In My Blessed Nest

Easy as A, B, C,

2012-02-15T14:33:00.000-08:00

We're four weeks into our "cram for the kindergarten readiness test" program. And doing quite well. I could take credit for the fact that both girls (Ellie and even Leighton!) know all their alphabet sounds. Or I could give credit where its due, and thank Leap Frog and their genius, child captivating Letter Factory Video. I don't know what it is about this thing, but they've done it right. They should give a money back guarantee or something. I'm telling you it works like a charm. Any parent I've ever talk to about it, raves. I've also been having fun with letter crafts from the Totally Tots website. After taking major pressure off myself to have a rigorous home preschool curriculum, and just slipping in little things here and there, I've seen lots of growth and had fun too.

Pressure off self...new motto that seems to be ebbing it way into several areas of my life. And its a very good thing. Especially for a girl who has had to live the last month without her stress releasers, my ex-bffs diet coke and coffee. Week E... here we come.

Valentimes

2012-02-13T11:49:00.000-08:00

Valentime's Day is almost here (I love it when kids call it that)! Not wanting to add to the truckloads of sugar the kids get, I picked up these pencils (and some cute boy's ones too) from the dollar bin at Target. 10 pencils for a buck. Whipped up a little note with some cute fonts from dafont.com (hundreds of free fonts folks), and there you go. There are so many cute valentine ideas out there this year (thank you pinterest). Here are some of my faves...

source

Happy V Day everyone!

valentiny

2012-02-09T15:42:00.000-08:00

As if Hershey Kisses weren't Valentiny enough...

Just use your favorite peanut butter cookie recipe, unwrap your candy hearts while the cookies are baking (I used Hershey's bliss heart shaped chocolates), try to resist eating them all, and gently press the chocolates in as soon as you take the cookies out of the oven. The chocolate will get very melty so (once again) try to resist touching them. They take about 12 hours to harden.

I will end there...and go console my crying 7 year old who is "heartbroken" that these were all given to her teachers this morning...

rain and a winner...

2012-02-07T20:38:00.000-08:00

It was one of those days where I didn't even want to get out of the house. Rare for me, as I am one to always be on the go. But the forecast called for rain. And because I am a good southern Californian, I did not dare venture out. Rain kinda freaks us out. People just don't go places because its raining. I guess we don't like to get wet, and we don't have the necessary get to prevent it. Not like it the PNW where rain boots and north face jackets are part of the every day wardrobe. Now, my girls all do own rain boots and jackets but they are usually used for dress up clothes. You know when you pretend its raining.

Anyway, I was content to sip my tea (but much less content than if it was coffee, which I have sadly been forced to give up) and catch up on things by the light of my gooseneck lamp. A lovely afternoon.

And now for what you've all been waiting for....the winner is.... Amanda F. Yeah! You are the proud winner of your very own Katy Daisy greeting cards. Please send me your email address so I can get them to you. Thanks for all the encouraging comments folks...I appreciate you!

I blog on...and a giveaway!

2012-02-06T00:00:00.000-08:00

Lately, blogging has been on the back burner for me.

I feel like I've got lots going on, and nothing going on at the same time. Ever feel that way?

I guess I am just not really making the time like I have in the past to sit down and blog.

Sometimes there's not much to say.

Sometimes there's no photos to share.

Sometimes there's no recipes, crafts, or thrifting finds that seem worth my time.

And sometimes life just seems too repetitive and similar to write about.

But then I look back at the 400+ posts that have made their way onto my blog.

Memories and thoughts captured.

And for each one I am so thankful.

Thankful I took the time to write and post.

So... I blog on.

Not to impress,

not to outdo,

not to draw attention,

but to capture and share a moment of significance to me.

A moment I don't want to let slip by and be forgotten.

A moment to be remembered.

And to celebrate 2 whole years of blogging...my first ever giveaway! Who doesn't love Katy Daisy? I fell in love with the "You are My Sunshine" poster the second I saw it. So bright, cheery, and joyful, right? Anyway, I was thrilled to find a set of Katy Daisy cards on a recent Marshall's run and am even more thrilled to get to share them with one of you! Just leave a comment and you could be the lucky winner. I'll take comments all day and announce the winner on Tuesday, February 9. Good luck friends!

Beauty and the Birthday

2012-02-05T17:14:00.000-08:00

Brooklyn celebrated her birthday Beauty and the Beast style this year. She got to take her sister Ellie, cousin Adina, and good friend Cielo, to see Beauty and the Beast in 3D. The girls munched popcorn for a steady hour and a half (only possible with bottomless movie theater popcorn), sang along (loud), and Ellie even got up to dance (music moves that girl). I loved sitting in the middle of all of them and watching them soak it all in. Then back to the house for a quick costume change in to her Belle dress (perfectly timely thrift store find, with minor alterations from a size 12 to a size 7) and pizza and cake with the family. Once again Grandma did not disappoint with the beautiful Belle cake, and Brooklyn made a haul with her gifts (especially with Squinkies this year).

7

2012-02-03T10:04:00.000-08:00

Happy Happy Birthday to the one who first made me a mommy 7 years ago.

I am so proud of the little lady you are, and am so blessed to be your mommy.

I love you Brooklyn!

love is...

2012-02-02T22:04:00.000-08:00

Love is

patient and kind

Love is not jealous,

it does not brag, and is not proud.

Love is not rude,

is not selfish,

and does not get upset with others.

Love is not happy with evil

but is happy with the truth.

Love does not count up wrongs that have been done.

Love patiently accepts all things.

It always trusts,

always hopes,

and always remains strong.

How are you celebrating love this February?

Star Dust, I must

2012-01-27T14:11:00.000-08:00

Stardust Donuts. The girls and I managed to stop at this semi-famous donut shop in Imperial Beach today. Because when you see the open sign in the window, you must stop. The little man who runs the place opens and closes it at his pleasure. But lucky for us, this morning we found it open. Freshly made cinnamon rolls are their specialty...much more of a donut than a typical cinnamon roll. Greasy, melt in your mouth goodness. Til next time Stardust (whenever that may be).

little feet

2012-01-25T13:45:00.000-08:00

I don't want these size sixers to ever get bigger. I looooooove these stage of the game with Leighton. Now, ask me how much I love it when we are in the full throngs of potty training next week (or maybe the next) and my answer may be a bit different. But if I could freeze her in time and have her forever be 25 months, I think I would.

She is a major copy cat...words (even naughy-potty ones), actions, mannerisms... and her favorite person to emulate...big sister Ellie.

She adores playing babies (especially with Daddy) and must give each baby the essentials...baba, passie, blanket, rattle. You're just not a baby if you don't have those four things.

She poops on the potty for jelly bellies. She'll do her duty for just one of those little guys (which obviously seem a lot bigger to her than they do to me).

She screeches with delight when Save the Baby Gecko comes on Wonderpets.

Has an incredible vocabulary and will repeat anything with perfect annunciation...including prophylaxis

She's quite a puzzle worker and has far surpassed my puzzling abilities.

She loves dancing to music but has firm opinions on which songs she does and doesn't like.

She likes to read to herself and finishes every story with, "The end. Did you like that story?"

after naps

2012-01-24T14:17:00.000-08:00

after nap routine...

mommy cuddles

rosy nap cheeks

wild nap curls

milk please

Wonderpets on

my girls

2012-01-21T14:08:00.000-08:00

Could they be more gorgeous?

FYI the online photo editing site Picnik is shutting down on April 19 but is offering premium editing for free until then. So use it while you can!

This week....

2012-01-20T13:38:00.000-08:00

This week...I took the plunge and started tackling the alphabet with Ellie (and Leighton too I guess). I realize each day how different my girls are and how I need to respond to their unique needs in different ways. Brooklyn teaches herself. Ellie needs someone to teach her (in very short segments!). We had great success and (remarkably) she is looking forward to next week and letter B.

This week... Leighton got her 2 year old shots. Probably the only 2 year old in history to tell the nurse, "Ouch that is hurting me," when she gave her the injection.

This week... we ventured to the mall for a new watch battery (aka: excuse to get froyo and peruse H & M and forever 21.)

This week... this continued to grow on the pinterest charts to number 7005 (repins that is). Yowza!

This week... we got a care package form Tennessee that included this Hello Kitty wonder. Love it. And love the grandma who made it too!

This week... I added to my girly books collection. Little House on the Prairie- love the blue binding. I think we'll get to that one this summer.

This week...our marble in the jar incentive continued. I finally found something that will get Brooklyn to play the piano. That girl thrives on positive reinforcement. And the funny thing is, I never mentioned what she'd get when she fills the jar. Just filling it is enough for her I guess.

he loves me

2012-01-14T08:52:00.000-08:00

this week he...

drove for hours and hours in so cal traffic to take me to see two friends and their adorable babes, and got me my all time fave vanilla latte to enjoy on the ride

let me indulge in these...and saved the last nutty one for me

spend endless frustrating hours wiring and putting this chandy in the girls room

he sure knows how to love me

framed

2012-01-11T21:07:00.000-08:00

I couldn't resist these paintings on my latest AmVets run. I love how they add color and life to the frame collection in my bedroom. Brett teases me that he feels like we are living in his grandma's house. So I knew I'd get flack for these. Because they obviously did come from someone's grandma's house. Instead I told him I painted them myself that afternoon. Because he is much more supportive of my artistic inclinations than my thrifting ones.

Banamana

2012-01-10T21:07:00.000-08:00

Who doesn't' have 3 overripe bananas laying around in their kitchen? You will rarely find mine without them. This week as I considered chucking them and calling it a day, (okay, they actually were in the trash but just for a few minutes) pinterest came through again with this amazing recipe for chocolate chip peanut butter banana bread. Could there be a more perfecta trifecta? I think not. So dig your bananas out of the trash and make a loaf.

Peanut Butter Banana Bread with Chocolate Chips
slightly adapted from Food.com

3/4 cup unbleached flour
1/2 cup whole wheat pastry flour (I used 1 1/4 c white wheat four instead of unbleached and pastry)
6 tablespoons white sugar
6 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 medium very ripe bananas, mashed or whizzed in food-processor
1/3 cup crunchy peanut butter
2 tablespoons plain fat-free yogurt
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 tablespoons canola oil
3/4 cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips tossed in 1 tablespoon flour

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Coat 9X5 inch loaf pan with cooking spray; add a strip of parchment paper to bottom of pan for easy removal.

Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in bowl. In another bowl or bowl of mixer, mix bananas, peanut butter, yogurt, egg, vanilla, and oil. Fold in flour mixture until no streaks of flour remain, then gently fold in chocolate chips. Scrape batter into loaf pan. Bake 40-50 minutes, or until toothpick comes out with few moist crumbs. Cool in pan on wire rack 15 minutes; carefully remove from pan and allow to cool completely on wire rack before slicing.

blowin' up

2012-01-09T20:55:00.000-08:00

Source: inmyblessednest.blogspot.com via Erin on Pinterest

I had to change my Pinterest email notifications today. Why, you ask? Well, when you have it set to notify you when someone likes or repins your pin, and you are pinned 1826 times and liked 594 times, it creates a bit of an email backup. That many people like this? Something I made? Wow! It is seriously blowing me away. And it is a perfect example of exponential growth. 10 pins one day, 50 the next, then 100...and over 500 just today! I'm actually wondering when it will stop. And also how I can capitalize on this new found popularity... ideas?

choco-late

2012-01-08T22:31:00.000-08:00

When the neighbor drops these off on December 15th you are stoked. But when he drops them off on January 8, you know each piece you consume is laced with guilt. Its okay to indulge before Christmas. Even for the week after. But come January 1, everyone knows, its cut back mode. Seriously, do you know anyone who could eat these guilt free right now? My guilt comes form knowing he 4+ pieces I've downed this afternoon/evening are going to mean more exercise on top of the needed exercise that I am yet to do. So will someone please come and steal these while I sleep tonight so they don't become my breakfast tomorrow? Either that, or give me an injection of self control and discipline (also in my sleep as I don't handle shots well). Thanks.

spinderella

2012-01-04T16:55:00.000-08:00

Th girls got an awesome spin art kit for Christmas...

I couldn't help but be reminded of the day when spin art was wearable...and actually desirable. Is it ringing a bell for anyone else besides my jr. high besties? You know the place where you go, pick out a poly blend crew neck sweatshirt and a slew of neon puffy paints, and then spin the heck out of that guy until you have a beauty like this. Oh the 90's, what a decade.

2012

2011-12-31T06:50:00.000-08:00

two at the zoo

2011-12-30T06:55:00.000-08:00

I love throwing birthday parties for my girls. And typically I go all out. My mother-in-law still teases me about Brooklyn's first birthday party and how the live ladybugs got loose in my trunk. It was a ladybug party...you obviously have to have live ladybugs for a ladybug hunt right? Themes are my thing. Handmade invitations, unique decor, hand cut banners, coordinating paper goods, homemade cakes and cupcakes, crafted party favors, (hours on pinterest)... you get the idea.

But I really reigned myself in this time. Simplified. And it was totally great. For Leighton's second birthday party, we had a two at the zoo party. Just family, smuggled picnic lunch, and simple (and somewhat smashed) funfetti cupcakes.

Did she feel ripped off, neglected, or overlooked? Not for a second. She loved it.

two

2011-12-29T06:43:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Little Leighton...

Oh, how I love you so.

Leighton loves...

hiding

doggies and kitties

playing babies

having everything her big sisters have

waking up Daddy

babas and blankies

riding in her "seat car"

going to the park

lollies

socks and shoes on

lip gloss and fingernail polish

giving hugs and kisses

christmas 2011

2011-12-27T16:19:00.000-08:00

christmas eve fire gazing

true christmas story reading

early christmas morning finding

christmas morning eating

christmas dress wearing

christmas gift wrap tearing

cousins christmas sharing

christmas duet playing

a very merry christmas

2011-12-24T09:53:00.000-08:00

Hoping your Christmas is filled with the warmth of home,

love of family,

and blessings of our Savior Jesus Christ.

Merry Christmas!

insta-christmas

2011-12-19T07:40:00.000-08:00

Signs of the season...

carol singing,

gift wrapping,
sweet snacking,

Christmas crafting,

hot drink sipping,

present shopping,

party planning,

baby Jesus worshiping,

each moment relishing.

a. I'm back into embroidery. Talk about relaxing. I hadn't done anything since this and this, but am currently inspired and hoping to do more. I'm picturing stitching by the fire with a hot drink every night this week!
b. Made several of these signs as gifts for family and friends. Way to use that old scrapbook paper eh?
c. More embroidery...and my latest thrift store seal...the coveted plaid thermos (actually scored 2!)
d. Felt wreath...lots of cutting for those scallops but much faster than the yarn wrapping for sure.

2011-12-13T13:03:00.000-08:00

Just like everyone else, our lives are busy and hectic as ever this season. Compound every Christmas rehearsal, program, recital, choir, party, etc. with a family wide severe cold and we've had quite a month already. I am finally coming back to the land of the living after 10 days of suffering form every cold symptom imaginable. Anyway, despite all that, we are still getting into the Christmas spirit. Especially little Leighton. This is the first Christmas she has been able to understand what is going on and really enjoy all the special parts of Chirstmas. She...

- sings (okay, mouths the words) and does hand motions to Away in a Manger

- loves Baby Jesus, Mary, and Joseph

- tells you the angel said, "Fear Not"

- tries to open packages and then says, "It was an accident"

- loves the Snow Monster form Rudolph (maybe the only 2 year old in the world who does!)

- hangs (and rehangs) ornaments like a pro, saying "oopsie doodle" when they fall off

- says "I don't like saving them" when we tell her she has to save her presents until Christmas

- has gotten very attached to her Nutcracker doll, thus detaching his sword, arm, and various other body parts

- said, "mommy its so, so beautiful", when she saw lights downtown for the first time

And I am beside myself this year to see the girls open their presents. I can't wait to see their little faces light up with joy. I don't like saving them either, Leighton!

Krispy Kreme Kristmas

2011-12-08T13:55:00.000-08:00

Our mid morning pick me up today was in the form of Krispy Kreme. We have a local shop but don't go often because we get our weekly dose of Krispy Kreme at church every Sunday. Plus its a little store and doesn't have the doughnut making apparatus that makes a trip to KK so thrilling. But we ventured in today and found two things almost as thrilling as the hundreds of doughnuts on the conveyor belt.

#1 Adorable snowman doughnuts (not jelly filled- my kids and I aren't big fans of the fillings, doughnuts are messy enough alone, not to mention the ones with red goo oozing out of them from every angle). Actually, I think the girls may bee happier with solid frosting doughnuts (as seen in exhibit D).

and #2 drum-roll please.......The place is actually a Krispy Kreme/Coffee Bean! Now how I can be as big of a Coffee Bean fan as I am, and live minutes from one (inside a doughnut shop no less) without knowing is beyond me. Who was holding out on me here? I figured they just sold the plain old Coffee Bean coffee in Krispy Kreme cups. But no. I did indulge in my favorite of all time, vanilla latte. Puts Starbucks to shame, hands down. So thank you to the genius who brought KK to the west coast, and an ever bigger thanks to the even bigger genius who teamed up with the Bean.

tiny dancer

2011-12-07T21:46:00.000-08:00

Its that time of year again...ballet recital quickly approaching. Dress rehearsal down...big performance to go. Ellie is gorgeous in her costume and bun. A perfect ballerina. She had a completely different demeanor wearing it. Very proper and princess-like (despite the complaints that her tutu didn't fit in her booster seat and she was NEVER going to wear it in the car again). She even left her hair up the whole time... which is amazing for a girl who likes to wear her hairbands on her wrists more than she does her hair.

sallted caramel goodness

2011-12-02T22:20:00.000-08:00

Okay, since I've recently cut the coffee around here, I've had to get creative with hot drinks.

When I'm good, its peppermint or chamomile tea slightly sweetened with truvia.

When I'm bad, its this...salted caramel hot chocolate.

You need all this good stuff, and hot milk (water just wont cut it here folks).
Warm your milk (you know your grandma would do it on the stove, stirring it the whole time, but you can nuke yours).
Mix in the cocoa mix.
Add a few shakes of sea salt and a few squirts of caramel.
Stir.
Load it up with whipped cream.
Repeat caramel and salt.
Enjoy.

manthropologie

2011-11-30T15:58:00.000-08:00

Brett asked for a not-so-extreme office makeover.

He wanted to cool-ize the place.

(I guess this means he's planning on staying for a while right?)

I told him I'd do it up Manthropologie style.

I got to work...

sewing navy and white chevron print pillows,

making a dictionary paper covered cork board,

and creating a wall of clipboards.

He got to work...

cleaning out a lot of junk paperwork,

computer disks (yes, I said disks),

and VHS tapes.

We got to work...

painting walls

and creating these...

Love these lyrics that have been floating around on all kinds of blogworld projects.

Perfect for that artistic at heart worship leader right?

And my biggest compliment from one of the girls on his worship team...

It looks like Pinterest in here!

Mathro complete.

oh the weather outside is frightful...

2011-11-28T21:51:00.000-08:00

I guess us southern Californians need to make up our own Christmas songs. 82 degrees and super sunny today. Hot enough for these girlies to take a dip in the pool. That's why they sell bathing suits year round down here.

thank you black friday

2011-11-26T15:15:00.000-08:00

I'd love to be a black Friday shopper.

a. I love to shop.

b. I love a reason to get up early (other than children crying to get out of their cribs).

c. I love the thrill of a bargain hunt

But at this point in my life, my only black friday shopping is in the comfort of my own home, in front of a computer screen. No amount of savings is worth toting around 3 tired, grumpy children and subjecting them to waiting in lines longer than Disneyland, with much less of a thrill at the end.

I did, however manage to drag the girls out of the house for some Saturday shopping. I figured these two places would not have the holiday shopping insanity that the mall would. First stop, Dollar tree. No black Friday sales there. At Dollar tree every day is Black Friday. Second stop, thrift store. Not a lot of holiday shopping going on there either. But what do you know, they did have a 50% off sale! Who knew? So...

I just couldn't...

resist...

these beauties form Christmases long ago...

from my favorite hole in the wall thrift store...

for $3.25 total.

Thank you Black Friday for keeping all the other shoppers away form my store.

thankful

2011-11-24T00:00:00.000-08:00

giving thanks for so much today...

love...hope...peace...

family...friends...home...

And speaking of home...head over to Life Made Lovely and take a peek inside our lovely home...

blessed

2011-11-22T22:13:00.000-08:00

I am blessed...

beyond..

measure...

my girls,

my man,

my home.

christmas in a jar

2011-11-20T21:07:00.000-08:00

On my last sale table/window shopping trip to Anthropologie, I found some adorable, but not necessarily affordable, mason jar snow globes. Of course my crafting wheels started turning, and I came up with a rendition of my own (for an absolute fraction of the price at anthro). So if you want a project to kick off your holiday decor...look no further...

Gather up those mason jars you've got in your stash...or if you're not an obsessive jar collector like myself, head to Walmart and buy a case of 12 jars for under $10. Micheal's also sells single mason jars in several sizes for $1-$2. I started with wide mouth pint jars. The wide mouth jars give you more surface area on the lid to work with, especially if you want to use multiple trees.

Give them all a good shine inside and out before you start working.

Now, head to your miniature Christmas tree farm and pick out your trees. I had to get a variety pack because Michael's was all out of the small trees (probably due to all those Christmas nuts setting up their miniature cities already). Anyway, I got a bag of 21 trees, 40% off for $13. They range in size from 3-10 inches. The small and medium sized ones work great in the pint jars.

Get your lids ready...

Play around with the trees to find a set-up that suits you. Make sure the trees will fit when you put the jar on the lid, and that they fit inside the rubber seal around the lid so it will close properly. I did some with three trees and some with just one.

And on to the ~~messy~~ fun part. If you are glitter-fobic, you could do without... but come on, who doesn't love glitter at Christmastime?!? Totally worth the mess I believe (as I walk around the house with glitter on the bottom of both feet!). I'm sure there are lots of different adhesives you could use with the glitter, but I had mod-podge on hand (like every good crafter) so that's what I used.
Dab it on and shake away (the glitter that is).

Let these sparkling beauties dry thoroughly before you go any further (I speak from experience here).
I went ahead and glitterified all my trees at once to save myself form another glitter bath later.

Use a hot glue gun to glue the trees to the lid. Again, make sure to stay within the rubber seal, or the jar will not close. And once you stick these babies...they're stuck, so take your time
(again, speaking from experience).

Oh Christmas tree, oh Christmas tree, how gilttery are your branches...

And since I'm already singing...

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow....

After you've got your trees on, you can add snow to settle to the bottom (or top I guess) of the jar. I played around with regular sugar, which made the glass kind of dusty (not good) so I ended up using these sprinkles. You may be able to find something else cheaper than these (almost $4 a jar, and it only fills about 5 jars). Anyway, fill the jar about an inch, screw the lid on, and carefully tip the jar to avoid getting too much of the sugar on the trees. Give it a little tap and shake to settle the snow.

And there you go. Christmas in a jar.

And if you really get inspired, you can use your entire forest in all different sized jars.

Make some for yourself and make more for giving.

Happy Christmas Crafting!

get inspired!

2011-11-19T07:27:00.000-08:00

I am super excited to tell you about an amazing online magazine I found. It's called Inspired Ideas, The Christmas Issue and you must check it out. They call it "a magazine celebrating the crafty life"...could it be more perfect? The issue from last year, Christmas 2010 is free and has 172 idea packed pages. I couldn't stop staring at all the loveliness. You will be inspired to crack out those craft supplies that have been hiding out in your cabinets and get your craft on. I'm chomping at the bit as we speak! Enough talk...get crafting!

Don't think I wouldn't let you go without a sneak peek.....

village houses (from cereal boxes!)

yo-yo tree (genius)

insta-round-here

2011-11-18T06:00:00.000-08:00

1. she's a rock star

2. and she's a ballet star (hint: look for the only one following the teacher)

3. looking way too grown up

4. making wrapping paper for daddy- happy bday!

5. pilgrim girl

6. play-dough at 6am (come on girls, adjust already!)

7. homework and hot cocoa

8. lunch outside- mac n cheese with ketchup (daddy has really started a trend here)

lately...

2011-11-16T20:52:00.000-08:00

Busy and overwhelmed lately. One of those weeks where I'm doing another 6 loads of laundry when last week's isn't even put away yet. But alas, I stop and retreat from the craziness of life to type and ponder. Lately...

Forced into letting go of two of my loves...diet coke and coffee. Seriously, if you know me at all, you know this is huge. Reason? A mad bladder. I guess all those years of filling the thing with acid, carbonation, caffeine and artificial sweeteners have caught up to me. And you know the pain must be bad to turn my back on my two faves. Will it be hard...you betcha.

Working on a little Bday present for Brett. Its a not-so-extreme-office-makeover. On a major budget. He wanted something cool. I told him I'd do it up man-thropologie style. More to come...

And speaking of Anthro... saw these beauties in the store today. Going to try to make them for the church Christmas brunch. Now who in their right mind would pay $38 for one of these? Seriously people, it is a jar. A very lovely jar, but a jar none the less. I'm estimating I can do it under $3 a pop. Now that's more like it.

Also... been working on an incredibly exciting project for next week. All I can say is...wake up from your turkey coma and check the blog next Thursday.

i phone or my phone?

2011-11-13T06:42:00.000-08:00

Ellie's got the iphone bug. "Can I play on your phone mommy?" About 100 times a day. She even asked for her own iphone for Christmas (dream on baby). And this is what my photo roll is full of these days. Now I could get annoyed. I could be bothered by the thin layer of scum and fingerprints that is always on the screen. But I know there will come a time (sooner than I'd like) where her (bigger) hands will be grasping her own phone, texting and calling everyone but me. So for now, I'll take the fingerprints and Disney pictures. They are everyday reminders that a sweet little girl is still under my wing.

M.A.E.D.S.

2011-11-11T10:27:00.000-08:00

my life at too early o'clock this morning

I am going to start a club... an organization... a movement. M.A.E.D.S. Mothers Against the End of Daylight Savings. I can't believe this hasn't already been done, really. I know I'm not alone in this. There can't be even one mother who is happy about the inevitable "fall back". The initial transition is the worst...being awakened at what seems like the middle of the night by wide-eyed-bushy-tailed toddlers, only to have them crash mid morning. And no matter how late you put them to bed, they can't seem to reset their little internal clocks. Even when you finally do get used to it, its still a major bummer with carpooling and handing out after school snacks at dusk. So please, lets join together... unite... and fight for the light.

been thriftin'

2011-11-08T21:01:00.000-08:00

It had been a while.
And it was worth the wait.
Just take a look at my treasures (Ellie thinks thrifting is "treasure hunting". Its my way of convincing her that thrifting is actually an activity she can enjoy as much as mommy does...today her treasure was a paddle ball...almost as thrilled as mommy)
Anyhoo, today:
apron- I have to admit I gasped at this one-perfectly completes my apron collection (the towel was another score today!)
thermos- extra 40% off was the deal breaker
vinatge books- love Richard Scarry!
suitcase- been dying for one to make this for Leighton- stinkin' cute right?!
Berenstain Bears mug- the start of my children's mug collection for the girls...one down two to go
wooden clip hanger- to display our thankful calendar
doily table runner- stumbled on that treasure after putting back all the little doilies needed to make this (maybe someday)
vintage Santa mug- couldn't resist the cherry nose
Okay, I think that will hold me over...for a while.

granny shares her granny squares

2011-11-06T21:54:00.000-08:00

Okay, its decided. I have the most amazing mother-in-law there is to have. The only problem is she lives half way across the country. And our visits are never long enough, or frequent enough. But this week she got to come out and spend some time with us. And as usual, she brought gifts. And not just the kind she picked up in the airport gift shop either. Ones that she spent hours and hours on stitching, sewing, crocheting, knitting, quilting (I told you she was amazing). Adorable smocked dresses for the girls, hand quilted trick or treat bags, hand knitted beanies, a fall table runner, and a granny square pillow with a story behind it. Please note the first picture. This was back in the summer when we took a trip out to Tennessee and Judy showed me (for at least the tenth time) how to crochet. This time my goal was granny squares, a whole ~~blanket~~ afghan of them (Judy informed me that blanket are purchased form the store, afghans are knitted or crocheted by hand). I raided her scrap yarn bin and made off with a stash of beauties (fig. 2). And I began to granny. And boy did they look pretty (fig. 3). About 3-4 squares in to it, I decided a ~~blanket~~ afghan was a bit lofty for me so I decided it would be a pillow. About 8-9 squares into it I decided maybe even a pillow was too lofty and settled for a pillow front. About 12-13 squares late the entire project went on hold. Like a 5 month hold. Enter Judy and her completely perfect granny square pillow. The granny-ing granny saves the day. I guess this means I'm back to the original goal of a ~~blanket~~ afghan. Maybe one for Leighton's baby doll crib is more up my alley.

beyond redicerous

2011-11-05T11:42:00.000-07:00

Check this out. It is beyond redicerous. Apparently moms are going nuts over trying to get their kids to be exposed to chicken pox. Nuts enough to host parties with chicken pox infected kids in hopes theirs will catch it. Nuts enough to buy contaminated toys, blankets, jammies and even lollipops to spread the disease to their kids. Are you kidding me? I thought we were trying to avoid getting our kids sick. To quarantine those with the pox in hope they don't so much as breathe on our children. And then there's the even more (as if that's possible) redicerous side...the moms who are using their poor sick kids to make a buck. "Here Bobby suck on this lollipop, snuggle with this teddy, wear these jammies...Now quick give them here, I've got an order in Arizona for a contamination party pack." Absolutely absurd I say. Absolutely absurd.

you must make...

2011-11-03T07:53:00.000-07:00

Once a month, moms at Brooklyn's school bring in baked goodies to bless the teachers. Each month is a theme...tomorrow is pumpkin day. And due to the overwhelming success of these guys here, I decided to make them once again. Pumpkin chocolate chip cookies with cream cheese frosting. (Only problem is this time I was out of powdered sugar so they are frosting-less- sorry teachers- but they are still super yummy!) I'm telling you, you must make a batch before fall turns into winter... before pumpkin gives way to peppermint. Eat them for breakfast with your coffee or keep them in the fridge and eat them cold (even more delish!).

under cover baby

2011-11-02T08:06:00.000-07:00

It has been suggested we start calling her Blanket (like the famous Jackson baby).

I guess this is the only way to get a little alone time around here.

You may find me under my blankie soon...

Halloween 2011

2011-10-30T16:43:00.000-07:00

Rapunzel

Pinkalicious

Ragggedy Ann

As expected, we went girly girl this Halloween. Brooklyn left the tower as Rapunzel, Ellie stepped out of the popular picture book as Pinkalicious and Leighton crawled off the toy shelf as Raggedy Ann. I typically like to make my own costumes, but had to go with the purchased ones this year (actually more cost effective if you can believe it). You (along with everyone at the Fall Festival) are asking, "Is that Brooklyn's real hair?" and the answer is...not completely. She does have pretty long hair, but it got even longer with the genius find of a ~~wad~~ ~~clump~~ ~~skein~~ ~~head~~ (what on earth do you call that?) of hair for only $2.50 from a beauty supply store. Sure beats the $20 Disney wig right?!. Anyway, we spent the evening at the church/school fall festival playing games, eating yummy food- like cotton candy and snow cones, and consuming large amounts of candy. Okay, when I say we, I really mean Brett, Grandma, Grandma Judy and the girls. I spent the entire evening here...

selling almost 500 slices of pizza pizza at the cutest booth on the block.

And that will pretty much wrap up our Halloween celebrations this year. Considering Ellie is deathly afraid of something as harmless as the Chick-Fil-A cow costume, we don't want to risk scaring her socks off with the spooky sights and sounds that come along with trick or treating.

calling all texters...

2011-10-26T22:29:00.000-07:00

I'm a texter... and most likely you are too. Current studies show that people are texting far more often than they are making phone calls. That's totally me. I don't really enjoy talking on the phone (unlike my jr. high days), and I don't really have the time to sit and chat. Texting gets straight to the point and allows multitasking- very helpful for this momma with multi tasks!
Anyway, here's an opportunity for you to put your texting to good use. My daughter's school has been nominated for a $50,000 grant to buy a school bus from Clorox as a part of the Power a Bright Future Program. Basically its American Idol School Edition. The school with the most votes wins. Anyone 13 and up can vote via text every day between now and December 9.

Simply text Clorox8003 to 44144. (standard text messaging rates apply) and/or vote online

Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you,
That's 42 thank yous for 42 votes (one each day of the contest!)

PS- Please pass the word along!

rank-o-lanterns

2011-10-25T15:33:00.000-07:00

So this is what happens in the southern California sun. Jack-o-lanterns don't last long around here. It had been a couple days since I went out the front door and the poor guys had clearly bit the dust. Left-eye lost her retina, and starry eyes had some sort of ruptured boil that completely took away her smile. Let's just say rank, stink, mush, gnats...you get the picture. But it wasn't quite as maddening or foul as the present left by a feral cat on my welcome mat. Black cat- you are not welcome!
P.S. My apologies to those with weak stomachs who were sickened by the picture, but at least I didn't make it extra large!

got milk (and cookies!)?

2011-10-23T21:39:00.000-07:00

Threw the sweetest (literally) shower for the sweetest friend this weekend. Its one of those pregnancies that is almost as exciting as my own. The kind that gives you goosebumps when you first hear about it, and you can't stop smiling when you see the baby bump for the first time. It's been 7 long years of waiting for our friends to grow their family and have their first child. Seven years of lots of praying, hoping, and waiting. And it is so amazing to see God answer the cries of their hearts and bless them beyond measure with the life of little baby Owen.

Anhoo... the shower was a big hit. We had it in the evening and went with the ever popular milk and cookies theme (thank you pinterest). Let me just say, plethora of cookies. Like hundreds and hundreds. Most popular cookie award went to the pumpkin chocolate chip with cream cheese frosting. I agree, delish. Personally, couldn't stay away from the snickerdoodles. They went perfect with the milk (in adorable cartons of course). The empty frappuccino jars "for sippers" and mason jars "for dippers" was my favorite part- an original idea for once! And yes, I'm a dipper. I kinda went nuts with the paper decor. I couldn't stop until I had used it all up. Didn't really know what I was going to do with it at first, but I ended up making pinwheels galore. Very easy to make by the way, and super cute. They may even be finding their way into Owen's nursery! And contrary to popular opinion, 20 hungry women can't consume hundreds and hundreds of cookies in one sitting, so each guest got to take a few cookies for the road in printed brown paper bags (from my home printer!).

Congratulations Adessa! Can't wait to meet little baby O!

pumpkin patch in pictures

2011-10-18T07:02:00.000-07:00

the hunt

the find


the look


the smile


the jack-o-lantern


the anticipation


the ticket

the ride


the swing


the drink

the typical shot

instafall-ish

2011-10-14T08:25:00.000-07:00

Autumnesque

No matter how hard us southern Californians try to convince ourselves, there really is no fall here. In the rest of the country, the weather dictates fall behavior. Here, we have to conjure up the fall feeling on our own. Faux fall if you will.

For example, elsewhere cold temperatures= boots, scarves, and sweaters. But here fashion= boots, scarves and sweaters. Because in reality we could be in jeans, tees, and sandals all year long. Okay, maybe a sweatshirt on those really chilly days in the mid sixties but that's about it.
Elsewhere they have to drink hot fancy coffees and eat butternut squash soup to warm their cold cores. But here, we could be sipping frappachinos and eating sushi every day and still often break a sweat.
Elsewhere they have enough leaves in their front yard to fill a dump truck. But here, we have to make our own out of felt and yarn.

Nonetheless, we have a fond affection for faux fall. And even if its not the "real deal" that other people get, we'll be wearing our plaid flannels, sipping pumpkin spice lattes, and making our wax paper and crayon leaves like it is.

naps

2011-10-13T13:13:00.000-07:00

She's nearing the age where this will soon become a thing of the past.
I often wonder as I close the door and leave her sleeping peacefully if this will be the last one.
Somehow I got into the habit of laying with her to help her fall asleep.
She's a squirmer and needs someone to keep her still.
She's a cuddler and needs someone close.
I often want to kick myself for starting this habit, but then I realize that the times I can lay beside her
close and still are going to be a rarity someday very soon.
She'll start kindergarten in less than a year.
She'll be sitting at a desk under someone else's watch almost every afternoon.
I tell her I'll miss her like carzy.
She tells me she'll come home every afternoon, so don't be sad mom.
But I can't help myself.

riding on...

2011-10-12T13:50:00.000-07:00

I am beyond proud of what my dad has just taken part of over the last 2 weeks. He rode over 700 miles from Kansas to Georgia in just over a week. Yes rode...a bicycle. Crazy right? He was part of a team of other bikers riding to gain awareness and support for, and to provide hope to, those effected by the horrific tornadoes in the Midwest back in May. Devastation is still a reality in the every day lives of these people and they need the hope of the Lord desperately to carry on each day. Check it out and be inspired...

Present: Hope from Sulva Productions on Vimeo.

souper bowl

2011-10-11T15:25:00.000-07:00

I'm a big fan of soup. That is, soup accompanied by some sort of delicious bread. Must have the bread. Potato cheese soup and sourdough bread, beef stew and biscuits, chili and cornbread, chicken noodle soup and bran muffins. If that was my weekly menu, I'd be in heaven. Problem is, Brett (as most men I'm sure) doesn't really see soup and bread as a meal. Unless you are in prison that is. So last night when he was feasting on carne asada burritos with the guys, we girls had soup and bread. And let me tell you, delish.

Chicken Quinoa Soup

I've got on board the quinoa train (or as Brett calls it Joaquin- quinoa backwards get it?). Great alternative to rice, high in protein, low in carbs. I was a little intimidated by it at first, but I realized its actually easier to cook than rice (and much faster than brown rice). There's a ton of stuff you can make with it. I've made it with chicken stock to add flavor and used it with stir fry, in place of pilaf, and with sauteed vegies. I will warn you, it has a bit of a weird texture kind of like tiny bubbles, but I actually love it. I had about a cup left over from dinner the other night and thought I could make chicken noodle soup and use the quinoa in place of the noodles. Worked like a charm.

Chicken Quinoa Soup
Ingredients:
4 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup sliced carrots
1/2 cup sliced celery
2 green onions chopped
1 t. garlic
1/2 t. salt
1/2. t pepper
1 cup cooked chicken
1 c. cooked quinoa
Directions:
Bring broth, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, salt and pepper to a boil and boil 10 minutes (or until vegies are soft). Add cooked chicken and cooked quinoa and cook until heated though.
There are several similar recipes online that use more broth and uncooked quinoa. Might be worth a try if you don't already have cooked quinoa on hand.

Almond Flour Pumpkin Muffins

I've also boarded the almond flour train (thanks to my sister). I've tried almond flour pancakes and waffles and an amazing chocolate chip cookie recipe, but I think these babies take the cake (or muffin I guess). My girls gobbled them up, asked for them again for breakfast, and Brett even gave the sign of approval after trying them. Super moist, great texture, just the right amount of pumpkin flavor. And low carb- no sugar or four in these guys. So go get your almond flour/meal (Trader Joe's has the best price- in the nut section) and make some of your own- you will love.

Almond Flour Pumpkin Muffins

Ingredients:

2 eggs

1/2 cup pumpkin puree

1/3 cup honey

4 Tbsp melted butter

1 tsp vanilla

3/4 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

1 1/2 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp nutmeg

1/4 tsp ground cloves

1/4 tsp ground ginger

2 1/2 cups almond flour

1/2 cup chopped walnuts

1/2 cup craisins

2 eggs

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 325.
2. Line a muffin pan with paper liners (12 muffins).
3. In a large mixing bowl, use an electric beater to thoroughly combine all ingredients EXCEPT almond flour, walnuts, and raisins.
4. Stir in almond flour until well combined.
5. Stir in walnuts and craisins.
6. Spoon batter into muffin cups, using wet fingers to press down any bumps on the tops before baking. Makes 12 muffins.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.

I had to put this picture in because I am very proud of my clean stove top. Cleaning that beast is one of my least favorite jobs, and I had been putting it off for waaaay too long. I think there may have been cleaner stove tops in meth lab kitchens in the ghetto. It was that bad. But look at her shine now.

My only regret for this meal was the fact that Leighton's muffin crumbs (which she is notorious for leaving- she's a big crumbler) went to waste. No eating after that little one this week due to... hand, foot, and mouth disease. Yes, we've been infected. What I thought was a diaper rash turned into sores on the hands, feet, and mouth and viola- enter hand, foot and mouth disease (virus really, disease makes it sound so serious). She's handled it like a trooper and aside from the owie on her tongue she hasn't complained a bit. Now were hoping she keeps her poison saliva to herself and the rest of us avoid it (I've heard Daddies don't handle it as well as babies!)

props to pinterest

2011-10-10T14:36:00.000-07:00

yarn + felt= endless possibilities

Pinterest has really become my go-to. And from what I gather, it has become the go-to for many other voyeurs like myself. People who love to look at beautiful, inspiring things and attempt to recreate their own rendition of someone else's genius. No pages to scroll down, no information to sift through, just lovey images waiting to be perused. So here's to pinterest and my new fall decor. Inspired by this and this.

Julian

2011-10-08T20:26:00.000-07:00

Typically for me, Julian means one thing...apple pie. But we expanded our horizons this year and tried our hands at apple picking. First impression of the place was of the manager/owner guy. Try to imagine an Irishman meets hippie meets pirate and you've nailed the guy. Sleeps in a tepee with a stair-master sitting outside. Lots of metal/skull "sculptures" on display. Beyond weird, but the guy grows a good apple, so hey. Anyway, kiddos loved it. Thrill of the hunt of course. Always trying to collect an equal number of reds and greens. Also the fact that you can eat all you want while you pick was key. Especially for Ellie. After carefully shining up each apple, she would take 4 or 5 bites (granted they were small apples) and then say, "That one's done," and chuck it into the orchard. I think she polished off almost a dozen. Leighton was fascinated by all the fallen apples and couldn't stop saying, "That one, yucky one." And of course there's the bag carrying. Everyone wants to be the one to carry it...at first. Then when the thing fills up to 4 pounds or so, no one wants to. Typical. I'll tell you what I did want to carry though...

this plate to my table.

Cinnamon ice cream smothering dutch apple pie. And I didn't have to share a smidge with anyone.

Till next year Julian...

Appleicious

2011-10-07T13:22:00.000-07:00

Official kick off to the appleicious weekend! Apple day at school, apple pickin' and pie eatin' in Julian tomorrow. Its not officially fall if you don't make the trek to Julian and get an enormous piece of Julian Apple Pie with the perfect ratio of cinnamon ice cream on top. Oh, I can practically taste it now, and I'm drooling. And speaking of taste...I would highly recommend the honey crisp apples. I've heard they are pricey, and to tell the truth I have no clue what I paid for them (thank you Target unmarked produce). The perfect apple in my opinion...crisp, sweet, (hence the name) with a touch of tang. Go get yourself some an make an appleicious weekend of your own!

back to bakin'

2011-10-06T14:06:00.000-07:00

I've spent the last two nap-fternoons doing one of my favorite things. Especially on fallish afternoons, sipping coffee, in a vintage apron. Baking. Grown up food yesterday- apple crumble loaf for the teachers at school, kiddie food today- apple cupcakes for apple day in Brooklyn's class tomorrow. I've realized it had been a long time since I enjoyed the peace and relaxation that baking involved. Could be the diet plan that pretty much outlaws butter, chocolate and sugar- three most important ingredients in baking as far as I'm concerned. Could be the fact that I usually do it with one big girl cracking egg shells into the batter, one middle girl snitching licks every time I turn my back, and one little girl lying on the floor crying for my attention (or her 7th baba of the day). Could also be the fact that is has been super hot over the last month and when I turn the oven on our house becomes the face of the sun. Whatever the reason...I'm back and bakin' with a vengeance. And fall afternoons are the perfect time.

fallin'

2011-10-05T20:08:00.000-07:00

We kicked off fall with an evening picnic of hot chocolate and rice crispie treats (with sprinkles!). Its just now cool enough to need a jacket and we are more than ready for fall and all it brings! Come on over pumpkin patch and jack-o-lanterns, apple pickin' and pie, fall festival, crisp mornings, pumpkin everything (I have nailed pumpkin french toast but am still trying to perfect the homemade pumpkin spice latte...stay tuned for the recipe reveal), my birthday (ehemm), and lots, lots more.

Dear Andy,

2011-10-04T20:08:00.000-07:00

tv trays

2011-09-30T15:37:00.000-07:00

Nearly 30 years ago (yikes), this was my TV tray. Okay, this is one from etsy, but mine looked just like it. And I guess technically it could be mine. Lots of memories of this guy. Birthday breakfast in bed... tea and toast when I was sick... And I've been on the hunt for trays for my girls. Of course I would prefer vintage trays like the one I had, but sensibility tells me to look elsewhere. Like Walmart elsewhere. And thrift stores elsewhere. And our collection is now complete. And I think the girls would actually prefer ones that say "Pretty Princess" and "You Go Girl" as opposed to Sesame Street, Cabbage Patch Kids, and E.T..

Not quite brave enough to to breakfast in bed but we do dinner on the floor quite well!

assuming

2011-09-29T13:39:00.000-07:00

Never assume the lid is on tight enough...especially when she's wearing a new shirt for the first time...

got me some sugar

2011-09-26T14:14:00.000-07:00

So...The Sug (pronounced "shoog" you know), otherwise known as Blog Sugar, was last night. Quite an event let me tell you. There will never be a more unique social setting in all the world. People knowing people they don't even know. Recognizing people they've never even met. And knowing details of their lives that their own mother doesn't know. Kinda weird and freaky. But as long as you can keep your sense of humor (which I am pretty good at), you can take it all in stride and enjoy it. That is if you're not too busy planning a Blog Sugar Saturday Night Live skit in your head. Everyone wearing brown boots, and either a scarf, rosette necklace, or cardigan. And toting their DSLR camera with ruffled neck strap. And introducing themselves as sittinprettymama or carpoolinqeen or craftinmylifeaway, because no one knows their real names are Betty, Sue, or Mary. But all joking aside, it was a really cool evening. Decor was simple, cute, and fun. Food was tasty and carb-full (what, did I think there would be no sugar at blog sugar?). Speakers were honest and transparent. God was clearly the center and given the glory. And... I was a winner! Yes, I won a raffle and got a bag of fabulous goodies (including that adorable necklace up top). Now isn't that sweet?

sister, home hair, and bubbles

2011-09-24T16:12:00.000-07:00

I have to say, I really do have the best sister in the world (although she would argue that she does). I could just go on and on about all she is, and all she does. Like Friday (the day we like to spend together with the girlies), she agrees to home hair (which she has reserved ONLY for immediate family). See, she's an incredible hair stylist and has clients begging her to work more at the salon, but she has chosen to work only a couple times a month so she can stay home with her little girls. So since her time in the salon is limited, and I've always got at least 2 girlies in tow, I rarely get the treat of having my hair done in her salon. More times than not, its a rushed bang trim in the bathroom, or front porch, or wherever the girls are playing at the moment. I know home hair is not fun for her. I'm sure she'd rather be sitting and talking, or hanging out at the park or something that's not work for her. But still, she does it for me. And I so appreciate it. And her. Totally.

So as we are completely distracted by the home hair process (Reynolds' foil, bathroom towel around the neck, sitting on the kitchen stool, rinsing hair in the shower...) this is what the girls did to entertain themselves.

And we didn't even stop them.

after school art

2011-09-21T14:13:00.000-07:00

Every couple months Brooklyn brings home a flyer in her backpack. A flyer she is sure she wants me to see immediately. And read immediately. No, its not a progress report, or even a field tip permission slip. Its an after school art class flyer. And to a very arts-and-crafty little girl, its a dream come true. The thought of creating something out of clay, or sand, or Tye-dyeing a shirt thrills her little soul. Unfortunately the price never thrills mine. So as to not completely crush her little artistic spirit, I convince her we can do our own art project just like the one at school, only better, and more, and cheaper. Enter Michael's... her dream store (other than Dollar Tree of course). Our latest "art classes" have been sand art and clay. Thank you Michael's 40% coupon, and thank you still-easily-convincible-age daughter.

pink and pretty please

2011-09-19T06:48:00.000-07:00

My two oldest girls have been sharing a room for over four years. And they have been doing it rather well (unlike my sister and I who had masking tape down the middle of the room with "don't dare cross" scribbled on it- I'm sure they'll go there eventually though...). For Brooklyn and Ellie, first it was a toddler bed and a crib. Then it was a toddler bed and a pack n play (when we lived with my parents for six months). Then back to a toddler bed and a crib. Then two identical toddler beds. And now finally, they are both big girls, big enough to share a bunk bed. They had been asking for bunk beds for a while (what kids don't?) and of course Craig's list comes through again. The new bed started the expected chain of events of reorganizing and redecorating the room. Here's what we have going now...

bunk beds- Craig's (and lucky for us it was already gray!)

dresser- Craig's (didn't get as lucky with this one and had to sand down and repaint)

doily bunting- thrifted bias tape, paper doilies, scrapbook paper scraps

jewelry box- Target

lamp shade-inspired by Shauna at The Reed Life

bedspreads- TJ Maxx (just got one in the neighborhood- booyah)

vintage hangers/girly prints- thrifted, mod-podged, and downloaded

glitter chandelier-Target dollar bin (Halloween decoration)

framed initials-inspired by Heather at Life Made Lovely

milk glass lamp- Ebay, with a little paint and some inspiration from Lindsay at The Pleated Poppy

desk- Craig's (already white!)

this week via instagram...

2011-09-16T21:42:00.000-07:00

new way to paint

2011-09-15T21:43:00.000-07:00

We're always looking for new craft activities around here. Not that we don't have an entire closet filled with supplies and unfinished projects (like mother like daughters). But we found this great painting book at Michael's in the Dollar Bin (which I love by the way). The girls love painting with q-tips and their own paper paint set. A perfect activity for a group of kids at a party, VBS, or Sunday School. So head on over to Michael's to get your own (and probably spend a heck of a lot more than a dollar while you're there- I always do.)

magic-ish bullet

2011-09-14T22:07:00.000-07:00

Totally been into this guy lately. Actually bought it to make slushies with the girls. I convinced them that this was waaaaay better than going to 7-11 for a Slurpee because it would last forever (or at least until one of them spilled nearly an entire bottle of syrup-yeah blue stickiness eternal). Anyway, they are pretty much over it, but I an not even. I've always wanted a magic bullet. Okay really I've wanted a Vita-mix ever since the demo at the fair 10 years ago where they made ice cream and soup in the thing. At least a blender than can make a smoothie without leaving golf ball sized ice chunks when its done. Not able to justify the $50 price tag however when I have a "perfectly good" blender sitting in the kitchen already. But who could refuse that ever-eye-catching orange tag? Look a little closer...

That's right folks, $9.99. I saved myself big bucks here (I know, I know, I didn't save a penny, I spent $9.99 plus tax, but you get the idea). And let me tell you, this guy will give the bullet a run for his money. 2 scoops of vanilla protein powder, one cup of unsweetened vanilla almond milk, 3 packs of truvia (its a bit much I know but its pretty hard to overcome the nasty protein powder flavor), 1/2 banana and a tablespoon of peanut butter. Breakfast delight thanks to Slushie express.

rub a dub dub...

2011-09-13T21:49:00.000-07:00

...three girls in the tub. Okay they aren't usually quite this scrunched...I had them scooch together for the picture, but I have noticed there is less and less room in the tub these days. I have been bathing all three of them at the same time since Leighton was a newborn. Partly to contain them all, partly to get the job done quickly, and partly because of all the fun they have together. Bubble snowcones, Santa's beard, tea parties, birthday presents wrapped in washcloths, get the bubbly-est contests, silly hair-dos, squirt gun fights, and occasional immediate evacuations due to floating poo poos (not so fun for the one who has to fish them out though).

Leighton-isms

2011-09-12T21:58:00.000-07:00

It is absolutely amazing to watch this little one's personality develop. She is such a unique individual already.

She is the only one in the family who calls Ellie "Ellison", and its always in a very loud voice followed by... "Where are you?"

She has no fight or flight instincts. When she gets scared, she simply hits the deck. And has been known to lie down flat on her face in the middle of a playground if a loud plane or mower passes by.

She could live on a diet of milk and fruit snacks. And Barney.

We call her a little parrot because she repeats the last 2 or 3 words of literally everything we say.

She definitely inherited the Spross trait of proper annunciation (that is if you don't count her singing Happy Death Day to you...)

She has really taken to hiding and has outsmarted Mommy several times (she is a silent statue behind the curtains I tell you)

Her favorite thing to say is "Awkward"

She always knows when she's had enough of something and immediately says, "I'm done, put it away." And it must go back exactly where it belongs too.

remberance

2011-09-11T17:18:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I have a hard time seeing the necessity or significance in looking back to events in the past. I guess the urgency of the present overshadows the past for me. There are some things I naturally look back on, but for the most part I'm a "move ahead' kind of girl. I know this can't be right though. There is so much that we can learn form the past experiences in others lives' as well as our own. I was reminded at church today that God often called His people to remember. To remember the things He had brought them through, and the way He displayed His faithfulness over the ages. This video made me realize that remembering is significant and important because it gives purpose, brings gratitude, strengthens community, provides prospective, and reignites hope. And most importantly, looking back is a reminder of God's faithfulness to us.

linkin' up with katie here...

the night the nlights went out in...

2011-09-09T14:54:00.000-07:00

Yesterday afternoon, I was convinced that I had blown the breaker having multiple fans, computer, TV, and my kickin' AC unit all on at the same time. But in reality, I wasn't the only one whose plug got pulled. Last night we, along with 6 million other San Deigans, lost all power for the afternoon and evening. And I'm talking ALL POWER. Imagine the far reaching effects that has on life around here. No stop lights, limited phone service, no internet, no restaurants, stores, nada. And as I mentioned earlier this week its been pret-ty hot around there parts as well. But lucky for us, we were able to stay home, swim, cook on our gas stove, and brush teeth and read stories by candlelight. Back to simpler times. Kinda felt like we were camping in our own home. My only concern was that I would loose my new tub of jalapeno yogurt dip (which you absolutely must try!) that we just purchased form Costco and my frozen yogurt. Not to worry though, we were warned the outage may last into today, but the lights came back on around midnight (I seriously woke up thinking, "who turned on the lights at this hour?") and all was well. Including yogurt dip and frozen yogurts. Plus Brooklyn got a free day off school.

reading Pollyanna by book light

and darkness covered the land...

mind tricks you won't mind

2011-09-08T14:15:00.000-07:00

9:00 pm is my indulgent hour. Long day nearly over... kiddos finally all asleep... kitchen cleaned (at least partially)...time to wind down and reward myself. My reward of choice lately in this blasted heat is something cold...icy creamy ice cream what a treat (as Barney would sing). But unfortunately, this has been the month of denying my flesh its ~~need~~ desire for the sweet stuff. So in order to give in a little, but not too much, I've tried a self control/mind trick tactic that I learned from a friend (who may be the queen of mind tricks). If you must indulge...small bowl (like 1/2 cup small), very small spoon (like 1/4 tsp very small), and eat it very slowly. You have just tricked your mind into thinking you've eaten a large Cold Spoon ice cream with 3 mixins.

it's hot!

2011-09-07T21:02:00.000-07:00

Well, so much for summer being over. We got a serious heat wave this week. Serious enough to send us to Costco tonight to buy a window AC unit for our bedroom (now why we didn't do that sooner I'll never know- maybe when we get the first electric bill I'll know). Serious enough to make Brooklyn strip down to her undies the second she walked in the door from school. Serious enough to give Ellie sweaty bangs all day. And serious enough to send this little one running around the house "bunsie". Totally reminded me of a Shel Silverstein poem (of whom I was a huge fan in elementary school). Goes like this...

IT"S HOT
It's hot!
I can't get cool,
I've drunk a quart of lemonade.
I think I'll take my shoes off
And sit around in he shade.

It's hot!
My back is sticky,
the sweat rolls down my chin.
I think I'll take my clothes off
And sit around in my skin.

It's hot!
I've tried with 'lectric fans,
And pools and ice cream cones.
I think I'll take my skin off
And sit around in my bones.

It's still hot!

(Now if you've read A light in the Attic as many times as I have you can totally picture a guy in only his bones sweating in front of a fan- in typical Silverstein illustration-love it!)

Labor Day

2011-09-05T14:30:00.000-07:00

Labor Day

We braved the beach

thinking we would be fighting crowds,

hunting for parking,

and vying for a spot on the sand.

Instead...

we had the whole place to ourselves,

fought raindrops,

and donned sweatshirts.

Farewell summer,

you'll be missed,

see you next year.

snails aint just for boys

2011-09-03T14:23:00.000-07:00

I guess this is what you do when you live in the city and have a 6 by 6 foot yard. No tadpolin', fishin' or crawdaddin' for these city girls. It's just snailin'. And you've got to get out early so you can beat the heat. So its okay if you're still in your jammies. Totally acceptable snailin' attire. They like to hide in the bushes so you've got to get low to find 'em. And you should have a bucket handy to keep 'em in. And be careful, they may be slow, but they're known to sneak out unexpectedly. And whatever you do, don't let your little sister get the salt, no matter how she begs for it, or your snailin' days may be over.

succulence

2011-09-02T14:27:00.000-07:00

Take a good look at this beauty. And realize I have had ~~almost~~ nothing to do with how amazing it looks. My mom bought it. My mom delivered it. My mom waters it weekly. All I do is enjoy it. I did not inherit my mother's green thumb. Mine is black apparently. Please note the little guy in the back. Now that, I am responsible for. Looks pretty good too right? But, I must confess...this is my third attempt at keeping anything alive in that pot. The two previous residents (both beautiful succulents at one time) bit the dust. My thought was putting it near a thriving plant would give it the encouragement it needed to grow big and strong, and mostly just live. I'll keep you posted.

S-P-E-L-L-I-N-G

2011-09-01T08:53:00.000-07:00

First spelling test ever. Definitely not the last. The bar had been set...high. And according to Dad great spelling runs in the family. Obviously on his side. Which you would know if you've been reading my blog for any amount of time. I like to blame the majority of my spelling errors on my inability to type. I believe I know how to spell it, but it doesn't come out quite right when my fingers start flying. Like right now, I had to go back and correct like 5 words...already... and I barely even wrote a paragraph. Anyhoo, a big double thumbs up to Brooklyn who has mastered at least one word mommy can't seem to ever type correctly. That's right folks, #10- its a toughie for us non typers- or is it typists? Whatever.

the the the the the the the the the the the the teh (whoops) the the the ...don't mind me I'm just practicing

in the mail lately...

2011-08-31T14:24:00.000-07:00

I had been dying to order something from House 8810, and I finally couldn't resist any longer.

You know they are doing it right when you are almost as excited about the wrapping as the item itself.

And look what the packing slip came in...a fabric manilla folder...nice touch right?!

My first item...a carpenter's ruler...love!

And now for my main item...

Matryoshka doll stacking drinking glasses...one for each girl.

Doesn't get much cuter then this.

House 8810, you've got another huge fan.

20 months?

2011-08-30T14:31:00.000-07:00

No... you can't be 20 months. Because that would mean in only 4 months you will be 2 years old. And that just can't be. Because 2 is a toddler, and not a baby. And you are my baby. The baby that always wants mommy. The baby that wants to be held more than let down. The baby that hides behind my legs. The baby that cuddles with her milk and blankie. The baby that still goes in the nursery at church. The baby I don't mind changing...even the stinkers.

grace...

2011-08-27T21:33:00.000-07:00

Amy and Skyla June

I am beyond blessed to have such an amazing sister...beyond blessed to have her live only 20 minutes from me...beyond blessed to spend many mornings talking, sipping coffee, and watching all our girlies play...beyond blessed to share the journey of motherhood with her. She recently posted this on her blog (which you must check out) and I had to share it with you...

After reading and seeing various quotes and blogs from my mommy friends on the book Give them Grace by Elyse Fitzpatrick and Jessica Thompson, I decided to read it myself and see what it was all about. Just the fact that a mother and a daughter wrote a book about parenting together grabbed my attention from the start. This happened about the same time I had my second daughter, so I was somewhat (ok all the way) sleep deprived, and at somewhat (ok all the way) at a loss of how to love two children at the same time with patience and grace.

With both of these things going on, I was blown away. There were definitely points that I was floored and humbled as a mom. First, floored that God in His graciousness has even allowed me to be a mom, and second humbled that I had been thinking I knew what I was doing as that mom. And then I started to notice my language and attitude in the way I parent.

So much of the way I talk is “I, I,I” and the way I talk to my daughters is “you, you , you”. This is where I started to slowly (and continue to very slowly) realize what grace is and is not. Grace is a free gift from God (Eph 2:8). Free, as in no cost. There is nothing I can do as a mom that is “good” There is nothing that my little girls can do that is “good” (Rom 3:12). That is without Jesus.

This is liberating news as a mom, and freeing news as a child. Fitzpatrick says in her book, “The good news of God’s grace is meant to permeate and transform every relationship we have, including our relationship with our children. All the typical ways we construct to get things done and get others to do our bidding are simply obliterated by a gospel message that tells us that we are all both radically sinful and radically loved. At the deepest level of what we do as parents, we should hear the heartbeat of a loving, grace giving Father who freely adopts rebels and transforms them into loving sons and daughters.”

This is the message that my children need to hear from me daily, not the message that if they dont do “good” i will be disappointed with them. I want my children to care far more about what God thinks, than what I think (1 Cor 10:31). I don’t want my children to “behave” just to make me happy. I don’t want my children to have the idea that they are chalking up points with me, or God.

In our home, Adina (our almost 4 year old) has been memorizing the 10 commandments. And while it is very cute that she knows them all and can recite them when asked, what we want her to know more than just what the laws are is that none of us obey them perfectly (Js 2:10), ever, except Jesus (2 Cor 5:21; 1 Pet 1:22). And even though we will never obey them perfectly, Jesus still loves us.

Fitzpatrick says, “Even though our children cannot and will not obey God’s law, we need to teach it to them again and again. And when they tell us that they cant love God or others this way, we are not to argue with them. We are to agree with them and tell them of their need for a Savior.”

It is a popular idea in our culture that children just need to have good self esteem. That little girls are princesses and little boys are warriors and need to be told all the time that they are “good” little girls and boys. Children long to be told that they were good during the day, or as my daughter puts it when she is about to be disciplined “I promise Ill be a good girl”.

Really, Christ is the only good one. Our children are not innately good (Ps 51:5; Eph 2:3). And telling them they are over and over again only reaffirms that they don’t really have a need for grace. Children are not good, but they are loved. If they truly start to believe this, Jesus’ love and grace will start to change their little hearts. With Jesus grace and love as the basis of a child's motivation, the actions are so much sweeter.
In our home we have started to back off from the “good” language and encourage our daughter to rely on Jesus to help her. It is really amazing what happens. Just simple things like, “Jesus is helping you to be so loving to your sister today” to “I think you should pray and ask Jesus to give you more patience with your mommy.”

There is Something about even a 3 year old positioning herself to prayer that softens her heart almost instantly (sometimes are harder than others, of course) and enables her to have a different and more loving outlook on whatever the situation at hand may be. Talking a lot about grace starts to foster a place where a child can be honest in dealing with their heart and be open to letting Jesus help them. And this is where our children can start to get a glimpse of what God’s grace is.

There are day to day things that our children need, like sleep, food, care, protection, and of course some rules set up to create an atmosphere where these things can take place. But what they need most of all is the gospel of grace.

What they need most of all is the gospel of grace.

Some parents may think that parenting with grace is just a different way of saying that you are giving your child a free pass to figure things out on their own and hopefully that will be Jesus in the end. But really, parenting by grace is just the opposite.

Fitzpatrick writes, “Giving grace to children is an exercise of faith and faith is always more difficult than works. It flows out of humility, a character trait that none of us comes by naturally. That's why most people miss it and why works, not faith, is the stumbling block at the cross. You are not slacking off when you tell them of his dazzling love. You are doing the hardest thing.”

My encouragement to you who are parents, and you who are going to be someday is to excite your children about the cross of Christ. Talk about Jesus a lot in your home. Encourage your children to run to Jesus and receive His grace when they may be flourishing and when they may be failing. And the amazing thing about all of this is that as a parent, we get to be amazed as well. Because God’s grace never runs up. There is more than enough for our babies and for us.

art

2011-08-26T13:32:00.000-07:00

pottery revelation...the finale

2011-08-25T14:07:00.000-07:00

Remember this? You were probably wondering what ever came of those unfired lumps of clay. Well, after only 4 months, we were finally able to track them down. My friend and fellow potter Eli, is taking off on a long and permanent journey to her new home in Japan and just couldn't bear to leave without seeing the fruits of her labor. And because she is such a good friend, she left hers in my care while she is in Japan (you do remember me saying its a permanent move right?) She practically left them on my doorstep wrapped in a newspaper like forgotten little orphans. I don't blame her considering hers weighed nearly as much as a forgotten orphan and would've had to go in her carry on... her only carry on... for 14 hours... at her feet no doubt.

mine- think Anthro is hiring designers?

hers- the two ton mug? vase? pencil holder?

ours-neither of us will take credit for them- believe me they look waaaay worse in person-

the camera works wonders

those eyes

2011-08-23T20:05:00.000-07:00

Honestly, those eyes! How could I possibly refuse her...
one more Barney Video
one more bag of fruit snacks
one more sippie cup of milk (yes, the bottle is ancient history by now!)
one more reading of Goodnight Moon before bed
one more minute of playing in big sisters' car seats
one more pickle (that was her request right before bedtime tonight)
one more baby doll from the toy aisle
one more push in the swing
one more glance out the window for a passing plane
one more hug and kiss goodnight.

Down a sunny dirt road...

2011-08-22T13:38:00.000-07:00

My girls are on a real Berenstain Bears kick lately. We've gone through our collection multiple times this week. These are the classics I grew up reading and I love sharing them with the girls. I have noticed however (as has Brett), that there is quite a misconstrued view of a father's role in the family in many of these books. It seems as though Papa Bear is always playing a shouting, immature, "dumb dad" role (much like the majority of sitcoms these days). Mama Bear is always the smarter, wiser, more self-controlled leader of the family, mending all the mistakes Papa, Brother, and Sister Bear make. Kinda makes you think Jan Berenstein may have had the final edit in this series... But we'll continue to enjoy them anyway, making a point to tell our girls that our Daddy is just as wise, smart, and self-controlled as their Mama ;)

bonnetize

2011-08-20T15:18:00.000-07:00

When I was little, my mom was either living in the land of Holly Hobby (which was the theme for my 7th birthday by the way) or the land of Little House on the Prairie (was it Wisconsin? Kansas?). I don't know if everyone else's moms were putting bonnets on them, but she couldn't get enough of the bonnets for my sister and me.

bonnet at 5 months

bonnet at 7 months

bonnet at 12 months

And look what she brought over this week...one of the collection- over 30 years old mind you, hand made, and still in great shape. After putting it on Leighton, I realized that they are actually great for sun protection on the face, and pretty cute too (especially that vintage print). But I do expect an intervention from my true friends when I have the girls in pinafores and button up boots and calling me "Ma".

brought to you by the letter...

2011-08-19T15:13:00.000-07:00

This blog post is brought to you by the letter...

A particularly busy week filled with...

PTF- President no less...I'm afraid this may end up sucking some of my blog time (as well as all my other time), but am really excited to see where it goes this year

Photoshop, Picassa,and Picnik- trying to make a dang PTF flyer of course (I have so much to learn!)

Parent night- meet the teacher, sit in tiny first grade chairs, check out the classwork- pretty sure its gonna be a great year

Purple cards- the ultimate in behavior charts for first grade- and Brooklyn already has 3! A world record I'm sure

P90X-okay, so maybe its not the full 90, but we've all got to start somewhere right? Somewhere for us (Brett and me) has been implementing the diet plan and upping exercise- which means we are supposed to be doing the incredibly cheezy videos together... in a 5x6 foot space...when we scoot the couch back...we' ll see...

postpartum pooch- yes, it has been 20 months since Leighton was born and I'm still dealing with a bit of residual in the mid section, hence the P90

power bars and protein shakes (to trick myself into thinking I'm eating candy and ice cream)

parting with Brooklyn and playing with only a pair of pretty princesses

power walks to parks and playgrounds for playdates

I'm plain petered out I tell you!

First Grader

2011-08-16T07:12:00.000-07:00

Looking at these makes me say...wow she's grown!

Today was the big day..and she handled it beautifully...
found her clothes and excitedly got ready for the day
found her line
found her kindergarten girlfriends
found her teacher
found her desk
found herself getting the only purple card in class (huge deal here folks- including a prize!)
found herself loving first grade already

inspired by...

2011-08-15T06:11:00.000-07:00

If you've spent any time browsing Pinterest, (come on now, don't deny the hours of your life it has consumed) you've most likely seen this...

so very lovely isn't it?

And if you are one of the thousands of fans of Ashley Ann, you may have also seen this...

again, so lovely

Well, I was inspired by these to create a little something similar for our home. Most of the time I'm on my own in my hair-brained ideas, but I actually employed Brett for part of this one (I may be skilled at the electric sander and power drill, but I'm still a bit wary of the power saw!) I picked up the wood from Home Depot (in the garden center of all places, apparently its some sort of landscape wood). Perfectly thin and weathered and less than 2 bucks for an 8 foot piece. My skill saw man cut it into 6 pieces and used a scrap to glue them together on the back. I painstakingly cut out all the letters (someday maybe lucky enough to get one of those high fallotin' cutters) and mod-podged them on.

A nice little reminder of ~~what~~ who the real priorities in my home are.

officially over

2011-08-12T15:52:00.000-07:00

Well folks, our first ever summer vacation has come to an end. Come Monday morning , its back to 6am wake up calls, lunch packing, uniform dressing (which I love) fixing hair and breakfast (which I don't really love), and trying to make the one stoplight on the way to school (yes, I know we should be walking but that stoplight is at the top of a pretty steep hill, wimpy I know). I think this summer went by just as fast as I remember them going by for me. We had so much fun having Brooklyn home and were able to check off almost everything on our bucket list. So here's to a new start and first grade!

sweet success

2011-08-11T07:00:00.000-07:00

One summer when I was five or six, my grandma was just as determined as I was to catch the ice cream truck in our neighborhood. Determined enough to run for blocks and blocks in the Arizona heat, waving our arms, screaming for him to stop. But, to no avail. He got away, and were relegated to a single scoop from Thrifty's (a much cheaper treat by the way...15 cent cones back then!).

This summer, (30 some years later...ahem) we set out to find our own ice cream truck. Last week we had one failed attempt. No running or chasing involved, just ambling through the neighborhood trying to pinpoint the location of the fading tune while not letting the girls get too discouraged. But...today, we got him. I heard the familiar music, charged downstairs, grabbed a wad of cash and ordered Brooklyn to, "Don't let him get away!" I let the ice cream man know, "We've been waiting all summer for this." Brookyn informed me she had been waiting her whole life for this. Success, sweet success.

PS-of course they chose the most freakish looking treats- for the gumballs no doubt. What is it about gumballs in ice cream that kids can't resist?

paper dolls

2011-08-08T06:19:00.000-07:00

Meet Betsy and Barbara McCall...

view their adorable wardrobes...

get them ready for a big party...

send them off in vintage style.

I guess Barbie dolls may have been what knocked paper dolls off their stands. They just aren't treasured or played with like they used to be. I picture little girls in the 50's and 60's spreading out the wardrobes and gently bending the tabs to dress their fragile dolls in outfits they dreamed about wearing themselves. Yes, unfortunately paper dolls may have fallen by the wayside over the years, but what little girl can't resist these adorable paper dolls? And you can download a ton of these Besty McCall dolls for FREE (the downloading is free, but the printer ink may cost you a small fortune).

Anyway, this weekend we ran out our printer ink making dolls and dresses for the girls to play with. These are the ones Brooklyn chose (and cut out all by herself!). Pretty cute right? I have no pictures to post of Ellie's because of all the mutilation and amputation that occurred to her dolls. What do I expect considering this is the same girl who earlier that day brought me a legless Ken doll and said, "Mommy I forgot to play gentle again, and broke his legs off."? Maybe its actually rough and tumble four-year-olds who knocked paper dolls off their stands.

Depending on Him

2011-08-07T07:00:00.000-07:00

When I read something like this, I realize that if God wants us to depend on Him when it comes to raising our children, it should be no surprise that we encounter challenging situations where we have no resources of our own. He desires to draw us close to Himself and to deepen our reliance on, and trust in Him. And it is most often the challenges in life that accomplish these goals in our lives. And quite honestly, my kids are my biggest challenge most of the time. So ~~when~~ as the challenges arise (from the minute my eyes open in the morning, and on through the day-and night!), I need to see them as opportunities for me to rely more completely on the Lord. Opportunities to turn to Him first, instead of a parenting book or a friend's advice. To receive from Him the resources I really need...wisdom...guidance...patience...gentleness...self control...love.

revealing...

2011-08-06T09:00:00.000-07:00

Went from this to this. In only a few hours. Gotta love what spray paint can do. Give an old dresser a new look and get rid of the musty Ocean Beach smell. You would only know what I mean if you've ever lived in OB. How can every single house smell that way? My guess is mold + ocean air + lots of weird pets + street people + partying college kids. Not a good mix I tell you, not a good mix.

Bye Bye Baba

2011-08-05T09:01:00.000-07:00

I've known for a while that I need to wean Leighton from the bottle. I just haven't wanted to do it...yet. Partly because she's my last baby, but mostly because I expect it to be a challenge. Anyway, she has gotten super attached to it in the last month or so, asking for her "baba" almost every hour. Tired, hungry, grouchy, bored...she needs her baba. Well, today was the breaking point when I saw this...

She literally bit a chunk out of the nipple- she needed her milk that bad I guess, and the slow flow nipple was holding her back. Of course I discovered this as it flowed out all over her car seat. So, to put it in her words, "baba broken". And I saw it as my perfect opportunity to kick the beloved baba to the curb.

Doesn't she looked thrilled about the idea.

I'm expecting this to be a loooooooooong week.

First Recital

2011-08-04T09:00:00.000-07:00