Yeebird

Bed Head

2011-01-12T08:29:00.003-06:00

It is ONE degree outside with a wind chill of -11. I just returned home from taking Ian to school. Brrr. It's tough to drag this sweet boy out of bed for school at 7 a.m. on these cold, dark mornings. His hair says it all.

Except for the freezing temps, 2011 is off to an exciting start. It's day 12 and I am full steam ahead on my goals. Are you?

A New 365

2010-12-31T23:36:00.003-06:00

Nathan took a few photos from our Nutcracker pop-up book, scanned in a few characters, and voila: design gold.

Happy 2011, friends.

New Year's card outtakes

2010-12-28T20:58:00.004-06:00

For the second year in a row, Christmas arrived before I managed to get cards sent. So on Christmas Day we attempted to get a great family shot for our second annual (Plan B) Happy New Year card. These poses didn't make the cut.

We finally managed to get a nice photo of the four of us. Nathan worked some serious, SERIOUSLY fab design mojo on them and they went out in the mail today. Picture coming soon.

Also coming soon: my thoughts on 2011. This year was absolutely amazing for me--life changing in so many ways. I have been putting much thought into the new year, setting goals and getting excited about what might be achieved. I vow each year never to make resolutions, but there is a wonderful newness each January 1 that demands some serious soul searching and goal setting.

One goal I know for sure--keep laughing at myself and this crazy family of four I am so blessed to call mine. Which brings me back to the New Year's card outtakes. I guess the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Check out mom and dad, same day.

I won't share what mom was doing to make dad lose it here. That's classified.

Are you busy setting goals for 2011? Excited yet?

December 12

2010-12-14T21:59:00.007-06:00

Christmas drawings.

There is a drawer in our art center full of crayons and markers and fun scissors and pencils. And when placed in the center of the table with the four of us around it, it can inspire some serious masterpieces.

Sunday was cold. SixTEEN degrees. The day started like this--cozy feet and hineys.

We eventually got dressed and headed to church. BRRRR! Ian wanted to make Christmas drawings when we got home, so we turned on the fireplace and some Christmas music and began.

Here is Ian's work. The outside of Santa's house on the left, the inside--the rooms of Santa and the Mrs.--on the right.

Santa's bag, by Ian.

Christmas gifts, by Ian and Nathan.

"Gingerbread Cookie Boy" by Lilly

"Frosty and Karen" by Lilly and Me

My stuff.

Fireplace by Nathan, stocking dots and rug by Ian

"O Little Town" by Nathan. Show off.

Throw some paper and crayons on your family table and draw! Happy Christmas creating!

Who's in YOUR lunchbox?

2010-12-13T21:22:00.004-06:00

Nathan's artwork on the contents of Ian's school lunches have become legendary among parents and children in Ian's class, sparking much conversation. (No kidding.)

From Batman to lightsabers to pizza slices turned into hideous creatures, Ian's baggies have displayed them all.

Why not make your child the IT kid at his lunch table this Christmas by cutting out his sandwich in the shape of a gingerbread boy, then decorating him from the outside? You might just discover your inner artist is just a Ziplock away . . .

Ginger Snaps

2010-12-13T21:05:00.003-06:00

These cookies are crazy good. Like, prize-winning fair good. Nathan makes them every year, so I call them Nathan's Ginger Snaps. Recipe originally discovered here. Enjoy.

Clara in Training

2010-12-12T13:55:00.005-06:00

The Nutcracker 2025: Here's your Clara.

Ballet, last class of the semester. Watch week. I took 100 pictures, because there's nothing sweeter than a three year old ballerina.

The poses. So precious. How many pilates poses can be mastered at age 3? These teeny ballerinas are working on a record.

Darling. Magical. A future Clara for sure, although we're not picky. We'd settle for Sugar Plum Fairy, too.

Maybe we'll make our debut in the Mouse King's army of The Little Theater in two years.

Looking forward to watching her watch our local theater's production of The Nutcracker this weekend. Front row, center, balcony. I can't wait.

Red cups and noses

2010-12-11T17:03:00.003-06:00

Going to see the lights at Cornerstone--definitely a local tradition.

It must begin with a stop here for teeny red cup hot chocolates for Ian and Lilly. Order your Starbucks drinks at "kids' temperature" and your children can inhale them immediately, no patience required.

Driving through the route of lights is so cheery.

And it was a balmy 27 degrees outside, so why wouldn't we do the walk through, too? I confess, I waited in the car. Have I mentioned I have a cough that is keeping me up all night every night?

It wouldn't be Christmas in this town without stopping here. What's your favorite outdoor lights display?

Season of Miracles

2010-12-09T20:54:00.002-06:00

Ian's first basketball game.

They announced the players over the mic to music one at a time as the kids ran in through a tunnel. Here he is flying in from the right.

Meet The Croaking Tree Frogs. Be afraid. Be VERY afraid.

Setting up the shot:

And he SCORED!!!! He scored!! We were shocked. We were stunned. We (I) were airborne for a moment. Mostly, we were thrilled and proud for him.

There is definitely some magic floating in the air this season.

(*Note: these blog posts do not correspond with the dates in the countdown, in case you haven't noticed!)

Dickens would be Proud

2010-12-08T22:26:00.007-06:00

Ian decided he needed an office. He rearranged furniture, cut a make-shift round window from cardboard and taped it to the wall, organized his clips, writing utensils and papers, and began working. Isn't he the cutest thing? Since Lilly has to do what Ian does, you see she, too now has an office.

Meanwhile, daddy disappeared. When daddy disappears this time of year, you know he's up to something for somebody.

Sure enough, he'd snuck away to the kids' rooms to cover their headboards in Christmas lights, a tradition since Ian's first year in his big boy bed. This is Lilly's first year.

She was pleased.

How many reasons can you have for loving one human being? When I met Nathan more than a decade ago, he re-introduced me to Christmas. To keeping it. Really keeping it. And loving every second of it. The lights, the smells, the music, the traditions--even the cold! An example: making cocoa in December isn't just making cocoa to him. It's putting on the right holiday music, inviting family, choosing special mugs, and doing some decorating. You get the idea. The man knows how to celebrate Christmas.

Ian and Lilly, the purpose of this blog is for you to know your life as I saw it--as the four of us saw it. So when you're all grown up and reading this, know that the reasons I loved your father were infinite, and remember your daddy at Christmas.

Peace on earth.

Christmas Tunes, Anyone?

2010-12-08T21:13:00.003-06:00

The Aunt Rebekah thing has worked out very well for me these past 14 years. Sam keeps us laughing and guessing and learning all the time. Caleb keeps our calendars full with his first chair youth symphony gigs, church cello appearances, and school concerts.

Here he is singing at his Christmas concert. What a wonderful night. I love the shot Nathan captured of my dad giving my mama some lovin'.

And now, a special treat . . . Nathan's favorite Christmas tunes:

1. Hands down, all time favorite: A Charlie Brown Christmas

Good for anytime listening

2. An Old English Christmas by Craig Duncan

Nice for quieter/calmer listening

3. A mix of Harry Connick/Tony Bennett/Nat King Cole/Wynton Marsalis/Ella Fitzgerald

Perfect for shopping or parties--make your own mix (he did)

CHECK THIS OUT--IAN'S NEW FAVORITE CHRISTMAS SONG (AND OURS):

Coldplay!! Free on their site, the single "Christmas Lights". Listen + watch the video here.

Finally, have you seen this? Since it has about 5 million youtube views then I'm guessing yes, but I just saw it for the first time tonight, thanks to Nathan. Hilarious.

What are you listening to this Christmas season?

She's Mine

2010-12-04T15:57:00.005-06:00

Sweet Yee takes after her daddy in some ways.
She inherited his insanely high levels of serotonin and, going along with that, an incredible ability to take life in stride with a giant grin. Speaking of . . . she has his smile.

But in many ways, she is so me.

Christmas Craft Day at her preschool. Adult attendance and participation? Mandatory.
Hooray!

Seven craft stations, spread throughout the different classrooms. Each room had a giant easel, decorated beautifully with directions posted for the particular craft in that room.

Supplies were meticulously labeled and organized. Teachers were standing by to answer questions and spread holiday cheer. When the mad rush of crafting got too much, we could head to a lovely refreshment room for yummy Christmas snacks. And this isn't even the party+Christmas program day. That comes next week.

This preschool should write the book on how to do preschool.

Lots of Oriental Trading goodness and paint and glitter. All preschools should be well stocked in BOTH. Kids need to get messy. Moms and dads need to get messy.

This was my favorite. We started with half of the ornament. Bowls were lined up with teaspoons to measure out the different fillings. After filling it up, we snapped it together and added a chenille stem, curling it on a pencil. So cute. We'll be copying this for Ian's Christmas party at school.

This was a crafting MARATHON. I noticed a few children throughout the morning losing interest. Not us. Not my Lill. We were the last ones to leave. Literally, the last ones. Because she is so me, and when it comes to crafts, she can cut, glue and decoupage with the best of 'em. Now we have seven beautiful Christmas projects adorning the tree, house and walls. Merry Christmas.

December 3

2010-12-02T21:36:00.004-06:00

Want your entire house bursting with the scent of Christmas goodness?

Then make these ornaments for your tree:

Recipe:
Mix equal parts cinnamon and applesauce (go to SAM'S and buy the bulk container of cinnamon).
Next add additional cinnamon until dough reaches a clay consistency.
Cut into shapes and bake on ungreased cookie sheets at 200 degrees for 2 hours.
Insert straw to make holes for ribbon.
Let dry on wire racks for several days.

When scent fades, add a drop of cinnamon oil to each ornament.

These would also make nice gift tags. Decorate or paint when completely dry. I like mine as is.

Oh, and I am ecstatic to report I am in the possession of mom's bubble lights. The wonderful, magical bubble lights I grew up with. They just take me back to Christmas as a kid, and that's what traditions are all about.

Thanks, mom for finding four strands for me in your basement. I love you.

December 2

2010-12-02T21:23:00.004-06:00

and INSIDE!

Lilly and her hanky: they've been inseparable since the day after Thanksgiving. So naturally I would not let her outside in 18 degree weather with the boys while they hung lights on our three happy bushes. Decorating the happy bushes outside our kitchen nook window is definitely a Christmas tradition.

After 10 solid minutes of her kneeling at the window forelornly watching and crying, "I want to go outsiiiiiiiiiide . . ." I relented. She headed outside to join in the fun.

Later, Ian and Lilly broke in the nativity for this season.

Ian's other sibling, Lovey, is never too far away for too long. Their relationship is different now that he is in kindergarten and so busy with life, but he never forgets her. I LOVE this picture.

I wonder if Lovey will still be in his arms next Christmas season.

Christmas traditions. Begin.

2010-12-02T21:11:00.003-06:00

ONE MONTH OF YEEBIRD HOLIDAY TRADITIONS. HERE. WE. GO.

Christmas preparations . . .

It was frrreeeezing around here for a few days; the perfect weather for making Christmas magic happen.

The boys head up to the attic together each year to lug down all the trimmings.

Lilly and I stay inside organizing. Here she is, unpacking the "activity" (nativity) tub/homemade ornaments and sorting.

Meanwhile, fluffy hot chocolate is warming on the stove--DEFinitely a Yeebird Christmas tradition. Find the recipe here. You'll never use Swiss Miss again.

Thankful

2010-11-25T21:12:00.006-06:00

Thanksgiving prayer:
For each new morning with its light,
For rest and shelter of the night,
For health and food,
For love and friends,
For everything Thy goodness sends.
--Ralph Waldo Emerson

The family, the season, the FOOD, the table planning and setting. Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday.

I kept spotting felt leaves everywhere on fantastic sites like Pottery Barn and MADE, so I created my own huge leaf pile, no raking required. Lilly sat in my lap as I sewed. She even pushed some of the buttons for me. Can't wait to teach that gal to sew with me.

The kids' table is always the most fun, don't you agree? How many of us are still there?

Today was practically perfect. Huge snowflakes were falling as our family arrived. White stuff--a Thanksgiving treat.

Nathan's sister Amy recently had this sweet little bundle. Baby Grant was a huge hit. Can you tell? (oh and the rest of Grant's family were here, too, but not pictured in this post)

Let me pause for a moment to tell the world how ECSTATIC I was to be with, not only all of Nathan's family, but also MY PARENTS and MY BROTHER and his sweet family today. I think it is the first Thanksgiving Day in about a decade that my side of the family has been together on Thanksgiving Day. We usually celebrate a few days early, then they head out to visit other family.

It made my holiday to have them in my home today. I hope they come back every year.

Look at us. We are blessed. And we know it.

I hope you had a moment to be thankful today.

Treasure

2010-11-16T23:24:00.006-06:00

Today a nurse practitioner could not see Ian's left ear tube because it is so impacted with wax. If you know anything about tubes in a child's ear, you know they can get zero liquid into their ears. If you know much about impacted ear wax, you understand it's hard to unclog without a) pouring something in the ear or b) digging that could possibly dislodge the tube.

Waiting for a call from the ENT's office on how to proceed. I don't know what they will do, but I do know it will be painful for him.

Little Ian. Such a big heart. So brave. Old Faithful. Mr. Dependable. Prince of Patience. King of Kindness. If you've never met him, you might think this mama exaggerates. If you have met him, you know I do not. It seems there is always some big obstacle he must overcome, some pain or challenge he has to face. I wish it could be me instead.

He and I had some (precious!) time together before his appointment while Lilly was at preschool--a rare treat since kindergarten started. We went to Hobby Lobby and picked out a new and bigger wooden treasure box for him. He chose brown paint for the outside and gold paint for the inside.

He worked SO HARD for SO LONG.

He had a plan and executed it well--leave bare patches "so it looks old like a real treasure box."

Try as she may, even this teeny monkey couldn't distract him from his task.

Ian now has a new home for his Halloween fangs, assortment of plastic cupcake picks, bits of pirate "gold", and school pictures of friends.

As for this mama, my treasure doesn't fit in a box.

Does yours?

The Little Things

2010-11-13T21:05:00.008-06:00

Having a kitchen fire means your dining room table looks like this while you wait two weeks for cabinets to be finished.

I don't mind. Really, I don't. Since I tend to be a nervous type, I'm actually rather pleased with how calm I have been as painters, cleaners and repairmen have revolved through my doors for over a week. The damage was very minimal, and a kind team has cleaned and professional painters have repainted almost my entire house. Everything is spic-and-span.

I feel happy.

Here are some other reasons why.

#1: Benjamin Moore paint, color: Pebble
Here it is in my bathroom. Fresh, new, subtle, a little more gray than it looks in the photo. Perfect for me. Love it.

Speaking of fire . . .

#2: Nathan and the fireplace
It's 36 degrees outside. We have yet to turn our heat on this year. It's fireplace and down comforters time. Which reminds me--my husband melts my heart at times. "Take a picture of that," I said to him after walking in and spotting this:

If your husband isn't the type who sets your child's jammies in front of the fire like this to warm while the kiddos take their baths, link him to this blog to get schooled.

Nathan. I love him. He makes life cozy around here in so many ways.

#3: The girl who spotted this library book and had to bring it home. The title? Back Into Mommy's Tummy. Never has there been a more spot-on match for a girl and a book. Talk about mama love and attachment! Lilly's got it! (Ultimately the story reveals mama has a new baby in her tummy. That will NEVER be me again, but still, the rest fits.)

#4: Ian. Me tonight as he drifted to sleep: "You're my special treasure." He replied: "You're MY special treasure." When Ian sends a compliment like that my way, it's totally sincere and burrows straight into my heart. Sweet love.

#5: Substitute teaching . . . a job I thought I might dread with abandon.
But NO! With Lilly babysitting help from grandma and Mum, I am finding much satisfaction and fulfillment teaching again. I spend most of my time at my old school--what a surprising joy life can be when it comes full circle!

#6: These videos. If you have a preschool/kindergarten child, buy the set for Christmas. Your child will learn his sight words. Guaranteed.

#7: Last but really first: The Jesus Storybook Bible
These people really GOT it when they wrote this. It is amazing. Get the deluxe edition with CDs your child can listen to in the car. I can't say enough about it--it's clever, smart, funny, interesting, and EVERY story references the big picture: Jesus.
Another excellent Christmas gift.

What's going straight to your heart these days (besides leftover Halloween candy)?

Tumbling Meet

2010-11-07T21:34:00.005-06:00

Lilly's first tumbling meet. Oh what fun.

She was so ready to go . . .

It started with a floor routine for the judges.

Next was the trampoline routine. I love how Lill sticks out her tongue with every straddle jump!

Zipped up legs. Go girl!

Here she is waiting for the award ceremony to begin.

Lilly took second on floor, second on trampoline and second overall for 3 year-olds.

Not too shabby for six months in gymnastics. So proud of my sweet girl!!

Pop-Tarts

2010-11-04T21:28:00.006-05:00

Beware leaving Pop-Tarts unattended in the toaster.

Or you might just find yourself racing through a thick, smoke-filled house to extinguish raging flames, armed only with a nearby happy snowman dish towel.

Thankful for the little Ian voice coming from near the kitchen that said, "Why is the house filled with smoke and fog?"

Thankful that happy snowman did the trick.

Thankful only my toaster and a small portion of my kitchen went up in flames today, and not my entire house.

Weary.

What's cookin' in your kitchen tonight? We'll be microwaving our Pop-Tarts from now on.

The Usual Suspects

2010-10-31T21:20:00.005-05:00

Snow White and Jango Fett.

With the usual suspects--our neighborhood gang. We all began our evening with a party at Bruce and Carol's house.

Here they are--two of my favorite people on the planet. And, oh look! She just won the Publisher's Clearing House Sweepstakes!

I know you wish your friends dressed as Frankenstein and his Bride and chased your children around at a party.

We're just lucky that way.

Apparently a lampshade and hairspray can do wonders.

Velma, Fred, Daphne and Scooby were on hand to capture the spooks.

Who invited the lawn gnome?

Trick or treat.

There's no place I would rather be than on this street. Life is good. Happy Halloween!

Can't See the Forest for the--Robot?

2010-10-29T22:37:00.006-05:00

While waiting for Ian's parent teacher conference to begin yesterday evening, Nathan and I were admiring the artwork posted outside Ian's kindergarten classroom.

The assignment was simple:
1. Draw and color an autumn tree and its background.
2. Decorate tree with torn bits of colorful construction paper.

Imagine 24 beautiful trees, each one growing almost to the top of its sheet of 18 inch tall construction paper.

Only one student's project was completely unique. His tree was barely visible--a mere 3 inches tall and placed in the bottom corner. Oh, he'd followed the assignment instructions, but with a wonderfully creative twist: in the background, a HUGE four-legged robot was rising behind the tree, taking up the remaining 15 inches of paper. People were peeking out of the windows, black clouds of smoke were rising overhead, and maniacal villains were lurking beside the tree.

Nathan and I were delighted by Ian's lone robot in a forest of kindergarten trees.

Ian's right brained, crazy creative, fun, quirky-ness has followed him into kindergarten. And when I think of the emotions we endured at the start of this year! OH my soul. Kindergarten Open House, first quarter, and parent teacher conference are now behind us. He has excelled. Thank you, Jesus.

Open House photos (sorry I don't have any photos of the robot. YET.) . . .

He was so proud.

Grandma, Grandpa, Mum, Papa, Hoo-Hoo (great grandma), mom, dad and Lilly all attended.

Here you see Ian's hand on the right and his great-grandmother's hand on the left. Beautiful.

Lately, I feel I am just starting to learn who Ian really is. It's taken almost six years to really get him. But, I suppose even grown-ups still surprise their parents now and then. Think so, John and Ruth?

Bye Bye, Baby

2010-10-29T22:02:00.006-05:00

September 29 . . .
When I heard her calling that morning, I sent Nathan in with the camera. I knew it would be the last morning she would wake up in her baby bed:

Later that day, we set up her big girl bed.

September 30 . . .
In the end, it had to be Isabel from Serena & Lily. It just had to be. It wasn't on the original list, but when I found it, I fell in love (a close friend is sister-in-law to THE Serena--friends in high places, right?):

Buttery yellow silk with crisp white embroidery. Ooh la la.

These Dwell Studio pink sheets from Target.com were economical and a perfect match.

Good morning, Sunshine.

Scared Silly

2010-10-29T21:30:00.004-05:00

We are still here.

Up to our usual silliness.

What are you up to these days?

I miss updating Yeebird. Something happened when Ian started kindergarten. Like, someone spun the great big wheel of my life and I am still waiting to see where it stops. There is so much to tell you (no huge updates, just regular everyday "stuff"). So much life happens in one month.

I'll start just by wishing you a Happy Halloween. Stop by again soon.

Medal Winner

2010-09-24T14:32:00.005-05:00

Gymnastics is more and more fun every week. Lilly mastered the newest set of "move-up tricks" and is movin' on up to the next class. She will be one of the very, very youngest but is such a hard worker and good listener and loves it so much. Several weeks from now she will participate in her first tumbling meet. I am proud.

The correct answer (in a nutshell) to the previous post--
Doc Octopus sucking up Spiderman (But how nice that they are both smiling, even in a fight to the death!)

Caption it!

2010-09-22T22:12:00.006-05:00

I was shocked when I browsed the artwork lining the hallway outside Ian's kindergarten classroom. Some of the faces these kids had drawn, in my opinion, were elaborate: eyes had eyeballs inside and eyelashes, too. People weren't just sticks and some even had clothing!

Well.

Ian's people drawings may be a bit primitive compared to some in his class. But this kid's drawings are OOZING with substance, action, personality, and come with elaborate technical explanations. There is always something HAPPENING in his artwork, and you can bet it's a whopping story.

So tell me, what do you think was his story in this picture? And yes, there is a correct answer.

Between you and me, I'll be a little sad when those deliriously happy faces with hollowed out eyeballs disappear someday from his art.

My Many Colored Days

2010-09-20T13:43:00.006-05:00

First up: Ban on Bands (or Bandz). These multicolored offenders have been banished from kindergarten at Ian's school. It's a good thing Lilly isn't there yet. She's pretty attached, most specifically, to these Strawberry Shortcake scented pretties.

Are Silly Bands all the rage where you live, or is this just a local craze? Do tell.

Speaking of multicolors . . . ever feel like your life is summed up in Dr. Seuss's book, My Many Colored Days? :
"You'd be surprised how many ways I change on different colored days."

The beginning of kindergarten for Ian has transformed our lives in so many ways. In EVERY way, it seems. I've (we've--okay, mostly I) had red days, blue days, black, orange, yellow and pink days.

Today is one of the first days Lilly and I have just hung out at home. We painted and read, played with toys and watched videos. We rode bikes and sang songs. We put ribbons and feathers in our hair. Life as it was pre-August 24 (except with one instead of two).

This Mega Block Cloud City was constructed Saturday morning by Nathan and the kids. Oh yeah. It's still sitting right there where you see it. We now especially TREASURE those quiet Saturday mornings together, and those silly weekend nights . . .

And as long as Ian still searches for that Lovey each evening, I still feel like he is little. MY little fella. Maybe kindergarten hasn't changed everything after all.

Speaking of changes, I have my first job interview in YEARS tomorrow afternoon. I am returning to teaching--well, just substitute teaching. I can't complain: I've been able to be home with my children for five years.

Life is changing, but in the words of Dr. Seuss,
"But it all turns out all right, you see. And I go back to being . . . me."

Here's to feeling like ME again soon! How is your life changing right now?

Craft Hope book winner

2010-09-09T00:30:00.000-05:00

I got a thrill from all these comments! Your favorite crafts include old standbys like sewing (my personal fave) and scrapbooking, but also reach to the borderline-exotic (Addie, your organic dog treats take the cake, and Amy B., yes, sidewalk chalk definitely counts!).

Thanks, everyone, for entering the giveaway. Nancy, congrats! Please email your address to me at yeebird[at]gmail[dot]com.

Giveaway! Craft Hope Book

2010-09-02T09:25:00.007-05:00

(GIVEAWAY NOW CLOSED)
Here it is, friends: the Craft Hope book giveaway. To enter, leave a comment telling me your favorite craft, be it painting, scrapbooking, sewing, underwater basketweaving, etc. If you are reading this on my Facebook, please click over to yeebird and leave your comment on my blog.

The giveaway will close Wednesday, September 8 at midnight, with results posted on September 9. Winners will be chosen at random (in other words, Ian will pull a name from a hat).

Also, check me out here!

And one more thing--Dana Willard of MADE is doing a giveaway of the Craft Hope book too, so after you enter here click over to her spot (if it is not posted there yet, try again later today) and enter again.

Now, a few photos of this morning--Lilly's very first day of preschool. I'm not sure if she was excited . . .

As for the obnoxiously huge tulle hairbows . . . last night I asked Lill, "What do you want to wear on your first day of school tomorrow?" Lilly replied, "Um, PURPLE." And there ya go. So, when we parked this morning, she said, "I need to get out and go show everyone my hair." She is an absolute TRIP. I love it!

When we arrived it was pretty much, Mom and Dad WHO? Cool.

Remember to leave a comment to win. Happy Thursday.

Brunette Beauty

2010-09-01T13:14:00.007-05:00

Today was her first dance class--tap+ballet+tumbling. Lilly loved it. I can't help but notice she stands out in a lovely way with her dark hair.

My next order of business is to sew Lilly a one-of-a-kind ballet bag for her sweet shoes. I planned to make a can-can skirt inspired bag covered with pink and purple ruffles, until I saw these beauties and fell in love. Now I am undecided. What's your opinion--chiffon ruffles or satin ribbons?

Stop back tomorrow for a giveaway--the Craft Hope book!

Signs

2010-08-27T20:47:00.005-05:00

Do you believe in signs?

Not that I was wondering if we had chosen the right preschool for Lilly, but even so, when I saw THIS at meet-your-teacher yesterday, I knew. This, just outside her classroom:

This magical, wonderful place she absolutely adored. This place where she cried when it was time to leave. This school that has chosen Disney as its theme for the year, so all her friends came to the party--Mickey, Minnie, Jessie, Woody, Buzz, Simba, Aladdin, and of course, the princesses.

She was such a big girl, insisting she could open her own backpack and fill her new school box; her very own cubby.

She wants so badly to be big. I want so badly for her to stay small, just a bit longer. But, I am excited about where life will take her this year!

Where is life taking YOU this year?

Pants

2010-08-25T21:41:00.004-05:00

Ian's kindergarten report so far--"awesome."

On day 1 he told me:
"Mom, if you have a bus sticker on your shirt, you ride home on the bus. If you have a smiley face sticker, you ride home with your pants."

On day 2 he chose a wife and crowned himself captain of the "good" boys.

Heaven knows what day 3 will bring.

How is your school year shaping up?

First Day of Kindergarten

2010-08-24T08:52:00.005-05:00

Doing the first day of school breakfast at our house was a lifesaver. Ian sat up in bed at 6:30 a.m. and said, "Are my friends here yet?" The breakfast made him excited about the first day of school and made for a lightning fast getting ready process!

He did great at kindergarten. We did alright.

I was fine until he stopped coloring, looked up at me, and put his hand to his cheek for a few moments. If you've read The Kissing Hand to your child then you know what that means and what Ian was communicating to me. (and you know why I almost fell apart right then and there)

ONE.

TWO.

THREE.

Already making friends. Already finishing his first kindergarten drawing. My hero, once again. Daddy and I made it out the door before we cried. Nathan said he planned on being in a low-grade weep all day.

I am proud and thankful, but--is it 2:45 yet?

A Thousand Ian W.'s

2010-08-22T22:26:00.002-05:00

Ian's new kindergarten teacher has but one test to pass when we meet her tomorrow:

This is the note Ian made for her, and if her answer is yes, it is going to be a good year.

Yep. Tomorrow is Meet Your Teacher, in preparation for the first day of school on Tuesday. I spent the afternoon labeling school supplies. Lilly's preschool requires her name on every single marker and crayon (Meet Your Teacher is Thursday for her).

Seriously.

It wasn't all the Lilly W.'s I wrote today that sunk my ship--it was all those Ian. W.'s I wrote on kindergarten school supplies. Preschool is cake. But, kindergarten. Whew. The note to teacher from Ian is written and packed. The first day of school teacher gift is purchased. The cutest little rest mat and lunch box are labeled with his name, as are 16 Crayola crayons, a watercolor set, glue, pencils and scissors. New school clothes are neatly tucked away waiting to be worn for the first time.

Everything is ready.

Everything except Nathan and me. We are blubbering messes--true Kindergarten Babies. We're going to make it through Tuesday, right friends? RIGHT?

Encourage me, please.

Sweetness Comes in Pairs

2010-08-18T13:52:00.005-05:00

When I entered the dance studio today for the first time ever to sign Lilly up for classes, I know I had "sucker," I mean, "dedicated mother" written all over my face.

For the little girl who lives for gymnastics day during the week, and has asked to take "dancing class" and especially ballet ever since she could utter the words, it was time.

I couldn't resist the official tap shoes or the leather ballet slippers.

Lilly was convinced the hosiery they gave her to try on the shoes was special, so she is still wearing said hosiery.

I am convinced sweetness must come in pairs.

Come September 1, Little Miss is going to be very busy--gymnastics, dance, and preschool--and my prayer is, very happy too. Sometimes, the world just doesn't seem big enough to hold all of her GIANT dreams.

Keep dreaming BIG, my love. I promise to do all I can to help you achieve those dreams.

And may they always come in pairs.

Lightsabers on the Cheap

2010-08-17T22:11:00.004-05:00

Supplies:
mini-flashlights
colored paper
tape
younglings (children in jedi training, for all you non-Star Wars geeks)

Tape paper into tubes. Slide flashlight into one side.

This provided two hours of entertainment for my family tonight.

Countdown 6 days to kindergarten. Today the lump in my throat wouldn't go away. Darn you lump. Darn you kindergarten. Darn you guilt that comes with motherhood.

A fierce lightsaber battle helped me release some tension.

And yes, I am wearing a princess crown. In the realm of accessorizing, mama does what Lilly says. Period.

Any lumps in your throat today?

St. Louis

2010-08-11T22:56:00.007-05:00

First of all, THANK YOU for voting in the Lilly's big girl bedding election. I am processing your wonderful ideas and will keep you posted.

We returned home yesterday from a quick two day trip to St. Louis. Wanna see?

We spent most of day one at the Magic House. It is an amazing place where children can pretend, imagine, play, climb--you name it--all things my children adore. It's also been around a long time. I used to go there as a child growing up in the city. Fond memories.

JFK re-enactment by Ian in the Oval Office. Great idea, Nathan.

Is anyone else terrified at this thought: ??

Now, a much happier thought: careers in medicine would be fine with this mama.

I'm looking glazed over in this one. Must be about lunchtime.

Speaking of which, Lilly had some manic moments at Qdoba, but she recovered.

That night, we headed to Nathan's sister's house for dinner, bringing a chocolate torte and flowers. Happy 40th birthday, Aunt Amy!

We tackled the City Museum on day 2. I think Nathan said it best . . .
"I'm not sure if that place is brilliant engineering or just totally psychotic."

Either way, it's the talk of the city and an absolute thrill climbing ten stories through wrought iron/metal junk welded together in an insane combination. Yes, that is a bus hanging off the roof. Yes, you can go in it.

"We LOVE the City Museum!"

Thanks for going with us Uncle Charles (and for holding my stuff). You were a lifesaver!

Now, for the worst hair 2010 on a blog post. Oh well, it proves I made it to that crazy airplane suspended about 6 stories in the air (Lilly did, too. What a girl!). The boys went all the way up.

You see what YOUR hair looks like contorting and climbing through six stories of metal in 150 degree heat. Anyway.

The City Museum is crammed full of cool stuff inside, too. Floor two is the World Aquarium. The animals were all a little um, disturbed. Here, see us climbing THROUGH the shark tank. They were circling us. Bigtime. They know a meaty gal when they see one.

On the right is a baby stingray that kept itself vertical to the wall, seemingly trying to escape. At the bottom is a huge tortoise who beached himself on a large rock, also trying to escape.

Can't say I blame them. Note to City Museum--take care of your animals!

We wrapped up the trip with dinner at Fitz's, an old soda bottling spot across the street from Blueberry Hill on the Delmar Loop.

What's not to like about a place with happy smile fries?

What was your favorite travel spot this summer?

Caleb

2010-08-07T10:49:00.004-05:00

Happy 14 birthday to my nephew, Caleb. I think Ian said it best:

We all like Caleb.

We had a blast at his annual birthday pool party. The green goggles had to make their appearance again.

So did Ian's white bum every time he'd climb out of the water. Hilarious. Beanpole.

And because no birthday party post is complete without the token cutie eating a cupcake

and the resulting icing all over her face, her ya go.

I promise there were more people at the party, but who wants a photo of self in a bathing suit on someone's blog? Certainly not me.

Happy birthday to a young man who is an EXEMPLARY role model for my children. For that, Caleb, I love you all the more.

Election Day in Yeetown

2010-08-04T21:22:00.007-05:00

So close! I almost got this blog post up and running on election day. If you failed to make it to the polls yesterday to vote in government elections across this country, here is a chance to redeem yourselves. Well, almost and sort of. It IS a chance to vote, nonetheless, and for something infinitely cuter . . .

Lilly's big girl bedding. She is three now. Time for the baby crib to go. By the way, for a peek at Lilly's current room, click here.

Helpful info: Lilly's big girl bed is white wrought-iron, size full, and belonged to my great-grandparents.

Candidates include:

1. Leela from Pottery Barn Kids
Why I like it:
Includes blue, and Lilly's furniture is white with a blue wash over it. It is sweet and simple, and I could find a solid colored pink quilt pretty cheap elsewhere to go with. Also, the curtains in the picture are very similar to the curtains already in her room, so, you know, that goes.

And that whimsical bedskirt, well, it might involve selling a kidney, but I think it is a must-have. Money isn't growing on trees or anywhere else around here, besides, the garden is pretty much dead except for the tomatoes, but still.

2. Doll Dresses from Land of Nod
Why I like it:
The old-fashioned look goes with the iron bed, I think. Also, it's just very Lill. She spends all day dressing up and I think she would swoon over the teeny dresses.

3. Brooke from Pottery Barn Kids
Why I like it:
Fun, bright, incorporates blue, another must-have bed skirt, cheap knock-off owl pillows available at Target.
Why I do not like it:
A. Would I get tired of it? B. It is back-ordered until the end of September. Boo.

4. Bedding of Roses by Land of Nod
Why I like it:
Okay, now, seriously--doesn't this just scream little girl sweetness? The ruffles. To die for. It's also available in yellow (I like that better, actually), but if you know Lilly, it has to be PINK.

A close-up.

5. Kaleidoscope by Land of Nod
Why I like it:
Bright. Nathan thinks bright when he thinks of Lilly. (psst--he doesn't like my other choices!)

Any other ideas? Bright ideas, maybe?

Please take the time to vote today.

Disclaimer: I have yet to ask Lilly her opinion, and that MAY ultimately be the only vote that counts.

Thanks, faithful citizens of Yeebird! Smack! That's me placing a big "I Voted" sticker on your forehead.

Triathlon 2.

2010-07-31T13:43:00.003-05:00

One of the highlights of my summer has been participation in a triathlon training for beginners class in preparation for an upcoming triathlon in mid-August.

At 7 a.m. this morning, the 14 of us had exclusive access to the pool where the actual tri will take place. We swam, biked, and ran the entire course. It was a beast, but . . .

Knowing I can do something, refusing to give up,

keeping up with the cool kids (or coming close, at least),

understanding that nine months ago, walking around the block got me winded. And now I've done two triathlons in one summer, with one to go.

It has been a supreme high for me. BIG time.

It's a summer I will never forget.

Plan to do something that will lift your spirits. Believe in you, and you might just surprise yourself.

Don't you wish?

2010-07-28T22:19:00.003-05:00

Don't you wish you looked this glamorous cleaning your floors?

Don't you wish you looked this good in a hat?

This Captain America suit has made many appearances on this blog. It cheers me to know it is still a favorite of his. My college roommate, Pam, who handed this suit down to Ian, is coming to town for a visit Sunday and our families are going to lunch. Yay! I haven't seen her in many years. Maybe I'll have Ian wear this suit for the occasion.

What are you wishing for today?

Green Goggles

2010-07-27T20:33:00.005-05:00

Sprinkler play is a serious sport for these two.

What this guy lacks in enthusiasm for fireworks, he certainly makes up for in water play.

Lilly's still not so keen on the unpredictability of those blasted water drops, but Ian's excitement keeps her trying and coming back for more.

Imagine donning a pair of green goggles and letting the water soak you from head to toe,

and THAT'S what it means to be a child in the summer. (amazing photos, Nathan!!)

And if blog posts have been scarce these past months, it is because we have been doing a lot of this and other, similar things--pretty much a whole lot of nothin'--a summer of wonderful nothings that I would not trade for all the travel or money in the world.

What would you do with a pair of green goggles?

Page 73

2010-07-22T21:41:00.009-05:00

Some people think being a small fish in a big pond is a bad thing.

Not me. Today, I'm a minnow swimming in the vast OCEAN, and relishing every single moment . . .

Page 25: Vickie Howell
Page 36: Amanda Soule
Page 109: Dana Willard
Page 73: Little ole' ME

See this? This is me, sitting on the floor of my local Barnes and Noble, reading a book featuring Yours Truly and 25 of my [wish-they-really-were-my] closest friends.

No way. SO surreal. Walking into B&N and pulling your book from the shelf.

You can see it's a verrrrr-y interesting read.

And here are my two pages, featuring projects I made with fabric sent direct from Ms. Amy Butler herself.
Oh my sweet stars.

That's right, folks. Jade Sims' Craft Hope book is OUT, and our local B&N has three copies waiting to be devoured (as do other stores around the country). You can also order one here.

New Flash! The publisher is sending me a copy to give away on this blog, so stay tuned.

I love this 5-star review someone put on barnesandnoble.com:

Amazing!!!by Anonymous

July 22, 2010: Wow!!! This book is a must have! There are so many quality projects by well known people. But what makes this book unique is that each craft is paired with a charity. The very craft you make can be used to help someone in need. I can't wait to get started!!! This book is a one of a kind! I highly recommend this book!!!

Now THAT'S serious exclamation point use, peeps. I mean, peeps!!!

One last thing . . .

I can't stop laughing at this picture. A barista at B&N came around with a tray of free Starbucks samples of double chocolate somethings. They were coffee-free so we let the kids have one. Here's Lill, her bag stylishly over her arm, Starbucks in hand, browsing the bookshelves. It's SO HER! Is she 3 going on 13 or what?

Happy day, everyone.

Better than Ever

2010-07-21T23:22:00.008-05:00

Monday was Nathan's birthday.

He said he felt old. Quite the contrary, I feel he's getting younger.

He has started running. AND biking. He wakes up with the chickens and hits the pavement with his iPod strapped to his arm (running days) or wearing his new bike helmet.

(Mom's sweet feet)

My old mountain bike has become OUR old mountain bike. I am so proud of him. We are young at heart. I hope it is always so.

And I think we'll be seeing some of these signs in HIS future.

Happy birthday, Speed Racer. You're better than ever!

How are YOU staying young?

3 Sweets

2010-07-15T13:43:00.006-05:00

1. My children napping together on my bed right now. Note: my children do not usually nap. Lilly stopped napping over two years ago when Ian did, but the whirlwind of summer requires a few extra winks today.

Lilly still has the stains of our lunchtime strawberries and peaches around her mouth.

See Ian's sore nose? Poor guy with all his allergy issues has had constant bloody noses. So this morning, the ENT cauterized a blood vessel in his nose. He was so brave. He always is. I don't get how such a little person can have so much courage, but he has it.

It's dear how he often sleeps curled up, the same way he has since he was six months old.

2. Ian occupied his time during Lilly's gymnastics class yesterday by writing a "surprise" for his little sis on the MagnaDoodle.
Ian: Mama, what are some things Lilly likes?

He and I decided on Whales (of the edible Goldfish cracker variety), gymnastics, Target and jump(ing). He was so proud to show this to her when her class was finished.

3. Lilly and her notes of love.
Lilly: Mama, can I color a picture for Jess-Jess? (she frequently asks to make pictures for the people she loves)

Lilly calls this picture "Nemo." I'm sure a drawing of the cute little fish of orange and white is buried somewhere beneath all those stickers! The only thing Lilly loves more than princesses is--you guessed it!--stickers. This sweet note will soon be on its way to her great-grandfather at the Veterans' Home.

Side note: Lilly LOVES to practice writing her name, and she seems to be using her left hand more often than her right these days. Hmm, maybe a southpaw like her namesake?

Have any "sweets" of your own to share?

Chik-fil-A at Springfield Cards

2010-07-14T15:27:00.006-05:00

Chik-fil-A night at the Springfield Cardinals stadium meant Ian's baseball team got to stand with the players, have their names announced, and their pictures on the jumbo-trons at Hammons Field.

Ian is number 8.

There he is on the screen

and in center field.

Lilly and I are beyond glistening at this point.

What a great night. Soon I will post pictures of a fabulous weekend to St. Louis several weeks ago with some of my favorite ladies.

I love summer, don't you?

Yankee Doodle Darlings

2010-07-06T10:35:00.005-05:00

What a difference a year makes.

Last year I sat inside holding a frightened Lil while Ian and daddy shot fireworks outside with friends.

This year, while celebrating at Mum and Papa's house, she couldn't get enough. She giggled. She gasped. She leaped with glee.

Meanwhile, Ian is still unsure of the whole fireworks thing, but he's coming along!

Loud noises? He's not a fan. The sudden bangs startle him and hurt his tender ears (he covered them much of the night), and he does not appreciate the smoke getting in his already-irritated-from-allergies eyes and nose.

He is cautious and caring, reminding the neighbor children to "Step back!" and "Watch!" as we celebrated. He makes the most of life--even what he considers an uncomfortable situation, enjoying his friends as usual, being silly and running and falling and rolling with his buddies.

Then there's daddy--helping, lighting, guiding, in the thick of the action.

And me. Watching them all. Loving them with all their differences and uniqueness. Knowing God made every member of my family in a special way and it is my job to love them unconditionally. It's called being a mom.

How was your Fourth? Do you, also, have two very different children?

Party Pics

2010-07-03T17:24:00.007-05:00

Lilly's birthday
The first time her toenails have ever been painted:

The invite (another amazing Nathan original):

The treats (courtesy of Pure Elegance--thanks, Robin!):

The table:

The girls:

THE girl:

The candle:

Meanwhile, the boys (Ian, his cousin William, and honorary sibling Garrett) . . .

What a day!

3

2010-07-03T00:01:00.001-05:00

Happy birthday, Sweet-Yee, the icing on our cake.
Three has never seemed like such a big number to me until today!

Harvest Time

2010-07-01T10:31:00.005-05:00

First harvest from our backyard garden.

Teaching this monkey that produce doesn't grow off the shelves of the grocery store.

Making a note to self NOT to let things spoil in the veggie drawer--someone worked hard to plant, water, protect, and harvest those green goodies.

Nine years of marriage to this fella:

Means 18 of these

And a one-of-a-kind card designed by him . . .

So beautiful, isn't it? Isn't he?

What are you harvesting these days?

Cloud 9

2010-06-29T22:04:00.005-05:00

JUNE 30, 2010: A very happy 9th anniversary for we two . . .

"I know, I know, the wind will blow, the sky may shake but your arms will hold
When I'm on your mind, I'm on Cloud Nine.
The way I feel, without tears, I'm floating, light, in your atmosphere;
when I'm on your mind, I'm on Cloud Nine . . ."
--Leigh Nash, Cloud Nine (one of my favorite songs, especially today!)

I am so thankful to be walking beside my best friend through this crazy life journey.

Love you, sweets! Happy 9th!

Savoring Summer

2010-06-22T21:29:00.004-05:00

Sometimes I think Ozark winters and summers compete with one another for Most Oppressive Season. With heat indexes over 100 degrees all week, cooling centers are opening all around town. Fans are being delivered to folks who are home-bound, and movie theaters are offering discounted shows as an opportunity to avoid soaring temperatures.

It's tough when you open your back door and the heat takes the breath out of you. But enough complaining. My little fam is trying its very best to savor sweet summer anyway, by doing lots of this . . .

It's especially sweet when the doorbell rings and our neighbor buddies are ready to play, also in their bathing suits, inviting us to their yard for sprinklers and popsicles. Our kids play together so much, I think they may just start looking alike. I love that for my children--precious buddies.

I am AMAZED at how the garden has grown--another hooray for the summer season. My pal Melissa has a stepping stone in her garden that reads, "To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow." I believe. I believe!

I know zippo about gardening and am sort of winging it this year. Any tips? Oh, and how does one pick a broccoli crown to ensure another grows in its place? Advice, please.

Of course, we are adjusting to these blue beauties. Ear plugs. Ian is complying without complaint. As usual, he is my hero. Always.

What is your FAVORITE part of summer this year?

Dad's Day Prep

2010-06-18T12:22:00.003-05:00

Today we prepare for Father's Day.

There is never enough money or time to adequately express my appreciation for Nathan and my dad. Nathan is an incredible father. Incredible. I don't just say that--he truly is. I love him all the more for it.

My own dad is so dear, so very special, very selfless, just wonderful.

There aren't words to express how much I love these two fellas. So, these little bitty painted sweet feet, some construction paper, and a few markers doing their magic will have to suffice.

Happy Father's Day, guys. We love you.

Looking Upward

2010-06-17T08:41:00.003-05:00

" . . . the angels beckon me from Heaven's open door
and I can't feel at home in this world anymore."

--Song, This World is Not My Home

Home. This balloon flew over ours several nights ago. Yes, that is our roof you see. Yes, they were so close that when Ian yelled, "You guys have a good night!" its passengers replied, "YOU TOO!"

Home. It is a place Ian almost never wants to leave. He is the ultimate homebody. So, lately, when he asks me about heaven, he sometimes has tears in his eyes. He asks things like, "Mama, when I go to heaven, will I NEVER, EVER get to come back to this home?"

I am not sure what has prompted him lately to think so much about such things. But this morning when he was snuggling next to me and said, "Mama, what will it feel like when I die?" my tears started streaming.

So I said, "It will be many, many, many years from now. You will open your eyes, and mama will be there waiting for you in heaven, and I will throw my arms around you and hug you for a thousand years."

And he smiled. Big. It's the first time he has ever smiled when talking about such things. We pray as parents we always handle such delicate things in the proper way. How do YOU handle those tough questions?

"Just up in Glory Land we'll live eternally
the saints on every hand are shouting victory
their song of sweetest praise drifts back from heaven's shore
and I can't feel at home in this world anymore."
--from This World is Not My Home

Favorites

2010-06-15T09:34:00.004-05:00

1. Favorite recent fashion trend:

Lilly frequently opens her closet and dresses herself, almost always choosing some snow boot-tutu- mitten-hat combination. A fashion forward gal like her would never let 90 degree temperatures and soaring humidity interfere with her wardrobe choices.

2. Favorite blog post:
My friend Courtney Goings, someone I admire and love, made my alpha beanbags, and my-my did she jazz them up! See?

Love the denim, Courtney! Be sure to visit Courtney's blog and leave her a comment letting her know you stopped by!

3. Favorite music:
The 2010 Official World Cup soundtrack--you'll love it. Promise.

What are some of your favorite things today?

Three Weeks

2010-06-12T12:52:00.005-05:00

This chart, started three weeks ago, has made life so much easier and more pleasant. (I told you I loved charts--see? I subject other members of my family to them, too.):

By the way, I believe it is important to always have one spiritual component on the chart. We want well-rounded kiddos, right? Plus, it keeps Nathan and me accountable to read a Bible story even on nights when we are home late, etc.

After filling the chore chart for three weeks in a row and earning $3 per week, today was THE DAY. He wanted one thing: Star Wars Legos. Since he finally beat the Wii Lego Star Wars game this week, it was only fitting he would earn his first actual set of the toys.

Nathan and I were so impressed at how he followed the directions and supremely focused on his task.

Mission accomplished.

What do YOU do to help your kids grow into responsible adults? I would love to hear your ideas!

Charts and Cheerleaders

2010-06-09T21:20:00.004-05:00

You never know what you'll get when you visit this blog. One day it may be a cupcake sewing tutorial (yesterday), the next, my kids in costumes (every other day), and another, ramblings on my fitness endeavors (you're in luck--that's today!).

I am often asked, "What are you doing to lose your weight?"

The simple truth is work, work, and more hard work.

Seven months and 43 pounds ago, I bought a gym membership. After 14 consecutive days (yes I'm serious) of grueling cardio workouts and ZERO weight loss, a very overweight, and scared (but determined!) me entered the strength training area of the gym and approached a complete stranger, Amasa Jay, fitness trainer. (By the way, how is it you can feel so small on the inside when you are so big on the outside? hmmm)

She pulled out this nifty yellow sheet and began taking me around the weights area, machine by machine, filling out a plan for me. I'll never forget her promise: "Follow this chart consistently, Rebekah, and I promise you WILL lose weight."

And that's just what I did. Notice the dates at the top. I was there on Christmas Eve in a snowstorm, then again the day after Christmas, and again on New Year's Day, etc.

Seven months later, my yellow sheet is now four yellow sheets, filled front and back. I've completed a triathlon. And yesterday I swam a MILE--my newest and most exhilarating achievement to date. Just sayin'.

I am obsessively goal oriented and I seriously dig charts. BUT . . .

I could not have done it without my cheerleaders. See this guy:

Many of you know my sweet dad. Saturday he came with me to my 5K run. The coolest part? He didn't just come with, he walked the mile race with me before my race. It was a blast. I was proud of him and proud for him to come see me run.

He did it just for me. Because he loves me, and he believes in me, and every time I plateau he's in my ear immediately cheering me on. Because he's just that cool. And then there's mom. She came to my triathlon. She arrived in Columbia, MO at 11 p.m. the night before and got up with us at 4 a.m. to cheer me on.

Not to mention Nathan . . . my sweet. You know about him.

So here's to charts and cheerleaders. I hope you have some of your own.

Thanks for listening.

Pinkalicious Felt Cupcakes

2010-06-07T22:54:00.005-05:00

Ever had a book you just fell in love with--one that was totally YOU? That's THIS BOOK for my Lilly girl. So how better to surprise her on her upcoming third birthday than with a set of her very own Pinkalicious cupcakes?!

Do you have a Pinkalicious princess/Pinkerbelle/Pinkerella in your house? Do you know a little girl who loves all things pink? A set of these felt cupcakes paired with a copy of Pinkalicious would make a sweet birthday gift for any little girl.

To make a set of your own, follow my recipe for:

(Picture scanned from book, Pinkalicious. Photoshopping effects (text) by Nathan :)

Step 1: Gather supplies--large red and itty bitty white pom poms, pink rick rack, an assortment of white beads, embroidery floss, hot pink and pastel pink felt.

2. Cut the circle from the center of a cupcake liner. Snip away a one inch portion from the edge, tapering toward the center. Discard this snippet.
3. Pin your two pattern pieces to the hot pink felt and cut around each.
4. Trace your circle pattern piece onto pasteboard and cut out. I used a Kix cereal box.

5. Overlap ends of your long piece a bit and stitch from the top end to what will be the bottom end of your cupcake.
6. When you reach the bottom, nestle the felt circle inside and begin stitching around the entire base.
7. Set finished felt liner upside down on the pastel pink felt. Trace around (or just make light dot marks) and cut out.

8. Your pastel circle is ready to decorate. Eyeball the center and sew on a large red pom-pom. Tip: when stitching a pom-pom, go straight up through the center of it and then straight back down the center close to where you came up with the needle. Sew your sugar sprinkles on next (beads).
9. Place your pasteboard circle (remember--the Kix box?) down inside the cupcake base (this provides a bit of structure) and begin stitching the pastel pink top to the hot pink liner.
10. Leave an opening and stuff with Fiberfil, then finish stitching.
11. Hot glue rick rack around the top.

Tea party time. Enjoy!

Home

2010-06-02T13:07:00.005-05:00

While preparing to administer anesthesia . . .

Nurse Wanda: Ian, would you like to lie down in the bed or would you like me to hold you while you get the giggly gas and go to sleep?

Ian: Hold me.

Nurse Wanda told us she rocked Ian in her arms, back and forth, Lovey in his lap, until he drifted to sleep. From my seat in the waiting room, I prayed for Ian and thanked God for Nurse Wanda and other medical personnel who are so loving to my children.

Now we are home and I have a little boy who can hear well again.

Nurse Wanda said how she loved him--that he was "awesome". The doctor and anesthesiologist commented on how wonderful he was.

Therefore, I am also thankful for a little boy who, even in his time of need, can be a blessing to others.

Thanks for your well wishes, everyone! I'm off to enjoy a Purple Cow with Ian . . .

Recipe for a Purple Cow (a Fureigh family [Nathan's side] tradition):
2 scoops vanilla ice cream
1/4-1/2 c. grape juice
1/4-1/2 c. Sprite
Silly straw is a MUST!

9 a.m.

2010-06-02T08:27:00.003-05:00

Ian's surgery to remove adenoids and insert tubes is at 9 a.m. His blue blanket ("Lovey") with the red tag ("Taggy") are coming with us (drawn in the oval).

Nathan's Best

2010-05-31T19:39:00.007-05:00

Two things I have said before:
1. I live on the world's best street.
2. I am married to the world's most fantastic man. (click on that link if ya don't believe me)

This weekend our goal was to pull off a stay-cation on the cheap.

With that in mind, Nathan came up with his best idea yet -- a backyard cinema. He accomplished it in sweet style, using some industrial sized clips, a white sheet, a MacAir, some killer desktop speakers including a subwoofer, extension cords, and a projector.

We told our neighbors to arrive at 8:45 p.m. But with pre-show music like this, the yard was full by 6:45. Again, I say--LOVE this street and these people.

Pre-movie checklist:
Apply OFF.
Set sun.
Sugar the children.
Check, check and double check.

See Nathan (green shirt) and Ian (orange shirt) in the front, on a blanket?

If anyone was irritated with Nathan/my constant shutterbugging, they didn't let on. Thanks, guys.

Oh, and if you plan to put on a backyard cinema at your house, glow sticks/bracelets, etc. are an absolute MUST. What you see here is seven children in a flurry of glow stick heavenly madness on our swingset.

Since said children spent most of the movie running around with their glowing goodness, we parents are considering a movie for us next time and, since our trial run was successful, we hope even more neighbors (Jenni--that means you :) join us. This night was absolutely delightful and our backyard will definitely be open for business again soon!

What did YOU do this weekend? Did you blog it? If so, link it here for us, pretty please.

Coach Pitch

2010-05-28T21:35:00.004-05:00

We are enjoying this new world of "coach pitch" baseball. Three strikes, you're out. Three outs, inning is over. Oh, and they keep score. That's new, too. It's quite the adjustment after two years of t-ball!

With Ian and his buddy Wilson on the team, Coach Brandon definitely has the world's most adorable models to advertise his restaurant. Agree?

But sadly, extreme cuteness doesn't count in the world of coach pitch baseball. Chick-fil-A lost 14-0 tonight to an older team from a more advanced division.

Ian didn't notice. On the way home he said proudly of his team, "Chick-fil-A is FAST."

Awww. He's sweeter than honey mustard with a side of waffle fries, don't you think?

Some Days

2010-05-27T14:56:00.004-05:00

Some days we fight.

Some days we all wake up on the wrong side of the bed.

Some days they cry. And I cry. And I say to myself, "I didn't sign on for this. Why didn't I finish that pediatric medicine degree so many years ago?"

But, OH, the other days . . .

THOSE days are magical.

The three of us sandwich ourselves together on the couch while we watch Sesame Street.

We play and I get to be the baby dragon, not the scary skeleton on pirate island. They feed me and I get armfuls of kisses and hugs.

And we wear tutus in the middle of the afternoon, JUST BECAUSE.

Those are the days I never question what I left behind or wonder what is ahead.

I hope you can just BE in the moment today. Happy Thursday, everyone.

Backyard Discovery

2010-05-26T20:20:00.005-05:00

"Mama! Mama! Come see what we found!"

Discovering this little guy created some serious excitement.

I've never seen a turtle move so fast. For real.

But, come to think of it, I did overhear Lilly say after I was heading back inside, "Yet's step on him, Ian." Later, they ran back inside to tell me they guessed the turtle was "just dead."

Coincidence? I think not.

Kidding. Don't jump to conclusions. I have two very kind children. The turtle was fine, he had just retreated into his shell.

I would run my fool turtle legs off, close up shop, and pee and poo (yes, that happened shortly after this photo was taken [sigh]), too with these two after me. She has a sword!

What is YOUR most interesting backyard discovery to date?

Lake Lunch

2010-05-23T16:11:00.003-05:00

Lunch at the lake . . . ever have one of those perfect days?

First, they got their feet wet, then their knees, then they were sitting in it.

No it is NOT a Phoebe Run. Shame on you.

They rode home in their undies, laughing at their bare bellies.

Goodbye, Carpenter's Kids

2010-05-23T14:36:00.004-05:00

Ian's last day of preschool was this week.

Goodbye, Carpenter's Kids. Your preschool program and entire staff have been a tremendous blessing to our family.

We are thankful for you and so grateful for the time Ian spent in your care these three years. Thank you for loving not just him, but all four of us!

Next stop? Kindergarten.

Hearing Re-check

2010-05-16T22:14:00.006-05:00

**Update to this post: Ian's hearing test went well--he has improved since his last test. Hearing was perfect in his right ear, but still not up to par in his left. So, we are going ahead with tubes/adenoids surgery on June 2.**

Look at that face.

I just want the best for him.

Health. Happiness. And Hearing.

I want my baby to hear. WELL. No fluid. No earwax issues. Just pure sound.

(By the way, Ian's permanent hearing is perfect--all his hearing issues are b/c of wax or fluid--temporary and fixable.)

Tomorrow, he has a hearing re-check. Consider it a do-over before his tubes surgery in a couple weeks. If he passes with flying colors, we may postpone tubes.

Pray for us to have wisdom, okay?

Because I just want what every mama wants . . .
for my son to be as absolutely joyful as he was the morning this photo was taken; the morning of his birthday when he discovered the mega-Star Wars battle scene daddy had created at Ian's breakfast spot.

Having ears that work again might just do the trick.

Sewing Smiles

2010-05-14T08:40:00.010-05:00

continues to help

around the

For this project, Craft Hope partnered with the Liberia Orphan Education Project to provide educational beanbags (alphabet, number and shape sets) for these children:

To make the beanbags (I think they would be excellent birthday gifts, too):

1. Cut 52 4"X4" inch squares from felt or fleece. I did half of my squares green, half red, alternating colors with every other letter.
2. Invite an incredibly artsy

over to draw and cut out 26 letters. This is my pal, Lara. Thanks for your help, Lara! (Didn't she do well?)

3. Sew each letter to a square.
4. Place the square on top of another the same color and sew around 3 sides.

Here, you see Lara

learning to

!!! She did great!

5. Fill with 1/3 c. beans, popcorn kernels, etc.

6. Sew remaining side closed.

Variations: shapes, numbers, animals--embellish away!

From Lara and Rebekah, to Liberia with love--we hope these bring a

to the faces of some special kiddos in West Africa.

Happy weekend, everyone.

Mother's Day Wrap-Up

2010-05-11T19:18:00.015-05:00

The people

and the table . . . I used three different china patterns: 1. My mother's wedding china, 2. My grandmother's china and 3. See the blue square plates? They are exactly like my great-grandmother's china. If anyone ever finds "Fire King Charm Anchor Hocking 1950-1954 Azurite color" china at a thrift store, call me, please! We only have four plates/cups/saucers.

Yes, we have an exercise bike in our dining/hearth room. What? YOU don't?

The place holders (tutorial for dowel rod flowers found here. I stuffed floral foam into these votive holders-Hobby Lobby-$1 to make a base and turn the flowers into place holders.)

The banners (world's easiest fabric banner: trace a cereal bowl onto fabric, cut out, press in half, fold over ribbon and sew around the half circle)

Never ask my children to "pose" for a photograph.

How many of us are still at the kid table?

The gifts for grandmothers--local honey ("You're sweet as honey, Hoo-Hoo."), birdseed, stepping stones; planters (Target dollar stop) decorated with stickers; the kids scooped the dirt and we added a wildflower seed packet and a chenille stem flower.

This was precious. The kids retrieved their gifts one at a time and delivered them around the table. This is the first year the children were really old enough to choose, make and take ownership of the Mother's Day gifts. It was sweet.

The treats . . .

Anyone else a fan of cake bites? They are easy to make, if you don't mind imperfect appearances (obviously I don't mind). Check out this link for different kinds to make and recipes. Although simple, they are time consuming as the process requires hours of freezing/chilling time.

The grand finale

Could this day get any more perfect? No. But, wait! Is that a butterfly? Yep--a magical moment when this little fella came in on our zinnias. The children were mesmerized. Caleb caught it inside a glass and released it.

And now, we turn our thoughts to Father's Day. Have any ideas to share?

Mother's Day Part One

2010-05-10T10:20:00.007-05:00

Look what Nathan did!

Mother's Day breakfast (Saturday morning): french toast, blueberries, strawberries, bananas, sausage, juice, Starbucks' new 3 Region Blend

AND

Check out that precious banner he made and hung across my island pendant lights, and the hanging basket of New Guinea Impatiens for my back porch. I'm so in love (with Nathan. Okay, AND the flowers).

We hosted a gigantic and grand Mother's Day lunch at our home Sunday afternoon. More photos of that coming in the next post.

Here, Lilly and I are planting Zinnias for the mothers and grandmothers on Saturday morning, in preparation for Sunday.

Now, some family photos we snapped Sunday . . .

I will treasure this photo FOR.EV.ER. The 11 of us. Yes, ELEVEN. Did you know my new niece/nephew is growing inside sweet Manda's tummy? My sewing machine can't WAIT to get started. :)

Wow. Love this. What a treat for Hoo-Hoo to bring Jess from the Veterans' Home. We love you all.

Left: The three Ruths (Lilly Ruth, Rebekah Ruth, Ruth the First); Right: We are so blessed to spend our first Mother's Day with you, Aunt Manda.

Three generations of gentlemen, the fourth running up from behind . . .

That smile lights up a room.

Photos of the lovely lunch coming soon. How was your special day? How did you celebrate?

Kindness

2010-05-07T14:34:00.005-05:00

This hug, this gigantic hug of THANKS is for you, sweet reader; for all your comments and encouragement on my last post. THANK YOU!

Speaking of TLC . . .

If this garden

and these strawberries

don't flourish and grow this summer, it won't be for lack of love.

Strawberry girl is always ready to help. Heck, she even protects me from the "bad bugs". After stepping on a fly yesterday, she said as she ran to her swing, "Now he's in space with God."

The theology's shaky, but I sure do love those mama moments. Sweet mothers out there, we must be doing something right. Right? Today I am up to my eyeballs in paint and fabric, preparing for a Mother's Day lunch at my house. Pure joy!

Happy Mama's Day to you. Who is YOUR little helper today?

TriZou? I DO.

2010-05-02T20:24:00.006-05:00

"You must do the thing you think you cannot do." -Eleanor Roosevelt

Straight from the campus of Mizzou (you know--the Tigers?).

When in Rome . . .

above--4:30 a.m.

below--5:30 a.m. Trust me, it was much darker than it looks.

I LOVE this proud mama picture. XO mom, thanks for coming today. It meant so much!!!

This guy . . . can't say enough. Love love love love. Thank you, sweetie. Amazing, wonderful you.

Drumroll . . .

SWIM.

BIKE.

RUN.

Fist bump to Bill Drummond--my swim teacher/miracle worker

and his sweet wife Meryl.

And just like that, I completed my very first TRIATHLON.

Thanks, Eleanor. I did.

Will Work for Tubes

2010-04-30T10:16:00.003-05:00

(Don't let the perfectly styled hair and flawless complexion fool you. This is my first morning appearance, non-altered, for your viewing enjoyment.)

Bad news. The insurance company is making us wait until after June 1 for Ian's tubes surgery. Pooh. Something about a 12-month waiting period, yada yada. Sigh. Sooo, Ian's surgery has been postponed to June 2. And even so, what they will pay is so small, we'll end up paying a huge chunk-a-change. Serious bummer.

Sometimes the weight of everyday life is overwhelming, eh? But, in the midst of this week's discouragement, I know God is in control, and He has encouraged us.

Sometimes, God reminds me in the simplest way--He's there. This morning while washing dishes, I turned around and saw this vision:

Wow. My two most precious gifts. Dishes never looked so good.

Like my cool speech bubble? Got the idea this week in my inbox from Photojojo. Check it out here. Don't want to pay $30 for one? Then make one like I did!

Step 1:
Provide snacks to keep the natives happy/busy.

Step 2:
Cut cardboard or chipboard in the shape of a speech bubble.

Step 3:
Spray paint with Chalkboard paint.

How are you? What would YOUR speech bubble say today? I hope your message is more cheerful than mine!

Ian+Surgery; Shrimp+a Show; and . . . FORTY

2010-04-23T07:10:00.004-05:00

Yesterday I mentioned things were bustling in Yeeland.

First, IAN IS HAVING SURGERY.

For almost an entire month, the poor kiddo has been severely hearing impaired due to fluid in his ears. (who knew a child could have chronic fluid and earwax issues and NEVER have ear infections?!)

Want to experience genuine mommy-hood sadness? Watch your dear one retreat from the social realm slowly but surely over the course of several weeks. See him descend into his own world because he cannot hear what is going on around him.

On May 5, he will have his adenoids removed and tubes inserted in both ears. Woo-hoo! Bring it on!

I choked back tears in the ENT's office Wednesday when Ian said, "Mama, can't they do it today?" and then, "I'm sorry I couldn't hear, mama and daddy."

Ouch.

On to much less significant news . . .

Nathan and I had a real date. Ian and Lilly stayed overnight at Uncle John and Aunt Manda's house (we love you. we love you. we love you. did i mention we love you?).

We ate at the glorious Ocean Zen.

What's a date without a couple of these beauties?

And we headed to see this, tickets also courtesy of Uncle John and Aunt Manda (again--we love you. we love you. we love you. we love you):

It had me clicking my ruby red slippers, I mean, white sparkling flip-flops, together with joy.

Thank you, John and Amanda!

Oh and one last, eensy-weensy, teeny little thing:

I've lost FORTY pounds. And I MAY be participating in some sort of athletic event soon. Oops. Did I let that slip? Hmm... stay tuned.

Any guesses? And has anyone gone through tubes/adenoid surgery? What should we expect?

Too Good

2010-04-22T11:15:00.005-05:00

Don't let the snow boots fool you.

Because the weather (and life in general) is positively perfect lately in Yeeville. Those boots are just Ian's self-made quick-and-easy Anakin costume.

It's been much too gorgeous outside to sit inside at a computer and blog.

The weather has us all in a happy mood.

Life here is good. Hope it is for you, too, my friend.

And several interesting things are developing in our world. Updates coming soon. Happy spring, everyone.

Garden Goodness

2010-04-11T20:57:00.007-05:00

Piecing together a new little garden this weekend . . .

Daddy had lots of help.

These guys were definitely the highlight.

Ian, Lilly, and Garrett (aka neighbor or honorary sibling) ran back and forth, back and forth, collecting

and depositing them on the table inside the screened porch. Notice the chalk drawings Ian made for the worms? How sweet.

In spite of (or because of--you decide) their adoring admirers, the poor worms were deceased within a few minutes. So sadly, I cannot say, "No animals were harmed in the making of this post."

Have you started your garden yet? Did all of God's creatures survive? What is your best gardening tip?

Leotard Lilly

2010-04-07T21:58:00.005-05:00

Little Yeebird is expanding her portfolio of God-given gifts and talents.

Previous list includes:
1. Cuteness
2. Manipulation by cuteness
3. Persuasion by cuteness
4. Naturally curly hair (see #'s 1-3)
5. An exhaustive amount of other things, including early language development, a keen knack for problem solving (see #2), and independence. And if you don't believe it, just ask me. Or her dad. Or grandparents.

New talents acquired . . .

Last week she went from this

to this

Graduating to independent jumping on grandma and grandpa's trampoline is HUGE.

We thought she was ready for gymnastics, and with the promise of a girly, crushed velvet leotard waiting in the wings (thank you Tonya B.), Lilly was out the door and strapped in her car seat faster than you could say Mary Lou Retton.

Tonight--her first gymnastics class--turned out to be one of the highlights of my parenting experience so far.

Happiness? Joy? Giggling? Glee? Bouncing? Bounding? Flipping? A myriad of "Again, mama!" and "My turn, my turn!"? Yep. All of the above, in large doses.

She even made a new buddy. Here she is showing her mirror friend her smiley face hand stamp.

Lilly Ruth-Sweet-Yee . . . you are a superstar. SUPER. STAR. Tonight brought me great joy. It's the reason a gal wants to become a parent in the first place. You stole the show. I love you.

CAN-CANdy Corn Skirt

2010-04-04T17:07:00.004-05:00

Candy corns at EASTER? Oh my . . .

That's right. We do things a bit different around here. To me, candy corns are all sunshine and gold, baby chicks, creamy Cadbury centers and all that good Easter/spring stuff.

How better could I spend the wee hours of the morning than by sewing miles and miles of buttery, golden, candy corn colored chiffon ruffles?

This guy coordinated perfectly in his yellow polo and orange undershirt. Here he is, sporting that classic IAN grin.

Lilly knows that, when surrounded by a house full of boys at grandma and grandpa's gigantic Easter bash, she has to be that much more girly to balance the snakes/snails/puppy dog tails.

I think she managed just fine.

Dana of MADE fame, your CAN-CAN skirt pattern is fabulous. We hope you like our CAN-CANdy corn twist on it!

How was your Easter, blog friends? Any candy corns?

Happy Easter

2010-04-03T09:28:00.001-05:00

Envious Alice

2010-04-01T22:38:00.005-05:00

Alice would be jealous.

Come to think of it, Alice was the only thing missing from this exquisite mother-daughter tea party WONDERLAND today. See what I mean?

Tonya, Tammy, and little Kaitlyn, I can't say enough about how much this day meant to Lilly and me. It. Was. Glorious. As hostesses, you thought of absolutely every precious detail.

What a joy it is to be friends with such fabulously talented people.

I know Lilly was by far the youngest little girl at the party. Thank you for including us. Lilly felt like such a big girl--so special--so like a pretty, pretty princess.

So did I.

5 on March 30

2010-03-29T21:56:00.010-05:00

Happy birthday, my sweet.

Saturday, MARIO DAY, these two woke up ready to party. We had to video chat daddy right away.

Mario party recap . . . if I earned an A, Nathan is teaching the course. With distinction and all that good stuff. Look what NATHAN did:

1. The invite:

2. The decorations that were everywhere, even the bathroom:

3. Mario and Luigi puppets to make:

4. These Mario plumber pipes he cut from foam, then painted. They made a wonderful photo op for the guests.

5. He organized this idea: Yoshi's Egg Hunt. What fun right before Easter!

More party pics . . .

All of this made for one happy Mario.

Details on how to make these suh-weet hats coming soon. Congrats to my pal, Charity, for guessing correctly in the last post!

Plumbers Always Get the Girl

2010-03-25T20:58:00.005-05:00

We are in full mustache mode. MARIO mustaches, that is.

To a stay at home mom, birthday parties are like the Final Exam. The Masters' Thesis. The Medical Residency. The Dissertation.

In five days, my Ian will be five years old. In two days, we will have a grand Super Mario and Luigi party in this house. Over thirty people will pack inside for two whirlwind hours.

These pretties will be there:

So will these. Any guesses as to what this handmade party favor might be?

Rest assured, wax mustaches and lips will be on hand. Here, you see my two trying them out. Quality control testing is a must when party plans are implemented, you know.

Bee sting, anyone? Bless Lilly's heart, she simply could NOT smile without those lips falling out, no matter how many times grandma asked her.

I'm glad to see her putting those hot lips to good use in the second photo.

See you after my final. Think I'll get an A? At least a B+ for effort?

Quirky Talent

2010-03-21T21:04:00.002-05:00

It's true. When she is her most upset, Lilly squirts tears in all directions as she cries. It can come on instantly, too.

Is this normal? Does anyone else's child have Calvin/Snoopy/Woodstock/Sponge Bob tears?

A Beautiful Place to Learn

2010-03-18T17:56:00.005-05:00

Kindergarten Registration today. Hooray!

Beautiful child. Beautiful day. Beautiful new school. Beautiful memories.

We arrived ten minutes early to be the first family to register. I know--I can't help myself. We met the principal and the capable lady we hope will be Ian's teacher. Two darling fifth grade student council members gave us a school tour. We saw several neighborhood friends in their classrooms, and Ian was greeted with bear hugs. He took pictures along the way. It was a PERFECT day.

My kindergarten memories are lovely. My teacher had a fair, kind face and fiery red hair. A sock puppet named P. Mooney taught us our letters. We traced around classmates' bodies on huge sheets of paper. We colored. A LOT. We had earthquake drills and giggled all huddled in the corner, even though we were afraid. My kindergarten teacher's son was my best friend. He and I square danced together in P.E.

Ian--you have so many memories waiting to be made! I love you!

What is YOUR favorite kindergarten memory?

This and That

2010-03-16T19:45:00.004-05:00

Who knows where this fashion forward tike discovered a 6-12 month sized red sock to pair with a cream and blue one, but rest assured, she dressed herself this day. A diva in the making, just add a lowly peasant dropping grapes into her mouth and the transformation is complete.

Speaking of this diva, I ENROLLED HER IN PRESCHOOL TODAY. Yep. Beginning next fall, she will be cutting and pasting with the best of 'em. I found a lovely, lovely preschool where I truly believe she will flourish--especially on the days when she is the designated special helper. Right up Lilly's alley, she grabs life in a huge bear hug and takes it for a ride. On HER terms. I'm proud of her.

Random thought #2: I'm loving this honey's "rock star hair." He selected his hairstyle straight out of a magazine, letting Miss Alissa (hairstylist) and mama know he wanted "rock star hair." I respect that.

My rock star's kindergarten registration is this week. Be still my racing, troubled, excited heart.

Random thought #3: Hello, chocolate chip pumpkin bread. I know it is not the season for pumpkin, but there was a lone can of it leftover in my pantry from the holidays, and I found this delicious recipe! Thank you, Kitchen Sink. That makes two great recipes I have discovered on your blog!

Did you know a can of pumpkin has 300% Vitamin A per serving and 5 g of fiber? This made a great snack for my kids.

Finally, the arrival of this package, courtesy of Jocelyn and The Trendy Owl, in my mailbox made me oh, so happy.

Any random thought you'd like to share here today? Oh, and my one year blog-iversary is Saturday. How should we celebrate?

Twenty-eight/Eighty-eight/Lilly-ate

2010-03-13T20:37:00.003-06:00

Happy 28 birthday, Patrick.

Happy 88 birthday, Hoo Hoo.

Happy everything when she has chocolate cake, Lilly.

Thanks for hosting a fabulous birthday celebration today, Patrick and Stephanie. Aunt Steffy makes the most delicious cakes. If you don't believe me, just ask Lilly!

Declaring War on "Ma'am"

2010-03-12T07:46:00.004-06:00

Ladies, I'm declaring war on the word "Ma'am."

I despise this word. You might as well call me "old lady" as call me Ma'am.

I can tolerate it when the girl at the drive-thru, the one who looks about 14 years old, calls me "Ma'am," but otherwise, no thank you!!

For the first time this week, I politely asked someone to please not call me that. She was MY AGE--with two kids, just like me! Hmph.

Gals, join with me in this campaign. No more "Ma'am." We're not old yet!

(Am I alone in this? Am I crazy?)

And now, a yummy dish I made last night--homemade rigatoni mac 'n cheese with ribbons of kale:

Find the recipe (and MANY more superb food ideas) here.

And no more "Ma'am" okay? Do it for me, please.

Designated Reader

2010-03-10T08:27:00.006-06:00

Ian: "Lilly, let's make a surprise for daddy when he comes home from work--because daddy loves to read to us."

They worked so hard. My favorite part? Daddy's picture in the middle--Ian's idea.

Thank you, God, for a daddy who reads to and loves on his children. MY children.

What is your favorite children's book? Who did you most love to read you stories when you were a child?

Kite Flying

2010-03-09T08:35:00.004-06:00

Meeting my brother and Amanda, Caleb and Sam at the park for kite flying made for a perfect afternoon, until this guy almost broke his coccyx flying down a slide (No Uncle Rico jokes, please). He has since spent most of his awake time standing up:

And if you don't know who Uncle Rico is, see Napoleon Dynamite.

Sadly, a park visit on a Saturday can lead to your child vomiting on a Monday. Seriously, there should be warning signs at park entrances to that effect. You know that friend you have whose house is pristinely clean, almost hospital sterile (I know, I'm insanely jealous, too)? While having dinner there last night, Ian started rocking from side to side. My head was spinning. I knew what was coming. Sure enough--vomit--ALL OVER her bathroom, her perfectly white walls and immaculate white rug. I've never seen so much nastiness in all my life. Why there?!!

Needless to say, after 45 minutes of intense scrubbing on my part, my diseased crew and I promptly exited the premises. I'm sorry Robin!

Soooo . . . last night Ian vomited over and over again--one of those scary nights when you pray for God to protect your child, to hold him in His hands, because he can't even keep a sip of water down.

Flown any kites lately?

First (Temporary) Tattoo

2010-03-06T21:18:00.004-06:00

They may look alike, but he's a Luke at heart.

"The force is strong with this one."

Time for Two

2010-03-06T11:09:00.003-06:00

Sweet little Paxton Bridges is two. He was such a cutie pie at his birthday party with that darling little grin and those perfect eyes. He made my day when he opened our gift and slipped this right onto his arm.

With some felt, embroidery floss and a good movie to watch, you can make one in no time. The watch is the width of my camera strap at the widest part, and I traced a quarter to make the face. Lilly's wrist is about 4 inches around (she was my model), and I added some inches after that for the velcro.

Thanks to Dana at MADE for this excellent idea featured on her blog. Go here for pictures of other felt watches.

Food Rules

2010-03-05T08:31:00.002-06:00

Thank you. Thank you. Thank YOU!

Your encouraging comments in the last post brought me out of my funk. You guys are the best!

After several months of being on the wait list for Food Rules at the library and still being #39 in line, I broke down and purchased this book from B&N. It is an excellent, easy read, and I love the simple rules like, "If it's the same word in every language, it's not food (Think Big Mac, Cheetos)."

I finished reading The Book Thief last night. And what happens to Himmel Street at the end, well, I find it constantly in my thoughts today. Narrated by death (but not in a scary way at all), the book takes place in Nazi Germany and follows the story of a young girl.

Anyone read The Book Thief or Food Rules (or one of Pollan's other food books)?

Wanted: Pixie Dust--URGENT

2010-03-02T19:01:00.002-06:00

Ever have a day that makes you feel like this?

Poor Tink. No amount of Pixie Dust or "I DO believe in fairies" can repair her pelvis, torn in two by Lilly as she attempted to dress her in Ariel's mermaid tail. Normally, I'd bet on the Neverland fairy in a Tinkerbell-Ariel smack-down, but I guess Ariel was having a good day.

And Tinkerbell wasn't.

Neither was I.

I feel like Tink today. For a couple weeks, I've been stuck at 29 pounds lost. Finally, yesterday, I hit 31 lost, only to land back at 29 this morning. Even with all my hard work, self-deprivation, healthy eating, running, swimming, consistency, and fitness goals reached, my body fat percentage is still, in my opinion, astronomical.

To top it all off, I attended a new fitness class yesterday and, well, I'm just sore.

This morning, my trainer and I confabbed and she outlined a whole new strength training program for me. She said I'd graduated: no more machines, only free weights.

I start the new regimen tomorrow. I'm tired. I can only hope this works. I'd like to get to 40 pounds lost.

Encouragement? Tips? Ideas to pull me up out of this pesky plateau and body fat funk? Thanks, dear reader. Your opinions, to me, are worth their weight in Pixie Dust.

Speaking of . . .

2010-03-01T13:22:00.006-06:00

Thought I'd give winter one last hurrah with these icy images. Happy March 1! I am ready for spring! Above, you see a quote that makes me smile.

And below, you see a quote that, if you are local and like me, you have driven past this gas station and spewed coffee (almost) upon reading this sign. Considering the abundance of snow and slush again and again this season, the locals aren't keen on the Groundhog this year!

One final favorite quote of mine from yesterday . . .
Lilly: Ian helped me unbutton my coat. He's my handsome boy.
Awwww.

Now it's your turn. Leave a comment with a favorite quote or Scripture here. Maybe it's as simple as a funny random thought from one of your kiddos. Please share!
Paper: Cosmo Cricket, Jolly by Golly--scanned into my computer, chopped up + quote added in Photoshop.

Remember This Day

2010-02-27T20:09:00.007-06:00

Thursday. February 25. 2010. A wonderful, ordinary (helicopter excluded) afternoon.

Notes to self--Remember:

Remember how sweet neighbor Carol told us Drury University would be hosting its first home baseball game this weekend. She said the field was soggy and her son (coach) and team had hired a helicopter pilot to hover over the field to dry it. Would we want to watch?

Remember it was just Ian, Lilly, me and the Drury baseball team.

Remember Ian said, "Look, Lilly! It's a GIRL flying that helicopter!" Remember we talked about how girls can do anything boys can do.

Remember this boy did a pretty great helicopter imitation.

Remember we didn't worry about it only being 39 degrees. Remember we went to the adjoining park. We had the whole place to ourselves.

Ian ran, loving the sweet freedom of outside after a long, cold winter indoors.

Remember it was Ian's first time on these particular monkey bars. He got to the top and said to me, "How do I get down, mama?" He figured it out.

Remember these little feet traveled so high, unafraid.

Remember you felt a tiny tinge of pain in your heart when you looked up and saw this brave girl, so far away from you, climbing high all on her own. That pain wasn't fear for her safety. You knew she'd be fine. It was the realization she was growing up.

Remember you didn't know then that, two days later, she'd be almost completely potty-trained.

Remember your surprise at how quickly Ian could scale bars and ladders. Remember how you thought, "He IS ready for kindergarten. He's grown up right under my nose this year."

Remember Lilly kept saying, "Mama, take a picture of me with my dinosaur."

Remember your hands were frozen and it was hard to take pictures.

And you thought . . .

It's okay to have frozen hands. Because this fall, kindergarten will come for Ian, and the start of preschool for Lilly. Today I get to experience the blessing of playing with Bumblebee and Thumbelina in the middle of a frigid Thursday afternoon.

Remember this day.

Amy

2010-02-24T21:17:00.004-06:00

Remember this bag, made by the fabulous Amy Butler?

My dear, sweet, ever the giving mother bought it for me. I know--she really IS the greatest mom.

Inside the box was this handwritten note from Amy to mom. I'm not into idol worship, folks, but a little hero exaltation never hurt anyone, right?

Who would you love to receive a handwritten note from?

Fill in the blank: it would make my day to hold in my hands the writing of _________.

Halle

2010-02-23T21:37:00.004-06:00

This girl sparkles with spunk. She exudes it. She is pure sunshine inside and radiates it all over the place.

When she came to my house to play, her brothers were busy playing with Ian while she found the costume basket. I love the combinations she sported:

googly eyes + Captain America suit + Cinderella shoes
Iron Man accessories + Optimus Prime suit
Buzz Light Year wings + an indoor bike ride
Lion visor + astronaut suit

I am still kicking myself for not taking a picture of her in the . . .
Darth Vader mask + Superman suit.

Her mama claims Halle got her personality from an uncle. I know better. Her mama's a spunky gal, too, one of my close friends, a dear person who loves me with all my faults.

Thanks for a fun time, Needham family!

And if you are still with me blog friends, I'm starting plans for a Nintendo Super Mario Brothers birthday party for Ian. Ideas?

One, two, three, four, five . . . SIX!

2010-02-21T16:33:00.001-06:00

He did it again! Six Addy awards. Way to go, sweetie!

Pieces of my day

2010-02-20T20:10:00.005-06:00

You thought the "pieces" part was figurative, didn't you? I wish.

I also wish I had a before and after photo--not of my floor before and after the snow globe was launched over the sofa, intentionally, I believe--but of the look on my FACE.

Oh, Lilly girl. What a way to end my day. While getting Ian out of the bathtub tonight, I hear what sounds like a PIANO hitting the floor. I come running to find Lilly standing on the sofa, looking down over what I now call the snowglobe-of-Christmas-past.

Oopsie. It was quite the mess to behold. Shards of glass were embedded everywhere, including into the back of my leather sofa, but thankfully, NOT into sweet Lilly girl's skin, the sweet little girl who barely raised her eyes to mine long enough to whisper, "Sorry."

And if you're thinking, "Who lets a two year-old play unsupervised with a heavy glass snow globe?", then I have three questions for you:

1. What, doesn't EVERYone?
2. Whose blog did you think you were reading?
3. Have you ever had preschoolers?

My day was not all that bad, though. It started this morning with a family trip downtown to this place for cinnamon rolls:

I picked up a couple extra to attach to birthday thank you notes. Sweet treats for sweet friends.

Saints be praised! It was a 55 degree day here, so we walked to this downtown coffee shop for some make a man out of ya espresso. Whew-wee.

Back home, we all four played in the backyard (again, hallelujah for the warm weather!) and Miss Lilly Ruth rode on her real, big girl princess bike outside for the first time, with mama's help.

Wow! Are you still with me, dear reader? Well, thanks, now let's wrap up, shall we?

Later, I made a white pocket square for my honey so he'd look like this guy tonight (only hotter, because this guy doesn't help with my dishes or laundry and he'd probably call me ma'am or something). Nathan already has the swanky tie clip (No, not the $75 one from J. Crew, but a $10 one from JC Penney. Who can tell?).:

So where is Nathan tonight that requires suiting and a pocket square? The Addy Awards. The awards he rocks every year. EVERY. YEAR. I am nervous for him. The past three years, he has won about a bazillion of these awards (okay, maybe 20 or so), and I am sure tonight will be no different.

I miss you honey. And not just because I had to clean up the snow globe mess by myself. Good luck, sweet dear. Come home soon.

Camera Strap TLC

2010-02-17T21:52:00.006-06:00

Why not give your camera strap the same rock star treatment you give your photos?

A mod black-and-white camera strap cover with luxurious crushed velvet ruffle would certainly match your camera's appearance with your mad photo skills, eh?

Want an easy to follow tutorial?
(I thought you'd never ask.)

Camera strap how-to

First, make a pattern:
Remove the camera strap from your camera, fold it in half, and trace around the widest part of the neck strap (not the slim, fastening ends--those stick out from your strap cover) onto a piece of paper. Measure and draw a line 1/2 inch out from your original tracing on three sides. This will be your seam allowance. Cut out pattern.

With fabric folded in half, place your pattern on top, with the end NOT marked for seam allowance on the fabric fold. Trace your pattern with a sewing marker. With fabric still folded, cut along your tracing line. Repeat again so you have two identical strips of fabric.

Unfold pieces. Hem both short ends of each strip by pressing 1/4" toward the wrong side of fabric, then fold that 1/4" up again and press. Stitch across. Lay aside for now.

Velvet Ruffle:
Cut two strips of velvet about an inch narrower in width than your pattern. As far as length--this part is tricky. Make it SUPER long, because when you ruffle it, it will shorten considerably. After it is ruffled, you can cut it to match the length of your fabric strips.

With right sides together and using a 1/4" seam allowance, sew the two velvet pieces together on the long sides, leaving short sides open.

Turn right-side out.

Make your ruffle by bunching it together as you run it through your machine, first up one long side, then down the other. There is no exact method here, just bunch away and sew. Keep repeating my personal mantra to yourself: "Perfection is boring." (Thanks, Mary Boswell Droddy, my college roomie.)

Lay the long, finished ruffle on one of the fabric strips and cut the ruffle to fit the length of the fabric. Hem short sides of the ruffle.

Pin ruffle on top of the right side of one fabric strip. Sew on top of the lengthwise stitches already on the ruffle, also sewing across at the short ends to secure.

Pin the sewn together ruffled fabric strip to the plain fabric strip, RIGHT sides together. Sew long sides together. Turn right side out.

Nice work! Now go rock the world with your rock star strap, and remember to send me a photo!