blessed day.

 

Today is a blessed day for two reasons...
Easter outfits are complete. Fitted, hemmed, and buttons attached. Which means no stress to hurry and finish them last minute! I love sewing Oliver + S patterns. They sew together beautifully, and are finished inside and out. I can't wait to see my babies (sorry Lizzy, but you'll always be my baby) in their handmade clothes on Sunday. I feel like such a domestic mother, and I live for that feeling. I love carrying on tradition, and I will continue to as long and she will let me. We are 10 years and running!

Now, for the second reason. This is the first day that Lizzy has fixed her own hair for school!!!! She is maturing, and becoming more opinionated about how she wants her hair. We don't always agree. Many days I will fix her hair the way she asks, only to see that she has taken it out when I pick her up from school. (which is totally okay, I remember doing the same thing)

This morning was no different. We were both trying to be agreeable, but it just wasn't working. I asked (politely) "Would you like to do your own hair this morning?" To my surprise she said "YES!" I left her to do whatever she wished, and she completely surprised me when she walked downstairs with two braids! I am so proud of her! Oh the JOY! 

And that is why today is a blessed day in my book.

sick days.

My poor boy has been sick since Monday. Though I would never know it until diaper changing time. I finally called the doctor today and they said there is a 7 day stomach flu going around. He's got it. And my Mr. too. But, I don't mind pampering my family and playing nurse for a while. I especially love the extra snuggles! 

Yesterday was our first time taking Charlie to the park this year! He loved it! He's lucky to have such a wonderful big sister. She was right with him, protecting him every second. Makes the mama proud! Right now, she and daddy are at the STEaM Expo at school. Charlie and I stayed home where we can privately change his entire outfit every time he needs a diaper change...

Mr. W and I are slightly addicted to Downton Abbey at the moment. We haven't watched any of it until the past few weeks, so it's been a marathon watching all 3 seasons at once! A very good marathon I might add. (we are currently watching season 3, so no spoilers please!!!) It's our little treat every night after we tuck the children in bed! I can't wait to see what happens tonight...

And oh yes, I finished both Easter outfits this week. Now to finish preparing for the Easter Bunny to fill those baskets!

tea for three.

A few nights ago while I was laying my baby boy down, my girl was busy setting up a surprise tea party. When I came downstairs, this is what I saw! The three of us sipped tea, pinkies out of course, and had a pleasant time chatting. How sweet is my girl?..

Halloween 2012

Halloween was so fun this year! It always is. My toadstool went to 2 church Halloween parties, Halloween Recital at USU (she play "Arioso" by Bach, accompanied by daddy), school festivities, and 2 of her friends came over for trick-or-treating last evening. My little owl dressed up for the school festivities yesterday, but since he goes to bed at 7pm we skipped out on the trick-or-treating for him. He helped me give out candy instead!

Lizzy had so much fun trick-or-treating with her friends. Mr. W walked with them for about 2 1/2 hours, then they came home for hot chocolate and checked out their loot. It hit me last night that her trick-or-treating years are numbered. That's strange...

Today I packed up the Halloween decorations and brought out our few Thanksgiving ones. I LOVE this time of year! It was a HAPPY Halloween, and now we are ready to celebrate Thanksgiving.

++ A quick note about the girl... She captured a fly (walk) last night and named him Ralph. He went trick-or-treating in a tea basket with her. This morning when I was doing her hair I told her "I love my girl" (as I always do) and the tears came. She pulled the empty tea basket from her drawer and Ralph had passed away. She is so sensitive and sweet. She even has a place in her heart for flies. I love my girl!

she's off...

Lizzy left for Teton Science School on Wednesday morning. She was so excited! She was happy to say "goodbye" to the three of us and be on her way. That was comforting to me, and I needed it! I suppose I find comfort in her independence because that is the ultimate goal when raising children...right? 

I'm sure she's having a wonderful time. I check the school's website and you tube channel about 50 times a day. She is just as good at avoiding their camera as she is mine...she's not in very many photos. The time lapse of her eating breakfast was a hoot! I MISS HER! I can't wait to pick her up tomorrow and hear all about it!

me & my girl.

Yesterday Lizzy was enthusiastic about cooking! (thank you Mr. W, for grabbing the camera to capture the moment) She helped make Sunday dinner, and then asked if we could make cookies for our neighbors. She helped with both, start to finish!

Last week I knitted a scarf for a little friend. It must have sparked the same flame in her, she asked me to teach her how to knit with needles. Again. We've attempted mini teaching sessions in the past, as she has requested and as long as her attention span would allow, but as aforementioned, they were mini. This time was different. All of those sessions must have added up to learning little by little, because this time I instructed her for maybe 2 minutes, and she was knitting away on her own! Oh the excitement for the mommy! Now that I think about it, I wonder where she has stashed her knitting... I haven't seen it in a few days. I guess she's moved on :)

I love these moments with my daughter. I've learned through the years that this kind of excitement usually comes for a moment, then she's on to something else. I try to jump at every opportunity when it presents itself. I believe these are the moments that are shaping and molding her into the woman she will become.

Last week we had a mommy-daughter date to Kneaders. She loves the eclairs, and I love the one-on-one time with her! She is growing up so quickly. I don't say "too quickly" because I love every stage with her! Even the, "I'm independent and do not need you to go to Teton Science Camp with me" stage. Independence is the ultimate goal after all, right?

first teeth!

(hurry up little teeth, you're hurting my gums!)

Before this very important date slips my mind, this little boy got his first tooth on Tuesday! The likely lower central incisor. The neighboring tooth is following closely behind. It's almost through those swollen little gums! He's a few months ahead of Lizzy, she didn't get her first tooth until she was 14 months old. But who's counting... I'm just happy to avoid the dreams of having my infant fitted for dentures because she is the only 1 year old with no teeth!

our summer in pictures...

because right now, there's no time for words!

school is out & mobiles!

 Yesterday was Lizzy's first day of summer break!

She decided to attend a new school at the beginning of fourth grade, and she made a very wise decision!

It has been a year of exploration, wonder, fun, art, and learning. She adapted quickly to her new environment, and made friends easily. Academically and socially she excelled. 

I would say fourth grade was a success!

 signing autographs while the paparazzi shoots away

 field day/water slide

And as usual, summer break means much crafting for my girl.

(the word "bored" is a naughty word in our home)

So, our first project was adapted from this mobile tutorial. We finished baby brother's, and almost completed hers. I especially love how it looks from his prospective lying in his crib!

Already today, she made a handkerchief that she designed, cut, sewed, and monogrammed herself! I love her creativity. I love that she finds ways to entertain her mind and hands, and that this very moment she is outside playing and rarely finds herself being entertained by electronics. 

I am so excited for summer time with my girl!

This picture was taken 4 years ago, the summer Mr. W started pharmacy school. I love looking at this picture. My little girl was 6 years old, and her life was about to change as we began a new adventure.

 She was about to learn a lot about sacrifice, hard work, and how much we really love being together as a family. Some days there was not as much time for play as there used to be. Some days daddy was exhausted and overwhelmed. Many days his day began at 5:00 am and ended at 12-1:00 am. 

Still he played, and read bedtime stories faithfully.

 And that is why I love this picture.

(him wearing the gown, her wearing the cap and carrying his hood)

It makes me cry. 

My sweetheart has made so many sacrifices the past 4 years. And so has my little girl. This picture perfectly represents our determination, hard work, and sacrifice as a family. 

 My little girl has changed a lot 

the past 4 years. She looks more like a teenager. (sometimes she even acts like one)

My Mr. has changed a lot too. What he has accomplished is no small feat. Now I know why only 3% of the American population has a doctorate degree. It was not easy! 

There were plenty of tears, much loneliness, sleep deprivation, (mostly him) 

and frustration.

But now it feels oh so good! 

I guess the saying is true, "what doesn't kill you makes you stronger."

We are definitely stronger as a family.

This process has been excruciating at times, but happy too.

To you my Mr., I am so proud!

Not only did you do it, 

you did it beautifully!

xoxo

some thoughts...

Today is a beautiful day. 

Sunny, warm, and happy.

After the 5:45am nursing, I changed into my workout attire. (as usual) But this morning the birds sounded like the most beautiful symphony, and it called to me. I decided to skip the treadmill and hit the pavement. (love the nike running app!) When I got home I told my sleepy Mr. that it was exhilarating! As I ran I listened to the birds sing, watched the sunrise, smelled the blossoms on the trees, and saw baby lambs frolicking! I think I'm converted.

Sister begins end of year testing today. I can't wait for summer days with my girl! 

She also has dance today...I feel there will be grumbles. She hates going anywhere after school when it's warm outside. All she wants to do is play in the yard. Can't say that I blame her.

She spent the entire Saturday, from sun up until sun down, in the outdoors.

Oh yes, that was the day of the fishing trip. Fishing is a bit of a different experience for Lizzy. 

You see, she doesn't catch fish to eat. Nope, not my girl...she brings home a new "pet". 

She caught a catfish and brought it home to show me. Then it ended up in her swimming pool. Then it gets named "kitty"...get it? (Cat)fish...

This is when I know we're going to have problems. She becomes attached, even though

 Mr. W explained to her that they would need to take it back to it's home. She wanted to move the pool into the garage so he wouldn't get cold Saturday night. We convinced her that he was used to the outdoors and that he would be fine. She ran out first thing Sunday morning to check on him. Then again after church. That's when she discovered he had passed away. Many tears were shed. She and Mr. W buried Kitty in the garden, then she made a memorial. It's at school with her at this moment.

This whole experience reminds of of Bobby. I love my girl!

Moving on...This morning Mr. W and I took Lizzy to school, then went on our date to the grocery store. We love our morning dates, and our lunch dates to Kneaders! 

I rocked our baby for at least 30 minutes this morning. I eat it up every time. I know how quickly this time passes and I want to savor every moment. 

Tonight we will grill turkey burgers, dig a hole to repair the sprinklers, and my Mr. and sister are going to a Buddhist temple. He has to attend a minority meeting of some sort for one of his classes, and heaven knows Lizzy is not going to pass up this opportunity!

happenings.

(Easter 2012)

I wish someone could follow us around to take pictures and record all of our happenings.

I'm not keeping up with it as well as I'd like to be.

must.make.time.

There has been much happening around here lately. Mostly the usual, wife, mother, and family stuff, and it's wonderful! Although, we did go to the U last week for Mr. W's graduation meeting! Two weeks from today, he will be a free man!!! 

            


Lately, our little girl makes us laugh a lot. She full of funny comments and jokes, she's rather quick witted. She is growing, maturing, and entering this new phase of life. She and I have had fun shopping together lately. She realized last week that she can wear women's shoes. She had quite a party in the shoe isle of T J Maxx. All of which were (very) high heels, and covered in bling. Heaven help me! She LOVES 80's music! (we may have had a little to do with that) That's all she wants to listen to in the car, and when she's doing her chores. It's kind of weird really...hearing her play 80's music in her room, in her own little space. I guess it's strange because we've kept her fairly sheltered from most media and popular music trends, which I'm very proud of.  

baby brother's Easter attire

This baby boy has many bloomers in his wardrobe. I can't help myself! 

My gardeners planting the first peas. 

Grasshoppers please stay away this year!

Need I say how he feels about peas?!

more bloomers!

what a good girl!

...not only is she playing her songs,

she let me take a picture!
She says hi and she loves you!

...for daddy

This is what I found on sister's bed this morning. 

I think it's safe to say you're missed!

summer love.

I just can't seem to get enough of this summer. I'm loving every moment. The time with Mr. W and my girl, the warm sun on my skin (even if it causes me to have contractions), watching my pumpkins and raspberries grow, having grass in the back yard, feeling patriotic when I see a flag flying, and on and on... 

I love it all!

L had the most amazing teacher in second grade, who still checks on her 2 years later. On Sunday morning she left a book on the front porch (Emmy and the Incredible Shrinking Rat by Lynne Jonell) with a card that said she just knew L would love this book! It just so happens, she was RIGHT! We have read it everyday. We will read over an hour and L will request "please don't stop!" Last night I read to her while she was bathing until she was a prune, then we laid in her bed together and read until almost 10:00. I love it when we find books that I enjoy every bit as much as she does. I love the sweetness I feel between us when we are spending time together cuddled up with a good read. And I love good friends that remember you years after they have taught your daughter in school.

this girl.

so, last night after mr. w and i finish working out, we all sit together on the floor for fhe. (this semester it's moved from monday to wednesday...yucky schedule) L hops on mr. w's back and says, "ooh dad, your back's all wet. kinda like it, it's sort of sticky." she cracks me up. it was even better watching my mr. with his face in his hands laughing helplessly. kids are great!

::no pics today. camera is in the shop getting cleaned. $75 later, let's hope the spots go away.

my sweet girl... ahh

celebrate... and tears

It has finally happened. My girl has 2, yes not one but 2, loose teeth! (she thinks 4, as you can tell by her art sketches above) She has been waiting since preschool to lose her teeth. All of her first grade peers have permanent teeth, my poor girl had to take my wisdom teeth in a jar to show her friends. I'm sure next school year she will proudly write her name on the "lost tooth" chart with all of the others. (I think she will feel more proud than any second grader in history to participate in this ritual)

++

The blessed aphid guy "Bobby" passed away today. He was a trooper for surviving 4 days in a rubbermaid container. Missy shed many tears and tried to look at his little carcass under her microscope. This process resulted in losing him somewhere on the desk or in the carpet. I guess that is easier than trying to bury an aphid.