We got an early morning call (they're never good) today to tell us that Phil's brother Chris died as a result of a motorcycle accident. He was 25, recently out of the Army, and living in Virginia Beach, VA. He was a gunner in a turret of a Hummer in Iraq, and he was also a sniper. We always thought one of those jobs would be the end of him, but he made it through with flying colors. It's so sad to lose a relative, but it's always much worse when they're still young and vibrant. My children will never know or remember him. Just sad.

I was recently reminded of my days long ago when I was a nail biter. I used to bite them off so short that the quick would bleed. I finally gave up this disgusting habit when my mom offered to buy me a doll that I really wanted if I stopped for a whole week. I still have that doll: a little tiny thing dressed in a white christening gown and bonnet laying on an oval satin and lace-trimmed pillow.

Confession time: I have since fallen off the wagon. Sometime after my daughters were born (they're 20 months-old now) I again started biting my fingernails. I'm not sure why (stress could be a factor here). My husband HATES it and tells me almost daily his opinion. I wasn't too worried about it until one of my daughters started to nibble on her nails. She does it when stressed, when watching Blue's Clues, and even when taking a bath. I'm going to make a conscious effort starting tomorrow (well, it's after 10 p.m. so I might as well say tomorrow) to STOP BITING MY FINGERNAILS! Update at a later date and time (unless I fail...then, no update--it will conveniently slip my mind).

I saw this lovely green friend (upside down at the top of the photo) on my jalepeno pepper plant a few days ago. He's still there (guess he's doing well using it as a food source). He almost exactly matches the green of the leaves. So beautiful!

Finally finished the wrap dresses for Hadley and Harper (with help from my mom and her sewing machine on the buttonholes--thanks, Mom!). The one on the left is the back view, and the one of the right is the front view. They are a size 2, but I think the pattern runs a bit small. I hope they can wear them this summer and next summer, too. They turned out cute, but I'm not letting anyone inspect them too closely for flaws and my sewing technique! heehee

My mom brought over a huge stack of clothes (all but one item she made herself) that my sister and I wore when we were little (back in the early 1970s).

We tried them on Harper and Hadley and took pictures of their modeling efforts. I don't think they enjoyed all the wardrobe changes, but Mom and I had a good time looking at the clothes on little girls running all over the place! Well, okay, they WERE in the cage, but they ran all over the cage... .

I took a side-trip in my sewing to make three "tie-totes" that I found on Betz White's blog site. (This, by the way, is why NOTHING ever gets done on time when I'm working on a sewing project--distractions!) They turned out cute if I say so myself! I even remembered to take a picture for the blog post...I'm getting too organized, must be time for bed!

I have been working on a sewing project for a few days (well, weeks, but who's counting?). I am making the girls matching wrap-dresses with bloomer pants (they are green jumping frog print on a pink background with green lining inside).

I have decided I haven't sewed in a LONG time. I had forgotten how to pin correctly. I had forgotten how to thread the sewing machine...thanks, Mom, by the way!

I am 90% done with the outfits (pictures to follow, I promise!), and I am unsure if I'm going to keep up the sewing projects. I think the outfits have ended up costing more than just buying cute matching outfits at Kohl's or JC Penney. My time invested in them adds a whole other layer to the cost-analysis.

I wanted to make them those cute "pillowcase" dresses everyone is posting on Etsy...we'll see... .

So, we're riding in the van and hear a voice from the back-back saying, "Mom, did you take Paxil?" I said no and asked why he (a 5-year-old) wanted to know. He responded by quoting almost verbatim the entire lawsuit commercial for women who took Paxil while pregnant and had a baby who either died or suffered from heart/birth defects. It's crazy what kids choose to deem important enough to put to memory!