The White Stuff

It was a Different Time!

2011-11-21T10:15:00.001-08:00

While ads in the 1920s warned women that they would be lonely if they were too heavy, many Depression-era ads chided women who were too thin. Advertisement from the August 1935 issue of Motion Picture courtesy of University of Southern California Cinematic Arts Library.

Source: cw.routledge.com via Linda on Pinterest

2011-11-12T19:38:00.001-08:00

Hmmm, a project without an intended recipient.

Give Thanks

2011-11-11T16:11:00.001-08:00

Finally Finished!

2011-06-28T10:08:00.000-07:00

Jacob and I have taken up woodworking as a hobby and a way to spend time doing something (other than watching TV) together. Something we are both novices at so that one of us does not feel inferior to the other. Lets face it, I can knit circles around him and he "pwns" me in video games. (Did I use that word right? I think its a verb.)

So we built ourselves a bookshelf:

We started with a basic box.

We even thought we were fancy enough to do dovetail joints.

Dave liked to help out.

At first we were only going to make two shelves, since I miscounted and didn't buy enough wood at the store.

But we decided we didn't have enough tall stuff to put on the top space and hadn't planned the shelves to be re-positionable. Note, here we have added some molding to the top and bottom.

And here it is, all stained and clear coated as we tacked on the back this morning.

And now I get to go fill it all up!

Embrace It

2011-06-27T15:30:00.000-07:00

That is all. Thank you.

Saturday

2011-06-25T19:08:00.001-07:00

Lily's finished gown. She loves it and hates to take it off!

David's ready for Easter. Poor kid can actually put them on all by himself.

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Babysitter

2011-06-23T08:17:00.001-07:00

Using Nick Jr as a babysitter this morning. While I whip up a "princess dress" for one dress obsessed little girl who went to Disneyland last week.

Hopefully more photos later....

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My Dad Rocks

2011-06-14T12:26:00.000-07:00

Tell us how you really feel, Lil.

Any Advice?

2011-06-12T13:09:00.000-07:00

We are a pet-less family.

Not that we don't like pets. I just go go go so much that I feel it would be really unfair to any animal that shared our house.

Having said that, its also really nice to not have another critter to pick up after. Doody duty/Poop patrol just does not seem fun to me.

So here's my problem. My neighbor's cat uses my backyard as her little box.

The same backyard I let my children play in. And I will admit it, I am not always looking. (Sometimes sending them out is the only way to get dinner made.)

So here we are, not even enjoying the perks of having a pet and I still have to clean up after one.

What would you do?

Cheese Please

2011-06-11T16:21:00.000-07:00

So I prefer to not feed my kids prepackaged shredded cheese. Ever read what's in that stuff? Potato starch and cellulose powder for starters, and sometimes calcium sulfate, and natamycin (an anti-molding agent). All garbage my kids bodies don't need to be processing and/or storing away.

But I also HATE to shred cheese. So I've taken to cubing my cheese for our homemade pizzas. Seems to work out just fine. :)

And E, if you're reading, yes, my organic mozzarella is from Wisconsin, lol!

Break Out The Sprinkler

2011-06-10T16:56:00.001-07:00

It must be summer in the desert.

YouTube Video

No Potties

2011-06-09T16:34:00.001-07:00

So Lily was playing like she was cooking and I could see she needed to go to the bathroom. (What's with all the bathroom tales of late?) She's just dancing away, so I tried to send her, when she promptly told me, "There are no potties in the cooking store, Mom. Don't you know?"

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Never Fails

2011-06-08T12:16:00.001-07:00

I step into the bathroom and there is David, two steps behind me, climbing the step stool to see into the sink. And he gets stuck.

Every. Time.

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Potty Post?

2011-06-01T10:04:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine had a potty post the other day and while my post doesn't directly have to do with poop, it does have a little something to do with pooping.

One of the most irritating things about the house we moved into, is the cheep-ness of the fixtures. (To include the dishwasher, but that's a whole other story.) The plastic toilet seats being one of the worst offenders.

Somehow I find myself sitting on the closed toilet A LOT; bathing babies, snapping pants, brushing teeth. And it is incredibly disheartening when the plastic lid pops in and flattens while I'm doing so. So what did we do? We replaced two of the three toilet seats in our house. (I never use the third bathroom for anything. Sorry guests.)

While at the home improvement store we discovered the toilet seat with the built in kiddo ring! Which we promptly installed in our downstairs bathroom, which Lily thinks is the coolest seat ever. And I dig because; a) we no longer have Lily crying because she's concerned she'll fall in because she, "doesn't have a big butt," and b) no more plastic potty ring floating around on the bathroom floor.

You toddler/little kid mom's know you're jealous. ;)

Almost There

2011-05-30T21:44:00.001-07:00

Just a bit more.

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It's Growing!

2011-05-19T06:57:00.001-07:00

My "new" rug as of this morning.

But I think I'm going to need more sheets.

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Lily is Mad

2011-05-18T19:43:00.001-07:00

Kids say the funniest things:

YouTube Video

Sometimes I'm instrated too. ;)

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Craft Overload!

2011-05-17T10:29:00.001-07:00

So this fabulous poppy fabric arrived in the mail yesterday!!!

I'm so excited!

Now to just finish one of my many other projects, so I can get to this one. ;) (I mentioned yesterday that I hadn't had the energy to craft, which by no means should be interpreted as not having projects lined up!)

It's hard to see in this photo, but those are slightly different blues and I am trying to decide to go with the more vivid looking at the right, or the more subdued left.

What do you think?

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Back to Craft

2011-05-16T09:51:00.001-07:00

I've been seriously missing my craft time lately. What with all the house organizing I'm too exhausted in the evenings to work on any of my projects.

But I haven't been able to find an area rug for the kitchen that I like/can afford so I've started a NEW project. I'm making a rag rug.

I spent four dollars at the thrift store on old sheets, tore them into strips and rolled them up.

Here's what I've got so far.

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Funny Face

2011-05-13T20:51:00.001-07:00

Lily has discovered winking. And oh does she try!

Almost there, just a bit more practice. :)

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More Chores

2011-05-11T10:32:00.001-07:00

Dave's turn.

Wait! Stop! Stay on the lawn!

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Chores

2011-05-10T12:23:00.001-07:00

Hey, someone's got to "mow" the lawn!

Yes that's our new reel mower. Since we have a postage stamp size lawn we are required to care for. And I just can't see loading the kids in the van. Going to self help. Unloading the kids. Loading a mower and the kids.... You get where I'm going with this, all to mow our 10x10 ft lawn. So we bought our own mower.

Put that girl to work!

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Assume the Position!

2011-05-03T12:47:00.000-07:00

There's been a whole lot of TV watching in this house lately. It's been my crutch so I can get things unpacked. Only a small part of me really feels bad about it. After all, walking around the house from one room to the another moving things (and all the rest) drives David into fits of screaming.

Which I'd rather not hear.

Sometimes they manage to play nicely together. :)

Another Birthday

2011-03-25T21:31:00.001-07:00

Happy Birthday to my sister Stevie! We convinced her to come have dinner with us tonight and she chose angel food cake with strawberries and cream for dessert.

David liked it:

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My Latest Project

2011-03-24T14:26:00.001-07:00

I put down my needles and picked up a hook. My latest work, in progress:

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Crash

2011-03-23T12:53:00.001-07:00

She was pretending to take a nap while playing princess, when she actually fell asleep. :)

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Rain!

2011-03-15T21:10:00.001-07:00

Auntie Stevie knows how to have a good time!

YouTube Video

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Cousins

2011-03-12T20:35:00.000-08:00

Baby Chickens

2011-03-11T18:32:00.001-08:00

Papa took Lily to get a new clutch of chicks today. She'd never seen them before and was a little unsure.

YouTube Video

We had her carry the box of them, but she started to protest that she was afraid she would shake them. Sweet girl. When we did finally get her to hold one her eyes lit up!

And now that they're home she's rather excited and wants to help feed and water them. :)

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Papa Jim says...

2011-03-09T08:43:00.001-08:00

...David is a dog person.

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Me and My Girl

2011-03-03T21:39:00.001-08:00

Trying on hats. :)

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We Have a Walker!

2011-02-28T16:13:00.001-08:00

YouTube Video

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Days Three and Four and Five - A Little Late

2011-02-21T11:23:00.000-08:00

Day Three saw us starting out from about half way through Arkansas. I was a woman possessed by the need to get across the country! We set an alarm for 2:30am and were in the car and on the go by 3:00am. The kids slept nicely until 7:30!

We pushed through Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas and almost all of New Mexico by 8:00pm that evening.

Jake and Lily were a little annoyed with me. ;) So instead of making them do another day like Day Three, which would have gotten us to my parents on Friday, I called my Aunt and Uncle who live just a little over the halfway (of what was left) mark to see what they were doing Friday night.

Turns out they were home and happy to have us. AND helped us celebrate The Dave's birthday! Since they are the parents of David's Godmother, who I am pretty sure was happy to see him.

(Oh and Mia and Lily got to play too! Hi Mia!)

Okay so back to my story. Day Four was about nine hours in the car, the last few miles of New Mexico, all of Arizona (Wrong interstate, sorry Kate and the Cooks!) and into Cali!

Heeeellllloooooo Cali!

We had a little party for David and hit the sack.

Day Five we took our time getting started, with just another six hours to get us to good ol' Herald, CA.

And it's nice to not be in the car today!

Happy Birthday David

2011-02-18T13:01:00.001-08:00

My boy is One. Already!

YouTube Video

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Day Two

2011-02-16T17:18:00.001-08:00

So we got as far as Knoxville, Tennessee yesterday where we spent the night at a friend's place.

We hit the road again this morning just after eight. Lots of stops for food and potty breaks and eleven hours later we were about 525miles along in Little Rock, Arkansas.

We've decided to stop to bathe the kids and sleep a bit. We'll see what tomorrow brings....

Day One

2011-02-15T16:22:00.001-08:00

Jacob finished his close out paperwork today, got his Officer Evaluation Report completed and signed out on leave.

Lily had her last day at preschool and a St Valentine's Day part too! There were a couple of tears as we picked her up, sweet girl.

Now we have been in the car seven hours. I took my turn first, and since driving in the dark is not my favorite, Jacob took over an hour ago.

So far the kids aren't screaming... but it is, after all, only day one. ;)

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Making Due

2011-02-12T11:10:00.001-08:00

This afternoon I sat in the van outside the tax center waiting for Jake. Our house might not have a tv but our van plays DVDs. Lol!

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Empty House

2011-02-11T16:17:00.001-08:00

Movers came an hour late today. But they came nonetheless.

Lily had a ROUGH day! I guess when you're almost three and all your stuff is in boxes being taken away it's traumatic.

She did manage to fall asleep in the hole under the stairs though.
While the movers brought all the boxes down them, if you can believe it!

Jake was gone most of the day, getting a jump in so he can stay on jump status.

And now we wait to get out of here. Living in a mostly empty house, sleeping on an air mattress, lol.

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Boxes

2011-02-10T11:36:00.001-08:00

Lily keeps rediscovering that all our stuff is in boxes today.

First she asked to watch TV. And hen saw it wasn't there.

Then she went looking for the full length mirror.

Most recently she tried out the utensil drawer. "Mama! Where's the forks!?"

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Fail

2011-02-08T15:15:00.000-08:00

I tried to run a box of clothes to the Good Will before the packers come tomorrow. Checked hours on the website and everything. It said donations are accepted during their business hours. Open til 8:00 tonight, great. Got there at 5:02... two minutes after the sign said they shut the donation bay doors. Ugh.

Turned around to come home. Dave puked all over himself in the back seat. Got him home and bathed, and put him to bed. Now trying to keep Lily out of the way while I clean up the car seat and the car.

Glad I still have a washing machine one more night.

Tomorrow!

2011-02-07T16:32:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow's the big day. And as far as I know, the Change of Command is still happening tomorrow morning. Lily's going to preschool. And poor sicky Dave will go with me to the ceremony, before we have to run our errands and pick Lily back up.

Yeah, you read that right. Now David's got it. Hoping with all the nursing he's been doing today that he'll get some antibodies from me or something. I assume I have whatever Lily had but it has presented far less severe for me, mostly just a cough and some congestion.

Now if I could just transfer over the FRG account to somebody... (anybody!) all will be hunky-dory!

Dry Run

2011-02-06T14:36:00.000-08:00

We're practicing packing the van today.

Don't snicker. That's just the kind of girl I am. I need to make sure it all fits.

I had to give away my potted hydrangea; it just wasn't going to fit. = ( But it went to a dear friend who I know will enjoy it, which makes it a bit better.

Other than that, I think all the stuff we want/need to drag with us is going to fit. Yay.

Have I mentioned how much I LOVE having a van?

Hey Mom, I think you forgot some stuff in here. Don't worry, I'll check for ya!

And now.. to go watch the superbowl. No, I am not invested in either team... it just seems like the thing to do today.

Only Lily

2011-02-05T07:09:00.000-08:00

My daughter has been feverish and snotty for the last few days.

The fever broke last night! Yay!

But my girl insists on wiping her snotty nose with the palm of her hand UP her face! I've given her tissues, I've given her a hankie, I've given her threats... and she's given herself pink eye.

In both eyes.

Ugh.

Our Day

2011-02-04T16:12:00.000-08:00

I want to be a good blogger.

But I'm tired today. It rained ALL day.

Lily seems to still be sick, with a fever that just won't stay away. Dose her with fever reducer, though, and she's her lively self with a wracking cough. She did, however, only take two 20 minute naps today. So I just put her to bed

David went out with his Daddy to a Hail and Farewell tonight. I'm enjoying not having a slobbering growth for a few hours. Though truth be told I miss them. Jake was happy to have an excuse to leave the dinner early, they should be back soon.

I accomplished, well, not much today. I did make bread today though, so that's good!

And now I'm off to be a lump on the couch.

It's Coming...

2011-02-03T15:37:00.000-08:00

We've confirmed that the packers are coming in next week.

And yet, I still don't feel like everything is in place.

Jacob's Change of Command is Tuesday and I'm wary, in a I'll-believe-it-when-I-see-it kind of way. And the house is such a mess. I'm still mid-project, make that mid-at-least-half-a-dozen-projects, all over the house and there are still boxes half unpacked from the last move.

I'm trying to let Lily have her last week of preschool (and her Valentine's party), and be here for the packers, and go to Jake's C of C, and my husband wants to/has to jump to remain current and do all his close out paperwork. All packed into one week. Why does it feel like everything wants to happen on the same day!?

And not only is this a move, but it's also vacation, so we won't even be going to meet our stuff right away. Which means I have to load the van up with clothes and stuff for vacationing, all my plants, items for settling into the new house when we get it and before our stuff arrives, and let's not forget cleaning supplies for neatening-up this place before we turn the keys back over.

Oh, and now that I've mentioned the van. Can I just tell you how much I am not looking forward to a five or six day drive across the country. with my two kids. and my husband. all strapped in. for five days.

And I wonder why I can't sleep....

Birthdays and Laundry

2011-02-02T06:07:00.000-08:00

I meant to blog last night.

I meant to wish my Aunt Helen, Cousin Kevin and Uncle Scott and Very Happy Birthday!

But my Lily was a cuddly lump with a fever, so I never made it to the computer.

So here it is: Happy Birthday Aunt Helen, Cousin Kevin and Uncle Scott!

Today I must attend to laundry. Lily threw up on me in the night and Dave woke damp at 7:00, after our morning (5:30) nursing.

Know what is worse than stripping the beds and washing all the sheets? Making the beds by yourself.

PS - Lily's fever seems to have broken in the night and Dave is so far showing no signs of it.

She Got A Face!

2011-01-31T19:56:00.000-08:00

We decided to name her "Liberty." To go with the Americana theme.

I just didn't want you to think she remained faceless and naked....

Getting Close

2011-01-30T15:11:00.000-08:00

It's getting close to time for use to leave Ft Bragg. And I'm all for moving closer to family.

But tonight a bunch of families from our block had an impromptu block party at our playground, and it was so much fun to visit and watch my (not so little) kids play. And the beer and wine didn't hurt either.

I will miss this little neighborhood.

Party Dave

2011-01-29T16:59:00.000-08:00

Party Dave was in major need of a haircut! But I was sooooo chicken.

I finally got up the nerve today, since it seems like so many of my friends cut their boys' hair all the time.

Here he was after nap time today... once again rocking the hawk.

And again at the park. Blowing in the wind.

It's not perfect, but it did look quite nice after bath time tonight. It looks a million times better than it did!

Doll Distracted

2011-01-27T12:55:00.000-08:00

As is usual for me and a new technique I get distracted and carried away.

Here's where I've been the past two evening when I should have been blogging:

Okay so that's not really a where, so much as a what I've been up to....

The doll far left, with the hair in progress, is for David. Since he is always getting Molly and upsetting Lily I decided he needed his own baby.

The other two are test runs for a doll to add to an Americana themed basket that the ladies of our battalion have been asked to put together as a donation to a raffle.

Why only one doll has a mouth so far, I couldn't quite say.

And yes, I AM terrified of becoming some creepy doll lady. Thank you for asking.

Flat Out

2011-01-24T13:46:00.001-08:00

Dave's new thing. He randomly lays flat out on his back. One second he'll be following you, and the next he'll be lying down.

And today when I snapped his picture, he started to thrash.

Silly boy.

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It's a Phone Day

2011-01-22T13:15:00.000-08:00

Jacob has been using only his work phone since he returned from Afghanistan. But since he'll be giving that phone back with the Change of Command a few weeks away, it was time to get him a phone again. He was sweet enough to agree to take my iPhone 3GS as a hand me down and let me get a lovely new iPhone 4G!

So we spend an hour in the AT&T store this afternoon and now we both have iPhones.

I am super excited about the camera... and the video....

Before:

After:

Edit: Okay, so after watching those vids compressed and published they don't look so different. Rest assured the video clips I take for my children's future blackmail are far better quality now. And I hope you enjoyed watching my kids antics.

VeggieTales

2011-01-21T15:36:00.000-08:00

I'm sorry you have to listen to me sing in the beginning of this clip. But it's a sacrifice I am willing to make so you can hear Lily singing the theme song for VeggieTales. We'd done it a bunch of times while we were driving in the car, so yes, that clicking you hear is my directional; not a metronome.

Sorry it's so quiet, its an iPhone thing. Be assured I am the loudest so if you adjust your speakers for me you won't get your eardrums blown later in the clip.

Girl is so much fun.

Paper Dolls

2011-01-20T08:02:00.000-08:00

Jacob says I'm not allowed to buy toys anymore. (Since, apparently I can make them.)

I was surfing the web the other day during naptime, and had this bright idea to make magnetic paper dolls out of magnetic printer sheets. I'm sure I must have read it on someone's blog somewhere so I won't take credit.

But they turned out pretty cute. =)

Now we just wait for David to try and eat them.

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Molly

2011-01-19T11:11:00.000-08:00

I don't know who she knows named Molly, but when I gave Lil her new doll and asked her what we should call her, Lily said her name is Molly.

I finished her during Lily's afternoon nap and surprised her when she got up, though she had been watching me make her for the past few days, asking at least a dozen times a day if this dolly was for her. Yes, Lily. Be patient, Lily.

She has purple hair as per L's request. And button jointed hips, shoulders, knees and elbows.

You can see her double layered skirt in this pic. Lil got to pick fabric from my scraps pile, with a little guidance, of course!

And I think she loves her.

I still haven't mastered that turkey neck. Guess I better make another one.

She told me, very solemn like, "Mama, she's bea-u-tiful."

Sharing

2011-01-18T10:47:00.000-08:00

David's such a little pig, he'll mooch off anybody. Including his big sister.

Good thing she was nice enough to share!

A Question For Lily

2011-01-16T16:26:00.001-08:00

YouTube Video

Her birthday is in "Manch" and she's going to be "twee!". I love it.

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Wild Hair

2011-01-14T16:58:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I just want to see if I can....

That's what I told myself when I got this wild hair to make a baby doll.

And oh how Lily LOVES this little doll!

She's constructed in what's called the Waldorf style.

With button joints that rotate.

And she has needle felted hair,

and embroidered features. I really need to figure out how to make that head attach better before I make another one.

Maybe I should restitch her with eyes open.

Why? I hear you asking. Couldn't I be using my time more wisely?

I just wanted to see if I could. ;)

Real Food

2011-01-12T09:24:00.000-08:00

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/darya-pino/is-it-real-food-flowchart_b_805406.html

I got a kick out of this... wish I could make it a decent size on the blog. You'll just have to go read it.

We try to eat our share of real food, but we're ~~lazy~~ only human.

All That Felt - Part II

2011-01-11T14:39:00.000-08:00

It's almost done! But my hands got tired of trying to hole punch double layers of felt...

So today it's just a Happy Day!

I'm lazy and didn't bother to take down Lily's
art display before I put up the banner.

They turned out bigger than I had planned/envisioned,
but I've decided to just be okay with that.

And it really is a Happy Day since Jacob got to spend the day home with us while Ft Bragg is closed due to the snowy and icy weather.

Ooops!!

2011-01-10T16:09:00.000-08:00

I put my pajama pants in with the wash yesterday morning.

Not very exciting, right?

Until about five minutes later when I realized the iPhone was in the pajama pants pocket!!!!!!!!

RUN!

Front load washer, so not tooooooo wet yet. Luckily no soap yet either.

And the thing was on too. So I pulled it out and ran it through the motions.... The camera was full of water. The phone thought the head phone jack was permanently plugged in. But everything else seemed to work.

I left the phone (on, because I was too chicken to turn it off) in a bag full of rice all day yesterday, last night and today.

And now... it works FINE!

Whew!

All That Felt

2011-01-09T10:20:00.000-08:00

The birthdays will be fast upon us. So, I'm making a (reusable) birthday banner!

Are my colors too masculine?

Unintended Project :)

2011-01-08T08:18:00.000-08:00

Joann was having a sale on felt.

I thought I'd make something spring/Easter-ish with some robin's egg blue and as I was walking to get my bolt cut Lily chimed in that we needed some pink too. I turned around to see Lil carrying this bolt of felt larger than herself, following me to the cutting table.

So what was I to do? I bought her a yard of felt.

And then when we got home I made her a barrette.

And then I made another.

David

2011-01-06T11:27:00.000-08:00

What a kid.

He lets his sister crawl all over him, and if he's not giggling he certainly isn't screaming for help.

He now has four teeth and must think he is part beaver because he has started chewing on the crib rail, much to his mother's annoyance. I think he's trying to get back at me for leaving him in there when his naps aren't long enough to suit my taste.

He still naps twice a day which is nice.

David is a furniture cruiser, and cracks me up when he walks with one of the little chairs on the kitchen floor. He has ventured to stand on his own for a few seconds at a time, but usually grabs a hold of something to steady himself.

He has just started to lower himself to the ground with control instead of just plopping.

Yesterday he took a few steps while only holding one of my hands.

I mentioned his has four teeth and he puts them to other good use; besides eating my furniture, he had his first peanut butter and jelly sandwich today. And he is starting to hit that stage where he doesn't want you to feed him, he wants to do it himself. He shakes his head "no" at a proffered bite, but screams and cries if you go to put the food away.

And boy is he a screamer. All is well if he is in Mama's arms or if Mama is sitting still, but the moment I start to move around (doing chores, cooking) oh boy do I hear about it.

But his smile and squeal light up my heart.

And since I hear him waking from his nap.... I better go!

I Meant to Take Pictures

2011-01-05T17:27:00.000-08:00

I really did.

I wanted to show you.

But I only have two hands.. and with my two kids, I guess two hands just aren't enough for a camera too.

I wanted to show you the "cowgirl" hat I crocheted for myself.

And I wanted to show you the play dough Lily and I made today... that smells like chocolate and tastes like salt. ;) You'd have loved that expression!

And I wanted to show you the baby food I made for The Dave. Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal with Golden Raisins. Even Lily ate some. (and that's saying a lot the way Lily eats these days)

I wanted to show you Lily in her apron. She's my little helper in the kitchen now. She runs in behind me, "I wanna help cook!" anytime I walk into the kitchen.

But I didn't take any pictures. = (

Spa Day

2011-01-03T18:01:00.000-08:00

My husband gave me a gift certificate to a spa.

For our anniversay.

In July.

Of 2009.

But today I finally put it to good use, and boy is he lucky I didn't know what I was missing or he might be out a whole lot of money.

I was reluctant to use the day care at the spa and just couldn't see really relaxing while constantly waiting for someone to come get me that my child was screaming/hungry/misbehaving/whatever. But today Jacob had the day off and so I was able to leave the kiddos home with him and be pampered with mind at ease.

I had my first facial ever. Quite nice.

And a lovely glycolic peel pedicure. Can't remember the last time my feet felt so soft.

And the food, smoothie and wine were delicious!

If you've never done it, may I suggest you don't wait as long as I did?

And then to top it all off... I got to go running my errands by myself! And came home to Jake and Lily cooking dinner!

Home Now

2011-01-02T20:00:00.000-08:00

Travel day yesterday. We're all home safe and sound now. If just a little sniffly.

Leaving was a little hard for me this time. I very much LOVE being with big family and had a fantastic New Year's Eve sewing, yes I said sewing, with my sister.

So I was a little "home sick" already and then I managed to leave my favorite receiving blanket on the first plane. Yes, David still seems to enjoy a good swaddling, so I carry home made receiving blankets when we travel. They are nice and large and can just about cover Lily in a pinch! We had a 35 minute layover in Phoenix and rushed off the (late arriving) plane, across the airport and onto the next flight before I realized it was gone. :(

Then David proceeded to have a tantrum/ meltdown the likes of which I have never seen for a good half hour. He went through bout after bout of sighing into complete relaxation, eyes closed, only to work himself back into screaming two seconds later. Poor tired child. I finally was able to walk him after they turned the seat belt sign off and he settled into a more playful mood. (Only to fall asleep on my shoulder twenty minutes before the plan was to land!)

But I had a little cry, not being able to make my child stop screaming whilst getting dirty looks from the 10 year old in front of me and the forty-something across the aisle. Morons.

After our second layover the kids were dolls on the third (and only twenty minute) flight and I will NEVER travel with two layovers again!!!!!!!!! The End.

Happy New Year!

2011-01-01T08:29:00.001-08:00

My New Year's resolution this year is to wear more hats.

'Cause, gosh darn it, they look good on me. ;)

And now... Off to the airport. Fingers crossed all goes smooth. NC here we come.

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Getting Bigger

2010-12-31T18:40:00.001-08:00

I guess I forgot to tell my ten month old that I don't expect him to be able to put the lid back onto boxes yet. He sat there and tried for at least three minutes. That translates into, well, forever in baby time.

YouTube Video

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Oh Dear

2010-12-29T19:11:00.001-08:00

David stood, no hands, for three seconds today.

(Quick, knock him down!)

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My Fav Pics This Christmas

2010-12-28T18:37:00.001-08:00

Is this one for me?

Yay!!

My mom, sister, me and the kids:

Wheeeeee!

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Silliness

2010-12-27T09:52:00.001-08:00

Lily didn't feel like taking a nice family picture this Christmas. She cried!

So this is what we got instead:

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Merry Christmas

2010-12-25T19:58:00.001-08:00

Joy to the world!

Merry Christmas. Choo choo!

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Tamales!

2010-12-24T10:55:00.001-08:00

So I missed yesterday!!!

We spent the day on the road and ended it with a game of scrabble at my aunts, where I lost all track of time.

Today, however, is tamale making day at my grandma's house. Where my aunts and sister and I are preparing tomorrow's feast.

It's so much work. But it's soooooo worth it!

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Last Day in Coarsegold

2010-12-22T22:07:00.001-08:00

Today it rained! Lots. So we took the kids to a local children's museum. Lily had a blast and was reluctant to leave when it was time to go.

Dave has come down with a bit of a cough today. Wish I could fix it for him.

And I made a batch of molasses cookies with my mother in law, and then proceeded to eat too many of them. ;)

Tomorrow we head down the road to the 'Denas. Just two more days until Christmas!

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A Boy and His Great Grandpa

2010-12-21T18:43:00.001-08:00

Only eighty-something years between them....

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Bathtime

2010-12-20T19:34:00.001-08:00

Visiting grandparents and great grandparents tonight in Coarsegold.

Bathing in the sink with Gramma!

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My Favorite Ornament on My Mom's Tree

2010-12-19T22:04:00.001-08:00

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Hairs Cut

2010-12-18T11:14:00.001-08:00

Dave got another hair cut today. I've lost count of how many times it us now. :)

Before:

After:

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Travel Day

2010-12-17T23:17:00.001-08:00

Do these concerned faces reflect the way I feel about travel?

Maybe.

But I doubt it. Mostly just annoyed that Mom is taking their picture again.

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My Favorite Holiday Cookie

2010-12-16T11:02:00.000-08:00

Warning: Do NOT make these if you have week willpower this time of year. They are uber yummy!

I had to snap this pic fast...as you can see I never even separated the bars and they are already starting to dissapear!

Old Fashioned Molasses Strips

¾ cup margarine or butter, softened 2 tsp. baking soda

1 cup sugar ½ tsp. salt
1 egg ½ tsp. cinnamon

¼ cup molasses ½ tsp. cloves

2 ½ cups flour ½ tsp. ginger

GLAZE

¾ cup powdered sugar

1 tblsp. margarine or butter, softened

1 tblsp. milk

½ tsp. vanilla

Heat oven to 350˚ F. Grease cookie sheets or line with parchment paper. In large bowl, combine margarine, sugar, egg and molasses. Mix thoroughly. Add spices and blend well. Add flour until soft dough forms. Divide dough into 6 portions. Shape each portion into a 12 inch log on prepared cookie sheet; flatten slightly. Bake at 350˚ F. for 15-18 minutes, or until golden brown. Cool 5 minutes. Cut diagonally into ¾ inch bars.

Do not separate. Cool completely.

In a small bowl, combine glaze ingredients until smooth. If needed, add a few more drops of milk to make glaze consistency. Drizzle over bars. (I usually double this part of the recipe.) Allow glaze to set. Separate into bars. YEILD: Approximately 60 bars… unless you are a piggy like me.

Let's Play Dress Up Mom!

2010-12-15T05:59:00.000-08:00

My always fresh, style maven isn't even dressed yet and she's already accessorizing!

Cold

2010-12-14T15:24:00.001-08:00

It was just over 30 degrees when I picked up Lily from school today. I know that's not cold to some of you (Beth) but it was cold enough for me!

I was a little early today and, so I let myself be drawn to the fountain we pass on the way to her school. There was an open parking space right next to the fountain so I didn't have to disturb David snoozing in his seat. I couldn't resist trying to capture the cold.

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Naptime

2010-12-13T12:28:00.001-08:00

This is what happens when a little girl can't sleep during naptime because her cough keeps waking her up, and then her mom gets this bright idea to stop the post nasal drip that is causing the cough with benadryl. Knocked out. Crashed watching VeggieTales.

Oh, and she refuses to take the coat off today.

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Pressure!

2010-12-12T17:03:00.001-08:00

We leave for Cali on Friday and my knitted Christmas gifts aren't done yet!

Gotta run....

Knit.

Purl.

Knit.

Purl.

Lily

2010-12-11T14:44:00.001-08:00

That girl amazes me.

Her teachers informed me this week, that she insists they write her name on all her papers. And then she traces over it.

That's her writing in red.

She tickles me. :)

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SHhhhh!

2010-12-10T17:12:00.000-08:00

Yesterday while making dinner, I handed David an apple to make him stop crying at my feet.

He gummed it happily. :) For quite a long time too.

And then I took pity on him and took a big bite out of it. Oh, was he ever in drool-y heaven! Sucking and gumming and shaving little slivers of apple off with his two little bottom teeth.

Whilst waiting for Jacob to get home to eat dinner, I ate Dave's apple and then gave him back the core.

He was blissfully quiet and content all through dinner.

And darn near ate half that core!

A David First

2010-12-09T16:42:00.001-08:00

I have a nasty headache today and so Jacob was going to give Lily her bath this evening. Not a second after they headed up the stairs, Dave was off like a shot. I fumbled with the phone trying to get the video up. I forgot to turn it sideways.

Oh and don't turn up the volume or I'll shout in your ear at the end.

YouTube Video

Can you say baby gate?

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Hate is a Strong Word

2010-12-08T10:52:00.000-08:00

But in this case, I choose it intentionally.

I really HATE the word Xmas!

Whose bright idea was it to put a big fat X right where the Christ belongs?

Yes, I get it, we are just being clever, saving ourselves a little time writing five less letters. *grumble, grumble*

No, no, really... I did my research. This abbreviation for Christmas is of Greek origin. The word for Christ in Greek is Xristos. During the 16th century, Europeans began using the first initial of Christ's name, "X" in place of the word Christ in Christmas as a shorthand form of the word.

But since no one seems to ~~speak Greek~~ know that around here, I decided it's not my favorite word.

Stepping off my soapbox now, thank you for listening.

For Your Listening Pleasure

2010-12-07T07:25:00.001-08:00

I give you Lily!

YouTube Video

Three wise men, three wise men
Traveling far, see a bright star
They found the Savior in Bethlehem
They fell on their knees and they worshiped him
Never before had there ever been a Baby like Him
A Baby like Him.

YouTube Video

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I Need You

2010-12-06T17:26:00.000-08:00

What do You think?

So it's a 72% merino, 14% cashmere, 14% nylon DK weight on size 15 needles. (for those of you who might care) in what's called a purl twist diagonal stitch. It's about four inches wide. Will it make a passable scarf?

I'm Watching a Movie with My Husband

2010-12-05T17:30:00.000-08:00

Christmas Presents

2010-12-04T16:37:00.000-08:00

I'm working on Christmas presents this weekend.

One thing we do, and I'm not spoiling a surprise because we do the same thing every year, is make photo-books of the kids for their Godparents.

I use kodakgallery.com and was very pleasantly surprised by their new "smartFIT" program that puts all your photos on pages by date and time. So they are pretty darn close to where I want them from the get go! I move a few things around, pick a few different layouts, add a few captions and I am good. to. go!

So anyway, looking at all these pictures of my kids has me all amazed at how big they are.

A year ago this weekend Lily and preggo Me(-o) were in Cali picking out a tree with my parents.

Discussing the merits of a good Christmas tree.

David's in this picture too! ;)

Dancing

2010-12-03T15:01:00.001-08:00

So I told you we got the xbox kinect, right. We love it. But more importantly my kids love it!

YouTube Video

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Oh, Lily

2010-12-02T17:04:00.000-08:00

She's pushing three or something.

She's an attention monger, and with David hating to be put down, most days are a struggle for me.

Today she was softly kicking (can one kick softly?) her brother in the back as he was finally playing nicely by himself on the floor. I got the impression she didn't really want to hurt him, she was just looking for my reaction. I did my best to distract her. Which is more than I can say for the times when I am nursing and she tries to tickle him and get in his face. I've told her many times that she has to wait until he's done to play, or flat out stopped nursing (can you hear his screams?) to put her on time out. (Side note: I can now send Lily to time out, and she actually goes!) Today was sad though because she pulled a fistful of his hair before I could stop her... and before I could even think about it I had a handful of her hair. I managed to get a hold of myself before I pulled, but it really freaked us both out.

I went so far as to make suggestions about things she could do and say when she just needed a fix of Mommy. Ask Mommy if, when she is finished, she can read a book with you. Ask Mommy if you can sing a song together. Tell Mommy you would like a hug. Ask Mommy how you can help.

I know, that last one was wishful thinking.

Here's hoping tomorrow goes smoother.

Loving

2010-12-01T14:10:00.000-08:00

Loving on the baby Jesus. :)

Thank you again, Beth.

Stuck!

2010-11-30T10:47:00.000-08:00

David can pull up to standing. And finds this is his preferred mode now. Everything from playing to eating, he tries to do standing up... with one hand holding on tight!

Only trouble is, he doesn't know how to plop back down yet. :(

I had to rescue him a couple of times last night when he was standing there, crying long, slow, tired wails. He was stuck standing, and didn't know how to get back down to go back to sleep.

US Botanical Garden

2010-11-29T17:36:00.000-08:00

While in DC last week we stopped in at the US Botanical Gardens, where they have a holiday display of Washington buildings and monuments, and world landmarks from the continents of Africa, Asia Europe and South America.

But the catch, is that all the models were built to scale and were made entirely of plant material.

My Guys waiting in the line outside.

Yes, even Thomas was there! And that blurry thing is the Taj Mahal.

There was this cute little tunnel about three and a half feet high, where there were tiny little displays behind glass:

Love this little coat of Lily's!

Jake and the kids and me with Grandma Lucy, in a reflecting ball.

Traffic

2010-11-28T17:09:00.001-08:00

The Whites are currently on the road.

What should have been a five and a half, maybe six hour drive, is now in hour eight due to HORRENDOUS traffic.

And we're still 50 miles from home. :(

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Excuses

2010-11-27T19:44:00.001-08:00

Great dinner with great friends. And a whole lot of great wine. ;)

G'night.

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