Monday randomness

My personal dish assistant. :)

I just came across this kid's birthday party idea, so great - Young Einstein Party

I rearranged our kitchen this weekend... put away the appliances we don't use everyday, switched the overgrown house plants with one smaller one in a colorful pot, put the microwave in a more convenient spot, a general "de-clutter". Feels good to get a fresh look without actually moving any furniture.

Our new baby gate is also "kitty proof". Too tall for Cleo to jump over. Luckily her favorite sleeping spot, litter box, and food are all on the same side of the gate. We'll just have to prop it open for her sometimes so she can survey the rest of her kingdom.

Celebrating the beginning of March with some new music from iTunes...The Be Good Tanyas, Joshua Radin, and Lisa Hannigan. Looking forward to listening to them all. I've got a plan for a nice relaxing beach mix for spring break (for little moments between baby chasing)

Elsie and Rachel's class is so inspiring, full of extreme cuteness. Unfortunately, I don't have enough time to get to all the projects right now. Trying to finish up a blanket before I start on the next project (felt family portrait wall hanging? spring jersey scarf? pillow?). It's nice that they keep the directions posted so that I can go back and work on them at my own pace.

Ok, I've got to go read some more of Watchmen before Lachlan wakes up from his nap. Bill has commanded that I must finish it before we go to the movie this weekend!

10 months old!

10 months old
Originally uploaded by Kirsten W

I can't believe it! Cruising around the furniture now and even letting go to balance standing up now and then. Soon I'll have to call my baby a toddler!

great links for you

Saw this on M. Writes and thought I would share some of my favorite blogs with you...

link a blogger who...
has an online shop: JMN Photography
takes fantastic photographs: Scrappergirl
has a new baby: I Love Life
has flawless taste: Molly Irwin
is unique: The Black Apple
has admirable qualities: a peek inside the fishbowl
crafts up a storm: Hop Skip Jump
is an artist: a beautiful mess
is intriguing: Post Secret
you've bookmarked: Inchmark
lives far away: Tea and Toast
is an old favorite: Bits & Pieces
is creative: Wren Handmade
features fabulous ideas: Little Birdie Secrets
features loveliness: Soule Mama
features pretty products: Craftershock
features fantasticness: Old lady in a teenager
features weddings: Drescher Photo & Design
writes about life: Letters to a Parent
is a daily must see: (when there are kitties) The Itty Bitty Kitty Committee
tells great stories: m. writes
is funny: dooce
is a designer: Hello my Name is Heather
works a letterpress: elise blaha
you are inspired by: (to cook) Annie's Eats
recently added to google reader: Sew Liberated
gives fabulous tips: (sewing) Chickpea Sewing Studio

That should keep you clicking for awhile! So much inspiration out there in blogland!

And let me just put another plug in for Google Reader for those of you blog-readers who do not use it yet. It makes it soooo much easier to go to one spot and keep up with new posts. You can make folders to organize what you read by category, too. It's easy!

Cutie Pie mini album

I finished my first project from Elsie & Rachel's class today. A little felt & cardstock mini-album with snapshots of Lachlan from this month. Of course I'm behind on all the rest of the projects, but I did pick up fabric for a couple more this afternoon. I scored the perfect cutesie pirate fabric on clearance for an "X marks the spot" picnic blanket. Hopefully I'll get to that one soon!

Stocking up

Made a run to JoAnn's for embroidery floss, it was on sale. I'm planning on using a bunch during Elsie and Rachel's class that started today. It's going to be so inspiring!

Amazing Race season 14 started tonight, too! I can't believe Bill and I have watched all the seasons together! It's our all-time favorite show. Looks like some fun teams this time.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Sorry, not much of a blogger lately, but I wanted to wish you all a Happy Valentine's Day. Hope the day brings you all the snuggles and smooches you can handle!

This is just a funny one of Lachlan scavenging under the high chair for Cheerios.

a break from winter

We got out for a walk yesterday afternoon and enjoyed the unseasonably warm temperatures and sunshine. Between the crazy below zero temperatures and all the sickness in January, I feel like we've been hibernating. This nice weather makes me want to get outside, but also get busy around the house again! I've got a to-do list going for this weekend, hopefully I can accomplish a big chunk (do you ever add something to your list that you just recently accomplished, just so you can check it off?). Handmade birthday cards, check. Target run, check. Clothes folded & put away, check. :)
Thankfully, Lachlan is starting to feel better. We went in to the Dr. on Wednesday afternoon for his 9 month "well" check-up. Unfortunately he was not very well - I thought it was just a cold+cough, but she found ear infections in both ears. Poor guy! He's such a trooper that we never suspected anything was wrong with his ears. Apparently most of the babies coming in for check-ups lately have not been well either, lots of junk going around. But now the amoxicillan is doing it's job - and it must taste great, because he sucks it down and fusses when I put the bottle away!
Everything else is going great, he's right on track for height & weight (way up at the top for head size! ha) and crawling, pulling up, babbling, etc, just like he should be. Now it's time to find the perfect baby gate for our extra wide hallway doorway and the next size carseat. So many choices, it is confusing!! Hopefully I'll be back with some valentines and scrapbook pages to share soon. Enjoy the warm weather and finally getting rid of the ice if you are nearby!