I Love This Sort of Stuff

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The welcome mat surprised me. Did you know about all these? Check it.

Chili Child

Well, we finally are getting our roof replaced--it's been over a year ago that the ping pong-sized hail damaged our roof. So there was a bunch of guys on top of the house today banging away and tossing shingles all over the grass. Hallie was quite concerned and she was kinda whining and pointing. I explained that they're making a MESS, but they'll pick it UP, don't worry, it's ok. I had to discuss this over and over because she still seemed a little upset. Hallie watched them practically all afternoon out the window, and let me know when there was a MEH! or if there was a guy wearing a HA(T)! (just about everyone).






















Here's Hallie waving "Hi! Hi! Hi! Hi!" to the workers.

The roof guys were cleaning up til dusk. I fed Hallie dinner then started to make chili for John & I. Hallie wanted a bean so I spooned one from the can. Moh? Moh? So I gave her a few more. Moh? I let her grab a few more from my hand with her chubby little fingers. Moh?

I finally got a little bowl out and spooned a few more in there. By this time the chili is done.

Yes, she was trying to get every last bit. Every time she came over to the stove with her little bowl, it was reminding me of OLIVER (please suh, can I have sum moh)!

Something New

Occasionally I will use a recipe to cook dinner and I try and put together something good, but oftentimes, dinner is an afterthought. I've been in a cooking funk lately, partially related to a lack of preparation. Polenta is one of those goodies that I've been meaning to make for a while now, but I'm ashamed to admit that tonight was my first attempt.

Here's John's dinner plate tonight: salmon (the black things aren't peppercorns, they're capers), white beans, carrots, grilled peppers & onions and polenta. The polenta wasn't the big hit with John, partly because I don't think I cooked it right--I think it was more like grits. Whoops!

I liked it, but I think it should have more of a creamy texture. I enjoyed the splurge of real parmesan cheese though! I shredded it myself. So flavorful! Just keepin it real.

F I N A L L Y. . .

I FINALLY finished the little room upstairs. After months and months. The framed prints were a long, drawn-out process in itself. Man, I can't believe that little projects take so long for me. Good thing I have a patient husband.


The opposite wall has a window and a black bookcase with some pictures. I would like to eventually get some curtains, but for now, the room is DONE!


Well, I talk about it like it's a chore, but I do really like to shop for homey decor. I'm kinda cheap though, so it takes a while to either make/find it at a good price. No, I didn't hand-stitch this bedding, but I did paint the mats attached to the prints (red) add the cream mat, and order a custom frame (thanks to Emily). Two sets of glass and a few trips to Hobby Lobby later, I'm happy to be done.

Sometimes I think that if I knew the time and effort that would be required for a project, I wouldn't start half the projects I do. Oh well!

A Couple Words...

Over the past couple weeks, Hallie has been learning to put two words together to make a new meaning...like:

ho(t)! oa(t)meal!
mama! coa(t)!
dada! ho(me)!
oh-oh! mi(lk)!
dada! boo(k)!

Yes, she DOES talk with such enthusiasm to warrant exclamation points. I wondered the other day why she talks like that (like everything is exciting)--well...I guess it's because WE talk to her like that. It's been fun to watch her learn. Oh, and she'll try and say "Hallie" when we really prompt her to, so that's been kinda funny to hear.