Don't tell Target,

but sometimes I shop at Kmart. What can I say? I like the Martha Stewart Everyday collection. So, whilst wandering the aisles of my local Kmart this morning, I found two things that I just had to have:

a. a cookie jar

I am a total sucker for any sort of household item that is dark red. It's my favorite decor color and is featured in nearly every room of my home. I may or may not have made it a goal to always have freshly baked cookies in this darling jar. It is currently filled with these, except that I put some coconut in them. Yum. (Just FYI this is not a MSE item.)

b. a shower curtain

Our old one was S-I-C-K (and not the good, hip kind of sick). I have a very tiny bathroom and this curtain is kind of loud. But, it makes me smile.

Some News

1. Stella is cute, weighs nearly 17 pounds, and so far thinks food is kind of overrated.

2. Yesterday was the last day of school and Mabel didn't have a kindergarten commencement ceremony. I have always thought those were lame, but still managed to feel gipped. On the bright side, I won't have to wake anyone up from a nap to pick her up anymore.

3. It is only 68 degrees outside and rainy. Can you believe it?

4. Because I have a dream that someday I will stand at my kitchen sink, look out the window, and see something green, Mike will hopefully be finishing our sprinkler installation this weekend. I am sure that's how he wants to spend his day off on Monday.

5. Oliver has figured out his future plans. First he wanted to be a "sign-taker-downer." But when Mabel told him that wasn't a job and suggested doing what Dad does, Oliver said, "He just goes to work. I think I want to build houses." Also, he wants to marry Mabel.

6. What are you all doing this weekend?

108

Someone please wake me up when summer is over.

I can't take this heat.

Just the Girls

The boys are camping tonight.

When I was little and my dad and brothers were at the annual Fathers and Sons campout, my mom, sisters, and I would check into the Embassy Suites Hotel (also known as "the pink hotel") and go shopping at South Coast Plaza. It was my favorite thing.

Since we lack the funds, a pink hotel, and the sweet mall, Mabel, Stella, and I had to settle for a trip to the library (where we borrowed enough American Girl books to keep Mabel busy for a few days), Ruby's (our favorite restaurant), and Target (our favorite store where, among other things, Mabel got some sparkely pink jelly sandals and I got a new kitchen rug). Now we are headed down to the basement to watch a movie and stay up late.

It's a good night. Hopefully Mike and Oliver are enjoying the comforts of the mini van, since that's where they'll be sleeping. I can't say I envy them.

Remember when she was just little?

Now she's big.

And officially 6 months old.

sigh.

For Gramma and Pa

Special thanks to Sophie, for letting us borrow her silly chair.

It's downright chilly outside.

(This is our lovely backyard. It's currently just dirt and a few citrus trees. We have grand plans for it, though.)

We have been enjoying a pretty mild spring in these parts.

It's hardly even gotten into the 90s!

Mike stayed home from work today to help me because I am sick. But with a forcasted high of only 79 he decided his time would be better spent digging trenches for our new sprinkler system.

I guess it's a good thing that I am feeling a teeny bit better because I don't think I am going to get much help.

But at least I will get sprinklers.

Halelujah.

This is painful.

Last Friday night, I ate some bad food. I have had the most intense nausea of my life ever since. This is especially painful because in my fridge I currently have the following:

a. heath bar cake (a.k.a. better than you-know-what cake)

b. a one pound box of See's dark chocolate

Neither one sounds the least bit appetizing and it is killing me.

The Next Step

Step 2: Go to the fabric store, make a project, and post the results.

If you are a girl and you live at our house, chances are, you wear lots of dresses. I like this soft, everyday, onesie dress for my Stella. The technique still needs some work, but it's getting there.

How to Banish the Blogging Blues in Two Easy Steps

Step 1: Bake something new and post the recipe.

Doughnut Muffins

3/4 cup butter, softened
1 cup sugar
2 eggs, slightly beaten
2 1/2 cups flour
3/4 Tbsp baking powder
1/4 tsp baking soda
pinch of salt
1/2 tsp freshly grated nutmeg
1 cup milk

1. Grease a deep 12-cup muffin pan. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, a little at a time, beating well between additions.

2. Sift the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and nutmeg together. Add half to the creamed mixture with half of the milk. Gently fold the ingredients together before adding the remaining flour and milk. Spoon the mixture into the pan, filling each cup 2/3 full. Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes, or until the muffins are lightly brown and firm to the touch.

3. While the muffins are still warm from the oven, top with melted butter and a generous dusting of cinnamon and sugar.

recipe from Family Favorites Muffins & Cupcakes

I don't have a deep muffin pan, so I just used a regular one. I only made 12 muffins, but had some batter left over. I give these muffins a 3 out of 5 (I think I should have put more butter, cinnamon, and sugar on top).

Stay tuned for Step 2. . .

Help Wanted

1. Mike is looking for part- or full-time office help (answering phones, booking appts., general office work, etc.). If you or someone you love needs a job, email mikeATwhiteglovecarpetDOTcom. He is a nice boss. I promise.

2. I need your help, too. I have an extremely serious case of blogging block and can't seem to find the cure. What should I do?

In Bed

Mabel woke up this morning and promptly threw up.
Stella woke up last night and couldn't get back to sleep unless she was touching me.
I was up for the majority of the night.
(I'm not exaggerating when I say majority, by the way.)

So, if you need us today, we'll be in bed.