Noodle and Bean

Yup.

2010-09-14T13:57:00.000-07:00

Read this:

Barn/Play Area

2010-07-04T07:36:00.001-07:00

Latest pics of the girls playing with a way cool barn (and knitted hens) on loan from a way cool person. Thanks, Dana!

Blog under construction...

2010-07-04T07:35:00.000-07:00

will be fiddling with blog...stand by.

'News this April at Great Oak School'

2010-04-06T12:27:00.000-07:00

'News this April at Great Oak School'

Grateful: Day Eight

2010-02-10T09:12:00.001-08:00

Today I am grateful for Good quotes like this one:

“You know you're in love when you can't fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams.”

I totally remember what that feels like and it was so nice to be reminded.

Never Forget

2010-02-06T08:01:00.000-08:00

Ava Rosemeyer

Ooooh Fun!

2010-02-05T13:53:00.000-08:00

What's your Ikea Name? Go here to find out.

This is mine!

Grateful: Day Seven

2010-02-05T10:57:00.001-08:00

Today I am grateful for Women. Without a shadow of a doubt, without a hint of uncertainty, with all that I know, I can say for sure that the absolute most amazing people in my life

are

all

WOMEN.

To go along with that, I was inspired by this I found on a favorite blog linked to the bottom right over there...Deb Schweldelm.

WHAT I WOULD TELL HER:
(If I knew what to say.)
You are a miracle.
And I have to love you this fiercely: So that you can feel it even after you leave for school, or even while you are asleep, or even after your childhood becomes a memory.
You’ll forget all this when you grow up. But it’s okay.
Being a mother means having your heart broken.
And it means loving and losing and falling apart and coming back together.
And it’s the best there is. And also, sometimes, the worst.
Sometimes you won’t have anyone to talk to.
Sometimes you’ll wonder if you’ve forgotten who you are.
But you must remember this: What you’re doing matters.
And you have to be brave with your life so that others can be brave with theirs.
The truth is, being a woman is a gift. Tenderness is a gift. Intimacy is a gift. And nurturing the good in this world is a nothing short of a privilege.
That’s why I have to love you this way. So I can give what I have to you. So that you can carry it in your body and pass it on.
I have watched you sleep. I’ve kissed you a million times. And I know something that you don’t, yet:
You are writing the story of your only life every single minute of every day.
And my greatest hope for you, sweet child, is that I can teach you how to write a good one.

Grateful: Day Six

2010-01-12T11:00:00.000-08:00

Today I am grateful for the sunshine and traces (just traces!) of warmth.

I am a person who loves weather. I mean REAL weather. Thunderstorms, rainshowers, sleet, snow, hail, tornadoes (not near me), cold snaps, deep freezes, etc. I want anything but 100 degree heat and sunshine.

But, I am discovering that I am also a person who much prefers the heat to the cold. I cannot stand being cold. As I type this post I sit here with frozen hands. I've been inside for several hours now and my hands remain cold as ice. I hate that. I really marvel at the fact that Mike used to live in Fairbanks where it would get to 45 below. Can you imagine? Can you imagine???

I just stepped outside to greet the mailman and the temperature is starting to creep up to the 50s and the sun is shining brightly. It was just the tiniest bit warm and it felt so good. I love that feeling of sunshine warming a cold body. The mid-summer Texas heat is still undesirable but oh how I love a beautiful Spring day with a temperature in the low 70s and the sun shining in the sky.

Carry on ;-)

Grateful: Day Five

2010-01-11T10:37:00.001-08:00

Today I am grateful for my two best friends: Stephanie and Clarissa.

Here they are:

Here's what we like to do:

EAT. AND EAT SOME MORE. This is Babe's restaurant somewhere in BFE in the Dallas Metroplex. The best chicken fried steak in all the land. And the salad! Suspiciously sweet. When they bring the biscuits you can actually have the choice of sorghum (!) or honey. I think sorghum is illegal in most parts of the land (straight molasses). Only Kidding!

We like to huddle together and look cute.

Don't they look like an ad for a magazine? This is them leading the way to our other favorite thing in the world...

Shopping. More Shopping. Always shopping. At our Mecca. (We didn't buy anything full price of course and could only sneak around the scary sales room in the back. Read prior post on Anthrolopologie here.

Too poor to buy these hats, I pathetically suggested we take pictures of ourselves in them.

Here is Clarissa confirming what she already knew: Still no money in that wallet to buy anything here ;-)

Here is Stephanie doing what she does best: buying something only to return it in a week. She has made returning things an artform.

This is the store where my girls told me I needed to buy "age-appropriate" clothes and proceeded to usher me out in shame.

On to the next store...(by the way, Clarissa is consulting her iPhone which we made her do 1,000,000 times. Those phones are wicked cool!!!)

I have been friends with these gals (they are childhood best friends) since 1991. Ugh. How long is that? OMG. Nineteen years. Holy shit we're old.

I love them I love them I love them I love them I love them.

Stephanie and Clarissa, I AM SO GRATEFUL FOR YOU!

Grateful: Day Four

2010-01-08T11:11:00.000-08:00

Today I'm grateful for college sports.
Last night my alma mater The University of Texas Longhorn football team played for the National Championship. It was quite a game.
Going in, the Longhorns were slight underdogs, but had every hope of winning. These kids (and they are kids!) have devoted their lives to playing football. They have played for years on very good teams, but at UT - you're nobody if you're not ranked number one or the national champs. So no matter how good of a season you had, if you weren't number one it's a disappointment. That's a lot of pressure in my opinion.
This year, the dream was thisclose to becoming reality and then the unthinkable happened. Colt McCoy (can you believe that name?), UT's star quarterback, gets hurt on the FIRST DRIVE OF THE GAME. Gone. Out for the game. Sayonara. It was like a kick in the gut. Texting back and forth with Clarissa and Stephanie last night produced this quote from Clarissa: "I bet that freshman quarterback crapped his pants when Colt went down!" My thoughts exactly.
Can you imagine being 18 years old, in high school at this time last year, and your first chance to really play comes in THE NATIONAL FREAKING CHAMPIONSHIP GAME???? With millions and millions of people watching you? With an amazing defense ready to mow you down with one false move or missed play?
And imagine being Colt McCoy? Your whole life leads up to this moment and you are injured on the first drive of the game? Cruel twist of fate.
And this is why I love college sports: Watching that little freshman get his feet under him the second half. Watching him jump for joy when he threw a beautiful touchdown pass not once but twice! Can you even imagine how he probably crapped his pants again, but this time for good reasons??? For anyone that cares or remembers...he reminds me of Major Applewhite in a big way. Lots of guts, very feisty. And did you catch Colt McCoy's interview at the end of the game? He was literally...speechless. He kept trying to talk but the words wouldn't come out. I'm sure he felt the biggest sense of disappointment and loss of his young life - but he was so gracious and talked about wanting more than anything to be out there with his team. A team that never quit even though they must have been absolutely shell shocked. I was all choked up. I felt so proud of the team - watching until the bitter end of a bittersweet game.
Professional sports no longer does it for me. Overpriced, overpaid, overgrown boys being deified for playing a game. Hmmphf.
But college sports? Sigh. College sports still matter and still represent the best things about teamwork and brotherhood and all for one, one for all.
Last, before the game ABC put together a montage of all the college football teams during cool moments of the last few years. One was a locker room scene and the Iowa State coach was surrounded by his players giving a post-game speech and he was screaming at them in a gravelly, raspy emotion-filled voice , "Right now...Right now I am so proud! I AM SO PROUD TO BE YOUR COACH!"
Well Longhorns...RIGHT NOW I AM SO PROUD TO BE YOUR FAN!!!!!!!!!!!
Hook 'em!

Grateful: Day Three

2010-01-06T10:12:00.000-08:00

I am grateful for Waldorf education.
This morning, after taking Lily to school, Miss Helen asked me to stay for a cup of tea. So I did.
Upon the child-sized table we sat around there were fresh flowers, a candle burning, a teapot warming, sugar-coated almonds, apple slices and teacups.
We drank our tea and ate our snack.
Wednesdays are painting day.
Miss Helen got out the painting boards, began to soak the watercolor paper in water, set out the little glass jars of yellow, red, and blue paint.
Did you know that it is best to limit the very young child's paint colors to only the primary colors? Red, yellow, blue. And the youngest children (3s and young 4s) should really only paint with yellow and red. Why? Because those are the first two chakras that are present in a young child. AND, because little ones love to mix the paints together and mixing more than 2 colors makes....BROWN. Yuck. Blue paint is introduced after Christmas. Today was the first time they'd get to use blue!
Natalie and I sat together. Lily was next to us. We were ready to paint.
Natalie and I had red and yellow. Lily had red and blue.
Miss Helen goes to each child and sings a special song and gently paints with a dry brush onto their open palm (the hand with which they paint). She sings a special song about the fairies dancing in the water and jumping into the paint color. When the fairy is done with one color she dances in the water again and then jumps into the next color. (To encourage them to wash their brushes before starting a new color!)
The art of painting is very sacred and an expression from the soul so it is a very quiet activity. Even Natalie was quiet.
As the other children with red and blue paint were creating, one little girl exclaimed, "Purple! I have purple paint! My favorite color!" All of the other children watched with amazement and what she had created.
I helped Lily swirl her fairy (the paint brush) around her paper gently mixing the splotches of red and blue together to make a lovely shade of purple.
They do one painting and then that is all. The painting stays on the board to dry. It is labeled with their name and date and that activity comes to a natural close.
I stayed a few minutes more and watched Lily put together a puppet show with handmade puppets on a string. She set it all up and fixed the curtain to begin the show. It was short and sweet and went something like this, "There was a wicked witch who cast a spell on the little boy. And the witch could fly (flying the witch across the stage.)"
Then Natalie got crazy and I had to interrupt to say we would be leaving now...
And if you could be in the room...oh, it's just so lovely.

I hope we can ensure the school succeeds.

Our school:http://www.greatoakschool.org
Our Etsy store: http://www.etsy.com/shop/saracat (all money goes to the school!)

Grateful Project: Day Two

2010-01-05T09:31:00.001-08:00

Today I am thankful for Coke. Man do I love a cold Coke in a can. Don't even get near me with a Pepsi.
Coke is it.

Grateful Project: Day One

2010-01-04T12:32:00.000-08:00

Today I am grateful for the chance for another day to get things right. As I sit here and think about what my gut is telling me right now, it is that. I woke up today and had another day to give it a go. And not everyone gets that. I am a lucky girl.

Ewwww. 2009 Sucked a Big One.

2010-01-04T12:31:00.000-08:00

HATED IT. (say this in that sing song voice...haaaaaaaated it)

Bring on 2010. It has to be better.

Right?

Holy Crap.

2009-12-26T15:44:00.000-08:00

Hi. Working on what to say. Be back soon (but you probably don't believe me. And I don't blame you.)

Signs of Life

2009-09-17T11:41:00.000-07:00

A heartbeat, a pulse, a surge, a pitter-patter. We're slowly digging ourselves out of the mess we made of our relationship.

Lily Beaner Pumpkin Eater

2009-08-31T11:14:00.000-07:00

Here is Miss Lily (see her new bangs!) on her first day of Pre-K 2009. She's wearing her mama's color du jour, GREEN. For those who are interested, her new Waldorf school that opened after her last year school closed - CLOSED TOO. It just couldn't make it as quickly as it needed to. There is hope that something might arise by January...but for now we are at Bara-Hambright School of the arts. To be honest, I am sad and not fully content there, but it is the closest thing to Waldorf in our area. It takes many Waldorf elements and combines more modern twists and turns. My heart was singing with Waldorf and Miss Jill (her old teacher) but obviously that is not meant to be right now. It has been a stressful summer in regards to that whole Waldorf school saga. I am hopeful Waldorf will be an option in the near future for our area.

This next picture is a photography DON'T: subject facing sun, squinting, dark pits for eyes...but she was yelling at me, "Mom hurry! They're going to start without me!" Because yes, we were running a few minutes behind schedule. We Moon girls have some time management issues.

Reader Participation

2009-08-24T20:43:00.000-07:00

Okay, so if you could only read 5 blogs and NOT ANY OTHERS, which 5 would you read?
I really, really, really want you to do this. Please leave your answers in my comments or link me to a post on your own blog.
xoxoxoxoxo

I'll start: (these are all in my sidebar)
Decor 8 (because it's total eye candy and I love it all)
All & Sundry (because she writes like I think)
Shutter Sisters (because it makes me love my camera)
Sheye Rosemeyer (because she makes me love my kids)
Emily Falconbridge (because she makes me believe life can be simple and beautiful)

The Art of Self-Reflection

2009-08-20T07:01:00.001-07:00

Hello!!!!!!
I just completed a self-imposed blog hiatus...mine and YOURS. Blogging and blog hopping makes me insanely happy, but insanely overwhelmed with:

Why the hell am I blogging? What do I have to share with the world and does it freakin' matter?
My blog sucks.
Your blog is way cooler
Oh my, what a cool blog THAT was and why am I blogging?
Oh, I MUST HAVE THAT (insert object here) (insert bounced check here)
Oh my I.must.take.up.that.hobby.now.
I.must.make.that.right.now.or.I.may.just.die.
Oh my I.can't.make.that.because.I.suck.
etc.

So, I had to get a grip. I've temporarily gotten a grip so I am back until my next melt down.

See the background color of this blog? I pained my entire office area that color and it friggin' rocks. I am loving green. And orange.

Oh, I have so much to tell you all about everything that is going on or not going on (that's always a good thing, too).

I'm back! Yay for me! Even if no one reads this...I'm happy to have my spot on the internet.

xoxoxoxoxox

For Ava

2009-08-20T06:08:00.000-07:00

For Ava
Can you do this, too? I will.

hello

2009-07-17T11:05:00.000-07:00

i love joshua radin (anything by him)
i love bulgur (served like oatmeal) with a dash of cream and sliced peaches (and a few figs thrown in) (who knew??)
i love my friends
i love my girls
i love to take photographs, but sometimes get lost in the shuffle
i love to do artsy craftsy stuff
i love coffee
i love free time
i love rain
i love yaz (remember them???)

that's all for now ;-)

So unavailable!

2009-06-17T09:43:00.000-07:00

Hi You,
Well, I'm preparing to go visit her with Noodle and Bean this Sunday. So I'm in full court press trying to edit my sessions and get our house in order so we can leave happy...I won't be back here on Noodle and Bean until July.

Until then...stay well!

xoxoxooxxoxo

Holy Moly - Friday Sounds

2009-06-12T10:08:00.000-07:00

Oh, my...have you heard of Kate Nash? If you love Regina Spektor like I do, buy her album immediately In particular this song below. Lump in throat, chills on arms, oy vey....soooooo goooooooooooooooooood!!!!!!!!! Listen to it...I think you'll love it.

Touched on Tuesday on Wednesday

2009-06-10T09:43:00.000-07:00

from her blog

boho girl

free. radical. independent.
her style is her own.
it’s personal, existential.

her only fear is convention.
her only weakness, shoes.
the bump on her nose adds character,
the scar on her shoulder adds strength,
the curl in her hair adds attitude.
there is no such thing as imperfection,
just originality.

unmovable, unshakeable, unstoppable,
she is america’s next top role model.
someone both inspired and inspiring.
she embraces her spirituality,
aspires to her dreams,
lives through her passions.
she is a world changer.
she is bohemian.
she is boho girl.
- boho magazine

Taste on Tuesday

2009-06-09T13:54:00.000-07:00

OK. For the love of Jesus, Mary & Joseph, would someone tell me how to make a delicious cup of coffee at home? It is absolutely laughable how many contraptions I have purchased to make it taste good when I make it (as opposed to going to Starbucks for my white chocolate mocha). Each and every one of those contraptions has had one result: SUCK. Here's what I've tried: (don't laugh)

The Toddy System

The result: eh. Also: pain-in-the-ass. Also: hate reheated/microwaved coffee which is part of this process since this is a cold brewing process.

The French Press (b/c the coffee snobs of the world said I had to):

The result: OMG. the worst of the bunch. You can take your essential oils and stick 'em up your arse. Too bitter.

The french press in a mug thingy:

Result: Oh please. See review from above...only worse.

The french press in a pot thingy (to keep it hot all morning! yeah, right!):

Result: Oy vey. Suck.

The super lo-fi espresso percolator for your stove top:

Result: Stupid and sucky.

The espresso machine:

Result: Delicious cappucino, ridonculous amount of cleaning the thing for two cups of cappucino.

The Cuisinart Grind and Brew (my Dad is successful with this...why not me?)

Result: Suck and also: bitch to clean.

These have all gone into various garage sales or Goodwill piles.

And now, because of my Starbucks detox (which I have relapsed...by the way) I have this:

It's $25 from my local Kroger. It has one switch: ON/OFF. The result: SUCK.

What am I doing wrong? Why is my coffee too strong or too weak? Please! Someone tell me the exact measuring utensil, the exact brand of coffee, the exact grind, the exact measurement you use to make a good solid cup of delicious coffee. Because I'm about to sell my soul to Starbucks. Again.

Friday - Sight

2009-06-05T12:55:00.000-07:00

I spy, with my little eye, my very favorite show of all time ever in the history of the world... SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE.

I love it. I love it. I LOVE it!!!!!!!!

And there's gonna be one in the Fall, too. Huzzah!!!!!!!!!

Do you watch it? (I know Clarissa, you do. Yay!!!)

I have such a crush on Cat. She completes me.

Tunes on Thursday (Sound)

2009-06-04T09:56:00.001-07:00

Back with more of my musical stylings this week. Probably every week. I adore music. Music is a huge part of my life. It moves me, can get into my core and change my whole outlook on a day. One time in college while living in my adorable little old house on DeVerne St. in Austin, I plunked in a Grateful Dead cd and "Uncle John's Band" came on. The song started playing...I had it up really loud...it was summertime...I was inspired...so I immediately called in sick to work and went to Barton Springs with my roommates. I've also decided to save my marriage based on a song or two I've heard while out driving around and pondering life...

Anyhoo, here's another few gems of mine:
1. For the month of June on XM channel 56 it's all Dave Matthews Band all the time. I love the DMB. Love love love love them.
2. This old song is a delightful cool drink of water. Buy now for $.99. So worth it.
3. I've spoken of my love for this song in blogs of yore:
4. And finally, I had to laugh out loud this morning when I heard a new song on 20 on 20 on XM called "I like you so much better when you're naked". It was a girl singing, too. Her name is Ida Maria and it's a darn good song.

Smelling Salts

2009-06-03T07:03:00.001-07:00

Get me some. Stat. Look at the first two posts (the self-portrait post, then the one after that about the wedding in italy - the second picture in black & white with the tree overhead? i fainted.)

the most creative couple, the most amazing photographers, oy vey.

enjoy.

Touchy Feely Tuesday

2009-06-02T13:30:00.000-07:00

Ya know what's touching me today? That horrible Air France plane crash that's what. The plane crashes that have happened in the last 6 months (remember the one that crashed over Buffalo?) and there was another one...I'm forgetting. These have all been affecting me in a not so sane way. Now this one.

If you didn't know, my number one fear in life besides losing a friend/immediate family member is flying. I'm the chick on the plane who does that highly annoying short but loud inhale (like you're about to hold your breath) when the plane makes the tiniest noise or hits the tiniest bump. If the plane makes a louder noise or hits a bigger bump fuggedaboutit. I'm loud. I've been known to whimper, scream, hide my face in my hands, ring the flight attendant bell in the middle of the take off ascent, claw Mike's arm until it bleeds and weep uncontrollably. All true.

The Buffalo crash and this latest crash have juuuuuuuust about sent me over the edge. I can imagine (and have imagined) myself on the planes and going through the terror. Well, it's unimaginable, but I've thought about it in vivid detail.

I'm about to go John Madden and take a bus everywhere I need to travel. I'm really not joking. I realize this limits my travelling future quite a bit but I think stepping on a plane would take a year or so off my life because of the stress.

What's your biggest fear? Or are you too healthy for such nonsense?

The Taste of Monday

2009-06-01T10:14:00.000-07:00

What are you up to organically lately? What do you eat that you swear by that's actually healthy? Please share.

The only consistently organic thing I buy is milk. I don't know why I skimp on organic. I fluctuate back and forth between saying it's too expensive and then saying - whatev. because it's so worth it.

I would like to incorporate these things into my diet:
Flax
All natural protein smoothies
Local and seasonal produce
Local and/or organic and grass fed meat

I found some great links for meat. Check these out.
http://www.eatwild.com
http://www.wildideabuffalo.com

And if you have anything I should know about...please tell me!

Looking at Her

2009-05-29T21:24:00.001-07:00

Today is Friday...my day to highlight what I see.

I really enjoy watching Noodle do anything.

Natalie 14 months from sara moon on Vimeo.

Sounds of Thursday (on Friday)

2009-05-29T08:26:00.000-07:00

Little Peeks into my brain on sounds I am loving.

OK. This is old news, but I've been meaning to shout from the rooftops that the BEST SONG I HAVE HEARD IN YEARS:

Did you know that I loved Matt Giraud on American Idol? He was my fave. (On that note, Also: love The Fray.)

I am really digging that humble cutie Kris Allen now. His rendition of "Heartless" by Kanye West was brills. Also: love Kanye West.

Miss Regina Spektor (oh I love her so) has a new album coming out June 23rd. Can't wait.

I will try and post another sound I am loving but it will take me awile. Be back soon.

Yay oh yay oh yay!

2009-05-27T11:59:00.000-07:00

So, the good news is...all the Waldorf peeps from Lily's school have taken on a huge task. I will be helping out however I can.

Yay! Behold: Great Oak School

Smelly ol' Wednesday

2009-05-27T11:22:00.000-07:00

Lame post alert!! Lame post alert!! (I'll be better next week on this topic...I hope.)

Hmmm...I'm sitting here thinking about what the heck to write about smells as a blog topic. And to think I have to do this every week...yikers. This might be the day I find hardest to blog about.

My favorite smell factoid: How it can take you back in time like nothing else ever could. I find that freaking fascinating.

Love these smells: onions, bread baking, popcorn (but not to eat), coffee, patchouli (recently discovered this), lavender, freshly washed hair, just before it rains, fresh cut grass, sweet olive trees in bloom,

Hate these: rose/flower perfume of any kind, poopy diapers, pee diapers, mustard, moldy clothes that sat in the washer too long, pickle juice, jalapenos, olives,

Did you know:
Everyone has his or her own unique odor-identity or “smell fingerprint. No two people have the exact same odor-identity or “smell fingerprint” which is determined by many factors including: our genes, skin type, diet, medicine, mood state and even the weather.

No two people smell the same odor the same way. In other words, a rose may smell sweeter to some people than to others. In fact, according to neuropsychologist, Robert Bonkowski, a person never experiences one smell the same way twice. Furthermore, an individual’s ability to detect odors changes from day to day, depending on his or her physiological condition.

Our sense of smell becomes stronger when we are hungry.

Your nose can smell directionally, telling you where an odor originates.

Your sense of smell is least acute in the morning; our ability to perceive odors increases as the day wears on.

A woman’s sense of smell is keener than a man’s. However, her sensitivity does change over the menstrual cycle. These changes are influenced by estrogen, which increases smell acuity in the first half of a woman’s cycle. It peaks at a time when women are most fertile and most sexually responsive.

Peace out, see ya tomorrow with something much more interesting...let's hope.

Tuesday: Touch

2009-05-26T12:23:00.001-07:00

Touch Tuesdays can be literal or emotional. Today it is emotional.

I do love me some reality TV. I do love People magazine (and US Weekly). I don't read any other entertainment magazines or tabloids and I have long since given up on Entertainment Tonight. I have standards!

The most recent voyeuristic event I am fascinated with however, and touched by, is this Jon and Kate fiasco. I have nothing negative to say about either person. I FEEL their pain. I feel it down to my toes. I get it, I empathize, I've been there, I know, I understand, and it sucks. Of course I'm not a TV star, but that's so not what this is about. If you've seen either of them speak about this issue or caught glimpses of this story and lingered to watch - it's real. And again, it has nothing to do with their show. It's what's inside them, their personalities and temperaments, way down to the core.

Marriage is hard work. HARD work. Raising kids? Ohmygoshharderthanyoueverthinkitcouldpossiblybe. Put those two tasks together with the right (or wrong) personalities and you have a recipe for disaster. A long and winding and very bumpy road. I identify with this Jon and Kate story. To be just as honest as I always am...it's pretty much my story. Minus 6 kids and the TV show. Mike is Jon and I am a less demanding Kate (yes, I am LESS demanding!)

Except, except: Mike and I still have lots of embers burning inside that can be fanned and nurtured. If I am reading their body language and faces correctly (and I am an expert reader of people) for Jon and Kate...I hate to say it...but I see their fire as smoking coals that probably can not be lit again. I can read it on their faces - especially Jon's.

I guess it's a little odd I'm writing about these people that I don't know, and that I'm being dragged into the tabloidness of their very sad situation. But the thing is...what they are dealing with is so real, so raw, and so the lives of many many people.

It just touches me. Makes me sad. I feel for them. (Mike and I are fine, by the way...so no worries. We are definitely on our own very bumpy road, though.)

New Vibe

2009-05-25T19:12:00.000-07:00

Going to try thematic posts for each day of the week to keep me focused and current.
Mondays: Taste
Tuesdays: Touch
Wednesdays: Smell
Thursdays: Sound
Friday: See

Taste:
If you'll notice in my Sara's Internet Find of the Week, I've finally posted a new link to Urban Nectar. Isn't that a cool name? Check it out.

Also:
One of the everyday blogs I read, My Happy Little Life, has started a new foodie-type focus. She posts healthy recipes as part of her weekly menu planning that I think are quite doable. Check this out too.

Finally:
Anything you can recommend that you are loving to eat right now? I'll start. I am loving frozen waffles. Could eat them all day everyday. Specifically, Kashi Heart to Heart Honey Oat brand.

Latest Drama (why me?)

2009-05-21T12:17:00.001-07:00

i think i attract drama like flies to sh*T. so serious.

the latest?

lily's waldorf school is closing. yes, closing. how in love with her school was i? very.

actually it's merging with another school - that's not waldorf. WTF????

i'll keep you posted on the latest developments - because there are some and they are drama filled (not related to me, but in my orbit...)

i don't know if you remember a loooong time ago on noodle and bean i posted about this fabulous gym i joined? i was a member for exactly two weeks and it closed up shop OVERNIGHT. i was absolutely loving it. it was small, run by these amazing women, the gym was classes only! spinning, yoga, cardiofit, etc. they had a dispute with the landlord and had to immediately close up one weekend or lose all their equipment. anyway, i was soooooo loving it and excited and whammo. over.

now this school that i love and that there are EXACTLY ZERO others around like it. it's not like i can go to the waldorf school across the street. the only other waldorf school in texas is in Austin.

so, if this all falls through i am seriously considering moving. i want austin, mike wants portland, and our budget wants a trailer park.

arrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrgh.

Hilarious

2009-05-13T07:15:00.001-07:00

Some of these seem too good to be true, but some are fur reaaaaaaaaaaaal!
http://awkwardfamilyphotos.com/

vote for me!!

2009-05-12T13:18:00.000-07:00

For Family Photographer
in Houston

Actor's Studio Questionnaire

2009-05-11T20:26:00.000-07:00

Claire-issa posted her hilarious answers on her blog here. Below is my go:

What is your favorite word? effervescent
What is your least favorite word? vomit(or lotion)
What turns you on creatively, spiritually or emotionally?
creatively: the beauty in imperfection
spiritually: natural beauty of any kind
emotionally: niceness
What turns you off? mean anything (unless it's about republicans)
What is your favorite curse word? f**k - oh yeah, baby.
What sound or noise do you love? Every.single.one.of.Natalie's.happy.babbles.
What sound or noise do you hate? my kids whining, nails on a chalkboard, when our smoke detectors beep b/c of a low battery. the list goes on.
What profession other than your own would you like to attempt? Rock Star - The guitar playing front-woman kind. Without a doubt.
What profession would you not like to do? Janitor/Principal
If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates? You did great down there.

I love this invitation to play along:
**Your turn! If those asshole actors can do it, so can we! ~ by Clarissa**

Donations Needed

2009-05-07T12:37:00.000-07:00

Hello local readers,
If you can help out, please do. Contact me at saramoonphotography@gmail.com. I will figure out how to get your donations where they need to go. Read below. This is from the coordinator of the volunteer committee at my mom's company in the Woodlands. She just happened to send it to me to get any baby girl clothes we no longer need and it really made me sad and thankful at the same time.

"I'll give you a little background info on Victor...started with my company in 2002 after coming to the States from Guatemala. His first couple years here were trial and error, but after meeting his wife, he has changed his life for the better. She is deeply religious, and opened Victor's eyes to God. If we pick up furniture from a customer that is to be disposed of, Victor will take it and donate it to his church even though he could sell it. After learning that they were expecting, I asked him what he needed and the only thing he said was a crib. So, I gave him Avery's crib. A week before she was due, I did go to Target and pick up things, just to make sure they had them at the apartment. Well after several hours of labor, 3 hours of pushing, she was rushed for an emergency c-section. I went to their apartment the day they came home from the hospital because they have no family here, and saw that they needed much more than I thought. I went to Target that day and bought sanitary pads, nursing pads, a nursing bra (she didn't have any of these things), baby towels, baby wash, baby shampoo, lotion, alcohol, diapers, a few outfits, blankets and dreft. They are basically in need of so much. Items I think they could use.....a swing, baby clothes 0-3 months and up, high chair (for later on), exersaucer. As far as their house goes... pots and pans, dishes, basically anything. (shampoo, conditioner, soap, toothpaste, deodorant). Work has been so slow and he has not been getting the hours, so he really needs his cash to pay for rent and bills. Let me know if you have any questions, and I can't thank you enough for your help with this."

A Mom and her Toddlers

2009-05-06T07:23:00.000-07:00

This mom totally reminds me of you. And you. And you...and me.

At this point I'm squealing with excitement. They're coming they're coming!! (This is a pond right by Lily's school. We stop every week on the way to school and check on the babies. They have already grown a ton. Hmmm...sounds familiar.)

Below, the mom duck is saying, "Where in the heck are they running off to now? I was all the way across the pond, watching the Today show and they just had to interrupt the interview with Briston Palin and her baby..."

Now she's saying, "Aw, I guess I can forgive them. They are so.dang.cute."

And so are you. And you. And you...and I am, too.

(Hope you didn't get bored with all the duckling pics! It was either these, or pictures of Lily's coxsackie blisters that are ALL OVER her little body.)

Who Needs Swine Flu when you've got...

2009-05-04T06:09:00.000-07:00

COXSACKIE VIRUS!?!? (hand, foot and mouth disease)

Yeah, our virus name beats the pants off the swine flu.

Both girls: blistery tongues, blistery palms and soles of their feet, and other wonderful maladies.

If you have a friend who tells you they've been exposed to it, or they've had it but are better - steer clear for a looooooooong time. We haven't seen the person who gave it to us for over 10 days, THEN we get it. Our friends hadn't seen the person THEY got it from for over 10 days, then THEY got it.
It's a sneaky little virus.

I hope to be back later today to post some pictures of baby ducks. Now those are some sweet words to combat COXSACKIE VIRUS.

A la Stephanie Morrison...

2009-04-29T12:23:00.001-07:00

(ETA: Stephanie Morrison is one wonderful corner of the triangular-shaped friendship of Sara, Stephanie, & Clarissa)
Background information: Lily, Natalie and I had to drive from our home in the sticks to the medical center on a Wednesday afternoon. It's a long way. Then, when we got there, we waited over an hour (in those little doctor offices!!) to see the doctor. THEN, on the way home, we took the HOV lane. It was moving at a snail's pace. Doncha hate that? You think you're all cool in the special lane and it is slower than the rush hour traffic lanes. suck.
The moral of this story is me and lily were stuck in small confines together for approximately 4.5 hours on our medical center excursion. That's a lot of Lily time.

A notable Lily conversation:

Me (approx. 5:45 p.m. somewhere on a Houston Freeway): Man, Lily, you TALK a loooooooot.

Lily: I knoooooooooow. I.can't.help.it. (said all whiny but sharp) My mouth.........(pause).......it's always open! It.won't.stop.talking!

::::

Later on that same drive, while passing through downtown I spy a questionable looking person/woman wheeling her little doggie in a doggie pram.

Me: Oh, Lily, look at the lady with the doggy in the buggy!

Lily: That's not a lady. He doesn't have eyelashes. Only girls have eyelashes.

???????????????????????????????????????????????????

Here's my Steph with baby Maris (who is 4 days older than Noodle! so cool!)

HAPPY DAY HAPPY DAY CLICK HERE

2009-04-27T08:42:00.000-07:00

one of my favorite photography websites picked my picture as a picture of the day that represents hope. click below! (oh, when you click, scroll down until you see Saraluna14 - that's me!)

LOOK AT ME ROCK ;-)))))

For each of you

2009-04-24T17:17:00.000-07:00

Two of my faithful readers have had some downright awful events happen in their lives over the last month/week. You know who you are. I am thinking of you.

All of you reading can take away something from this beautiful piece of writing I found. It made my heart swell. Perhaps you can share it with someone else who could use it as well. It is from a blog in Hong Kong, so some of the grammar might be topsy turvy ;-)

Here is a nice sharing from my friend Jinyuan. Please read it and hope it helps you when you meet something frustrating. It does help me.

Have you ever observed
the behaviour of birds
in the face of adversity?
For days and days they make their nests,
sometimes gathering materials brought from far away
And when they have completed the nest
and are ready to lay eggs,
the weather, or the work of humans, or some animal,
destroys it,
and it falls to the ground,
all that they have done with so much effort
Do they stop, bewildered,
and leave the work?
No way.
They start over
building the nest
again and again
until they have eggs in the nest again.
Sometimes,and very often before the chicks are are hatched,
an animal, a child, or a storm
destroys the nest once again,
but this time
with its valuable contents.
It hurts to go back to begin again…
Even so, the birds do not ever stop,
they continue to sing and build,
and keep singing and building…..
Do you sometimes get the feeling that your life, your work, your family
is not what you had dreamed?
Do you sometimes want to say
“enough”,
the effort is not worthwhile.
It is all too much for me!
Are you tired of it all?
Do you feel that the daily struggle is a waste of time,
your trust has been betrayed,
your goals not reached just as you were about to get them?
Life strikes you down sometimes, but do you go on,
say a prayer,
put your faith in hope, not darkness?
Do not worry if you get injured in the battle,
that is to be expected.
Gather yourself together and rebuild your life,
so that it runs well again.
No matter what happens…
Do not shrink back, but move forward.
Life is a constant challenge,
but it is worthwhile to mostly accept it.
And never stop singing.

A Few of My Favorite Things...more

2009-04-24T11:31:00.000-07:00

Well, these:

Her:

and Her:

and Texas in the Springtime. So pleasant!

Did you know...

2009-04-23T07:54:00.000-07:00

that Anthropologie has a Garden Store? Sigh.

Thank you Stacy, Letha and Farrell for roll calling ;-)

Small Magazine

2009-04-19T14:37:00.000-07:00

This is a wonderful online children's magazine. Even if you don't have kids...it's just eye candy.
Small Magazine

and the best news is that they just started a blog. FABU!

Smaller (the blog)

Saint Cupcake

2009-04-17T22:59:00.000-07:00

Another of my favorite things: www.saintcupcake.com For $21 smackeroos, you too can have 3 cupcakes, 3 frostings, and 3 sprinkles sent to your door from swanky, cool, hip Portland, OR. Lily about peed her pants when I told her we needed to go to the mailbox to get our cupcakes. She was never more well behaved than after she got an entire package of cupcakes in the mail.
It was very fun. Do this for yourself, or a loved one!

Oh So Perfectly Said

2009-04-17T08:29:00.001-07:00

(I have absolutely no idea who to attribute this to. I found it on a blog, who found it on a blog, who found it on a blog, etc.)

These are a few of my favorite things...

2009-04-15T10:03:00.001-07:00

First up:

DO YOU HAVE COLD FEET? Seriously. Are your feet always cold in your house? Mine are.

Number one thing I am loving right now (tied for first place with the post below about Apartment Therapy!)

These.

They're actually a nice tan/latte color, not gray as it says. I wear these constantly at my house. The cool thing about wool is that it breathes and adjusts to the temperature naturally. My feet are never too hot - just perfect. I even sleep with these puppies on. I adore them. They are worth the money. Handmade. They make me happy.

And these are Lily's version. We call them our rainbow slippers.

Apartment Therapy

2009-04-13T12:33:00.001-07:00

So. How have I decluttered and reorganized my home you ask? Well, some of you have asked. I stumbled upon an amazing, life-changing book/activity/project called Apartment Therapy: The 8 Step Home Cure (buy the book or download it to your kindle!)

This is the website that has also helped change my home (started by the author.) This is the section on the website that will give you tons of ideas and inspiration and help along the way with The Cure.

It is the first organization book that has ever made sense to me. It has heart and soul and you don't need to buy anything or be rich or have a beautiful house. It's all about putting the heart back into your home. It is a lovely, doable, manageable progression from week to week. It might have saved my marriage (and I am not kidding.)

We are actually stuck on week 2 still, but the hub and I are loving it. This book is for you if:

1. You hate your house

2. You love your house

3. You need a small change

4. You need a big change

5. You don't know what change, if any, you need

6. You want to redo your whole house

7. You only want to redo one room

8. You have great personal style

9. You have zero style

10. You are soooo organized!

11. You are a recovering slobaholic (like me)

12. Your house is perfect

13. Your house is a disaster

Catch my drift? EVERY.SINGLE.ONE.OF.YOU. can have a life changing moment with this book. I cannot recommend it enough.

That is my home reorganization secret. If I can do it? You can do it. Even if you think your house is perfect - read this book. It can be more perfect. I promise.

For My Local Readers

2009-04-09T08:02:00.000-07:00

The Harvest Waldorf School
Visitor Morning Wednesday, April 22, 2009 9am - 11am

Ever think about when and where your child's sense of wonder began to diminish? Wish there were a way to educate children that protected their childhood while awakening their intellect?Looking for a truly unique way to educate your child that achieves the same rigorous academic goals? Searching for a learning environment that nurtures and supports your child's innate capacities?

Ever heard of Waldorf Education? The Harvest is a developing Waldorf school that believes in educating children from the inside out by providing the optimal environment for them to flourish developmentally. It takes a special place and a special teacher to nurture childrens' bodies, minds, and souls and we believe The Harvest is that place.

Please join us for our special Visitor Morning to learn more about the Waldorf philosophy, chat with our extraordinary teachers, learn about our Pre-K through 7th grade programs, and view our beautiful campus.
Please visit our web site at http://www.woodlandswaldorf. org/ to learn more about us.
Please RSVP by calling Tori at 832.381.4665 or emailing prophetmother@gmail.com.
The Harvest is located at 5125 Shadowbend Place (shares a building with Congregation Beth Shalom) in The Woodlands, between Lake Woodlands Drive and Gosling Road, near David Elementary.
Blessings,Tori Prophet-Schlough
Enrollment CoordinatorThe Harvest School

***Visitor Morning Wednesday 4/22 9am-11am!!!***
www.whywaldorfworks.org www.woodlandswaldorf.org
school 281-298-8632
cell 832-381-4665

Confession: I drive too fast.

2009-04-07T07:07:00.000-07:00

I've always said that 55 is my default speed no matter where I am. I know, it's awful. I can't help it. I mean, I totally pay attention in school zones (and drive the speed limit) and also if there are obvious kids on the street, etc. However, on familiar roads, deserted roads, 4 lane roads in retail areas...I drive too fast.

Well, on March 27, 2009 the universe caught up with me in a BIG BIG way.

I got not one, but TWO tickets in TWO different parts of town on the SAME FREAKIN' DAY.

How many people do you know who have had THAT happen to them. Well, now you know one.

Instead of Writing My Own Posts...

2009-04-03T09:12:00.001-07:00

I'll just let Sundry do it. Ditto everything she says in this post, but I'm not as eloquent, witty, hilarious, or creative. And she has the best commenters in the LAND. They are almost as funny as she is. Read those, too!

Spinning Plates Syndrome

2009-03-31T21:28:00.000-07:00

I always equate life to that trick where you try to keep all the plates spinning at the same time...and you know...it never quite works out for the spinner. Something drops. Something breaks. That is so me. I try and try and try...run to that plate...run to this plate...eventually I let them drop.

On that happy note ;-), let's review my 2009 Wishes so you get a goooooooooooood feeling for where I'm at and which plates have long since crashed.

1. Relax. R.E.L.A.X. (not my body - my mind.)
I'd give myself a C. I'm busy by choice and can't really relax with ease, but don't feel stressed which is good.
2. Organize my life just a wee bit more
B- (I'm doing sooooo good but have a ways to go before I get an A+)
3. Reduce, reuse, recycle! I can't believe our city doesn't offer curbside recycling. Travesty.
B- (The bins are in garage are slowly starting to fill up. Could have started earlier than we did. Totally buying second hand everything. Had garage sale, sold stuff on Craigslist.)
4. Be nicer to my dogs
D (There is just no time to give them!)
5. Meal plan on Sunday for the entire week
D- (Did this for a while, then got out of sync. Will recommit this weekend!)
6. Eat out less
A+ Yep. yep. yep.
7. Restructure my bidness
A+ Done.
8. Be firmer with the grandparents about my expectations for the kidlets. (Remember we see them a lot more than most peeps see their grandparents.)
B+ Yes, and no. It's a fine line to walk.
9. Get more exercise
F (I have the whole year, right?)
10. Spend less money
C (Well, I've picked up a few new artsy craftsy habits...)
11. Learn to sew (in progress!)
D+ (Remember that thingy majig I made? That was it. The end. I have hope to do more, but it might not be my thing.)
12. Craft more, make things (I used to love scrapbooking...then business got in the way)
C (Well, this is totally overtaking my life in a new inspirational way, but I'm more about gathering supplies than actually making anything so far. I have BIG plans though!)
13. Take pictures just for fun!
B- Was doing so good, then started back at photog work and it goes right out the window.
14. Take a self-portrait every day. Yikers, this will be hard.
F. Did this for like 2 weeks, and then I got bored. Done. Over.
15. De-clutter my life (this means YOU house)
A+++++++ Yes, there is a post coming soon all about this. I rule.
16. Make a garden
Incomplete: Coming soon, I hope!
17. LOTS LESS STARBUCKS (in progress!)
A+ Oh, hells yes.
18. No yelling at the Bean when she frustrates me to no end.
C (I have my slip ups, but for the most part I am holding it together and always trying to do better.)
19. Send out birthday greetings and prezzies ON TIME
F. Man I suck at this.

Okay. I'll be back again with more things I've been doing. Hugs!

Ooooh, I'm a horrible blogger

2009-03-31T12:49:00.002-07:00

Coming soon with posts...have so much to say. As soon as I have a moment I will be back! I miss blogging terribly.

Hello!

2009-03-24T07:22:00.000-07:00

Popping in to say hello!
I found an Etsy shop through SouleMama that I opened up and couldn't believe the goodness and prices. I loved everything and it was all so affordable - though I didn't buy anything (yay for me!) Check it out: Bayan Hippo

Also, I had 4 shoots, 4 days in a row last week...whew! Busy busy ;-) Feeling better today.

Hope you're all well! I'll be back soon with more!

one day

2009-03-20T12:49:00.000-07:00

i will be organized
i will live on a budget
i will keep my house clean
i won't worry so much
i will live in the moment
i will appreciate
i will laugh more
i will relax more
i will love and be loved
i will be happy

until then, i'm trying very hard.

posts may be infrequent for the time being, but i'm still here. keep checking in on me.
xoxoxoxoxoxxoxoxo

Proud

2009-03-15T19:25:00.000-07:00

Super duper proud of my latest session with Jason and Laura. I'm back in action!

Pictures, anyone?

2009-03-15T18:54:00.001-07:00

http://kellyraeroberts.blogspot.com/2008/09/thoughts-on-having-your-portrait-taken.html

seven skirts rule

2009-03-13T18:24:00.000-07:00

This one's for you, my mom friends.
And don't forget about Penny down there below this post. Help me find her a home!
The Seven Skirts Rule

A Shiny Penny

2009-03-10T18:58:00.000-07:00

Due to a whole lotta circumstances, I need to find a home for our lovely Penny Moon. She is a wonderful dog. Please consider her for your own, or please please pass on the word to anyone who might want to adopt her. She is fully house trained (never had an accident!), she is so lovable, she loves to cuddle, she is GORGEOUS and is awesome with kids.

Please pass this on...

Because...

2009-03-10T14:08:00.000-07:00

my husband won't read the stuff i send him that makes me so happy - here's a GREAT read for you. My Sundry. I love her. I laughed so so so so hard at the picture of Dylan in the "big sister" shirt.
Also, her writing and anecdotes are what I would be saying if I was a writer. I am of the same mind as her on SO MUCH!
Totally different than Sheye, who I posted about below, but also so real and so me. Sundry is the devil on my shoulder and Sheye is the angel. I love both frames of mind!

monday, monday.

2009-03-09T14:27:00.000-07:00

Hello Lovelies. (Been trying to post this all day yesterday to no avail. Internet was timing out on me.)
What a weekend. All.4.of.us.moons.have.the.barf.virus.
Can I come live with you and leave it all behind for a moment?
Please read Sheye's loveliest of all lovely posts today. Would that I could write like her, take photographs like her, appreciate like her. She is...something else.
Two bits of happy. Here is a pic of Natalie on her birthday last week:

And here is a super home made lamp that I wanna make one day...isn't it cute? (lamp on right)

The Best Birthday Ever

2009-03-05T12:21:00.000-08:00

Her. She. Noodle, Doodle, Natta, Nat, Nat-Nat, Little Love, Angel.

She is easylikesundaymorning.
She is smiles and cuddles and kisses and waves.
She is a complete joy.
She is beautiful.
I am so thankful for her.
Happy First Birthday Natalie Noodle.

Two

2009-03-04T00:13:00.000-08:00

Isn't this delicious?

Isn't this funny? (Lily drew a person...I love it!)

When

2009-03-03T07:18:00.001-08:00

I start buying needless things again, this will be at the top of my list.

Livin' la vida loca!

2009-02-27T10:15:00.000-08:00

Hey Y'all,

So, baby Natalie is walking now! I can't believe it. Just wow. Her first birthday is next Thursday. Here's a confession for ya: I would love four (4) more Natalies. Ha!

Lily got tubes in her ears yesterday morning...she did great and doc said it was so important we did it. Her ears were clogged with....wait for it....

MUCOID. Yum. Like glue. In her ears. No wonder she said what?? all the damn time. Poor thing.

Natalie has been sick for going on a full week. Nasty nasty cold that just won't quit and to top it off she has barfed all over me, twice in the last 24 hours. Yummy curdled milk chunks.

Are you still with me? Sorry for the grossology.

Confession 2: I've broken my no spending manifesto. Here's what I've bought, with our GARAGE SALE dinero. Remember I told you about the garage sale? It was fairly successful! Between that and my craigslist listings, I've raked in about $400+ this week! So, here's my purchases:
1. Two new bras, professionally fitted, snug, supportive and ohmygod I feel like a new woman. I've been living in nursing bras for too long now ;-) And I told y'all I've lost weight recently...right? Down 13 pounds now. Yay! So my *girls* needed proper restraint.
2. Art supplies. I've signed up for an online class that teaches you all about art journalling.
3. itunes music: A Fine Frenzy, Amy Seely, and Meiko.
4. Magazine: Artful Blogging
I think that's all I've bought besides the necessesities. Not too terrible. Right? Riiiiight?

I made one other resolution that I didn't put in my list, but it is definitely something I'm sticking to. Clothes. Clothes and I don't get along. I don't know what to buy to fit my body type. I buy things straight off the rack without trying them on, I buy cheap crap from the usual suspects (Old Navy, Target, Wal-Mart (!!!!)) and expect to look like Heidi Klum. So my resolution is that I would not buy anything else until I find out what works for me. So before our major economic emergency, I had found this website. I bought her personalized look book for $38. I got it last week and it's cute and helpful. I really like it and will begin to rebuild my wardrobe one piece at a time. Starting with the aforementioned under garments. You should try a look book if you have a few extra bucks.

Whew. This is longer than I thought it would be. More soon from mi vida loca.

Analyze This.

2009-02-23T06:01:00.001-08:00

So last night I had a super cool dream. I, Sara Moon, was a humpback whale. I was swimming all alone until I saw another humpback whale a good distance away. I chased it down and to get its attention I would blow air out my spout. I can vividly remember trying to suck in enough air to make the burst of air and water go high enough and have enough...ooomph...to get the other whale's attention. I did this over and over. I (me as whale) was swimming super fast and next to me, trying to keep up in the water, were two of my dogs (Abby and Luna).
That's kind of all I remember.
I haven't remembered a dream in a long, long time and then to remember one in which I was a whale and remember it so vividly. Kinda cool. Had to share!

uh huh. this is good. (farrell!)

2009-02-20T10:11:00.000-08:00

Come On, Come Out

Confession:

2009-02-20T07:01:00.000-08:00

I never should have moved back from Portland, OR.
It just might be the coolest place in the universe (that I NEVER and I do mean never fit into.)
But it's got mad coolness going on.
Another grrrrrrrrrrrreat decision in life.

Oh Clarissa

2009-02-19T07:52:00.000-08:00

You'll love this decorating quiz.

By the way, I am French Eclectic. Hmmpf. Who knew?

Absent (and a giveaway)

2009-02-18T12:02:00.000-08:00

Ooooh, I feel like I have been absent from both of my blogs lately. I guess I am so busy away from the computer that it has just passed me by. Here is what I have been up to: (I love listing things out. Makes me feel I don't have to be a good writer - which I'm so not.)
1. Mending proverbial fences.
2. The biggest time sucker in my life right now is decluttering my home! I have just about finished the whole house, and I do mean whole house. Closets, drawers, attics, garages, shelves. You name it, I've been through it. I'm having a GARAGE SALE this Saturday morning to get rid of everything I don't LOVE or USE. Mike even got in on the action and I am getting him to go through his boxes from college.
3. Organizing my days. I'm trying to find a rythym for my daily life. When should I clean, do laundry, play with Lily, feed the dogs, etc. Sounds so ridiculous, I know. Like, shouldn't I have this down by now? I'm 35 years old. But I don't. I'm very fly by the seat of my pants and it's taken its toll.
4. Various projects. I joined the Unravelling class (which is AWESOME! join the next session - do it!!) I am still working on the mini-journal class. I hated my last tag...it was so bad that I cannot show it. I'm so very rusty on scrappin. I am one week behind and hope to produce something showable for the question "If I could do it all again, would I change anything?" Jen Hunter and I have a little photo collaboration we're working on here. So, I'm a busy bee. I wish sometimes I could just relax.

Last, if you have gotten this far with my rambling, I have a silly, teeny, tiny giveaway. I have two things I don't use or want. Both brand new. They are free to a good home. Just be the first to leave a comment and I'll send them your way!

Thing the first: The non-planner datebook
Thing the second: Wheels Go Round Kindermusik cd

public

2009-02-16T09:15:00.001-08:00

i've made the blog public once again. i joined the class i mentioned to you all (unravelling) and hope to be able to share with you all what i'm doing there and have the other members of the class come here to see more about who i am.

i've been unable to access the internet since friday and i am wigging out. hallelujah it's back.

happy monday everyone.

Dooce

2009-02-12T08:50:00.000-08:00

Many of you read Dooce, and if you don't, you must start now.

I popped over today and saw the latest picture of Chuck and it has officially made my day.

to ponder

2009-02-11T12:10:00.000-08:00

thanks for introducing me to this blog, jen.

Confession:

2009-02-11T07:03:00.000-08:00

i don't want to work (in order to make money) ever again.

(this is just a confession, not reality)

Here's what I want to do now...

2009-02-10T12:14:00.000-08:00

I love the idea of rearranging my current decorations to create a whole new look for our house.

Stephanie M: Can you ask Priscilla if there is a name for this (what she does?) and if she knows anyone in Houston to refer me to?

Also, if any of you other blog readers can recommend how I might get started doing this or good design sites/mags/local people I would be so appreciative!

I have ZERO eye for style and ZERO budget, but high hopes!

Crafty How-Tos

2009-02-10T07:45:00.001-08:00

Man do i love etsy. i want to marry etsy.

here is a great article with tons and tons and tons of links to crafting tutorials.

Good Taste

2009-02-09T16:41:00.000-08:00

Here is a link to lots of free printables for Valentine's Day approved by a chick with good taste. So go get 'em.

Blank

2009-02-09T10:47:00.000-08:00

Ooooh. I just am blank on what to talk about lately.

Suggestions?

I'm out of ideas at the moment...

Handmade Toy Alliance: Let's Be Active!

2009-02-06T07:46:00.000-08:00

Got this email from the Handmade Toy Alliance today:

Thank you for your continued support to Save Small Business from the CPSIA. It has been an active week. A stay of enforcement was issued by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) on Friday, January 30th. Although it has stayed enforcement of many provisions of the law, the CPSC has made it clear that they lack authority to fully correct the CPSIA. Urge Congress to provide the CPSC with guidance that will protect toymakers, thrift resellers, publishers, and clothing manufacturers from the unintended consequences of the CPSIA. A technical amendment, the CPSIA Regulatory Relief Bill, will be introduced on the Senate floor soon. It is important that we gain Senate support for this necessary legislation.

!!Here's what you can do:
1. Call your Senator (switchboard: 202-224-3121).
2. Identify yourself as a constituent and ask to speak with the Senator or the staff assistant who follows Commerce issues.
3. Ask him/her to co-sponsor the CPSIA Regulatory Relief Legislation, and tell them if they have questions about the legislation they can contact Tom Jones in Senator DeMint’s DC office at 202-224-6121. Tom’s email address is tom_jones@commerce.senate.gov
4. Ask them to vote for the CPSIA Regulatory Relief legislation when it comes to the Senate floor, possibly as an amendment to the stimulus package as has been rumored.
5. Get five friends to do steps 1-4.
We need to show strong support of this amendment in order to get the Senate to pass it. To read the specifics of the amendment, go to:
http://demint.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=JimsJournal.Detail&Blog_ID=295d58b2-b6fe-c446-1432-24b6199424ed

We have also made strides in our intiative at change.org. We are in the final stages of teaming with a non profit agency and going forward with our national campaign to save small businesses.

!!DEFINITELY DO THIS:
There is a new petition that you can sign and send a letter to Congress. To see the petition, go to: http://www.change.org/ideas/4203/view_action/tell_congress_to_save_small_business. Our blog posts have also begun. View these at: http://www.change.org/ideas/view/save_handmade_toys_from_the_cpsia .Thank you again for your support. Our grassroots campaign would never have gotten as far as it has without the support of people like you.
www.handmadetoyalliance.org

For Lily (inspired by Ava)

2009-02-05T10:50:00.000-08:00

So, two years ago today, we (members of an online photography forum started by Jinky) learned that the beloved daughter of one of our forum members, Sheye Rosemeyer, died tragically. It was stunning, shocking, unbelievable, heartbreaking, inconceivable, and frightening. And oh so much more.

I can honestly say, honestly, that never a day goes by that I don't think of Sheye and her Ava. It was just one of those events that burned itself deeply into my core. Lily is at the exact age (and I do mean exact) that Ava was two years ago today.

How could I...what would I...but she...

Many times what brings me back to my senses in regard to parenting is this experience, this memory, this family, this mom.

And here is my 50 Things list (specfically about Lily) inspired by Sheye and honoring Ava.

50 Things I Love About Lily
On February 5th 2009
(in honor of Sheye and Ava Rosemeyer)

1. you are never, and i mean never boring.
2. your hair is golden and shiny and totally reminds me of goldilocks.
3. you wake up talking. seriously.
4. you are not a girly girl.
5. you love to dance
6. you love to sing and can carry a tune like nobody’s business
7. your imagination is blossoming and running wild. go go go!!
8. you adore being outside – just about all the world’s problems can be solved if we just go outside.
9. you love to be with other kids and are not shy to just jump right in and play
10. you have a great sense of humor, like your dad (and unlike me – yay!)
11. you have the most beautiful eyes – green, deep, big, great lashes.
12. okay, okay, I think you are gorgeous
13. but what is more important than being gorgeous is that you are way.freaking.smart.
14. your vocabulary and way of speaking is remarkable
15. you hold onto our bedtime ritual like nobody’s business
16. you tell me you love me out of the clear blue (and I think you know what love means)
17. you respect my photography passion (you don’t bother my camera, or my work, and realize it is part of who mommy is)
18. you never ask for our adult drinks, you understand they are not for you
19. you eat all sorts of veggies and fruits and will always try new things
20. you seem to love all the grandparents equally ;-) happy to go with them, never clingy to us
21. really, truly, you never ever try to be naughty. You are almost a goody two shoes, very honest and don’t go looking for trouble.
22. you love school (all of them – ha!)
23. you are a great sleeper
24. you use your hands when you talk (v.cute)
25. you are sooooooooooooooooooooo dramatic
26. you seem to “get” it. I can explain things to you.
27. you love your gigi. It is quite the special relationship.
28. the way you twirl (?) your fingers around gigi’s neck as a subconscious comfort technique.
29. your laugh…especially when tickled under your chin
30. seeing you in a favorite outfit
31. you don’t beg for stuff at any stores we go to
32. you love to play in “forts”
33. you’re not really bothered by the attention that Natalie gets
34. you love to get in natalie’s crib and hop around with her
35. you put on performances for us (snow queen!) and loooove to be announced “Presenting, Miss Lily Moon!”
36. you let Daddy tease you and toss you around without wimping out
37. your cute little body. It’s beautiful and perfect.
38. your chin. It’s cute and kinda pointy and squeezable.
39. you like to snuggle and get kisses and hugs
40. you remember everything. And bring it up at the weirdest times.
41. you love each and every stuffed animal you own and want to name them all susan. They are your best friends and you play with them, sleep with them, and talk to them. But gigi is still number one.
42. you can pretend so well!!! And don’t mind when I tell to you “just pretend”. Some kids hate to pretend.
43. you have a very strong attachment to me and I can feel it
44. you love to watch yourself on videos
45. you don’t mind talking on the phone. I hated it as a kid (and still do!)
46. you take no for an answer most all of the time
47. you have opinions and voice them
48. you don’t mind taking medicine, or going to the doctor
49. i love your name
50.you like to hold hands

while in the drivers seat directly in front of her, i put my camera up over my head and blindly took this (because she asked me to). i wasn't even looking at her or knowing what i was shooting exactly, but she smiled like a pro into a big black lens inches from her face and it came out perfect. she's perfect. (on our way to dance class.)

I heart Shabby Chic

2009-02-04T11:31:00.000-08:00

I adore all things Shabby Chic, even though I didn't realize it was a brand so much as a look.
I read this whole article and it is so full of grace and humility. Makes me sad for Rachel Ashwell, but I think she will end up being just fine.
Carry on, Shabby Chic, carry on.

A Christening

2009-02-04T10:35:00.000-08:00

Raise your hand right now if you have never had to take apart a car seat that has been completely covered in puke.

Now I will take my hand, raise it in the air and give you the bird, because:

ohmygodihatewhenthekidspukeallovertheircarseats.itrobsmeofmyjoy.

Natalie christened her brand new carseat yesterday.

Suck.

Valentine Projects (& stuff)

2009-02-03T11:53:00.001-08:00

Some of you, like me, have mentioned that you're getting kinda crafty lately. Last week I had a link up above in my Internet Finds to a crafty blog called How About Orange. I love that blog b/c it has so many links to projects and ideas. There is a post up today with all sorts of Valentine projects. Some look easy (yay easy!) And Steph, she has a new link up for fabrics. I know you are into fabrics!

Some Sara Moon Photography news: I have updated ALL the pictures on my business website and the headers on my blog (there are 11 that scroll through). I am so proud of them all. Go take a peek to give me some internet traffic and let me know your thoughts. The album company I use sent out an email blast and used one of my albums in the announcement. I was proud! Here it is: (those cherubs are the twins of one of our Noodle and Bean readers - Hi Jennifer!)

Last, Clarissa, saw this on Decor8 and it reminded me of you immediately.

xoxoxo

Honoring Ava

2009-02-01T11:23:00.000-08:00

This week will mark the two years since Ava flew up to heaven on all of the pink balloons people around the world released for her.
I will post again this week about just what her story has meant to me.
For now, read this from her amazing mother. If you are willing, make your own list for your own child(ren).
I will do one and share it here.

$72 project that might change your life

2009-01-30T09:17:00.000-08:00

I will be trying to scrounge up $72 before Feb 16th to do this. If you have a camera and would like to focus on yourself for some much needed introspection, I think you will agree this looks miiiiighty interesting and amazing. Let me know if you decide to do it and I'll let you know if I do.

Friday - We made it!

2009-01-29T09:18:00.000-08:00

(ETA: This is the post I posted yesterday like a damn fool.)

Well, it's Friday. Sooooo looking forward to the weekend. Both of my girlies have been sick - Lily since last Friday (and she had to stay.home.from.school.boo.) and now Natalie. Baby Natalie Noodle has the most hideous cough. It's heartbreaking. Mike and I took her to the emergency "clinic" last night to make sure she wasn't going to keel over with pneumonia. It was that bad. Nope, she was fine. Makes you feel like such a boob when there's nothing *really* wrong. You can never be too careful, though, right? Ask me about how a few weeks ago we took her to the real live emergency room when her temperature was 96 degrees. Yeah, we looked like bigger boobs then.
It's my favorite day of the year tomorrow - Jan. 31. MY BIRTHDAY! Yahoo!!! I just love birthdays. I really do feel like this date was made especially for me. When I hear "Jan. 31st" on commercials I get all tingly. That's MY DAY they're talking about ;-) Mike and I are handing over Noodle and Bean as early as possible tomorrow and will spend the day possibly in silence, lying down, relishing the peace and quiet and maybe even taking a nap. Ahhhhhh....then we'll go to Pappasitos (using gift cards...thanks to SM!!!). Because have I mentioned we're very poor? It's good for us to be this strapped for cash. Teaching me so much...
Then, we have good ol' SuperBowl Sunday. I really love sports, but pretty much can't stand the Super Bowl. It's just so over the top. Plus, could give two flips about the teams in it this year. To Mike, it is a holy day and I have been clearly instructed to make no demands of him. I must admit that last year I had him going to Old Town Spring for some crazy reason the morning of the Bowl and he was none too pleased. He still brings it up.
I would also like to mention that if you think anyone else would be interested in reading this blog, please send me their email and I will add them on. I know people who check in infrequently might be feeling slighted that they were not able to get in and it's not meant to be that way. I'll gladly take more readers (not that I have anyone else who cares, I realize.)
Just for fun, here are some recent pics. You might have seen these on my flickr, but if not...

P.S. Just found an amazing singer/songwriter named Ane Brun. Farrell...get on this! She's on itunes and has her own website. Listen to this.

The Goddess to Whom I Pray

2009-01-28T19:04:00.000-08:00

Would you, could you get a LOAD of this.

2009 Wishes (Update)

2009-01-28T09:55:00.000-08:00

1. Relax. R.E.L.A.X. (not my body - my mind.)
Not just yet...needs improvement
2. Organize my life just a wee bit more
Plans are in the works. I'm loving that Aussie guy Peter Walsh's strategies for organization. A while back I bought (used!) his book "It's All Too Much" and Mike and I are beginning the purge slowly, but surely.
3. Reduce, reuse, recycle! I can't believe our city doesn't offer curbside recycling. Travesty.
Mike is going to take our recycling to a place right by his school. I just need to find a sanitary way to organize the paper/plastic/glass b/c I can't buy any bins! I'd also like to compost. Any tips?
4. Be nicer to my dogs
Doing this.
5. Meal plan on Sunday for the entire week
Oh my goodness, yes, doing this and it really helps. Finally!
6. Eat out less
Uh, yes. How about never (unless my parents take us).
7. Restructure my bidness
Yes! Just worked out a plan yesterday and am getting feedback for it today on my forum. No idea if people want to pay for photography with the economy, but we'll see.
8. Be firmer with the grandparents about my expectations for the kidlets. (Remember we see them a lot more than most peeps see their grandparents.)
Yes and whining has begun (on their part). My mom thinks I'm nuts. She thinks I'm making a mistake limiting spending the night and overall reducing the amount of time Lily is away. Great.
9. Get more exercise
big, fat F on this one so far.
10. Spend less money
When there is none to spend this takes care of itself ;-)
11. Learn to sew (in progress!)
Am learning that sewing takes precision...something I am not, nor have I ever been good at. But I still like it and look forward to what I can make one day!
12. Craft more, make things (I used to love scrapbooking...then business got in the way)
Doing the journal thing, making waldorfy things with Lily - yes!
13. Take pictures just for fun!
Good heavens I've been a photographing fool lately. Am love love loving flickr. I finally see what all the fuss is about on there! Addicted.
14. Take a self-portrait every day. Yikers, this will be hard.
Bailed out on this and told you why in yesterday's post. Will do one a week.
15. De-clutter my life (this means YOU house)
See number 2
16. Make a garden
Gotta wait on this one. Tips Farrell and Stephanie??
17. LOTS LESS STARBUCKS (in progress!)
Totally. I still go, rarely, but am just using up gift cards.
18. No yelling at the Bean when she frustrates me to no end
This will be an ongoing work in progress as she is one tough cookie, but I am consciously trying to keep my cool. I only really lose it when she's mean to Natalie.
AND FOR THE UMPTEENTH YEAR IN A ROW....
19. Send out birthday greetings and prezzies ON TIME
I don't think I'll ever get this one right.

Prezzies

2009-01-27T17:15:00.000-08:00

Got some prezzies in the mail for my birthday and xmas! Thank you soooooooo much SM!!

A "guitar bird" shirt (that's what Lily called it)

REAL fingerless gloves from etsy! These are gorge and so much better than my 2.99 pair from Randall's that I cut the fingers off of...

I love new stuff. Guess I'll have to get over THAT.

Blather

2009-01-27T08:20:00.000-08:00

Some randomness for you:
1. I've lost 10 pounds of late. Yay! Don't ask me how...it's not healthy.
2. I am becoming so.dang.thrifty. Pretty soon Raegen Takahata won't have nothin' on me! Inside Vancouver, WA joke.
3. We, as a little family, are broke. Whose fault is this? Mine. All mine. I do not know how to save money. It's crunch time now, though. When pushed, I can do anything. See number 2 above.
4. I am going to go on a 3 month buying hiatus. This means I will purchase absolutely nothing, and I do mean nothing, for myself. I need to break some baaaaaaaaad habits.
5. Feeling very good about my New Year's Wishlist. I will update on that soon with progress. I didn't see many of your resolutions in my comments or links to your blogs! I wanna know! I saw Miss Tonya is going to run her ass off, and I am so proud. Girl, YOU can totally do it. You have more stamina than I ever had at running. Will never forget how it was you who literally trained me for my marathon. Mwah!
6. Hubby and I are in a good place right now. Some of the recent drama and money situation has drawn us closer for once, rather than pitted us against each other.
7. I'm totally bailing out on my 365 days of self portraits. Oy vey. I could not keep up, nor am I creative enough to take an interesting photo of myself every day. I'm going to change it to once a week. Much more manageable.
8. Have you all seen Slumdog Millionaire or Benjamin Button? I loved Slumdog (on my all time favorite list) and Benjamin was interesting and sweet, but it didn't change my life. What have YOU seen lately that you would recommend?

Be back later with more stuff.

52 Q Mini-Journal (Q3)

2009-01-26T11:59:00.000-08:00

So I did my third journal entry which was the question: "Do you believe in fairies?".

My tag is so ugly I cannot share.

However, my wording was something to the effect of: "Sadly, no. No fairies for me. I don't believe in ghosts (or angels - gasp!) either. Have never come close to any encounters, therefore, I cannot believe. For the sake of my girlies, I will pretend."

Not such a fun question last week. This week is, "When I look in my eyes I see ____________".

The frame of mind I'm in lately, this outta be interesting.

Addictive Game

2009-01-24T08:32:00.001-08:00

Have fun with THIS! Kids can play, too!

Confession: My Dirty Little Secret

2009-01-23T06:19:00.000-08:00

I have decided to start a new series of posts called "Confession". Boy, do I have a lot of them.
Here's my first one:

More Today, than yesterday

2009-01-21T06:44:00.000-08:00

My morning ritual is: take care of my babies and WATCH TODAY SHOW. The Today Show is like a member of my family. Matt Lauer? Yum. Meredith? Eh. She's grown on me. Ann Curry? She is just about up there with Mother Teresa in my book (soooooo nice! so perfect.) Al Roker? Ugh.

Anyhoo, watched the inauguration yesterday through their eyes and loved every second of it. Today, however, watching all the recaps and discussion I can't get the tears out of my eyes. Hence the title of my post - more moved today, than yesterday even! I am so proud and excited to have Barack Obama as our president.

I loved:

watching the President and First Lady looking so in love and like a team all day long.

their adorable girls seeming so well adjusted and poised.

the people that turned out to watch - all 2 million of them!

the flags all waving (chills!!!)

that Aretha Franklin looked awesome and sang for real, no lip synching.

hearing Tom Brokaw get all choked up talking about the indignities and humiliation African-Americans suffered not so long ago.

seeing tears streaming down the faces of people of all races and ages

seeing the president get his groove on and mean it

listening to Beyonce sing "At Last", doing a bang up job, looking beautiful, and being from H-Town!

seeing G-Dubya get on that helicopter!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So LONG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I will NOT miss you, (but appreciate that you tried to serve our country.)

watching Barack come down the lonely hallway of the capitol about to walk out to the throngs of people - THAT gets me every time.

knowing that our country is so civilized and our constitution and forefathers is/were so BRILLIANT.

Hail to our new Chief!