The Finally Settled Whittacres

A Quilt for Project Linus

2012-02-09T14:24:00.000-07:00

I know, I know, it's about time. Or at least you'll think that after I tell you the whole story. Which I am going to do by the way.

I've been following the blog of fabric designer Pat Bravo and her Art Gallery fabrics for some time actually. And I drool a lot. But even though I have several wonderful quilting shops within about a half hour of me, they don't carry about 90% of her fabrics. And in all honesty, I hate buying online for the first time because you're never quite sure of the color and the scaling of the pattern. Sigh.

So when she offered to send bags of scraps to whoever wanted them to use in a quilt for Project Linus, I sent an email right away! Yes please!!!

And right after I got back from the Quilt Festival in Houston, guess what came in the mail? Glory hallelujah!

First things first of course: sorting, ironing, some arranging. Look at these beautiful things!

And then I encounter a problem. Well, several really.

Problem #1: I don't work this way. I tend to find the pattern and then go for fabric. Looking at fabric and determining pattern? Well, my brain doesn't work that way. I also tend to work with monochromatic colors and prints and small scale prints. There were so many geometrics, large florals, multi-colored prints that I kind've felt lost.

Problem #2: I find out I'm pregnant. Now that's not a problem in that we're very excited but I tell you what. The day after I find out I'm pregnant (almost literally), I get a cold. And the day after I get over that cold, I get morning sickness and exhaustion big time. So quilting ANYTHING kind've gets pushed to the back burner -- especially with the holidays coming.

Problem #3: The holidays are coming. My parents will be here for Thanksgiving and MY ENTIRE FAMILY will be here for Christmas. I have a lot to do!!!

So the fabric sits until Christmas and then my sister-in-law, Denise, saves the day. Literally. Because you see, she is a professional artist. And she's fabulous. And her brain works in ways that mine doesn't. So when she's here for Christmas we spread all the fabric out and start discussing. And not only is she getting colors together, she's mindful of my "condition" (don't know why they call it that but what else do you call it?) and suggests that I do a quilt like the one I made for her son Liam when he was born. That quilt is Elizabeth Hartman's Charm Squares baby quilt and it is super easy and stinking cute. And it's about showcasing the fabric, not the pattern, which was perfect.

I did tweak the idea and created color strips in both 6 1/2 inches and 4 1/2 inches with the white sashing between. And I didn't measure the width of each piece -- I just cut them in sizes that I liked for the fabric and started going to town on my design wall.

My daughter got into it too. She LOVES playing with my fabric and she really enjoyed "quilting" with me.

Anyway, voila!! I shall call it, In A Pinch. So yes, it took me approximately 3 months to finish a lap size quilt done with strips.

But I love it. And I want to keep it. But I won't because that's not right.

But doesn't it look great draped on a chair next to my bookcase???

I am not showing you the back because it's just pink Kona cotton but also because I quilted it on my home machine and there are some wrinkles. I hope they don't look at it and think it's terrible but I really need a long-arm quilter. Really. Too bad Christmas and my birthday have already gone by!!

Sigh. So worth it though. And yes, now that I have seen these fabrics in person, I have purchased others by her online. They are beautiful!!!!

Happy Birthday Megan!

2012-02-06T21:17:00.000-07:00

Well, first I should probably post these pictures about what we've been up to lately:

It's amazing what a box can do. I picked up a few at the post office for shipping some things and the girls have really enjoyed them. Anyone want a couple of kids? They'd ship cheap!

Abby is developing quite the shoe obsession. She loves to put on everyone's shoes and walk around and she's getting pretty good. Problem is, none of us can ever find our shoes any more . . .

And like her sister, she loves books!

Megan turn FOUR today! She was very excited because I gave in and invited 3 of her favorite friends and their moms to come over for play time, lunch, and cake. She SPECIFICALLY requested a round strawberry cake with pink icing and sprinkles. Well, we went with a white cake with red sprinkles baked in (but she chose it at the store in my defense) and I tried a Jell-O frosting (that was decent but not a keeper I think) and she got her sprinkles!

Abby helped with sprinkles, at least for the picture. After that she ate them and started sticking her finger into the cake and tasting. Don't tell anyone that . . .

It all went great -- playing was good, picnic lunch in the living room, and then the cake. Megan was very excited about the candles (chose those too and counted out four) but when it came time to blow them out . . .

she didn't want to get close enough to really blow them out. Abby did. So in the interest of keeping Megan from screaming bloody murder because I'm forcing her to try again, and keeping Abby from grabbing flaming candles, I blew them out!

See? Pouty face on Megan (because she couldn't do it -- in her head she can't do it and doesn't want help) and one arm on Abby to keep her away.

But they ate it. All in all actually, Megan ate 3 pieces. And even though she also requested chocolate ice cream, she didn't finish it. Abby on the other hand asked for MORE ice cream and abandoned her cake.

Megan got LOTS of presents that I made her wait until Chopper got home to open. She LOVES her magic wand that lights up and makes a nice little noise (that Chopper already hates). She has turned us all into something multiple times by now. We also got her a complete summer wardrobe of skirts because that is ALL she wants to wear all the time. I would just rather not fight about clothes right now!

This was waving the wand to turn someone into a frog.

She got dinosaurs from Dinosaur Train -- a cute PBS show she has fallen in love with since I've spent the last few weeks letting them watch a ton of TV because of illness among us (I'm better, the girls are better, the TV is suffering again).

A Dancing Game that she was very excited about and we'll try to play tomorrow when Abby is in bed and can't snatch and run away (which she does with everything -- she's very calculating and excellent at getting horrific screaming fits out of her sister that way).

This was such a fun birthday because Megan got SOOOO excited about everything. Notice the look on her face AND SHE DOESN"T EVEN KNOW WHAT THE PRESENT IS! It was hilarious. She's making these faces and gasping with joy and then she says "what is it?" We laughed a lot.

Grandma went way overboard and sent Tinker Bell slippers,

A music box (which she loves -- I know the face isn't as good but she was completely mesmerized by the dancing fairy ballerina.

And some fabulous crayons for the bathtub. They work really well! I may have to revise that statement after I try to clean the tub though.

Abby really enjoyed the day (and did not hide under the counter the hole time -- look, there's my shoes!). She has talked nonstop about cake mostly and now I don't know what we'll do in the dry spell between birthdays. Fortunately, Abby is next.

All in all it was a really good day for all of us. Birthdays are just so much fun and I'm glad that we're able to celebrate with the girls.

We've Been Busy

2012-02-01T13:45:00.000-07:00

Ok where do I start? I guess I'll catch up a little bit with more random pictures. You know, for living outside of Dallas, TX, we sure do get a lot of wild life. I just wish they were the kind of wildlife that ate wolf spiders and tarantulas. Fortunately I have NOT seen any of those lately. But we do have some toads. Chopper says they greet him every morning when he leaves for work. Well, a few weeks back they were out when we came home late from something (I can't remember now what it was) and the girls got a good look at them.

One of them took off under the bushes but this one was too frightened to go anywhere and ended up getting poked a little bit too. Megan has named them Ribbit and Ribbit.

I found this picture from when Megan was so so sick. I knew it was the flu because when she took a bath she complained about the toys touching her and then when I got her out she fell asleep on the bathroom floor. I didn't have the heart to wake her up and move her so I left her there. Fortunately, she's the only one who came down with it and is fine now.

Abby loves to get in the storage hole of this table and I've posted pictures before of her sitting in it but the other day she's screaming and when I walk in she's gotten her rear-end in and none of the rest of her so she's stuck pretty good. She's glaring at me because I made her wait until I found my camera and took her picture before I would get her out. I'm a mean mommy. Hey, I sometimes need a good laugh to survive these two!!

Right now I'm immersed in getting our Blurb book replaced (it came to us with pages coming out and for the $$$$$ that I pay this is unacceptable!) and working out insurance for therapy for Megan. We've had her evaluated by an occupational therapist who has found her lacking in several areas of her motor skills. Not a surprise really -- after all, that's partly why we had the evaluation done -- but a little shocking when they tell you how many times a week they want to see her and how the $$$ works out because of that. I'm also looking into behavioral therapy and trying to decide what needs to be addressed first. Although first we need to have her evaluated in that area too. She just needs help. Heck, I need help!!!!

I however am feeling much better. The headaches are almost gone and the nauseousness is too although I still don't love food. All I really want is meat and Mexican food. Weird huh? So I've been making tacos and burritos all the time and we've had cheese steak sandwiches (so good) and I've been stopping at Arby's a little too often for MarketFresh roast beef sandwiches and I need to stop talking about all of this because it's just making me hungry. It's just funny to me. Megan I craved odd, strongly-flavored foods like Greek salad and Abby I had to have smoothies ALL THE TIME!! This one is meat all the way. Definitely a boy.

We continue to struggle with names. Well, I struggle with names and Chopper has the one that he likes and hasn't thought about it since. I can think of dozens of girl names that I just love but boy names? I completely draw a blank. So we may go with Chopper's suggestion which is actually fine with me, I just want to really love it, you know? We've had some very interesting suggestions from his mom though who always gives us names from family history (and I'm thinking -- but we're using Lloyd and THAT's from family history) so we now have the possibility of Dewey, Ivey, Zadic, and Hobart. And then she says "of course there's John and other things like that" which just makes me laugh. But then Chopper and I have also been laughing over Lloyd Voldemort and Lloyd Vader (cause it sounds so much like LORD Voldemort, get it?) so it's actually been a lot of fun to try to name this baby. More fun than it was with the girls in a way.

Oh and that was a little flutter kick. Someone wants meat!!!!

It's a Sick Sick Year

2012-01-23T10:26:00.000-07:00

We have had illness in this house literally since Christmas. Literally. Abby just barely got over what I think was the longest cold in recorded history and one that Megan had a shorter version of. Chopper was sick briefly and then I've started into it this weekend. Fortunately for me it hasn't been too bad. Then yesterday we're sitting in church and Chopper nudges me that Megan is really hot. She's flushed, she's cuddling (always a sign that she doesn't feel well) and we have 15 minutes of church left. So rather than pack everything up and leave right then (we sit near the front and I hate how visible that would be -- is that wrong?) we go home right after sacrament meeting and lo and behold Megan is 103.8. And our thermometer tends to run low. She's complaining of cold, shaky, lethargic, and says I'm hurting her when I change her clothes. Classic flu. And I realize now that I think I've never had a child with the flu! I hope January takes all this illness with it and we can get back to normal lives.

But on the good side of life, the baby is kicking. It's pretty sporadic and still mostly just twinges of "was that the baby"? But last night Chopper and I watched the Green Lantern (kind've a weird movie by the way) and I'm curled on the couch and this little guy just goes to town kicking me over and over. And it was hard enough that Chopper came over and felt him!!! This is one of my favorite things about pregnancy and makes a lot of the other icky stuff worth it.

Weekly Update

2012-01-20T17:41:00.000-07:00

That seems to be all I'm capable of at the moment. It's a been a week busy with Relief Society "stuff", kid "stuff" , and lack of energy "stuff". We haven't even left the house all that much either . . .

I guess the really big deal is that I took Megan to see a therapist on Monday for an evaluation. This is a therapist that works in occupational and sensory integration therapy. She was recommended to me by a friend whose son has issues that sound very similar to Megan's. Megan, somewhat unfortunately, had a GREAT day on Monday. Don't get me wrong, I treasure great days, but when you're seeing a therapist for the first time, you kind've want them to show the side that has brought you there in the first place! Regardless, when we spoke briefly after the session, she said that she is definitely seeing some motor planing issues with Megan. She has difficulty going from point A to point E because she can't figure out the process. That leads to frustration which leads to tantrums which leads to angry, screaming Megan and frustrated, crying mommy. Chopper and I will go back for a full parent conference in about a week and a half and discuss what she's seeing as well as what we see and her recommendations for therapy. Since the rest of this week has been pretty horrendous, I have to say I am very excited to perhaps get some tools under my belt and some professional help. For Megan and I both.

So it's been a rough week. But these past two days have been in the mid-70s for weather and so even though we haven't been able to get out of the house much due to tantrums, we have been able to get out and play at the park. Thank goodness being outside almost always makes my girl happy. And being in the bathtub. Anyway. Today we went and played with friends and had a great time at a wonderfully enclosed park where the girls can run and I can chat. It's nice for me to get a break too! Yesterday we went to our little play area down the street and then explored in the trees. I took along the camera because I know that ya'll are suffering from too many words and not enough pictures and the girls were very compliant. Megan was so compliant that she started posing and there's some great shots of her vogue-ing out (is that a word?). Abby will say cheese but she doesn't smile and she doesn't look at the camera when she does it. But she's still cute as a button.

Oh I forgot this one -- Megan was making a quilt on the floor. She still just loves to organize fabric, use pins, play with buttons -- all those things that make her my quilting and sewing girl!

And this was too funny to not take a picture of -- Abby after breakfast (hence the food on her face) the morning after she's had a bath and gone to bed with wet hair. She is quite the little fuzzball and in desperate need of yet another haircut!

Action shots of course . . .

And then here are all the posing ones -- if you need copies, you know my phone number!!

Posing with sticks was one of Megan's favorite things to do.

I LOVE this one how Abby mimics her sister. Because it happens ALL THE TIME!

Nice little foot pop.

And another stick picture.

Happy spring? I don't think it's here for good but I'll take what I can get.

Pictures I found

2012-01-13T12:47:00.000-07:00

I'm working on a quilt for Project Linus and took some pictures of the process so I can get a better perspective. When I downloaded them, I found a few that I had forgotten about!!

This was Megan's first day of dance. It didn't go so well. It turned out that she was assigned to a more advanced class for her age and she just did not get it. She also resisted the teacher's instruction (no surprise there) and told me on the way home, "mommy, I'm not good at dance class." I was a little worried. The next week, we switched her to a more beginner's class and it went fantastically! She has a hard time with the tap dance -- I think mainly because it's faster paced and requires movement of legs and arms at the same time (that would be the inheritance of my horrible hand-eye coordination -- sorry!!) but the ballet moves are good! She followed along and tried and did was the teacher asked her to do. When she came out she was so excited about how well she had done and the things she had done and very proudly told me "I had no grumpy faces, only happy ones!" So I think we'll stick with it a little while longer and see how she does.

Ahh, Abby. She likes to be in the bathtub. Notice she's wearing her diaper here. You see, I had already given her a bath and let Megan stay in longer while Abby ran around as a naked baby (with diaper of course). When I went to check on Megan, she went with me and decided to get back in -- head first she leans in and just kind've belly flops into the tub -- without getting her head wet. She was so glad to be in the tub again but Megan was not too happy about having her imaginary world interrupted so unceremoniously! So out she came, with a very full diaper.

These actually I did just take today. I "commissioned" my sister-in-law Denise Gasser who is a fabulous artist, to draw some birds for the girl's room. I am so pleased with the results!!

Close-up

I love them -- they're bold and graphic and don't have any green in them! I love the green on the girls' walls but it is a little bright! Now I just need to do Abby's quilt, and get birds and a tree on her wall opposite Megan's and we will be ready to move her in. And then I can start working on a boy's room!!! Yay! I'm very excited about all of the decorating and creating in my future!

Random Things

2012-01-10T12:41:00.000-07:00

I just need to write these down or I'll forget.

For pregnancy:

I'm not about 2 days away from 14 weeks and the nauseousness is pretty much gone! And the headaches! I did lose my breakfast this morning after brushing my teeth but it's something about brushing my teeth -- I have no idea what. And I still don't really feel like eating a lot. I'm not in the mood for food. That's made cooking a problem and somehow I'm still managing to put on 2 pounds a week. Maybe it's because I don't feel like cooking and so we've been doing a lot of eating out. That needs to stop.

Yesterday when I came home and showed Megan the pictures of the baby (she loves seeing the pictures of the baby) we talked about it being a baby brother. She was fine with that, which surprised me because for the most part when we ask her she wants it to be a girl. Then she said, "and when he gets bigger, he will turn into a girl!" Ahhh, that explains it!

She also says some things that I've learned to ignore because she's picked them up but doesn't mean it. I don't think she understands the context behind what she says. But randomly she'll say "what's the big idea?" or "what's the deal?"

I am going to put more effort into Family Home Evening because I'm TERRIBLE at it! So maybe to help keep myself accountable, I'll start posting what we do. Our Relief Society meeting tonight is going to focus on that so maybe I'll get the some good ideas. The problem is the execution for me though. I just don't get it done!! Well, try try again.

Abby's favorite new word is "gosh". We still have to repeat pretty much everything she says or she continues saying it. You can't acknowledge with "ok" or "uh-huh" you have to repeat. So she'll come up to me and say "gosh, mommy, gosh" and I just have to say gosh back. It's also pretty funny to hear her ask for her vitamins and probiotics in the mornings. I don't know if I can even get it out so you can say it phonetically. I might have to see if I can get her to do that one on camera.

She also loves to be a naked baby. Thank goodness Megan is getting past that phase. But Abby loves to be a naked baby and run run run! (Yes, there's a diaper on). She pitched a major fit today when I finally wrangled her down to get dressed. And speaking of fits, even that is different between the two! When Abby doesn't get what she wants -- she screams. Loudly and defiantly!

Oh but one very good side -- Megan is learning how to scratch backs and comb hair. Soon Chopper and I will be in heaven -- for 30 seconds at a stretch!!

Do You Want to Know????

2012-01-09T17:23:00.000-07:00

So I opted for a first trimester screening that took place today. It was NOT an amniocentesis -- those are too scary. This was just an ultrasound where they measured the skin of the neck and then did some bloodwork on me (which had to happen anyway). So the baby looks good -- most likely does not have Down Syndrome or Trisomony 18 (spelling?). I don't know how likely it is, but with Abby we had some concerns about half-way through so I thought it would be nice to just get that out of the way.

Although I admit that I had other motivations!!

A friend of mine had this done and they were able to tell at 13 weeks what the baby was. Hmmmm, I like that idea. Well this little turkey of ours was upside-down, fast asleep. The doctor did a lot of poking and prodding (I'm a little sore honestly!) and I did a lot of coughing to shake the uterus and finally, eventually, we got a slow roll that showed us . . . (drum roll please) . . .

A BABY BOY!!!

I did get the standard -- we're only 90% sure and we'll confirm at 17 weeks -- but to me that's pretty good. Good enough that I bought some little boy onesies to tell Chopper and am spreading the news.

We're excited. Very! I always said I wanted -- ok needed -- to have at least one daughter and after that I didn't care. With Abby, I was excited for the prospect of sisterhood. And now with this one, I am genuinely excited to experience what a little boy will be like and look forward to all the things that kind've come with boys -- trains and trucks and scouting and missions. It's going to be awesome. Chopper's already talking camping and guns too.

And yes, we're discussing names and kind've already think what we're going to name this little guy. I don't know if we'll tell yet or not honestly. That's another thing I don't really worry about keeping secret but maybe I should at least wait until we see it again??

But it's fun to play with Lloyd a little bit -- there are some great combinations out there -- Lloyd Byron, Lloyd Voldemort, Lloyd of the Rings . . . we'll see what happens!

I've been tired

2012-01-06T18:34:00.000-07:00

Today I am 32 years old! Wahoo!

I decided for my birthday I wanted something very quiet -- cheesecake and a good girl movie and sleeping in tomorrow. I just am so tired. I guess I shouldn't complain though -- after all, I'm 13 weeks and hardly sick at all anymore. But I find myself wondering how I'm going to do this with 3 kids when the thought of just taking my 2 for a quick trip to get groceries or run to the library exhausts me. I have a feeling that my eating habits in the morning are also messing with my thyroid so that probably isn't helping.

Sorry, enough griping. But it's also why I'm not posting a ton. I just don't feel up to it.

Maybe I'll give it a another week.

One Last Thing

2011-12-30T20:42:00.000-07:00

The last of my family is leaving tomorrow and it's bitter-sweet. There's going to be a lot to miss and, I admit, some nice things about being just us again. And what are they? Well . . .

Top 10 Reasons It's Nice to Have Your Entire Family In Your House

(but not in any particular order)

1. Everyone takes a turn cooking and cleaning

2. Free babysitters (hooray for date night!)

3. Games are so much more fun with 10 people than they are with 4 (no offense)

4. Every funny story and home video comes out of the woodwork

5. There's always someone to laugh at

6. There's always someone to laugh with

7. I don't have to eat that entire batch of cookies all by myself!!

8. My girls are getting to know and love their family

9. You get out and explore new things (or cook new things -- hooray for new recipes!)

10. A reason to eat out to share all our favorite restaurants

Top 10 Reasons Why It's Nice to Have the House Just Back to Us

(also in no particular order)

1. The bathrooms don't become as much of a disaster with just the 4 of us

2. You don't have to knock on doors before you enter

3. NO MORE SHARING OF BEDROOMS WITH YOUR CHILDREN!!!!!! (Megan keeps waking up scared of "that noise daddy makes". I don't blame her -- it scares me too.)

4. Every embarrassing story and home video comes out of the woodwork

5. Air mattresses really are NOT that comfortable

6. There's milk and eggs in the fridge and bread in the cupboard for longer than 24 hours

7. Quiet can be very nice

8. Less commentary during my favorite shows (ok not really with Chopper home -- love you!)

9. I get my sewing room back!!!

10. Less people to fight over the computer with

Did I say already how blessed I am to have the family that I do? I should say it every day because that's how blessed I am. But I also love being our own family unit. Wow. It's just good all around!

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

2011-12-29T14:37:00.001-07:00

It has been such a wonderful holiday you'll have to bear with me as I get it all down on virtual "paper" because there has been quite a lot going on around here!

It took a few days but my parents and brothers and wives and nephew all arrived and we were a household of 13(point 3) in time for Christmas. The first few days were a slew of shopping for Christmas presents and groceries. The amount of food that has gone through this house in the past 10 days is staggering! One night as we sat down for dinner Megan looked at me and said "It's nice to have a family here!"

Liam is the girls only cousin on our side of the family and the girls just loved him! He's the same size and a little heavier than Abby but a few months younger so not quite talking as much. It didn't matter. He could really get his point across! It didn't take long for Abby to decide that she needed to tell him what to do just like Megan tells her. So the days were peppered with "Liam, where are you?" and "Liam, that's my milk!"

On Christmas Eve we had our first family activity together -- decorating gingerbread houses. We had a great time! The girls both ate more than they decorated of course but they actually both helped.

Megan did actually pipe some some icing but was really good with the small candies. Abby actually placed some of the chocolate rocks on the "porch" until she realized that they were chocolate and not candy. Then that was the end of that!

Jeff and James and my parents teamed up on a house that ended up . . . quite interesting. The process was quite entertaining itself.

Danny, Denise, and Liam of course had to go all artsy on us! Danny was a little disappointed that we weren't building Frank Llloyd Wright gingerbread house but hey, when you're baking four of them, they're just going to be 4 walls and a roof!

Trust me, this looks a lot better than it did. But it was dubbed the house on fire.

Mark and Adrienne also got fancy-schmancy -- that's what you get when you marry a cake decorator I suppose!

Abby loves Grandpa! Last night when we went to dinner Jeff asked to carry her into the restaurant and she loudly said "no!" so I asked her if James could take her. Another "no". Then she said, "I want grandpa." And go to him she did.

The finished products! They all turned out great especially since Megan and Abby ate half of our decorating items . . .

So Christmas morning was an explosion of presents because we hadn't put any out at all and then had presents for 13 people! I was so excited to see the look on Megan's face when she woke up the next morning and found that Santa had come. Well, turns out she already had the no sleep bug. At about 2:00 a.m. my brother comes in my room to tell me Megan needs to use the potty. That makes no sense because Megan is sleeping in our room. Turns out she has been up and looking at presents for about a half hour and he let her! What a great uncle. Grrrrr.

Abby really loved the musical cards from Grandma Whittacre. Sorry Grandma, I had to take it away from her after the 5th time!

Megan and her twirly Minnie from her stocking. I was a mean mom and took all the candy out of their stockings before they saw them. But we had church later in the day and both girls were getting sick. The last thing they needed was to gorge on candy in the morning! I don't think they noticed though!

Megan's favorite by far was her dance clothes. She has worn them every day since Christmas and can't wait to start her lessons next week. She is SOOOOOOOO excited!

Abby liked all the boxes! And she got a Lightening McQueen plush that was the cause of frequent battles between her and Liam.

I tried to get things for the girls this year that they could do rather than just play with and it seems to have worked. Chopper MADE me a quilt rack for my wall quilts (I loved that man), got me some little sewing and quilting things, and then a prenatal massage (have I told you I love that man?). I gave him a dutch oven, dress shirt, and a new computer game.

In our family we also have gag gifts -- some that come around every year and some that just happened -- like these:

Jeff asked my parents for green slip-on shoes. ?????? Mom found him a pair of Converse but we thought it would be funny to wrap up a pair of elf shoes instead. It really was actually!

Megan showing me a dance move.

The girls both loved the Mr. Potato Head playdough set from Aunt Krista.

Since Christmas we've been out to see some of the sights of Dallas but I keep forgetting my camera! Oh well. We did take some family photos though which actually turned out really well.

Always some funny and some serious. But this is the whole clan: mom and dad, me, Chopper and the girls, Mark and Adrienne, Danny, Denise, and Liam, Jeff, and James. It'll be fun to the see the other women and babies that come into our lives.

I am incredibly grateful for a family that can share close quarters for 2 weeks and love it. Part of why we haven't done a lot is because we sit around and talk and eat and play games. What a wonderful gift to be able to spend that kind of time with your family as you all get into adulthood. I really feel blessed.

I also got a great present in that I haven't thrown up in 5 days!!! Perhaps my icky days are coming to an end. I'm 12 weeks today so I'm keeping my fingers crossed. Our family also starts the new year with new challenges already, or at least I do. Right before Christmas I was called to be the new Relief Society President. I still get a little teary eyed just saying that because of the magnitude of that calling. But I am grateful to have amazing women in my presidency and look forward to a stretching experience.

I don't know that I'll post again until the new year so Merry Christmas everyone! We hope you had a wonderful, joy-filled holiday filled with presence of family (whether they could be there or not) and the love of our Savior!

Signs of the Season

2011-12-20T13:54:00.000-07:00

I'll just tell you right now that all these pictures are blurry. No one wants to hold still around here! With less than a week to go, we've been holiday busy in a very good way.

Our house is decorated (somewhat) and the girls got to see Santa come by on the firetruck! They do this every year but I felt bad for him this year because we really had below freezing weather and that poor Santa is riding around on the top of a fire truck! I hope that his padding was electric heated. . . .

This year our Christmas party was "Christmas morning" themed and we wrapped some large diaper boxes to put under the tree for decorations. Abby very obligingly helped us carry them to the car.

I finally got all my projects finished (ta-da!) and I don't think I took a picture of a single one except this one! Whoops! Given the lateness of the season I'm titling it "In the St. Nick of Time". Haha.

Most of my family is here so there will be plenty more pictures to follow (hopefully -- I'm pretty bad at that) but for now everyone's tired and catching up on shopping and eating and sleeping (all my brothers except one are still poor student-types). But it's fun to do funny things when they're sleeping.

Megan and Abby have ONE cousin on my side of the family and Liam is a cutie. He's also very active and the same size, if not bigger, than Abby. And he's almost 6 months younger! The girls are having tons of fun with him and their uncles. We've had piggy back rides and shoulder rides and flying and all sorts of things that I'm too tired to do and Chopper's still working for the week. They are in heaven! I am too because it gives me a nice little break!

Nothing New

2011-12-14T16:53:00.000-07:00

I think our house pretty much looks like every other house right now: Christmas tree up, lights outside, presents hidden in secret locations, mom throwing up in the bathroom . . . oh wait . . .

Well, I am 10 weeks tomorrow and showing and feeling ick. Actually, I'm feeling better and I think I owe it to a nice little prenatal vitamin that has something like 50 mg of B6 in it. Still feel icky but I'm not such intimate friends with the commode anymore. Thank goodness. I hate throwing up but it's even worse when you have one child on one side crying to be held and the other yelling at you that she wants to take a bath. We apparently have no concept of "sick" or "privacy" in this household.

But I'm starting final preparations for my entire family to descend on my house in a whirlwind of Christmas cheer and gag gifts. I think I'm done with my Christmas shopping -- always a nice feeling -- and it's raining! Merry Christmas to Dallas!

Please come Christmas!

We Have A Gummy Bear!

2011-12-06T12:40:00.000-07:00

The hands-down best thing about being pregnant in this day and age is the technology that allows you to see and hear your baby so early! I love it! However, drugs that help with morning sickness may come in at a very close second.

I had my FIRST doctor's appointment today and she did an ultrasound to confirm due date. Sorry, I left the pictures at the doctor's office so I'll scan and post them later when I pick them up because it seriously looks like a gummy bear! At this point, the head is 50% of the total body mass (or weight or whatever) and the arms and legs are just developing so it really is a gummy bear. But you could see (and we did hear) the little heartbeat and there was quite a bit of movement which surprised me.

Everything is looking good and my official due date is July 13 which means for those of you who know me that there will be a baby in the house sometime in the week after.

I just love that visual and audio confirmation. As if my head in the toilet every two hours isn't confirmation enough. It's just so sweet and wonderful.

And yes, we will find out the gender. Honestly, I keep thinking of the baby as a "him" but I kind've felt that way with Abby and was obviously very wrong so I've decided I don't have intuition in that department. But we will find out for sure because you know I can't stand the wait!

Funny Words

2011-12-05T11:20:00.000-07:00

There are a lot of things that I don't love about having young children: tantrums, fighting, picky eating, etc. But one thing that I do love is language development. Both my girls are in fun stages with their language. Megan sounds so sophisticated -- funny when it comes out of her 3 year old mouth. And I can't even convey what it sounds like with their little voices but it particularly makes us laugh when she pronounces:

"I just love this hot hot chocolate!"

"That is the biggest Christmas tree I ever saw!"

When I ask her if she wants something and she doesn't -- "no thank you, I'm just eating my _______ " because this usually happens with food.

Abby on the other hand is starting to use verbal filler. Last night Megan kept saying stuff that Abby would repeat. We were watching the Christmas devotional and they had a prior program with flowers in the end credits and so Megan says "look at those beautiful purple and pink flowers!" And Abby says "oh, purple and pink!" "I love those orange flower" "Oh, orange flowers".

It's so much funnier to actually hear. I'm glad everyone's coming for a visit.

And speaking of which -- I'm working on closets and Abby discovered the infant seat and promptly climbed in. Funny thing is, she actually still fits.

Just some cute pictures from the park in front of the library the other day.

Abby has the most amazing sweet tooth. She ate all this ice cream without hardly pausing. AND she likes soda. I have always banned Chopper from giving the girls Dr. Pepper but she's had some sips of caffeine free drinks and now Chopper has to be careful about leaving his Dr. Pepper around. She knows and loves soda!

Just some more words -- her fun expressive ones.

A Fairy Party!

2011-12-02T16:58:00.000-07:00

Well, I'll apologize first off and tell you that my pictures are terrible AND I didn't even think to get the girls to pose for one together. Sigh. Fun party though.

Right before Thanksgiving a new Tinker Bell "movie" came out. So in honor of The Pixie Hollow Games, worked with some friends to throw a fabulous fairy party!

We started at a friends house where Silvermist (one of Tinker Bell's friends) had visited and left dew drops (blue tear-drop gems) and fairy treasures (rollo candies -- loved by all of course). The girls went on a treasure hunt and then used their dewdrops to make fantastic dewdrop bracelets. Thanks Silvermist! The idea came from FamilyFun Magazine and you can find it here.

Then after playing for a little while we came back to our house. We started by making some flower fairy friends (also from the magazine here) that the girls just loved. And they did turn out really really cute! I prepped most of the parts beforehand and the "building" still required parental involvement but the girls did really well with picking colors and cutting and assembling.

Afterwards, we laid out a picnic blanket and had a picnic lunch eating fabulous fairy foods: fruit, flower sandwiches, little crackers, mini cupcakes, and acorn cookies (also from FamilyFun, my goodness they have the best ideas!!) while watching the movie and we ALL loved that. I'm serious! The girls were mesmerized and the adults laughed at quite a few things as well. It was actually really really cute and just a shame that it was a lot shorter than we thought -- 1/2 hour maybe 45 minutes -- not a feature length.

Ignore the while frosting -- they would have been much cuter with brown but they were still cute!

Anyway, we had a GREAT time! Megan may be asking for fairy parties for quite some time . . .

So Thankful

2011-11-30T12:38:00.002-07:00

A friend of mine gave a really good talk on Sunday about gratitude. She asked the question, are we living the things that we are grateful for, not simply saying them? So when I say I am grateful to have a temple, do I show that gratitude by visiting regularly. When I say I am grateful for my family, do I show them that in the way that I treat them.

So this past week I have had much to be grateful for in having my parents here for Thanksgiving but I'm not sure how well I showed it since I spent a lot of time on the couch or in the bathroom. My mom was amazing with entertaining the girls, cooking meals, and even cleaning my house before she left. And despite the nausea, we had a great time as a family and I'm really looking forward to having them ALL (my whole family!) for Christmas.

The girls love when Grandma comes because they get to play on her bed -- a mattress on the floor. They enjoying snuggling, jumping, plopping, bouncing -- all the things they're not allowed to do on their regular beds (except the snuggling, but they never want to snuggle with me!).

Sorry for the light behind the picture but Abby really loved watching football with daddy and Grandpa (which she can now say. There is no more ka-pow).

And it was tons of fun to get the decorations out of course!! Boxes to sit in, things to play with that shouldn't be played with, pure heaven!

We went to Bass Pro Shop and looked at Santa Claus and rode the carousel. Abby cried bloody murder when it was time to get off.

But she was super cute going to church on Sunday!

My parents also stayed with the girls alone while Chopper and I took an overnight date for an early anniversary present. Hooray! We had a great time, very relaxing and I think we might have to do that again some time!

Now it's back to the same old same old except that everyone will be back in just 2 and 1/2 weeks and I have SOOOOO much to do! And not enough energy. Like right now -- I should start sewing but all I really want to do is take a nap. What wins? I guess we'll find out later. Maybe just a short nap . . .

Oh and this is cute video. Abby is so vocal now and she likes to say "ta-da" when we turn the Christmas tree lights on but of course won't do it on camera. But all our conversation is pretty interesting as the girls help decorate the tree.

And in other news . . .

2011-11-16T13:30:00.000-07:00

I think everyone knows already PLUS I'm not doing very good at keeping a separate journal from my blogging so I might as well say it.

Chopper and I are pregnant!

Ok, well I am anyway.

I had to go back and put an exclamation point on that. Actually I am excited but it's a little dampened right now by a few factors:

1. I'm only 6 weeks and I'm already exhausted and nauseous.

2. Now that Megan's almost four and Abby almost two I have a better understanding of what having children means -- especially multiple children. Because even when pregnant with Abby, Megan was young enough to not really get it . . . yet.

So I'm excited but also apprehensive about the additional responsibility and work. But I know there will be additional joy. I'm already looking forward to seeing how different # 3 will be. I was looking at Megan the other day when she was laying next to me in bed (I can't get up to save my life these days) and thought about how beautiful she is and how individual. Abby too. So the thought of a third one is really fun.

And the outpouring of love and support from my friends here has been incredible -- offers to take the girls so I can get some rest and one friend just brought me a lasagna so I don't have to cook tonight! I have wonderful wonderful friends!!!

So that's the big news. Stay tuned because more will surely follow!

Potty Training Success!!

2011-11-14T12:15:00.000-07:00

Well it's been a week today since we started potty-training Megan and I think we've been very successful. Since beginning the process Megan has:

1. not had a single pee accident

2. successfully transitioned from pooping on the floor to pooping in the potty

3. Been dry for 4 nights in a row

MIRACLES DO HAPPEN!!!!

I take no credit for this.

I think part of it is her age (4 years old in 2 1/2 months), the amount of bribery we've given her (shamelessly I might add), prunes, and Heavenly Father taking pity on me because of everything else.

Needless to say we are INCREDIBLY proud of her and have been doing lots and lots of happy dances around here.

Texas Ants are Mean!

2011-11-12T14:11:00.000-07:00

There are many times that I am grateful I was never a pioneer but I am even more grateful that I was never a Texas pioneer. Texas bugs are big, nasty, and mean and if I couldn't combat them with chemicals and solid walls and foundations, I think I would die.

Case in point, there was a terrible story about a baby abandoned in a dumpster a few months back and when it was found (incredibly still alive), the ants had gotten to it. The pictures made me want to throw up and it wasn't bad -- just the thought.

So yesterday we went to a park to play with some friends. The play set in this park is set in cement with that spongy rubber padding stuff but of course Abby and another little boy about her age find some dirt in the cement cracks to play with. No problem right? I'm all about playing in the dirt (sometimes).

The next thing I know, she comes running over to me whimpering and when I take a look, she is covered in ants! Fortunately she was very well covered but they were all over her poor little hands and clothes. And the thing is -- when they bite, they stick. So you can't just brush them off, you have to flick, pinch, hit, use force to get them off. And they hurt! I don't think that these were full-fledged fire ants (which are HUGE and PAINFUL!) but they were the little black and red hybrids.

Look at her sweet little hands!

How horrendous is that!!! She's fine now but THAT is why I try (obviously failed yesterday) to monitor their playing especially when it involves dirt. These things are everywhere. And it's also why we got a stand alone sandbox rather than built one in. They're less likely to invade.

I hate them.

Learning and Growing

2011-11-09T15:29:00.000-07:00

It's day 3 of potty-training boot camp and we're doing better than expected! Megan surprisingly has not had a single wet accident (but the other one, that's a different story). We are all going a little bit stir-crazy from being in the house all day every day (it's not quite warm enough to go naked outside) but we're surviving.

However, in light of the need to find things to do, Megan has acquired a few other skills besides using the potty.

1. Cutting paper (all of my index cards have been reduced to confetti)

2. Peeling eggs. We got some brown eggs and she was so fascinated that I boiled them up and she ate some! That is a miracle in and of itself. And you should've seen how proud she was to peel that darn egg all by herself.

Chopper, Abby, and I are all sick. That means things are really miserable and we're watching a lot of TV and ordering pizza because no one wants to cook. But hopefully, by the end of the week, ALL of the misery will be over and we can move forward to Thanksgiving!

Oh and I know that I completely dropped the ball on 30 days of gratitude so instead I am creating a list (to post all at once) of 30 things I'm grateful for. It's probably cheating but I'm not in the mood right now to post every single day.

I am grateful for delivery though.

Where Do I Even Begin????

2011-11-06T09:56:00.000-07:00

I just uploaded 126 pictures. And I thought that I was paring it down!

Chopper says it's just going to take ages for people to look at and that's probably true but I can't help myself!!!

This weekend I had the best husband ever! Chopper took a day off of work and kept the girls so that I could go to Houston for the International Quilt Festival!!!!!! It was positively amazing. One lady next to me said, "I don't know whether to be inspired or discouraged." They were ALL that good. We (I went with some friends) spend Friday and Saturday at the Quilt Festival adoring quilts, shopping, having great girl time and great food and now I'm home and ready to work on all of my projects that need to be finished. I bought way too much fabric so no one is getting anything for Christmas that's NOT quilted! As I went through my pictures I realized that I just cannot convey how incredible this experience was -- and I didn't even take classes! And I'm not going to point out which ones are hand or machine or art or applique or whatever. If you love quilts (and there literally was something for everyone) then just enjoy the pictures. If it needs some explanation -- then I'll share!

The convention center looks like a giant cruise ship!

Cancouver Cityscape at Dusk by Terry Aske

Wheel of Teal by Marilyn J. Farquhar

Good Onya Sonya Onya Bike! by Helen C. Godden

Alpha Quilt by Becky A. Grover

Sakura Sakura by Hiroko Miyama

Everlasting Bouquet by Molly Hamilton-McNally and Cindy Seitz-Krug

Chromatic Transitions by Rachel Wetzler

Empire Star by Anna Faustino (this one included weaving)

Spring Full Bloom by Michiyo Yamamoto

Star Struck by Cheryl See (12,256 hexagons!)

The Lilly Bloomed by Takido Fusako

Vortex in Variation by Nora Ronningen

Galaxy by Kayoko Hata

Thank You Father by Kyoko Yamauchi (applique, not actual lace)

Euphoria by Deborah Kemball (and that's her!)

My Favorite Things by Mieko Sasano

Mi Amor by Margarete Heinisch

A Time Between Times by Sara Madsen

Harmony Within by Sue McCarty (this one best in show and it was awesome but not my favorite)

Christmas All Around by Sherry Reynolds (don't you love the Christmas trees around the star?)

Me and My Shadow by Gail Stepanek

Insanity by Cathy Miller (so named because it's a miniature quilt that it IS insanity to put together)

Monochromatic by Kumiko Rydl (another miniature)

Willow by Gayle Shelton

Reverie by Mardi Carter

Angela's Oriental Rose Window by R. Schwarz

Ovals and Circles and Squares, Oh My! by Diane Whittier

Opening the Window by Young Kyu Ko

Seom Jun River by Kye Sun Yoo

Emotions 1 / Passion by Sang Mi Lee

Monet's Garden by Eun-Sook An

A Starlit Night by Soon-Joong Kim

Happy Birthday by Harumi Asada

Harmony in Nature by Harumi Asada

Cherry Blossons by Masako Sakagami

Weeping Dorothea by Ann Harwell

Portland Reflection by Gay Ousley

Fall Tateyama by Masako Sakagami

The Meadow by Betty Busby

Tropicas Insanity by Karen Nanos

Little Red Schoolhouses by Judith H. Gunter

Blazing Autumn Trees by Terry Aske

California Beauty by Felisa C. Lyons

The First Day by Martha A. Kraatz

Luck Be A Lady by Madeline I. McMurry and Michelle Dean-Hage

Star Gazing by Jean Crouchet and Denise Green

Daiwabo Concentric Circles by Jane Statham

Spiral Galaxy by Vickie K. Owen

Oh that's me! Surprise! I made a pillowcase for the 1 million pillowcase challenge that's going on. I was #509 completed at the show.

Untitled by Joann Balling

Welcome to New Braunfels, TX by Jane Hardy Miller

Spinning Out Spinning In 4 by Helen Remick (top) and Spinning Out Spinning In 2: Katrina Fibernotchy by the same artist (bottom).

A quilted hamburger at one of the guild booths -- I can't remember which one.

The Quilt Show by Carole L. Corder

Autumn Sunrise by Shelagh Deming

The Quilt Car!!!!

An Athlete on Ice by Yoshiko Miyamoto

Natsumi and Sumire by Hiroko Hiyama (this one was SOOOOO sweet!)

Checks and Balances by Caryl Bryer Fallert (LOVED LOVED LOVED THIS ONE TOO!)

Artifications by Gloria Hansen

Crested Barbet by Barbara McKie

Peony by Barbara Persing

Caravanserai by Cheryl FitzGerald

New York Sunset by DAMSS Marco Sarzi-Sartori and Daniela Arnoldi

Central Park by Kathy York (3D)

TheSecret Life of Dancing Tulips by Jeanne Brenner and Maureen O'Doogan

Another Whimsical Garden by Tina Curran

Red Vase at Moonlight by Barbara Lies

Camelot Country by Liz Jones

Crimson Promises by Sharon Schamber (this was won a big prize and was incredible. It's also see-through -- I have no idea how she sewed the cording into the quilt like that -- oh and it's all hand dyed too.

The One That Got Away by Margery Hedges (I loved the perspective on this)

My White Garden by Michiko Inaba

Metamorphosis by Gabrielle Paquin

The Hues of Amber by Karlyn Bue Lohrenz

Without Medusa a.k.a. My Big Fat Greek Quilt by Pat Connally

Annj Pigneri with her quilt that I forgot to take a picture of the sign with the name of it!

Counterpoint by Pam Hill

Vintage Values by Linda Roy

Marmalade Parade by Anne Michelle Settle

The Laneway by Linda A. Hobbs and Grace Whiting

Spring Awakens by Vanessa Wedding

They also had a display of these quilts. It's a series called Twelve By Twelve. Twelve artists were given a theme or color every two months and made a quilt that was sized 12 x 12. There's more information, etc. on their blog for the project.

Colorplay 10: Spice

Theme 3: Community

This was an Alice in Wonderland Quilt that was done by a group (each did a piece of the story and then they are puzzle pieces that fit together) but again, I forgot to take a picture of the credit! I'm sorry!

Lots of quilt stars! This is Eleanor Burns. It was really great to talk to artists about their works in the show.

And there was a cloth doll exhibit as well which I knew would freak Chopper out but I had to take a picture of this one of King Henry VIII and his wives (all holding symbols of how they no longer became his wives) because I thought it was hilarious.

Today I am Thankful that . . .

2011-11-02T13:13:00.000-06:00

I can be of service to others.

And I don't say that to boast or anything. Today I was helping a friend so that she could go help a friend. It's nice to know that she trusts me with her children and that we are good friends to be able to do that. I am grateful that we are a healthy family that are currently in a position to be able to help others when they need it.

Conversely, I am also grateful for all those who help us when we do need it. We have had many instances of needing service this year from someplace to drop the kids for a doctor's appointment to a place to stay during Chopper's dad's funeral. I am grateful for such a huge network of support among family and friends.

And I'm grateful to be able to participate in a network of support for others.

30 Days of Gratitude

2011-11-01T17:41:00.000-06:00

I've never done this before but I've been seeing on Facebook the 30 days of gratitude posts and thought why not? And rather, do it on blogger so that it's preserved for all time. Even if it shouldn't be. :)

So today I am grateful for our beautiful world. I can't think of anywhere that we have lived that has not had at least spots or moments of beauty. And I enjoy being in the world and seeing it all.

And I am grateful for fall in Texas and short-sleeved shirts on November 1st. I like that.

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-31T19:18:00.000-06:00

I heard the funniest commercial on the radio yesterday.

This kids comes on and says he's going out trick or treating so everyone needs to stock up on candy because he'll remember "until he's old and 20" which house was the dud and which one had the good stuff.

I laughed out loud, partly because IT IS SO TRUE!!!

I distinctly remember one Halloween when I was about 14 (I know, a little old for trick-or-treating) and I went with my friend in her neighborhood because the houses were closer together and one house in particular had a long driveway through trees but when you got there it was full size candy bars! I don't know if I'll ever forget that.

We were a good house this year. I bought way too much candy having no idea how many trick-or-treaters to expect and while we had a good amount, it wasn't gobs. So everyone got handfuls of candy.

At least I won't be eating it! (Ok except for the small part that I pulled for my own snacking purposes tonight . . . mmm, Sweetarts!)

Actually one of the reasons we ended up with more candy than kids is that we BOTH took the girls out for their first time early into the evening. Megan was a doll at every house (except the one where she tripped and you could hear her screams for miles) and Abby insisted on walking (and carrying her pumpkin) up until the very end. The last few houses I carried her until we saw the door and then she fought to get down and go get her candy. She completely got it.

And now both girls are totally sugared up and in bed late enough that hopefully they will each (and both) sleep through the night (because last night was horrific and guess who woke up every single time -- 4 total -- and then an additional 2 for my own nightmares -- ick) and sleep in in the morning.

A mom can dream.

But it was a good first "traditional" Halloween.

Hope yours is as happy!

Oh and it's now 4 days (COUNT THEM FOUR) until I leave for a fabulous weekend getaway to the International Quilt Festival in Houston!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Still Reading

2011-10-26T20:23:00.000-06:00

Some of you may remember when Megan was first starting to "read" (that adorable video is here).

Well Abby is following in her big sister's footsteps -- of course! Same book too. Both my girls have just loved Lunch by Denise Fleming.

You may have to turn it up a little, she's quieter than Megan was:

We are now also reading every night before bed and anytime that I sit down somewhere. Abby particularly loves the Gossie & Gertie books by Olivier Dunrea, The Bear Snores On, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, a few from Sandra Boynton, and Ten Little Dinosaurs which honestly is really annoying to read!

Megan's favorites right now include the Dinosaur books by Jane Yolen and anything that has to do with princesses.

Little Projects

2011-10-26T08:17:00.000-06:00

We've had a few fun little projects in the works the past few days. Of course, we had to carve a pumpkin -- but I did forgo roasting the seeds -- I'm the only one who eats them!

Megan did the designing . . .

This is her finished face.

Then Chopper translated it into carve-able features and did the cutting.

And there it is! Unbeknownst to me, the pumpkin doesn't actually sit upright. So it has to be supported. But it had a nice smooth face for carving!

In the dark . . .

Our next project was plant a tree!!!! We are the ONLY house on our block without a tree in the front yard. The previous owners dug it up apparently, although for the life of me I don't know why. Anyway, on Saturday we went to the annual Homeowners Association Meeting and won a tree! Now we're going every year! No one bothers to go and they raffle off landscaping trees and flowers so we're going to make our HOA dues work for us and provide us with new landscaping!

Of course the poor thing has to be tied up. When the Texas wind blows it really gets going! But hopefully it won't be too long before it can withstand it!

Last but not least, after putting up my wonky jacks quilt and arranging my picture wall, I realized I need another quilt to replace the jacks when they come down after Halloween. Eventually, it would be fun to have a quilt for each season or holiday but that's not going to happen any time soon so instead I opted for one that can hang year-round if need be.

It was my first shot at a log cabin quilt (which I've always wanted to try) and the blocks are only about 4 inches so they're kind've wonky. It's hard to sew pieces that small completely accurately! But I'm very excited about the result and now I can dedicate myself to the (at least) 3 other projects that need to be finished in time for Christmas! Whew!

Early Trick of Treat!

2011-10-23T13:53:00.001-06:00

We had trunk or treat a little early this year. Our stake has stake conference Halloween weekend. I know, weird. But the stake presidency really gets into it and dresses up and stuff.

Just kidding.

Anyway, you've already seen the costumes but I just can't resist more!

Chopper went as a soldier. A friend told him it doesn't count as a costume if it's your uniform and he's probably right. But as much as I get wrapped up in the girls' costumes, I don't want to go too overboard for us because we most likely will not wear them again. I don't know -- maybe if we move to another location or something. Anyway -- so we went with our standards -- soldier for Chop and poodle skirt for me!

But my husband is still hot in his uniform! (Sorry, dad, that you had to read that. But not sorry enough to delete it!)

MEGAN ACTUALLY WENT IN THE BOUNCE HOUSE!

Usually she WANTS to go but doesn't dare with all those kids pinging around so this time we got her in early and then when it filled up -- she was ok! Abby loved it too. I had a friend climb in and retrieve Abby when it got too full and she was very upset -- maybe because she got flattened, maybe because I got her out! Not sure!

I did NOT win best cookies (the missionaries will have a great little surprise for that one when they come to dinner on Thurs. hehe) and I have it on good authority that Megan was barely beaten for best costume for her age group by a ladybug. It was a darn cute ladybug though! But we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Megan is FINALLY getting the trick or treat idea and was happy to show (not share) her spoils to daddy when we were through.

Poor Abby. End of the night, she has a cold, and I gave her to Chop for a picture. Not happy. In fact, we're supposed to be in church right now but she's sick enough I don't want her in nursery and since church is 1 to 4 (ick ick ick) I thought her sleep would be more helpful this once.

But overall it was a GREAT evening!

Head Lice Anyone?

2011-10-20T12:39:00.000-06:00

A friend who comes to our playgroup called me this morning to let me know her kids have lice. I kind've freaked out. My furniture and floors have been vacuumed, I am washing all the dress up clothes and the bedding next, and so far Megan has been checked twice! I'm a little paranoid that I would miss it though with her light hair but I'm not even really seeing any dandruff so I think we're good. Besides, I'm sure we'll have this many times in our lives with school and friends and dress up clothes so I'm fine. Really I'm fine. And my house is getting REALLY clean.

I just hate bugs of all sorts (I know, who doesn't?).

So on a more positive note -- Megan really enjoyed me taking goofy pictures of her yesterday. She loved seeing the results on camera. But I'm pretty sure she'll be really angry about me posting them when she's fourteen!

Oh and this one is particularly fun -- Megan can roll her tongue at the ripe old age of 3. I'll bet she'll be able to whistle too. And snap her fingers well. Just more proof that she is her father's daughter. It is kind've funny though for her to come up to me and roll her tongue and then say "but mommy can't do it." Yep.

So I Went a Little Overboard

2011-10-15T14:06:00.000-06:00

I had too much fun making Halloween costumes this year. I've been thinking about it for a while but waited a little bit to see if Megan would settle on an idea. First it was Tinker Bell, then I can't remember what came next -- I think Vidia (another fairy from the Tinker Bell movies), then she wanted to be Rainbow Dash (My Little Pony), and then Curious George. ?????? Finally, she found out that her "best friend" (not sure if that exists at age 3) was going to be Rapunzel and that changed her mind yet again. So I decided to go ahead and make her a Rapunzel costume knowing that if she changed her mind, at least she would have another dress for dressing up. I couldn't go wrong!

Abby on the other hand, is Rosetta -- another fairy from the Tinker Bell movies. I had an idea for her costume that I couldn't get out of my head so she had no choice. Not that she cares -- although she doesn't love her costume and tries to take it off every time I put it on . . .

Today we took Daddy (a.k.a. Chopper) to the Arboretum. We've gone several times with friends but not him! I managed to get some cute shots of the girls among flowers and pumpkins and in their costumes but it still took a fair of amount of candy bribery. This is why I don't pay for professional pictures.

So be warned -- what follows is really cute, but not only did I go overboard on costumes, I kind've went overboard on picture taking!!!!

This is Megan's "big hair" (I swear that's what she calls it!) in all it's glory. By the way, if you're using Simplicity's Rapunzel pattern, ignore the measurements for hair and make your own -- I went through a lot of yarn because they were too small!

Not bad even I do say so myself!

I LOVE THESE PICTURES! She looks so sweet and innocent -- must be the bribery!

Now if I only had Photoshop I could make that lollipop look like a magic wand and then no one would ever know I bribe my kids . . .

Ah yes, hugging the pumpkins. If you tell Abby we are going to the Arboretum she says "punkin, cow, sheep" over and over. (When we go on Tuesdays they have a petting zoo that she LOVES!)

We eventually took the costume off to preserve it from . . . well from being herself (you know, falling over, running into things, trying to climb into the fountain -- you think I'm kidding but I'm not).

AND THEN SHE STARTED SMILING!! Actually what happened is that I started reciting one of her favorite books that she "helps" me read and whenever she said the animal sound, I snapped the picture. Many animal sounds make you look like you're happy . . .

Please ignore the CSI: Miami head -- I don't know what I was thinking.

Megan in Rapuznel's house. Perfect.

Oh and in case you're wondering, on the way home Megan told me she wants to be Tinker Bell for Halloween. Figures.

Let Me Explain

2011-10-14T18:03:00.001-06:00

It seems as if funny or odd things must be genetic in our family. Either that or Abby is a fast learner and Megan gets way too much quality time with her.

Since she was very young, Megan has done this funny / odd thing where she's "chilly". She gets rigid and shakes on purpose. Get it? Chilly? Anyway, Abby's picked it up -- it's kind've funny. Megan is also trying to teach her various words and they're pretty good too.

Ah the benefits of older siblings.

I Completely Blame Chopper

2011-10-12T19:13:00.000-06:00

So it's "V" week in the Whittacre household and I decided I wanted to do the science-experiment-volcano thing. So on Monday, Megan and I make the play dough. Well, I make the play dough. Megan dumps ingredients in the pot and Abby eats some when it's all done and promptly bursts into tears because despite being edible -- it's really gross.

Anyway, then I build the volcano form around an empty soda bottle and leave it to dry. And the rest of our day goes something like this:

Megan -- "mommy take the play dough off the bottle."

Me -- "we have to let it dry before we paint the volcano"

Megan -- "but we need to take it off."

Then she refuses to go in the dining room where the volcano is and asks me to put it in a closet. At this point I'm starting to think there's a fear issue and then it dawns on me. Chopper (my darling, YouTube loving husband) has shown her countless videos of volcanoes erupting. And told her about lava. And how dangerous and hot it is. And this is the girl who runs across the kitchen when I open the oven door (unlike Abby who gets closer to see what's inside).

Ding ding ding!

So I explain to Megan that this is a PRETEND volcano and that it will be full of BUBBLES.

No go. Monday night she has a nightmare where a shaking volcano laughed at her (that's what she said, I swear) and doesn't go back to sleep for THREE HOURS! We talked some more.

Regardless, when we set the thing off today for playgroup, I was in the dining room surrounded by excited toddlers and Megan was in the living room staying as far away as possible.

I blame Chopper absolutely. And I worry. This girl has so much fear about so many things. And she's angry all the time and so easily frustrated. I just don't understand what's in her head. Or how to help her feel better. Hopefully someday I'll figure it out.

Fall is in the Air

2011-10-08T18:15:00.000-06:00

In the Whittacre household that means certain things:

More baking and cooking (as the weather cools down . . . wait a minute . . . )

Getting costumes ready for Halloween (please disregard my half-naked child. She's getting better at taking her own clothes on and off).

And of course quality time with daddy means football. Thank goodness you can only get so much football with a bunny box!

Other than that, no crisp air, still wearing shorts, and the leaves haven't changed yet. But I did start adding soups to the dinner menu. I love soups! And warm, crusty bread. And apple crisp. And I'm getting hungry.

Yes it's fall.

I'm glad I'm not a pioneer

2011-10-04T13:50:00.000-06:00

The Texas bugs creep me out now, I cannot imagine living in Texas in a soddy or even a simple wooden house with no pest control. Or plumbing. And an outdoor toilet. Blech.

It was a really gorgeous day -- mid 80s, low humidity -- perfect.

Despite the morning from, well you know, Megan had a great time with our friends and was very good for the trip (oh, another one to the Arboretum, sorry).

Abby seemed quite content to be a pioneer girl. She didn't want to get out of the wagon . . .

Tried to take a nap in the sod house . . .

Loved exploring of course . . .

And even tried her hand at some cooking (no fire, just dirty water and leaves in the pot).

It's just one more reason to be grateful that I live in THIS time. I think I would forever be chasing this girl out of danger because of her curiosity.

And oh yes, Megan got her face painted as a kitty cat again. Purple this time. But not surprising. I think we're running out of colors . . .

Abby's Stats

2011-09-30T13:14:00.000-06:00

Abby's 18 month appointment was yesterday (Wednesday was her "birthday") and there were no surprises there.

Weight -- 20 lbs 10 oz (6%)

Height -- 29.75 inches (7%)

Head -- 44.75 cm (9%)

Still tiny.

In other news, I couldn't resist any longer and I broke down and took out the fall and Halloween decorations. Hey, tomorrow is the first so I'm almost safe! But ever since Chopper painted and moved the bridge pictures, I've had this big blank wall staring at me. Lightbulb!

Fun huh? The framed pictures are Megan and Abby's first Halloween (each) and the subway art is from the Eighteen25 blog (I think, I need to recheck that). The middle is a magnetic board from IKEA and it is the perfect solution to my griping about pictures.

I have too many pictures of the girls and other family members (but yes, mainly the girls) that I just love. And I hate changing frames all the time and who really has room to display them ALL. So I decided with a magnet board, I can display all my favorites each month for that season or holiday. When it's birthday time I'll put up lots of pictures of previous birthdays and when they were born. I'm very excited about it and the girls love seeing themselves in pictures and always ask about who everyone else is. Now if I could just get pictures of everyone else . . . you know who you are!

Back Again

2011-09-27T14:09:00.000-06:00

Yes more arboretum pictures. Megan has been talking for a FULL WEEK about going back and getting another kitty-cat face. So we took some different friends (I have now exhausted my supply of friends -- just kidding) and enjoyed it another day.

I tell you what though -- it was hot and muggy again! But we had a great time as usual. Ready for the same old same old? You know you love it!

Ariel's throne. We didn't get to this castle last time so it was first on our list this time. Go figure that on our way out the door that Megan realized that THIS time we didn't go to Rapunzel's castle. That girl has a memory like an elephant.

Yeah I know, a bird. But it just sat there and let us get close. The girls were fascinated.

This is Abby -- go go go. Hold me or let me run. And when she runs, she does not listen. Although actually, if you're on the move yourself, she'll pretty much stay with you. But sitting down for a bit is not an option. Even when there's food involved. She just takes it with her!

I got a better shot this time of the whole carriage and the girls in it. Megan loves this thing. Abby just likes another place to climb.

Hi mom!

Megan and her friend Phoebe.

Ah there it is, the blue kitty-cat face. And yes she keeps going back to look in the mirror with this one too.

Abby's favorite is the animals and today they had a cow which made me really nervous. It's penned it but Abby likes to lean into the pen and I had visions of that cow lifting it's head and goring her with a horn on the way up. So we tried to stick with goats. That really became fascinating when one started pooping and I had to get her away from it before you tried to explore what THAT was.

I think this bower of Crepe Myrtles is my favorite place in the whole arboretum.

Megan and Phoebe: kitty and puppy. We had a good time -- they had a good time. Well worth another trip.

Black and Blue and Random for You

2011-09-25T15:17:00.000-06:00

Random pictures for you this week -- enjoying the cooler weather -- only 90 degrees!!!

Both my girls love sunglasses. They are cute.

Do you see this monstrosity on my arm?

Here I outlined it for you.

This is the bruise on my arm from getting my blood drawn. I HAVE NEVER had a bruise this bad! And that's saying something since I pretty much have my blood taken every other month (and for someone with needle phobia that's a big deal). It's just proof I should listen to my instincts. When the new nurse put the tourniquet on weird I should have known. She didn't get the vein right and so then the doctor did it. And believe it or not, this bruise is where the doctor poked me. Oh it hurt so bad. And it's my Abby arm and you all know that the girl won't let me put here down -- unless we're in public and she could get lost -- then she wants to run. Figures. But I just had to bring attention to my pain and suffering because Chopper and my mom are both tired of hearing about it and I need more sympathy. Thanks for listening! :)

Success!!!!

2011-09-23T13:42:00.000-06:00

I just had to report that we successfully navigated a birthday party! And by we I guess I really mean Megan. I think that it was the first one we've been to since family parties in Virginia and she was quite a bit younger then.

We had a lot of talks about the presents and how they were not hers. We talked about sharing and not screaming and throwing fits. And the only one that occurred was when the toy she was playing with was directly taken -- I can't blame her there!

Of course cupcakes and ice cream were a huge hit and even when the little girl unwrapped her presents Megan was golden. If I just hadn't stepped in that anthill it would have been perfect . . .

Well, if it's not one thing it's another!

But I am so proud of her!

Fall is Here -- and it's 91 Degrees!!

2011-09-20T15:10:00.000-06:00

Fall is here!!! Kind've sad when you feel fall in the air but the temperature is still in the 90's huh? But I will be laughing at "ya'll" when it's November and it's quite comfortable!!

What really got us into the spirit of fall today though was the Dallas Arboretum. So yes, 'tis the season for too many pictures of kids surrounded by pumpkins -- just like last year!!! We were there during some of their toddler activities though and that was a lot of fun for the girls. I love that both of the girls are at the stage to get excited and enjoy days like this!

Abby cried when I made her put this one back. She tried to pick up lots of pumpkins. We may be decorating for fall and Halloween sooner than I had planned!!!

This year their pumpkin village was decorated to be Cinderella's bedroom, kitchen, etc. They had these awesome "chandeliers" up in all the houses made of hanging pumpkins and Indian corn. I thought they were a really neat fall decoration and I may have to try it myself . . .

Megan and her friend Sammy who went with us.

Doesn't this look professional? Megan is getting a lot better at smiling when I ask her to. Now if I could just get Abby to comply we might get some decent family pictures!!

Nope. Looking at pumpkins -- not at mommy.

Nope. Looking at feet, not at Mommy.

Another pumpkin house.

This was Cinderella's glass slipper on display and there was a gown on the wall as well. I don't know how you get white pumpkins but they were really pretty.

And here was the highlight! A real, pumpkin-shaped carriage! How cool is that? Sorry I didn't get a shot of the whole thing -- there was a line for pictures and a sign asking us to only stay 3 minutes.

Of course, Megan didn't want to get out and I had to carry her out kicking and screaming. So this is her pouting afterwards.

But we recovered with some face painting!!

Then it was over to the petting zoo to see the donkey, the goats (which Abby kept calling sheep), and the rabbit.

Brushing the sheep (ok there was one) was fun apparently.

As usual, the Arboretum was absolutely beautiful.

After lunch and seeing the princess castles (which I've done pictures of those before), they had storytime (which we missed) and Kindermusick (which we didn't and the girls enjoyed!).

Believe it or not -- Abby was dancing! I got a little bit of it on film and I hope the quality is good. If not, I might have to repost from YouTube. Even the bouncing at the end before she falls over I think was dancing!

And in other news, yes Abby is continuing to go where no toddler has gone before. And because of her size, she still fits!

Balloons or Bust

2011-09-18T15:31:00.000-06:00

It was a bust.

There's a hot air balloon festival in Plano this weekend and WE WERE SO EXCITED! When Chopper and I lived in Albuquerque, they have the king of all hot air balloon festivals and it is really neat to watch them fill those things up and then fill the sky. There's a "glowdeo" (at least that's what they called it there) and you get to talk to the "balloonies" (I don't think that's really what they're called). PLUS we knew the girls would love seeing big giant balloons.

They had a fair going on to so we walked around a bit before launch time.

Abby reached for everything -- she wanted it all and wanted to be out running around, not stuck in the stroller!

See how angry she is?

They had some parachute people (parachutists?) drop from a plane about 5:30 and that was kind've fun to watch. Supposedly they were performing but I'm not sure what . . .

And then we got corn dogs and went to find a place to sit and watch. Abby loved corn dogs by the way. That's my girl!

We're sitting and waiting and I'm chasing Abby around . . .

And then launch time comes . . .

And goes. Where are the balloons?

So we had snacks and made faces and tried to entertain ourselves a bit (I was a terrible mom and brought no entertainment but I didn't know what to expect!).

And finally we gave up and went home. The girls were getting tired and cranky. Abby would NOT sit for a single moment, and Megan was having fits about which seat in the stroller was hers. Needless to say, having waited for an hour and not having any announcements about whey they weren't launching, and with no balloons even laid out on the field at all, we deemed it best to cut our losses and go.

I know that with balloons of that size, and the fact that they are powered by FIRE, makes it critical to have good weather conditions and little wind, but still we were disappointed. Maybe we'll try again next year.

Well, Abby's first corn dog is a milestone worth celebrating right?

Words Words Words

2011-09-17T12:26:00.000-06:00

It took some maneuvering, but I got Abby to talk on camera. In hindsight, I should have made a list of the words I wanted her to say because of course at the last minute I couldn't remember them all. We need to add sleep, song, and a whole list of bathroom words (she asks me what everything is when I'm getting ready in the morning, sorry).

Watching this though, it occurred to me that one of the funny things about Abby's talking is that her lip movements are pretty exaggerated. I don't remember Megan doing that and it seems to me that Megan had a lot more clarity from the beginning. Abby is going to be the child who is many ways is only understood by her mother! But WATCHING her talk is so funny and cute. I particularly like words with "ll" like "ball" because of how she stretches her lips into shape. You get a little bit of it here.

Stay Tuned

2011-09-15T20:19:00.000-06:00

Abby said her first sentence today. She threw her monkey on the ground and said "I throw monkey!" Ok the "I" was questionable but the rest was definite. I'm going to try and get her to talk to the camera for me but we'll see. She knows she can watch pictures on it so doesn't like to be on the side where the picture is taken.

On a side note, I'm getting excited for Halloween. All the crafty blogs that I love are doing the cutest Halloween decorations but I have sworn not to start anything or put anything up until October 1st. I think I'm actually counting down.

About 9 times out of 10, when I ask Megan what she wants to be for Halloween she says Tinker Bell. So then I have to ask myself -- do I try to do something for the family where we're all from Peter Pan? Or do I just make Abby another Disney fairy and call it a night. Maybe I could Chopper to be a fairy too . . . although I think he likes the idea of being Captain Hook better. But how do I do Captain Hook without spending a ton? Lots to think about! But if anyone has any suggestions, I'd love to hear them!

Attack of the Ponytails and a Maybe Announcement

2011-09-13T18:15:00.000-06:00

Abby's poor hair is growing out terribly. I think it's a little curlier than Megan's was but it's not quite curly enough. So it's thin and random and everywhere! I've been trying to corral it with ponytails. Some days it looks like this:

And some days it looks like this. This is a lot cuter and she looks more grown-up to me. More like a little girl than a baby. Then it's curly in the back so she looks a little more put together. Because we may not look good but I at least like us to look put together! Or rather, not falling apart.

Megan likes to get in on the action too. I tell you what, there's no better way to motivate a child to let you do their hair than to get the other one going first. Then they fight over the bathroom stool and both want their hair done. Silly girly girls.

So for the maybe announcement. No, not pregnant. That announcement won't be a maybe.

I'm thinking of killing off my other blog. I've realized a few things about blogging for business (or something other than family and journaling):

1. You have to have cute, wonderful ideas ALL THE TIME in order to really go anywhere with it. I'm either not that creative, or not that energetic.

2. You have to spend time doing it. See above comment about energy. It doesn't take a lot to get on the computer of course but I've realized something about my life -- I love not having a job. I love reading the book I want to and doing a quilt or craft project because I feel like it. Sometimes I chafe at doing housework on a regular basis (ok I think everyone does that), but I prefer my relative freedom (with 2 kids relative is a big word) and I'm not sure I want to add one more thing I need to do all the time. And I don't NEED to all the time, but still . . .

3. There are so many cute blogs out there with awesome stuff. I might just add a few more that I follow regularly to my sidebar because they're amazing and in this instance I love being a follower, not a leader.

So all that being said -- THIS BLOG IS NOT GOING ANYWHERE!! Are you kidding me?!?!?!?! I have finally discovered the best way for me to keep a journal of our family and it's awesome! And I know that my family reads it (or says they do!) and that's what's most important.

But I also may throw in book recommendations and other ideas as I have them. Why not? It's all a part of life around here.

Oh the way their minds work . . .

2011-09-08T17:32:00.001-06:00

Megan is smart little cookie.

On Tuesday after the library and the park we wandered over the splash park that was still in operation. Mind you, I never go to those things because both girls hate water in their faces and getting splashed so it's not worth it. But we were with a friend and when her little boy stripped off his shirt and ran right in, guess who wanted to as well?

I managed to keep her clothed for a while and then Abby went to investigate this weird thing on the ground and got a fountain blast right in the face. She was not happy and soaked to the skin so off came her clothes. Well, that got Megan insisting on nakedness even more. But I told her, "Megan, I took off Abby's clothes because she got all wet." At which point she stretches out in a wet spot on the concrete (remember, she doesn't go near the fountains), gets her shirt wet, and then says to me "ok mommy I'm all wet can you take my clothes off?" I don't know if I can argue with the logic. And she's three. She thinks a pair of shorts is just another kind of suit. So off came the shirt.

Yesterday after I practically forced her to take one single bite of dinner Chopper asked her if it was good. "It certainly is!" But just not good enough to eat I guess.

She takes so much of what we do into her little brain and spews it out on Abby. The fact that I have to repeat myself over and over frustrates me to no end but apparently it actually IS getting through. Abby cries, she tries to console her. Abby does something she shouldn't (like pick her nose) and Megan tells her not too. Funny thing is, she doesn't follow through on any of this behavior herself . . .

Oh except for right now. Chopper is watching the President's address on tv and is being quite vocal. Guess who's mimicking him? Good guess.

Abby will not be outdone anymore. She constantly asks what things are and tries more and more to say them. She loves to read to (the same books over and over and over and over . . .) and her favorites right now are Lunch (Denise Fleming), any of the Gossie and Gertie books (Olivier Dunrea), a couple of baby books (in other words, books that feature read babies) and Dear Zoo (can't remember the author right now). But she is into everything and my house is never clean. Sigh. I do love a clean house. Oh well -- I love a happy toddler more!

A Grandpa by any other name . . .

2011-09-06T20:51:00.000-06:00

When I was little, Grandmas and Grandpas never had special names. They were just Grandma and Grandpa and if we needed to differentiate we used last names.

Then we moved to the east coast and were confronted with a series of me-maws and pop-pops and you name it, they're out there.

So the Grandmas (my mom and Chopper's mom) are pretty flexible about it (or say they are). But Grandpa -- well, he's put his foot down that he's going to be Grandpa and that's that.

But you know where all of those "other" names come from right? They come from those itty-bitty grandkids trying to say "Grandma" and "Grandpa" and not quite getting it right.

But a Grandpa by any other name is just as sweet right?

Wouldn't you agree "Pa-kow?"

A Really Perfect Labor Day

2011-09-05T20:31:00.001-06:00

What could be better? Chopper's home, the yard is mown (Chopper just said "the yard is MOAN??" but that is a legitimate past participle of mow so now you've learned something), the weather is 84 DEGREES!!!!! I kid you not. We have had a cold front and it is glorious!!

So of course after weeks of being trapped inside while the girls go crazy, we had to go outside and revel in it!

So we started with some yard work which involved Chopper mowing the lawn (I think it's been a month since he touched it but who can blame him?), I pulled a few weeds (very few -- you know how I feel about dirt and bugs), Abby and Megan drew on the driveway, ran around with this feathery frondy things from our bushes that we hate, and played with bubbles -- well bubble solution really.

Then our neighbors came out to play and we caught up and I learned that Megan is one bossy little girl! She kept telling the 6-year old what to do. Sigh. I think that's first-child syndrome -- we all know that I have it!!

After lunch Abby took a great nap and I started painting our bedroom!

Can you tell? It's gray and I love it! I'll take better pictures when it's done, the furniture is back together, and the light is better.

Then Chopper finally did what he's been talking about for years (YEARS, SERIOUSLY!). He grilled/smoked a rack of ribs.

Kind've a problem when you don't have a smoker right? Apparently not.

Here's his nice little grill all rigged up . . .

And the ribs rubbed and ready to go!

Smoked with hickory chips . . .

And carefully watched by Megan (who knows what hot means and stays away from the grill. Abby on the other hand was temporarily banished to the house and cried like it was the end of the world. She LOVES being outside. Thank goodness for fall.)

And voila! (I've been saying that a lot lately, haven't I?)

Don't they look great?

Abby thinks so.

Here we go, first bite dry to test the flavor and power of the rub . . . survey says . . . too salty! WHAT?!?!?! Alton Brown has failed us.

So we'll try it with sauce. Megan REALLY REALLY liked this part -- "painting the ribs". She kept asking for more. Oh, and by the way, you know all those parenting books that say when you involve a child in the cooking process it gets them interested and they're more likely to eat the end result? Lies, all lies. Megan did not eat a single rib or even lick her fingers. She just wanted to paint.

Abby didn't get any ribs after all. But she ate hot dogs and olives like there was no tomorrow. Which according to her stomach, there's no two hours later, let alone a tomorrow!!

So the ribs were a little disappointing. Actually, the ribs themselves were really good -- Chopper's wonky smoker really worked -- it was just the rub. Sad.

But it really was a perfect day like I said. Family together. Everyone happy (and I do mean everyone -- no time outs for Megan!), great weather, and working on the house. Gee we have lots of blessings! I hope everyone else's was just as good!

Megan's New Princess Dress

2011-09-05T08:48:00.000-06:00

I was serious!

Joann Fabrics has some great sales. I really do love that place. On Friday night, Chopper and I went on a date (I know, I know -- shocker) and just did some shopping without kids (heaven!). I insisted (and he loves me enough to go along with it) on going to Joann's to pick up an item or two on sale for Labor Day.

$1 for a basic princess dress pattern

$4 for pink tulle

Voila!

She's worn it quite a bit already. The top was from the pattern but I improvised the skirt and it definitely needs some tweaking, but Megan's not complaining. So that brings us to a total of 3 dresses -- one of which she refuses to wear actually. But the "Cinderella" dress and the "Rosetta" dress (she's one of Tinker Bell's friends in case you're not up and up on your Disney fairies . . . ) are definite thumbs up.

A few things about Abby:

She is really into carrying bags and purses around right now. Unfortunately, most of them are two big for her and she gets really frustrated so a small purse just her size should probably be next on my list.

She's got a slew of words under her belt and is starting into the two-syllable range: monkey, daddy, milk, snack, outside, -- and sadly I can't think of the others right now! They'll come to me eventually.

Happy Labor Day!

A Day Out and About (Finally)

2011-09-02T14:04:00.000-06:00

I think that we've spent the most of the last week and a half inside the house. It's been difficult to adjust to triple-digit weather again and then the girls got minor colds so I kept them home a little bit (after exposing all the kids in nursery -- priorities you know!). But finally we all couldn't take it anymore so out we go!

We joined a friend for a trip to the SeaLife Aquarium at the Grapevine Mills Outline (side note -- do not pay full price for this aquarium!!! If you want to go, find something with a family pass and pay guest ticket prices). It was a fun and very kid friendly aquarium and Abby particularly enjoyed it because I DID NOT bring a stroller and she ran everywhere. And so did I.

No flash allowed so all my pictures are purple . . . not sure how that works but that's what they are!

There were a lot of "glass" floors, hands-on exhibits, glass bubbles to look through -- like I said, very kid-friendly. As you can see, Abby liked laying on the glass floor to see the fish. The 360 tunnel she crawled through -- but it is a little unnerving to walk on that stuff!

They also had some touch pools at the end where they could touch starfish, snails, and sea urchins. It was a cute little aquarium and we enjoyed it. After, we went out into the mall -- I wanted to get some shirts for Abby at The Children's Place outlet and of course we had to go by the carousel . . .

My friend took Abby for me so Megan could go on the carousel and she was very happy about that!

Then we went to the Disney Store. I love that place but did you know that those princess dresses are $45?!?!?!?!? For dress up? No way! I'm making my own!

However, Abby discovered Cars lunchboxes and had to carry one in each hand. In fact, at one point, she takes off for the entrance going as fast as she can -- she was making a break for it! I guess we need to have a talk about shoplifting, or at least attempted shoplifting . . .

But she was quite determined!

Oh yeah, the girls

2011-08-24T19:40:00.000-06:00

So I know that when Uncle Jeff asked if I was going to put more pictures on my blog, he didn't mean of my house. But I had to share those and I don't like blogging more than once a day -- too muddled. So here you go Uncle Jeff, these are for you!

All of these pictures are blurry because Abby won't hold still. It's worse now that she's walking. And she LOVES to run away from me. Which, it's not really running, more like speed walking -- and it looks pretty funny. Oh she also loves the pantry. I can no longer put anything breakable on the bottom shelf.

Why is she holding still now? Not sure except that she is very guilty. After I took the picture I dug a marker cap out of her mouth.

I finally remembered that I had washed and hung this princess dress that my mom got for Megan (hand-me-down from her friend AWESOME!). She has now worn it for 24 hours and wanted to put it back on before bed. I wouldn't let her.

And she loves the shoes. They're big but she walks around in them really well. She's developing nice little "tickle spots" where they're giving her blisters though. I give it another day before the tickle spots don't tickle so much any more.

How did this end up all about Abby? She's holding still because she's in my lap -- 2nd favorite place to be. First favorite is on my hip. You think I'm kidding but I'm not.

She's been brushing her teeth (well chewing really but I figure it works) and carrying things around. This is Megan's baby (I'm informed every time Abby picks it up even though Megan has NEVER IN HER SHORT LIFE been interested in baby dolls at all) and her name is Charlotte. We just had some friends move who had a baby girl named Charlotte so maybe that's why. The real baby Charlotte was not thrown around like this one is though. It may be her baby but Megan is not a very considerate mommy!

I forgot about the house!

2011-08-23T19:53:00.000-06:00

Chopper took on a special project while we were on vacation: painting. We didn't do a lot (2 walls), but boy it makes a difference. In fact, we've also added a large bookshelf that we bought from some friends who were moving and I made some different pillows for the couch (the ones it came with I didn't love) and voila! To me there is such a difference in warmth and coziness.

And yes, I like a warm and cozy house even when it's 106 degrees outside!

The couch pillows before. I'm not exactly a fan of fringe . . .

And after. We kept the solids and paired it with a bright fabric that has all the colors -- red, green, some mustard, that sea blue color. I like it.

And the loveseat.

The back dining room wall. I think the color is "slate green" and I realized when I saw it on the wall that it's about the same color as an old-school chalkboard. I just can't escape the teaching genes I guess . . .

And this is looking from the front door. New (old) bookshelf on the left as you walk in and then the green wall going to the girls' rooms and then back in the kitchen.

I love this bookcase. And it's filled very decoratively. It's the shelves hidden in office that are stuffed double and full to bursting.

Little little changes have made a huge difference! And it looks even better when you see it in person. Yes, that's an invitation to come visit. October is a beautiful month in Texas . . .

Quick update

2011-08-23T09:03:00.000-06:00

I'm supposed to be headed out the door to the library but the videos are uploaded so real quick --

My family has been asking about Abby's walking and I'm sorry to say that Abby has discovered the camera. This means that when I try to take video of her she comes around to see the picture! But I did manage these two so you can see a little bit:

She's getting a lot smoother and faster but still kind've walks with her hands up. She LOVES to carry things and loves to empty the (clean) dishwasher. Yesterday though, she was fighting to get down in the store. That shouldn't be a big deal except that she wouldn't walk! She kept crawling all over the dirty floor. Sigh. And she still has to be held 80% of the time. Chopper pointed out last night that I have one child who wants nothing to do with me (well us both) and one who is attached like a growth. So what will #3 be like? No I'm not pregnant, just wondering.

Megan continues to be a 3-year old but her reasoning and thinking powers are getting better every day. Today she told me that Abby was a clown and when I asked her why she said it was Abby keeps doing funny things. She's very perceptive but I swear the most frequent words out of my mouth right now are "go to your room" and "don't touch your sister".

Which means that I need to get off the computer and go referee.

Oh yeah, my grandma called me and gave me a lecture (just kidding, but she was not happy) about saying that Somewhere in Time isn't a good movie. It's good -- but the ending is SOOO disappointing and I just have to stand by that! Love you Grandma!

Lots of Videos

2011-08-16T14:01:00.000-06:00

I took a lot of cute videos while we were up in the Michigan. It might be same old same old to you but you have to watch them anyway because it takes me a stinking long time to upload them! We all love them around here but then they are about us . . .

This first one is Uncle Jeff giving Abby flying lessons. She loved this. In fact, she would crawl over to him and then just grin like a Chesire cat until he picked her up. Then she started talking to him in between counting -- it was really cute.

Abby also loves to talk on the phone. She puts it up to her ear (or close to) and says "hi" and then starts to babble. I couldn't figure out why she was doing it with TV remote controls and things and then I realized that cell phones any more don't look like phones -- they're just flat with buttons. So she's smarter than I thought!

Megan is a great little singer and I know I've posted video of her performances before but she is doing so well. She learns all the words and then sings them exactly as they are sung -- in fact, when I say "Doe, a deer" she gets mad that I DON'T pronounce is "de-ah" like they do in The Sound of Music. She's got these down cold and now we're working on "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious". Thank you Julie Andrews!!

Finally, Uncle James is trying to get Abby to learn how to cook already. He was out in the garden teaching her the herbs and she was sniffing them . . . until I came out with the camera. But you get the idea.

Mackinac Island . . . oh and a new calling.

2011-08-14T15:24:00.001-06:00

My parents have lived in Michigan for a number of years now but I had never been to Mackinac Island (say Mack-i-naw but don't ask me why) so my mom wonderfully took the girls for the day and I went with my brothers Jeff and James up to the island and saw all the sights!

The island is part of the state of Michigan and is about halfway between Michigan and the Upper Peninsula. The only way to get there is by ferry and there are NO CARS on the island at all. Even for year-rounders (of which there are only about 500). So we got our ferry tickets early in the morning and took off!

When I think of a ferry I think slow boat to China but it actually was very fast. The ferry took us under the Mackinac suspension bridge that connects the UP to the mainland. It's the longest suspension bridge in the western hemisphere, even longer than Golden Gate in San Francisco.

They filled us in on fun facts about the bridge as we rode -- including that 360 cars run out of gas on the bridge every year. And apparently they have driver assistance for those who are too scared to drive over. That would've been me I think!

As we get closer -- there she is! The Grand Hotel! Built in the late 1880's, it is a beautiful Victorian hotel that will run you $250-$3000 a night and was the site for the 80's film Somewhere in Time staring Jane Seymour and Christopher Reeve. It's a terrible movie by the way.

The island is also covered with beautiful vacation homes, bed and breakfast's, hotels, and shops.

And the views of Lake Huron are awesome!

There is a "road" that runs the perimeter of the island and is about 8 miles long. We rented bikes and rode around it. Let me tell you, I hadn't been on a bike in about 10 years and it was shaky getting going again. It didn't help that I think I got the strangest bike on the island . . .

You can also rent a horse and carriage or ride just a horse itself, or go on a tour in a horse drawn wagon. Lot's of options but they all cost money of course. The biking was fun but next time (if there is a next time) I think I'll do the wagon tour and get some more useful information. Signs like these:

were not so helpful.

I coveted these houses. I want a summer home here I think. Or maybe just a vacation when the kids get older. It was beautiful and we had absolutely perfect gorgeous weather for it. I don't think I would want to be a year-round resident and pretty much snowed in all winter though.

The water is so clear and blue and the lake is so big that there are waves like the ocean. It was just stunning.

The big deal on the island is there fudge and it's a soft-set fudge that was fun to watch them make. I know this is a terrible picture but you can kind've see him paddling it around. Every shop gives you samples so you can get pretty full of fudge without actually buying some. But I did anyway. It was good! I recommend double-dark pecan. Ok now I'm hungry again . . .

You can't actually go up to or inside the Grand Hotel unless you are a paying guest or buy the $10 tour ticket. We didn't. But we did sneak through the bushes (literally) into this garden to get a great view of the front of it.

We had a good time even though it doesn't look like it. I really enjoyed spending time with my brothers. They're fun guys that I don't get to see to often. And they're both single if anyone is interested . . .

Anyway, if you're going to be in the area -- I highly recommend it. It was a great day trip.

Oh yeah, and I was released from Primary Secretary and am now 2nd Counselor in the Relief Society. I need to catch up on my lessons!

Make New Friends, But Keep the Old

2011-08-13T19:41:00.000-06:00

One of the best things about this long trip was seeing some old friends. On the way up, I stopped in Kansas to visit my best friend and roommate from college and her adorable, not so new anymore, baby.

She didn't want to smile for me because that book was too good but she was an absolute doll!

Megan and Abby also really enjoyed playing with their extremely tolerant cat!

On the way back, we stopped in Memphis to see some friends from Idaho who just recently relocated there. They very wonderfully put up with us even though she was headed out of town herself. AND she made us a cake!

Megan thought it was the coolest thing ever. I may be plagued by bus cake requests for the rest of . . . well forever. Megan has a really long memory.

And it tasted good! Although Emmett looks like he's not too happy that I'm interrupted his eating for a picture!

This is one reason why we're such good friends -- they're kind've goofy like we are . . .

We had great visits both times. It was so nice to catch up with good friends and it was an added bonus that the girls got a good stretch of time out of the car between our long days of driving. I think that really helped!

We also met a few new friends at my parents. A stray cat that showed up.

We ended up taking her to the pound after she hung around for a few days. She was a sweetheart though so if you need a cat -- drive to Michigan and pick her up!

And this is "Wally". He's a friend of Arthur's (my parent's dog) and although I didn't let the girls around him much just in case, he seemed to be a sweetheart.

I Need A Vacation from My Vacation!

2011-08-12T18:46:00.000-06:00

Are you ready for picture overload? AND I'm even going to do posts over the next few days because there's so much to share. Sorry.

So after a 3 day trip up to Michigan we spent about a week and a half with Grandma and Grandpa and Uncle James and Uncle Jeff (my single brothers who were home for a little while). We had a great time and what we did can pretty much be summed up in one word: OUTSIDE!!! While Texas sweltered in record drought-inducing triple digits with no rain in sight, we enjoyed 70s and 80s with nice cool nights and some rain. It was fabulous. We took full advantage and went outside A LOT. My girls are going to go into shock over the next week or so when they realize we're back to being mainly indoors at home . . .

So what did we do?

We cuddled with Uncle James (ok maybe not we, just Abby).

We played Barbies (and that one really is we although I only got a picture of Abby -- and Barbie's bum! Sorry people! I try to be G-rated here . . . ).

We enjoyed Grandma's stash of cool things that aren't really toys but should be (and looked good in the process, thanks Grandma for the very cute dress).

We colored the driveway (and ourselves) with chalk several times over (thanks to the rain).

We dug in the garden and picked vegetables. Megan got really good at picking green beans, Abby was a pro at putting dirt in the bowl, and I excelled at avoiding all garden work at all costs -- after all, James and Grandma need to bond with the girls right?

Oops, sorry about the bum shot mom -- this really is G-rated, I promise!

We played at the park -- slides, swings, climbing -- we did it all!

Look at the joy on that face. This girl LOVES to swing.

We played in the rain -- it has been a very long time since the girls have played in the rain and they were in absolute heaven. And when the clothes got too wet . . .

it was perfect weather to be naked in the rain. My parents live in the middle of nowhere so it was fine.

We picked flowers and stuck them behind our ears. Sorry mom about your bushes . . .

We went to Dow Gardens again so I won't post too much because we've been there before and I think I did a gazillion pictures then too.

But they did have these glass flower sculptures all around the gardens which were really beautiful. And for sale. And way out of my price range.

This is a nice picture huh?

Oh and of course Megan kissed rocks. Lots of rocks. Many times. We came through this area more than once so there was a lot of kissing involved.

Hey, she loves rocks.

We played in the sand and got pretty filthy but I wasn't complaining. Megan's sensory issues slowly get better and better so she can play in the sand all she wants! Abby doesn't have sensory issues, she enjoys being dirty I think.

Abby did a lot more walking (mostly after crawling to within 2 feet of what she wanted). She still walks with her hands up which better not be good practice for a future life of crime.

She also tried on Uncle Jame's shoes. She loves shoes. All shoes. She is such a girl.

Of course there was cooking involved -- homemade pizza, zucchini bread and zucchini cookies. And mom and I canned relish (ok she did that one by herself), pickled green beans (well, she did that one by herself too actually), and dilly beans (which I actually helped with -- I promise!).

Abby learned that Uncle Jeff is really good at flying. I'll post video of this in a few days because it's really cute but I've got to download them all first and I am really exhausted because I spent a total of 40 hours in the driver's seat trying to keep two small ones happy. For the most part, they were good. But I did learn some fabulous ways to prevent or put an end to a melt-down . . .

One of which was the box of tissues.

Look at those things fly! My car was a DISASTER area (I considered applying for federal aid and then remembered that I am a Texan . . . ) but it was totally worth it to entertain Abby. You should have seen the look on her face when I actually GAVE HER a box of tissues instead of taking it away. It was like Christmas.

But now we're home sweet home and as much as I love visiting my parents, it feels really good to be back. Now if I can just get a few days of peace and quiet before the normal routine starts again.

Oh stop laughing.

Survival of the Fittest (i.e. those with the most snacks)

2011-08-01T12:00:00.000-06:00

The first stage of our journey is over! And I don't know why my font is this way -- hold on -- ok that's better. The other is pretty but this is probably easier to read!

Anyway, Chopper and I have always enjoyed roadtrips and while it's harder with 2 small children in tow, there are still some fun things about traveling cross-country. I love to see different parts of the nation, even if it is from the highway! But I miss having Chopper with me -- you can only laugh so much about funny things with a 3 and 1 year old.

So a few travel tips:

I-35 is a hole through Oklahoma. Don't plan on using a bathroom unless it's a gas station and don't even both getting out of the car!

Kansas is a nice state to drive through top to bottom. There was a great info. center with a lot of pamphlets of different interesting things that I look forward to reading at some point. I've been toying about doing a learning project with Megan about the different states and Kansas had some great ideas.

Pipe Cleaners will buy you 10 minutes -- maybe more if your kids are older -- they rescued me when we had an hour to go and Abby just lost it. The pipe cleaners distracted her enough to stop the crying and get mind onto something else.

Snacks, snacks, snacks and a great drink leash by Make it and Love it. It's under baby items or kids items I think, was super simple to make, and kept the girls fed and watered!

We saw the Wanderlodge! A few years back on one of our trips, Chopper and I "drove with" this old Wanderlodge RV that belched black smoke and looked like it would die at any time but managed to meet us at all our major stops (it was weird). On our trip this time I saw the updated version -- still brown, still huge, but no black smoke and it didn't follow us around!

We ended up leaving my friend's house and getting in 4 hours before stopping in a hotel for the night. I am soooo glad we did! The last day was the longest and due to traffic and construction we tacked on many hours to our trip. The hotel was ironic -- I managed to get the LAST hotel room available (probably in the area) due to Iowa's RAGBRAI. That stands for The Register's (Des Moines Register newspaper I think) Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa. Anyway, it's a 7 day bike ride and we just happened to be right in the thick of it. That seems to happen to us a lot -- we NEED a hotel when there aren't any available!

Anyway, we're finally here and having a good time although it's been a lot harder for the girls to adjust this time around. Nights have been hard and Megan has been not so nice. If it doesn't get better we may have to go home early. I hope not. The weather is in the low 80s (as opposed to triple-digits in Texas) and I like spending time with my family.

No way!!!!

2011-07-23T13:47:00.000-06:00

Ok I'll get to that part in a minute. Today to celebrate Pioneer Day, our stake had a pie-o-neer celebration (haha) with games and pie eating. It was a lot of fun! We took one of Megan's friends along so that his parents could hold a garage sale with one less thing to worry about.

So excited! We had all three kids sitting across the middle seat and the first 10 minutes was fun and games and then it became too much touching and poking and general unhappiness. I'm very glad I don't have to go on a long trip with Megan and Abby right next to each other!

This picture just struck me as funny because it was exactly the same except on the night setting. Apparently, Megan is as white as the moon and that's why she shines so much. That poor girl has inherited my skin . . .

Yay! Facing forward finally! Abby is much happier.

Zach liked holding Megan's hand which was cute but then when the hugs started, Chopper's daddy antenna started going off.

There was cotton candy and popcorn and face painting. Megan actually held still for this -- you know why?

Because she got a rainbow and kept telling me, "I'm Rainbow Dash!" She loves My Little Pony right now.

We ate pie. Mine didn't win but it sure tasted good. Abby actually only had a few bites and Zach ate whatever he could get his hands on. Yes, we returned him to his parents properly sugared up!

So this is the "no way" part. I'm standing in the cultural hall watching the kids play and just seeing who's there from my ward that I know when I see this Elder standing over there . . .

I taught this kid as a freshman!!! How old am I???? He was not this tall when I taught him though but generally looks the same. He told his companion I was the teacher who got mad at him for bringing a pillow to class. He's right -- only because he used that pillow to go to sleep in my class! Actually, he was one of my good ones but I was very surprised to see him because first --what are the odds (he's not serving in my ward but is in another ward in my stake) after all the places I've lived to have that happen and the Dallas mission stretches from south of Dallas out to the Louisiana and Oklahoma state lines; and second, my freshmen will probably always be 14 in my eyes so it was just weird to see him as a missionary. And I remembered his full name! He couldn't believe that. He said he's been out about 8 months so he's at least 19, probably 20. Where does the time go? It was fun to talk to him.

Now I'm A Mom

2011-07-21T18:17:00.000-06:00

Child #2 (that would be Abby) is now taking steps on her own and without bribery! Now cousin Liam can finally stop gloating!!!!

Yes Grandpa, that is a volcano on her head. But you will be happy to know that we do not go out in public like this, it's just because it's the only way I can keep her hair out of her face and I need her to concentrate on walking!

But that's not what finally makes me a mom. I love Megan, I really do, but we've had a total change in lifestyle since Abby became mobile that never happened with Megan. Our lives now include the following "modifications":

Trash cans have been placed in an unreachable area.

Toilet lids are closed and bathroom doors are closed.

If I don't want it climbed on, anything that gives Abby an extra INCH of height must be removed -- pillows cannot be on the floor by the coffee table and as of last night the bathroom stool has to leave the bathroom while Megan is in the tub -- Abby fell in (and was fine, I was sitting right there) while trying to reach the bubbles.

My purse now goes up high.

My pantry is in a constant state of disaster from where she's gone in and emptied what she can reach (she likes to sit in boxes), and whined about what she can't.

Toys now migrate to every area of the house.

Need I go on? Yes I know, these are normal baby-toddler behaviors. But they did not occur with Megan. It's a whole new ball game now.

In other news, I've been busy putting things together for a trip and have been experimenting with pie for our Stake Pie-o-neer Day Celebration (haha). The result? A little bit dry apple pie and not the prettiest but kind've good. Next on the list, lemon meringue. Mmmmmm.

Megan really liked painting rocks the other day. Her art skills are getting really good.

This is just a giant dragonfly that was sitting outside our window today (on which the blinds have been raised partway so that Abby doesn't play with them . . .).

And another ridiculous volcano shot just for Grandpa because we know how much he loves them. We promise no volcanoes when we come to visit!

Just a Few Things

2011-07-13T19:01:00.000-06:00

Abby finally took some steps today! The bribery? Me! I was cruel I guess because she was whining and chasing me down and so I stood her up, started her walking, and then scooted away. She took about 3 steps before falling into my arms. Does that count? We tried again later with M&Ms and got one or two controlled steps out of her. I guess I'm kind've pushing her to walk BEFORE we get to Grandma's house!

Her vocabulary is getting better as well. Today she crawled to the fridge and said "milk" (well, not quite that clearly). So add that to cracker, dada, ball, and clock and we've got a girl who mostly still whines to get what she wants. But we love her!

Just an Ordinary Life

2011-07-12T18:49:00.000-06:00

I realized it's been over a week since I've posted but we haven't done anything big so I guess just the ordinary update is in order.

We are a cookie loving family! I've had to make them twice in the past week (oh darn) for various reasons and Chopper and the girls have been very happy about that.

Those fat cheeks are full of cookie and yet she's still eyeing what Megan has left.

Megan has hit a really big coloring phase. And look how good she's doing! This morning I thought she slept in, so I took my shower and took my time and while I was getting dressed she finally came in and told me, "Mommy I've been coloring for a while." Hey I'll take it if it means a few more minutes of sleep!

We've been preparing for vacation and since it involves 20 hours up and 20 hours back (just me and the girls -- Chopper is staying home) I've been hitting all my favorite places looking for cheap books and DVD's to entertain the girls on the drive. Today at one of thrift stores I found this:

$34.00 Good deal right? I thought so. But them when the lady rang it up, apparently today was 50% off on all toys and this was labeled as a toy. So, 1 plastic outdoor house for $17.50? Well worth the money -- and then some.

Happy Independence Day!

2011-07-04T19:14:00.000-06:00

Ahh, the 4th of July! There's no holiday quite like it. I love that it's so relaxed and celebratory. A lot of other holidays have a lot of stress associated with them in the preparation, but not this one!

We kept it really low key this year. On Saturday while Chopper was at Scout camp, I took the girls and joined some friends for a parade in their "town". It was about 10 minutes long and maybe a hundred people in attendance -- perfect for the girls (and I liked it to!). There was candy throwing, stuffed animal throwing (you think I'm kidding), free food, fun at the park (Megan actually went down the slide -- GASP), and sweat covering every inch of my body. At 10 a.m. Welcome to Texas.

Since Chopper had my camera at Scout camp (with extremely strict orders not to let any scouts touch it or let it get eaten by raccoons), Aidan wonderfully sent me these cute pictures she took of the girls. She has a great perspective, I just might have to hire her!

Today, we started off by going to the pool! Our neighborhood pool has been under construction for several months for a reason I don't really understand but that warranted tearing the entire thing out and starting over. I'm kind've glad now that they did! It's a nice pool with a shallow toddler area and goes 4 feet at the max. Chopper wanted it to be deeper but I like it because it prevents too many jumpers and divers and bigger kids because it's not fun enough for them -- but safer for us. It took a little time for the girls to both get used to the water and the idea but after being there for an hour, they didn't want to leave.

Oh yeah, Megan is sitting in a ring, wearing water wings, and carrying a pool noodle. No way this girl is going under water!

After lunch and nap, Chopper fired up the grill (of course -- that man is so proud of his grill)

and we had hot dogs, teriyaki kabobs, chips, watermelon "on the rind" (Megan's favorite) and pink, white, and blue cupcakes. Liquid red food coloring just is not red! But they were fun and Megan yelled "Happy Birthday!" when she saw them -- which I think was appropriate.

And now to bed for the girls while Chopper fixes running toilets (he has been exercising lately -- haha). No fireworks for us this year. Dark enough isn't until about 10:30 p.m. and our town has a fireworks ban, not to mention the burn ban in effect over 80% of the state (worst drought in 100 years or something) so we'll just have to see the broadcast of . . . wherever they broadcast from! That's ok -- we have lots of years ahead of us for fireworks!

Oh and as a side note -- these are a few of our favorite things:

Megan sings ALL THE TIME! She sings during the hymns in church (totally off), makes me repeat songs in the car until she learns them (including Praise to the Man -- I've learned that one well) and makes up songs all over the house. Well, you can only take so much kids music but radio is always iffy and I don't really listen to current stuff anymore so I've been introducing her to musicals. She loves them. But they do take a little time to learn.

Abby loves to swing! We need to get a real swing set so that they can both swing, but amazingly, this girl holds on and does it big kid style. And she complains very loudly the entire time Megan swings and when we make her get off. She LOVES it!

The other thing she loves is me. I'm not saying that to brag -- she just wants to be held by me ALL THE TIME! And if I try to hold her any other way, she pulls and scoots until she is on my right hip with one arm at my shoulder and her thumb in her mouth. She is completely a momma's girl!

4th of July decorating

2011-07-02T13:55:00.000-06:00

I am ridiculously proud of my fireplace mantel for the 4th of July this year. If I had the option of a fireplace, I probably wouldn't take it -- not with young kids anyway -- because it's kind've a worry. But since I have one anyway, I LOOOOVE decorating the mantel for different holidays. Part of the reason for that is that I can do it on a very limited budget (sometimes nothing) and it makes at least part of the house festive!

Ok so the picture in the middle doesn't fit AT ALL but I don't have anything holiday appropriate to put there. The subway art on the side came from The Crafting Chicks as a free printable and turned out sooo cute. The rest was kind've slapped together from what I had around the house -- including the books, and yes they are all American authors and/or collections!

I'm totally bragging here, but why not?

Since the next major holiday (for decorating purposes anyway) isn't really until Halloween, I think I'm going to do a family display next. That is if my family members would send me pictures -- AND IF YOU'RE READING THIS AND I DON'T HAVE ONE YET THEN GET CRACKING!!!!!

I love you all.

15 Months Old, Really?

2011-06-29T13:51:00.000-06:00

Abby's 15-month well-baby check today confirmed what we already knew: She's still a teeny-tiny one. I was hoping that she would be big enough to flip forward in her car-seat but it looks like it's going to have to wait another month -- she only weighed in at 18 lbs. 13 oz. Yup. Third percentile. Height? 28.5 inches -- Fifth percentile but her head is rather large -- 44.5 cm or Fourteenth percentile!

Then somehow or other they figure out body mass index. I'm not sure why but are you ready for this? Forty-sixth percentile! So we have a little, fluffy girl.

But I've got to bulk her up before we go to Michigan so she can face forward for the 20 hours drive. Doughnuts sound good. Ice cream too. And I know she wouldn't object!

She's Standing Up!

2011-06-26T18:40:00.000-06:00

I remember when Megan finally started walking that there were a few shaky days and then she just took off. Looks like we're in for more of the same!

This morning Abby's sitting in my lap while we read and just stands up! No hands, just straight from sitting to standing. She held it for a few seconds and then was done. After church she started doing it again and got a big kick out of all the attention and applause that came with it. She's now stood up so many times today that she can hold it for almost a minute AND clap. I guess practice does make perfect!

Well of course Megan doesn't want to be left out, particularly where there is praise involved. She got the idea that if she helped Abby with her walking, well then she gets kudos as a great big sister. It hasn't all been fun and games though -- she doesn't understand that when Abby starts to go down, you need to let go. We've had a few wrenched arms and hard landings. But overall, it's working well!

Walking may not be too far away! Good thing too. Apparently their 10 month old cousin is already taking steps. Darn that Liam! We'll love you anyway.

And the Nose Says . . .

2011-06-22T12:33:00.000-06:00

Teaching Abby her sounds is going pretty well and quickly. She also has a few basic words like dadadada (still doesn't know when to stop), cracker, and clock. I'm not kidding, yesterday she pointed at the clock on the wall and said it. Still not walking but it looks like I'm destined to have major talkers for sure. Chopper is really good about teaching them language skills. They're just not always the language skills that will get them far in the workplace or in life. Case in point:

Now we just need to teach her that you don't honk other people's noses!