I Was Really Trying to Get a Photo of Her Smiling...

Erica and I went to see Heather B. Armstrong (aka Dooce) at Powell's last night. It was a mob scene. Tried to get a picture of Heather smiling, but... well, I like when people use their faces to help tell stories.

I'm thinking this was during a pregnancy boob story...

And here, probably instructing the partners of pregnant women in preparation for the sexual dry spell that will potentially follow the impending birth of their bundles of joy. Good stuff.

Grainy photos - Didn't want to use the flash...

The Egg and I

This book is so funny, I don't want it to end. I picked it up at Powell's at PDX before my trip to Jersey earlier in the month, and I have been parsimoniously allowing myself a chapter or two whenever I have the chance. It was written in the forties (although you'd never know it, it's so freakin' witty - it makes me laugh out loud and read passages to Jay when he's trying to sleep). The author is a woman (Betty MacDonald) who married a guy who wanted to be a chicken farmer in a remote part of Washington State, and she tells about her life, surroundings, neighbors, etc. once they move to the country and start farming.

Did I mention how funny it is? Because I realize that when I say, "It's a book written by a chicken farmer's wife from the 1940's" it may not sound that appealing. But really - find it and give it a try.

Precocious Children, if I do say so...

Ellie relaxing in the rocking chair, enjoying one of her favorite books before bedtime. Mags always loved this one, too. I don't remember it at all from my childhood - I wonder when it was published...



Mags showing off our Sunday morning breakfast (cornmeal blueberry scones). She actually is a good helper in the kitchen! Notice she has sampled the blueberries to make sure they're good enough for the rest of us. We (meaning I) almost messed this one up when I somehow managed to turn the oven off at some point during cooking... but they turned out to be remarkably tasty.

Everybody Needs a Rock

One of my favorite things to do is collect interesting rocks. Another one of my favorite activities is reading to the girls. How nice to have a book that shares the wonder of rock hunting with little kids.

Everybody Needs a Rock - by Byrd Baylor

If you order one copy for now and one copy to give to someone later, I guarantee they'll both find good uses - especially if you happen to like rocks, and kids...