am so happy to once again look forward to becoming a mama to a new precious life. I cannot wait to hear those first cries, and hold this sweet baby in my arms. Good Night and Sweet Dreams

please keep baby in your prayers.

Love, Mama

Dear Caillou, Thank you for singning to me lots of lovely little songs today. I especially loved your version of the Farmer and the Dell ( the plumber and the wall, the plumber and the wall, hi ho to harry go the plumber and the wall) You are absolutley darling my little one. I had lots of fun with you at the park today, and planting flowers with you in our garden. But Caillou my dear, I did not like it when you attacked me in the wal-mart. It made me very sad when you were hitting me, and that mean old lady in the motorized scooter, yelled at me " you are an atrocious mother" Caillou.... why couldn't you have bitten that lady instead of me? Oh well, I love you anyhow, even if you did make me lose one of my earrings, my only real gold earring that I own, and bent my glasses during your rage. But I love you still the same, sometimes when I get mad, I feel like biting people too! If I were as cute and short as you, I would probably feel brave enough to do it too. Well, my love, I just wanted to write you this little note to say how happy I am to be your mommy, even on your less than civilized days. And even if old ladies at wal-mart think that I am atrocious, I know that you think I am wonderful, and love me madly. xoxo my little one.... Love, mommy. P.S tomorrow let's bake cookies.

The end of summertime...

Well y'all fall is officially here. It sure doesn't feel like it though in our little town. We have been going through a heat wave with the temperatures reaching 100 and something degrees. Heat wave of no heat wave, we went on a nature hunt this week. Caillou filled his little bucket with leaves, daisies, dandelions, rose petals, pinecones, and even two little crab apples. We are greatly looking forward to some cooler days. I can hardly wait to load up the boys in the little bike trailer, with our quilts, toys, a little hand work for mommy- crochet or such, our picnic basket full of yummies, and ride with the wind to the park. I know many a relaxing day will be spent that way. I am very excited about the next few months to come. I really do love the holidays, especially planning and preparing for the holidays! I am eager to be able to cozy up in a warm sweater, and snuggle my little ones in blankets, hot cocoa and cream of wheat mornings, and crisp cool breezes, pumpkin patches, and Christmas lights, rain storms, and a warm kitchen full of the aroma of baking cookies. And with all this excitement over fall and winter, I can't help but start thinking about springtime, and how excited I get to start planting seeds! I have already begun working on Christmastime projects. I am crocheting a blanket for Caillou, in shades of aqua, yellow, and lime. I have a quilt planned for Jasper. And many ideas of cute whimsical little creatures are floating throughout my imagination. As much as we enjoyed all our lovely summertime adventures, we are quite happily welcoming in the fall and winter seasons, and have many wonderful adventures ahead of us I am sure!

A boy and his chicken....

September fun....

I love my boys, duh... you have all heard it before. But I do! We have been having lots of adventures. Yesterday we had a special trip to the Wild Animal Park with my best friend Sarah, and her two little ones. Caillou did quite well, he walked the whole time, and only had a few time outs. He is very very quick though, and I did find myself having to remove him from the flamingo encounter, and catch him after he crawled under a small fence during a baby alligator show. We went for an ice cream afterwards, and then to Target. I should have know better than to go to Target, but I selfishly wanted to look around the store, I love to go places..... Caillou was in melt down mode. My arms today are bruised up and down from the many bites he gave me during our target trip. Nothing I do, seems to effectively get through to him that biting is not okay. I worried that he might have a future in Cannibalism, because as he is biting me he is saying "I want to eat you mommy" These are no soft, playful, love bites, but long, full forced, skin pulling, drawing blood bites. I was so disheartened I threw up my hands and told my mama that Caillou needed to live in an institution! Somedays I feel so at a loss to help my little boy overcome his emotions, and gain self control, sometimes I feel like giving up. But as I watched my little one sleep last night, the thought came into my mind very loud and clear " every moment counts" I cannot give up on my little biter, not for one half a second, I cannot say one unkind thing in the heat of a moment. Every second, every moment counts. Even if my little one does want to "EAT ME" as he says, I am his mother, I will not give up. I will love this mischief out of him. I will talk a little softer, cry a little less, and perhaps invest in some steel sleeves to wear.

Feeling crafty....

Mama's looking at books, we could be here a while!!!
Today MY mama, (Boo-bah to the boys) and I went to the book store and the craft store. We looked at lots of delightful, bright, cheery books full of wonderful projects, and scrumptious little cupcakes. At the craft store my mama added some more supplies to my crafty collection.... Thanks Mama!!!
I have been in a very creative mood as of lately, okay, I am always in a baking, sewing, crafting, I want to make something sort of mood. But I have actually been quite productive, and doing more than just ooh and aahh over other people lovely creations... In the past two weeks I have made the boys blue velour robes from an old blanket. I finished up their little jackets, and 4 long sleeve shirts, and have been crocheting little bathtime wash cloths for them. I canned some nectarines too! I have so many projects going through my mind, and never enough time to do them it seems. And just as I get one project checked of my to do list, I think up about ten more! Before the end of this week I would like to can pickles, chunky applesauce, and maybe some blueberries. I also want to get started on my Christmas projects, and make some Halloween decorations too!

My two little men...

My sweet baby Jasper, always wearing a smile. Taking in the world, with curiosity and wonder. I adore you, I cherish you, my world would not be nearly as sunshiny without you in it. I remeber as if it were yesterday, finding out that you were on your way. I was as happy as a person could possibly be. I remember holding you for the first time, enchanted by your bright blue, beautiful eyes. I was instantly in love with you. I remember being amazed by your patience, always content, and peaceful, watching your mommy with eager eyes, but never complaining. An aboslutley perfect baby, in every way. I love how you snuggle, and smile, and laugh, and always have a twinkle in your eye. I love how you always are wearing a little grin, your lips pursed together as if you have a wonderful secret to tell. I love how you are always happy, if I could only use one word to describe you it would be "happy". Even when wild brother is running around you screaming, and toys are flying through the air, you sit their happy, clapping your hands and smiling adoringly at me. I am truly blessed to have such an amazingly sweet and beautiful child as you are. I love to wake up each morning to the "thud thud" of you jumping up and down in your crib. I even adore your late night wake up calls for milk, you are so peaceful guzzling mommy's milk, and brushing your hand through your silky hair. I love watching you crawl though the house at lightning speed, chasing after big brother, hearing your high pitched screams of happiness. You are perfect Mr. Jasper, and I cannot imagine my world without you in it. You truly are mama's little sunshine.

My darling Caillou is nearing 3 in a few months. I can hardly believe that my little boy is growing up so very quickly. It seems as if it were only yesterday that I was sitting in Del Taco eating large quantities of nachos with my mama, and wiggling uncomfortably in my chair, as Caillou kicked at the insides of my belly, making his presence known. I remember so very clearly, laying on the operating table, and feeling the doctors tugging and pulling at my insides to deliver my 9 pound 4 ounce bundle of joy. I remember his first cries, I cried as well, his sweet newborn cries was the most beautiful sound that I have yet to hear. His cries announced that he was here, full of life and ready to make his mark in the worlds, his cries also represented the birth of a mother. Me, a mother, those sweet cries belonged to MY baby. I remember laying on the operating table, being stitched up from my c-section, and all of a sudden exclaiming " my heart burn is gone!" I remember bringing him home from the hospital and laying him in his crib for the first time, wearing pale blue knit overalls, and a soft little hat. I remember his first smile, first coo, first laugh, is seems as if it were all but a moment ago. I remember his first word " mama" he was four months old, and he was addressing our dog! I can clearly recall at 10 months old picking him up in my arms, and whispering into his ear " you are going to be a big brother my little one" he was the very first to hear of mommy's exciting news. I have so many memories with my little man, pony rides, story books, strawberry picking, hammock naps, stomach flu sheets, candy hunts in the yard, library visits ( being kicked out of the library too!), cookie baking, dirt digging, bubble baths, finger painting, sweet "I love you's" and tumultous noisy tantrums, soft toddler kisses, and painful toddler bites! I have many many sweet memories with this little man. As I write this post, he sits next to me eating chese crackers, holding puzzle pieces, and is telling me of his love of ham and eggs. He is a strong, free spirited, lively little boy. Sometimes this wee boy is nearly the death of me, after a day of his mischief, I look as if I am on my last legs. But as I put him to bed, exasperated, exhausted, and often times feeling like quite a flop of a mother, I know that he is the best part of me! He is my heart and soul. Naughty or not, I could not survive a single day without him by my side. After he has settled down into bed, and finally drifted off to sleep, I cannot help but sneak into his room, and play with his wild hair, and whisper into his ear how much he means to me. I pray for him, to be healthy and happy, and also pray that he will not bite his brother or hit mommy. I kiss him goodnight, and wait for another day with my little sunshine to come.

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