2009 June

It’s been 1 year and 4 months since I was last home. Home – for me – means South Africa. Specifically, Pretoria, South Africa. It’s located here: And no, it’s not a short trip up to Egypt. It’s far. It’s like traveling from Mexico to Canada, maybe further. I mention it because I get asked [...]

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Deals for a Steal

June 21, 2009

Ohhh, I am just giddy with excitement to show you how my patient stalking of Craigslist paid off this week. I have been desperately seeking a sandbox that both my boys could fit into. I had misty eyed daydreams of one made of wood and would sometimes fantasize about it including a sun shade of [...]

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A Different Perspective

June 20, 2009

Today I had a root canal. And some vicodin. So, the pace around our place was a little slower than usual. Jackson documented it. I figured if Lindsay Ferrier of Suburban Turmoil and the Blender was brave enough to entrust a camera to her 5-year-old for a day, I could let our nearly-4-year-old take a [...]

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Why I Was Frantically Downing Chocolate Ho-Hos Like They Were Life Preservers Yesterday

June 19, 2009

I do not have Lorelai of the beloved and recently departed Gilmore Girls‘ addiction to sugary or chocolate-covered confections. My drug of choice is usually in the Nerds or Laffy Taffy category. However, when charged with adrenaline the only way I know how to try and come back down to earth is to chug some [...]

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The Velveteen Blanket

June 17, 2009

You’ve heard about Jackson’s beloved “baby blankie” and its well-loved history. Here’s another in his installment of “velveteen blankets” that have had the stuffing loved out of them. Our great friend from the last decade or so, who played the violin at our wedding, is Texas Red who has a great quilting blog. We have [...]

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Paparazzi anyone?

June 16, 2009

Micah is fearless, free-spirited, curious, and fierce – as long as he is attached at the hip to me! For weeks now I have felt like I have my own personal paparazzo stalking me. When I wake up in the morning, his nose is inches from mine; when I jump into the shower, he whips [...]

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When Daddy's Away…

June 14, 2009

Pete and Jackson have been in Pittsburgh this weekend helping with Aunt Kim’s relocation and visiting Grandma and Grandpa. Micah and I have spent some quality time together. Micah has spent most of that time sans clothes. And no, I don’t think it’s to do with his African roots as much as his age. Around [...]

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Top 10 Reasons Raising Boys is Like Raising Puppies

June 13, 2009

10. They will beg for food. 9. They can destroy absolutely anything in a matter of minutes. 8. They find large puddles of mud utterly irresistible. 7. They can be trained to play “fetch” with a baseball/tennis ball/ping pong ball – any ball will do. 6. They need to be walked daily. 5. They like [...]

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Shake, Rattle and Roll its a Preschool Graduation

June 12, 2009

Last night was the Preschool “Graduation” Ceremony. Really? Good grief. How over-played is this whole graduation industry in the States I thought to myself. No way in heck am I trekking my tired self and my tireder still toddler to attend something that ludicrous. Especially since my kid isn’t even graduating (whatever that means for [...]