A New Addition

So, Hubby and I have talked about it, on and off, for a few years now. Occasionally, the kids would bring up the idea but we always demurred. 

Then COVID happened, and folks we know decided to add additions to their families. Initially, Hubby and I were adamant that it would be a bad idea (for us). But COVID persists.. and the kids are so isolated so much of the time... so we began to entertain the idea. We researched and debated, hemmed and hawed. Perhaps we've got a touch of Stockholm syndrome, but, we got a puppy! 

We actually did a lot of research and reading up on puppies, narrowing down the breed, size and energy level we wanted. Then, we quested to find a responsible breeder, to make sure we'd get a healthy and happy pup (and not support puppy mills) and it needed to be in reasonable driving distance. And the pups should be ready to come home - but not be too, too old - in the end of December. A tall order! It took some looking but, eventually, we found one! 

The pups were born in late October, and shortly after that, a picture of the litter was posted on the kennel's website. So tantalizing! So cute!

A couple weeks later, they posted some updated pictures and further details. There were three boys and two girls. For various reasons, Hubby and I decided a girl pup would be better for us. So, we called the kennel and got our name on the list to meet the pups. We were the first to ask about the girls so, if we were available for the first appointment slot, we would get our pick of the two. That sounded good to us! Sign us up.

Then, we waited nearly a full month before adoption day could happen. Poor Moon felt like the waiting was so long, he was certain the pup would be big and full grown by the time it came to pick her up. (happily, that was not the case).

Finally, the day to adopt arrived! We drove out to meet the girl pups and see which one would be a better fit for us. When we got there, 'cuz, COVID, they put the pups out in an outside corral so we could hang out with them for a while and get to know them a little. 

Funny, going into it, I was trying to stay open minded.. while I definitely preferred the coloring of the pup with the darker patches on her body, I wasn't going to pass up the whiter one if she seemed a better fit. When we got there and were meeting the pups, the pup with the patches came over and was curious about us; let us pick her up and, overall, seemed ok to see us. The little white one? She zipped away to the other side of the corral and never let any of us actually pick her up. So, it was decided, the friendliest one (which happened to be the cutest one) was coming home with us!

While the grown ups were finalizing details, the kids got to play with the puppy in the (warmer) car. 

Lots of loving going on! Then, we headed home. She actually travelled pretty well. The drive was a little over an hour and, after a little fussing, she ended up sleeping most of the way home. 

Townshend was concerned that she is too sleepy a dog and won't be any fun, but (I think) we've convinced him that she'll perk up as she gets more used to us all and grows up a little more. Once she settled in a little, she started having more fun (in between naps). 

Such a cutie!! 

So, everyone.. meet our newest addition: Calypso

Halloween!

 Like so many things in this crazy year, Halloween was a little different than typical years. Many years we have many, little parties - parties at school, parties at church, parties at home.. This year, however, there were fewer options. Still, there was fun to be had. 

There were some traditions that didn't change. We still dressed up our front door. This year, I went with a fierce decor. Moon was adamant that there be teeth on both the bottom as well as the top for the Monster Door, as he dubbed it.

And, of course, there are the yummy, macabre treats. Doorbell ditching friends and leaving them with a  plates of treats is definitely compatible with social distancing:

There actually was a little party that we attended. Over the summer, my boys went to a little summer camp and we connected with the folks who ran it. They invited us to come to their little Halloween and Day of the Dead celebration. Initially, it was going to a couple of hours with activities indoors and out in the yard. However, a week or so before the party the local COVID numbers were on the rise so, to be safe, they abbreviated the festivities and had a few activities outside: pumpkin hunt and pictures in front of their spooky dressed up porch:

The kids were a little disappointed that we weren't able to stay longer, but we had a good time. And I enjoyed reconnecting with the ladies who run the place. 

Our town did hold trick or treating, but our family opted out. There weren't any school or church parties this year, but Halloween was on a Saturday, and it seemed a waste to let the day pass without any revelries... so we decided to have a day of games at home. 

The boys were actually really excited about planning out the day. A few days before the 31st, we sat down as a family and wrote down all the things they wanted to do.. then we had to talk about how the day has a finite amount of time. So, we narrowed it down to the most fun activities and, in order to make sure we could fit it all in, we made an outline and we had a plan for the day. 

Townshend actually took on a couple of the activities, himself.. set them up and lead Moon through them. They did some Halloween bowling while Hubby and I made breakfast. Then, during clean up, Townshend drew a cow on our kitchen chalkboard and they played "Pin the Bat on the Cow" (a game of his own creation) with a bat decoration we had around. (Sadly, I forgot to take pictures) but I was really impressed at his determination to fit it all in.

We had some crafts, and made mummies (Townshend was less into that):

The boys have been asking to play Rock Band for forever.. I don't think we've played that game in years, though we've kept all the instruments and things just in case. So, we finally brought that game out of retirement. Hubby and I really enjoyed it.. the boys were less impressed. Moon was upset that the guitar didn't actually make any sound, so I let him use my real one while the rest of us rocked out with our virtual instruments:

In the afternoon, after Saturday baths, lunch and quiet time (so the parents could have a break), we jumped back in with an in-house trick or treating followed by a Halloween egg hunt:

Then, to cap it all off (and burn off some of that sugar energy) we finished off the day at the park. So funny that last year we had a blizzard that dropped several inches of snow on Halloween, and this year we wore sweatshirts to the park. That's a Midwest autumn for you!

It was a full day! Honestly, we probably partied harder this year, making our own fun, that we would have in a more normal year. It's all good though.. it was a blast. It's definitely one for the books!

Hiking Misadventures

 This year, one of the things we've been trying to do more is to get out into the woods. There's a place, not too far from us, that has become our regular spot. Townshend's class has had a couple fieldtrips out there this year too, making him even more familiar with fun areas to explore, which is even more fun. Also, it's been a really mild autumn this year; the warm weather keeps popping up. So, we go out to enjoy it.

This forest preserve is divided by a road running through it, and our favorite side is on the south. However, that is also the side that has a river that's prone to flooding, so when it rains we often have to do our exploring in the area on the north. It's still beautiful and woodsy, but there aren't as many hills and valleys to run through which, in the kids' mind, makes it less fun. 

And, even when it rains (and you have the right clothes), it's still actually pretty fun to hike. That's what took us out into the woods the other day, in the rain. We were actually having a lovely time. The autumn leaves were still in their prime and the rain wasn't too chilly. The kids were running and splashing and it everyone was having fun.

Also, Moon has recently taken an interest in photography.. so he commandeered my phone and took a great number of pictures of "the nature."

Then, we accidentally wandered into a huge bramble patch. Turns out, this woods has brambles ALL over. For me, it wasn't too bad.. I'm pretty tall, was wearing jeans and some boots, so the prickers were only mildy obnoxious. 

Townshend was doing ok, though he was feeling frustrated because he couldn't find a specific fun spot, discovered by his class on a recent fieldtrip, that he'd wanted to show us.

But poor, little Moon.. he was wearing sweatpants and he's pretty short. The prickers collected up in his pants all the way to the edge of his jacket. Every step was uncomfortable, and he refused to walk any further. This was a problem since we were a ways from the parking lot.

I carried him for a little bit, but he's big enough that I can't do that very long anymore.. but mostly, we walked very slowly back to the car. But, slow and steady, we eventually made it there (where he was stripped of his "porcupine pants" and rode home bare-legged.

Aside from the brambles - which , now we know what to look out for, I was pleasantly surprised at how fun hiking in the rain can be. It might take some convincing for Moon, but I'd totally go back out again.

Autumn Blessings

This year has been quite the year. So much crazy. So much uncertainty. So many things cancelled. So many disappointments. Sometimes I feel like it would be so easy to slip into an endless spiral of woe-is-me. 

However.

When I find myself edging toward the slippery slope of self pity, I try to focus on things I am grateful for. 

We are all healthy.

Hubby still has a job. The kids are doing alright.

I'm able to find free time to be creative and explore new things. 

It's October in Chicagoland and I can still ride my bike. (though, each time feels like it will probably be the last one, so it always feels special)

And Chicago's autumn has been so very beautiful this year. 

Typically, we always joke that we get two weeks of autumn squeezed between high summer and full-blown winter. This year, it's been a glorious, gradual transformation. 

And some years, the prettiest leaves have been hiding out in the forest preserves. 

But this year, they are all around town. Every drive, every bike ride, I see some fabulous color that gives me pause and I say a little prayer of thanks. 

Truthfully, it feels like a tender mercy. This year has been such a dumpster fire, and I'm really not looking forward to winter. Being able to go outside has been one of the good points keeping us sane this summer; all that will be more difficult with the onset of winter. 

And though the holidays will undoubtedly look different, and what is "typical" or "normal" will continue to shift and change, we will get through the winter. 

It might be more challenging, but we will figure out ways to make it fun. 

In the meantime, I am going to conscientiously savor this beautiful autumn we're having.. and keep on counting my blessings and practicing gratitude. 

'Cuz we got this. 

Beautifying Things - the Outside

 Once the inside was all complete and the seal was dry, it was time to look to finishing off the outside! Some of the exterior pieces could be done, bit by bit, parallel to the inside. 

The picture frame that was to be the door, got primed, and then it was blue!

Then, all painted and sealed, it was only in want of a handle!

One of the signature elements of a Tardis is a little light on top. This whole project has been a DIY work of art, and so it only seems natural that the light be too. I thought about different ways we could make a light on top, did some research.. and then inspiration hit. I found a cute little glass jar that had a little taper to the bottom; a bit of retro look. Turn it upside down, dress it up and put a little light in it, and it's perfect!

Once the smaller bits of the exterior were done, it was time to look to the box itself. The joints and seams had already been sealed and patched, then it was time for some serious sanding.

Next, to achieve the board and batten look of a British Police Box I used a bunch of little strips of balsa wood. Measure, cut, then glue on!  

A little patching at the joints, another round and sanding and then, finally, it was time to tie it all together and paint it blue! Even with just a first coat, it was looking awesome:

Then, all blue and dry, it was time to start assembling the bits.

After a fiddling a bit with the placement of the magnetic closure and adding some waterproofing to the inside of the door.. all it needed was the sign out front....

I printed an "aged paper" background, then printed the words on top. Trim it down to size, laminate and voila!

At long last, it was officially done! 

Oh man.. it turned out awesome! My friend and her family love it! Good work, all around. Hooray for a great project done!