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Arthur: 44 Weeks

It was a weird week.  Arthur's off schedule has resulted in us missing a few group events.  All of our pictures for the week are from the house; a bit boring but that's what we've got.

 

Likes: Clapping (his new skill!); still all the food; playing with the remote and the xbox (big no-noes)

 

Dislikes: Being barred from the craft room; sleeping and napping (still!); staying in the house for multiple days

 
 

Sleeping: We're still in the weeds when it comes to sleeping.  His naps are all over the schedule. He usually takes one nap a day, but I never know when.  Bed times are a struggle. He actually fell asleep Sunday night at 8pm (woohoo!), but there is no actual set time to speak of.

 
 

Eating: All the food!  I can usually feed him directly from my plate and I must say that it's great.  I don't have to make a separate meal for him.  And he feeds himself, so I an actually eat while he's eating.

 

Playing: This past week we've been having fun clapping, rolling a ball, and handing things back and forth.  He's become much more interactive throughout the day.  He also loves loves loves knocking down block towers.

 

Medical Milestones: 

  • Walking while holding onto our hands -- Sometimes, but not always.  He's still fiercely independent when it comes to attempting to walking.
  • Helping getting dressed -- Check!  He actually figured out how to put his arms through sleeves when I put the shirt over his head.
  • Climbing -- Check! Check! Check! His favorite climbing obstacle is the ottoman.  We have to change things up again.

Schedule: Ha ha!  That's a funny joke!  Right?

 

Out and About: Last week was a bit slow for activities.  His varied schedule led to some interesting days.  We did make it to the library and Shoreline.  That's about it.  Hopefully this week will be filled with fun activities.

tags: Arthur, growth update
categories: Kids
Tuesday 08.19.14
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

Music Monday -- iPod Shuffle August

1. The Killers "From Here on Out" 

2. Mumford & Sons "Below My Feet"

3. Jack White "Blunderbuss"

tags: Jack White, Mumford & Sons, The Killers
categories: Music
Monday 08.18.14
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

Sunday Sunset #23

Listening To: Random iTunes shuffle. Loving my eclectic collection. (And so is Arthur)

Book finished: Casino Royale; The Little Prince; Sunrise; The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Diary; Ten Things I Love About You

Reading: The Orphans at Race Point by Patry Francis

On the Nightstand: Silent in the Sanctuary by Deanna Raybourn; Moonglow by Kristen Callihan; The Beautiful and the Damned by F. Scott Fitzgerald; Becoming Mona Lisa by Donald Sassoon

Making Lists: Lots of various to do lists

Around the house: Attempting to keep the house clean with a whirlwind of destruction.  Also trying to reorganize and clean my craft space after prepping for fairly disastrous open house and card class.  Neverending...

From the kitchen: I tried out a few new recipes these past few weeks --

  • Reese's bottom cheesecake cups -- Holy cow!  Yummy!
  • Black bean soup -- Needs more spices
  • Apple and garlic pork roast -- Easy and yummy
  • Slow Cooker Sausage Breakfast Casserole -- Burned on to and bottom.  And the sun dried tomatoes were a bit much.  With modifications, this could be good.

Watching: Finally saw The Lone Ranger and don't know why I wasted my time.  Argh! On the tv front, we've been enjoying The Wil Wheaton Project, Drunk History, King of the Nerds (S1 and S2), and Game of Thrones (S3, yeah still behind).

Wondering: How September is going to work?  I have many things cooking right now.  Busy, busy, busy.

From Nature: Temperatures have been usual, but the breeze has been extra fantastic lately.  Often we don't get much of a breeze down here in South Bay, but this past week has been lovely.  I really enjoy this weather.

Project: I actually have two giant projects currently in play --

  • I took on the task of writing a nonfiction book aimed at middle schoolers.  This is going to be a longer term project as I'm in the planning stages, but eventually we want to possibly self-publish.  I know this is vague, but I can't disclose too much right now...
  • A mom and crafter friend and I are launching are own crafting Meetup within the next week or so.  We're currently tweaking our name and description and laying out classes for the upcoming months.  Hopefully we can gain some customers and share our love of crafting.  I'll post a link when we've launched.  Getting really excited about this one!

Picture: Such a big always-moving little boy!

 
categories: Weekly Wrap-up
Sunday 08.17.14
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

Ten Things I Love About You by Julia Quinn

Title: Ten Things I Love About You (Bevelstoke #3)

Author: Julia Quinn

Publisher: Avon Books 2010

Genre: Historical Romance

Pages: 377

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Mount TBR; Seriously Series; Monthly Key Word - September (Number); Lucky No. 14 - First Letter's Rule

Ten Things You Should Know About This Book

1. Sebastian Grey is a devilishly handsome rogue with a secret.

2. Annabel Winslow's family voted her The Winslow Most Likely to Speak Her Mind and The Winslow Most Likely to Fall Asleep in Church.

3. Sebastian's uncle is the Earl of Newbury, and if he dies without siring an heir, Sebastian inherits everything.

4. Lord Newbury detests Sebastian and will stop at nothing to prevent this from happening.

5. Lord Newbury has decided that Annabel is the answer to all of his problems.

6. Annabel does not want to marry Lord Newbury, especially when she finds out he once romanced her grandmother.

7 is shocking, 8 is delicious, and 9 is downright wicked, all of which lead the way to

10. Happily. Ever. After.

I started this book on the strength of the second in the series.  I was not disappointed.  It turned out better than the second book.  I loved the characters of Annabel and Sebastian.  I loved their predicament.  I loved the storyline.  Until we got to the last 30 pages.  A bit disappointed about the almost deus ex machina, but then fake out.  The writing got a bit clunky at the end.  But overall, a solid historical romance.

Bevelstoke

  • #1 The Secret Diary of Miss Miranda Cheever
  • #2 What Happens in London
  • #3 Ten Things I Love About You
tags: 4 stars, historical fiction, Julia Quinn, Lucky No- 14, monthly key word, mount tbr, romance, Seriously Series
categories: Book Reviews
Saturday 08.16.14
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

Bout of Books 11.0 Goals Post

Bout of Books

I used to give a specific number of books that I wanted to read, but that hasn't worked well lately.  Instead, I'm going to shoot for vaguer goals...

Goals:

  • Read more than 500 pages
  • Participate in at least one challenge
  • Participate in at least one Twitter chat
  • Review all books read

TBR Pile:

  • Becoming Mona Lisa by Donald Sassoon
  • Washington by Ron Chernow
  • The Beautiful and the Damned by F. Scott Fitzgerald
  • City of Bones by Cassandra Clare
  • Living History by Hilary Rodham Clinton
  • The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger
  • Moonglow by Kristen Callihan
  • Silent in the Sanctuary by Deanna Raybourn
  • The Orphans at Race Point by Patry Francis (must read for book club!)

The Bout of Books read-a-thon is organized by Amanda @ On a Book Bender and Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal. It is a week long read-a-thon that begins 12:01am Monday, August 18th and runs through Sunday, August 24th in whatever time zone you are in. Bout of Books is low-pressure, and the only reading competition is between you and your usual number of books read in a week. There are challenges, giveaways, and a grand prize, but all of these are completely optional. 

For all Bout of Books 11 information and updates, be sure to visit the Bout of Books blog.  - From the Bout of Books team

tags: Bout of Books Readathon
categories: Readathon
Saturday 08.16.14
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

FF #29: City Style

City Style

This outfit feels very Miranda to me.  I love the almost contrasting colors being pulled together with the skirt.  The skirt itself reminds me of a painting.  I know the skirt is navy and the bag is black, but with a classic piece like Chanel, it's okay.  You could always substitute a navy clutch or even white.  Because of the strong clothing pieces, I kept the jewelry very minimal.  I didn't want to clutter the look or overpower any of the pieces.

Jones New York sleeveless wrap top

amazon.com

Jacket

$60 - amazon.co.uk

Erdem navy cotton skirt

$930 - brownsfashion.com

Dolce & Gabbana suede pumps

ssense.com

Chanel black leather purse

fashionphile.com

With Love From CA charm necklace

pacsun.com

categories: Fashion
Friday 08.15.14
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

Thank You on Thursday

 The things I am thankful for this week:

  1. Chai tea -- Lately I've been switching my coffee for chai tea.
  2. Park playdates --  I love that the weather is perfect almost year round.  That means that we can have tons of park playdates with other baby friends.
  3. My neighborhood -- I love that we can walk to Target, grocery, bank, library, restaurants, and good coffee!
  4. Crafting friends -- For lifting my spirits when I get frustrated.
  5. My bed -- My big fluffy yet firm bed.  The small amount of hours that I get to spend in it are glorious.
tags: Thankful Thursday
categories: Life
Thursday 08.14.14
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

Quote Wednesday -- Repplier

We cannot really love somebody with whom we never laugh. -- A. Repplier

categories: Quote Wednesday
Wednesday 08.13.14
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie

Title: The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian

Author: Sherman Alexie

Publisher: Little, Brown and Company 2007

Genre: YA

Pages: 230

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: NPR Teen; Top 100 YA; US of YA; New Author

Bestselling author Sherman Alexie tells the story of Junior, a budding cartoonist growing up on the Spokane Indian Reservation. Determined to take his future into his own hands, Junior leaves his troubled school on the rez to attend an all-white farm town high school where the only other Indian is the school mascot.

Heartbreaking, funny, and beautifully written, The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, which is based on the author's own experiences, coupled with poignant drawings by Ellen Forney that reflect the character's art, chronicles the contemporary adolescence of one Native American boy as he attempts to break away from the life he was destined to live.

One of those books on the big "Must-read" list and I find that I'm just a little too old to fully appreciate this volume.  It's a good read, but I didn't connect to it on a personal level.  I did enjoy the little cartoons sprinkled throughout.  This feels like a great read for middle to high schoolers. Will keep it in mind for the twins in a few years.

tags: 4 stars, New Author, NPR Teen, Sherman Alexie, Top 100 YA, US of YA
categories: Book Reviews
Tuesday 08.12.14
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

Arthur: 10 Months / 43 Weeks

A slightly happier baby this week, although now he has random bouts of crying.  Teething?  I have no idea.

Likes: Toys, toys, and more toys

Dislikes: Sleeping (still); sitting on the living room side of the fence when I'm in the kitchen

Sleeping: All over the place.  I thought we were getting better, but every night is a surprise.  Hoping it will get better soon.  He's taking naps again, so that's an improvement.

Eating: Raspberries and coffee cake are his two new favorite foods.  Working on chewing harder foods.  His favorite snack is currently goldfish.  I made the mistake of giving him some of the goldfish left over from the twins summer.  Now it's all he wants for snacktime.

Playing: We're been working on exploring new toys.  He loves his walker currently, more playing with the front instead of using it as a walker.  We've also read more picture books lately.

Medical Milestones: 

  • Harder transitions between activities -- Not really seeing it yet...
  • Disliking being confined -- Check! He only tolerates the stroller when we're moving.  Stop and he fusses.
  • Crying with loud noises, vacuum, etc -- Check! Pulling out the vacuum results in instant tears.
  • Object permanence -- Check!  It's harder to "hide" snacks and remotes.
  • Responding to single-step commands -- Check! His understanding of language is getting better and better.
  • Grinding teeth -- Check!  Ugh!  It's the absolute worst noise in the world.  And there's not good way to make him stop.
 

Out and About: We had a our usual weekly baby events (blanket babies, library visit, Deer Hollow Farm).  Plus, we visited a new park (Washington Park) to check everything out.  Then for the weekend, we attended two 1st birthday parties.  Lots of fun!

tags: Arthur, growth update
categories: Kids
Tuesday 08.12.14
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

Music Monday -- La Roux "Let Me Down Gently"

There's something about La Roux that just speaks to me.  I'm really digging this song lately.

Lyrics:

Let me down gently

That's what I think I need

But when you let me down gently

It still feels it hard, hard

Turn me into someone good

That’s what I really need

Tel me that I’m someone good

So we’re not so far apart, apart

I hope it doesn't seem like I’m young, foolish and green

Let me in for a minute

You're not my life but I want you in it

Set me up I’m slowly

That’s what you do to me

Oh you set me up slowly

Now I can’t come down, down

Let me down gently

That's what I think you need

But when I let you down gently

And you try to hide your frowns, frowns

I hope it doesn't seem like I’m young, foolish and green

Let me in for a minute

You're not my life but I want you in it

And I hope it's sinking

Left behind your perfect skin

There’s a part of you that’s free

And I know there’s a place for me

Let me down gently

That's what I think I need

But when you let me down gently

It still feels it hard, hard

Turn me into someone good

That’s what I really need

Tel me that I’m someone good

So we’re not so far apart, apart

I hope it doesn't seem like I’m young and foolish and green

Let me in for a minute

You're not my life but I want you in it

And I hope it's sinking

Left behind your perfect skin

There’s a part of you that’s free

And I know there’s a place for me

tags: La Roux
categories: Music
Monday 08.11.14
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

Sunrise by Mike Mullin

Title: Sunrise (Ashfall #3)

Author: Mike Mullin

Publisher: Tanglewood Press 2014

Genre: YA Thriller

Pages: 554

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Mount TBR; 52 Books - W33; Seriously Series; Chunkster

The Yellowstone supervolcano nearly wiped out the human race. Now, almost a year after the eruption, the survivors seem determined to finish the job. Communities wage war on each other, gangs of cannibals roam the countryside, and what little government survived the eruption has collapsed completely. The ham radio has gone silent. Sickness, cold, and starvation are the survivors' constant companions.

When it becomes apparent that their home is no longer safe and adults are not facing the stark realities, Alex and Darla must create a community that can survive the ongoing disaster, an almost impossible task requiring even more guts and more smarts than ever—and unthinkable sacrifice. If they fail . . . they, their loved ones, and the few remaining survivors will perish.

While I've really enjoyed this series, the last book in the trilogy was a bit of a letdown to me.  The writing and storyline were a bit uneven.  I found my mind wandering during the story.  Bad things keep happening to Alex and company.  At a certain point, it almost becomes like a comedy.  "Oh the cannibals are attacking again... didn't this happen last week?"  And the problem of redundancy got to me at a certain point.  I just wanted to find out what happened at the end.  I did, and it was fairly satisfying, but wasn't the best book I've ever read.

Ashfall

  • #1 Ashfall
  • #2 Ashen Winter
  • #3 Sunrise
tags: 4 stars, 52 books in 52 weeks, Chunkster, Mike Mullin, mount tbr, Seriously Series
categories: Book Reviews
Sunday 08.10.14
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupery

Title: The Little Prince

Author: Antoine de Saint-Exupery

Publisher: Reynal & Hitchcock 1943

Genre: Children's Literature

Pages: 112

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Fantasy Project; 1001 Books; New Author; Monthly Key - July; What's in a Name - Position of Royalty

Few stories are as widely read and as universally cherished by children and adults alike as The Little Prince. Richard Howard's new translation of the beloved classic--published to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry's birth--beautifully reflects Saint-Exupéry's unique and gifted style. Howard has excelled in bringing the English text as close as possible to the French, in language, style, and most important, spirit. 

Somehow I have gone 32 years without reading The Little Prince.  This is the year I rectify that slight.  And I'm so glad that I did.  This is a delightful little story that appeals to all ages.  It's usually shelved in the children's section, but really it could be shelved anywhere.  The nuggets of wisdom sprinkled throughout make it a classic.  I love that this story has some many different layers.  I feel like this is a volume that once read again would yield an entirely different outcome.

tags: 1001 Books, 5 stars, Antoine de Saint-Exupery, children's literature, Fantasy Project, monthly key word, New Author, What's in a Name
categories: Book Reviews
Saturday 08.09.14
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

FF #28: Clean and Casual

Clean and Casual

I saw this dress and immediately wanted to create a casual outfit to compliment it.  For me, I would wear the dress as a tunic, but for those more confident or shorter than I, it would make a cute dress.  I kept the clothing pieces neutral to ket the casual vibe.  This also always the accessories to really pop.  I don't wear hair flowers, but something about this outfit screamed hair flower.  On the other hand, I would definitely carry that bag.

Chiffon dress

stylishplus.com

Dsquared2 denim jeans

$260 - thecorner.com

Vegan shoes

shiekhshoes.com

Gucci handbag

gucci.com

18k necklace

alangoo.com

Barrette hair clip

amazon.com

categories: Fashion
Friday 08.08.14
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

Casino Royale by Ian Fleming

Title: Casino Royale

Author: Ian Fleming

Publisher: Jonathan Cape 1953

Genre: Thriller

Pages: 213

Rating: 3/5 stars    Movie: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: 1001 Books; New Author; 52 Books - W32;  Books to Movies

In the novel that introduced James Bond to the world, Ian Fleming’s agent 007 is dispatched to a French casino in Royale-les-Eaux. His mission? Bankrupt a ruthless Russian agent who’s been on a bad luck streak at the baccarat table.

One of SMERSH’s most deadly operatives, the man known only as “Le Chiffre,” has been a prime target of the British Secret Service for years. If Bond can wipe out his bankroll, Le Chiffre will likely be “retired” by his paymasters in Moscow. But what if the cards won’t cooperate? After a brutal night at the gaming tables, Bond soon finds himself dodging would-be assassins, fighting off brutal torturers, and going all-in to save the life of his beautiful female counterpart, Vesper Lynd.

J warned me that the since this was the first book in the series, it started off a bit slow.  That was an understatement.  I almost put the book down because of the first three chapters.  They were clunky and downright boring.  I understand that the author has to set up the world, but this was not done well at all.  But I stuck with it.  The book did get better.  The baccarat scene was amazing.  The torture seen was almost unreadable, but in a good way.  Those two chapters were definitely the high points.  The ending was a bit of a let down, but I see how it sets up Bond for the rest of the series.  I ended up knocking off a star for the clunky writing and pace.  I knocked off another star for my own personal tastes.  The multiple comments about how women need to be scene and not heard, kept in the kitchen, etc, really got to me.  I know this was written in 1953, but I'd still not prefer to read it.  Overall an interesting read, but definitely not going to be a favorite and I probably won't continue the series.

Movie:

I really really enjoyed this movie.  Of course, the movie makers made changes from the book.  They added the entire first sequence and multiple more action beats while keeping the main storyline and the tone of the book.  Plus, I adore Daniel Craig as Bond.  He has the grit and the hard nature.  Overall, an awesome adaptation.  I dare say better than the book.

tags: 1001 Books, 3 stars, 5 stars, 52 books in 52 weeks, Books to Movies, Ian Fleming, New Author, thriller
categories: Book Reviews, Movies
Thursday 08.07.14
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

Odds and Ends

Here is my randomness for the week:

  • Sleep deprivation is no fun...
  • Really getting inspired to create things -- blog posts, children's books, cards, scrapbooks, etc
  • I love chocolate!
  • Straw sippy cups are a huge hit around this house
  • Laundry never ends
  • I look forward to the card swaps every month; I get so happy when I get packages back
  • Backordered SU supplies suck
  • Looking forward to baby birthday parties this weekend
tags: Odds and Ends
categories: Life
Thursday 08.07.14
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

Arthur: 42 Weeks

Ugh! What a week!  I feel like we're back at that newborn stage; all sleep deprived and cranky.  It's been rough.

Likes: Sleeping on mom or dad; cornmeal biscuits (finally found "bread" that he likes); playing ball

Dislikes: Sleeping; diaper changes (such a struggle now); the hall gate

Sleeping: Arthur's started taking naps again (woohoo!), but they are fairly inconsistent in terms of time and length.  I'm think he's now transitioning to one nap, but it's been really rough.  Night time sleeping is incredibly complicated.  He's not allowing us to put him in his crib until 10 or 11pm.  Then he wakes up at least once before morning.  Argh! We've tired changing to the bedtime routine, but he's very resistant to bed time.

Eating: Such a good eater lately!  Anything and everything from my plate.  He tried and loves raspberries!  He also tried cornmeal biscuits and loves them!  We're having so much fun trying new dishes.

 
 

Playing: Since Arthur seems more and more interested in structured play, I am pulling some activity ideas for the coming weeks.  So far, we've explored his puzzles, train track, and lots of rolling balls.  I'm loving the new play developments.

tags: Arthur, growth update
categories: Kids
Wednesday 08.06.14
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

Quote Wednesday -- Antonimus

By trying the untried and not always following instructions, discoveries are made. -- Marcus Aurelius Antonimus

categories: Quote Wednesday
Wednesday 08.06.14
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

Late Post

Arthur Update will be late today as the baby decided to just not sleep last night.  This meant that I had absolutely no time to do anything requiring two hands and lap.

categories: Life
Tuesday 08.05.14
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

Music Monday -- Plumb "Crazy"

A throwback song today from 1997.  I saw Plumb open for Jars of Clay and immediately fell in love with them.  This was my favorite song by them for the longest time.

Lyrics:

I know that you're on the inside

You know that I'm looking out

For me

You're sitting pretty

As I wallow in self-pity

And there's no coming back for me

[Chorus:]

You're crazy for thinking I'm above this

You're crazy for believing I don't care

You're crazy for thinking I'm below you

You're crazy, you're crazy

My ambition and every intention

Is to go where I shouldn't go

Pleasing to my eyes

Through a wretched reply

It's soothing to my soul.

tags: Plumb
categories: Music
Monday 08.04.14
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 
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