Madeleine Rose Jennings

Madeleine Rose Jennings was born this morning, Feb 25, 2009 at 3:07am. She weighed 9 lbs. 7 oz. and is 21 inches long. Madeleine and Bekah are both healthy and doing well. In particular, Bekah accomplished her goal of having this child without any pain medicine or epidural. Way to go Bekah! I love you!

Lucky You

Still on a creating kick, and further inspired by Marily and Kathryn:
The first 3 people to respond to this post
will get something homemade by me!

Like any good giveaway, there are restrictions and limitations, as follows:


1. I make no guarantees that you will like what I make. I get to choose, you just get to receive!
2. What I create will be made just for you......one of a kind!
3. It will be done this year.....hopefully sooner, rather than later.
4. The gift may or may not be edible, wearable or recyclable!
5. In order to be a winner, you must re-post this on your blog. The first 3 people to do so and leave a comment telling me you did will receive one FABULOUS homemade gift by me! After I choose the winners, you can send me your mailing address!
Oh, and be sure to post a picture of what you win when you receive it!

Don't take these rules all too seriously.

For ideas of what I might make you, check out my Etsy shop. Or note the fact that I am on a flower-hair-accessory-making-kick.

Still Creating

9 days. [In case you are wondering how many days overdue I am.] I prefer to not use the word "overdue"--it breeds unhappiness in my mind. When the baby comes, she will be here, not a moment early or late, just here. So, yes, if you ask, I am still creating--creating this little life within me, creating positive thoughts, sack lunches for my kids school day tomorrow, banners for my Etsy shop, messes to clean up, laughter and smiles with my family and children. I was inspired by the short video below. Take the time to watch it. You will be inspired, too.

The Price of Freedom

Last year, Andy and I took our family to live in France for 3 months. Of those 3 months, the most meaningful experiences I had centered around visiting the beaches of Normandy--the D-day landing sights and the burned-out village of Oradour-sur-Glane. Both times, I had one big regret: that I had not brought along the soundtrack to "The Price of Freedom" to listen to in the car. As we drove the coastline of Normandy, I remember singing whatever phrases I could remember, and it made the experience real to me. The good news is you don't have to go to France to feel the emotions I felt. This weekend and next at the Mesa Arts Center, you can see the re-worked "Price of Freedom" for cheaper than a movie. So no excuses--unless like me, you might have a baby that day. If you need motivation, go read the blog posts above, then click here to get info and order tickets and hear some of this amazing music. Do it--you'll be glad you did.

February 15

7 years ago, on February 15th, I said "Yes" to marrying Andy. (I think I might have actually said, "Of course," but who is keeping track? Obviously not me.) Little did I know what other things I was saying "Yes" to:
3--almost 4--beautiful children
fulfillment of the dream I thought I was giving up to live in a foreign country
a lifetime of good conversation
nights full of romance
a little house in downtown Mesa
a lifetime of learning
I knew then Andy was great, I didn't know how fully his greatness was rooted in his goodness: his gentle heart, his calm personality, his sense of fairness, his desire to be independent, his patience.
For our "anniversary/Valentines Day" he gave me my favorite flowers--red geraniums, and I gave him this sign. Thanks Andy for (almost) 7 years of wedded bliss.