Recovering.

We're slooooowly starting to turn the corner on the funk that has been hovering over the cozy brick house for the last two weeks and we couldn't be more excited. Colds, ear infections, viral infections, rashes... you name it, my poor children have had it. Happily, the weather has cooled, [I'm wearing a cardigan as I type this], the sun is shining, and I'm delighted with some projects I'm working on. Stay tuned, friends. I promise there will be some crafty posting soon. Tomorrow, perhaps?

Until then, wash your hands... a lot.

Karina Ink GIVEAWAY Winner!

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Thank you all who entered this fab giveaway. Also, a huge thanks to Karen for offering up her lovely items. The big winner is April who said, "mini magnet board all the way! this is where i cross my fingers...". Congratulations April! Karen will be contacting you shortly. If you didn't win, be sure to visit Karen's shop and snag up that favorite item you've been wishing for. You deserve it.

In other news, it's Friday and I couldn't be more happy. This week has been a doosey. Three sick children, a birthday and lots of packaging orders have kept me busy. I plan on cuddling my little ones, shopping for some colored tights, and enjoying this broadcast tomorrow evening. I wish you all a cozy weekend filled with falling leaves.

Five.

Today Owen is five. In the blink of an eye he has turned from baby to toddler to little man. He is smart, kind, inquisitive and has the best sense of humor of ANYONE I know. Just this morning as he was unwrapping a few gifts before he went off to pre-school he had us all laughing and laughing. We really love our Owen boy and feel so lucky that he is ours.

p.s. I didn't get the opportunity to say this yesterday, Happy Fall friends!

Karina Ink GIVEAWAY!

One of the happiest things about having this little blog is all of the really sweet people I have met. You, my dears are truly the best. One kind friend Karen, has recently opened a little etsy shop full of rustic wood, paper, and yummy goods with a hint of vintage charm.

Karina Ink has generously offered up $30.00 towards the goodies in her shop to one lucky Dandee reader. All you have to do is leave a comment on this post telling Karen your favorite item from her shop. You have until Thursday night at 11 p.m. PST to enter. Winner will be announced Friday morning. Good luck, friends!

Oh, in case you were wondering, my favorite item is the Vintage Book Safe. I can think of all kinds of special things I'd like to keep safe and tucked away. All while looking so darling.

Sick.

Sick babies mean little sleep.

I'm hoping all of this pretty pink liquid in my fridge is a sign of healthier times to come.

Be back soon, dearies.

Chocolate Chip Cookies.

I've been feeling ________ lately. You fill in the blank and I'm sure it would describe an emotion my little heart has been experiencing. There is nothing traumatic happening in my life, just life happening in my life. There are days that I feel like I'm doing a million different things, but not excelling at any one of them. Like I'm running and running and running, but going no where. I bet on some level you understand what I'm talking about, right?

In an attempt to overcome this funk, Owen and I baked our favorite cookie recipe while Miss Audrey oversaw the process. She was also the official "Cookie Tester." Would you like to try the recipe? Here goes:

Grandma's Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookies

1 1/3 C. butter

1 C. sugar

1 C. b. sugar

2 eggs

2 t. vanilla

3 C. + 6 T. flour

1 t. baking soda

1 t. salt

2 C. chocolate chips

Cream butter and sugars; add eggs and vanilla. Mix well. Mix in flour, soda and salt. Stir in chocolate chips. Spoon onto cookie sheet and bake for 12 minutes at 350 degrees.

They are delicious. Sugar and hugs and chubby little babies fix everything.

First Day Round 2.

This guy waited patiently for a week and a half after his two best playmates had their first day.

Today, he was ready. Up, dressed, fed and backpack on at 7:30.

Miss Molly opened her warm door to us at 8:55 because he couldn't wait any longer.

Happy day back, silly Owen.

My mornings just won't be the same without you.

Recipe Card Handouts.

i'll be passing these out to the sweet ladies at church today.

wanna come?

Lovely Package Exchange.

dear rebecca,

get ready for some happy mail.

your lovely package is on its way!

kisses,
dandee

Quiet.

This afternoon the house was quiet. Audrey was napping, Owen fell asleep watching Pete's Dragon [I don't blame him, that movie bores me to tears] and Oliver was happily playing in the bumbo. I decided to celebrate the first day of September the way any overly tired mother does. I went to catch a few Zzz's myself. So. . .I whisked Oliver off to bed with me. I thought that I would nurse him a little and off we'd both be in dreamland.

Part of my plan worked. I nursed him. Still awake. Then I swaddled him up. Still awake. Finally, I closed my eyes, hoping the sound of my repetitive breathing would do the trick. Um, no. Every time I'd sneak a peek at him I would see this. . .

What kind of mother would I be if I didn't snatch up my camera + document that darling face?

Maybe tomorrow I'll get a nap.