Wouldn't You Know It?!

Moments after I blogged yesterday about how nearly all our snow was gone and the flowers were poking up....it snowed!  Not much, but a few inches of wet snow.  So today, the kids thoroughly enjoyed it for a good chunk of the afternoon. 

They attempted to make a snowman, but it never quite got finished.  They got too tired and Little Boy Blue kept breaking the snowballs that they were trying to form for the body pieces.  Oh, well.  As long as it doesn't warm up too much tonight, we'll try again tomorrow.  They did have a blast though.  So I'm not too upset about the snow.  We don't often get snow that's actually wet enough to build with. 

 But since this recent snow has already melted off my front flower bed and walk way, I still have hope for flowers by Easter.  Crossing my fingers!

Season to Season

This winter we've definitely had a more mild version of the season.  Of course, our view of a normal winter is probably a bit off since the last two have been record breaking or near that for snowfall totals.  But before the snow in our yard melted off, I wanted to take a picture of the kids to compare our years. 

Early March 2010

Early April 2009

This is the most impressive snow pile area in our yard because it's right at the intersection of the driveway and the front walk.  So when we snowblow, it tends to pile up the highest in this spot.  Of course, this picture also makes me realize how much snow we really did get the past two years.

This picture is looking out of Carly's bedroom window in late March.  We have a metal roof so when things warm up just a touch, all the snow that accumulates on the roof comes sliding off.  It's usually very noisy and then it piles up in a ring around the perimeter of the house.  Carly's window gets it the worst because it's close to another snowblowing path. 

Here's my front flower bed in late March 2009.  The crocuses were just poking up.

And here's the same flower bed in early March 2010.  The crocuses are definitely up and even the tulips are starting to poke up.  I'm feel pretty confident that our crocuses will be in bloom for Easter this year.  Yay!  The light green stuff in the front of the photo is called Lamb's Ear (I think).  I thought I had taken it all out of the flower bed when I redid it in the fall of 2008.  But apparently this stuff is hard to get rid of.  I had tried to plant something else in that spot, but it didn't come back the next year, but this stuff did!

Hope you enjoyed the comparison pictures.  Now I just hope we don't get a big dump of snow before Easter!  We did get 2 or 3 inches on Sunday (the first snowfall in about 6 weeks!), but fortunately, it started raining last night and it's basically all gone.

Inaugural Bike Ride

The other day, after rain most of the morning, the clouds parted and there was some afternoon sunshine.  When nap time was over, I thought it would be a good chance to let the little man take is inaugural bike ride on his shiny red radio flier tricycle.  This was one of his Christmas presents from us.  Since Christmas, we've let him ride it around in our family room.  But now it's tasted the fresh pavement in front of our house, so the shop is its new home.

Here's some pictures from his first real ride on his tricycle.  I hope we have many fun summer rides this year.

 

  

Look how far I came!  And do I really have to push the pedals ALL the way around?  Can't I take a break when I get halfway around?  Sorry little man--all the way around.

  

  

Riding too fast for my ISO setting!

  

To the untrained eye, you'd think we lived on a flat street, but there is just a tiny bit of a slope.  He decided this time it was easier to pull the trike up rather than ride it. 

  

He'll get the hang of it soon and be riding like the wind like his sister.

  

Recent Reads

Tonight, Carly and I finished reading this book, Beezus and Ramona.  We've enjoyed reading partial chapters before bed for the past few weeks or so.  We didn't get to it every night, but most.  Lately, it's been fun for us to read bigger chapter books together before bed.  Before this Beverly Cleary classic, we read a Junie B Jones book that she got for Christmas. 

 

When I was in elementary school, I remember reading just about every Ramona book that Beverly Cleary wrote.  But I didn't remember Beezus and Ramona being quite so focused on Beezus' point of view.  I'm sure we'll be reading other Ramona books before too long, and maybe we'll try ones that are more from Ramona's view since she's closer in age to our little girl.

Isaac has been very much into books lately too.  He has a small group that he really favors lately, but these two always seem to be in the mix no matter what.  Brown Bear, Brown Bear and Sheep in a Jeep.  We read these so often--usually once a day--that he has them memorized and can read them to himself.  And every time we get to the end of Sheep in a Jeep, he lets out the same "ha!" sounding laugh.  His timing is so predictable that I always know exactly when to expect it.

 

What books or toys are your kids into lately?

It all started...

12 years ago today!  Today is the "anniversary"of our first date!  And yes, I do remember the exact day--February 28, 1998.  We went out to eat at a Mexican restaurant and then to see a movie--Titanic, of all movies!  Not really the best "first date" movie in my opinion. Anyway, we obviously both had a good time that night, because we've been together ever since.
This picture was taken about a month after our first date.  I guess I didn't want to jinx our new relationship by posing for pictures too soon.  So there's no picture of us on our first date, but I do have some visual memories from that evening etched in my mind.  Oh, and yes, I still own this dress and wear it occasionally.  Of course, not right now being pregnant and winter.  But Shawn still wears the tie and the suspenders are somewhere.  Look out they might make a comeback, after he sees this picture.

 I always knew there was something different about this guy from the moment we started spending time together.  A difference that I liked and was intrigued with.  During my freshman year at Oklahoma Christian University, I found myself worrying a lot about finding the right guy.  For some reason, I sensed a little bit of that ticking clock feeling, that the "good ones" would all get snagged before I found one for myself.  I went out on dates with a few guys--and some were lucky enough to get second or third dates--but they just weren't quite right for me.

The summer after my first year of college, I was preparing to go on a semester long study abroad in Japan and Australia.  I didn't see myself being interested in any of the guys that were to go on this trip with me, so I made up my mind to not let myself worry about boys for the semester.  Besides, I wanted to enjoy all the amazing experiences I would have in these places without worrying about impressing someone.  The more I thought about this decision, the more I realized that in the past I hadn't really let God be the man in my life.  At some point in my semester abroad, I made the decision to quit worrying about finding the right guy myself, but instead to let God give him to me.
When I returned to OC in the spring, this peace about men continued for me as the new semester started.  And wouldn't you know it, but God answered my prayer!  It was actually the day before classes were to begin, that Shawn and I were both invited by mutual friends to a pizza restaurant, Cici's.  I thought he seemed very nice and cute, but really we just had a good time with friends.  God had already taught me to rely on Him and not get myself worked up about the possibility of a relationship with a guy, just because he was cute and talked to me.  But in the weeks to come, I cautiously enjoyed a casual friendship with him.  I told VERY few people that I was becoming interested in him.  It was probably a month before I said anything to anyone, which was unlike me.  I guess I did this because I didn't want my feelings to get in the way of God's plan for Shawn or me--even if that plan didn't have us together.  Slowly, he started to show signs of being interested in me too.  And it wasn't long before he asked me out on a date. 
That's basically how our story began--or at least my version of it.  And I'm so very thankful for the story that we've made since then--the memories and adventures together, and two fantastic kids plus one more on the way.  Shawn still makes me laugh and inspires me to be a better person and child of God.  I'm so thankful that God brought him into my life and for the lesson in being content that God taught me before meeting him.  I know now that during that time--that lesson--God was preparing my heart for Shawn, my husband. 
Twelve years later, we're a bit older looking (or should I say, more mature), but we're still very much in love.  Now, don't be fooled.  We've had our ups and downs like just about every married couple, but God has strengthened us and sustained our love for each other even through struggles or challenges.  I'm so thankful for that.  I'm also thankful for Shawn and for the family we have together.  But ultimately, I'm thankful for my Heavenly Father, who blessed my life at just the right time with a wonderful man to share this family with.  My cup is overflowing!

At different times in my life, I've done a better job listening and following rather than blazing the trail I think God wants for me.  But I think I can confidently say I did my best listening at this time in my life.  And I'm equally confident that He blessed me for that in a tremendous way.  So I encourage you to listen to the Father's will for your life as well.  No matter what your stage in life, He will bless you immeasurably if you're listening and following His will.

If you're still here reading this post, thanks.  I knew you loved me! :)

Play Time

 

 When my parents were here over Thanksgiving, they brought along this great play mat for the kids.  It's a fabric panel of a city scene that my mom added a piece of backing fabric to and sewed a binding around.  It's great and the kids have a good time driving their cars down the streets from the store to the police station.  Or helping the airplanes take off at the airport.  The helicopters also need help landing safely at the hospital. 

  

  

 They haven't quite figured out how to play with this for hours and hours, but I'm hoping that day will soon come. :)

  

Of course, I could just be dreaming of something that might not turn out.  (the playing for hours bit)  Even so, I'm still glad they enjoy playing with it and that they generally enjoy playing together.  That right there is a blessing in itself.  

Thanks for the great play mat mom.  The kids love it!

Lately...

...this has been the scene at our house.

For about two weeks now we've been working on potty training the little man.  The good news is, he's taken to it pretty well.  After just about two days, I could tell he was already developing good bladder control. I must say that compared to his sister, this is going WAY better.  But in her defense she was a bit younger and probably not nearly as ready.  This time around I held off a bit longer and I think it's really made a difference.  In fact, the last few days have been 99% dry!  Yay!

The only problem is...he hasn't figured out how to get to the toilet in time for #2.  I'm not too worried at this point, because he's not hiding when this happens.  But, you don't want to read all the lovely details. :)

Anyway, we've tried to figure out some incentives to help him be successful.  We've tried candy, but then we just skipped ahead and offered him keys to a new car.

This one... 

  

Surely he'll get it figured out before he can actually apply for his license, right?

OK actually it doesn't require keys and it's made by matchbox, but for a 2 year old it seemed like a great idea.  But it's been on our little shelf in the bathroom for a week now, collecting dust.  (Just avert your eyes from the dust though.)

  

 Hopefully, very soon I can offer him an ice cream cone from here...

  

 He loves going to McDonald's and since they have a play area, it's a perfect place for a Juneau kid in the winter.  However, our McDonald's is having an interior remodel and only the drive through is open.  It should reopen next week, so I'll start offering that incentive soon.  Hopefully that will work.

(Actually did you notice the palm tree in the McDonald's picture?  Yeah, I'd love to take him to that one!  It's actually a restaurant in San Diego.  Maybe after he's potty trained I can convince Shawn that we need to be rewarded with a trip to this specific restuarant.  Or maybe not.)

For now, we'll just try a few new incentives, keep working at it, and be happy for all the successes that come.  Keep it up little man.  You're doing great!

 

Baby Legs

Some call them baby legs, and some call them leg warmers.  Either way, I think they're cute and had wondered why I hadn't ever gotten any for my little girl before.  Then a few weeks ago, I discovered the answer while I was reading some of my favorite blogs.  The answer is: because they're stinkin' easy to make yourself!  I found a great tutorial here, and followed her easy directions.  Seriously, if you know how to turn on a sewing machine you can totally do this.

 

 Here's how I did it.

First you buy women's knee high socks.  Then you cut them right above the heel.  I used my rotary cutter.

  

 Then, I put the raw edge of the now tube sock into the machine and did a tight zigzag stitch close to the edge.  I practiced this stitch on the little footie pieces that I cut off.  Once I was confident in myself, I did it on the tubes leg warmers/sock tubes.

  

I made two pairs of these--Fred Meyer had a buy one get one 1/2 off coupon!  See how the ruffle just magically appears with that zigzag stitch?  It really wasn't hard at all.

  

 Here's the two finished pairs of leg warmers.

  

 Isn't that a cute ruffle?  I liked doing this version better than another I found that just had you sew a straight stitch.  The ruffle is so much cuter!

  

 Finished warmers on some legs.

She's worn these with and without tights for extra warmth.  After baby #3 is born and starts crawling around, I'll probably make some for that little one too.  A little extra cushion on those knees can't hurt.  Plus extra warmth while they're on the floor sounds good too.

  

And some silly models

 

Indoor Camping

These pictures are actually from a few weeks ago, but I'm just now getting around to sharing them.  We had some sunshine, but a bit too much packed snow/ice for my liking, so we were inside.  But my little ones decided they wanted to go camping.  So with the camp chair Daddy had brought in the house a few days earlier, they set out to make their campsite.  Apparently these two do not travel lightly for camping.  I think they'll learn a thing or two about that on their first backpacking trip one day.

 

 Did you notice the essential bag of pretzels on the floor and the telephone?  These kids crack me up!  But there is also a Bible tucked behind that telephone.  I'm glad that was an essential to them too.

 

One last thing...Isaac kept saying, "This is the best camping ever!"  It's true.  So we definitely need to take him camping for real very soon.

Crayon Rolls

I have been wanting to make crayon rolls for my kids for quite a while now, but I just never seemed to be able to get the chance.  After Christmas (ok, well really after the family wedding), I sort of mentally cleared my plate of all those projects I "have to do".  I didn't feel like I was enjoying being creative as much as I would like.  So with my new clearer perspective, I dove into making these for my kids.  And I had time to complete them as Valentine's Day gifts!
Another reason for my new creative mood has been the discovery of two "mommy" blogs.  The Idea Room and Make It and Love It.  These are both on my side bar under "...blogs I sometimes read".  (Ok really they should be titled, "Blogs I Check Daily for My Creative Fix".)
Anyway, they both have some great photo tutorials on their blogs for these and other projects and I just couldn't help but make these for my kids.  My initial inspiration came from this page on the Idea Room blog.  It has all the measurements figured out if you want to roll up longer markers or those twisty crayons.  But I was going for more of a standard crayon size, so I used this page from Skip To My Lou, which is another blog I enjoy reading and should probably add to my list.  These ladies did a fantastic job of showing and explaining each step in the process, so I won't duplicate it here.  But if you're interested in making some of these yourself, they're really not difficult and I would highly recommend these blogs.


This is the one I made for Carly.  I had the kids in JoAnn's with me a few weeks ago, and she actually picked out the fabric without knowing what I was doing.  I used the Skip to My Lou pattern, but made it about 1 inch wider to fit her pip squeak markers. 

 

  

Then I made this one for Isaac.  I found both of these fabrics as fat quarters in the clearance bin for 50 cents each!  Yeah!

 

 Goodbye plastic baggie holding my little boy's crayons!  We've got a new way to carry our colors!

  

Fun for the Love Bugs

Valentine's Day was a lot of fun for us--a bit busy since it landed on a Sunday this year, and Sundays are always busy for us.  But I didn't want the "busy"ness of the day to override any fun festivities.  So we just squeezed it in anyway!

Breakfast started off with heart shaped pancakes and strawberries-sliced sort of heart-like.  I found a pancake mold at JoAnn's right after Christmas and tucked it away for today.  The kids thought it was fun and I think they just enjoyed having a special breakfast.  Plus, Daddy made it home from work in time to enjoy breakfast with us before he went to sleep.

  

  

  

 For lunch, we had pizza shaped like a heart--again another crowd pleaser.

  

While we were waiting for the pizza to cook, I let the kids have a treasure hunt to find their bag of Valentine's Day goodies.  We did this last year as well, and the kids loved it again.  This year the Little Man understood better what was going on.  For the treasure hunt, I went around and took pictures of familiar spots in our house, like this one below.  Then I printed the photos and taped them up at the right spots.

  

Here they are following the clues, and wearing their new kuspucks that Grandma made for them.

  

When they got to the last spot they were a bit disappointed that there wasn't another picture to find. At first they didn't even see the gift bag.  When they realized the game was over, they were only consoled by having a present to open.  The Little Miss enjoyed the game so much, she kept trying to set up more photo scavenger hunts the rest of the day and today.  

Hope you all enjoyed your Valentine's Day too, and that you felt loved.