{this moment}:

{this moment} – A Friday ritual. One photo – no words – capturing a moment from the week. Onesimple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your moment in the comments for all to find and see.

Remember this?

Yesterday I was searching through my car in the hope of finding my lost mailbox key.  Yes, we have a key for our mailbox (which drives me insane) and not only is the easiest key in the world to lose, but it manages to skedaddle once a week or so.  I intensified my search as I found an item thought to have gone to the lost item black hole in the sky 9 months ago.  The finding offered me hope that my mailbox key might turn up quickly.

I did not find the key.  However, I did locate the following that I did not even know we were missing:

1. One half-eaten whoopie pie*
2. A crushed empty can of Cherry Vanilla Creme soda in the back pocket of the middle row passenger seat (you know, the one with the giant "recycle here" stamp on it?)
3. A library book due that day (in the 3rd row, where library books go, of course)
4. a non-library book
5. An empty (thank God) stainless steel food container from God-knows-when
6. Five crayons (not melted yet, yippee!)
7. Pencils
8. Crumbs
9. Crumbs
10. Crumbs
11. More crumbs
12. An empty can of Lays Stax, tucked neatly under the driver's seat.  I have never tried a "stax" but it looks to be similar to a Pringle. I'd blame it on the kids, but we all know that would never appear in my grocery cart, nor do my kids drive yet.  Hmm….

No mailbox key, sadly, but the item that led me to the search that turned up such treasures?  This little square of laminated plastic that has been sitting in my car for the past 9 months.  Remember the story? (Yes, I know, I am not the queen of DL photos).

I now can piece together exactly what happened.  Instead of putting into the little cubby just below the radio until I could park and put it in my wallet, I blindly put in the cup holder area.  It slid to the back and rested there happily until I removed the entire cup holder apparatus as it was suddenly not retracting all of the way.  I reached in and lo and behold, there is my old (now very useless) CA drivers license.  Given all of the hair-pulling and wrangling to get a new one, I would have been just as happy to not find it and assume that it was gone forever.  However, I think I will hold onto it just in case this (God forbid) ever happens again and I need more than one government-issued photo i.d. (my expired in 2006 military i.d. was the key to getting my current VA license).  

Funny when I think back to feeling like that would be the most exciting thing that happened to me all year…

*we went to the Farmers Market on Saturday, so it wasn't that old.  I should also thank the person who thoughtfully re-wrapped it before dumping it on the floor…

Easter Kept Us Hoppin’

Yesterday we dyed eggs in a new style, all natural method that did not require me to boil a dozen yellow onions or beets.  Peter was most excited to lead this task, as the instructions were in German.  It really just involved boiling the eggs in the water with the dye mixed-in, so a bit different but I think the colors came out quite well.  We haven't yet hunted these eggs, but will likely do as a fun late Easter treat tomorrow since we had such a busy day today.

From waking up and hunting for baskets…(the front hall closet…not much of a stretch, but at least they all found them at the same time)…

to wearing our Sunday best in a post-church photo at the Salty Dog homestead (did we mention Kelsey sang in the choir?), we were happily busy. A good thing we captured our true personalities, from the LG being a bit shy to Cait and a classic, goofy grin.  If you are wondering, yes, that is THE skirt that I mentioned in a Facebook status update recently.  More on that subject later, but due to my recent exercise and running shenanigans, I have been able to down-size in a good way.  The skirt is a size 8, likely the first I have worn since college.  A bit vain to point out I suppose, but I have worked hard with the healthy eating and exercise, so I'm enjoying a tiny bit of excitement at being able to slide into a smaller number for a change.

We enjoyed a yummy brunch, courtesy of the Salty Dog Crew.  Dr. Salty Dog did the lion's share of the work, but there were also treats from other friends and it was a feast to be sure.  After we rolled ourselves away from the table, it was egg hunt time.  The little guys & gals had their hunt out front…

while Caitlin and Kelsey vied for copious amounts of jellybeans and two golden eggs out back.  Note to self:  Have vision checked. It took me 20 minutes and nearly needing a GPS to find the very obvious second golden egg (Andrea, you are a top-notch egg-hider!) for Kelsey, who had not located it on her own.

We (by we, I mean Peter) followed up the hunt with a long nap, while the kids played and the adults tidied the kitchen.  It was a lovely day, perfect weather and amazing company as usual.  Ooh, almost forgot…it would not be a Crafty Dog event without the most perfect favors.  The best part?  One needs a key to open the cans (so Little Guys cannot access without help). 

Here's hoping you also had a hoppin' good and beautiful Easter wherever you are in the world.

{this moment}:

{this moment} – A Friday ritual. One photo – no words – capturing a moment from the week. One simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your moment in the comments for all to find and see.

We all know

that I am not the crafty sort, at least when it comes to the traditional definition of arts and crafts. However, since Easter is nearly upon us, I thought it was high time we try something else with the Little Guy.  I wanted to make Easter cards for all of those near and dear (no, no, close your mailboxes and keep reading), so after perusing a friend's blog, unabashedly completely copied her idea for cute cards from the Quinn (it really is an easy and fun idea!).

I had originally thought that I might make small cards, stamp them with an egg and have the kids color them in.  However, that sort of limits the design creativity and would really be a much smaller canvas than Nicholas might enjoy.  After reading about the above activity, I figured he would absolutely love it and spend hours painting.  

Well, I tried.

The Q. had other ideas.  He loved the idea of finger painting giant Easter egg cards for friends, but realized after one that it is very labor intensive and took away from his construction vehicle play time.  It is also much more fun to randomly smear it everywhere than on just one small paper canvas.  His first (and only) card for Baby Nate was completed with much love and fun.  However, he realized that Caitlin was making different designs for the cards she was painting and this annoyed him and ended the activity a whopping 10 minutes after it started.

It was originally supposed to be an activity for Nicholas to undertake while I took Kelsey out for a bit in the afternoon.  However, the prep was a little bit more work than just opening up the paints and letting him have at it.  We finally tried out new eco-friendly finger paints and despite the fact that it takes a few minutes to get them ready to use, I am now officially a huge fan.

Unlike other fingerpaints, they are not pre-mixed.  There are 5 colors that do not seem bright in the jar, but when mixed (1:1 ratio) with water, turned out to be extremely cheerful and perfect holiday colors. One only has to mix what is needed.  I ended up making way too much and even at that, I only used about 1.5 teaspoons of the powder.  

The not-pre-mixed thing may seem like a giant hassle, but in reality is quite useful.  Nothing can dry out and Nicholas can't randomly grab a handful that effectively uses the entire jar in one sitting.  In fact, if I had to estimate, I'd say we easily have 20+ uses left in each jar, as I will use much less next time.  All colors are naturally derived and even though the paints sat around in the dishes for several hours, equipment (and table) clean up was a snap. I would think they are perfect for taking overseas if you don't want to take all of the ingredients and make your own.  There is no worry about leakage or drying out or being rejected in the mail due to the water content.

Despite the fact that he was not super into the activity this time, I think it might bode well for other future holiday cards. Even with his relatively short attention span, he really enjoyed it and loved the idea of making the cards. In fact, the biggest obstacle was encouraging him to wear a t-shirt, though the paints washed out so easily (and he was quite neat with his painting, as far as his clothes were concerned) that it really wasn't terribly necessary.  Overall, a great activity for a 3 year old and a very easy way to make a unique and fun card for anyone.  However, now that I am really aware of his attention span with this particular activity, I'm thinking maybe we should start the Christmas cards next week….

*Generally I would never refer someone to PBK, as one can usually find lower prices at many other online stores.  However, the paints are nearly half their original price right now and qualify for free shipping, so it might be the best bet.

We are kinda, sort of

On vacation. Since the Salty Dogs took the kids for a few days, we have spent the past day in St. Michaels. We are taking long walks, eating yummy food and just relaxing. It’s been a while since our last night away and since I’ve been relatively un-stressed on said night away.

Now the beignet (Eastern shore style) and raspberry coulis are calling, so we must bid you adieu. Wish I had more pictures, but we are too busy just chilling…and it’s pretty sweet. Takk fyrir, Salty Dogs!

And with that….

I am more than halfway finished with the radiation treatments.  Somewhere during all the buzzing and clicking today, I hit the 50% mark.  With little or no fanfare, I got off the table, left the room and had my weekly meeting with the nurse and substitute doctor.

Since I have decided to take things day to day, rather than freak out about the sum total of the treatments, life has been much easier.  The nurse noted asked about my apprehension (it was noted I was testing the new time slot and was debating continuing) and when I mentioned that I was just taking it one day at a time, she nodded her head and said, "Good."  I realized at this point that maybe, just maybe, this would be far more anti-climatic (as Dr. R. suspected), than I ever imagined.

The meeting with the nurse was followed up with a brief (as in 30 seconds, possibly a minute) meeting with the doctor.  No skin check, nothing invasive, just two questions about my overall health, the second of which targeted my level of exhaustion.

"So, are you fatigued?" he asked, ever so cheerfully.

"Um, no, actually I have more energy than before," I replied.

"Great!  We often say that when you are tired, you should exercise more and you will feel better!" Thrilled with my answers, he sent me on my semi-merry way and I trotted off to slather, stretch and change.

I really thought by now I would be exhausted, however, I was completely honest.  I am not as tired in the afternoons (and thus not as cranky, a bonus!) and while I am not getting as much sleep as I should, I have more energy than I probably thought possible.  Maybe it's the exercise or maybe, just maybe, it's the attitude.  If I don't see myself becoming exhausted, maybe I won't.  Mind over matter and for a change, in a very, very positive way.  

Now, it could also be that I am taking a day off this week.  A few weeks ago, the Salty Dogs very generously offered to take our kids for a few days over spring break.  An idea brewed in my mind and last week, we looked into a brief stay on St. Michael's Island in MD.  A one night getaway, just enough time to relax and recharge at a local bed & breakfast.  

We had mentioned the possibility to the doctor ages ago and she had no issues with my taking a day off. Given that folks do it for unhappier reasons (skin issues/need a break), there wasn't any problem with me delaying a day's treatment.  I also think she was probably so relieved I was going forward with the treatments that she would have said yes to a week if I had asked (not likely on my part).

It's not the two week R&R to Iceland and Italy that we had originally planned for this time period, but I think, for now, it's just what the doctor ordered.  

Unnaturally Blonde

When I was younger, age 10 or so, I desperately wanted to be a blonde.  No clue why, maybe folks with golden locks seemed to have more fun, be more popular,  you name it.  When I hit age 14, I finally took the matter into my own hands, with a little help from Ms. Sun-In and Mr. Hydrogen Peroxide.  I knew it would just be a matter of hours before my life did a 180 thanks to my newly lightened locks.  Guess what (you know what's coming, don't you?).

It was an unmitigated disaster.

I'm going to save a tiny bit of face and not post my spring sophomore year picture from high school. I'm referring to the one with the clear demarcation between normal hair and shocking "you did WHAT?" to your head orange.  Yes, orange.  I was taught a very important lesson: don't mess with what Mother Nature gave you, unless you are a licensed professional.  I never touched my hair to color it again (okay, minus now with the whole gray business…but that's just so I look like ME, not my…).  So who'd ever think I'd end up a blond without even trying?

Let me 'splain…

Yesterday I was chatting with my neighbor, a very nice lady who hires Cait to babysit and thus, gives her spending money.  We *heart* her.  Her kids love Cait, Cait gets out and makes $$ and we are all very happy.  She mentioned that she heard I was going to undergo "treatments" soon.  I then mentioned I had already started and was nearly (as of Monday!) halfway finished.

"Oh!  Really?  How are you feeling?" she asked.

"Well, fine, I guess," I replied, not sure what else to say.

Then the double whammy:

She queried, "So, are you going to lose your hair soon?" 

Um, how DOES one answer that?

I looked at her, replied that it was 'only' radiation (there's nothing 'only' about anything blip-related, but…).  Not wanting to delve deeper into a topic I loathe, I left well enough alone and didn't mention body parts. After trying and failing to discuss more important neighborly issues, we said our good-byes and I headed back inside.  Then a thought occurred to me…

Back in the day, when I used to Google everything and its brother, I read about hair loss.  There was a mention that one could lose their hair in whatever body part was being fried (my fun lingo).  I guess I either blocked it out, or more likely (and, yes, this might be utterly disgraceful), simply didn't worry about losing hair on my breast.  Not that I wanted to or didn't understand that it could happen…but, frankly, of all the side effects, I just didn't feel that was one to fret about.

Until today, I had not thought about it one bit nor had I checked.  Checking my skin's color and what-have-you was one thing, but I just hadn't bothered to see if the miniscule hairs that once peppered my skin were still there.  Forgetting Cait was behind me, I realized I needed to take a gander and did so at that moment.  I peeked, saw the inevitable and shouted something insane like "Holy cow!".  Cait turned around, looked at me like I had 3 heads and said something along the lines of "What NOW?".

I saved her the misery and muttered that it was nothing.   However, I couldn't believe it.  No hair loss, but a minor change…the once dark hairs are now blond with no help from anything but Mr. Scary Radiation Machine.  I'm no longer eager to have blond hair on my head, but since that is the only side effect I have had thus far (other than a tiny bit of pink that Peter swears I am making up), I'll take it happily.  As far as the neighbor goes, I think I am going to leave well enough alone and keep this bit of good news to myself.