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We like to do our share to help control the squirrel population.  How do we do it?  We send them into obesity.  We simply keep the same old trash cans outside — ones that no longer have lids — and that then keeps our trash accessible to at least one obese squirrel.  Of course, he has figured out that he can rip into our trash bags and have a buffet.  He gets Kate’s leftover snacks, crackers, fruit, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches,…you name it!  We have laughed so hard lately seeing this squirrel run off each day with some sort of treasure from our trash.  Greg thinks he’ll soon die of a heart attack.  Any thoughts on what we should name him?

Though I don’t get things for free at CVS like my friend, Lisa, I may well be on my way! I found the above ride-on Firetruck for $4 last week (Kate LOVES it!), the daisy rain boots for $3, and a brand new pair of adorable Stride Rite sandals (not pictured above, but they’re even in Kate’s WIDE size!) for $4 (usually $45 full price). All this bargain bliss because I decided to stop by a nearby thrift store at the recommendation of another mom in my neighborhood, and she was right — it can be a jackpot for kids’ stuff!

Sorry, Grandparents, no pics today. I’ll try harder! There was a darling picture moment of Kate and her buddy, Emma, this morning, but I forgot my camera!

Now for the girly post. I am not a fan of make-up. I hate to wear it.  I especially don’t like the feel of it on my face. I love the feeling of my face just being washed and very clean! However, every now and then I’ll wear a little powder and some lip color (to church, dates with my hubby, etc.), but I feel more comfortable with the natural look. Recently, a friend told me about a new natural-looking line called Bare Escentuals. The “make-up” is not really make-up, in that it’s actually made from raw minerals and is good for your skin (unlike real make-up). When I was in Annapolis a couple of weeks ago, I saw the new Bare Escentuals specialty store that opened there. Because it’s known for being good for your skin, natural ingredients, and giving a very light, sheer, natural look to your skin, I decided to go in and check it out. I loved how light and natural it looked and felt on, so I decided to give it a try (with a guarantee if I don’t like it, I can return it!). I have worn the powders a few times in the last 2 weeks, and I absolutely LOVE this stuff! If you’re someone who likes to have a little make-up around for special occasions but you can’t find something that looks natural and light, you must try bare minerals. It is like nothing else I’ve ever tried!

My sweet husband surprised me last night with a gift.  Not just any gift.  The exact kind I needed after my day — a day of chasing and training a toddler.  What could be so grand?  A whole shiny bag of Lundt chocolate & peanut butter treats.  I heard the angels singing as I opened them.  There are so many reasons I love that man…

The window seat in our bedroom has been neglected ever since we bought this house three years ago. We’ve painted each room, renovated the kitchen, bought new furniture, etc., but our poor little window seat remained a terrible pink board with paint drops from painting projects. Well, last weekend we decided it was time to take action. I called my friend, Carmen, the homemaker extraordinaire, to ask the easiest route to revive a window seat. She gave me great advice, but it involved sewing (something I rarely do). Then came mom’s magic words: “Don’t you have a staple gun? I think you could staple it!” Lesson learned: Never underestimate the power of the staple gun for home decorating projects!