Opening up your first set of golf clubs (she is 5 now you know).
Falling asleep in Grandma's arms.
And, turning this
into this:
(straberry freezer jam- 2 cups of berries and 4-that's right, 4!! cups of sugar per batch!! very, very sweet!)
I have lost this post 5 times now! I am going with smaller pics this time to see if it works!
Father's Day Breakfast: white flour, corn syrup and some fat laden meat- eat up!
Some family golfing. We always go to this little po-dunk course- the girls are not quite ready for collared shirts and proper footwear.
This is Emma whispering FOUR! when her ball snuck over to the next fairway. Lot of blushing and giggling followed.
This putt went in and it was almost as fun to watch this one! More to watch today. (I am not normally a huge Tiger fan- but when someone is giving him a run for his money it can exciting. Normally, I prefer to watch Phil choke!)
Laurel went buzzing around and stealing/picking up everyone's ball- so I sequestered her in the shade and did some contorting for the camera.
Then, for dinner we had this:
Tex-Mex Turkey Burgers and Squash Salad (I think that is what they were called.) Everyday Food Jul/Aug 2008.
So, the weather finally warmed up and not a moment too soon. This week is going to be so great. Someone turns 5 on Saturday, and we are having visitors. Other than that, I have a few organizational projects to complete and the usual day-to-day stuff...but then, let there be lots of playing, swimming, bike riding, book reading, sewing? and nap taking!!
I had a lovely Mother's Day that included pancakes, bacon and coffee made by the Mister. I also stole away to the fabric store for a few hours. Alone. The girls gave me sweet cards that they made in school, and Carl and I went out to dinner on Friday night.
As much as I love my girls, the occasional dinner without them is a real treat. I like eating out like adults. Wine, appetizers, foods that you cannot pronounce. Very tasty. We were also celebrating Carl's birthday.
(brownies and ice cream, when you get older cake and frosting are not a necessities)
Today he is 34! I like older men. Not only do they have more money, but grey hair can be very distinguished. Besides, you have to marry someone older than you if you want to be in a relationship with someone who's maturity level is equal to that of your own. He is four years older than me...and those four years help. In all seriousness, I love you Carl and Happy Birthday!
I made Laurel a little toy yesterday. My grandma gave me one of her craft books (which would make it vintage) and it had all kinds of simple ideas for homemade toys. All the necessary supplies are ordinary things that you find around your house. I just love toys that don't have flashing lights, make beeping sounds, or have a screen.
I have been saving all my empty thread spools in a jar hoping that I could, at some point, put them to good use. This little project was just the thing. A spool snake. Just tie a knot at the end of a ribbon and thread them on. I did tie a knot in between each spool in order to make it lanky enough (is that a word?). Also, it was a bit plain so I cut some patterned paper and taped it on each spool. You could glue it on, but I used tape because I am lazy like that. Then, at the other end of the ribbon I tied a little loop for pulling. See, here it is in action.
And here the snake is slithering up the stairs.
Two warnings come along with this little snake. First, if you are going to take your snake for a walk down the stairs, be sure that the little snake doesn't slither under your feet and get tangled up under your pink cowboy boots. This may result in doing approximately three somersaults down the stairs and ending up with some slight resentment and disfavor to your spool snake. Also, beware of kitties who love to chase these types of snakes.
So, there you go. Don't throw your spools away, make a snake. A little person or a kitty might thank you.
It was a big weekend around here....
Our town celebrated it's annual Apple Blossom Festival. We never miss the parade.
There was lots of flag waving, and dancing in the streets.
For a few hours all the world seemed right and wholesome.
After a busy day on Saturday I was called in at 12:45am for a birth. I arrived home Sunday morning to see my family stumble out of their beds at 7am. I managed to catch a nap that afternoon and it was a good thing too because I was called again Sunday night at 10pm. I am definitely feeling fatigued this morning after back-to-back-all-night-long-births.
Good thing I have these two little bunnies to cozy up with all day! Happy Monday (I think that is what day it is)
Well, it's official, I am burned out on birthdays. Having two so close together is a bit overwhelming. Travel, birthdays, Easter- March has been a busy month.
Emma is an interesting mix of both intellect and creativity. Desiring to be just like her Dad, she is a budding little artist. For her 7th birthday she requested a party centered around that theme- art.
According to first grade girls, the best way to get the party going is dancing. Emma played DJ and it was pretty funny. Carl and I kept peeking around the corner, and he even managed to snap a picture of the action.
Next up, each girl was given a canvas and some paints to create her own masterpiece. I was surprised at how seriously they took on this project. Such detail and concentration.
Then of course, there were cupcakes (Emma insisted that she be the one to frost them).
Here are the favors that we gave out . It was a fun day filled with sweet seven year olds....no more big birthday bashes until June- whew!
The last few weeks have been too busy for me. It has all been good- but at a pace that I could not longer keep. Guests, travel, birthdays, and then Easter (which I was hosting). Saturday night I surrendered. Instead of scurrying around working myself into a froth over all that was left to be done- I collapsed on the couch with Carl and watched this movie. For me, Holidays are usually about letting go a bit. I can be "way-over-the-top-idealistic"- and, at some point during the preparations, I usually come to the realization that I cannot accomplish everything that I envisioned. I am learning to be okay with that. I am learning to laugh at the little imperfections. It is possible to make events special and enjoy them too.
I ran out of time to make place mats, napkins and new curtains for the dining room- but this little chick and some cheery tulips seemed to do the trick.
No one seemed to mind hunting for eggs with plastic shopping bags instead of sweet little wicker baskets, or the absence of fancy apparel donned by my daughters.
The tart crust that collapsed as I piled huge strawberries on top of it was easily hid beneath the thick layer of mascarpone cheese.
Playing a Nintendo Wii was not my select choice of entertainment for a holiday like Easter. However, when I was beating my husband in a round of golf by 3 strokes I quite liked it! (He did win- I blew it on the 9th hole. Thanks to my sister-in-law for bringing it and taking it back home with her :)
We ate, we laughed, we hunted for the golden eggs, we were together... and that is all that really matters. Thank you family for helping, and for humoring me.
"For our sake He made Him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God." 2 CORINTHIANS 5:21
new bike,
a happy table,
apple "cupcakes",
and a real bike cake...lots of fun!
We are off for a visit with my dad...see you in a few days!!
Happy St. Patrick's Day...
and Happy Birthday #2 to Laurel! (green mustache courtesy of Odwalla Superfood)
As of 2:30pm yesterday afternoon...we are officially on Spring Break.
Not a moment too soon! Spring Break for us always falls the week before Easter, Holy Week. I cannot tell you how excited we are to have 10 whole days of free time! At the beginning of the school year, I really underestimated the time commitment it would require from me to succsessfully get two girls through First Grade, and Kinder-Prep.
Before, I used to daydream about what it would be like when they went off to school. Yes, I would miss them, but also I would have all this free time to myself. I would workout, have coffee with friends, read more, sew more, bake more, etc. I was sure that my house would be a lot cleaner and that I would enjoy grocery shopping (without them) more. Well it has turned out that this is definitely not the case.
Instead, I am packing lunches, ironing uniforms (after fishing them out of the laundry...the knee socks being the trickiest to find), driving here and there and everywhere, volunteering in their classes, practicing spelling words before dinner, reading after, on and on. It has made me appreciate the down time a whole lot more. Every now and then, there are tiny little whispers in my head asking, "Would it be different if we home schooled?"
So, our Spring Break starts out with a much anticipated visit from my best friend from school. She and I have had little visits here and there, but never the opportunity to share as much time as the whole weekend together. She arrives this afternoon. Next, we are taking a little trip to see my Dad. The Pacific Science Center is on the "to do" list. We have birthdays, two very important birthdays! And who could forget Easter?
Friends, field-trips, celebrating, lots of laying around and giggling, naps, long lingering breakfasts, afternoon walks, maybe some crafting? Spring Break, we love you!
I love the way we love. Little gestures like:
kisses and nuzzles,
and "pupcakes" made just for me...
they all make it almost unbearable at times. Do you ever feel like you might just burst with bliss? I'll be the first to admit that this does not describe every waking moment of my existence, but quite frequently I have to stop and pinch myself. Maybe it happens in the middle of the night when I share a pillow with Laurel Baby, and her sweet breath warms my shoulder that is sticking out of the covers. Other times it happens when I am completely encircled by the little arms and loud giggles competing for who can get the most tickles from me. Sometimes it occurs when I see my husband from across the room and I feel that fluttery feeling in my stomach again like I did when we first met.
(taken as part of our engagement photos- 6 months after we met)
These are the flashes of time that stop me and I have to ask, "Is this for real? Could my life really be so swell? What did I ever do to deserve all this?" Basking in sweet, real, deep love all year long. May you have the same! Happy Valentine's Day.
The high temperature today was 26 degrees. We have been finding many ways to keep warm (besides turning the thermostat up...I broke down. It now hovers at 72)
snuggly sling naps,
and warm toasty scones with honey (lots of honey if you are under the age of 6).
Also sharing the warmth with cozy crochet birthday gifts.
**note to self: in the future, do not expect 7 year old boys to jump for joy over handmade yarn items- especially when the gift opened just prior to yours was a set of pro-wrestling action figures!
In other news, this little blog is now home to 100 posts. When I started it back in August of last year I wasn't sure where it might go. I find it hard to believe that I have had 100 things to talk about (fairly certain that my husband will disagree here). Writing it has caused me to look intently for the smallest significant moments in each day. I am glad to have record of them here. Thank you for sharing those snipits of time with me, and for leaving your thoughts as well.
To show my gratitude I would like to host a "give away". I have a couple of projects in the works right now that I would just love to share with you! Leave comment and I will choose a winner on Friday.
In the famous words of Clarke W. Griswald, "The most enduring traditions of the season are best enjoyed in the warm embrace of Kith and Kin". That was certainly true for us this Christmas. Some highlights include:
Sewing until the breaka breaka dawn to get all my gifts made. Thank you to Melissa who came to my rescue and loaned me her machine after mine crapped out on me with 4 pencil rolls to go. Whew! **Note to self: start earlier next year. (I wrote that note last year too- why is it so hard to learn that lesson?)
Sledding.
When my knee kissed the tree during a wipe out...and no one believed how bad it hurt. I nursed it away with cupcakes and cocoa by the fire in the lodge (my brother above).
Lots and lots of cooking and eating.
And lots and lots of movie watching and snuggling. It was a simple, relaxed and wonderful couple of days with family. We had snow, "man colds" (inside joke), sugar cookies, gifts galore, and the warm embraces of Kith and Kin. We hope your Holiday held the same.
Thank you for taking that brief with me pause yesterday. Your comments were all so sweet. Whether I have time to respond or not, please know that I love reading them!! On a lighter note, I thought it would be fun to interview the girls about the Season that we are in. I excluded Laurel only because she would just answer "yes" to every question. Keep in mind that Emma is 6 and Hannah 4. Here we go!
Me: What is the best part about Christmas?
Emma: Celebrating Jesus birth.
Hannah: 'bout Jesus.
Me: Where was Jesus born?
Emma: in a stable
Hannah: in Lazarus.
Me: Who came to visit Jesus?
Hannah: The wise man and some jewsman.
Me: Why did Jesus come to earth?
Emma: To save our lives
Hannah: As Christ, and because he wanted to play with his friends.
Me: How do you think that Jesus would want us to celebrate His birthday?
Emma: I think he wants us to praise Him.
Hannah: I think he wants to give us his sins. And some cake.
Me: Is there anything that you don't like about Christmas?
Emma: Dreaming about the Grinch.
Hannah: Fighting over presents.
Me: What would make this Christmas the best ever?
Emma: getting 1,000 presents.
Hannah: I don't know, Emma can answer.
Me: What is you favorite Christmas Tradition?
Emma: The Nutcracker
Hannah: Opening presents
Me: What should we have for Christmas Dinner?
Emma: Spaghetti and Meatballs
Hannah: Fettuccine
Me: And for dessert?
Emma: Pumpkin Pie
Hannah: Cupcakes and pop
Me: Do you believe in Santa?
Emma: No
Hannah: No
Me: How come?
Emma: He's not real cuz he is just dressed up.
Hannah: Because he paints his hair.
Me: Does that make you sad that Santa is not real?
Both shake their heads no.
Hannah: I want to be done with this now.
I hope that you found that informative and somewhat entertaining. We had a few giggles along the way. I am always interested in their perspective. I think that they got it mostly right don't you? I can't wait to start giving some gifts away so that I can show you what I have been putting together this week. Raise your hand if you were up past midnight last night! (and the night before)
It has taken me a few days to get back on track after having been gone for the weekend. The weather has been pretty crazy in these parts too.
This blue sky was a welcome site this afternoon.
The kids have been begging to do some Christmas decorating. I tend to drag my feet a bit because I am not one for clutter. Usually by the 26th I have everything boxed up and put away (don't get me wrong, I love Christmas- but the decorations can be a bit overstimulating at times!) Alas, I couldn't hold them off any longer. Emma started stringing cranberries.
We I drug out the big tree last night (it was tucked in the back of a fairly, ahem, disorganized closet.) It was fun to see the girls rediscover all their decorations from years past.
Hannah was so excited. At one point I came into the room and she was wearing the tree skirt around her waist and spinning about. I have to work up to the Christmas Tree thing. Clean house, dishes done, lights low, music playing, yummy treats nearby.
It has to be an event you know. Not some haphazard happening. There is quite a bit of control to give up however, as the girls go clumping placing the ornaments on the tree. I bit my tongue and let the top 1/3 of the tree go bare (because they couldn't reach). And, I confess, I did a bit of rearranging after they went to bed :)
The decorations are a bit wonky this year. I am transitioning over to bright pinks and greens from traditional red and green (yawn). It's funny to see how your tastes change. What I liked last year is not my favorite this year.
Pink, we are going pink this year. Who needs rustic pine cones, or boughs of fir garland? Let's talk about shiny tinsel and fabulously bright colors.
Come back tomorrow for a "no fail" and super easy fudge recipe!
When Children Love to Learn: A Practical Application of Charlotte Mason's Philosophy for Today
Karen Andreola: A Charlotte Mason Companion: Personal Reflections on the Gentle Art of Learning
Leigh Radford: Alterknits: Imaginative Projects and Creativity Exercises
Rachel Gathercole: The Well-Adjusted Child: The Social Benefits of Homeschooling
