Did I ever tell you I can be a bit dramatic? No? Well, I can be.  I was a wee bit stressed out on Monday (or was it Tuesday?).  Perhaps I got a bit dramatic…i mean maybe…

So, anyhoo, things are being crossed off the list and I am being more disciplined with my free time (you know, cause sitting at a computer and blogging is such great use of my time).

I’m happy (sorta) to report that my camera broke this morning.  This is the last picture I took before the lens froze and I got a “focus error” message.

It was old and needed to be replaced.  No amount of coaxing however is convincing my husband to upgrade to a DSLR (like this Nikon- has to be Nikon so I can share lenses with Sarah).  Something about “saving up first”, blah blah Mr Responsibility.

I am now researching Point & Shoots, but I MUST have a PS that can shoot in manual mode.  I have read so many reviews at this point that I am starting to confuse cameras and their silly little number letter combination!  At the risk of making my head spin more…can anyone recommend a point and shoot that has manual mode, good for low light, ISO up to 1600 with stabilizer, and at least a 3x optical zoom for $200 or less?  There could be a pan of brownies in the mail for you, if you recommend one that I buy and love….just sayin’ is all…

Friday morning while I was making pancakes the two older children sat on the kitchen floor fighting over the baby- who was in her excersaucer.  They fight over the baby and her toys quite often…so I sent them outside to weed the garden- nothing like hard work to take the fight out of you, right?!!

I cracked up that my oldest daughter was weeding in a leotard & ballet skirt, whatever works I guess.

*BTW- if you haven’t clicked over yet, I added a new summer-y banner & a fun new blog button.  You can download the code here, the button is 200px x 200px- super easy to resize if you need to!

To celebrate the last day of school we…

Had a picnic at the park, bought teacher appreciation gifts here (who doesn’t like macarons?!), went swimming

Had a great dinner at Joe’s Farm Grill, I don’t know why we don’t dine there more often.  It’s great to eat good, local, food while my kids happily do this:

On the way home we grabbed some fresh cherries and vanilla ice cream (I know, I am so boring…).

seemed like a fitting end to the academic year.  Now, if you’ll excuse me I have to brace myself for having 3 kids home all day every day….

“..Where my love(s) lies, waiting silently for me”

Babers and I made it home from a very very nice trip to California.  I don’t think I have enjoyed a vacation that much in a long time, it was both relaxing and fun filled.

I had the wonderful opportunity to meet Amy, of Nana Company for brunch before I left.  We dined at The Cottage in Laguna, and I loved sitting outside and smelling the salty air.  Amy was so friendly and easy to talk to, we really enjoyed ourselves (we were there almost 3 and a half hours!!!).

I’m glad to be home, but wish my trip had lasted longer.  Once home I finally was able to snap a pic of all the great stuff my swap partner sent me for the Urban Home Goods Swap

Now…I need to go focus my energies on a secret project for this…make sure you order your copy today!

I took the baby and flew to California for a few days.  It’s been nice, really nice. Just a few more days left and I have to head back to this.

I couldn’t resist snapping a picture of these pink balloons.  I think they were part of a wedding ceremony?

I always knew my Sienna made me cool…

I laughed out loud, I really did.

and made this for the Urban Home Goods Swap….should be arriving in my partners mail box any second.

I’m really liking these “simplicity” pillows and plan on making more in the future.  Any color suggestions?

Also- for those interested, I did find a dress!  I bought this in white, perfect with a nursing tank and a aqua blue shrug.  I’m thinking of buying this one too.

First, though I need to get a swim suit before I head to California.  Normally I swear by Lands End suits, but this year I am not impressed by anything they’ve got.  Also, I’m at the point in my life where I would like to wear “boy shorts”, love me some extra coverage!  Been scouring the interwebs and not finding what I want.  Where do you get your suits from?

When life pelts you with lemons, what do you do?  Take a trip to the farm.

I honestly think attitude is key for dealing with opposition in life.  I’m beginning to see that how I frame my troubles makes a world of difference in how I handle them.

p.s. she wanted so badly to take that little chicky home!

This weekend we celebrated our oldest turning 8.  EIGHT, I can’t get over it!  Eight is a big number around here.

We surprised him with a new bike…his favorite part? The kick stand!- seriously!

That piece of paper in his hand? A map he drew of our neighborhood (streets names are labeled and it is geographically correct), dictating the route he wanted to take on his bike ride. (yes, he wore his helmet, just not for the pics)  He is WAY into map drawing these days…my Dad sent him a google street view of their neighborhood in CA so he can memorize those streets and start drawing maps of something other than our neighborhood!

Of course no birthday is complete around here without a smeeks sparkler candle!

I took a little trip to Ross today for, um, some “supportive” undergarments…I’m a bit embarrassed about it (but clearly not embarrassed enough not to post it all over the web).  Its a fine line I crossed today.  Will I become dependent on my shape with support, will I ever be able to go back to regular me?  We shall simply say that this third pregnancy (and its accompanying pans of chocolate frosted brownies) did a number on my body.

But, anyhoo, while I was there I found this adorable skirt.

It fits a lot like this when on (except my waist isn’t ever going to be that small again).  I am stumped though on what type of blouse/top to wear with it (don’t say sleeveless cause it isn’t going to happen).  I’m thinking a short sleeved yellow twin set would look cute and retro, but where would I find that?

Should I try and match the yellow, or maybe I should look for something in a cream or light brown?  Any fashionistas out there with tips?

On a completely unrelated note, my son spent his easter money (who knew the easter bunny laid cash eggs?!) on a Zhu Zhu pet- factory named “Nugget”.  He immediately went to work building Nugget a home…complete with a green puff ball.  just what every good home needs!