Well folks, due to popular demand (actually just the gentle encouragement of
one, plus really wanting an excuse to try out recipe ideas I've had) I'm back! I don't really have the time or space to fill you in on all that happened during the brief- ahem, almost seven month- break in blogging; so instead of picking up where I left off, I'll just pick up now, today.
Most important: Eleanor was added to our family! I went into labor with her on my due date, and she was born the next day, November 25th, which really redeemed
that weekend. She is happy, a good sleeper, a big eater, and a chatty gal. We love her dearly. I hope to post pictures of the nursery soon, as well as imporvements we have made elsewhere in
the house. Also, I have been wanting to write a post on my system for cloth diapers since I started this blog, so maybe I'll get around to that one of these days. And, of course, recipes. Apparently it is even more difficult to eat out with two children than it was with one, which is great because it gives me a reason to make good food at home. Thanks for sticking with me in the absence. It feels good to be back.
2. Sticker animals on popsicle sticks = instant puppets. James enjoyed using his scissor skills to cut around the stickers. I like that no glue was needed, but I did have to heavily monitor the cutting! 
(Side note: James named this one Bamboo the Baboon... yeah, say that three times fast) 3. crayon scraps into crayons. You just cut all your broken crayons (minus paper, of course) into little pieces then pile them up in a silicone tray (Ikea has fun colors and shapes for 99 cents! no matter that they are actually ice cube trays...) and bake at 230 degrees for 15 minutes. 
Any other rainy-day craft ideas? 
PS sorry the pictures and wording is in such disarray... I can't seem to fix it! PPS This time, a year ago: Tuscan White Bean Soup YUM!
