Time To Man Up!

I had a lovely, low key birthday yesterday.  I spent it with my best friend and the four little people we've created together.  I got to see my parents, my big bro, a favorite sis-in-law, a great movie.  I got to talk to my other two siblings - one was the first of the day, the other the last.  I got to eat yummy food that I did not cook.  I got to catch up on some favorite TV shows.  I received well wishes and little gifts from friends.  All in all, turning younger than 40, but older than 35 turned out to be pretty great.

Today I am home with the same four little people.  We will be together every day this week as the school district has closed down to prepare for the additional ten to twenty inches of snow we are expecting today and tomorrow. Just in case you aren't keeping track {and why would you be?} we will have gotten upwards of 50 inches of snow in one week.  That is a heckofalot of snow.  And my back is feeling it.  I am currently trying to man up and get out on to our back deck to shovel the snow there so the deck doesn't collapse with additional snow today and tomorrow. 

Speaking of manning up, it was brought to my attention yesterday that my blog is erring on the side of too 'girly'.  Here's a conversation I had with my talented but snarky older brother {pictured by me above}:

Me:  I'm thrilled that your photoblog is doing so well and people are showering you with praise!  You deserve it.  And I want you to know I check it every day.
Him:  Thanks. Kinda crazy, right?
Me:  So, do you ever read my blog?
Him:  I read it every time you put up a new post.
Me:  Oh, I guess I just figured you didn't read it because you never comment unless you're feeling really sarcastic and want to tease me.
Him:  That's because your blog is too girly.
Me:  Wha?
Him:  How am I supposed to comment when you always write about girly stuff?
Me:  You mean like families and emotions?
Him: Yeah, pretty much.

So, ladies . . . AND more importantly gentlemen, if there are any reading, I'd love for you to offer up a manly topic or two that I might expound upon to help my brother out a little.  Let's see what we can come up with. 

For now, I'm off to shovel.  Grunt, grunt.

Handmade Monday . . .

I put the kids and their nimble hands to work on their relaxing Sunday afternoon to do this. Their efforts are doing me a big favor and helping with the twittering set as well. Any guesses what it's for?

The Haunted Part of My House . . .

Welcome to a spooky part of my home I rarely photograph, and certainly never ever when it looks like this {which is approximately 98.3% of the time}. I like to refer to it as "The Hub". Not to be confused with The Hubby, who actually really despises The Hub because it is the first thing he sees when he walks in the door from work and for some reason {hmmm. . . still trying to figure it out} it is not even remotely possible for it to ever be clean, unless I've shoved most of it into a drawer because we have guests coming.

The Hub is command central - you have one in your home too, I'm sure - where the phone and calendar reside along with random pieces of leftover schoolwork and forms, bills to be paid, a gathering of pencils & almost inkless pens cohabiting with dull scissors and maybe a letter opener, coupons from last week's paper and coupons that expired months ago hiding under a letter from a friend you've been meaning to respond to. I could go on and on and you'd be able to find ALL OF IT at The Hub.

If you're wondering about now why I'm rambling about this shameful little mess in my kitchen, get ready, here it comes: I want to know which spot in YOUR house is always the messiest and why. I want you, Dragonfly readers, to take a picture of your spot in its current condition and email it to me. And then we're going to commit to making it better TOGETHER! Maybe I'll even post some of your before and afters with permission. Because really, I hate The Hub. I hate that this little corner continues to make me feel like I don't have control over anything at all when it comes to the cleanliness of my home. And I am ready to fix it.

So say goodbye to 1) the pile of paperwork 2) a calendar I can't use because it's covered with stuff, 3)leftover Halloween costume materials 4)the bowl of pacifiers 5)postcards needing to be mailed 6) the jar of family home evening ideas 7) this dysfunctional, not used file box 8) things that need to go to the baby's room 9)leftovers from our bout with flu and 10) Hannie B's excusal note {what is that still doing here? see why we need to change?}

If your daring enough to participate, just click on my email link to the left and send me your pictures.

Handmade Monday . . .

Today is handmade Monday, which is also known as "Guess what the Dragonfly did this weekend Monday?". Here's a picture clue to help you out.

I'll post an answer by 4:00 EST today. First person to guess correctly (specifics) gets a little fall package in the mail from me . . . so leave a way for me to contact you. Happy Guessing!

Ps. Here's what I DIDN'T do this weekend: I didn't go to church or any other really public place with Ollie and therefore we didn't get the Swine Flu.

Handmade Monday (Part 3)

This darling banner {you know they're all the rage!} was made for Oliver by my talented friend Ronalin. It hung on a beautiful antique mantle at my baby shower, just waiting to come home with me and find a special place in the nursery. She knew the colors and general idea I had for the room and crafted a perfect fit for this old mirror from Germany.
RedDog has been spelling little Ollie's name for quite some time now thanks to this gift. Can anyone guess what we've got going on in this room for two boys? (Hint: I don't really do themes in rooms but there is definitely an undercurrent here . . .)
More room pictures to come tomorrow!

What Would You Do?

If you were told you only had two weeks left to live, what would you do?

Would you fight less and love more?

Would you mend broken relationships?

Would you watch the sun rise and set?

Would you smile and laugh?

Would you tell people how you feel about them?

Would you apologize for things you'd done wrong?

Would you gather your family tightly around you?

Would you pray for understanding?

Would you show gratitude for your talents?

Would you be a better mom, dad, brother, sister, son or daughter?

Would you see beauty in the smallest details of your life?

Would you acknowledge your many blessings and where they come from?

Would you appreciate just being able to breathe in and out?

Would you accept God's will for you and act upon it?

What would you do? And why aren't you doing it right now? Because time is precious and I propose that these are the things we should be doing every single day of our lives. Now I've got to go and do.

Thank you Uncle for helping me realize.

Perks . . .

There are plenty of perks that come along with having a new baby - a free diaper bag full of coupons and formula, two days worth of hospital food {blech}, that nifty water bottle that will end up in a garage sale some day, and stitches in uncomfortable places, just to name a few.

But one perk that is truly a blessing to a new momma is the few days of dinners brought in by friends from church. Our first dinner home from the hospital was a feast provided by my friend Angela and her family. It was delicious and culminated with us gorging ourselves on the above dessert. I think I'll describe it as an individual sized jumble berry pie - and it was oh so fantastic with a heap of vanilla ice cream and a quick spin in the microwave.

So, I think now we should all beg Angela for the recipe . . . don't ya want some?

ps. A little challenge for you DEVOTED readers . . . the Hubby accused me of "smogging" last night. Any of you want to take a guess at what that means? I'll explain tomorrow.

In Three Words . . .

Adoring. This. Beauty.

One of my all time favorite bloggers/most talented people ever, Cathe Holden, issued a challenge to share something you've done today in only three words. I'm all for it, and upping the challenge to say it needs to include a picture and I want to see it done by the following people: Kasey, Audrey, Shar, Christy, Emily, Christin and Tobi. Now get to work . . . you've got a pregnant lady waiting.

{for those who guessed in yesterday's riddle, three of you were spot on - like Goldilocks in the Three Bears, I've spent the past TWO MONTHS rotating between the four locations looking for a comfortable night's rest. Some nights I've even tried three different locales, too no avail. Last night, it was RedDog's bed and eventually the couch. Fun, no?}

A Riddle . . .

You know I love a little challenge and I'm feeling a bit in the mood lately, what with all this waiting around and such, so here's a riddle to get your lazy summer minds a thinkin':

What do these four pictures have in common?

{as usual, my immediate family is disqualified from participating, since they know too much.}

ps. I've started stockpiling future posts to give to you while I enjoy my new baby, so for the next few weeks, aside from pictures of a gorgeous newborn, you'll be getting prewritten randomness from my life. Hope you enjoy!

The Answer . . .

The Hubby and Big C were just making this little boy's birthday wishes come true.

The request : a swing.

The result: a handmade redwood swing attached to the grandest tree in our yard. And let me tell you, the kids are flying high enough to elicit screaming - like the "Holy Cow, this is so awesome that I'm terrified and might pee my pants!" type of screaming. {You can see it on his face in the picture - is he happy or scared? Hard to tell.}

Stay tuned for more birthday festivities when the RedDog turns S-I-X on Friday. Until then, I'll be here, living in a constant state of denial about the fact that my baby is getting big.

Take A Guess . . .

What are the Hubby and Big C doing in this picture taken last Saturday?

Here are a few hints:

It happened in the back yard.
It cost a total of $15.
There has been a lot of screaming since it was finished.

Leave your answer in the comments and check back after 4:00 EST for the answer to this riddle.

Self Portrait . . .

Just in case you're wondering . . . I've officially moved from swallowing a volleyball to swallowing a basketball.

Now I challenge any of you reading this to take a self portrait and put it up on your blog. I want to see my friends and they say you should always give a pregnant lady what she wants.

What are you waiting for?

How To Sucker Your Nephews Into Believing You're The World's Coolest Aunt In Under Twenty-Four Hours . . .

1. Begin the day by feeding them a huge pancake breakfast (with extra butter) followed by unlimited Lego building in the basement.

2. Make a picnic lunch for them under the umbrella on your deck. Be sure it includes greasy (but delicious) chips. Indoctrinate your nephew into finally trying - and loving - ORANGE SODA.

3. Take them to do fun and unusual things, like feeding a cute goose couple and their baby goslings.

4. As you drive by Dunkin' Donuts declare, "Man I think you guys really need a donut!" - just because that's what cool aunts do.

5. Give in to their earnest pleas for the opportunity to finally have a pet by purchasing a fish for them WITHOUT getting permission from their parents.

6. Hook the fish up with a cush pad of its own and then encourage the nephews to keep it a secret when their parents walk in the door from a grueling 100 mile bike race. Enjoy watching as giggling and secret telling ensues.

Congratulations! You are now the coolest Aunt on the planet. Job well done!

Variations On A Theme . . .

Family shot minus the Hubby who's acting as Bishop today while ours is out of town.

Are you one of those moms like me who every once in a while gets a little carried away and dresses the whole family in a theme on Sunday? I want you to fess up in the comments! I try not to do it every Sunday, but sometimes I just can't help myself. When my sis-in-law Audrey dropped by with some fantastic hand-me-downs for RedDog, I knew immediately what we'd be wearing this Sunday. Any guesses on the theme? If not, this hint should help:

(Shoes: SuperTarget. Dress (a non-maternity steal): Gap Outlet.)

It's Friday, I Feel Like Playing . . .

Tag, that is. Kasey, over at Beautiful Mess, tagged me to share with you the sixth picture in my picture files on my computer. It just happens to be a photo of these happy people - my in-laws. Believe it or not, they are actually even nicer and friendlier than this picture suggests. I heart them very, very much.

And it just so happens, that one week from today, I will be in California at their house for an inaugural event - the first ever Lee Family Sister's Reunion. Yep, me, one other sis-in-law and the five Lee girls chillaxing at home in sunny, warm CA with the mom and pops. Eating recklessly (and me for two!). Watching chick flix (Twilight again, anyone?). Getting our piggies painted (which is good, because I can't reach my own anymore.) All this combined with earth shatteringly deep conversation, rowdy laughter, and not a child in sight who needs their bum wiped, nose blown or homework finished.

Just what this prego-emotional momma needs.

Now I tag the following people to go look in your photos on your computer and post picture #6:

Sue @ Um Thanks for Sharing
Christy @ Kansas Sweet Kansas
Audrey @ Mom on the Go
The Kernal @ From Ranger to Leatherneck
Jennie @ Doezieland

Thanks Kasey!

Gooooo Team!

My boy Big C has a history of being on the sports teams with lots of heart but not lots of wins. He has never been upset about not winning. He has always just played his hardest while enjoying the camaraderie of being a team player and the physicality of athletics.

But this winter he has actually been on a basketball team that finished off the season undefeated (10-0) and is now 2-0 in the tournament. His team, The Bullets, will play in the Championship game on Saturday against a seriously stacked team with matching warm ups with their numbers on them! I wish I could tell you that Big C's is a basketball team made up of an amazing group of really talented players. But it's not. It's actually a team with three standout players, a few decent players, some brand-new-to-basketball players and no coordinated warm up outfits.

We're all real proud of Big C, who runs the court with his bright red cheeks, huffing and puffing, stopping every now and then to inhale some of his asthma medicine. He's not a top scorer. He hasn't made a bunch of free throws. But, he is the all time steal leader on his team -- a skill I think he has perfected by being big brother to Hannie B and RedDog.

There is one little boy on the team who was the only player to not score all season. Two weeks ago the coaches put a plan together to get this kid down at the basket all by himself with the ball so he could make his big shot. The team followed the plan. The boy missed the basket. They followed the plan again . . . three more times, before this little boy made a shot that went in. As soon as the ball fell through the net, every member of that team -- players on the court, players on the bench, coaches and parents included, jumped up and down screaming his name with joy and congratulations. I thought the kid might fall over from shock.

In this moment that was all about the "least celebrated" member of the team, I realized Big C is once again on a team with lots of heart. They may have a perfect record, and that could all change on Saturday, but the thing is this: a group of 10 and 11 year old boys and their coaches wanted to give the one little guy who hadn't yet had "a big moment" his moment. And it was wonderful. I love this team.

Tomorrow we'll all be chanting Go Team! Go Bullets! Go Big C! Won't you join in?

No Winner Yet . . . Here's a Big Hint!

I have enjoyed reading all the creative guesses about the collage I posted yesterday as a little quiz. Dangling a card by the Queen actually did bring a few lurkers out to comment - hello to my cousin Vanessa!

At this point, there is no winner. Several of you (you know who you are) were disqualified (you know why). I'm okay with that, since I think you already have a card or two from the Queen.

I've decided to give you until 2:00 EST today to figure it out. And since I'm such a nice blogger, I'm going to give you a big ol' hint.

There are clues to the answer in all of these previous posts:

http://samanthaleelee.blogspot.com/2008/11/new-addition-to-our-family.html

http://samanthaleelee.blogspot.com/2009/01/my-new-baby.html

http://samanthaleelee.blogspot.com/2009/01/for-fifty-two-weeks-give-or-take-few.html

http://samanthaleelee.blogspot.com/2009/01/new-girl-in-town.html

http://samanthaleelee.blogspot.com/2009/02/now-thats-sexy.html

Now, who wants that card? See you at 2:00!

Are You Quick AND Clever?

Dear Readers of this Silly-Little-Blog-About-Nothing,

This is a test. What in the world do the above things have in common? Try not to go for the obvious.

It is time for all you lurkers and non-commenters to venture a guess in the comments section of the blog. Don't be afraid. I'd really love to hear from you.

The first person to guess correctly will win a beautiful handmade card from the much admired Queen for the occasion of their choosing.

Good luck. The winner will be announced tomorrow.

Love,
The Dragonfly

ps. Mom, will you make a card for my winner? Thanks! You rock.