Try It Tuesday!

Griff needs some shoes. Although I love being barefoot and love seeing his cute feet, his feet are a little cold when we're out and about. I decided to try to make some booties that he could wear in the house with the goal being that I could ultimately purchase some sturdier fabric to make outdoor shoes.

I did some Google-ing and found this pattern for baby booties.

Problem 1: Griff's feet are bigger than the pattern.

Problem 2: He would slip and slide on wood floors and smooth surfaces.

I had to use the pattern more as an idea than an actual pattern. Thus, my first pair of booties was way too small. Bummer.

Jose solved problem 2 with a sort of rubber sticker that had outlined these little rubber feet. You know, the kind you'd put under a little cabinet or shelf.

I added a few little colorful stitches, but didn't want to invest too much time before knowing if the shoes fit. And, Griff was sound asleep by the time I actually finished the shoes.

Here is Griff, sporting his new shoes.

Bonus Try It Tuesday: Loaded Baked Potato Soup

This soup is fast, easy and delicious. Next time, I will use lactose-free milk. But, mmmmm...perfect for fall!

Almost passed me by...

I love patterns. Especially patterns with letters and numbers. Yes, I was excited that Griffin's birthday was 12/03/09 because 12-3=9. That's the kind of dork I am. Therefore, I didn't want to let this day end without recognizing that it is 10/10/10. Ah. Just relish the simplicity of that for a moment. October 10, 2010...10-10-10.

A Few on Friday

1. It's funny how a single day can dramatically change your perspective. Everyone knows being a mom has it's ups and downs. It takes just 24 hours of having a stomach bug and being at home with your son to make everything else seem much easier. While Jose did entirely take over caring for Griff and me once he got home, it was a very long day of trying to contain our crawling and climbing boy. Today I have an abundance of energy, focus and joy for being with Griff. Ah, much better.


2. It's a pumpkin-y day over here. Cool. Cloudy. With leaves turning everywhere. In this month's edition of Cooking Light, there is an article about the many uses of pumpkin. We had two pumpkins from our recent trip to Miller Farms (more on that later). And, Jose loves pumpkin pie. I, however, would prefer just the filling and the a la mode, so CL's pie idea was just right for me. I used a simple pumpkin pie recipe and baked it up in individual ramekins. It's so easy to make pie when you don't need to worry about crust!



3. Books. Griffin plays with his books more than any of his other toys. He holds them, chews on them,  and looks at the pictures. It truly warms my heart and gives me so much hope. I was excited to head out to Barnes and Noble today to get him a few more board books. I am a little sick of reading Moo, Baa, La La La and board books stand up to the chewing. The tricky thing was that they actually don't let you take the books home without paying for them. After spending a good 30 minutes choosing our new books and making our way to checkout, I realized that my wallet was at home. Looks like one more reading of That's Not My Puppy.

Here's what I wanted to buy:
Leaves (This one has such a lovely, artistic feel)
Little Blue Truck (We're really into animal sounds right now)
Curious George and the Firefighters (Just because...)


4. Court and Ryan can always be counted on for fun magazine subscriptions. I just started receiving ReadyMade. Ooh...it inspires me. I was thinking that these paint chip orbs would make an adorable mobile. Okay, Griff already has a mobile, but who says he can't have more than one.


5. Just for Muffy...

TEXAS.

Austin, Texas was our most recent voyage as a family. It was a joy to spend time with my dear friend, Anne, and explore the city. Anne toured us all over Austin. I'm sure she put more miles on her CRV this week than is typical. We certainly appreciated it, though!

We stayed in a sweet, little cottage that was part of Hyde Park Bed and Breakfast. The house was perfect for us...complete with a deck in the backyard and two bedrooms. And, the breakfast was delicious.

Anne and I haven't gotten to spend time together since Rosemary Beach, so it was wonderful to chat and experience Austin through her eyes. Do notice her vibrant hair!

While Griff is quite an experienced traveler, the occasional meltdown is to be expected.

We walked through Laguna Gloria. Jose thought he'd found the perfect spot for a wedding, so we reenacted ours. Jose and Anne were coerced into posing for some senior photos.

Most importantly, Jose found the candy that he's been longing for since Becca and Adam's wedding. Phew!

Contentment

I was sitting at the kitchen table with Griffin. The cool breeze was blowing through the open windows. Glee and Pomplamoose were playing in the background. Griff was smiling and chowing down. I was overwhelmed by the feeling that I am quite content right now.

After visiting Mo's class at school and teaching a fun, creative lesson, I thought that I might be missing the classroom. But, looking at Griff wearing his cute fall onesie, reaffirmed that I am just where I want and need to be.

   

Birthday Bag

Part of Courtney's birthday gift was a bag I made myself. Yea!! I had an old skirt with a pattern that I loved, but the fit...not so much.

I turned it upside down, sewed on a bottom, a liner (complete with pocket) and some straps. And, voila!A bag that's perfect as...a toy bag for a road trip...
a farmers' market tote...
or even a beach bag! I loved it so much that I almost wanted to keep it for myself. Aren't those polka dots delightful?! But, I am certain that I can find some other fun skirts that are in need of a second chance at being purposeful.

It's Not Mutual

Griff loves his truck. He plays with it every day.
There is one thing that would cause him to abandon it so carelessly.
He begins his trek across the rug to capture his prey.
Almost there...
Success...Ike's just within his grasp!
Never mind. He actually does NOT want to be caught. Sorry, Gigs.