simple & functional...but probably not award-winning.

I'm really into simplifying lately, which includes my clothing. I hope the next few weeks/months don't offend you guys as I head back to the basics in my personal expression of style. Fewer pieces and less in-your-face accessorization. Who knows how long this little self-trend will last...but hang out with me for the duration, will you? Thanks.

 shoes: american eagle outfitters. skirt: sonoma. shirt: gift. cardigan: j.crew. earrings: hawaii.

I'd also like to apologize for my lack of posting for the past couple of days. My husband has left on business, sickness has struck our household, my 2-year-old randomly hasn't been able to walk for 36 hours and may have broken her leg, my 6-year-old has huge road rash, the weather changes from warm/cold/sunny/rainy/hailing pretty much hourly, despite my best efforts to be responsible I ended up inadvertently dropping the ball and making others suffer for it, and I haven't slept for more than 2 hours at one time for at least a week.

I don't think I'm anything special here--we all have weeks like this, don't we? (Please say "yes," or I'll cry, which would probably make my congested head explode with pressure...) Regardless, I'm still grateful for stuff. Like:

- friends who have kids who are friends with my kids. Getting together is not only fun, but highly convenient for everyone. And I am a convenience junkie.

- when my sinuses quietly go about doing their job. They're on strike (angry, picketing, yelling, barn-burning strike) this week, apparently, which makes me a wee bit nostalgic for yesteryear...

- simplicity.

- my husband. Everything about him.

- my kids, who try so hard to be good and who are so patient with me when I'm not patient with them.

- soft foods that sore throats can swallow. Like pudding and almost-soggy cereal and water.

- having a pediatric nurse for a sister.

- people who are so nice to help me when I really don't deserve it.

- de-junking. Feels so good.

- the fact that $3.18 spent at a dollar store will buy hours (and counting) of pleasure for three kid-hearts.

- the great outdoors.

Happy Sunday.