I found this website, Be More With Less today, via Ali Edwards, as I was searching the internet for answers to life.  Of course, you know my relationship with the internet and looking for answers.  Never. A. Good. Thing. 

In my constant quest to better my life, to increase happiness, reading this website brought inspiration into my day today.  Be More With Less.  How simple is that?  Enjoy life with what you have, or what you need vs., what you want or what you think you want because the neighbors have it.  What I really like about this website, is their 'mini-missions'.  Things to do to improve your quality of life.  And literally at no cost to you (financially). 

The Love More Deeply mini-mission really inspired me today.  Reading the list of things to do, to accomplish or complete the mission is exactly what I need to do at this point in my life. 

Shift your energy

• from being right to being quiet.


• from being annoyed to being grateful.


• from being angry to being joyful.


• from being rushed to taking time.


• from eye roll to hug.


• from scowl to smile.

I wrote each of these items down earlier today.  Then I wrote an example of each scenario that has presented itself in my life.  Then I wrote what I will do to change, and love.  Here's an example:

Tonight when Max + I came home, I just sat back and watched Max.  He was sleeping, so I watched him sleep.  Then he was awake and we played with the stacking cups.  Then it was time to go to bed, so instead of just feeding and rocking him to sleep, I still fed and rocked, but I sang a few songs.  He smiled.  I smiled.  This is unlike the routine.  We usually rush home, eat, he plays I do housework and then its bedtime.  ...being rushed to taking time.  A memory I will hold close to my heart for the rest of my life. 

What is one item on the list that you would like to do more of?  How would you go about doing it? 

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Max + I are off to Florida for the New Year tomorrow.  We would like to wish everyone a Happy New Year!  May 2011 bring you happiness, peace and growth.

Max meeting his gifts this morning, just after waking up.  I loved his face when he was looking at them and the tree.  I am sure he was like, 'Wow...cool! Check these out!'. 

He really took to the Pillow Pet!  

Take one of many.  I love the fact that its not perfectly posed.  I love Charlie looking at Tyler.  I love Tyler trying to escape.  I love Max's eyes look demon-ish (forgot to remove red-eye). 

Take two. 

Having Christmas lunch together. 

I hope everyone enjoyed their day with their loved ones. 

...in hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there.

Its Christmas Eve and I am watching White Christmas, sitting by the tree.  I just finished the last stocking I said I would make for Max and the twinkie nephews.  I am pleased with them.  They dont have the professionally made look, or even an experienced/serious crafter touch.  But they do look like the pictures and they have love. 

I still have to wrap a couple of presents and make a couple more gifts, and its 9:53p.  I say each year I wont wait until the last minute... and here I am waiting until the last minute! 

This is my first Christmas with Max.  Since before Thanksgiving, I've been feeling a different holiday magic.  Seeing the holidays in a different light, remembering all the christmases from my youth.  I want Max to have the same excitement I had and still have.  So when Santa came to visit, it felt a little odd at first, but when I took pictures of the tree with his gifts, I smiled.  This year he doesnt have a clue, he'll just want to bang everything and put it in his mouth.  I am excited for the years when he does know what it means, and his face will light up with excitement.   

With that said, I with all of you a Very Merry Christmas!  May this season bring you happiness and peace.  

(couldnt come up with a clever, catchy title) 

How can you say no to this face? Especially when its right in your face?

Here he is today, admiring the tree.

What did you do today?

Lately when reading my blogroll, those that have young children all seem to have this The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition with Blue Eyed North Pole Pixie-Elf toy.  I find it interesting that many have the same tradition.  Or better yet, same approach of incoporating the 'he knows if you've been bad or good' theory, ie, get their children to behave in all the seasonal chaos!  

I gave it some thought, and made the purchase of our own elf.  He'll probably arrive after Christmas, which is fine.  This will give me 11 months to come up with a name (because he has to be registered on their website so that Santa knows who he now belongs to), and how I want to use it (because Max will still be too young to understand the actual concept of Santa and elves and presents, he'll be 18 months then).  This is one of many holiday traditions I've started this year.  Outside the Holiday Tea + Craft Social just recently held, there is the picture with Santa (though this year was a semi-bust, we were able to get one with Max and the twinkie nephews at the Merry Mingle but it wasnt all that great), and now we'll add this Elf to the list. 

We had a few traditions growing up, the picture with Santa, the hanging of the stockings (I always wanted to be around when Mom hung the stockings), decorating the tree.  I reflect on these each Christmas.  I want Max to have the same warm and happy feeling about our Christmases.  (I feel like I can get a gold star for this section of parenting.  So Santa, if you are reading this, one gold star for me please.)

What are some of your holiday traditions? Do you have a tradition from your childhood that you still do today?

One of my favorite things to do outside spending time with Max, reading, photography and shopping, is to bake.  I'll tackle all recipes once.  Though the easier the better for me.  I whipped up this cake last night for a holiday lunch today at work.  This is one of my favorites.  Check out how simple:

1 box of chocolate cake mix (any brand)
All the ingredients necessary for the cake (as listed on the box)
2 Tablespoons almond flavoring

Using an electic mixer, mix for 3 to 4 minutes on medium speed.  Pour batter into fancy cake pan (I get all my cake pans at the Wilton Tent Sale each year, same manufacturer as the pans you find at Williams-Sonoma, Macy's Martha Stewart, etc.).  Bake according to directions on box. 

Sprinkle powdered sugar over the top after cooling, and serve. 

I have some leftovers, so if anyone is in the neighborhood, please stop by for a small helping of heaven!

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
It's not too late to shop! 

Everyone can thank my blog friend Emily for sharing this on her blog.  Love this version.  (really love anything from coldplay!)  Thank you Emily!

It's these moments that I love.  We get to do this, spend good quality time together, on Saturdays and Sundays.  I look forward to them every week.  This is when I get to be Mom, all day long.  Not that I am not during the week, but I get to feed, teach, play and soothe him, not school, not Grandma or Ginga.  (though I am VERY thankful for them, wouldnt leave Max with anyone else) 

Each Friday afternoon, I leave my desk and practically run to daycare to swoop Max up into my arms and give a big kiss, and think the next 48 or so hours it will be 'You + Me'. 

For my craft social last weekend, I wanted to serve traditional high tea fare.  On that menu are scones.  All flavors of scones, from sweet to savory.  Since I had already had a few savory items, I went with sweet for the scones.  I had made orange dark chocolate chip scones.  They were a big hit!

I had used a muffin mix and followed some recommendations from a blogger in blogland.  A few people had asked for the recipe.  So today, to make sure the recipe was as good and easy as I thought it was, I tried making it again.  And again, success!

Pumpkin Scones.


I still cant get over how easy these are.  They are no Starbucks pumpkin scone, but my taste buds say 'much better!'.  They were perfect for the afternoon snack (especially on a day like today where its cold and blistery outside!)



Here's the recipe.  Help yourself to saving and printing for your recipe book. 

**edit-scones can also be made 'drop' style.  Drop by the tablespoonful on to the cookie sheet.  Bake for same amount of time.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
These would make a great gift for the neighbor, teacher, co-worker.  Just put them in a nice decorative treat box, adorn with a ribbon and voila! The perfect gift!  Amazon has some great deals on treat boxes.

I was right!  I did have this book as a child!  As mentioned in this post about our seasonal reading list, I thought this book was part of my childhood reading.  And sure enough it was!

I stopped at Mom's house tonight to pick up my new phone, and she had said she found it.  She found it!  Thank you Mom for not throwing out everything! 

(and for those who are curious, like I was, the first thing I checked ... originally printed in 1966)

Today I hosted a Holiday Tea + Craft Social at my house for friends and family.  I wanted to start something that I would host annually, in addition to other times throughout the year.  I am not familiar with any events of the like in the area, so I figure if I cant find one, why not just host one? 

So today, about 10 people were in my small house, congregating and celebrating and crafting. 

We ate traditional tea sandwiches, scones, appetizer meatballs and apple cobbler.  We drank coffee and tea.  We talked, laughed and smiled.  Everyone had worn something festive.  Lots of christmas socks.  A couple of christmas sweaters.  The spirit was definitely in the room. 

Its the first weekend in December, so many people are looking at their month's knowing they have so much to do.  I am glad I picked today, the holiday stress hasnt really taken over anyone yet.  It was nice to see the smiles and laughs and everyone just enjoying themselves. 

And we crafted.  I came up with two craft projects that everyone can make and use this holiday season.  I love sitting around a table with others, being creative.  It inspires me and helps me become more creative. 

Today we made:
1.  Paper ornament garland.  I cut out circles of scrapbook paper in two sizes, and glued them to a ribbon.  The ribbon measured 36 inches in length.  The end result:

2.  Holiday Card Scrapbook.  Took clear plastic pages and added holiday-themed decorations, stickers and ribbons.  This will hold all the cards that we receive this year from family and friends.  I had made this before, back in early 2009.  It sits on my coffee table and I receive many compliments on it. 

Lastly, as everyone left, I handed out a parting gift, a thank you for attending.  It was a kraft box filled with handmade chocolates.  I added a handmade printed Santa sticker and red bakers twine for decoration.  I am pleased with how it turned out.  And I have also included the Santa pdf to download free here. 

Overall, a great event.  A great day.  I will definitely be hosting another craft social soon!  Enjoy the free download! 

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
To print the Santa stickers, first print the pdf on sticker paper.  Then I used a juice glass to trace the circle and cut. 

Dear Max,

I absolutely cannot believe it.  You are seven months old today.  I feel like I just wrote your six months letter.  You are evolving into a little person right before my eyes.  Your personality is starting to break through and I have no complaints.  It seems you will be a happy and funny, genuine person. 

You are sitting up, basically unsupported.  You are doing a great job at it.  Getting stronger each day.  You do fall backwards, and with a big thump of your head hitting the floor.  The first time it happed you scared yourself.  Now, you are like, 'and, whats new?'

You are rolling to get to things.  You will roll to me if there is some distance between us when we are playing on the floor.  (I need to look into baby proofing the home.  Your twinkie cousins proved that to me over the weekend with one too many pinched fingers!)

You are working on getting ready to crawl.  Tonight, you were up on your hands and knees rocking back and forth.  It was almost like you were winding up ... soon you will be on the move.

You are talking full on non-stop!  I love it.  Love hearing your voice, love hearing you trying to make raspberries, love hearing you getting used to your tongue.  And you cover the entire range of octaves - high to low to high to low, all day long.

Your second tooth came in. 

You are not doing well with the teething.  Lots of pain for you.  You do not cry or fuss or whine unless something is bothering you.  To hear this more often, I wish this could be easier for you. 

You celebrated your first Thanksgiving with the family. 

We finally found our groove.  Our evenings, the area that took the longest to establish, are now spent together on the floor playing, reading, working on our development or playing in the tub (well you only, I sit on the edge with my feet in the water and sing Ernie's Rubber Ducky song).  This is 'our' time during the week. 

When not in teething pain,  you are a genuinely happy child.  I cannot get over how happy you are.  I never in my life imagined I would have such a happy child.  This makes me just that much more proud of you.  Since you are becoming your own, its starting to become clear that we were meant for each other.  You are teaching me to be conscious and in the moment, and to think wisely.  Something I've done very little of before you arrived.  I am enjoying life so much more with you.  And I do have to say, I think you are enjoying life too!  Thank you sweet boy.  Thank you.

I love you Max.

Love, Mom

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
This month's montage.  Big Blue got the boot. 
 

Over the past few years, each Christmas season I've read a 'christmas' book.  I started this tradition with a fiction book, last year it was non-fiction.  This year, back to fiction.  (maybe a pattern here??)  I really like this idea that just adds a little bit more magic to the season.  I am starting Max on this tradition this year.  Here's our reading list for Christmas 2010. 

Me.

A Darcy Christmas - if you are a Jane Austen fan, or a Elizabeth Bennett + Mr. Darcy fan, the reviews of this book are in favor of it being a good read for the season.  Three short stories, all taking on a different view of Christmas in the Darcy-era.  (and if you are anyone who's seen Colin Firth walk out of the pond in the BBC version of Pride and Prejudice, you know you are hooked!)  I need something light and easy to read, to jump start my reading again.  I think this will be a good start.

Max.

Footprints in the Snow - this is a new one for us.  Looking forward to reading it as the reviews are all positive. 

I've Seen Santa - another new one about a bear family waiting for Santa.

The Night Before Christmas - a classic.  One of my favorites. 

Reindeer Christmas - I believe I had purchased this book for the twinkies first Christmas (2008), though I cant remember.  I enjoy this story.  Its about doing good to others without passing judgement.  In addition, the illustrations in this book are beautiful. 

Santa Mouse - I could have sworn this was one of my favorites as a kid, but I cant find when this was first published.  Either way, classic story. 

This is just the begining to our Christmas tradition of reading the stories during the season.  I look forward to the years to come to see how our list grows and changes. 

What is on your Christmas reading list?  

*jjill holiday catalog

The holiday mailers are in full swing.  I like them.  They are welcomed  in my home.  (much more so than the political crap!)  They are pretty and happy and full of good things that I want to purchase.  They are also very inspirational.  I like this one. 

What's your simple wish?

This is the first thing I read when I pulled the mail from the mailbox.  After a long day, where almost everything did not go as planned, the only thing that came to mind when trying to answer the question?  Simplicity.  Just as it says.  Simple.  Wishing my life could be a little bit simpler. 

Not that my life by any means is complicated, but as of late I cant get my head around simple tasks.  For instance today, I should have gone to the store to purchase formula during my lunch hour because a good mother would know that when she is scraping out the formula container means its time for more.  Instead I went to Target because I am on the hunt down for a red amaryllis in a white ceramic container to get the right balance of holiday in my home.  Having my house is disarray is probably the cause of me being nutty. 

To make my life simpler, I would love an extra hour in my day just to get the little things done so that I feel like I am in control again.  Maybe after this weekend, when the house will be decorated, things will be where they need to be and I can sit back and enjoy the holiday season with Max, will I feel better about things. 

Also, I have a second part to my wish.  All the less fortunate than I have a warm place to be this holiday season. 

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Be sure to check out Amazon.com for any Christmas gifts on your lists.  They have some great deals, including free shipping!

*charlie + max, thanksgiving 2010.

If there is nothing else in the world that says everything else doesnt matter but this, this picture says it all.  For everyone. 

Charlie is one half of the twinkies and is the shy one, or the one who likes to do things his way, and he'll come around when he wants to.  Up until now, he really hasnt shown any interest in Max.  On Thanksgiving, he came right up to Max on the carpet, laid down with him on the floor, and started playing and being loving. 

My heart swooned so big, and then it melted. 

My Thanksgivings as a child were spent at my grandmother's house in Philadelphia with my cousins.  I recall me, my brother Andrew, my cousins John and Ian, all just running around, hanging out, up to no good in the basement.  Grandma would yell from the top of the stairs 'stay out of there!'.  There = the pantry or my grandfather's workshop.  Somehow she knew. 

Watching the above made me miss my grandmother.  Lots. I know we cant live forever, but I am SO thankful that we are a family where family is important, and spending time together is just as important.  I want the same for Max. 

This picture will get printed and put somewhere where I can look at it everyday (most likely that'll be work!) and remind myself what's important. 

I am thankful all year through, but this time of year I find myself being exceptionally grateful.  Now that Max is here, I wake each day saying a prayer of thanks for him, but he allows a whole new light to shine and giving a new meaning to the holidays. 

Besides Max, I am thankful for my family, all of them.  For my health.  I am thankful for freedom to express our minds, creativity, opinions in this great country, America.  For without it, many of us wouldnt have what we've obtained in our lives. 

What are you thankful for this season? And everyday?

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
I am excited for the Christmas season this year.  Though Max wont have a clue, it'll be SO different than all the Christmas Pasts.  I am doing my version again of Ali Edwards December Daily project, of capturing each day of the season in a photo. 

Would you like to join me in this adventure?  Would love to see your photos from your Christmas season. 

This week I've noticed so many changes in Max, especially around his mobile independence.  Take a look at the photos below and you'll wholeheartedly agree. 

**He now holds his bottle all by himself.  Rarely does he need my help.  Maybe on days where he practically wants to like the inside, is when he needs my help. 

**Or sitting in the store carts.  No more infant carrier carseat. 

**Or just plain sitting up. 

**Or getting used to the new tub seat for baths.  He has a nice grip on the thing, holding on for dear life.  Tonight it took everything I had to pry his little hands off the seat!  He's starting to understand that he can play in the water. 

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
On Monday, I accidently hit the record button on the camera.  I was able to catch him doing this. 

Max sitting @ school from Melissa Mensavage on Vimeo.

Making some changes around here.   (As I have been saying for the past few months, if not longer!)  I am expecting by the first of the year this will be a whole new place.  I am excited. 

I'll be the first to admit that I surely am my own worst critic.  I think my critic though has a chronic problem.  Its unusually critical.  Like over-the-top-obsessive-compulsive-wicked-witch-of-the-east problem. 

I had posted this shortly after I had given birth.  My body simply amazed me at what it was capable of.  This week, the critic, lets call it Lord Voldemort, had found its residence again in my head. 

Prior to getting pregnant, I used to work out anywhere from 60 to 90 minutes a day.  Hard cardio and weights, every day of the week.  I never took a break.  Wearing that size 8 was a result of this.  Plus the fact that I wouldnt eat.  Looking at this now, with a healthier mind, I realize whoa! that wasnt a healthy lifestyle I lived. 

Max and I finally found our groove and a routine that suits us both.  Working out still isnt finding its way into the groove as often as I'd like, just yet.  I am sure that will change.  In the meantime, I am enjoying my time spent on the floor with Max, or reading books together, or whatever it is that we need to do.  I'll get back to a healthier weight soon. 

So when I found myself being SUPER critical of myself this week, especially about my body and my appearance, I felt negative and ugly.  I probably carried myself differently, and people could read that.  How is it that Lord Voldemort was able to return? 

It was like I had a V8 moment right smack in the middle of me gorging on cookies, I had asked myself, why am I eating like this?  What is wrong with me?  Why do I feel just left of center? 

Dating.  And the men who have a thing about womens weight. 

I know I'll never be a super model (genetically not possible with my short legs.  = ) ).  I know I am not naturally thin.  But the one thing I am not is obese.  Once I was able to calculate that it was their problem, not mine, I started being nice to myself again. 

My good friend Amy said to me this week, the person you choose to be with should make you feel better about yourself, not make you constantly worry.  Thank you Amy!

*photo credit

I have been surprising myself lately with the things that I want for Max.  Before I was pregnant I never gave two seconds of a thought to christmas stockings, school pictures or how much of an impact I will have on Max just being a role model for him.

All of these items have come front and center as of late. 

Over the weekend as I started to plan for christmas (yes i am!!), I realized that Max will need a stocking for all the little goodies Santa will bring.  I started to search the internet (pottery barn, garnet hill, ll bean, etc) for a nice classic stocking.  I saw some that I liked, but I didnt feel the love and excitement that comes along with a stocking. 

I pulled mine out of the christmas box and as I was holding I recalled it was handmade by my grandmother (i think, correct me if i am wrong Mom).  Each year I admire my stocking, touching the soft section of Santa's beard, or way my name is stitched.  There is nothing store bought about this ... except for maybe the fact that it had to be purchased at a store in order for it to be created.  I want Max to have this same feeling I have even now at my grand old age, of love. 

Thankfully I was encouraged to sew as a kid.  I will be putting those skills to good use here over the weekend and making Max one of the many items he will have for the rest of his life. 

Stay tuned for the finished product! 

photo credit

Dating.

I've been doing it since I was probably fifteen or sixteen years old.  Seems the type of male I am attracted to might not exist.  This morning I was able to actually verbalize my frustrations with it. 

In case you didnt notice, I'm single.  Have been for a while now.  Seems the men that present themselves in my life are of the same caliber.  Not all that great. 

The men that I find to be great, and would be ideal as a mate, unavailable.  (and that's okay, they werent meant to be my mate)  However, I think I finally met someone who could be that ideal mate.  Unfortunately he has a deal breaker that doesnt match with my goals. 

I have a life goal that is number #3 on my list.  Its really important to me.  You see, as a child and a young woman, I always imagined I'd have a big family.  Seeing how my path has lead me elsewhere, I am now okay with Max and a sibling.   Two children.

This particular gentleman has decided no more children.  So how do you say, 'you know what? it looks as if you were going to be on that great list.  then you said this. and knowing this, and the feeling of a closed window in my life is not great.'  I'm not ready to say 'no more kids'. 

I know of a few people who've adjusted their dreams and goals for their spouses.  I mean that is what a relationship is all about.  Give and take.  Yet, I see how there is a slight resentment in the relationship because of these adjustments.  I dont want resentment in my list of feelings, nor is there room for it.  (Mom Guilt is taking up way too much space these days!)  I dont want someone to have resentment towards me either. 

So back to the dating drawing board I go.  This time though, I am wiping the board clean and putting up new rules. 

All parents love their children.  How many parents can say they actually like their children?  Over the weekend, I was able to get a snippet of what is to come, I think.  Max was just talking away on Saturday as we were getting ready to run some errands. 

He would talk a bit, then laugh (or what appears to be a laugh), then talk some more. 

And the story continues.

I couldnt help but laugh and smile as this was going on.  I just stopped all things to take in this moment.  If this is truly the 'Max' personality breaking through, I will genuinely like him. 

Its starting to feel like the holidays now.  Today I am inspired to fancy the Goodwill and a few other resale and craft shops to get ideas for the blank canvas I have in the dining area. 

I read something the other day in a parenting magazine how dressing up for Halloween left an impression on one parent as a child, and is doing the same as adult for her children.  I want to do the same.  I want Max to know that I decorate for the holidays, that I participate in the holidays.  He will have memories of me singing christmas carols all season through (even in my tone-deaf-is-not-allowed-to-sing-in-church voice) and one day will look back on all of it and smile, knowing his mother was giddy over the holidays.  (and think, the woman could not carry a tune!)

Dear Max,

Today is your half birthday.  You are six months old.  I remember about a week after your birth, I had wished for you to be six months old so that I knew what you would like, dislike, smile, laugh and most of all have a routine.  Thankfully my wish didnt come true too quickly, but the time does move fast.  You are the most enjoyable little boy.  You spent the afternoon with Grandma today, so that I could rest and feel better (as I was sick) and being home alone felt wrong.  This isnt just my house anymore, its our house. 

You are growing like a weed.  Each week there is something new about you, let alone the clothes we are going through. 

You reach for items so naturally now.  You'll do it when you are on your tummy, on your back, as you roll to your side, basically anywhere. 

You roll over both ways now.  You are starting to roll across the floor. 

You are also using your hands to feel textures.  You rub your hands on the couch to hear the noise.  Same with the bassinet.  You like the quilted liner. 

You cut your first tooth on October 25th.  I found while we were attending your first parent-teacher conference. 

Your conference went well.  The two teachers adore you, look forward to your days at school.  You get along well with the others, always watching and observing them. 

You participated in the school's Halloween Parade.  You sat in the buggy with your friend Jack. 

You also had your first school pictures.  That was a definite 'mommy' moment for me. 

You took your first airplane ride to see your Aunt Sharon, Uncle Geno and cousins Nicholas, Erika + Zachary.  You loved being there.  You did well on all flights except the last one on our way home.  You were done with flying, being cooped up and having to get comfortable on my lap.  (I can say I was done too!)

You love your Grandma.  On several occasions now I've seen you reach for her when we are at her house.  You smile at her all the time. 

I worry each day I am doing the best for you and when something isnt right or goes wrong, I feel horrible.  But you are such an easy going child, that it does not seem to phase you.  Even when you are exorcist vomitting on me.  Thank you sweet boy for being here, being mine. 

I love you Max.

Love, Mom

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
This month's montage ....

Today they had a Halloween Parade at school.  It wasnt anything spectacular, its basically the kids walking around showing off their costumes.  Mom brought Max in for the event.  I didnt want him to miss it.  It probably lasted all of 3 minutes and it was adorable! 

**the monkey sitting next to Max, is Jack.  He was the youngest in the class until Max started.  Jack likes Max.  Jack will roll over to Max and take Max's toys, and then poke Max in the nose.  Its actually quite cute! 

1. mummy, 2. Untitled, 3. Halloween Decorations, 4. Halloween Greetings!, 5. Follow Us...If You Dare, 6. Halloween, 7. Merry Halloween, 8. Autumn in Lafayette Cemetery (New Orleans), 9. Rising Full Moon...(Spook-tacular 27/31), 10. halloween treats, 11. Halloween Ghost., 12. bokeh pumpkins, 13. Potion Ingredients Label, 14. spook-keh, 15. Halloween Chase | Persecución, 16. Extreme Primitive Halloween Cat Doll

For the longest time I thought I would be a Mac user, seeing it has so many applications that lean towards the creative.  Each time I have had to purchase a computer, I've walked into the Apple store armed and ready to fork over more than enough money.  Yet on two seperate occasions I have walked out frustrated because I just dont get along with the Mac computers.  Or their operating systems.  However, I do get along with their Photobooth application.  And I found one for us Windows users! Online and free, no less! 

Check out Cameroid.  Only requirement, you need a webcam.  Simple. 

So you get to take shots like this:

I did not close my eyes on purpose!  But its too funny not to share!

You can add frames, effects, or just plain ol' pictures.  Dont be alarmed if you see these pop-up regularly around here.  I've always wanted to do something like this, being able to capture life as-is, in the moment. 

So here I am, in bed, doing the nightly ritual of blog roll reading. 

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
If you try this yourself, Cameroid, send me a copy of your picture, and I will post it here on the blog.  Make it as goofy or as serious as you'd like!  Cant wait to see it! 

Someone, you know who, had taken a first class trip to Cranky Town today.  He didnt want to be on the floor, or in the exersaucer, or in the swing, or in the crib, or on his playmat, just in my arms.  After about 2 hours too much of Sprout TV, I decided it was time to get some fresh air.  He needed it, I needed it.  Probably not the smartest thing to do when he is sick, but man, it did a 5 1/2 month old's attitude good!

We originally had plans to go to the Naperville Halloween Happening with some friends, but that fell through when Max turned up sick, and friends came down with colds.  As I was getting the stroller out to go for a walk, I decided to go and check it out anyway.  Plus all the people there would be a good distraction from Cranky Town. 

I had thought to put Max in his Halloween costume but it was on the warmer side when we left and thought he would get hot ... and kick up the Cranky a notch or two.  So we left it at home.  As we walked through the place seeing all the kids and their costumes, I wished I had brought it!  Though we did try it on at home ... (he wasnt very cooperative!)

The event was okay, lots of kids and lines to play games, bouncy houses or slides.  Would I go next year?  Probably not ... what is more boring than waiting in line?  with a kid?  Most of the games were geared towards 3 yrs and up.  But it was cool to check it out and seemed to do the trick for Max's attitude adjustment!