People who do not live in a desert in the Northern Hemisphere might not understand why I hate September. But I do. The only good thing about September is the birthstone and some really cool people that were born in September. Other than that, I would just skip it if I had a choice.

Why? Because it’s hot. Yes, it’s usually hotter during June. And July. And August. But I expect it to be hot during June, July and August. And I honestly rarely complain about the heat during the summer months, because it’s summer. It’s supposed to be hot. But by September? I’m sick of it. And I complain. A lot. Because it’s too darn hot.

I’m sick of the heat. I’m sick of sweating. I’m sick of not being able to go outdoors during the daylight hours without feeling like I’m going to pass out. I’m sooooo over it. Ready to move on! To Fall! Where the weather is nice! And you can hang out outside and enjoy yourself during the DAY.

That is why I love October. Because in October, the temperatures finally start to drop. And also I was born in October.

Anyway, sick of the heat. Ready for it to end. GO AWAY ALREADY.

…for LG’s dear, now headless, dinosaur/lizard (she keeps changing her mind which one it is).

Spartacus, the dinolizard, was a loyal companion who loved to roar at unsuspecting people. His life was cut short by a giant dogosaurus named Melody.

We found him in the back yard missing his head, a foot and part of his tail. His owner, Little Girl, took it well, even though her mother was certain she would become verklempt.

LG, however, seemed certain that we could replace the dinolizard at the grocery store where we were going to shop for groceries.

Unfortunately, we couldn’t find another dinolizard, but we did find something she liked almost as well…

Rest in peace Spartacus the dinolizard.

September 11, 2001 is forever entwined in my memory with the birth of my goddaughter as that is the day she was supposed to be born. She didn’t actually arrive until the next day, which is a blessing, but still – I remember getting through that day partly because I was waiting to hear if she’d been born yet.

It’s been six years now. Hard to believe since the memories of that day are still so vivid. I will never forget it. None of us should ever forget it. But life goes on.

Three years ago today, Mike cousin and his wife gave birth to their long-awaited child, so for them there is much joy associated with this day.

Life goes on. We keep living.

The world keeps turning. Babies are born. People die. The circle of life.

We shouldn’t forget the day the world stopped. But neither should we dwell on it. The only way to defeat those who would destroy us is to keep living.

Life goes on. We must keep living.

Always remember, but always go on.

For those of you who have a two year old or an almost two year old and you think that they might not see three at times, fear not. There is hope. I have witnessed it.

We are starting our fourth year (is it really the fourth year already???) of doing the monthly religious education program at our church. Our band (which consists of me, Mike, Marlene, Rochelle, our drummer and our guitar player) does the music for the program which is some praise music before it starts, a theme song, and two meditation songs (usually a solo for Marlene and a solo for me) accompanied by awesome slide shows put together by Marlene’s hubby.

The first year we did Generations (as it’s called), I was pregnant for the first half of the school year and then had an infant for the rest, so she was pretty easy to deal with. The next year I had a non-walking child for the first half and a toddling child for the second half, but she was still mostly content to sit in her stroller while we played. Last year, though, I had a 1 1/2 year old for the first half and a 2 year old for the second half of the year and by the end of the year, she was getting pretty rowdy. Rowdy as in coming up and grabbing on me while I was singing and not wanting to sit still and do what was asked of her. And even though we did make it to the end of the year, it was rough, and we determined that we would try this first month to see how she did on Monday night Generations when no one was there to corral her. (On Sunday Marlene’s kids have the “joy” of that…lol!)

So tonight was the experiment. If she couldn’t handle it, she was going to have to go to Grandma’s on Monday nights when we had Generations.

But lo and behold, this almost-threeness is charming. I told her my expectations – that she was to sit in her chair (she had toys and snacks) and stay there and be quiet while we were singing. And you know what? She totally did everything we asked of her.

The best part? Was when we were done and she yelled “I did it Mommy! I did it!”. Love that kid!

But my point, which took me forever to get to it seems, is that even though the two year old thing can be difficult, there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

Two year olds are (or can be) obstinate, stubborn, and frustrating. There are good reasons for that – they are testing limits. And it seems to me that if you let them test the limits, but keep reminding them where those limits are, at some point, say like about three months or so before they turn three years old, it finally starts sinking in. And they become these charming, sweet little human beings again, who most of all want to please you. Now, this is not to say that they are perfect. Because none of us are. And they certainly will still have their moments, but it becomes obvious that the “worst” is over, and you feel like you might actually be okay at this parenting thing.

And just when you get in your groove? The hormones start kicking in and that testing limits thing starts all over again. But I’ve got a few years before that happens, thank goodness. In the meantime, I’m totally going to enjoy getting my sweet sweet little girl back! :)

Because of the heart issues I had earlier in the summer, then the wear and tear on my throat from the transesophogealechocardiogram (when they stick the tube down your throat to get a better look at things), and finally the nastiest summer cold I’ve had in many years, I realized today that I haven’t sung a real solo at church (other than a few lines) since probably the beginning of June. That’s a long time for me. It was sad and frustrating and at times I wondered if my voice would ever come back.

Well, it’s not all the way back, but it’s well on the way again. Today, I sang a solo at Generations (our monthly religious education program) and another solo at mass tonight. And it felt really really good. By no means was it my best work, but just to be able to do it without coughing or without wondering if my voice was going to come out when I wanted it to was a true blessing.

Music is my escape and my joy and it was really hard to be without it for so long. But I think I’m back! Thank you Lord!

And, by the way, Marlene did a really cool song that was a little different from what she normally does, but it was kicka$$!! (Can I use that word to describe a God song? lol!) I think we did pretty well for the first session back from summer break, if I do say so myself. :)

The top 50 internet sites for kids. via sk*rt

Seven strategies to raise your GPA. via Lifehacker

Find the state or county fair near you. via Lifehacker

Twenty thing to do with old bedsheets.

How to get ink out of (almost) anything.

Even digital cameras have predators. Sort of.

To me, this rocking chair looks neither attractive nor comfortable, but the light is kind of a cool concept.

Where should you focus when you are taking a landscape (or scenery) shot?

Back to School Tools for the organized student (or the one who needs to get that way).

This might be fun for Halloween…have a Hogwarts celebration! via TipNut.com

This is a neat gift idea: custom photo children’s books.

Pretty recipe of the week

Tip of the week via Lifehacker

Frerry Jocka*
Frerry Jocka
Doh may voo
Doh may voo
Doo doo doo doo doo doo
Doo doo doo doo doo doo
Doo! Doo! Doo!
Doo! Doo! Doo!

*That’s Freres Jacques in case you can’t translate 2 1/2 year old.

Today was the end of our first week of “preschool”. I guess I shouldn’t really put it in quotes, because I am doing actual lessons with her and she is certainly learning, and I am a certified teacher after all, but somehow when it’s my own child that I’m teaching, it feels more like play than work. Maybe that’s a good thing.

Today while talking to her daddy on the phone she said, “I love playing school with Mommy!” To her, it’s all play – which is good because really preschool is learning through play. But, it felt really great to have her say that anyway.

Mike asked me this morning if I just wanted to homeschool her from now on. It’s tempting, and I’ll do some serious thinking on it. My reservations have a lot to do with the social aspect of school. I think being in a classroom with other children on a bustling campus is a positive experience. So, it’s a tough call. But I’m going to consider all options, because schools have their negative aspects as well.

Today LG and I went to one of my favorite stores – somewhere I haven’t been for over three years…the teaching store. I wanted to find a few things to help with our lessons and that was the best place I could think of to get them. I was a little worried about how she would behave since, to her, it would seem like one gigantic toystore.

But she was perfect. She was chatty, and I was half-heartedly trying to get her be a little quieter, but she wasn’t loud, just enthusiastic. She had a lovely chat with one of the cashiers and when we checked out the cashier even gave her some stickers and LG said “thank you”. Yay! The cashier asked her her name and she recited it perfectly – first AND last…lol! She made me really proud. :)

There are days that it’s tough to be a parent…the cranky, grouchy, whiny, refuses to follow direction days. And then there are days like today that make up for all those other days.

I was sleeping. Peacefully. And then the phone rang. It was 4:39 a.m. Now normally when the phone rings at 4:39 a.m. (not that it happens very often, but humor me), it’s either bad news or the alarm going off at church (which could be filed under bad news, too, I suppose).

And if you’re anything like me, when the phone rings at 4:39 a.m. jarring you out of a sound sleep, your heartrate shoots up pretty quickly. So, if the phone is going to ring at 4:39 a.m., it better be for a damn good reason.

But it wasn’t a good reason. It was “A Quality” calling and then not answering when I picked up the phone. Nothing. Not a word. And, by the way, I’m on the Do Not Call list. So, why are they calling me at all, much less at 4:39 a.m.?

Good question. I tried to go back to sleep, but I couldn’t, so I got my trusty laptop and googled that phone number. It appears I’m not the only one that has this problem as there were many reports (several from last night) of the same thing happening to other people.

So what’s the deal? I am constantly getting phone calls from solicitors even though I’m on the Do Not Call list. It’s not as bad as it used to be, but still. There is a problem in the system somewhere. I did find out, though, that you can file a complaint online with the Do Not Call Registry.

In the meantime, it’s 6:43 a.m. and LG is already up because she got “scared” as she put it. Mike’s up, too, and they’re eating breakfast. As for me? I just want to go back to sleep, but I don’t see that happening anytime soon. *sigh*

My new phone arrived safe and sound (and unlike the last time I got a package from FedEx, they apparently decided to believe the address on the box and not change it to a non-existent one so that the package didn’t get delivered on time). Now I’m charging it. Does it charge faster if you check it every 5 minutes?

And if you think I’m excited about the phone, just wait until I’m able to order a new iMac! ;)

• I actually got to go shopping yesterday all. by. myself. I haven’t done that for months – mostly because I haven’t really felt like it. It was nice to feel like venturing out on my own and it was nice to spend a little money as well. ;)

• I have a new baby cousin (or 1st cousin twice removed to be exact). He was about two weeks late and weighed in at 10 lbs 13 oz. This is my aunt’s 17th great grandchild and she has three more on the way at present!

• We were going to go to Flagstaff tomorrow for the day just to get a break from the heat, but Mike decided that he’s got too much going on this week and he won’t be able to relax, so we’re going to go one day next week instead.

• Another reason we’re not going tomorrow (although a lesser one) is that my new cell phone is going to be delivered by Fed-Ex! Woot! And not only am I getting a new phone, I’m getting a slightly different plan (the one with unlimited mobile web and messaging and all that good stuff)!

• I’ve started doing “school” with LG each morning for about half an hour or so. I wrote lesson plans and everything. Don’t worry, though, we are doing FUN stuff…lol! This week we are talking about eyes, nose, ear, mouth and hair. And next week it will be arms, hands, legs, feet, elbow and knees. I wasn’t sure she was really into it, but last night when Mike was putting her to bed and going through his “what did you do today” spiel, she told him pretty much everything we did. So I’m excited!

• One tiny rant about people who hit “reply all” when they reply to an email just to say something like “congratulations!” or “cool!” or some other silliness. I don’t really need my inbox filled with replies from people I don’t know that are totally meaningless to me. Drives. me. crazy! Just one more reason to use BCC when you send a mass email. ;)

• And lastly, for those of you who read this in your feed reader, I have a new design up for September – it’s all about the cupcakes this month! And if you’re not exactly sure what the tagline means, think Harry Potter. ;)

Scroll down for Surfer Sunday.

Dear Little Girl,

Today you are 33 months old, or 2 year and 9 months, or 2 3/4 years old, or 3 months from 3 years old. It’s hard to believe you are almost 3. You are growing up so fast, and I’m sure these next three months will fly by.

(Read on …)

When is manual focus better?

Potpourri for the holidays?

I think this clock would merely give me a headache, but it’s still a cool idea.

11 ways to have a great semester.

Which glue should you use? via DIY Life

Looking for archives on the internet? Here is possibly the ultimate list.

If you eat a lot of takeout, you might need this.

In case you ever put regular liquid soap in the dishwasher instead of dishwashing liquid, try these helpful hints.

Programmable dog tag

Merit badges for Moms! via Parent Dish

This is an interesting alternative to the booster seat.

How to capture motion blur in photography.

A cute way to deal with portion control.

My dad used to make beautiful corsages for me and my mom all the time.

Make the perfect cup of coffee (or tea)!

Learn how to do special folds with your napkins. via DIY Life

I love sunsets!

Pretty recipe of the week

Pretty recipe of the week 2

Pretty recipe of the week 3