Blog Gets a Makeover

Howdy... notice anything new?

So, we've changed the name, the template and added some new (and exciting) buttons (a la Etsy.com) All this in the name of the latest Gann (or Haley) endeavor...

House of Houliganns is the soon-to-launch creation, born of my crafting addiction- a site where my "neat suff" can become your neat stuff. I make each item...lovingly and completely by hand. September's featured crafts will include sweet little tutus, tutu wands, halos and rockin' arm cuffs. My ideas are plentiful- this is just the beginning.

Your support is like my chocolate craving, I neeeed you... though, I pledge not to hide you in the way back back of the cabinet.

I'll post as soon as we are operational. Barring any toddler interruptions (HA), that aught to be real soon.

Until then...Happy Weekend!

Kovi Funny, Yeah

Several afternoons and many deep-breathing exercises later, Woog was supposed to be down for a nap, but the sweet sound of his moderately-volumed singing hinted that he might not be dreaming of "ice sink" and sand tables. I peeked in on him...this was the scene:

Woog, smiling, hands on hips as though to say, "Survey my masterpiece...take it all in. You are in the presence of greatness." Hand to forehead, I let the entirety of the mess ooze in. And like the discovery of a leaky diaper in the check-out line at Costco, I could only sigh.

Every stitch of clothing, including two stuffed Rubbermaid bins of outgrown Woog wear, every Toy Story Pull-Up, countless books, blankets, animals, and endless paraphernalia, strewn (rather festively)in a sea of all that is Woog's Room.

And there, standing atop his egg chair, a wild-haired boy wearing Elmo underpants. All fine, except when I put him down for a nap he was wearing a Toy Story Pull-Up.

"Where's your Pull-Up, Woog," I questioned.

"I put it in the dirty," he retorts, pointing a chubby finger towards the hamper. "I no need it. I pee pee here," chubby finger now pinpointing a wet spot next to his dresser where the diaper genie used to live. (Side note: diaper genie was removed from room because we'd found it in one thousand pieces after a particularly violent timeout session. Big Daddy had to study the downstairs genie to figure out how it went back together.) He continues, "But I no pee pee in Elmo."

"Ok. (Breathe deeply) Let's clean up the mess and the pee pee," I say exhaling audibly. Woog mimics, "Ahhh."

As I crouch to scrub the pee spot, Woog repeats that he hadn't pee peed in his underpants, which is good, great in fact. As I am praising him for staying dry he circles to the center of the room, the epicenter of destruction and shouts, "I no pee pee in Elmooooo," and half squats to pull off his underpants, revealing...another pair of Elmo underpants!

"See, no pee pee in Elmo," he squeals with confidence. Squat and tug, revealing...another pair of Elmo underpants!

One final time, squat...ta da! Four pairs of dry Elmo underpants all at once and with a bonus surprise at the end- the final pair of Elmo underpants was on backwards with a chunky left butt cheek hanging out.

A Four-Legged Family Member is at Rest

A Hopi Prayer by Mary E. Frye

Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there.I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet white doves in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there,I did not die.

Brock-A-Boy went to his eternal tennis ball-laden, pig ear-plentiful, bacon-scented open range in the sky 8/13/10
He has joined his little daughter Lola and a pack of well-loved four-legged family members before him.
Brock Lee Baker, you will be missed and forever loved.

Happy Birthday Pop-UP

Sniped

Passed. Out.
(Notice the remnants of his family of foxes chest tattoo and turquoise nail polish)

Woog, The Hose Nazi

Woog loves the hose... he especially loves spraying things with the hose. Dogs, toys, sisters, nothing is sparred a shower.

Ready.

Aim.

Fire!

This particular afternoon we lined up the outside toys for a car/wagon/chopper/vroom vroom/ dog wash. The kids thought it fascinating to watch the bubbles rise in the bucket.

Resolving that "not-so-fresh" feeling.

Crafty Crafty

We painted birdhouses one day last week. The kids were inspired after making the feeders and decided the local wildlife would probably prefer to have several dwelling options to choose from.

Diaper and wipe box fort with peephole details! Exciting...for an afternoon.

The kids love crafts, especially painting. And while they're busy creating, I get the chance to A) fold laundry, B) make lunch, C) pee.