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Scrappy Sunday

2012-02-12T08:00:00.000-06:00

Week Two of Scrappy Sunday - Any thoughts or suggestions on the new feature? I, as always, love any feedback you might have.

This layout was prompted by a CHA Challenge on Two Peas In a Bucket to "scrap the stats." I rarely actually do this, but do have blog posts with nearly all of the kids "stats" since B was 18 months old or so. The facts here are drawn from M's 9 month blog post. It actually ended up being my favorite of the weekend and one I'm very glad to have in my book.

This one started out with a different story than I ended up telling. It ended up being a story about my Mom teaching M to sing from a young age and the rich tradition tha tis with women in our family.

We needed a lil' B layout as well. This one, technically, was in response to the "Hexagons" challenge at Two Peas (can you spot them). I did really like telling the story of B's ability to focus on what he's doing even when M is going nuts nearby.

M chose these pictures for our second page together. She wasn't quite as involved in this one, but did contribute lots of stickers and helped a bit with the cutting. It probably wouldn't have been the first story I chose, but very messy toddlers at self-feeding time definitely is part of our story.

Looking at these as a group the trends in my style of late are: Mister Huey splatters, painted borders, embellishments in threes across the page,these all have that little grouping in the upper right corner that I'm a fan of. They are mostly from the year 2010 and several are about M. We also learned that I scrapbook in spurts. I did ten pages in a similar fashion at the beginning of January, and then did very little the rest of the month. This time, I knew I would be gone so seized the moment and inspiration during the first week. We'll see what the rest of February brings.

Things do cycle for me as to which stories I'm telling as well. This week was a bit heavy on Lady M pages, but there are several about B or us as a family in there. I do not track the overall rates as I really let my crafting for the day be motivated by which stories I feel like need telling just then or which photos are calling to me and that varies rather well across time. I do have to consciously think about scrapbooking myself and check that there are pages about Brent and I too, but overall its a pretty relaxed process, which works well for me and my limited time.

Disclaimer: Technically all of these were made last weekend as I was away all week.

Fire Balls & Friends

2012-02-08T08:00:00.000-06:00

As part of the Mario Birthday Party fun, my mom brought this bag of loose balls to play with in the back yard. The boys immediately labeled them "fire balls" (Is that a Mario thing?) Anyway, they have remained popular weeks after the first party and are generally carefully picked up each time. It turns out fire balls are great for all sorts of fun.

First, the planning stage--- see them carefully consdering

Then, they head off with their own ideas of what happens next. B tends to make up arbitrary rules like. You can only throw them, not kick them or "only I can kick them." Sometimes the games are by color and sometimes it is just pure chaos.

The fire balls have lots of friends. The rainbow soccer ball is back in Vogue

M is still infatuated with her hopping ball that Grammie and Granddaddy got her for Christmas, even if she sometimes struggles to stay on.

Ah, there it is.

Then right back to kick, running, throwing, sorting and generally imagining with a simple set of balls. We have probably a dozen balls of our own spread around the yard and porch and in all the years and all the many alternate toys later they are still the hands down favorites, which I think is a very good thing indeed.

Side Note-- Yes, these pictures were all taken February 3, 2012 when it was randomly warm enough to be in short sleeves and soppy enough after the rain to make rain boots a very good thing too.

Ten On Tuesday (DC Edition)

2012-02-07T18:48:00.002-06:00

1. Way back in August I mentioned the need to buy a new mattress. We finally did that on Sunday. Sort of a weird process, but glad to have winnowed through our list of planned purchases/home improvements. The only remaining large purchase is a new car as we just won't fit in mine once the baby comes. Able is trying to push that process along, but so far, we're stalling.

2. We have had crazy weekends since roughly mid-November so we took this weekend to just chill together. We caught up on some chores, and bought a few supplies for the week. I bought some necessities for my trip. Overall though, we ate simply, played lots of video games, scrapbooked a lot and M spent a lot of time giving us a fashion show as she attempted to perfect her new skill of dressing herself. It was a very good thing. A fun new feature was using 1/2 of our dining room table for LEGO block building and the other for scrapping so we were all together and M could go back and forth.

3. During the trip to buy the mattress, Uncle Able babysat for a couple hours. He took the kids to the park, Braums, and earned (already) the Uncle of the year award for service beyond the call of duty in ways I'm going to spare you here. So very glad to have my brother living near by and the awesome relationship he has with our kids!

4. Lady M loves her gymnastics. She is currently wearing her bathing suit around the house some portion of every day doing "tunastics" (no idea why she says it that way). She practices her forward rolls on the carpet, does lots of hoping, and tries to climb up on things. Thank goodness she got to go back to class with Daddy today. I am certain she loved it. (Ps. I got her an awesome I <3 OU Gymnastics shirt at last week's meet. SO cute!)

5. Speaking of which, I went to my second OU Gymnastics meet of the season last Friday with Emily and Jessie. It was great fun with four teams competing simultaneous. OU placed second in a shocking conclusion after leading the entire meet. They did go on to beat No. 2 Arkansas at a meet elsewhere on Sunday so there was some redemption. We wrapped up the evening with gelato and more girl talk-- very fun indeed.

6. B got to play lots of video games during our rest weekend. We returned a duplicate game gift in exchange for some Wii points that are being used to introduce B to some more classic video games. I'm not sure he's quite sold on them yet, but he is being a good sport about it. We also did a lot more Lego block creating with a new kit and enjoyed it all.

7. I feel so incredibly luck to have the job set up that I do. The transition from on place to another is always a bit tricky for me, but I am so happy in both. I am a very lucky girl to have found just the right job for me.

8. My health is much improved. Although after talking all afternoon and getting a bit off my medicine routine I sound rather hoarse this evening. I think I'll make it an early night to catch up on some of the rest I missed.

9. Speaking of missing, you know what I miss (other than my husband and kids, obviously)? I miss exercise. For years now, I've exercised at least three times a week, usually with fairly high impact exercises. Between me feet, chest, and crazy cold I've only exercised probably three times in the last three weeks. It is driving me crazy. Also, I'm starting to get nervous that I might get used to this sedentary lifestyle, which inevitably leads to feeling depressed and being fat (at least for me). So, here's hoping that by the time I return to Oklahoma my ailments are better and I can start gradually working my way up to the exercise I've loved so much.

10. I am such a creature of habit. I am in an awesome food city and yet I always seem to eat at the same places when I'm here. I grab lunch/breakfast from Whole Foods or Devon & Blakley and then Dinner rotates among various places near campus or, if I'm lucky, out somewhere in Virginia with my friends. Granted, I do need to be near campus during the lunch/breakfast time, but really could try a few more places. That said, I've been around the GW campus for nearly 11 years now and have tried most of it, including all the new restaurants at square 54. Anyone have recommendations for places I should go for the remainder of my stay? For now, I'm off to have Thai at my stand-by Thai Place....

Hope you all are well and I'll be back with tales from my journey next week.

Name Game

2012-02-06T08:00:00.000-06:00

Hands down the most commonly asked question I get these days is "Do you have a name picked out yet?" (or a variation thereof). As mentioned before, we tend to wait til well past the last minute to choose so, no, we don't.

Despite some guesses to the contrary we don't plan to name the baby Dan/Danny/Daniel, etc... I love my Dad dearly, but we have a slightly different plan. First, you may recall that Brendan is partially named after my Dad already (Bren (Brent) + dan (Danny) = Brendan). This wasn't the only reason we chose his name, but is part of the "equation" if you will. (Perhaps I should blog his name choice story somewhere too as it appears that I haven't done that yet...)

There will be a bit more in the middle name this round. It is likely that our son's middle name will be Ambrose. Ambrose was one of my Dad's alter ego names. Just as my Mom likes the name Belle (which was the likely middle name had this baby been a girl) my Dad used Ambrose in lots of ways and it reminds me of him. It is also my paternal grandfather (his Dad's) middle name. My Grandpa died when I was roughly seven or eight so I don't have tons of memories of him, but some very clear snapshot ones of random things--- like a love for circus peanuts. Also, for the record, Ambrose means undying or immortal in Greek, which is a sweet connection to my Dad and his memory as well. We do have one or two other contenders should we decide to do something crazy like make the first name Ambrose or go another way for some reason.

Back to the first name business though.

We began with coming up with four very general criteria to consider (and so far none of the names below meet all four.....) Anyway, the ideas were:

Does not begin with B, M, or R -- preserving the kids' initials and not duplicating the last name initial.
Does not end with the letter "n" as something more than 1/3 of boys names do now and it just seems like too much. We quickly discovered that we like a lot of names that end in "n" as well....
Name or preferred nickname is two syllables.
Is in alphabetical order--- therefore, it would start with N or later letters in the alphabet. This is somewhat whimsical and overly limiting, but I have always thought it was cool that my siblings are named in alphabetical order, even though I am told it was a coincidence.

With all that in mind, here is my very tentative list. I do mean VERY tentative as Brent hasn't really officially weighed in on most of these yet or added his ideas. He, true to his realistic nature, thinks there is no rush as we will, of course, not chose a name until after the baby is born. I'll probably post a poll later when we're closer, but for now here is what we're pondering. (in alphabetical order)

Bennett
Everett
Finnian (Finn)
Ian
Tristan

One more thing-- we don't like to use extremely popular names. Liam, for example, likely would be on this list too, but is #30 now among boy names and that is probably too popular for us. Ian and Tristan are actually both in the top 100 for 2010 as well....

There is an initials consideration as well. As Brent's mom discovered, having the middle initial "A" and last name starting with "R" does cause some possible issues when you look at initial sets. We're trying not to stress over it, but will keep it in mind.

As you might guess, our kids have opinions on the matter as well. B's current suggestion is "Brendan Jr.," which won't work for obvious reasons. His consistent back-up plan is Thomas. Lady M is consistently suggesting GaGak (or something like that), which has also been vetoed. I'm not entirely sure how clear M is on what is actually happening in any case...

There are, technically a few other less strong contenders flitting about as well, but this gives you at least a peek at our thought process and current ideas at 21 weeks!

Ps. We are very open to suggestions so leave any you might have in the comments. We do retain full discretion to veto them all... despite what my 5 year old might tell you about his planned names.

Scrappy Sunday

2012-02-05T08:00:00.000-06:00

One of my favorite moms, bloggers, and scrapbookers Stephanie Howell does a feature called Scrappy Sunday where she periodically features some of her recent work. I think I might add that as a semi-regular feature here too. My "sources" tell me fewer of you check-in on the weekend and I suspect my audience "might" not be as in to scrapbooking as I am, but I do like to share my crafty things. This seems like a good compromise so welcome to my first Scrappy Sunday.

Saturday I complete two layouts. They are quite different in style and construction. I love them both for wildly different reasons.

This first page to a very long time to make. In fact, I started the day before and then finished after more work on Saturday. It includes roughly five of my favorite pattern papers, cardstock, bling, pearls, inking, buttons, spiffy wooden letters and a hand drawn border that I managed to relax and do without a ruler. It is so lovely and inspired by similar hearts I've seen elsewhere. It also has a great story of stolen kisses in the middle of chaos as this picture was taken last Valentine's Day when our kids bolted from an attempted family picture and are running crazily around just out of frame. Also, as you've guessed by now, I just like pictures of Brent and I kissing. I was in a much happier mood after finishing it.

Just as I was trying to get the heart shape a bit more perfect (still a bit wonky, but who's checking) M woke up.

She watched Brent play video games for a bit, and then came to the office and asked to sit on my lap and make a page. We decided this one was done, and started afresh. The total time elapsed was probably 15 minutes. The below is what we made together.

She picked out the paper, did the stamping, and put adhesive on everything along with picking out embellishments. It is far simpler, but still great. Better still, the memory it will likely always preserve for me is making a page with her. I will see it and remember her little hands squeezing glue on those cool wooden letters or selecting the perfect flower. The page talks about our family walks to Sonic, but for me it is the day when M was ready to craft in a more patient cooperative way. I am so excited to scrapbook more with her!

Ps. Totally unrelated to Scrappy Sunday, but we've finally decided to occasionally take belly pictures largely because we didn't with the other kids and the whole "last time" bit. Here we are at 21 weeks and a few days. M, of course, insisted in joining in the picture fun as she is still happily loving having her pictures taken. This is my third shirt of the day having spilled stuff on the tummy of the other two so really feeling a bit pregnant now.

Five on Friday

2012-02-03T08:00:00.000-06:00

1. First up - thoughts on parenting and lessons for Stay At Home Moms (SAHMs) or SAHDs learned from moms that work out of the home via Motherhood Uncensored.

2. I also enjoyed this piece on why we exercise from Karen. I very much exercise for my mental health as much as my physical health. Having a baby is its own kind of marathon for me mentally and physically and I need every bit of the training in the gym to pull it off as well as being a wife, mom, friend, sister, good employee, etc...

3. In true pregnancy style, my face has been a broken out blotchy mess for most of the last five months. I caved and decided to buy some better facial products and see if maybe that would help a bit. I decided to follow Rebecca's suggestions on Girl's Gone Child and have been using DDF Aloe Toning Complexand Josie Maran Argan Cleansing Oil .* I started with just the toner, which did, indeed leave my skin feeling dewy, and was just fun to use. More recently, I added the cleanser and as weird as it is to was with oil, it seems to be work. Of course, it could just be a second trimester miracle of hormone changes, but so far, I'm very happy!

Image from Wild Things Dresses

4. Check out this adorable toddler mouse dress from wild things dresses. So fun! They have several other animals and insects. I love the whimsy in the design, but still very functional too.

Image and item from littlealouette

5. How cute is this baby teether? Wooden Ampersand-- yes, please. They actually have so many adorable wooden teethers and other toys. Alternatively, check out the below. You can get state teethers via Little Sapling Toys. Of course, ours would need to say "Boomer Sooner." I admit we've never had wooden teethers and $20 seems a bit rich for wood for a baby to chew on. I have to admit that I'm still tempted.

Image and item via Little Sapling Toys

If you made it to here and are somehow hoping for something a bit more geeky than baby related-- I have a bonus link to some very cool Star Wars Typography art -- check it out!

*amazon.com affiliate links

1 Lost Tooth!

2012-02-02T21:07:00.002-06:00

I can't believe we're here already--- Today, B lost his first tooth! It has been loose for about two weeks. During this time, Brent has been occasionally offering to pull it out. I have been trying to not be ill at the sight of a loose tooth. B has been wiggling it with great glee and showing it to anyone who will look. M has been trying to convince us to pull out her teeth too.....

Tonight after dinner, Brent tried again by grabbing it with the cloth napkin and out it came. There was some bleeding, but not a bit deal. B was complete calm and excited about the whole thing. He wanted his picture taken immediately, but we convinced him to rinse out his mouth a few times for you first. The very next thing was a frantic search for the tooth fairy pillow I bought last week. It was finally located and is now awaiting a visit from the tooth fairy.

I literally seems like yesterday that we were watching teeth come in. I know it was 4.5 years ago, but as I was pondering earlier today, time flies.

Congratulations dear boy. I'm so excited for all the new wonders you experience, even if they involve teeth!

Fleeting

2012-02-02T09:00:00.000-06:00

I am very aware lately of so many moments around us that are fleeting, for better or worse. Right now a few around me are:

Finding a stripped down toddler in wet sheets: fleeting
Snuggling my little girl close to read a book: fleeting
B wanting me to help him build his LEGO block creation de jure: fleeting
A house with only two kids, that both sleep all night long: fleeting
Pregnancy joys of tiny movements and sorrow of random ailments: fleeting
Beautiful weather in the middle of winter: fleeting
The big hugs and kisses from B that are my treasures as I leave for each Doctor appointment: fleeting
Patting my daughter's oh so soft hair and snuggling her under my chin: fleeting
All of us home together: fleeting
Having my grandfather, brother, mother, mother-in-law and father-in-law nearby, and in good health: fleeting
This cough that seems like it will never end: fleeting
The waiting and anticipation of this new life preparing to join our family: fleeting
The quiet moments in the evening, just my husband and I enjoying our individual passions before snuggling down to sleep: fleeting

Fleeting moments are everywhere. Sometimes they seem to last forever, and others seem all too quick even while we are living them. I continue to try to Savor the now and be aware of how quickly it can change. I continue to look forward with hope an love to what the next moments bring. I continue to cherish my memories of the moments past. They are all fleeting. So many of them are great blessings, but some of them are pain. Everything changes and all these years later, I am still working to learn to embrace change for the joy, not just mourn its sorrows.

For today, try to look for what is fleeting around you. Take a picture, mental or literal, and savor all that is now for this is a very great treasure indeed.

Happy Birthday Brent!

2012-02-01T20:49:00.000-06:00

Today, is my husband's birthday. It was a very low key day after the big party last weekend. He claims he wanted it that way, and, after all these years, I believe him. Oddly, today I'm remembering the first birthday of his that we spent together. I "think" it was his 21st and we spent it chalking APO rush things all over the OU campus followed with what was to be dinner with his parents' and sister, but ended up being just us. Most of his birthdays since have been just us (or us + kids). I've learned that while I like my life celebrations a swirl in people and chatter, sometimes he just prefers quiet, together and that is its own kind of special. Hooray for my love, husband, partner, and compliment. We are so different and so good together. I am looking forward to many, many more birthdays spent quietly enjoying being together. I love you!

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Marriage is your greatest adventure--Phineas & Ferb -- Strange wisdom from today's cartoon viewing, but so true for us.

Ten on Tuesday

2012-01-31T21:17:00.001-06:00

1. Last week it felt like my body just imploded. There was the coughing without ceasing, which led, perhaps inevitably, to the costochondritis relapse, and a total of three Doctor appointments for me during the week. Treatment options are limited while I'm pregnant and by Saturday night my arm was in a sling (long story). The good news is, that by late Sunday I was doing much better and even can sleep lying down now. (Aw, the little things).

2. My husband has started regaling friends with the list of "stuff" that is at any given time part of my sleeping routine at the moment. It is pretty hilarious, so for posterity, it might include at any given time: night splints (although my feet are a bit better), heating pad on my clavicles, cool mist humidifier, up to 4 pillows, cough drops, burts bees lip balm, an inhaler, more shoes next to the bed, water, lotion, and much coughing. Yes, it is a very good thing I'm already pregnant as I not a particularly attractive companion just now. That said, most of that list has already been cut from the roster so I'm sure things will be back to normal pregnant life soon.

3. We had our big triple birthday party on Sunday. It lasted most of the day and I loved every minute of it. The kids had a blast and I got to talk to plenty of grown ups too. My favorite parts beyond time with friends were the awesome cake the Palfreymans brought and my husband's presents. As some have heard, I gathered a team of "super friends" to secretly build a new computer for Brent. He had some hints at the present, but it was largely a surprise. I loved making it with some of our best guy friends and loved being with most of them during the reveal. So very cool!

4. Brent got to experience gymnastics with M today as I had a hair appointment that conflicted. It sounds like they both had a fabulous time. I am so glad we each get to share in the fun!

5. B still has a loose tooth, still loves Skylanders, and is increasingly independent in his LEGO block construction. One thing I'm loving about the LEGO block situation is that he is getting to be quite good at carefully following the instructions by himself, which is a great life skill as well as good fun.

6. I'm in the fun part of pregnancy now where every little kick is cool. I find that I adore those little movements and the idea of a new little one playing inside me. Sunday, Brent even got to feel the kicks for the first time, which is always amazing. The baby goes right to his Daddy's hand when we're talking at night. It is just so sweet. As you might expect I am lost at times in the likely "last time" nature of all of this, and trying to savor and enjoy the little movements while knowing in the back of my mind that they will grow big and less comfortable later.

7. Tonight, I sent B out with Uncle Able to the movies perilously close to B's bedtime. It felt a little reckless, but B was very excited and I doubt much harm will come from one blown bedtime. Uncles are good for unexpected fun. Here's hoping it all went well.

8. I'm in a crafting slump. I should and want to move those two feet to my crafting space, but it is such a disorganized disaster that it just makes me tired to think about it. I know I will like it when I do, but lately I've read or slept instead. I'm sure when the time is right I'll mosey back over there. If nothing else, I'm sure I'll need the craft therapy after my trip to DC next week.

9. It was an astonishingly beautiful day today. I think we may be fooled into forgetting that it is really winter. I keep expecting that wild snow storm to follow one of these windy days, but so far it is strangely mild...odd, but welcome for the moment. (Somehow, I think I will be less welcoming when the summer is a few degrees warmer too....)

10. Book Thoughts: Our book club book for February is Ready Player One by Ernest Cline. As soon as I realized it was going to be another "dystopian future" book, I was all set to not like it as I have had my fill with bleak visions of the future. I ended up truly enjoying it. Jennie and I both, I hear, felt the need to share parts of it with our gamer husbands as the story winds it way through both the future and 80s pop culture. It was fascinating with a good, if somewhat predictable, lesson at the end. It was not a book I would have picked, but am very glad I got to read and share.

I go back to my OB for my monthly appointment tomorrow and hope that this week is much calmer and that maybe I can resume some normal exercise beyond the stationary bike attempt yesterday and one DVD opportunity last week before the chaos broke out. A girl can hope, right?

Five on Friday

2012-01-27T08:00:00.000-06:00

1. I recently saw this quote by Ira Glass on one blog and shortly thereafter the recording of him saying it on Ali's blog. I think it is key advice to those learning and striving to be creative.

2. I also happened upon this interesting post and video about "Birth Markings" or the impact of child bearing on women's bodies. As my body is well on its way to a new "bump" it was particularly encouraging and poignant, but good for all the mothers around us and our body image struggles.

3. How cool are these printable Star Wars party masks? I suspect we'll have a "real" Star Wars party some day and these would be awesome.

4. This is a follow-up to our baby boy announcement, as I just needed to say a bit more about the Kicky Pants clothes. I don't even know how to explain how soft and comfortable these bamboo clothes are. I gave Zane a set of PJs this week and Audra was won over immediately. Problem is, they are ridiculously expensive to match so I suggest finding a sale. Cinnamon Bears in Edmond frequently has some on sale and there is also an outlet sale on the Kicky Pants site as well if you want a piece or two. (I'm trying to resist more as we have so many boy clothes coming from our nephews, but maybe something for M before she outgrows their sizes?)

5. I'm starting to think about what bits we may need for the new baby and high on my "want" list is the Blooming Bath in Yellow. How cheerful and adorable are these? Clearly not something we technically "need" but we don't actually have a baby bath tub just now and I think it would be awesome to get to take a bath in this soft flower.

Image via Blooming Bath

Ps. tentatively, I'll have one want/like/need baby item on my five lists for the next several weeks to share the products I love and those I'm currently "thinking" about for Baby Boy. Feel free to send me any ideas you might have!

Ten on Tuesday

2012-01-24T20:50:00.001-06:00

1. So, perhaps I have asthma too? B, Audra, and my Mom all have asthma and I've been fighting these crazy lingering coughs every time I get the least cold. My Doctor is starting to be suspicious so now I have an inhaler of my own. Fun times, but I'll be quite glad to not spend all night coughing, if possible. (Yes, I have a lot of ailments now that I'm in my 30s... it is weird).

2. We had B's fifth birthday party on Saturday (the first of two versions of our celebrations). I am going to save pictures until after round 2, so there is some surprise for this weekend's attendees. I do want to say that my Mom and Sister swooped in and made this into the party I wanted for B in my dreams, but completely lacked the time, health, crafting skills, and vision to make. Their version was precisely my dream for him. I cried, several times over this. Attendees this weekend are going to get a scaled down version as I'll be on my own and the audience/celebration is a bit different, but I am so incredibly grateful for they gift they gave to me and to B this last weekend. Just so wonderful. (Ps, if you have to sneak a peak there are great photos on my sister's blog of some of the festivities).

3. Brent and I got to go on a little mini-date night last week at Kamp's 1910 Vineyard. I keep wanting to like the various parts of Kamp's, but keep walking away confused and a little disappointed. I did enjoy getting pretty and sitting chatting with my husband in quiet, even if just for an hour while Uncle Able played with the kids. These quiet times with my husband are key and we work diligently to make sure we have a date night or two a month out somewhere when we focus on us. I so love the relationship we have and how it strengthens who we each are individually.

4. Cute story about yesterday's ultrasound that I forgot to include yesterday: I picked Brent up at OSSM for the short drive to OU Physicians and he walked out holding two mini cupcakes -- 1 pink, 1 white with blue and yellow sprinkles. We each had one to celebrate the day and gender reveal. (Technically, they were left overs from an earlier party, but perfect for our reveal.)

5. I'm starting to think of ways to "refresh" the nursery for the new baby. I just cannot give up the tree mural so we're going to find ways to make it more of a garden with bugs and boy things, but I'm also finding myself very drawn to cloud themes this time. For example--- this Cloud Mobile which is similar to the butterfly mobile Maggie has there now, but a bit more boyish or maybe these paper clouds to replace the flower lanterns currently hanging from the ceiling. (I'm fairly certain Chrissie and I could make either or both relatively easily). We could mix in some bugs or hot air balloon type things for variety, perhaps. I like the raindrop look here too -- obviously sans ruffle. These clouds are also awesome and complete with lights! (Yes, I've been thinking about this longer than since we found out the gender yesterday).

6. My favorite thing I cooked this week was Diner Custard Pie from Nancy Baggett's The All-American Dessert Book. I have yet to have a recipe of hers not be wonderful and highly recommend checking them out for a dose of history and context with your tasty treats. Otherwise, I'm hoping to try Smitten Kitchen's new Buttermilk Roast Chicken recipe when I'm well enough to focus on such things again. For the moment, I'm trying to brainstorm a main dish for celebration #2 -- that honors Brent, Brendan and Gavin....hmmmm.

7. Crafting--- So, I've done maybe three pages since my 8 on the 8th post. A bit of a slump there, but have been crafting away for birthday things and trying to go to sleep early. I am hoping to return to my creativity soon. The big CHA reveals are popping up everywhere and full of inspiration. This set of stamps from Studio Calico reminded me of my Dad, of all things, so I will have to buy the set and scrap a "Be the Change You want to See" / "Miss You" page--- the stamps are separate, just nested here and reminded me so much of him together that way. (For those not intimately familiar with grief, the weirdest things really are triggers. Luckily, scrapping is part of my personal therapy).

8. We had a fabulous time visiting with the Korenaks during their visit. I so wish my sister and I were neighbors. It is probably never going to happen, but it would rock. I miss her so much and love watching our kids and husbands "play" together.

9. Today was week two of mommy & Maggie gymnastics. M was awesome. She listened, did the circuits and only occasionally wandered off. She can do a forward roll by herself and was so brave with the zip line. The downside seems to be that in the evenings after gymnastics she is exhausted and there is lots of crying and not listening :(

10. The great room merger was also completed this week. They both seem to love their beds, but this has renewed M's attempts at constantly leaving her room, talking, and wandering around in her new space. It is driving us a bit batty (and I think B a bit nuts also) but hopefully she'll settle in soon? We still have a lot of work to make it look like their room as it still feels very boyish and I want it to have things both of them love, not just things B loves. We'll figure it out, I'm sure.

Here's hoping that before next Tuesday my coughing has calmed down and exercise and normal activity has returned to normal.

It's an adorable little....

2012-01-23T17:37:00.000-06:00

Baby Boy!

The ultrasound went well, despite a somewhat uncooperative little guy. They say everything looks good and we'll do one more follow-up in a month to double check the heart measurements given our family history.

The baby is measuring a couple days small, which is a first for one of our babies, but we're fine with it. Currently about 11 ounces of adorableness. I have to say the the tiny feet and hand images are my favorite, perhaps because they are easy to decipher, but really just teeny and cute.

After coffee with my darling husband to ponder our newly expanding family (and my pounding head ache from this cold). I headed to my favorite local baby store, Cinnamon Bears, and tried to switch my thinking to baby blue from three years of thinking pink. It was a bit tricky, but after less than several trips around the store things began to shift and I found some treasures for our new little man.

First, a sweet, soft outfit from Kicky Pants --- a favorite I discovered with Maggie, so soft! Then an incredibly soft, wildly unnecessary blue bear for him to snuggle with. We have zillions of stuffed animals, but this bear seemed to be needed for the little guy. I also bought a blue "boo bunny" for all the kids to share as kid ice packs are necessary and I've meant to get one for ages. (Or maybe after a weekend with Zane I'm remembering all the bumps to come with little ones?) I bought B a tooth fairy pillow for his just about to fall out front tooth and a fuchsia flower hair bow for my little girl who is to spend her days surrounded by loving brothers.

Ps. No, we have no naming ideas yet. You might recall it took us three hours AFTER Maggie was born to pick hers, but have started pondering.

Five on Friday! (Birthday edition)

2012-01-20T22:45:00.000-06:00

Today, our sweet B is literally turning five on Friday. There is a lot to say, but give that he is five and it is my five on Friday slot I'll try to stick with five "big" things from this year.

1. Learning to read - I'm amazed how quickly this happened and how totally awesome it is. Sure, there is still a lot of room to grow here, but a massive milestone. Going to Pre-K has helped as well as he gets to practice in both places and with different "instructors." I think trips to the library through the fall and summer were also a great impetus to learn to read from books on subject he loves.

February 2011

2. New sibling/new space - This is very recent so maybe it just feels really big, but his role as a big brother has grown and changed a lot this year. He and M are more playmates than ever. They have all sorts of games and fun together without me for long stretches. It is amazing. Sure, they argue plenty over ridiculous things and there are still tears, but watching them together is magical. I also love how he is embracing the new sibling on the horizon. For example, yesterday I asked what he wanted to do with some of his birthday money from Great-Granddaddy. He thought about it and then said he wanted to buy a toy for the new baby. (Here, I melt into an absolute puddle on the floor). He has also been wonderful so far about the shift of M's stuff into his space and the changes that are coming as "his" room moves to "our" room. I love his generosity and sweetness when others need help. Sometimes I do have to remind him that I am M's mom, not him, but usually he is just trying to help.

June 2011

3. Sports - just before he turned four, B began swimming lessons in earnest. He took them routinely for about six months before taking the summer off. That led to the fall full of soccer with its many challenges, but peaking in triumphant fun and joy. We briefly returned quite happily to swimming before trying basketball. Basketball is tricky and I don't yet know how that story ends, but he is trying it and we shall see. For now, it seems like he really enjoys soccer and swimming and that is wonderful as we try to encourage him to keep his body healthy.

September 2011

4. Video Games - Sure, he has been playing video games since he was probably 2, but this year, his skills and interests make a huge leap. He can do all sorts of things I can't do, has good focus, and seems to be learning more of the basic things that make gaming work which is interesting. He is also starting share his love with volumes of stories about the various games to a wider circle of people in his life. I think I like this more than the games as he is so enthusiastic, descriptive and full of energy about this passion and so wants to share it with others. I like that he teaches my Mom how to play and that he invites me to come watch him on sleepy mornings before M wakes up. I also like them more than the phase of movie watching we've been in at times as he is learning some strategy, thinking, hand-eye coordination and cause/effect type lessons by doing something. There are still time limits, but I like the evolution of his hobby.

October 2011

5. Thoughtful Conversations - We are very lucky that both of our kids started talking at relatively early ages. B is, however, a bit quieter and harder to get information out of than his sister. This year I feel like we've had more real conversations. We can and do talk about everything - death, God, Grandpa, how things work, what is happening next, why things are they way they are, why we work, why we exercise, what his preferences are, anything really. I am discovering as my mom has that he does talk more when it is dark or quiet without other distractions, but sometimes he will start a thoughtful conversation out of the blue about something like why Daddy has to work or what season it is. I love talking, and love talking most of all with my kids. I love hearing their world view and talking through the wonder of their days. I am so happy to share in these special moments and to help him grow and learn.

Happy Birthday sweet boy. We are so very proud of you and so blessed to be your parents and share this wonderful ride of life together. I enjoyed the last year and am so excited to see what wonderful things are coming next for you!

Pinksplosion?

2012-01-19T14:26:00.002-06:00

Remember the "Degreenify You" situation? Today, we turned many things pink.

Time: 8:40 --- school starts in 50 minutes.
Supplies: Wooden Letters,Claudine Hellmuth Paint- Painterly Pink , Glitter Glam (Note--- not kids washable paint....you can see where this is going), paint brushes, white paper.

It started as a quick, project to just paint a couple letters of Maggie's name for her space in their new shared bedroom. The idea was that they each paint a letter or two and we'd do some later. Well, of course they wanted to do them all and in their "own way." M got distracted with painting her hands and stamping them in the big pink blob you see there. B was very generous with his paint. No one really wanted to paint the edges, save for me, and I really felt they NEEDED to be painted. B wanted a little help, and M was still busily stamping her hand so I helped him for about 30 seconds and did some edges. Then I looked, really looked at M and her "area." Her hands and PJs were obviously pink.

The more I looked I began to discover that parts of the front, back and seat of the chair were pink, as well as the top, side, and bottom of the table. We went to wash off and dispatched B to clean the chair. Once we scrubbed her hands and went to help B..... I noticed that her hair also had pink streaks, as did his shirt, and my pants.

So, back to the bathroom to scrub strands of blond hair, sleeves of shirts, and then back to work on the furniture. B got another shirt pink in the process and M was in her panties at about the time we leave for school. I still had pink paint on me, but out we went with my wet-haired, but mostly pink-free kids.

I came back and cleaned my pants a bit more of the furniture, the paint brushes, etc... and put a skim of Glitter Glam over everything. A very wild, very pink morning... perhaps a bit TOO much for right before school....

I needed a bit of pink though as I'm sad to watch my little girl move from her pink girly room into her brother's very blue, planetary room with so few traces of her pretty things yet. The letters are the first part, with some art and some mural painting from Grandma to come. B and I both have noted that it is important that she "have a little pink" and today she definitely does.

Ten on Tuesday

2012-01-17T21:57:00.000-06:00

1. This weekend we bought bunk beds! They were delivered yesterday, oddly minus the ladder which is coming later in the week. This means the great room moving is underway and feels like quite a bit of chaos at this point. Until the ladder arrives B is sleeping on the bottom bunk so the complete switch won't be for a week or so. It is odd, but I have to say that so far they are loving it and playing in "their" room together all the time.

2. It is quite possible that doing this big, chaotic move every single item both kids own project could have waited for a better week as B's birthday is on Friday and my sister's family arrives then as well, followed shortly by big family and MDO friends party on Saturday. I "think" it will be awesome if we can just pull some order out of the chaos by then. The party is Mario themed and plans are moving along pretty well. Thankfully my Mom and Sister have taken on the "activity" part of the party as I never really get to that part.

3. I don't know if you've been following Colbert's "presidential" exploratory bid, but his whole series on the Federal Election Commission PAC process has been inspired. This link to the NY Times Magazine profile is a good starting place if you're new to this adventure.

4. I know I'm fairly late to this party, but I've been rather enjoying Adele during my work hours lately. Here is a samples for those of you not already well into her stylings:

The songs I know of hers are kind of sad, but apropos for her bluesy style.

5. Gymnastics! At long last M started her first mommy and my gymnastics class. She did great! At the beginning she was a tiny bit unsure, but tried a few things on the circuit. By about half way through the second area she was excited and ready to try anything from swinging on the trapeze to lots of trampoline bouncing and swinging on the rings. She was sad when it was over, but no tears and lots of bouncing smiles!

6. I began my tenure on the Oklahoma Bar Association's Work Life Balance Committee today. It was an odd conference call. My practice, as usual, is so different from other people's that it is a bit weird for me to contemplate at this point the affect of things like long days at court on balance, when I just never go. They seemed to find my job strangely glamorous, and I didn't disabuse the notion, but it will be interesting to see what I can contribute to the group when we find more of a shared language.

7. Pregnancy - my body is definitely changing now. It still feels early for my tummy to be growing, but it definitely is and it definitely was not pleased at all the things I did yesterday, so I rested in the evening like I'm supposed to. I feel like I'm eating a lot, which is wildly unnecessary so trying to be more mindful of my choices and consider if I'm actually hungry or just stressed. (This week is a bit stressful for me so mostly the later, I'm afraid).

8. Exercise -- Last week went well and along my 3x per week of cardio plan. This week is not looking quite so good as I missed Zumba this evening due to gymnastic logistics complications, but we have ideas to fix that a bit for next week. Trying to sneak in a bit tomorrow if possible, we shall see. Meanwhile, I'm attempting to use my "night splints" to help my feet. They do seem to help quite a bit, but so far, I haven't managed to wear them the entire 8 hour night as it is hard to really rest with moon boots on.

9. Food: Not a super inventive week on the food front. We did try a new curry recipe that I loved. It received somewhat mixed reviews from the rest of the crowd. I also tried a new "toffee bark" recipe for book club. It was good, but quite sweet with just a hint of salt. I am currently fighting the urge to make custard, coconut cream pie, or possibly baked doughnuts as my own celebration of five years of motherhood, holding off as I'm afraid I'd eat it all... maybe when my company arrives.

10. Birthday Boy! My son is turning five on Friday. It seems unbelievable and some how time all at once. I (hopefully) will have some year in review reflection posts this week or next, but overall feel like it has been a good year. There has been a lot of maturing, learning, and loving. My favorite new thing is that suddenly, he talks a lot to people other than Brent and I (at least most of the time). Sometimes, so much that we have to keep reminding him not to interrupt us. He is wildly enthusiastic about telling them about his video game escapades or his new bunk bed set up or maybe his upcoming birthday party. I can only imagine what the year to come may hold with all the marvels and struggles that were part of the last five. Hooray for an amazing little guy that introduced us to parenthood and continues to introduce us to new things about life and love each year.

Ten on Tuesday

2012-01-10T15:30:00.000-06:00

1. Pregnancy news - Hooray! The ultrasound is scheduled at long last for January 23rd. So, I'd guess you'll hear a gender announcement shortly thereafter. Due to various heart issues in my family and some other vague history issues I'm having a level 2 ultrasound. I had one before with B so we're "used" to it. It will be a bit longer, more in depth, and involves some general counseling. Here's hoping all is well!

2. In other pregnancy news, my hormones are in a complete spin this week, lots of crying, ranting, memory loss, and generally being emotional. You got a demo of that in the basketball post and I am so sorry if my venting six months of pent up parenting sadness/frustration was in anyway concerning or made you sad too. Everything is OK. We so appreciate all the people that come to B's games and your support for him and our family. What I forgot to say in that emotional hurricane was the most important part --- Thank you so much for loving him and us too.

3. Feet/Exercise - So, I met my new years resolution to go see the Doctor about my feet and it was completely worthless as she basically told me to try all the things I've ALREADY been trying for six months, plus maybe not do any of the exercise I enjoy, and wear night splints. If I stop exercising I'll gain 50 pounds and be depressed so that seems a bad choice as obviously weighing less would be better for all these ailments. I'm instead carefully structuring my exercise and leaving lots of recovering time between rounds. Oh, and I did buy the night splints so I'll let you know how that goes. (Exercise report -- three days last week with my usual mix of belly dance, and double zumba. Didn't get to run/swim this week, but felt good).

4. Recipe Notes: We tried a few new things this week. These calzones were fine, and a quick alternative if you "remember" to thaw the dough, but somehow didn't have time to make dough yourself? I did try Newman's own four cheese pasta sauce with them and loved that. (Yes, sigh, didn't make my own sauce this time). The far and away favorite of the week was the Oatmeal Pancakes from Good to the Grain: Baking with Whole-Grain Flours. (You can find the Smitten Kitchen take on them here... or buy the book, because it is awesome). I also made these granola balls and have been enjoying them for breakfast and an occasional more healthful snack.

5. Restaurant Review: We, oddly, ate out a couple times this week. (OK, yes, I have groupons, etc... expiring and I like using my KeepitLocal Card).

Victoria's - We managed a family dinner in Norman with the Palfreymans. The cheese bread remains spectacular. The lasagna rolls were wildly cheesy as usual, the company was exceptional. Sad to report that Gavin somehow got mushrooms in his food and got sick :(
Crimson & Whipped Cream Bakery - We also went next door to Crimson Bakery and had some tasty treats. B loved his oatmeal cream pie and I sort of wished I'd had one too as my whoopie pie was fairly average. I think the kids mostly loved running up and down the long hall and hiding in the photo booth, but whatever works!
Jo's Famous Pizza (OKC location) -- this was a weird place. There were no plates, or pans or anything. Rather, everything and I do mean EVERYTHING was served on cardboard rounds, which for some reason bothered me. Their cheese bread was a very very blah version (particularly after having had Victoria's earlier in the week). The pizza was so-so. I liked M's pepperoni version with a nice crispy crust, but Brent and I had canadian bacon & italian meatballs... and the canadian bacon was minced into teeny pieces? It was an odd texture and not too good. (Admit, I spent part of the meal reminiscing about Humble Pie in Edmond...)

6. Our little M is starting gymnastics next week at Oklahoma Gold. It is a mommy and me class in their recreational gym, so all in good fun, nothing serious, but I am looking forward to playing with her.

7. Nesting mode may be starting. I seriously want to decorate/paint/pretty-up our house just a bit. I'm starting to flip through things and pinning them to my boards. (For example, isn't this tile beyond gorgeous--- probably not happening here, but so lovely). I really need to pick a paint color for the central area of my house, but can't seem to get over that hump into imagining how I want it to be.

8. Have you read about the traveling red dress project that the Bloggess is doing? I think it is fabulous and so does Forbes. (You can read their review here).

9. More pregnancy induced crying this week came from this adoption video (vial Kelly Moore) and this sad/beautiful story of joy in sadness (via Ali Edwards).

10. Upcoming projects include buying bunk beds and buying a larger car. We appreciate any thoughts on either. For bunk beds, we have been out looking and our criteria (Sarah starts cringing here as my furniture criteria does tend to get out of control)... anyway, we want wooden bunk beds, no more than 5 feet 9 in. tall, that preferably incorporate storage, and/or a desk/bookshelf combo. We'd "like" to not spend more than $1000 on beds or beds + dresser, which seems eminently doable, but also don't want them to fall apart. Where should we be looking?

Thanks for your help and for hanging with me through the many moods of pregnancy. I'll try to chill a bit this week and talk to you soon!

Eight Days, Eight Layouts

2012-01-08T10:17:00.000-06:00

As we begin the 8th day of the new year, I am delighted to have eight new layouts!* The layouts span three different years and a wide range of subjects. There are some with lots of paint, stamping, and/or detail and others that rely almost exclusively on patterned paper. There are items from my brand new Studio Calico kit that arrived on Friday and some pieces of paper I've had for (mumble, mumble) years.

I love them all, but think it is funny how much my style seems to vary by subject. For example, the "Trailing Destruction" and "Honk!" layouts were made within minutes of each other, but are quite different as I was suiting the design to the photos and their subjects. Six of the eight are completely my design and two draw inspiration from elsewhere (Megan Klauer & this week's Studio Calico Sketch challenge). I'm so glad to be back to my scrap desk and will have more to share soon. Larger versions of most of these are available in my Studio Calico gallery here. Enjoy!

*Yes, there are nine pictured, but to get a square collage this is necessary so my favorite is there twice.

Just as he is

2012-01-07T21:05:00.000-06:00

So basketball season began and I feel like there are a few things I want to say about the whole sports/new things and our kid thing:

Know that: Our son chooses to do this. He wants to do this. He is excited about playing. We are in no way encouraging, forcing, making, or cajoling him into participating in youth sports. We would be totally cool staying home reading books together or playing in the park on our Saturdays. It is his choice to try it and we will support him in that choice. Oddly, even though it sometimes seems tough, he always comes to us telling us how fun and great it was, even when we think it was a hard day.

Know that: When you see him crying or reserved or sad when he is starting something new it is as hard for us as it is for him or you. Please though, just love him as he is. Know we, as parents, are doing our best. This is who he is and he is wonderful and deeply loved. New and different things are hard for him. That is OK. Aren't they hard for all of us? He and we know how to work through the new together and are constantly learning and adapting - for now some of that process still involves tears, transition, and some painful moments for us all. We always give him a choice to stop at anytime, but he has yet to take us up on it.

Know that: We so admire him for continuing to try the new things. For putting himself out there. For wanting to be put in the game, not cowering on the bench, as I might. For being himself. For taking risks and wanting to be part of a team. We do not and will not blame others or the circumstances for the challenges he sees in these moments as challenges are part of life and learning how to rise above them is a valuable life skill.

Nothing bad or unusual happened on the first day today. In fact, it was a better first day than the first several outings of soccer, which lets us think that maybe he is adapting faster or is more comfortable having been put in similar scenarios before. There were tears, but already by the end of the game he was engaging a little, running a bit more, with the person he was assigned to guard on each trip down the floor, engaging with his teammates on the "bench." I just feel like I need to write it out. Mostly, I just feel like I don't want to psycho analyze every moment, please don't ask me to. I just want to have this experience together with him for as long as it lasts. I just want you to know how amazing he is and love him too. Just as he is.

Five on Friday

2012-01-06T15:00:00.000-06:00

1. You all know we're NPR nerds at our house, right? In any case, we love NPR and its many personalities. I happened to stumble across this NPR twitter "feud" today and loved it. Hope you do too!

2. The media is awesome and fascinating. I admit that "The Fake News is All I Need" is muttered here frequently (OK, when we're not listening to the "real" news on NPR). That said, we get little or no news from actual print sources, unless it is their online versions. With that in mind, I thought, this was a particularly interesting story about a recent NYT corrections related to a confusion over My Little Pony characters...seriously.

3. Totally unrelated to the media, Co-Motion is hosting a Belly-Dancing workshop on January 28th from 10am-12pm at their studio in Edmond. It is $20 before January 14th and $25 if you sign up later. I'm planning to go (yes, I've cleared this) and was wondering if any of you are interested? If so, let me know and I'll help you sign up.

4. College Gymnastics - I am a big gymnastics fan and discovered during my time at OU that university level gymnastics is awesome (and at the time, free!). Both OU's men's and women's gymnastic teams are ranked in the top five nationally to start the season. The first home meet for the women is January 27th at 7pm in Norman. Let me know if you'd like to join me! (The men don't have a home meet until February 25th, but do have several members that you might see on the US Olympic team next summer. Should be great fun and I'll remind you all when we're closer to their meet!)

5. From news, to sports - now, on to something pretty. I happened on to this Etsy store via Emily Pitts (a scrapbooker I like). The store is her daughter's jewelry creations and they are lovely. This piece is my favorite (sadly currently sold)!

Ten on Tuesday

2012-01-03T22:12:00.000-06:00

1. Cooking notes: I finally pulled myself together yesterday and made a meal plan (or at least a list of meals) for the first time in awhile and actually bought ingredients for everythign today. Here's hoping that makes for more creative dinners around here. Today's dinner was a "kid's pick" - sliced, sauteed smoked turkey sausage, steamed green beans with lemon, & pretzel bites. I cannot fathom why my kids like the sliced sausage so much, but it works, so why question! (They even somehow have decided that this delightful cassoulet recipe is "corn dog casserole" and thus eat it happily.) The pretzel bites were fine, but not spectacular (Brent sighs knowing they will probably never be seen again).

2. Exercise: The best of times and worst of times. I exercised for four days straight last week and then didn't for three days... consistency is not my strong suit. I did return a bit today with my third pass through the new maternity belly dance DVD Mary bought me. It is actually pretty good, as these things go... although Brent doesn't seem convinced I'm getting that much exercise. I am quite warm and happy when it ends and not sitting in a chair for 30 minutes, so it counts.

3. Potty Training -- oh how I loathe thee! It drives me crazy as she seems to cycle through exceptional phases followed by well, not exceptional. I'm going to spare details, but it is tormenting me and I so wish it was over.

4. Scrapbooking: I'm back to my beloved 12x12 pages as of January 1 and happily so. My first efforts (although badly photographed) are above. I even made that little rosette out of ribbon myself and was quite happy. I'm sparing you the second picture as it is just too dark for good pics just now, suffice it to say, it looks very much like this one by Megan Klauer that served as my model. Hoping to do another this evening... if I'm lucky.

5. Pregnancy: Good news! I had my follow-up test on Friday and it came back clear. Also, in exciting news, I get to transition back to my prior Doctor at OU tomorrow so hopefully my appointments will start taking less than 2.5 hours each (Because seriously, how can routine appointments take so long!). Still no gender news, but should be within the next month....

6. Family Fun Day: Monday was our last day of vacation together so we had a little outing to the OK Science Museum (aka Omniplex for you old-time Okies). Usually our visits are only an hour or two as we can go frequently with our passes, but we hadn't been in awhile, had no time constraints, and had a lovely, long visit. We did things we rarely do there like eat lunch at Pavlov's Cafe, go to the Planetarium show (no, M did not make it all the way through the show), and even bought M a small souvenir at the gift shop-- a bag of rocks as we found it otherwise impossible to pry her from the rock display, and $2 seemed a small fee for getting to go home with her. B's favorite part, by far, was the new building buddies exhibit. We spent hours there both before and after lunch. Great fun!

7. Photography: My camera and I had a bit of a tiff during December. Partially, I was struggling with the limits of my knowledge and partially I just didn't feel like taking photos as much. I wanted to live the experiences more than photograph them. However, when it came time to go through my pictures from Christmas and there were so few (seriously, you saw most of them), I decided it was time to reengage with visually capturing our moments. So, I read the entire manual, tried all the settings on Brent as he played video games with Zach, and am trying to take at least take a couple pictures a day as practice definitely makes perfect. I took my camera to the museum and fiddled with all my new knowledge and I think it helped. (Granted, I haven't uploaded the pictures to show you yet, but I will!)

8. Back to "school": Today, Brent and I returned to work, but the whole household won't be fully back to routine until "school" resumes tomorrow. M will now be joining B as Mother's Day Out five days a week. It was sad to say farewell to her babysitter today, but we may see her again in the summer or maybe even for the new baby in the fall. Meanwhile, It will be very nice to have both kids in the same place and they both seem very happy there. I'm not so excited about the return to packing lunches, but otherwise, I think we're ready for the new routing. We'll see how B does though with a suddenly drop in video game time.... ah transitions.

9. Electric Family: Over the course of the long weekend and recent weeks we've developed a habit of about 20-30 minutes a day where we each play simultaneously with our gadgets of choice. M and I snuggle ourselves into the chair with the iPhone and iPad and the boys play Skylander/Zelda/Kirby on the couch nearby. It isn't a lengthy thing, but we all enjoy it so it works. Sort of funny to consider that M is ready to join in our wired life, but she spends her time happily arrange letters to make the words in Deluxe Words, watching Elmo videos on the alphabet, or playing with Super Why.

10. Books: This month's book club assignment was to read a book of our choosing and report to the group. Most of what I've been reading of late felt far from book report worthy so I started looking through the Kindle store and happened upon a sale on the kindle version of The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood. This falls squarely in the distopian future genre with other classics like Fahrenheit 451, Brave New World, Nineteen Eighty-Four, and more recently The Hunger Games Trilogy. I'm not sure why I read these books as I can't say I precisely enjoy them, but do find them thought provoking. This one focuses on reproductive abilities being limited and the government's attempt to control/manage a declining fertility rate and gender roles. Interestingly, I happened to read The Children of Men by P.D. James (one my Grandpa's favorite authors) near the end of my pregnancy with B, which is also about global fertility issues. In both instances, it was sort of odd to read about a wide-spread inability to reproduce when I was pregnant.

That's the main topics for this week. Feel free to send me suggestions of things you'd like to hear more about in these postings and I'll be back with more soon!

Wishes for the New Year

2012-01-02T09:00:00.000-06:00

(Source)

I came across this poster with a quote from Neil Gaiman on Pinterest yesterday and had to share it with you as it holds so many of my own wishes for myself and for you in the new year.

Impromptu, Me?

2012-01-01T22:12:00.000-06:00

Sometimes I think I am as much a study in contrasts as my Grandma Dotter (a story for another day). One of those ways is that I love planning, preparing, scheduling and thinking through parties/gatherings well in advance. I am very type A and lawyerly in this. However, I also very much love the occasional unplanned or nearly unplanned gathering at our house. The later, became our late December story.

As you may have noticed, we try to host a gathering of some sort at least once a month, every month but December. I avoid December because there are so many other parties, so many other things going on just so much taking over everyone's lives and I don't think we need more of that. However, upon reflection and almost no planning we hosted five gatherings this month ranging from two friends crafting with me earlier in the month to parties of a dozen. In the last week or so of December our hosting went like this:

December 23rd -- on a couple days notice we had a pizza lunch for four couples and four kids. Those that live in OK each brought a piece of the party to celebrate the Morans and their growing family (oh and Christmas together).
December 24th -- breakfast with the Morans and us. Quiet, simple, and lovely before the flurry of activity that was to follow. This is our second year of this, so I'm not sure it counts as unplanned other than we only decided to do it a day or two before. It works perfectly if they pick up pastries and we make coffee, tea, and share whatever else we have on hand (fruit, fudge, etc...)
December 28th -- I was so incredibly exhausted in the afternoon that I was fairly afraid I might fall asleep while being in charge of both our kids, and proceeded to conjure all the scary things that might happen while I slept. So, obviously, I decided to back home made bread and invite people on facebook/twitter to come share an impromptu dinner with us. (My sister says the more obvious thing would have been to put on a movie and watch with them-- but I'd promised myself no TV time for til 4pm, randomly). Bethany, Peter, Ashtyn and Tracie joined us for Pepperoni and Sausage rolls made with home made bread, cinnamon rolls, chips, and roasted carrots fresh from our garden. Dinner and conversation with our friends was fabulous. Oh, and I stayed awake all afternoon. Everyone was happy!
December 31st -- On Thursday, I sent an email to a few people inviting them to come see the Muppet Movie with us. Due to some inspiration from my Mom this slowly morphed into a post-movie New Year's Eve party at our house complete with her traditional toasting goblets, wonderful cheese (thanks Able!), lots of carbs, and a few new food experiments. The party included our family, my mom, Uncle Able, Katie, Tracie, and later Erik and Kellie. Granted, this NYE party shut down not long after 9pm when our kids were clearly up past their bedtimes and ceasing to handle that well. It was simple, delicious, casual, fun, and again, almost no plan.

Turns out that I really like the impromptu party. There is only one real drawback as our buddies from Tulsa, Norman, and elsewhere don't generally get to join us in the fun. Not to worry though, we already have two planned parties in the works for January and I'm sure an impromptu gathering or two as well. We hope you can join us or that you try out the impromptu party idea. All you need is:

Send an invite quickly via email, text, facebook, twitter or your friends' social media of choice.
Decide what pieces you are going to handle and whether you are asking others to contribute too. In my experience, guests are more than happy to pitch in, particularly when it is very last minute fun. Alternatively, just order food!
Grab some serving dishes, plates, utensils and enjoy a fun, unexpected break with your friend.

Then share the fun with us!

May your New Year be full of unexpected fun, wonderful friends, and delicious foon!

Day 25: Christmas!

2012-01-01T10:24:00.000-06:00

For the big day itself, I'm taking a slightly different approach. Rather than one big picture, I chose lots of wallet size pictures to be sprinkled around with little strips of journaling below them. They will go on canvas pages like this one:

Part 1 - Christmas morning at home:

Digging, diving, and dumping out the stocking treasues
Joy of shared discovery and simple tactile toys
Anticipation and a little more waiting with piles of presents - smiles abound
Smiles and new treasures to share!

4x4

I love this random instagram picture from Christmas morning. We had finished breakfast and were beginning the fun with toys (Here Lego Star Wars Brickmaster) before calling Grammy & Granddaddy and heading to the farm. Everyone loves Lego blocks and family fun!

Part 2: Farm fun with Grandma!

M discovers her new footie jammies and piles of fun.
Brent's new favorite toy/frustration-- hours of entertainment from Audra & Zach
Uncle Able & B float candles down the creek to celebrate winter in true Tasha Tudor style
We help clean and play together

Note: Great Grandpa shared this special morning with us, but seems to have avoided the camera. It is so wonderful that we get to share these moments with him and hear more and more of his stories of times past.

Part 3: Extras + the next day

The morning after - Dec 26 returns to normal fun and coloring with Grandma
B helps Uncle Able feed the birds on a cool winter morning
Sometimes you just need Mama snuggles (and Mama needs them too)
Smiles from my boys as they discover new toys (Really part of Part 1)

We also took a lot of video of singing carols with Grandma and other fun activities at the farm after I discovered the flip in my purse. I'm going to add a CD sleeve at the end that contains any of the video's for December with the picture of the Lego fun on the reverse. (Let me know if you'd like to see them as most can be shared here or sent to you on CD as well).

I may also adding the JYC Indulgence story (written on a Christmas Starbucks bag) and some of my other random blog posts from December towards the back if I'm feeling ambitions.

The final page, as always, will be our Christmas Card from this year:

A Very Merry Christmas indeed and a very welcome new year!

I am delighted that the entire project is now just awaiting the photos which I gather and sent to print today via Scrapbookpictures.com! So excited to see it all together, maybe even in the next couple weeks?!?

OLW Blog Hop January 2012

2012-01-01T10:00:00.000-06:00

It has been a few months since I last participated in the Monthly One Little Word Blog hops. My level of participation in the creative aspect of the One Little Word experience has waxed and waned. There have been months where I didn't even open the prompt. Then, in August, I did months of prompts all at once before again relaxing back a bit.

The prompt for December asked us to look back at our thoughts and feelings about our 2011 word, to record them, to ponder saying good-bye, and to consider how our word may continue with us.

"Savor" has been a wonderful word for me this year. My intentions for this word last January were:

Savoring the moment -- not trying to do ten things at once ALL the time. If my kids are playing, I want to join in more and observe or do my own thing less. I want to embrace the fleetingness of this time in all its uniqueness and delight in it. My ongoing journey of finding the joy and marvel in everyday continues.
Savoring food -- I begin again my fitness and weight loss journey each January. I want to think more consciously about savoring my food. I want to really taste all its wonder and not rush through. I want to pick my food more carefully for what it gives my body as well as the taste. I know that if I truly enjoy each small wonderful bite I will likely succeed at eating less.
Savor - I want to add flavor to the lives around me, to enrich my surroundings as only I uniquely can.

Savoring snuggle time and cooking with my girl -- and accepting that this pictures can be so meaningful to me even though I'm not all made up or fancy.

Overall I think that:

It has been a check point as I make decisions and a reminder when my phone/iPad/computer gets a bit too glued to my hand.
It has encouraged me to seek out special things to bring into every day -- more trips to the zoo, science museum, park, playground, farm, or wherever to have more experiences than sitting at home, but valuing those days when we can just sit at home together too.
Weight loss/food choices was definitely not as successful as I hoped. That said, I did learn to love exercise more-- and more kinds of exercise. I did lose some weight and I did go through spurts of making careful decisions and spurts of not focusing at all. Definitely an area where I will need to continue to focus.
I found new foods I can make for my family to enjoy and increased the kids involvement in making them. I love sharing the experience of making our food and teaching them little bits over chocolate chips.
I tried to enrich those around me. It is hard to know how much I succeeded, but did look for ways to "be a light" as my Dad would say. I'm not the most "light" of personalities, but want all of those in my life to know how much I value them and try to make their lives more lovely as they enrich mine.

I feel like it is more than a word for the year for me. It is a word for life for me and one that I think I plan to keep in my thoughts and actions going forward. No, I have not always succeeded in savoring as my default mode is pretty fast and multitasking, but having it here with me has kept me more present, mindful and conscious of the beauty of just savoring.

Savoring looks at living in the moment, my word for 2012 will take us into a new chapter of our lives as a family. I am still not 100% sure, but I think my word is Grow. At a very literal level my body is physically growing itself and growing a little one inside. This will be my story in the first half of the year. The second half will bring a new growing little one into our home and new changes for us all. As our family is expanding so is our life experience. There are other new phases --like kindergarten-- on the horizon. I hope to grow in other ways as a parent, child, friend, colleague. I want us all to be more thoughtful, more together, more gentle --- hmmm maybe my word is more? It just feels like a year of growth in many literal and figurative ways and I am trying to prepare and embrace that change as a person who is not so in to change.

So what's your word? (2011 or 2012) I'd love to hear as I'm still pondering both my 2011 experience and looking towards the new year. I'll send one (or more) of the commentors a little present after a random drawing next weekend. Thanks to all of you who joined me with my word this year. I greatly appreciate the support.

The next step on the blog hop is: Monica B at www.questtoperfectimperfection.blogspot.com

January 1, 2012 OLW Blog Hop Participants

Margie http://xnomads.typepad.com

Cheri http://cheriandrews.blogspot.com

Veronica www.veronicanorris.typepad.com

Kara http://iwannabemewhenigrowup.blogspot.com/

Rebekah http://istampscrapcraft.blogspot.com/

Sharyn http://www.LaVieEnChic.com

Jill http://jillconyers.com

Lynn www.crafty-creativity.blogspot.com

Monica http://scrapinspired.com/

Lisa http://backtoallen.com/writers_blog

Cynthia H http://paperpapereverywhere.blogspot.com

Lee http://thelinarstudio.typepad.com/embracelife/

Abbey http://athomewiththerichardsfamily.blogspot.com/ ----ME!

Monica B www.questtoperfectimperfection.blogspot.com

Nikki http://www.inkyart.com.au

Tere http://terecontodomicorazon.blogspot.com/

Melissa S http://blog.mshanhun.com

Nicky http://seejanebake.blogspot.com

Stephanie http://www.scrapworthylives.com/

Jenn L www.studiojenn.blogspot.com

Cindy http://seriousplay.typepad.com

Amanda http://scrappnbee.blogspot.com

Sam http://learncreatedo.wordpress.com/

Jan http://mysimplelittlelife.typepad.com

Jamie http://jmpgirl.blogspot.com

Karen http://breathenowsmile.blogspot.com/

Day 24: Christmas Eve

2011-12-28T11:29:00.000-06:00

All the journaling below is printed on two layers of text on the left page of Day 24 pictured here (Buttons - Crate Paper, Stars, Jillibean, PP - Lily Bee)

We began the day with more fun with the Morans. It is becoming our Christmas Eve tradition to share breakfast with them. They bring us treats from Panera and we provide coffee, tea, and the venue. We talked more, pondered parenthood, the arts, science, how we raise our kids, and all the memories in between. I so wish we got to see them more. I have this vision of week night dinners with them, that probably can't be as we're very unlikely to live in the same place, but for now, the occasional breakfast is wonderful.

This will be printed as a 6x6 (or cropped to that)

The back of the picture will be this happy glittery page -- (Mostly MME)

I will add a separate page for these next three pictures as well.

Next, we went back to Grammy & Granddaddy's for the big Richards/Rouse gathering. This gathering includes Brent's parents, sister & her family, cousins and their families, Aunt, Uncle, Grandparents, etc... The works! It always begins with lots of time in the kitchen, which is one of my favorite parts. This year, they smartly had the kids opened the presents from Great Granddaddy and Aunt Suzi before dinner, as the kids could hardly wait! We had the most amazing prime rib for dinner. M and I could not get enough!

This was about 1/2 the great-grandchildren in a serious conference of some sort while waiting for dinner.

This year, desserts far out numbered dishes in the main meal, but I don't think anyone was complaining. After dinner it was back to toys and conversation. I was exhausted and decided to slip in a nap (playing the "pregnancy card" as Brent put it). It was pretty weird though as I went to sleep with roughly 30 people in the house and woke up to discover all the other guests had left! It was still more than an hour before we needed to leave for Christmas Eve Mass so we all watched B try out his new video game from Great-Granddaddy and helped M through bath time before church. We snuck in another family picture shoot and the pictures turned out wonderfully!

6x8 - Right Page

Christmas Eve Mass went fairly well. The kids were tired and had some trouble sitting still. I did get to hold B on my lap for nearly all of Mass which is very unusual for him. I snuggled him close and absorbed every minute I could get as I know the number of times I'll have with him on my lap are rapidly dwindling. M, meanwhile, sprinkled glitter from her dress everywhere so Brent's bear and tweed jacket were looking unusually festive before we reached "Joy to the World." Overall, the message was great, the music lovely, and the tradition rich.

We continued to track Santa on my phone as we drove home-- he was in Dublin, Ireland. As we rode, B asked me for the first time this year what I wanted for Christmas. I muttered something vague, but was delighted when Brent responded that I wanted something pretty. Which is absolutely spot-on what I want every year.

At home, it was time for B's bath, setting out cookies, carrots and milk for Santa, sprinkling glittery reindeer food outside with M, two more books, and two little people tucked into their bed-- we can only assume with visions of sugar plums dancing.

Coming soon ---- Santa!

Day 23: In two parts

2011-12-28T11:14:00.000-06:00

Note: Day 22 has been updated with the scrapbook pages/decorations here.

Journaling Day 23 - Picture with friends on the right edge of this page

Part 1: We hosted a little mini-Christmas celebration at our house for our friends the Morans that were vising from El Paso. We see them only a few times a year so we gathered a few of our friends and enjoyed pizza, fruit/veggies, cake, coffee, a few presents, and great company. It was so lovely to have just a few of our dearest friends drop by to chat about parenthood, Christmas, and shared memories. I loved it!

Intermission: Before Part 2 began, we spent a good hour closing on the refinancing of our house with an overzealous notary. Not the high point of the day and afterwards we were quite ready for some merriment.

Part 2: We celebrated Christmas with Grammy, Granddaddy and the Jones family. Our celebrations featured a delicious dinner, stockings from Santa's elves, lots of presents, and finally cookies and cocoa. The kids loved their hopping balls, foam airplane guns, "ninja" ski hats, and most of all, playing with each other. It was beautiful, simple, and sweet. This small gathering was a prelude to the bigger Rouse/Richards festivities the following day and a wonderful opportunity for some tasty treats and cousin play.

The below pictures will go on the right page along with possibly a picture from the group party in the morning (just as soon as Gavin sends me one as I accidentally left my camera at Granddaddy's the night before!)

JYC: Day 28 - Indulgence

2011-12-28T08:27:00.000-06:00

Image via starbucks

This year, my holiday indulgence has been Eggnog Latte's. I think I've only had one from Starbucks, but this week, we've been making homemade versions almost daily. Definitely has to be a seasonal only thing as not a good "health choice," but delicious. I've also been loving the other seasonal flavors - Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate, Peppermint Mocha, and Creme Brulee Lattes. I think I've managed to have each only once, but have enjoyed every last drop.

Yes, I do get half-caf or decaf, and typically the "skinny" versions. I have discovered that if you get Decaf, skinny versions it just looses all that makes it yummy so I usually try to pare back some, while realizing that this is a rare treat.

What has your holiday indulgence been this year?

Ten on Tuesday

2011-12-27T21:05:00.000-06:00

1. I am in a place this evening where lots of things I "should" do and not as many I "want to do. Where to begin?

2. Exercise! Last week I didn't remember to add it to my Ten on Tuesday, but did make my three days. This week -- 1 day. I ran today, outside, and am so glad. That said, it was not easy, at all. I am now running only one day a week to try and deal with my feet/hip issue and because with short days I mostly have to rely on the treadmill, which I still don't like. Thank goodness for some good tunes and every motivational trick I could think of. I made it the three miles. I did walk briefly twice, but made it 18 minutes before a rest and after not having run in nearly two weeks I feel OK about it. I am glad I am still running at 15+ weeks pregnant. I still like running outside. I know it would feel better/be easier if I could do it more often so my resolution for January is to find a decent Doctor to help with my feet.

3. December Daily - I had just told Brent I was done with it and needed to step away for awhile. My plan was to revert back to last year's model and just do the journaling and pics and craft later (I miss/need to do 12x12 layouts it has been nearly a month!). Then, I happened onto this post by Lisa Truesdell. It reminded me that the journaling doesn't need to be paragraphs, it can be lines. The decorations don't need to be complicated. I don't need huge or many photos. It is ok, to be short and simple. It is doable. Maybe I'll do just a bit more....

4. Today was awesome. Brent was a house husband today as the state government was closed, but my work was not. I left the office door open and watch him build Lego wonders with the kids in the bright morning light as they sang along to kids' songs on the iPad. He ran errands, and brought me lunch. The kids laughed and played and each got to "do their thing" with Dad and soon I was free too. It was so lovely.

5. Tomorrow, we all go back to work/childcare/camp, etc... for two days. I really can't complain, but found myself missing extended breaks of yesteryear. I will start work early to try to fit a day in while B is at Zoo camp. Brent will take M to Ms Kim's and head to work. In the afternoon though, the kids and I will play and nap and wait for Daddy to come home. Then, Friday will return with another 4 days together. There are many less plans for these four days than for the last and we'll try to savor them.

6. I have a Dr. Apt. on Friday with my OB. It is my 16 week exam plus some tests they need to run on me. I've been wandering around feeling fine about them, but as it nears I can feel myself getting paranoid all over again. Pray that I am fine, for all our sakes--- odds are very, very high that I aim, but I fret, you know.

7. I can feel the baby move. I don't think I've mentioned it here, but I've been able to for a couple weeks. It is early, but I think at the third time round it is a bit easier as I know what I'm feeling for. The movements became much bigger this weekend though, which is kinda fun. I will love it even more when Brent can share in the fun.

8. I've just begun planning B's various birthday parties. I'm hosting one group party for B, Brent and Gavin (and maybe the Robledos too). I am still figuring out how to mesh the school friends/family party and what that might be this year. Tricky that it is so close to Christmas/New Year's as I always get distracted from my planning. I "think" that we'll have a loose Mario theme, but still a bit unsure.

9. We did, at last, finish our refinancing. Late into the 23rd -- the last day to close this year. The notary was way over the top and it took way longer than it needed to. Brent and I left it quite cranky, but happy that it is finally out of the way.

10. Next up is car shopping. No, we have no clue what to get. We are tempted by the Enclave, but it doesn't have much storage room and our jogging stroller only barely fits. It is so pretty to look at though, comfortable, and so quiet. Suppose we'll have to look at minivans too. Just not digging them conceptually. Thoughts?

Hope you all have a lovely week!

Day 22: PJs + Date Night

2011-12-27T15:59:00.000-06:00

Craft note: The below journaling will be printed later today and adhered on the left page of Day 22 which is some old vintage paper (You can see the reverse on Day 21).

Journaling: Thursday was the last day of work, the last day of preparation, and the beginning of the celebration stage. The morning began with Advent calendars and new PJs for the kids. In the afternoon, I finished making presents for my Mom and Marilyn, and then we began prepping for the evening. When Brent got home, we packed up kids and backpacks for a slumber party with Grammy & Granddaddy. After dropping them off and taking our date night photos, Brent and I were off to his friend Jamie's wedding at the Guthrie Scottish Rite Masonic Temple. I'd always wanted to visit this historic Oklahoma landmark and we were honored to help celebrate the wedding of one of Brent's OSSM friends. After the festivities, we came home alone to a bit more preparing before the round of parties that Friday would bring. It was wonderful being together, focusing on each other and love before all the distraction and flurry that was to come. We're a very lucky couple and I so love time with my guy.

Right page - with the below photos (PP - Lily Bee; Embellishment -MME)

Right Page - Kids opening new Pjs

Right Page - Read for the Wedding fun.

Webfinds 12-22

2011-12-22T13:29:00.000-06:00

1. Ok - so this is just too good not to share. Check out this link to a random encounter of awesomeness. The gentleman proposing is my old, dear friend Tim. I haven't talked to Tim much in recent years as we've moved from Law and Medical school respectively, but he is an amazing guy and I'm so happy for them both. (Jessie went to school with Able, Tim, and I too!) I love amazing little coincidences like a wonderful photographer who just happens to be walking by during one of life's big moments. So sweet!

2. What do you make for Christmas morning? I am hoping I'll be having sausage biscuits and gravy with my mom sometime during the weekend so I'm saving that standby. I am thinking maybe this Cinnamon Pull-Apart bread that you start the day before? At the moment, it seems like maybe I'd like something salty/savory too or instead as this pregnancy is about the salt it seems, but the bread looks awesome and very kid-happy.

3. You remember yesterday when I talked about making all that fudge. In the interest of full disclosure you should know all the batches were from the Cook's Illustrated 15-minute fudge lexicon. Here is my husband's very favorite peanut butter fudge which we are taking everywhere this weekend. Here is the rocky road version which I just tasted for the first time and oh, my yum! (Alternatively, this white version looks awesome).

4. This little dock to get pictures from my camera to my iPad is a must have. I might never pick up my laptop again... at least until I run out of storage. On my wishlist for sure!

5. I don't have the time to make it this week, but every time I see this on Pintrest I promised myself --soon. Doesn't this Garlic Cheese Bread look amazing?

I'm off to try to finish making Christmas gifts and start on the house cleaning. Have any cool web finds I should check out this week?

Day 21: Granddaddy Time

2011-12-21T23:09:00.000-06:00

Today, my normal childcare arrangements were off, but luckily Granddaddy stepped in to watch the kids while I worked. They both were incredibly excited to get to go hang out with Granddaddy instead of with their normal school/babysitter set ups. From what I can tell, B mostly played Kirby and M mostly listened to Granddaddy read Twas the Night Before Christmas many, many times (at her request). For the rest of the afternoon she would randomly say "Dash away, Dash away all!" In happy news, they will be headed back to Grammy & Granddaddy's for various parties and things a portion of each of the next three days too!

Left Page - 6x8 of M and Granddaddy with her book of the day

Right Page - fun with distress stickles in Wild Honey- It is hard to see here, but they are on one tag and the star so a little sparkly in person.

Personal Note - I'm tired. Today, I bought a ton of groceries, made three batches of fudge and one batch of caramel corn, wrapped about 10 presents, tried to help orchestrate the closing of our refinance on Friday, did my job, which was wildly busy with a huge variety of tasks, began the cleaning process, and all my normal, you know, parenting, cooking meals, potty training, blogging, etc... There are at least three more things I "should" do today, but its not happening. I did the DD entry as it is a sort of craft therapy for me and it did work as I feel better even than when I wrote this initially a bit ago. This is our last free evening time before Christmas so probably not going to be much rest for the weary.

Part of me resists writing this as I don't want to be a complainer and my Granddad's whole "show now weakness" mantra or my own occasional "Yes, I can do it all" attitude, but this weariness and trying to do so many things that I love is part of our story too and therefore worth remembering and sharing with others in this boat too or maybe my kids later when they are trying to do it all too. Tomorrow my work day ends early and we are going to a friend's wedding in the evening so maybe that will be a good rest and way to relax?

Ten on Tuesday

2011-12-20T23:01:00.001-06:00

1. As you likely saw on this post, M had her very first hair cut today. We had be preparing for awhile and she did wonderfully well. Janna warns that subsequent ones may be more tricky, but I was relieved to get through the first with a cooperative, mostly still girl.

2. Tomorrow feels like the start of the swirl for me. I am literally having a hard time figuring out when I'm going to make it to the grocery story and I really do have to go to the grocery store! (On a related note, B feels we are in a grocery store crisis as we are out of Grape Jam, Fruit Snacks, and Fruity Mints... because those are clearly the important foods the week of Christmas).

3. B is out of school and enjoying way more video game time than usual. He stays home with me and tends to get to play a lot while I am working before lunch and what we'll call "rest time." He is thrilled, but I'm worried how it will go when we reinstill video game boundaries more firmly when school resumes...Fun. I do really like having B with me again, even with the extra gaming. Very comforting and an old familiar place for us, even though he used to be napping not playing Kirby.

4. M has been going to the babysitter for the last two days and is SO excited that in a last minute change of plans she and B get to go hang out with Granddaddy while I work tomorrow. She really thinks she needs to be where brother is, but there is no way I'd get any work done at all if she were here as she just is not old enough or enough of a napper for that, sadly.

5. I get to see my lovely friend Mary and her husband Andy this week, along with several of our more local friends. I am incredibly excited about it. I will need to somewhere along the way fit in house cleaning though..hmmm... So far, I've vacuumed, which won't last, and washed everyone's sheets, which I can't imagine any of them caring about. May need to focus a bit more.

6. The kids are now, thanks to some gentle suggestions from Brent, convinced that we NEED to make cookies for Santa. I have been deferring til later in the week as we want them to be fresh, right? But considering how busy later in the week may get perhaps I should make them soon. Any recipes to recommend? I'm always glad for new ideas. In the meantime, M also tells me everyday that on Saturday we need to put out the reindeer food she made for the deer while in Ms. Jenny's class. Heaven help us if we forget. She is very excited and energized about it so I'm counting on her to remind us.

7. I am SO wanting to eat at Victoria's in Norman. It is slightly odd as I've eaten there very few times and never really craved it, but for weeks now it has sounded so good. I believe I've convinced Brent and the Palfreymans to join me..... sometime in January. Sigh.

8. We are on day two of our ritual nightly present wrapping. As noted previously, I'm not into wrapping presents and ours are not remotely fancy with not a single bow in sight thus far. However, it really does make the living room look more festive and increase the feeling that Christmas is nigh!

9. I want to get/make/find a Christmas present for my Grandpa Dotter, but it is fairly difficult as he has everything and wants few things. I usually find some interesting food for him, but so far, it isn't appearing. It needs to be soft and delicious. Let me know if you have any recommendations on short time lines.

10. Can you believe it? My son turns five one month from today. This is sort of blowing our minds. Five is so many big things like, you know, Kindergarten! B is still a mix of big and little-- mostly big, but really still four and so amazing. Trying to process, plan and be ready to really celebrate in January!

Day 20: Candy Canes+

2011-12-20T22:39:00.000-06:00

Left Page - Stickers, tiny circle tag + pocket paper - Crate Paper; Washi Tape - AC; Journal Cards - Echo Park, Elle's Studio; Button - MME; Tag by Ormolu, bow by Jenni Bowlin; PP - MME - 12 Days of Christmas and Lily Bee

Today, we have two tags to tell two stories of today! (Yes, this is ironic after being a bit over the crafting yesterday that today we did extra crafting and added bonus pages. That happens.). The first story started early in the morning with our candy cane hunt. The kids woke to find their baskets outside their door and set off to find the treats. (This is a bit like an easter egg hunt for those new to this tradition). Each child found 6 candy canes, but M gave one of hers to B as she found it in his Advent calendar, which I thought was sweet. Just as last year, she proceeded to taste test the chocolate mint candy canes and B hung his on the tree. He now tells me he does not like mint and is requesting the colorful fruit ones from Santa.

The second story was M's first haircut. I'll document this more fully elsewhere, but thought we'd add a a bit here too as it is part of our December story. Janna (Brent's cousin) does my hair and we asked if she'd honor us by doing M's first haircut as well. M was so very good, calm, no crying (or talking even), and fairly good about looking straight ahead. Janna was great with her and it was over before I knew it. She had been asking all day when it was time and was ready to go. She seemed happy afterwards and did tell me on the way home that it didn't even hurt. (I think we went over this before, but probably a discovery when you've never had a haircut before and B couldn't talk at his first haircut so hadn't really pondered this fear).

Extra Middle page with small picture of M getting her hair cut

This might seem random, but this sticking out the tongue thing while concentrating/working is a common Blakley trait that at least my brother, Dad and I all do... Maybe others?

Extra Middle page with small picture of M getting her hair cut (and yes, that droopy twine is bothering me and will be fixed!)

I like this one because you can see her hair cut, as well as her Daddy (and in the actual image Janna is smiling in the background, but not sure why that was cropped here).

Right page - Canvas page from Prima book + stamping - Will add pictures from the Candy Cane Hunt

This picture was in the morning pre-hair cut, so you might be able to see the difference--- other than the bed head.

Day 19: Advent Calendars

2011-12-19T23:09:00.001-06:00

Today, was domesticity day -- lots of laundry, changing sheets, vacuuming, etc... So, I took the opportunity to tell an overarching story from December - our Advent calendars. Usually, I do this at the beginning of the month, but this year as our calendars have new toys each day I decided to wait. That way, I can add a bit about their favorites, how the new system worked, etc.

In short, B LOVES his Lego Star Wars Advent Calendar. M likes hers, but I think it is a smidge too old for her. She did really like the mini-Santa stamp from a week or so ago. B's favorite bit so far has been the X-Wing. It is being quite a lot of fun each day and I think they will be sad when it is over. I admit, I have no idea how we'd reach this level of Lego Star Wars fun next year.... hmmm

Right Page - Journaling + Making Memories Journal spot and Pebbles Button

Left Page - Elle's Studio Tag, Pebbles button, Jenni Bowlin Bow, OA number - will add photos to this page later.

I wanted to try and show some of the little pieces as well as the kids enjoying them.

I'm going to try and get a better picture of B or both of them together, but so far this is the best we've managed.

No, she is not this excited every day

I have to admit, this is the day in December Daily where I start to feel a bit tired of the record keeping bit of it. I have an activity all set up for tomorrow and plans Thursday-Sunday, so here's hoping I manage to make it through Sunday and still at least post journaling each day. If not, this will at least be the furthest I've ever gotten with all the crafting, journaling, etc... done contemporaneously. I am sure I can manage six more days though, right? I am really loving the mismash of a book that is taking shape so that helps.

Thanks to all the new readers and commentors. I've really enjoyed having you along for the ride and hope you stick around for the post-December Daily fun.

Day 18: Ice Skating!

2011-12-18T22:39:00.000-06:00

Each year I've said we'd try it, but in reality, I last went ice skating in roughly 2006. (For those keeping track at home, that was pre-kid).

Today's adventure was awesome, hillarious, and wonderful. I think the pictures tell the story fairly well.

My favorite picture of Brent, B, and the scene. This will be 6x8 on the right page

The collages will be cut into wallet size photos and put in photo sleeves in between the two main pages.

PP - October Afternoon, Tags - Elle's Studio & Lily Bee Design, Stickers by Jillibean

The left page looks like this - I am tempted to replace those stars with snowflakes, but for now this is what it is. (Yes, I did buy this paper in November in the bare hope that maybe we'd go ice skating for real this year. Thanks to Brent for making it happen!)

The journaling captures some of my favorite moments, such as M walking faster in her skates on land than Brent did, B falling 3x times and getting back up soaking wet ready to go again, Brent smiling while skating alone and with each child, holding tightly to M's hands as she made her very first full circle of the rink, etc.. All wonderful happy memories. So glad we made them!

Day 17: Lights!

2011-12-18T11:51:00.000-06:00

Left Page -(Tags - MME Lost & Found Christmas & Elle's Studio, Date stickers via OA)

The journaling appears on the left page, but roughly says:

Today was all about lights and their magic.

- Lights lights being strung on the tree in our front hard in a family effort.
- Hundreds of trees covered in white and bright colored lights at Chesapeake
- The lights of the Civic Center aglow as dancers graced the footlights performing the Nutcracker (and the light of Tracie and I's friendship and shared enjoyment).
- Lights on our Christmas tree, the one onstage and the one in the lobby of the theater along with those around town.
- Lights of traffic and cars backed up on Penn filled with Christmas shoppers.

I will add a page or two from our program in the middle of the spread - sadly no pictures in the program or in person.

Right Page - (OA paper with red ribbon)

4x6 on Right page - Maggie with lighted tree

4x6 on Right page - kids helping Brent string the lights

Day 16: Crazies

2011-12-16T23:18:00.001-06:00

Today, we took on too much. Don't get me wrong, we didn't have that many choices in the matter. All four of our school/work parties happened to be scheduled for today. (We only attended three as mine was half a continent away). The day started with Zumba at 8am which meant getting all four of us dressed and fed by 7:40, all the kids stuff for their Christmas parties, day at school, presents for teachers, cups, etc... in the car before then. Yes, I really like to get my exercise in on a day that will be filled with cookies, but this might have been crazy thing #1. So after doing Zumba with the regulars plus about a dozen 8 year olds on winter break (Crazy experience #2), I took the kids to school.

I "thought" we had everything on the first pass, but of course forgot both the pizza money and M's cup in the car so I had to make another trip. Finally, got everyone and everything dropped off. (Crazy times #3). This included these awesome teacher gifts (totes from Lands End I found very much on sale and were actually awesome to distribute too as I could carry them and their caramel corn goodness easily in).

Then work! This actually wasn’t crazy, but you’d hope not, as lawyering reallyshould not be crazy. I did stop slightly early to make cookies for my husband's party as I just couldn't face reviewing agreements while my entire office was at the holiday party, singing karaoke in the atrium of our large office building (Yes, I do kind of think public office building karaoke is crazy, but we can't count that as I didn't participate).

Of course Crazy #4 was trying to pick up both kids and all their leftover treats, goody bags, art projects, jackets, etc... while they tried to say good-bye and tell me everything at once. Yes, we did have to go all the way back down the long hall to M's classroom when we realized as we reached the exit that we didn't have her jacket. (Meanwhile her hair was going all directions in its post-nap glory -- yes, she looked a bit like a raga muffin so I'm calling it Crazy #5). Then we moved on to trying to get everything inside, everyone calm, every piece of art, candy, and present examined without destroying them and without fights breaking out over candy canes. (Crazy #6) Thankfully, a miracle present from Grandma arrived with an awesome new Little Einstein's show for M and Kirby game for B. They were overjoyed and all the crazy subsided into the distance with some quiet time. As B played M and I got to do our hair, make-up, put our pretty dresses on and play with her babies. It was all very sweet. I relaxed thinking Brent was home, we were together, and calm would prevail.

Little did I know that Crazy had one more trick up its sleep (#7) and this time I actually mean wild, unusual, bouncy, wired, weird, unruly kids (ok, overselling maybe, but still). We took our kids to Brent's work holiday party. It was at a place they had been three or four times before with people they've seen fairly often, eating normal foods for them. So yes, we weren't expecting a problem. And yet.... just craziness, not my kids at all. Last week, B sat at a wedding reception calmly for 3 hours with nary another child to play with and almost nothing to do. Today, they apparently could not sit still for 3 minutes and seemed unable to stop bouncing in a house not at all suited for bouncing and with way too many people (and zero other kids under 10). So.... yeah, we left early and pondered where our normally mindful, fairly well-behaved children went. I suspect it was way too much sugar, stimulation, and partying for small people's system, but sheesh.

Luckily, there was calm at the end of the day, right where I expected it.

Left page 8x8

Brent and I in the quiet of children gone to sleep. The end of all the crazy, my happy place where we recharge to face tomorrow together.

Right Page - Journaling from above - (AC Tape, Jenni Bowlin Bow, Jillibean Soup Star, Studio Calico numbers, Pebbles button, Tim Holtz Vintage Photo Distres Ink).

Day 15: Sensational Season

2011-12-15T22:41:00.002-06:00

I was pondering what part of our Christmas experience to capture today. It was a busy, muddled day with lots going on. It was one of those days where I have no clue how families with both parents working full time ever get it all done and stay sane. (It is possible they don't decide the need to make caramel corn for everyone at the last minute... that would be more rational). Anyway, as I pondered the day while making my caramel corn, I realized that one of the things I love about Christmas is that it is a full sensory experience.

Senses of the Season

Sight: Following up on yesterday's wish list fun, today each kid got an email from Santa via Portable North Pole. They seemed to enjoy it and each watch their individualized video twice. I'm not sure M understood that Santa couldn't hear her as she waived and talked, but oh so cute. Some of the other sights today included Christmas lights, cards, presents, decorations, craft projects, Christmas trees, and Advent calendars.

Sound: While driving to the post office for stamps today, we sang Christmas carols and wintry songs in the car (and quickly learned that I really don't know the words to Frosty the Snowman). At home, we listened to the Pandora Christmas station for the rest of the day. I loved hearing all the classics as we worked on our holiday projects.

Smell: Sadly, our house doesn't smell like Christmas trees of our youth, as we have a fake tree. However, it does smell deliciously like caramel today after making a double batch of caramel corn for the kids' teachers.

Touch: There are so many things to touch and experience at Christmas. Right now, the favorites seem to be the Christmas tree, ornaments, and the goodies from their advent calendar.

Taste: For the last two weeks it seems we've been making Christmas treats for our family or as gifts all the time. This week, Mexican wedding cookies and snack mix for my office party, caramel corn for the kids' teachers, and tomorrow will feature some sort of cookies for Brent's office party in the evening. Of course, there was also all the cookie baking for the party earlier in the month as well.

Left Page - Journaling from above (Tags: Ormolu, SEI, Pin, Maya, Stickers - OA, Tape - AC, PP - MME Lost & Found Christmas)

Right Page - 8x8 - (Cardstock, Brown Sugare twine, Mister Huey in Estate Green, inked with Vintage Photo Distressed ink)

I like that this paper came textured with snowflakes which I like to create some "feel" of Christmas; I added a homemade Caramel Corn recipe Card for some smell/flavor memories.

Kids watching PNP Santa video - 3x5

I didn't end up with any truly awesome pictures today, but. I plan to use this one and the recipe above.

Photo Note: I messed with my camera settings a lot on the trip to Saint Louis and it has been wonky since then. I cleaned the lens and reset everything today and played with the white balance, ISO and f-stop and "think" I may have worked out some of the issues.

Tomorrow will definitely be all about Christmas parties, but may be tricky to capture visually as I won't be at the kids' parties so we'll see what we can figure out.

Sugar Plum Fairies Dancing in My Head

2011-12-15T15:12:00.000-06:00

Saturday evening, I am going to see the Oklahoma City Ballet's performance of The Nutcracker with Tracie. I am so excited about this newish annual tradition and about bringing the kids in just a couple more years. I love the dance, but the music is a big part of the joy as well. I thought you might enjoy a bit of Sugar Plum Fairy tunes in your day as well (Link courtesy of Design Mom).

If you think a stiff, delicious drink is more your style - check out the Amateur Gourmet making Eggnog for one-- I'll have to skip this one what with the raw eggs and whiskey, but it looks delicious!

I am sort of liking Zooey Deschanel's A Very She & Him Christmas- melo take on Christmas songs. Here is a sample for you:

Do have any tasty or beautiful holiday finds that you think might keep the Sugar Plum fairies dancing happily in my head feel free to send them my way!

Day 10: Family

2011-12-14T23:07:00.000-06:00

Left page - (7gypsies tape, Crate Paper ribbon & stickers, Pebbles & AC paper, Cosmo Cricket Words)

The journaling for Day 10 is about how lucky we were to get to spend a day with our extended Dotter family and how wonderful it was to celebrate my cousin Rachael's wedding. I took some time both to reflect on my special relationship with Rachael, my love of being married, and my joy in any time I get with my family even if it is short, requires lots of travel, or includes some craziness

Right Page -6x8 - Rachael & Dan exchanging rings

This will be the primary picture for day 10 and printed to full size. However, I just could not resist including a few more family pictures that help to tell the story. They will be 4x6's tucked behind the large photo (which will only be adhered at the top so it will flip up). The photos below will have a tab sticking out so people can find and flip through them.

My sister's little family-- too cute.

My siblings, Mom and nephew.

My mom and her sister Ann - this is the best picture I've seen of them in years so I thought it needed to be here.

Day 14: Wishlists

2011-12-14T22:56:00.002-06:00

Left Page - 6x8

Today, for the first time, I invited the kids to write a Christmas Wishlist to Santa. B was full of ideas and had to fill all 10 items on the card. M just wanted a Baby Doll. Sure, she thought of a few more things with some prompting, but basically, she wants another baby doll (Not to worry she's getting one or more). They also wrote a shorter list for the baby - a stocking and baby toys, which I thought was very sweet of them. Then, the kids danced around the living room with their cards and proceeded to be very silly (pictured above). I've promised to email them to Santa and suspect many of their wishes will come true! Sadly, M "might" have lost her list already, but I'm hoping to find it and get it in the book later.

Right Page - will hold the wish lists attached with tiny staples - (PP - MME Lost and Found Christmas, Tags by Elle's Studio & K&Co, AC- Thickers & Brad)

Days 9, 11, & 12: Crafted

2011-12-13T22:57:00.002-06:00

OK, so at craft night, I incorporated all the recent posts in to pages! Here you go!

Day 9

I will adhere the picture to this page.

Day 12: left side

Right hand page of Day 9 - the journaling was posted here.

Day 11:

Day 11 - Journaling from here. - (Washi Tape - AC, Brads - AC Dear Lizzy, Studio Calio - Mister Huey Estate Green)

I've left a 6x8 space for photos here - I hope to add pictures of my Dad and Grandma, but if not, I'll add in piece of our wrapping paper from this year or maybe of us wrapping presents.

The picture for Day 11 will go here. (PP - MME Lost and Found Christmas)

Day 12:

This is the left side of Day 12 with the journaling from my earlier post. (AC - Thickers, MME - Lost and Found Christmas, Studio Calio - Mister Huey Estate Green )

The picture for day 12 will be added to this page with a rim of pattern paper showing. ( PP -Crate Paper Farmer's Market)

Picture for Day 12

Day 13: Give

2011-12-13T22:34:00.001-06:00

Left Page 6x8 (PP - Crate Paper Farmer's Market, Making Memories Journal spot, AC - Thickers, Jillibean Soup arrows)

Today's theme was give. The journaling (in short form) talks about the various ways we are giving this season. Primarily, buying warm clothes for kids in foster care through an angel program at the kids' school, donating to our various favorite charities, and today making goodies for my colleagues to ship to the office Holiday Party.

Here are some of the charities we are supporting this year in case you are interested or are looking for places in need of help. They represent some of our big areas of concern/interest - food security, npr, our alma maters, medical research, the church, kid's charities and disaster relief.

Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma - Pledges are currently being matched by Chesapeake
KOSU
KGOU
University of Oklahoma
George Washington University
Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics Foundation
Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation
St. John's Catholic Church
Project Night Night
Child's Play
Red Cross

Right page featuring the photo below (Tag - Elle's Studio, Stickers- Crate Paper, Brad- Dear Lizzy Christmas).

I'm actually turning this photo on its side, randomly, and printing it at 5x7.

Short, sweet and a different part of our holiday traditions than I'd documented previously.

Day 12: My Girl

2011-12-13T14:30:00.000-06:00

Dear Maggie,

Today, I woke up to the sound of you softly crying/whining from your room. I ran to greet you needing a hug from my girl after days away. When I opened the door you started crying and we had to snuggle for awhile. I'm not sure if it was that you'd missed me or that you were missing seeing your Daddy in the morning or were just waking up hard, but you were a sad girl. You are such a big girl now that you are bigger than my lap already with legs dangling over and blond hair everywhere. I held you for as long as I could as after a weekend with your big brother I know that all too soon you will be bigger still.

You made a very big-girl decision today. You decided you were ready to wear your panties to school for the very first time. I was a little nervous, but you were sure (I asked many times). You were right; you wore your panties all day to school with no issues even through nap time. We are all so proud of you. You were thrilled and so happy. (We did have a teeny accident at home later, but we're getting closer).

I love that you love crafting and having your picture taken too. This afternoon, you asked me to take your picture and wanted to use your "big smile." You also wanted a picture with the Santa you'd stamped into your notebook. Thanks to your love of pictures we have had several of these impromptu photo shoots lately and each is a treasure to me. Next, you were off to stamp and make Christmas ornaments and your brother was soon convinced that this was great fun too.As soon as your ornament was set you were off and running outside inventing games of your own in the cold winter air.

This is just a sample of what days with you are like. You are so bright, cheerful, talkative and full of life. I love the joy you exude and bring to all of us. You keep us up, moving and engaged throughout the day in the fun you create around you. It amazes me what a little leader you are already, always ready to propose the next activity or invite others to join in your independent play. You are a great little mom to your many babies and tell us all about them. You love blankets, singing, books, and jingle bells. You are starting to have opinions about your clothing and often ask for dresses and boots most days. You love being outside regardless of the temperature and are just now starting to love some kids programs on TV (Sesame Street, WonderPets, Dora, and samplings of others).

As the day winds down, we tuck you into your bed filled with many MANY blankets, stuffed animals, pillows, babies, and cup of milk. We snuggle you in and sing "Maggie had a little lamb" before kissing you goodnight. These days, you tend to sing and talk at least 30 minutes longer after bedtime. You are so different from your brother, just as I am so different than your Dad. We all compliment each other well, but I admit a certain joy in seeing a lot of my traits reflected in you.

I love you sparkle, joy, snuggliness and effusive love. Thank you my lovely, smart, wonderful little lady for enriching our family and being your own charming self!

Love and hugs,
Mama

Ten on Tuesday

2011-12-13T09:00:00.000-06:00

1. This is such an awesome video, I had to share and to Thank so much all of our military men and women, but also the families and other workers that support them, including the USO that makes this video reminder. (Video was found via Becky Higgins 12 Videos of Christmas).

2. I also found this article to share with you about the reality v. myth of children's rooms. I do love imagining my kids' rooms, but mine look much like hers and probably will more so when B & M start sharing a room. Still think having some pretty is important while acknowledging that we don't live in magazines. (again via Mom-101, as Liz has such good things to say!)

3. Yes, I"m behind on my December Daily and trying mightily to not be stressed about that as I've promised myself that I've abandoned the idea of "behind" when it comes to crafting, but not quite succeeding. Tonight, I am having a craft night with two of my besties so I'm sure that will work it all out.

4. A recipe! Because I'm full of interesting things today. Here is a sweet and spicy snack mix recipe from David Lebovitz. I've made it twice since discovering it yesterday for various holiday gatherings this week.

5. As you could tell from my Day 9 post - B and I have just returned from my cousin Rachael's wedding. It was wonderful to see our family and to see one of my very favorite people so happily in love and surrounded by people that care about her and about her marriage. So wonderful. Congratulations to Rachael and Dan! (More on this including a picture of the happy couple when I get around to posting Day 10).

6. After spending some time in the madness that is tracking and defending an 18 month old, I have to question how we'll handle that again. It is amazing how different a 2.25 year old is from an 18 month old. Zane is awesome, adorable and fun, but you must constantly be on your guard as who knows what might happen next. Good news Audra and others in 18 month old land. It is temporary! I no longer panic when M is out of sight and she is no longer totally destroying things on whim. Not quite as calm as her older brother, of course, but compared to the wildness of 18 months old (her or Zane or many others I know) she is quite low key.

7. So exercise--- we usually have a blip about that here, right? Yeah, no exercise this week (gasp of horror!) But, I'm back in OK, somewhat more healthy and promising myself some gym time very soon. Definitely Zumba on Friday and Swimming on Saturday and hoping one day between now and then at least!

8. M and Brent spent much of the weekend playing with Grammy and Granddaddy. I am told they had a wonderful time and even tried felafel together (Brent loves felafel, but his parents and M were new to the scene). I hear they also took the jingle bells off our Christmas tree periodically to do their own rendition of jingle bells before pretending to nap in front of the tree with all M's blankets and babies. Sounds like a lot of fun to me!

9. I have this rule that if I'm getting Christmas presents for adult friends it needs to be something they will actually love, not just a check the box here is something type gift (yes, most of my friends end up not getting gifts, but we're cool with that). That said, if you have any cool ideas for my 30 something friends I'd love to hear them!

10. Funny moment from yesterday, the kids are busily crafting away with their stamps and moving on to making Christmas tree ornaments with the kits from Chrissie when I get super excited and have them look outside at what I "think" is a dusting of snow. We investigate and B informs me it is "just dry grass, Mom" yeah... I'm excitable that way. No clue when we might see a snowflake, but they did enjoy some playtime outside in the dead grass in the meantime.

Happy Tuesday to all!

Day 9: My Boy

2011-12-12T22:24:00.000-06:00

Friday, brought a very early start to our mother/son weekend adventure and prompted me to do my annual December Daily posting for B.

Dear B,
You were so full of enthusiasm even as we started our trip at 4am. I loved watching you experience air travel all over again, most especially our time on the plane. You never asked for a toy or distraction. Instead, you were all about the experience. You had many questions that I attempted to answer as you pondered flight and boxed at the sunlight just peaking through the windows as we neared Saint Louis. I am amazed and thrilled at how self-sufficient you are. For the entire trip you were in charge of your bag and your stuff and a great help. After arriving, we went to Target with Aunt Audra and my heart skipped as you ran jumping into my arms for a kiss. You are not so prone to ebullient joy or random affection so the occasional moments like this are all the more precious.

By afternoon, we were so tired from our already long day, and I knew you really wanted to just play with Zane and Aunt Audra, but that we'd all be better for some rest. For the first time in probably years we lay down together to take a "rest" that stretched into hours of napping together on the couch. I admit I watched you often as I wove in and out of sleep as in your sleep you seem much more my four year old than the older child you sometimes seem when you're awake.

Throughout the trip there were moments like these that are the treasures I was hoping our weekend would bring. Quiet "I Love Yous" as we fell asleep chatting in the hotel. Fighting bubbles after the wedding. Sitting with amazing patience through the reception. Complete comfort as you paddled through the hotel pool so thrilled to be in the water again. It was wonderful to watch you with Zane, to hear you talk video games with Zach, to nap again the last afternoon in preparation for a late night.

In fairness, there were some less ideal moments too like when you wouldn't talk to people, or pouted about the end of game times, but overall, it was a joy to be with you, to get to focus on you, to be together. You are growing up quickly my son. With another sibling coming into our house, I know our special dates will be fewer than we'd wish, but know that I cherish every minute. I love you just how are with those quiet echoes of your father and the sweet, kindness.

Thank you for all the joy today and the richness you've been bringing to my life for five years now, my sweet B

Love,

Mama

JYC: Day 10 - Paper

2011-12-10T09:29:00.001-06:00

Today's Journal Your Christmas prompt encouraged reflection on the role of paper in Christmas traditions. As Shimelle note, when you think about it paper is everywhere in Christmas from wrapping paper and Christmas cards through paper garlands and other decorations. This was the first time I had been drawn to notice the connection between the beautiful papers I use to craft and all the beautiful papers that can be part of Christmas.

I, sadly, am not one of those that has great skill or fascination with fabulous package wrapping. Brent's mom makes gorgeous packages and I feel lucky to receive them. However, the paper story I remember most with Christmas, or any wrapping gift occasion is that of my Grandma Dotter. Grandma Dotter, as with most of her generation was indelibly marked by life in the great depression. Those marks would appear in odd places throughout her life. On the one hand she would make a ziplock bag last forever. On the other, she would buy fabulous jewelry and expensive scarves later in life as a Doctor's wife. I love her love for beauty and try to absorb some of the use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without mentality....to varying degrees of success.

She, more than anyone, was of the school that very carefully unwraps packages using a knife to cut the tape, and saving every piece folded carefully to be used year after year. This was hard for kids to handle, as it was a slow, careful process. Looking back though there was some charm in seeing paper repeated over the years. This paper care was a little thing, but an image of her, and to a lesser extent my Dad who tried this at times too. Small, but now very precious and warm in a Christmas season that neither of them is here to celebrate with us.

What are your "paper" memories?
Ps. Dec Daily is probably going to wait until Monday, but I am collecting the stories as we roll down e interstate this morning.

(Note: This will also appear as Day 12 in my December Daily).

Day 8: City Scape

2011-12-08T21:09:00.000-06:00

Left Page 4x6

My rough plan for Christmas fun today was Popcorn and Christmas movies with the kids. The movies weren't as cool as we'd thought, but luckily a new plan emerged.


Left Page 4x6

Journaling: Happily, Uncle Able invited us to visit OK CityScape with him this evening. CityScape is a Lego Block creation of downtown Oklahoma City. Ticket sales go to help support disadvantaged OKC kids via Educare. This year, it included some accidental alien visitors as they explored the city. I think the kids most enjoyed the build tables, and happily kids and grown-ups all had a wonderful time. We wrapped up the evening with some shared sushi and plans for the great voyage tomorrow.

The resulting design:

Above photos will go on the left here up to the edge of the paper.

Journaling on the right - edged again in Brick Wall Liquid Chalk

Full spread with overlay between.

B and I are leaving early tomorrow for Saint Louis so I'm not sure when I'll post next, but am bringing a small kit so I "might" keep at least the journaling up while I'm away. I'll be back to typing on Monday, if not before. Have a lovely weekend!

Day 7: Books!

2011-12-07T21:51:00.000-06:00

Left page 3x5

Left page 4x6

Left Page - 3 photos

Another multiple picture day. I loved capturing them opening their first wrapped gift above and just needed this pictures that are so them in the book. I also wanted to capture the "reading" and joy of book day so I'm including the group shot as well. All on the Left page - the first two will go across the top 3x5ish and the group shot near the bottom left 4x6. (The stars are Jillibean Soup ones that I rubbed with Brick Wall fluid chalk and spritzed with Perfect Pearls Mist - Sunflower Sparkle, the star is from Maya Road, and the tag is Ormolu).

Right Page - "books" below will go in the pocket with this tag from the gifts.

Journaling: Books are an important part of everyday and every celebration in our family. Grandma B brought a book for each little one today, carefully wrapped which added to the fun. She read each one, accompanied by M on the drum and B on the cowbell. Then they shared one more favorite before Grandma said farewell.

In the evening, as we sat down for book time, I surprised them with two more wrapped books. We read the new books and two others before tucking them in for book-filled dreams.

The tag pocket above was fun to make. I used more of the liquid chalk to turn the tag colors, then spritzed with the Sunflower Sparkle. It was so quick and yet a complete transformation from the plain manila tag. The Canvas star is from Jilibean and as with many of the goodies today just arrived in the mail! (Other Supplies: Tag is Elle's Studio, Number 7 is from Crate Paper, Tap is Amy Tan for AC, and I again used Mister Huey In Estate Green to color my stamps).

Will be cropped into "books" and added into pockets on the right

To be cut apart and added to the pocket on the right page

The books we read today: (Amazon Affiliate links)

Ten on the Sled,The Gingerbread Girl Goes Animal Crackers,Drummer Boy,A Pussycat's Christmas,Swim, Little Wombat, Swim!,The Jolly Christmas Postman,Fireman's Safety Hints

The two page view - Day 7

Ten on Tuesday

2011-12-06T23:23:00.001-06:00

1. So apparently my mom DOES like TheBloggess and would like me to stop making assumptions.... sorry Mom! Meanwhile, if you're not so familiar with TheBloggess you may not know about the accidental miracle she and her readers put together last year. There is some profanity in the link, but an amazing group gifting story too. Very cool. This year, she is taking a different approach (in an attempt to not hurt herself while helping others). I am participating and donated to Project Night-Night on this list and think it is full of lots of great inspired giving ideas. Take a look!

2. I need to buy a new printer. Ideally, it would print photos, print in color, scan, copy and do normal printing too without driving me insane or costing a huge amount. Also, not having to have both cartridges full of ink to print in black and white would be nice. Any recommendations?

3. Potty training---I was all for waiting, she keeps slowly improving. This seems such a lengthy ordeal. So ready for it to be over. Princess panties are terribly cute though.

4. Band-aids -M appears to be allergic to whatever the sticky part of the band-aids is. Do any of you know of an alternate? I'm not clear if it is the material of the band-aid or the adhesive, but her skin is angry for maybe a week or more after taking the band-aid off.

5. Exercise - It seems I manage to sneak in my three days each week, but my body rebels if I try more. After my jog last week, my hip hurt as well as my feet. So, I did alternate things and promise to see a real doctor when my insurance is fixed in January. (There was YET ANOTHER insurance debacle today... I'll spare you the details).

6. B is being introduced to Zelda this week. It is pretty tricky compared to his gaming experiences so far, but he apparently is catching on. He has, officially, surpassed what I can easily teach him though (not surprising AT ALL).

7. B and I are going on a trip this weekend to my cousin's wedding in Champagne, IL. We also get to spend Friday mostly hanging out with Audra and Zane (after a very early flight). Very excited for the "break" but somewhat shocked that it is this week as we have not really prepared at all. Brent and M are, I'm sure, going to have wild parties while we're gone (or maybe go visit Grammy and Granddaddy).

8. I did finally get M a warmer winter coat. It is, regrettably, not as cute as I want her coat to be in my imagination, but it really mostly needed to be very warm as temperatures hover in the 20s.

9. I have a cold. It really isn't even a bad cold and I've had it for a week or so, but my voice is pretty hoarse right now... there might have been a teeny bit of yelling today that probably didn't help. I really am basically fine other than sounding icky though and as it will have been nearly two weeks on Friday do plan to travel.

10. I "think" we're about 90% done with our Christmas shopping. I've even ordered some teacher gifts (which I usually don't remember to do and end up buying gift cards). That said, I'm making a couple of the other presents and those need some attention and I'm still missing a present or two in the Maggie column as she is strangely hard to shop for this year...hmmmm... close, but not there. I did order Christmas cards though. Crossing my fingers that they look OK.

Other than all you've been reading in December Daily that's what we've been up to.

PS - What's with all the capital letters today? I should probably get more rest.

Day 6: Trimming The Tree

2011-12-06T21:48:00.000-06:00

4x5 on Left Page

Here, the kids have started playing games in the tree box and taking pretend naps while Daddy works on the lights.

Left Page

Behind the journaling cards, I will add the above photo. The journaling goes in the pocket as do wallet size prints of the below photos.

Add to pocket on Right page (might use divided protector as alternate)

Journaling: I love setting up the Christmas tree. The glitter, memories, and smiles. Today, I needed a little of that magic. It mostly worked. There were the expected bumps in the lighting process and kids that were easily distracted by the awesome box the tree comes in. We focused on the fun though. We listened to the Pandora Christmas station, played A Charlie Brown Christmas in the background and made our house glitter. Seeing the glitter in my husband's beard made my day. He is an awesome Dad and we have a beautiful happy tree covered in glitter, bells, words, and memories-- just like I dreamed.

5x7 on the Left page

I think this is a classic part of the Christmas process. Here, Brent tries to figure out while just this one row will not light. B watches from the side. It turned out just one bulb had fallen out and all was well.

Right page

This will be added to this canvas page on the right (pictured above). The stamp is from Tim Holtz and the ink is actual the Studio Calico Estate Green Mister Huey. As of tomorrow, I can probably make stamp pads for my mists, but for today, I had to spray the mist on this stamp and paint it onto the stars on the left page. It works! (The star pin is from Maya Road and I'm thinking I need more of their trinkets for my stash.)

Both pages + central overlay sheet by Hambly

Book Bonus - Today for the first time this season we read The Jolly Christmas Postman. I love this book and all the Ahlberg books. It tells the story of the Jolly Postman delivering the Christmas mail to various story book characters and includes the mail he is delivering! SO much fun, but make sure you have 15 or more minutes to do it justice as you and the kids will want to explore each bit. M seems to have figured out that it is written by the same person as her beloved Each Peach Pear Plum as she now requests one whenever we are reading the other. Both are lovely and so rich in beautiful images.

Day 5: Hot Cocoa!

2011-12-05T23:06:00.001-06:00

Left page (back of Day 4)

Journaling: The high today was 37 degrees F with a low of 22 and winds gusting to 20 mph (= wind chill of 17). The best thing to do on the first truly cold day of winter in my mind is the snuggle at home with hot cocoa. So, of course, I intruduced our kids to this tradition. I enriched it a little with lots of left over cookies. We each had our own spin on cocoa: 1) Maggie - cold chocolate milk in her sippy cup; 2) B - warm chocolate milk, crazy Sonic straw, and marshmallows; 3) Me - Godiva Hot Chocolate with gooey marshmallows-- each based on our individual preference and each delicious. Maggie loved her side of marshmallows even more than the cookies! We all felt warmer and happier after our quick chocolate snack. Welcome to Winter!

Supplies: Title and sticker via Crate Paper's Peppermint line; Old Cosmo Cricket mitten and snowman embellishment from Evalicious--- although no real snow has appeared yet!

6x8 photo Top right page - my cuties!

See how patiently they are waiting for their cocoa while I snap away? Such pros at this by now. You can see each of our glasses of hot cocoa, cookies and their adorable smiles.

The photo will be printed 6x8 and attached at the top of this page (Echo Pak PP). I added the border strip at the bottom, but may leave it off so the patterned paper can show as most of it will be covered by the photo. I can always use it elsewhere, right? It features one of the Ali Edward stamps from last year as well as kraft cardstock misted with Perfect Pearl Sunflower (makes gold flecks).

This is what the full spread will look like with the Hambly lace transparency between the two pages. I might add some trim to the edge of the transparency, but this evening didn't find anything that fit. (Some new supplies are arriving soon so perhaps I'll find something later.

Thanks to all the new commentors and visitors this week. We love having you and hope you are enjoying the project as much as I am!

Day 4: Cookie Party!

2011-12-04T21:25:00.001-06:00

Our Christmas celebrations continued today with the Wainright Cookie Fest 2011. Showing you how the pages will work is going to be a bit trickier as I'm veering from my one picture model, but here we go!

6x8 photo on left page

Strip to be added to bottom of above photo on the left page - Patterned paper LilyBee Design,
Embellisments: MME and Crate Paper

Day 3 ended with an 8x8 photo so on the back of that photo I'm attaching the first photo printed to 6x8 (it just doesn't work cropped as a square). It includes the day cluster for today as well. In the past I would have just said, oh and I'll ad something later, but I'm really trying to absolutely all of it save the photos so here is the decorative strip ready to adhere.

Day four had a lot of photos that I really felt were needed to tell the story of the celebration. So I'm electing to used the divided page protectors as in Day 3, but this time a version with six slots. The above collages will be printed as 5x7s and then cut into 8 individual pictures. That left two slots in the protector that needed filling (front and back there are a total of 12 slots -8 pictures, and 4 decorative)

Front of divided page

back of divided page

The back has a list of the attendees, including those not pictured. (Again, these decorations would likely have been put off in the past, but are happily complete now). Embellishments: MME Lost & Found Christmas and Crate Paper Snow Globe Pattern Paper.

Right Page

At last, the journaling for the day is on a 6x8 page on the right. This was a pre-stamped page from an earlier Evalicious kit. The story of today was:

I love simple gatherings like today's. Good food, good friends, and plenty of time to enjoy both. Chrissie did a great job of planning it for the kids and adults too. For the kids there was cookie decorating, chef's hats, games, a house full of toys, and fun playmates. For the adults there was a very fun hot cider bar with fixings from syrups through ice cream and cinnamon whipped cream. There was also music, conversation, and shared kid watching. Donovan (6 months) was the most relaxed kid there, amazingly. The little girls (Ashtyn, Maggie, and Serenity had a blast together while B and the big boys played games, and I chatted with the ladies. A very tasty and relaxing day.

That's the plan for day four. One thing to keep in mind in building a book with various pages, not all of which are physically present is that I'm having to keep track of page sizes and making sure that the front and back of each page is matching up size-wise. It isn't a big deal, but I'm a bit nervous I'll overlook one somewhere. If so, I'm sure I'll just find something pretty to fill in the space from the various tidbits we're gathering through the month.

Thanks for visiting!

Day 3: Baking

2011-12-03T20:59:00.001-06:00

Day 3 begins on the back of the journaling page from Day 2.

Today was Baking Day! As you can possibly read above, the Wainrights (aka my oft mentioned friend Chrissie and her crew) host an annual Cookie Exchange so part of our December tradition is both attending their party and spending much of the day before baking. The kids started off very enthusiastic and loved finding their aprons, B put his chef hat on by himself, they both adored the crystallized ginger (as does Brent who was out working at the time), they were both very active and enthusiastic helpers. This did not, of course, quite make it through the other two varieties of cookies, but I enjoyed it all, particularly the many breaks with my helpers as we spread our baking across the day. (Letter stickers by Crate Paper, Embellishments from SEI, Evalicious and Bazzill)

The divider page is this cut down baseball card holder. I filled three of the four pockets with recipes we made today (Gourmet Magazine's December 2011 Chewy Ginger Cookies, My Grandma Melton's No Bake Chocolate Cookies, and many, many Meringues using the recipe from the Joy of Cooking). The journaling cards are from Elle's Studio. In the upper right, I used a small piece of Snow Globe paper from the Crate Paper Peppermint line with an October Afternoon sticker left over from last year.

This is the reverse, two panels have more of the recipes from the front. The upper right is another piece from the same Crate Paper Peppermint Snow Globe paper. The lower corner is a Jenni Bowlin bingo card that seemed appropriate for our peaceful day at home.

I took many picture of B in his chef's had stirring up cookies, but apparently didn't check them as none was free of blurriness as he was stirring the whole time. Ooops. So, we went with the fall back plan, which is Maggie and I snuggling during a break in the action. (I will print this out 8x8 which is why it is squared here). Maggie was all about snuggling and all about having her picture taken today. She set up an entire photo shoot earlier in the day with pictures by herself, with Daddy and with me. Some we took and some she did. (Wanna guess what Miss M is getting for Christmas.... -- yes, giving my two year old my DSLR does make me nervous).

That's the story for today. I am supremely happy to be doing a page a day for once with only pictures to print later. It feels more feasible, but we shall see as the weeks progress. B and I will be traveling next weekend so it will likely be a bit tricker, but here's hoping!

Day 2: New Life

2011-12-02T15:45:00.001-06:00

Today's post is miraculously early. (Believe it or not, I even finished the journaling page for yesterday and updated the Day 1 post here).

Today's story is about our new little one. We are delighted to share the news that I am 12 weeks pregnant and we are expecting our third (and we believe last) child in mid-June 2012. The journaling below tells of the little one's story today that included me getting these bonus pictures of a very squirmy little one while at my regular monthly appointment .

The next big moment was during my annual review when I shared the news with my boss and shortly thereafter with my colleagues. Everyone's joy is so wonderful and I'm so glad the secret is out at last. We are so excited to welcome this new little one into our family and already imagining next December with a six month old baby joining in the Christmas fun. Our very merry Christmas gift indeed.

December Daily: Day 1

2011-12-01T21:50:00.001-06:00

I love a parade! Yes, I was that band nerd from grade school well into college and the sound of a drum line still holds a very special place in my heart. I also think parades can be magical for little children and want mine to share in the music and spectacle. Today, my little family, Grandma B, Uncle Able and Katie all braved the cold for the Edmond Electric Christmas Parade. (Ok it was only 44 degrees, but it is early winter for us.) The wait for the parade might have been longer than the parade itself, but it was worth it. There were high school marching bands, a couple floats, fire trucks, police vehicles, military vehicles, twirlers, old cars, a horse, and Santa--- all covered with lots of electric lights. A perfect parade recipe. The joy in the faces of these two generations over a 15 minute parade, on a street filled with lights, on a cool winter evening was a great way to begin our holiday season.

Tonight's Book: Christmas At The Zoo

Ps. We attended this parade two years ago--- here is what our little lady looked like that night. Same beloved blanket, snugly pink ear flapped hat, but so very much smaller.

Crafting Note: I am going to print the top photo 8x8 and add most of the journaling below it by hand. I will try to upload the facing page soon, but will likely not print the photos for awhile as I do that off site. I am not remotely sure that I'll have enough control to do only one photo per day, but today I only truly loved this one and it told my story so bonus all around.

JYC: Manifesto

2011-12-01T11:25:00.001-06:00

Journal Your Christmas with Shimelle begins today as well. One portion of today's lesson was her Christmas Manifesto for the year. We are encouraged to write our own, and maybe I will, but I wanted to share the class one with you as well (with her permission) as it is wonderful:

We were also asked to fill in this card before beginning our own thoughts on a Manifesto. My initial, gut responses are below and interestingly track much of my One Little Word 2011: "Savor."

Thursday Web Finds

2011-12-01T07:30:00.000-06:00

A few webfinds that wouldn't quite wait for Friday:

1. I've seen this several places, but love the idea. You gather all your Christmas books up before December, wrap them and then unwrap one per day. I doubt we have 25 Christmas books yet, but probably will in a couple years when my kids are ready for this project. Read more here. For now, they each are getting one new Christmas book during December and we're putting the other ones we have in a basket for easy rotation into our day.

2. I'm always a fan of Liz @Mom-101 and enjoyed this article entitled "Remember the Donut" - so true.

3. I've been quite hesitant to mention my Bloggess fan status here as she is not my Mom's style (sorry mom and other maybe offended folks). I think she is hilarious though, particularly her love for the ridiculous and joy through all her ailments. This week, she is in a funny twitter campaign related to Stephen Colbert (whose show I also very much enjoy). Read more of the ridiculousness here.

4. I love words and graphic art and for a long while (maybe still) my little guy loved robots. So this robo alphabet art I found on Etsy (via Cool Mom Picks) is just too cool not to share. And for those less robo inclined, what about this awesome wooden wand -- yes, I kind of want one too.

5. I so SO want to go see the new Muppet Movie in the theater very soon. Meanwhile, these Kermit Keds make me smile. (also via Cool Mom Picks Holiday list -- maybe you should go read the whole thing, it rocks.)

I'll likely be back later with our first day of Advent/December Daily and maybe even tales from the Edmond Parade that starts at 6:30pm tonight in downtown Edmond if any of the locals are interested in joining us!

Recipe: Roasted Pears with Cranberries and Dried Cherries

2011-11-30T07:27:00.000-06:00

I have to admit, I never did fine a vegetable side dish that I thought would woo the masses at the Richards/Rouse Thanksgiving. I did find a fruit one (and after receiving proper permission) tried this variation that I thought was delicious. I began with Martha Stewart's Roasted Pears and Dried Fruit and then made some adjustments resulting in this:

Roasted Pears, Cranberries and Dried Cherries

Ingredients:
2/3 c. Apple Cider
1/4 c. brown sugar
2 T unsalted butter, melted
3 pears, cored and cut into 8 wedges each -- I used three different varieties of pears for more flavor
3/4 c. dried tart cherries
4 oz fresh cranberries
zest of 1 lemon, removed in wide strips with a vegetable peeler
juice of one lemon

(Optional- 1/3 c. reduced fat sour cream + 1 T Brown sugar as a topping).

Directions:
1) Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In 9x13 in baking dish, whisk together apple cider, sugar, and butter. Add pears, dried cherries, cranberries, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Toss to combine.

2. Cover with aluminum foil and bake 15 minutes. Remove foil and continue to bake tossing once, until fruit is tender and beginning to brown (25 minutes or more--- we found some varieties of pear took longer to cook than others so if you want a very consistent texture maybe use only one variety).

3. Optional - whisk together sour cream and sugar. Serve warm or at room temperature with the sweetened sour cream.

This makes enough for four -- I quadrupled this recipe and served it at both our family gatherings. Using the fresh cranberries did make some of the pears turn red, particularly upon subsequent reheating, but that didn't bother me at all. I hope you all enjoy it as well!

Ten on Tuesday

2011-11-29T21:09:00.001-06:00

1. Our lovely M has moved on from sometimes randomly repeating 40 x 8 to randomly yelling and discussing "salsa," although late today she admitted she wasn't sure what it was. The beauties of two. I have promised that she can taste some tomorrow. She has had it before and seemed to like it, but it has been awhile so we'll refresh her recollection.

2. We began all the Thanksgiving festivities with the Rouse/Richards fun on Wednesday. It was a long, lovely, delicious day. The kids had an amazing time playing with Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, Grandparents, etc... I focused mostly on the kitchen as I love to do. I managed to burn my hand rather badly, but otherwise all went well. A bustling house and a wonderful day. I "think" Jamie took pictures for me so I may have some to share soon.

3. On Friday, we had Thanksgiving at my Mom's house, complete with the Beef Wellington and Tarte Tatin (see below). My Grandpa Dotter, Uncle Jim, Aunt Laurie and cousin Kristen all joined us for a big feast. The kids were super excited to get to use their Thanksgiving placemats from school at both grandparents feasts. It was a very cold day, but most people found time for a walk or bike ride outside or fun in the leaves with the kittens before heading in for the late afternoon cheeseball. B LOVED the cheeseball this year -- a way earlier adopter of this tradition than his Uncle Able or many others have been.

4. One of the weird things about my Dad dying early is this need to have no regrets about some little things that I can control. Most recently, this meant that I spent $80 on 2.7 lbs beef tenderloin for my husband's beloved Beef Wellington rather than buying the cheaper cut. I wanted to do this nice thing for him now, while I can and not regret being cheap later. Of course, we discover later he would have been fine trying an alternate cut, but its the thought, right? Meanwhile, I think it is official and Brent has won everyone over to having Beef Wellington as an annual tradition. Everyone loved it and as high process as it is for the cook it is worth it for the rare food that Brent truly loves. (Here is the recipe we use from the Wall Street Journal. It says it takes five hours, but is probably doable in less than three and we do cut some corners, like not having truffle butter or veal bones in our process.)

5. This started to veer off into a multitude of other recipes, some long and some not. I think I'll share one more here than do a couple of side posts with recipes for you. I did make the Girls Gone Child Tarte Tatin -- simple and lovely. (Brent swears I won't make it again because it was easy, delicious and worked right the first time... we shall see).

6. After the Thanksgiving fun at the farm the kids helped my Mom decorate her Christmas tree and the house. They and she loved it. I think another new tradition "might" be in the works! (Yes, all these pictures were taken with my phone as my camera ran out of battery early in the farm visit.. sad).

7. B was a super helper today. He did everything I asked without protest, helped his sister with many things, and generally was a rockstar..... somewhere in the middle of this I began to realize his voice is all funny and his eyes are red so maybe a allergy plagued rockstar? (Hoping to skip yet another round of colds).

8. Oh the mortgage refinance.... We have finally signed some papers and sent them off for our "streamlined" refinance... there were more than 150 pages in the packet and it required some dashing around OKC for signatures, copies and bothering my lovely finance guy (Able-- he can be your finance guy too -405-314-6209). In short, it really didn't seem too streamlined to me. If all goes well it will finally be finished in about three weeks and the year of the pondering the refi will be over. Really it only took so long as we so deplore the gathering the 150+ pages and signing our money away all over again. It did seriously inspire me to buy a new printer after borrowing my Mom's this weekend demonstrated that printing can, in fact, be pain free. Who knew?

9. Exercise--- how you can tell it was not a good exercise week is that this is way down by number 9. I ran last Tuesday and Wednesday and have done nothing much on the cardio front since. Last Wednesday's run was awesome as I got to run outside with M and made it the whole way with no walking. Just awesome-- followed by long weekend and generally droopiness (in denial about cold possibilities). I WILL exercise tomorrow one way or the other... seriously.

10. I don't know if you've noticed, but there is only one day left in November. For you my happy blog readers, this means the beginning of much more active posting from me as we begin December Daily. While I do plan to do my journaling in the book by hand, I will still journal here and probably a bit more than the book will eventually see. I also plan to upload photos almost daily as in the past. I am both excited and just a bit trepidatious at the size of it all. The good news is that B remembers things from our Advent swirl last year fondly and so loved the Christmas beginnings at my Mom's this weekend so I know it is all worth it.

I hope you all have a wonderful week and hope to hear from you soon!

Ten on Tuesday

2011-11-22T23:11:00.001-06:00

1. I have been wondering why I was so much more tired this week-- and then I remembered, I haven't run in about 10 days due to various sicknesses and doing some other types of exercise (swimming, zumba, weights, etc). So, back on the treadmill I went and am much more awake this evening. Hooray!

2. Tonight was the last night of swimming classes for this round. B, again, refused to yell help during the safety training-- this drives us and his teacher crazy and Brent may have uttered some sort of ultimatum about next time...In any case, basketball is starting soon!

3. I came to the odd realization that while I LOVE making pie for Thanksgiving and it is in fact almost the only time I make pie, I don't have any actual pie in my baking plans as for the moment planning on Tarte Tatin and Chocolate Mousse for the farm... may have to reconsider.

4. I had an impromptu crafting evening with Tracie this evening. I love our random evening chat/craft adventures and wish we got to do it more. Here's hoping we see each other again soon dear friend.

5. Our kids are growing strangely fond of Yo Gabba Gabba --- I am not. I would rather Sesame Street for hours, but do get some chores done if they are watching it, I suppose.

6. B and M have been having Thanksgiving feasts at school this week. B is fairly tight lipped about what they are eating, but quite enthusiastic about their costuming. His class was the Indians and M's wore hats that looked like turkeys. I asked if there were any Pilgrims. He said he didn't think so, but that Miss Milena's class wore black hats with belts on them--oh right, Pilgrims. We did get lots of fun Thanksgiving art this week too.

7. Tomorrow the kids are out of school and Brent is taking his furlough day for the month. They are so excited for a play day while I work. So far the plans are a trip to the library with Daddy and maybe getting to see Grandma at lunch. I think we are all ready for a break from the work/school routine and very excited for Thanksgiving.

8. We went to the St. Joseph's Thanksgiving Dinner in Bison this week. I had THE best kolache of my life and got to visit with some old friends while enjoying a delicious meal. We were quite early, so as to get the best kolaches, but had a weird experience trying to get into town as both main entrances were closed due to railroad work. Not great timing as this is arguably the highest traffic day Bison sees most years. In good news, it looks like most people found their way around the detour as the dinner was bustling.

9. I again ask Brent for a topic idea and in addition to some of the above the thought I should bring your attention to the Echidna's. Everyone knows about the platypuses being mammals that laying eggs, well the Echidna's (aka spiny anteaters) are also in this group. They principally live in New Guinea and Australia and you can read more from Wikipedia here.

10. As most of you know, I am a big fan of Orangette's sweet potato biscuit recipe. I make this recipe in huge batches and freeze most of them to reheat with later meals. However, I am very intrigued by Smitten Kitchen's new Sweet Potato (and marshmallow) biscuits and might give these a try this week as well as how could they not be awesome and so cute!

I hope you all have a lovely Thanksgiving. We are looking forward to spending lots of time feasting, talking and laughing with our family and friends and hope you do too!

Swim?

2011-11-20T08:30:00.000-06:00

Just in case you wanted a break from the Christmas prep - here is a picture of my cutie modeling my swimming cap. Not everyone can rock this look, but she makes it look good.

I actually did wear it to swim a slow mile at the Y yesterday. I think this is the first time I've swum laps since the week before this little lady was born so yes, I am feeling it. Today, we are voyaging north for the fun Bison Thanksgiving dinner and the beginning of a week of family, gratitude, and tradition. I think we are all greatly looking forward to it!

December Daily: Foundation 2.0

2011-11-19T13:40:00.001-06:00

I thought a bit more about what makes the completion phase of December Daily take a long time and realized it is the embellishing/decorating pages part. I love this part, but it does take a bit to get it just "right." I thought now while I have some momentum I might add a layer or two to some of the base pages to get that decoration phase started as well. Here are samples of what I did. The additions are small, but pretty and help build a good foundation to work with later.

This first grouping includes adding word tags, a doily, ribbon + Elle's Studio Tag and wrapping the last page in twine. Simple, fast, and much more visually interesting pages than before. The doily there will likely be a home for a number later on to show the date of that page.

I added some plain vanilla cardstock base pages too. The one on the left is misted with Studio Calico Estate Green. I will likely splatter some Plum Thumb on a page or two as well. Doing some painting/misting now saves on drying time later. The page at right has a border made from the Amy Tangerine Washi tape and a small Elle's Studio Christmas Pennant to be a home for the date later.

The rest of the doily and another pennant by My Minds Eye are here. The page at the bottom left was inspired by Shimelle's Pocket Page Challenge. I made a pocket out of one of the Jingle Index Cards and added a journaling card from Echo Park. The 7 Gypsies Tape at the top will hold the date later on. I went a bit further and added a little embellishment cluster at the bottom with an Ormolu tag left over from last year. This page will be very fast to complete with just a picture and some writing for the pocket.

The next sample was also inspired by a Shimelle challenge this week to weave some paper strips together for a Christmas project. I love the look, but was less certain when I was finished how to use it in practice. We shall see...

I may tinker a bit more while I have some momentum, but this is a sense of the prep I will have done to start December. So far, I think it is working well and am excited to see what it becomes.

Advent Preparations

2011-11-19T07:30:00.000-06:00

The word Advent derives from the Latin word meaning coming. It is traditionally a time of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of Jesus' birth at Christmas. Modern traditions do a lot of celebrating of Christmas before Christmas actually starts and our family's traditions are a bit of a blend of both. Our tradition involves an advent calendar with activities and sometimes gifts building up to Christmas. (Our plan last year is here, but did vary a bit in the end. You can also see the Clever Faeries plan by my friend Chrissie).

This year we are trying individual Advent Calendars for each kid. They will be surprised on December 1 (yes, we're going by the month here, not the church calendar for simplicity and to jive with my December Daily memory keeping). We are also going to try using our Advent wreath as they have them at school and asked for one at home and I'm glad to do it.

B will get the LEGO Star Wars Advent Calendar, and M will get"Christmas Post Office" Advent Calendar by Playmobil, and yes these choices were inspired by Ali Edwards (and Chrissie). Each day they will get a little individual treat in these, so our family advent calendar will focus more on things we do together. I do not have days assigned yet, but plan to include:

Edmond Christmas Parade (Dec. 1 at 6:45pm)
Set-up the Christmas tree - yes, we wait until December.
Decorate their rooms/the house. We haven't really done much in their rooms before for Christmas, but B wanted to decorate for Halloween in his room so I suspect he might for Christmas too.
Downtown Edmond Christmas events - there are events most weekends including carolers, wagon rides, music, food, gingerbread house competitions etc. (You can read more here).
Downtown OKC Events - there are a lot things going on in OKC too and all listed here.
Ice Skating - maybe at the Devon rink downtown. We didn't make it last year and I REALLY want to take the kids.
Garden lights and Free Crystal Bridge admission (Sundays in December)
Read - Each child will get a new Christmas book. The are getting Ten on the Sled and The Gingerbread Girl Goes Animal Crackers (upon Chrissie's recommendation).
Music - I bought the new Michael Buble Christmas CD, but may get a more "kid" CD too.
Bake Cookies
Attend Annual Cookie Party (at the Waingright's)
Drive through Christmas lights -- maybe Yukon or something more exciting this year as just did the Chesapeake lights last year.
Watch Christmas Movies - I bought The Original Christmas Classics as we had trouble finding ones we liked on Netflix last year. We also have A Charlie Brown Christmas.
Make hot cocoa and enjoy it on the porch.
Adopt a family - adopt a family via the local Y and have the kids help shop and pack the goodies for them. (Alternatively, we might do the Samaratain's Purse Christmas catalogue or boxes)
Christmas craft day -- still working on ideas, but a must!
Gingerbread house day- B has asked to do this again this year, preferably with Grandma B and I told him we'd work that out as well.
New PJ day - I planned this for Christmas Eve last year, but then there was PJ day at school so they opened them early. I'll be flexible with this again. (Any ideas for where to find cute PJs appreciated).
Candy Cane Hunt - this is another inspired by Chrissie, but was a HUGE hit last year and will definitely make a reappearance.
Set up Nativity (and read nativity story) -- in my family we move the characters towards the Nativity as it nears Christmas and add baby Jesus on Christmas itself (and wise-men on Epiphany) so we'll do that again too.
School parties - the school will certainly have celebrations so we will let that be our activity one day.
Visiting Santa - I'm not sure if we'll do this or not, but perhaps. I think St. Nicholas will likely visit them at school which might be enough as B is not so in to taking pictures with strangers.
Christmas Puzzle or Game - not sure on this yet, but sounds fun.
Christmas Tea - may or may not happen during Advent depending on schedules.
Making Christmas, Thank You, or other cards for the troops (See Stephanie's post here).
Other days may just be sticker day, crafts/baking, making presents, or things to read from our existing stash of books.

So, that gets us pretty close to 25 days and I actually have most of the supplies at hand. Hooray!

We grown-ups may have a little fun of our own too as I am hoping to get back to our monthly date night in December, possibly see the Nutcracker with my girl friends, and of course make and send Christmas cards.

Any ideas? I'd love to hear how you prepare and celebrate the season and appreciate ideas for our own celebrations as well.

December Daily 2011: Foundation

2011-11-17T21:33:00.000-06:00

It is time again for the joy and madness that is December Daily. For those of you new to the adventure, this is basically an album that covers each day of the month of December (give or take-- I usually only go through 25/26). It was originated by Ali Edwards and you can read more about the concept and see her plans for this year (as well as all the material from prior years) here.

I am embarking on my third year. Samples of my 2009 and 2010 work are here on the blog. If you move forward from those posts you can see more of each year, but the final images from 2010 have yet to make their appearance (and thus will likely not). In 2009, I used a pre-made art-album by evalicious. It was full of all differently sized pages and lots of interesting bits she adds in. For 2010, I followed Ali's model fairly closely. Each page had a 5x7 photo collage on the left, a transparency and then journaling in matching boxes on the right. Some days had a bit more, but roughly the same pattern.

This year, I'd thought I'd follow Ali's lead, but kept hesitating to start, and began to wonder what was holding me back from embracing this project. I love Ali's design and thing the planning and the end result are simply gorgeous, but as it wasn't feeling right for my book, I reexamined what I like and don't like about the experience. I truly enjoy the resulting album, the planning, collecting, photos, and actually enjoy much of the process, but it is a big project and lengthy. As I can't print photos at home it often stretches on for some time while I await prints. My printer in general is pretty cranky and a lot of the hold up for me in the building phase was going to be printing the journaling pages and then printing the journaling onto them later. I did that last year, but did not enjoy it. I also found that I didn't really enjoy the formulaic approach as much as my Type A personality might suggest. Once, I accepted all that. Making my own foundation from the parts I did like was easy.

My base is an 8x8 Prima Canvas Album. I think it has been discontinued so somewhat hard to find. It is pretty neat in that it also has several interior canvas pages and sewn page protectors. Better still, it is bound with canvas ribbon so plenty of room to expand as this project grows.

Some of these pieces came from leftovers from the evalicious book I bought a year or two ago. Most of it though is just from my own stash of bits I've picked up and liked this year. I probably need a couple more sheets of double-sided patterned paper to fully stock my base, but I will also use the canvas pieces in the album for some pages. It turns out that random sizes and a lot of flexibility about which days I use them feels right to me this year.

10 6x8 pages that are patterned with ledgers, music, dictionary text, or other text/stamps on neutral bases
6 smaller pattern paper or cardstock pages
16 3x8.5 inch pieces of various hambly transparencies (mostly leftover from last year)

6 - 8x8 double sided pattern papers (and a couple slightly smaller patterned paper ones)

Packet of Lily Bee Designs Jingle Index Journaling Cards
Making Memories - Noell Spiral Journaling Book

Elle's Studio Large Christmas Journaling Tags
A couple red and white envelopes
5 - 6 pocket baseball card sleeves (cut down from larger pages)
10 extra 8x8 page protectors - I have not used page protectors for this project previously so we'll see if I use them this year. I'm going to go with what feels right as I progress.

A base is a good start, but to be ready to pull this off without too much stress later I also need a pretty good embellishment trove. By the end of last year's project my trove of things I actually liked using was pretty depleted. I've begun building this up again, but probably have one more purchase of some buttons, flowers, word stickers and Christmas tidbits to fill this out.

So far, in addition to the random bags at the top from last year there is Crate Paper Peppermint Collection, October Afternoon Mini Market letters, Elle's Studio - Journaling Circle Tags, Christmas Note Tags, Christmas Pennants, and their Lil Snippets Greetings, Dear Santa, Labeled - Christmas, Wish List, in the upper right is My Minds Eye Lost & Found Christmas Accessory Sheet.. I also have a 6x6 numbers collage template to use with chalk inks, as a stencil or maybe with mists, perhaps on some of the canvas pages.

You will notice a lot more journaling bits than last year. This is because I plan to hand write my journaling each day and many of the base pages are not conducive to me writing directly on the page (patterned, print, or color issues). Also, this collection lacks a set of numbers. I sort of agree with Shimelle that having a unified set when the rest of the album is a bit inconsistent would be good so a set of numbers to use throughout is up next on my purchase plan-- although I may just cut some out with my Silhouette.

Next up is designing a cover. One of the great things about the album is that the canvas allows a lot of flexibility in design while also providing some interesting textures. I started with this little cluster in the lower right (as I often do).

I rather like it, but think we probably need to add "2011" right in the center of the cover eventually. For now though, it feels like big progress and I'm ready to dive in.

One last note, I am also participating in Shimelle's Journal Your Christmas. I think having more than one source of inspiration will be great and probably help keep my album varied and interesting each year as I do tend to fall back to similar topics even in just two years of this project and would like to include some new things each time. Another great thing about Shimelle's class--- you pay once and have access to all future (and prior) offerings of the course. Very neat!

How goes your preparations for December? More on the other things I'm preparing from an Advent perspective coming soon. (If you're in a rush you can read last year's plan here).

Ten on Tuesday

2011-11-15T18:55:00.001-06:00

1. My health is a mess. I'm going to spare you the detail, but in the last three days have had a new issue a day, each miserable. I think Brent and I decided it was sometime around July or October 2010 when I was last fully healthy with no "issues." We're dreaming such a day comes again and working on that.

2. Per item 1 - less jogging this week. Only one day of jogging, a very nice run outside, alone with lots of wind. I did get to return to Zumba on Friday with Rosanna which was wonderful and hopefully by Friday I'll have at least a few of these issues under control enough to go again.

3. I "think" the refinance of our house is finally going to happen in the next couple weeks. Yes, we've been talking about this since probably February, but finally seem to have a deal that may work well.

4. I devoured a new set of books this weekend. The A Hidden Witch (A Modern Witch Series: Book 2)and A Modern Witch (A Modern Witch Series: Book 1) and Witches on Parole: Unlocked (A Modern Witch trilogy, book 1) all by Deborah Geary. These are a bit less intricate and complex than the A Discovery of Witches book I read last, but they are well written, thoughtful, and emotionally compelling stories of family, belonging, love and discovery. I quite enjoyed them and am happy to lend my Kindle versions to whomever is interested. (Yes, it is possible I should branch out a bit for my selection. Any light fiction suggestions?)

5. The kids have randomly fallen back into playing with the pretend kitchen they got from Santa last Christmas. We are getting all sorts of culinary treats and "diet coke" from M as well as lots of fruits and veggies from B. (Because they are healthy for me when I'm sick, I hear). He even made vegetable fruit soup today. Very sweet and lots of fun.

6. M is suddenly also taken with this little toy dog (or maybe it is a bear??) that you cuddle and it cries a little or snores when it sleeps. She feeds it a bottle and carries it around a lot, often in a basket with her toy big bird. She is very attentive which is good as that puppy is quite a demanding baby!

7. B went on his first really long play date last week with his friend Preston. He was at Preston's house for maybe five or so hours! I hear they had lots of fun playing games, eating Happy Meals and generally being small boys. I'm so glad it finally worked out as they have wanted to do this forever (as I guess seeing each other 25 hours a week at school isn't enough?)

8. Saturday was so odd this week - no football or soccer. We were sort of at loose ends so we fell back to errands and jogging before naps and Ashtyn's birthday party. Kind of nice, but probably the last quiet Saturday for awhile. We had Corwyn's birthday on Sunday too which I hear was awesome, but sadly missed home sick with ailment #1. Sigh.

9. I have my Thanksgiving food assignment for the Richards/Rouse festivities. I have been assigned a vegetable side, which is admittedly not my strong suit. The traditional things like mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, and probably green beans are taken so any one have a suggestion for me? Limited more as I probably won't have too much access to an oven immediately before eating time, but could possibly use a stove top. Brent says I should make the roasted cauliflower, but just did that for these folks in October so I'm brainstorming, but appreciate ideas. I'm trying to worm my way into bringing an Appetizer too, as I have ideas for that already. For Blakley/Dotter Thanksgiving I've requested to and hope to bring pies... we shall see. Here are some recipes you might consider from my blog posts in prior years:

Amazing Cauliflower
The Best Broccoli (link is to the Amateur Gourmet, my recommendation is here).
Raisin Cream Pie
Dotter Pecan Pie
Foolproof Pie Crust
Dotter Cheeseball
Thanksgiving Dressing/Stuffing

10. Happy Birthday to Jess, Erik, Corwyn, Emily, Ashtyn, Uncle Jim, Nick, Molly, and all the other November birthdays. I hope they are all lovely.

Have a wonderful week all!