So, since I am an out and proud blog peruser, I want you to see some of the things I have seen as of late. One of my favorite artists on etsy is Elsita and I also love her blog. I found this today on her blog about this other shop and the story behind it. I love how heartwarming it all it.

If you are ever wondering where you can see a lot of beautiful work from artists of etsy all compiled into one post, look here. Lots of great favorites on this post.

Over at Posie Gets Cozy, she recently reviewed a bunch of books that she has read. Since I love everything about her site, can't wait until her own book comes out, I am sure that these books will be great reads and I am on my way to the library site to start reserving them.

If you are looking for a yummy menu, look here. And look at the game that her kids are playing, in the post below.

I always like visiting Anna Maria Horner's blog. She has a new line or two out of fabric, she has five kids, she has been on Martha Stewart and recently just got back from interviewing her. I like how much energy each post has, lots of sincerity, lots of love and lots of bright colors. I admit it, I have a huge crush, blog or not, on this gal.

After reading her blog, I am ready to go back upstairs, apologize to E for getting mad at him for making mud, to Caroline for making mud and to Joey for getting mad that he found the mud. Not a big deal! Mud shmud. But mud mixed with 3 days of headache and 3 days of no change in normal activity to alleviate the headache makes me a monster and I am going up to apologize to all for it.

Happy Birthday Dad!

You, Dad, are a great father. You are so funny. Sometimes I think we are the only ones smart enough to get how funny you really are. Plus, you think I am funny, which works for me.

You make good choices. You have friends that go back 40+ years, which says a lot about the type of people you align yourself with and says a lot about the type of guy you are. You have really good friends. And, they are good to me.

You married Mom, good choice.

When I got to college, you encouraged me to study, to have fun, to make friends and to make good memories. You facilitated that by introducing me to nearly every alum on the Earth, telling me who they married, who their children are, where they went to high school. It helped me feel less self-conscience when people knew who my dad was.

You are a respectable person, a man with integrity, a man with values and you are really smart. It has been easy to look up to you.

When I was little, you treated me like I was your little girl, but still let me be one of the boys. You made me feel like I was pretty special, you still do.

Growing up, you had a nickname for almost all my friends, you made them feel welcome, you still do. Whether it was calling them "Brows" or by their last name, they still remember your chumminess.

You have a fondness for many people, whether it is your nieces and nephews, brother and sister in laws, your own sisters, people in your neighborhood - it taught me to try to do the same.

My kids make you grin, laugh and smirk - thanks for loving them. They love their Opa.

Thanks for telling Dave the things you did when he asked you if he could marry me.

Thanks for being my dad, I love you.

Fluttery Tummy and a Giveaway

Ok, I am going to do it. I have toyed with this idea for a while now and have decided that I want to do a giveaway and the thought of it is giving me a fluttery tummy. I know, all 8 of you readers have a chance to win. I have recently hit the 21,000 reader milestone and since my birthday is on the 21st of some month we are going to celebrate.

I am going to give away a punchneedle patterns to 3 lucky people. You can choose which one. You say you have never needle punched before? No worries, you will learn quickly and become addicted right away. It is kind of a soothing needlecraft, if you ask me. You can take a look over at our etsy store and see the patterns. So here are the rules:

*you can leave a comment with which pattern you would like to receive, but make sure I have a way to contact you, either through your blog or an email address

*you can email me at piccalillitoo@gmail.com, please write "giveaway" in the subject line and include which pattern you would like

*you can blog about it on your own blog and get another entry, just email me the link

I will choose three lucky people on Tuesday, June 24th, and will notify you then.

visual catch up

here we go:

Last month I finally convinced Dave that we needed a playset. These are the inaugural swings.

Last month while playing with friends, Eli took Joey down the slide and I of course wanted to capture it for posterity. It didn't occur to me to stop them at the bottom before they both flew forward, but it turned out ok.

We had some friends of the kids over and I had heard that Caroline's friend E had dance offs at her school. I asked her about them and she told me to turn on some music. It was pretty awesome.


Eli had the annual school fun run. I think it was about 1/2 a mile too long to be fun, this kid is a sprinter, not endurance.

I took a couple of pics after and asked Eli's friend (below) to smile like he does when he sees Joey (he loves him), this is what I got. I told him he could no longer smile that way at Joe, it was a little disturbing.

Caroline had her spring recital. She danced to the Mary Poppins' "A Spoonful of Sugar" and "Let's Go Fly a Kite". Dave knew all the words to every song at the recital, so did I but how cool of a dad that I had to refrain him from belting out choruses?

Here is Oma, Caroline, me and Opa waiting for the recital to start.


First up was "Spoonful", I didn't get any good shots.

Here is Caroline waiting once again for the next set.

She has the dance fever now.

The picture below doesn't look anything like her, very odd.

Can't you just feel the wind pulling the kite to and fro?

Eli's last day of kindergarten. It as a great year, he had an amazing teacher and he keeps saying, "I bet Mrs. G. misses us all so bad."

Joey is trying to bulk up, luckily he is loving vanilla pediasure. Maybe we will see some legitimate chubbiness on him soon.

Caroline's first dental appointment. And her first cavity. But she was a great patient.

Joey had his first "real" haircut (I had buzzed his hair 3 times last summer. I can't stand uneven baby hair, you know, the patchy, rubbed off, 3 inches randomly sprouting baby hair? So Dave made me promise not to cut it anymore, until now.)

He was not too happy. You know he is the third when I can laugh and take pictures and say to the lady, "Just keep going, he'll be fine." What is even worse, I haven't taken one of the finished cut. Eli came home and looked at him and said, "Joe, your haircut is handsome." It was very cute of him to notice, in between playing here and there.
And, if any of you are looking for a good shower gift for someone having a girl, I picked this up at a used book store. I think every mother of girl's should have one. They'll thank you in six years, I promise.

My Scoop of Coop and Dose of Delight

Last night I had a lot of fun. A lot of fun. I started with making dinner for this family (see recipe below) so they could eat it tomorrow night. I then picked up this gal and we headed out to see Angel, Rob, Britt and Coop (the fam from above). We meant to just kiss and hold Charlie for a while and then head out to dinner just the girls but ended up talking for a long time, reminiscing, getting out the yearbooks so I could figure out who we were talking about, and getting more information about people we know than I could ever successfully erase from my mind. Rob, you know more details about some people's lives than any 10 girls I know. AND Mister Railroad Man, quit the act. You are not a back-country bumpkin, you are diabolically smart, you are so full of BS it is unbelievable but so much fun to sit around and talk with. Thanks for the entertainment. By the way, how did you luck out with gal like Ang? And, Britt, don't even get me going. The kid is non-stop cute. Funny, dimply cute. And Coop, I could hold and kiss his face and chubbiness all night. I think Rob probably wiped him down after we left because Amanda and I were kissing on him so much.

Finally, we realized it was basically bedtime and headed to dinner. It was one of those fun's like the time goes by way to quickly. So much so that I forgot to even call Dave and let him know we were still out talking and don't wait up. Sorry.

I have a serious problem with memory. High school is sort of murky, some years of college are too. Not for the reasons that you would think - I didn't have that much fun. So, Amanda tried to remind me of certain things. Some things that I am probably better off leaving in the murk. Good ol' queen bee business that tends to happen when there are a lot of girls that are strong-willed and smart. Stuff I think most of us wish we could re-do and do better and kinder. Whatever happened happened, I say. I think everything works out for the best, experiences teach you things and all that stuff. Hopefully, 15ish years later, we aren't still pulling that kind of nonsense. But I also had fun remembering the fun and adolescency goodness.

I will tell you, Angel in high school (and later as roommates in Israel) was the kind of golden gal that you could bask in her glow and feel pretty content. You weren't mad that she was golden, you just loved the way she made you feel when you are around her. She is still that way. If I were her, I would be a bundle of nerves, stress and weepy tension. Ang says any mom would do what she is doing. Amanda says it best, "but not with the grace and strength you do it with". I agree. I'm glad we are friends all these years later. Everyone should have a gal like her to bask in and around.

Amanda is still super funny, a super quick talker (I love it, it makes me do the same and I don't get to do that often enough, at least when anyone is listening!), smart and savvy. I also loved this about her in h.s. and love the way the years and experiences have added to it. Much wisdom, a lot of self awareness and she still can enliven a conversation with laughter.

It was a lot of fun ladies, can't wait until we do it again - soon! It was just what I needed, all the candid talk and misty eyes (mine) and walking away feeling really happy with myself and those around me. I need a daily scoop of Coop but will take what I can get.

Grilled Chicken Pasta Salad

4-6 chicken breast halves, sprinkled with lemon pepper and grilled

1 pkg of pasta (penne or bowtie), cooked and rinsed with cool water

1 bunch green onions, chopped

1 bunch of spinach, cleaned and torn (or one or two bags baby spinach, my pref)

1 chopped red and/or yellow pepper

1/2 c. almonds, sugared and toasted (sorry ang, I forgot this step)

Dressing - combine and process in a blender

1/4 c sesame seeds

1/3 c red wine vinegar

1/2 c soy sauce

1/2 c canola oil

1/4 t salt

1/4 - 1/2 t ground pepper

1/4 c fresh chopped parsley

3 T sugar

Grill chicken and cut in to strips, then slice in to bite-sized pieces.

To make sugared almonds, you'll want to use slivered or chopped almonds. Put them in a non-stick fry pan with a couple tablespoons full of sugar and less than a tablespoonful of water. Cook over med-high heat, stirring, until nicely toasted. Let cool.

Combine everything and toss together.

And tonight, I made this for our friends and some for us. I serve it over red potatoes that I mash with garlic, butter and chicken stock, and some asparagus. Yum.

Shhh, don't let them know you are here.

Raise your hand if this is the first blog you have ever visited.

Raise your hand if you only look at the blogs that are on your blog roll.

Keep them up. Raise your hand if you never, never, never blog-hop or blog lurk, or blog-admire as I like to call it.

Really? Never?
(warning, I am seriously chatty, so sit tight)
You don't just start clicking and see something you like on another blog or see someone has left a comment on your friend's blog and you don't click just out of curiosity to see who it is? You don't ever think "maybe that is the Savvy from college, let's just look"?

Liar! (Unless you really aren't, but I don't think anyone is guilt free of this)

I have found some old friends through this very clickety click blogworld. It has helped me rediscover old friendships that are better anew or introduced me to people I may never meet but have found way too much in common with that they might be my lost twin (between Gilmore Girls and other TV shows, plus books, I think she needs to move to America, right next door to me and be my best friend). (I have to say I am writing this while sitting next to Dave as he watches Deadliest Catch. Why is it ok for him to watch this reality series but he scoffs at The Hills? That is for another ranting post. Two brothers are arguing saying "You're not my boss, only Dad is and you are only my brother...." good tv)

Here is the good thing about blogging and the bad - comments. Don't you ever read something or laugh out loud at something and so want to leave a comment but you really don't want them to know that you are lurking? Really, no? I have. In fact, I saw this tonight and about died it was so funny (if you happen to come across my blog and see that I have linked to you and really aren't happy about it, let me know and I will remove it promptly, but just know that you are really funny and we have met, so technically it isn't so creepy, right?). Let me tell you how I got to it. I know that this gal that my little brother went to school with links to the other gal that grew up across from my aunt who links to my good friend's sister in law who had a post about her baby being born and since it is too late to call my friend and get the date of the baby's birth (for a birth plate I am having made for her) I just clickety clicked to find the right post and presto chango I have my information that I need. I knew that she had posted about it because a friend of her's told me that she saw a post about my friend's new baby. Got it? Back to the post I saw earlier. I really wanted to write something like " OH my gosh, how did you find this? I can tell that you are terribly funny and witty and remember that time we met, so...." who knows what I would write, but I wanted to. Then, the anxiety. I couldn't possibly leave a comment. They don't remember me, they would find it creepy that someone that isn't on their blog roll is leaving a message. What if I am not cool enough? The scorn. The angst. The uncertainty.

I admit, I have left the random comment on blogs before. Sometimes it has been on some one's that I have admired their blog from the shadows and finally felt like I should say something. This has turned out some fun new "friendships". I also have left comments on blogs belonging to people that I have known for years but haven't seen in years (do you know what I mean?). There are still quite a few that I haven't outed myself to. Maybe this will be my new goal, share my admiration of them with them. Everyone likes to be recognized and complimented, right? Recently, somehow, and I don't even think I could retrace my steps, I have found the blogs of some gals I used to live with in college, sorority house mates. When I see these gals, I am excited. It is always good to catch up. But leave a comment on their blog? I'm still thinking about it.

In any case, something that has been on my mind. That silly comment box. So inviting, yet so daunting. I should ask this friend to rewrite this whole post for me and make it so much better, but instead I will just wait to see what brilliant thing that she writes next (once again, if you would rather I not link to you, send me an email, but really everyone should be reading her blog anyway). And while I respect that you may want to remain a blurker, I would love any comment you feel like leaving. Unless it is rude or pervy, then kindly stop visiting. And most likely I will wake up tomorrow and either rewrite certain things or delete this post all together. This blog phenomenon is interesting, isn't it?

Sassy Swap

Yesterday was a crazy day. Caroline had a recital (I'll post later), then we had a punchneedle class at my house. During that time I got a box in the mail, it said Sassy Mail on it so I assumed it was my apron but I couldn't open it then so I put it aside. The day just kept going and I kept not opening it. I saw it again right before bed and had to open it. I gasped out loud (aren't all gasps out loud?) and hugged it to me. It was so like a '50s movie. I couldn't believe this

and here is another view (the first color is the closest match, I just couldn't take a picture that would show the whole embroidery or do it justice)

and here is the full apron

and lucky me, it is reversible.

I love, love, love the apron by Yetta. She put so much thought into it, it is totally personalized, my embroidered children have initial on their clothes. I'm still giddy about it. Thank you so much Yetta for sharing your talents with me. Caroline and Eli thought it was quite wonderful, too.

And, tomorrow I will be sending this one to the land down under. I wasn't able to see who my gal was, she doesn't have a blog, but the theme is summer and I love this old print and these colors make me think summertime. Strawberry reds, greens and pinks. I added yo-yo's to it for some fun. I hope she likes it.

Things I am eyeing this week

It has been a while since my last etsy eyeing post. But with Joey napping, Dave and Caroline (who has some nasty sneezes going on) watching/sleeping through the Bee Movie and Eli off playing, I get to peruse.

After Joey fell - quick update, no real change, he is trying to use his left arm a little more but it still doesn't hold when he tries to crawl but he is sort of grumpy at times which makes me think something hurts (I think that is probably a good thing) and pretty dang funny the rest of the time - I saw this on etsy and LOVED it, so I bought it along with an add on charm with all my kids' names. You need to check out Amy Cornwell's shop, great items in there for yourself and gifts. I can't wait to get it.

I did another apron swap and since I am not sleeping super well lately have been able to finish the apron. I decided I wanted to sew more and I really like sewing for Caroline. I found this pattern from that darn kat's shop and will probably order it this week, it will be my reward for getting a few things done and out of the way. Plus, Caroline is still only wearing dresses and this will look so cute on her.

And since I probably won't get a whole lot done, I would love to have C wear this. I love the contrasting fabrics, the fun play with layering. It is the Emilia Combo Knot Apron dress from Sweet Birdie , so cute.

And along that same line, I love the clothing in Byrdie Clothing . This tie would be so cute on baby boys or tots. And the dresses in the shop are delightful.

I saw this All Day Tote from Charm Design is so handy. I love the fabric used, the versatility, the design, all brilliant. The designer is a stay at home mom with two kids and still has time to make these great bags. Lots more in her shop.

I love a shop that has cool clothes for both men and women. The graphic designs from this couple are so breezy and new. They design and print clothing, art and furniture. I like this wrap because it would have been perfect last night as we sat out on our lawn talking to neighbors for a couple of hours. After a while, it got a little chilly and I would have loved to have this on. I also like their designs for guys. Check out Ahpeele's shop.

I would love this antique/refashioned dress by Larimeloom. It is so beautiful, so feminine. Oh, I am in absolute love with it. She also has handspun yarn that is beautiful.

And on my "I want this, who want to give it to me" list is this beautiful pink flower lamp. I think it would look so good in Caroline's room. Notice how I never look for clothes or decor for the boys? I will have to do something about that. Zig and Zoe also has some beautiful alphabet canvases. Bright, bold colors and gorgeous graphics.

No change but a fancy new crawl

We have been home from the hospital since Wednesday night, thank goodness. PMC's staff is incredible but there was no sleep for Joey or me. There hasn't been any improvement but no regression either. He has a good range of motion in both arms but maybe 10% of his normal strength in his left hand/arm and probably 50% in his right. When he crawls now he uses his right arm like normal but puts his left foot down and steps with it and scoots his right leg through. It isn't very efficient so he gets a bit frustrated but it is funny to watch. He will stop and look up at me and reach up with his right, telling me to pick him up because he doesn't like this snail's pace. I still think that his right leg is a little off, but no one is concerned. We just have to wait this out. I am going to make an appointment with physical therapy and hopefully have to cancel. But on the plus side, he is super funny and really happy. I had a hard time getting pics of him because he would stop and smile everytime I took one, but here is the general idea.

Yesterday, I neglectfully sat next to Joey as he fell off the couch. He was not happy, cried for about 30 minutes during which time I talked to his pediatrician's office. They said that if he isn't vomiting or passing out, he is ok to have a nap, but wake him up after 2 hours. He was so tired (it coincided with naptime) so he took about a 2 hour nap. After nursing him, I put him down, he sat there for a few minutes and then tried to crawl and fell flat on his face. I tried to get him to crawl again but it was like his arms and legs couldn't or wouldn't do the right thing. So, we have now been at Primary Childrens Hospital for over 24 hours, they have run every test they can think of - cat scans, xrays, an mri - none of the images show any breaks, damage or swelling of any kind. That is the good news. He is also standing up on his own (he doesn't walk yet), which is good because 5 hours before he wouldn't stand, he would just bend his legs and sit. He has weak grip in both hands, his arms don't seem to be working like they should. This could be because there might be a sprain we can't see, he might have a break that we don't see, he might have some nerve damage that we aren't picking up. He can't really tell us if he is in pain or having some tingling, so everyone is stumped and Joey and I are really tired. They admitted us overnight. We are waiting for the neurologist and radiologist and trauma team to come and talk to us. He had a rough night and is quite tired and grumpy today. It is hard to say if it is because he is in pain, tired, annoyed with his neck brace or a big combination of sorts.

But, he is awake and active (despite the two picks below) or trying to be. Below is Caroline and Eli playing doctor to Joey, trying to put special healing water on him. Caroline wonders if Dr. Suess has been in to see him.



These pictures were after his MRI. It was at 7:15p when they went in and he was exhausted but somehow two doses of sedatives weren't enough and he woke up 5 times and was given a total of 5 doses of sedatives. Then, in order to transfer him from ER to RTU we had to wake him up (it is now 10:30pm) and make sure he is ok and then try and get him back to sleep. Fun stuff. But, the nurses here know their stuff and are exceptional.

This is Joe at 8:30a this morning. He is a bit wary of his surroundings but woke up happy for a bit. This is the only time you will most likely ever see him with chubby cheeks, the neck brace helps with that. He has tried to nap but you know hospitals, if they aren't checking his vitals then someone is emptying the trash bins, so he is having a rough time.

We are just trying to figure things out, but it is baffling. I am not too proud too ask for many prayers.

2:30pm update:

Love the Trauma doc, he looks, listens, ponders. We are going to xray his left side, the neck brace is off. We are going to go home most likely today even with no improvement so that maybe he can get the rest he needs at home. We may not see improvement for a couple of days, maybe a week. He is hapy with the brace off, just super tired. I'm a little frustrated. I know kids fall all the time, but I blame myself and am a little frustrated with the uncertainty. CRAP!!!