The Random of Steph

Today we went shopping. Kind of. We went to a photography store to learn more about cleaning negatives before scanning them. (Snotty got a fancy new scanner with his Christmas $) It also was a good reason to get out of the house even though it was cloudy, cold, raining and miserable . And also to wander through REI . They have a cool new bag that I want. ( drool here ) Since we were already right there, we also stopped into Banana Republic. We've had luck in the past finding stuff there for Snotty. We only buy what is marked down and a good deal. And that fits. The real good deal is that it's usually quality stuff so it stands up to Snotty's rough- ness , repeated wear and washing when I can steal it away. While the women's stuff is often picked over and not my non-working style. Which is good because I usually don't need anymore clothing where he needs nice looking but casual and comfy clothing for work. That fits. You have no idea how challenging ...

does yours???

The small child is ten months today. And she is on the move! I forcasted at Christmas that within a month she would be walking. Not quite. But just about. Good grief, I can't keep up with her as it is. Check out the video on our web album. I mean, Snotty's web album. Then say a prayer for me. My life is never going to be the same!

Italian Pasta and Bean Soup—Pasta E Fagioli Makes about 4 quarts, serving 8 to 10 4 ounces pancetta or bacon, chopped fine 1 medium onion , chopped fine (about 1 cup) 4 medium cloves garlic , minced or pressed through garlic press (about 1 heaping tablespoon) we use about double the garlic 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes with liquid 2 cans (15 ounces each) cannellini beans , drained and rinsed we use great northern white beans because that's what Winco has 3 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth 2 1/2 cups water table salt 8 ounces orzo or other small pasta (ditalini, tubetini, conchigliette) 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley leaves we usually skip this Ground black pepper 2 ounces grated Parmesan cheese (about 1 cup) fresh is best, but kraft in a can works 1. Cook the bacon in a large Dutch oven over medium heat until crisp, about 8 minutes. Stir in the onion, garlic, oregano and red pepper flakes. Co...

Yep, that's me. The infectious Mom. I'm infectious. With laughter? No. With the best mommy tricks around? No. With hippie green living goodness? Well, maybe, but that's not what I'm getting at. There is a reason that picture of yours truely is in B & W. And there is a reason I'm sitting on the couch in comfy clothes with stringy, dirty hair on a Sunday morning. (ie. not at church) I'm disease ridden. Never mind, that I didn't get it from Small Child. Never mind that I haven't spend time with school aged children, or daycare children at that. I am the proud owner of Pink Eye. Isn't it beautiful. It ITCHES like crazy. I would rather be at church, even though I'm working in the nursery. Want to see another pic. Here you go, closer and in living color. Go ahead, make my day. Scratch my eye for me. Please? Pretty please? This stinks!!!

The pic of my family at Christmas. Taken semi-professionally. That's a story for another day but we got some good pictures and that's all that matters.

A couple weeks ago, right after we got home from our Christmas travels, Snotty got on his bike and headed to work. It's been unusually cold here in Oregon and there was ice on the road. The mountain bike might have been okay, might, but he was on his trusty road bike. Which makes commuting a slice of pie. Unless there is ice on the road. Coming up round the corner to get on the street our house sits on he crashed. Luckily he was close to home. I was wondering what he had forgotten when I heard the key in the front door shortly after he had left. Besides a hole in his most wonderful rainjacket, he scored a most wonderful bruise. I told him, "that's going to be pretty in a couple days!" And so it is. A most pretty bruise. Needless to say, he's been taking the car more often lately.

What is this I see? Wow, it goes all the way back there.... Let's see what I can get to. Isn't this what Mom does? There you are Mom. This is fun stuff!

It took her a little over a week. That is, to discover the drawer in our kitchen that is like the one at Grandma Terrell's. It has pot lids in it. I think you can hear her anywhere in the house. She is making NOISE. It is loud. But she's having fun. Please tell me that's all that matters. Because in about ten more minutes it's going to be OLD!

The drawer at Grandma's containing the straws that Favorite Niece taught Small Child how to get in. Grrrrr....

During our last trip (that 2 week holiday vacation) Sage got to spend some time with her cousins. Now, I must tell you that Ava is my favorite niece EVER. Or at least she was. She taught Sage how to pull open the bottom drawer at grandma's and pull out all the straws. Not the end of the world. Earlier, as I try to unpack from the craziness that is traveling, Sage was hanging out on the bathroom floor while I shuffled things around. Never mind that the entry part of our bath with the double sinks is not the best place for her to play already. But, without a blink, she pulled open the bottom drawer and started tossing everything out, at times tasting out the flavor by sticking things in her mouth. I never thought I'd accuse my niece of making my life more complicated. Ava, stay away from Sage. Seriously. No more teaching her stuff. I've got other things to do. Doesn't everyone?