When you grow up in the country, where the power lines aren't buried and you're more than walking distance from everything, when a big winter storm is coming, you stock up. And you should. On everything from toilet paper to candles. You could spend days without electricity and no one wants to pee in the dark. And if you live in Alabama and you even hear the word snow, you better go buy bread, before they run out. (True story and they got, maybe a dusting of snow.) I sometimes forget that I live in town now, and in a town that's prepared to handle heavy snowfall and ice. And, I could walk to the store, if I needed to. But, since I have no desire to walk to the store in a blizzard, I did pick up a few last minute items at Target today; toilet paper, soap, and dark chocolate. (I actually didn't buy any chocolate, but wish I had!) I overheard the manager saying that whatever they sell today will be it, as they don't plan to sell anything the next two days.
I'll be curious to see if we get the 12-20 inches they are calling for. I guess the kids will have a snow day regardless since they've already canceled classes in every district I know of and did by 6 pm tonight. I'm hoping I can hold out and not bake anything. I love to bake when it snows, and when it's a snow storm, it's almost sinful to not make up a batch of chocolate chip cookies, mac and cheese or warm cinnamon pumpkin bars. Comfort food. Who wants a smoothie when it's negative six? And then, even more terrifying than running out of dark chocolate. What if we lose electricity? I have no idea what I'd do without my computer or phone. No where to read the headlines (ok, facebook) and nowhere to write. No where to edit photos or upload them for safekeeping. Nowhere to track my WW points. And then I thought....how will I work out? No treadmill. No Turbo Jam? Eek. I might actually have to go play in the snow. I am certainly not prepared for that. Oh let us not lose electricity!
It's nice to have warning, and not just wake up with a foot of snow on your front lawn. It's nice to be prepared. But like my sister in law said, "I just stocked up on junk food for the winter storm. Now we'll probably get an inch and I'll gain 10 pounds."
Sarah
31 January 2011
Stalling
There she stood in her underpants and her magenta tunic top (I have no idea what happened to her pants), holding up her index finger, that happened to be housing an emerald green play ring that looks magestic on her. She whispers, in her most matter-of-fact voice, while holding up her finger, "I'm going to be quiet." I say, "Audrey, what do you need?" She says, " I just want to come and give you a hug." I was rocking Allie, as she's going through a phase where she needs to be rocked for naps and bedtime. I'm currently trying to break it. Audrey comes over and gives me the longest most affectionate hug I can remember from her. I tell her I'll come in after I lay Allie down. A few minutes later, she comes back. Whispering, she comes in the room, "I want you to read Tangled." (heavy sigh on my part) I tell her, "I'll be in in a minute." And she leaves.
When I finally get to her room, I know if I read the book she'll go to sleep. She was already laying on her bed, half covered in her princess blanket. I don't even get half way through. Woo hoo, both girls asleep at the same time? That never happens anymore.
Tonight, when it's bedtime I realize why it's not such a great idea for Audrey to have an afternoon nap. She's still wide awake at 9:30. Again, I'm rocking Allie and she comes in (after her father has already done her bedtime routine and after she trekked back downstairs to tell him she heard a noise. I tell her when Allie is asleep, I'll come tuck her in. She looks at me, walks around to see her sisters face and says, "her eyes are asleep Mom." I explain that I have to wait until she is really asleep, but that I will come and see her. When I walk into Audrey's room she's no where to be seen. I thought I heard her breathe, but I couldn't see her. I say her name out-loud and am almost out the door when I hear, "Mom!" She was under the bed. She's never done that, ever. I bend down, lifting up her pink tulle bedskirt and ask her what she's doing. With a big smile on her face she says, " I don't know." I said, "Are you hiding from me?" I suppose that's what she was doing but then she started talking about a lost shoe of Bitty's.....
I read her a short book and tuck her in.
She's getting very good at stalling when she doesn't want to do something.
Sarah
When I finally get to her room, I know if I read the book she'll go to sleep. She was already laying on her bed, half covered in her princess blanket. I don't even get half way through. Woo hoo, both girls asleep at the same time? That never happens anymore.
Tonight, when it's bedtime I realize why it's not such a great idea for Audrey to have an afternoon nap. She's still wide awake at 9:30. Again, I'm rocking Allie and she comes in (after her father has already done her bedtime routine and after she trekked back downstairs to tell him she heard a noise. I tell her when Allie is asleep, I'll come tuck her in. She looks at me, walks around to see her sisters face and says, "her eyes are asleep Mom." I explain that I have to wait until she is really asleep, but that I will come and see her. When I walk into Audrey's room she's no where to be seen. I thought I heard her breathe, but I couldn't see her. I say her name out-loud and am almost out the door when I hear, "Mom!" She was under the bed. She's never done that, ever. I bend down, lifting up her pink tulle bedskirt and ask her what she's doing. With a big smile on her face she says, " I don't know." I said, "Are you hiding from me?" I suppose that's what she was doing but then she started talking about a lost shoe of Bitty's.....
I read her a short book and tuck her in.
She's getting very good at stalling when she doesn't want to do something.
Sarah
30 January 2011
Babies
It warms my heart when my girls play with their babies and they act like little mommies; changing diapers, feeding them a bottle, rocking them, changing their clothes, etc. Today for the first time I saw Allie reach for a diaper (a size 6) and want to put it on her baby. I saw from a distance she tried and then there she came towards me, holding out the diaper and the baby saying, "ugh, ugh, ugh." She has always liked babies, but this was the first motherly act, besides carrying them around, that she's exhibited. She calls them "Da da da" which confuses her father sometimes. It warms my heart when my girls play with their babies and they act like little mommies; changing diapers, feeding them a bottle, rocking them, changing their clothes, etc.
Allie is 13 months. Looking back I found a picture of Audrey "changing" her baby's diaper, and it was also the January after she turned one. She was around 14 months. Love my little mommies!
Sarah
Allie is 13 months. Looking back I found a picture of Audrey "changing" her baby's diaper, and it was also the January after she turned one. She was around 14 months. Love my little mommies!
Sarah
28 January 2011
Preschool, the application process
You'd thought we were deciding between Stanford and Yale. I mean really people, it's preschool. But here there are waiting lists, and application forms, acceptance letters and even financial aid! Financial aid? For preschool!? A glorified play date with a touch of structure, a teacher and better toy variety?
We're debating on whether it's necessary/beneficial to send Audrey to preschool for two years. We've talked to many parents. Read a lot of articles. Toured three preschools and talked to their directors. It does seem, by and large that age three is the norm to start preschool. I believe it all depends on the child. If I had to send her today, I wouldn't. But in nine months, possibly. So, we needed to sign her up, just in case.
In this town the preschool process is out of control. I felt pressured to decide quickly where to apply so all the spots wouldn't be taken. You register in January for the following fall. If you don't register then, you chance the classes filling up (and they do) and the only spot left is on a waiting list. You are also encouraged to apply to multiple schools. Honestly, if my husband hadn't put a kibosh on three $80 registration fees, that would have been us, too. (I like to have options.) And some seem to take the application process a little too serious....
It was snowing and bitterly cold. The school that looked the best on paper (the internet) was our first choice. Open registration started at 8:30 on the 13th. I bundled up the girls, strapped them in their seats and headed there. We walked into the church and followed the sound of children to the preschool area (there were no signs). After stumbling upon the directors office while trying not to drop by 25 pound toddler and ten pound diaper bag, I introduced myself and told her I was here to register my daughter for preschool. It wasn't long before I realized today was the 12th, not the 13th. I was a day early. I heard myself saying, "So you want me to come back tomorrow even though I'm here today to turn in the form?" She apologized and said she just couldn't accept it today. Honestly, put it at the bottom of the pile tomorrow, but please don't make me take my children out in this winter mess again. We didn't apply to that school after all.
We have a lot of different reasons for not wanting to send her two years. For sure we'll send her when she's four. But, there isn't always a spot in the four year old class for someone who hasn't attended that school before. (heavy sigh and rolling of eyes).
If you ask Audrey where she wants to go? "Sunnyside" she will reply. Where is that? Sunnyside is the daycare in the movie Toy Story 3 where the toys go when Andy (their owner) gets rid of them accidently. I simply told her that we didn't have Sunnyside's around here and that we'd have to go somewhere else.
As of now, we're signed up for two (just in case we decide to send her). She got her first acceptance letter in the mail the other day. I have to admit, it was a little exciting opening that envelope to see if she got in. She did! I will say that I am thankful that we have the choice of so many respectable preschools. And we are blessed to able to send her to which ever one we want. I am thankful that we have a choice.
Her pediatrician recommended at her third year appointment we send her this fall. (She'll be three and a half, she won't go to Kindergarden until she's almost six) His reasoning? She tends to be a little "shy" and it would help socialize her. I like her pediatrician, really, I do, but he sees her for maybe five minutes every six months. Hardly a fair assessment. Being "shy" (we don't use that word in our house, because it normally has a negative connotation attached to it) is her personality. She's an observer first and doer second. I believe she will always be "shy" on some level. And she's strong willed. Do I believe that sending her to preschool is going to change that? No. Do I think she'd enjoy playing with other kids and learning from other sources, sure. Is a part of me afraid I'll regret sending her when she's older? Yeah. Not from the sense that she'll gain unprecedented independence and decide to start talking to people in public (ha!) but she's only young once, and even though it's only five to six hours a week, that's 180 hours a school year. A teacher friend of mine once said referring to not sending her own child, "She will spend the next 12 years in school. Why would I send her before she has to go?" I've since heard other moms say the same thing as they sit and ponder the pros and cons of preschool this year.
On the flip side another teacher said that part of being a kid is learning to interact with other kids. (Isn't that what they do in Kindergarden???) I do like the idea of her gaining more social skills and independence, which ultimately can be argued that she could learn those outside of preschool too. Activities like gymnastics, dance, etc that she's apart from parents, teaches her to listen to other adults, follow directions and learn. Play dates foster the same social interaction she'd get from preschool on a smaller scale.
I do wonder when preschool became such a big deal.
I've talked to people who sent their children and people who didn't. In the end, there is more than one right way to go about preschool. I believe it all depends on the child. As of now, we have options.
Sarah
We're debating on whether it's necessary/beneficial to send Audrey to preschool for two years. We've talked to many parents. Read a lot of articles. Toured three preschools and talked to their directors. It does seem, by and large that age three is the norm to start preschool. I believe it all depends on the child. If I had to send her today, I wouldn't. But in nine months, possibly. So, we needed to sign her up, just in case.
In this town the preschool process is out of control. I felt pressured to decide quickly where to apply so all the spots wouldn't be taken. You register in January for the following fall. If you don't register then, you chance the classes filling up (and they do) and the only spot left is on a waiting list. You are also encouraged to apply to multiple schools. Honestly, if my husband hadn't put a kibosh on three $80 registration fees, that would have been us, too. (I like to have options.) And some seem to take the application process a little too serious....
It was snowing and bitterly cold. The school that looked the best on paper (the internet) was our first choice. Open registration started at 8:30 on the 13th. I bundled up the girls, strapped them in their seats and headed there. We walked into the church and followed the sound of children to the preschool area (there were no signs). After stumbling upon the directors office while trying not to drop by 25 pound toddler and ten pound diaper bag, I introduced myself and told her I was here to register my daughter for preschool. It wasn't long before I realized today was the 12th, not the 13th. I was a day early. I heard myself saying, "So you want me to come back tomorrow even though I'm here today to turn in the form?" She apologized and said she just couldn't accept it today. Honestly, put it at the bottom of the pile tomorrow, but please don't make me take my children out in this winter mess again. We didn't apply to that school after all.
We have a lot of different reasons for not wanting to send her two years. For sure we'll send her when she's four. But, there isn't always a spot in the four year old class for someone who hasn't attended that school before. (heavy sigh and rolling of eyes).
If you ask Audrey where she wants to go? "Sunnyside" she will reply. Where is that? Sunnyside is the daycare in the movie Toy Story 3 where the toys go when Andy (their owner) gets rid of them accidently. I simply told her that we didn't have Sunnyside's around here and that we'd have to go somewhere else.
As of now, we're signed up for two (just in case we decide to send her). She got her first acceptance letter in the mail the other day. I have to admit, it was a little exciting opening that envelope to see if she got in. She did! I will say that I am thankful that we have the choice of so many respectable preschools. And we are blessed to able to send her to which ever one we want. I am thankful that we have a choice.
Her pediatrician recommended at her third year appointment we send her this fall. (She'll be three and a half, she won't go to Kindergarden until she's almost six) His reasoning? She tends to be a little "shy" and it would help socialize her. I like her pediatrician, really, I do, but he sees her for maybe five minutes every six months. Hardly a fair assessment. Being "shy" (we don't use that word in our house, because it normally has a negative connotation attached to it) is her personality. She's an observer first and doer second. I believe she will always be "shy" on some level. And she's strong willed. Do I believe that sending her to preschool is going to change that? No. Do I think she'd enjoy playing with other kids and learning from other sources, sure. Is a part of me afraid I'll regret sending her when she's older? Yeah. Not from the sense that she'll gain unprecedented independence and decide to start talking to people in public (ha!) but she's only young once, and even though it's only five to six hours a week, that's 180 hours a school year. A teacher friend of mine once said referring to not sending her own child, "She will spend the next 12 years in school. Why would I send her before she has to go?" I've since heard other moms say the same thing as they sit and ponder the pros and cons of preschool this year.
On the flip side another teacher said that part of being a kid is learning to interact with other kids. (Isn't that what they do in Kindergarden???) I do like the idea of her gaining more social skills and independence, which ultimately can be argued that she could learn those outside of preschool too. Activities like gymnastics, dance, etc that she's apart from parents, teaches her to listen to other adults, follow directions and learn. Play dates foster the same social interaction she'd get from preschool on a smaller scale.
I do wonder when preschool became such a big deal.
I've talked to people who sent their children and people who didn't. In the end, there is more than one right way to go about preschool. I believe it all depends on the child. As of now, we have options.
Sarah
26 January 2011
Why our orange juice comes from Florida
It's true that in-season produce is cheaper. Oranges were on sale last week. I ended up with eight pounds for two dollars. I have bought them before for one dollar each. I couldn't pass them up, but on the other hand, now I had eight pounds of oranges.
Sarah
Beyond just eating it and zest-ing for the occasional recipe, I don't do a lot with oranges. I did briefly research oranges and found an idea that I will use at some point: scooping out the inside so you're left with the outside orange shell and then filling it with sherbet or a dessert. You use the orange sections in your morning smoothie. Clever I thought. But this day, Audrey wanted orange juice.
We were out of our normal brand, with no pulp, but I had eight pounds of oranges in the refrigerator. I thought making our own orange juice would be a fun activity if nothing else. Two oranges and a lot of muscle later, we had a mere four ounces of juice. I was reminded why orange juice is so expensive. I'll happily pay three dollars for no pulp! Audrey tried to pour it into her glass and all but a drop spilled all over the table. We made more and this time she got to try it. She took a sip and was turned off by all the "stuff" floating inside (pulp) and dumped the rest down the drain. Ugh! All that hard work. I gasped from across the room like you do when someone spills your breast milk you got up at 2 am to pump.
I suppose most activities with preschoolers come with the assumption that there will be a mess. In the end, it was fun and wasn't completely pointless as we used up one or two pounds of our eight pound bag.
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| Allie trying some orange pieces |
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| not a fan |
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| it takes a lot of oranges to get a little bit of juice |
Sarah
19 January 2011
Tutus and Fairy wings
A sneak peek into the play date that turned into dress up this afternoon....
Don't you wish you were 3 again???
Sarah
13 January 2011
Brownies
I made brownies today.
It was one of those days.
It snowed all day. What else are you to do when it snows?? I love a freshly baked brownie that warms you all the way to your toes, satisfies your chocolate addiction and gives you a jolt of energy. This brownie mix didn't cut it. So I cut them up and froze them for the kids. After all, if they are in the freezer, I won't eat them, right?
The next day I pulled them out of the freezer. I ate one. Then two. They had to go. I threw them away.
This morning, I was helping Audrey with a puzzle. Allie was wondering around the kitchen/dining room loop. Then it was quiet. I walk in the kitchen and find Allie, sitting on the floor covered in brownie crumbs and clutching the last one with all her might. This meant she'd lifted the garbage can lid, peeked inside, saw the brownie (still in the ziplock bag) and pulled it out. Of course I took it away from her, but not before I got a picture. And boy was she mad! And a little hurt, that I took her brownie away that she'd worked so hard to get. I let her have a little bite, and threw the rest away.
Sarah
It was one of those days.
It snowed all day. What else are you to do when it snows?? I love a freshly baked brownie that warms you all the way to your toes, satisfies your chocolate addiction and gives you a jolt of energy. This brownie mix didn't cut it. So I cut them up and froze them for the kids. After all, if they are in the freezer, I won't eat them, right?
The next day I pulled them out of the freezer. I ate one. Then two. They had to go. I threw them away.
This morning, I was helping Audrey with a puzzle. Allie was wondering around the kitchen/dining room loop. Then it was quiet. I walk in the kitchen and find Allie, sitting on the floor covered in brownie crumbs and clutching the last one with all her might. This meant she'd lifted the garbage can lid, peeked inside, saw the brownie (still in the ziplock bag) and pulled it out. Of course I took it away from her, but not before I got a picture. And boy was she mad! And a little hurt, that I took her brownie away that she'd worked so hard to get. I let her have a little bite, and threw the rest away.
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| busted! |
Sarah
12 January 2011
Praying
We have noticed lately that whenever we say the word "pray" Allie puts her hands together as if she's praying. Almost always when we are at the table getting ready to eat lunch or dinner we ask Audrey if she'd like to pray. Allie immediately folds her hands and waits for Audrey to say the prayer. Love it!
Sarah
Sarah
10 January 2011
Comparison Photo/Who Wore it Best
I haven't done this in awhile, but Allie has been wearing a lot of Audrey's old clothes lately and I always think it's fun to compare what each of them looked like in it.
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| Allie 2010 |
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| Audrey 2008 |
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| Audrey 2008 |
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| Allie 2010 |
First Snow of 2010
December 4, 2010 was the first snowfall of the season. The weather service reported between four and six inches. Kids came out of hibernation to play outside building snowmen, scooping snow and sledding at nearby parks. My child? We forced her to go outside. She got all dressed up--snow-pants, coat, she refused to wear a hat and gloves and she lasted maybe 10 minutes. It took her longer to pull on all her snow gear. She merely stood there watching her father scoop our driveway. It was cold, but I thought she'd at least want to play a little, or help scoop snow, which she's done in the past. Nope. Wanted nothing to do with it--which didn't make our impromptu photo shoot any easier later that day. (We couldn't put her down. Wouldn't even stand in it). My youngest however, was so excited to go out, but we didn't let her because she was so young, and didn't have the proper attire. I couldn't imagine trying to squeeze her into big puffy snow-pants and then a marshmallow coat. She wouldn't be able to walk. She instead, pressed her nose against the window, not wanting to miss any of the action. Ah different personalities. They are textbook.
Sarah
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| I personally thought sliding down this would be fun! |
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| my husband, scooping snow. |
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| She just looks miserable, doesn't she!? |
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| Poor Allie, wanted to go outside so bad! |
Sarah
06 January 2011
teaching little fingers to play
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| Audrey teaching Bitty to play the piano |
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| I remember telling Audrey we only play piano with our hands, not our feet.... |
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| watching big sister |
Sarah
05 January 2011
Itching at Sams
Recently I had one of those Mommy moments that I won't forget. Ever.
A few days before Christmas Audrey and I went to Sams. I heard her say halfway through the store, "something itches Mom" This means that she didn't wipe very well that day and that her butt itches. I tell her she can't stick her hand down her pants at the store. She asks, "why" because that's what she does these days. I tell her why. She complains a few more times and I remind her if she must, to itch outside of her pants. A few aisles later we're in the produce section. I turn around to see Audrey, facing the lettuce, her pants down around her ankles itching her bare butt. All I could to was laugh as I quickly knelt down beside her and hurriedly pulled up her pants, hoping to avoid a scene. Through my embarrassed laughter I told her you can't pull down your pants in the store either. I have no idea if the stocker boy who was standing beside me noticed because I dare not look anyone in the eye until we were on our way out. What I noticed as we finished our shopping was everything she was touching in the store with the hand she'd just scratched with. Gross. How many other kids/grown-ups/stocker boys do the same thing, or worse.
Sarah
A few days before Christmas Audrey and I went to Sams. I heard her say halfway through the store, "something itches Mom" This means that she didn't wipe very well that day and that her butt itches. I tell her she can't stick her hand down her pants at the store. She asks, "why" because that's what she does these days. I tell her why. She complains a few more times and I remind her if she must, to itch outside of her pants. A few aisles later we're in the produce section. I turn around to see Audrey, facing the lettuce, her pants down around her ankles itching her bare butt. All I could to was laugh as I quickly knelt down beside her and hurriedly pulled up her pants, hoping to avoid a scene. Through my embarrassed laughter I told her you can't pull down your pants in the store either. I have no idea if the stocker boy who was standing beside me noticed because I dare not look anyone in the eye until we were on our way out. What I noticed as we finished our shopping was everything she was touching in the store with the hand she'd just scratched with. Gross. How many other kids/grown-ups/stocker boys do the same thing, or worse.
Sarah
03 January 2011
Dear Auds and Allie
Audrey,
Today you wrote with permanent ink on our white microfiber couches and then proceeded to write on your little pink canvas box you keep your toy story toys in on your bed. It took Mommy and Daddy 20 minutes, in the middle of making supper to clean the couch and ottoman. You got a spanking from daddy and I told you I was sad. you then told me you were sad that I was sad.
Tonight I gave you a bath and helped you wash your hair all by yourself. You got to wear the new princess pajamas I bought for you at the store. They were size 6. And they fit. You are 3.
Allie,
tonight in the tub with audrey you kept pushing my had away from the water facet so you could play. you love the water and you love baths. you do a little dance with your feet when I turn the water on. you've even been known to try and climb in by lifting your leg up. you're not near tall enough, as you're only 1.
you've been real clingy lately, I hope you're feeling ok. you always want me to hold you and you love to watch what I'm doing. thing is, I can't do much with you on my hip. but I love that you're my cuddle bug. You always put your head on my shoulder and you love to be held and hugged. I love that.
Sarah
Today you wrote with permanent ink on our white microfiber couches and then proceeded to write on your little pink canvas box you keep your toy story toys in on your bed. It took Mommy and Daddy 20 minutes, in the middle of making supper to clean the couch and ottoman. You got a spanking from daddy and I told you I was sad. you then told me you were sad that I was sad.
Tonight I gave you a bath and helped you wash your hair all by yourself. You got to wear the new princess pajamas I bought for you at the store. They were size 6. And they fit. You are 3.
Allie,
tonight in the tub with audrey you kept pushing my had away from the water facet so you could play. you love the water and you love baths. you do a little dance with your feet when I turn the water on. you've even been known to try and climb in by lifting your leg up. you're not near tall enough, as you're only 1.
you've been real clingy lately, I hope you're feeling ok. you always want me to hold you and you love to watch what I'm doing. thing is, I can't do much with you on my hip. but I love that you're my cuddle bug. You always put your head on my shoulder and you love to be held and hugged. I love that.
Sarah
Projections for 2011
When I worked in sales, we had to turn in our projections once a month. I dreaded that report, especially if I hadn't been selling much. We also had to turn in daily numbers and weekly numbers. It was a way for the company to see how much money was projected to come in and how we occupied our eight hour work-day. And, at the end of each day we had to write down what we did that day, as an accountability act, because when you're in radio/television media sales, you're out of the office all day most days. They wanted to know we weren't playing golf or watching cartoons. Or in my case, shopping or tanning on my back porch writing wedding thank you notes over my extended lunch break. No, I never did any of those! :) Usually as long as you were meeting your goals, you stayed out of the directors office. I found that to meet my goals, I needed to make lists.
Being a Type A (personality, not blood) I love lists. I don't get much done without them in my current occupation. After I stop something to kiss a boo-boo or find out why someone is crying and respectfully punish the responsible party, I often can't remember what I was doing. So I make lists. That doesn't mean for certain that everything gets crossed off, it's just a projection of what I'd like to do that day. My children always get first priority so if I get invited to a cookie party at Audrey's restaurant, like i did today, I am going to remind myself to drop the dishes ( no matter how many days they've been sitting there) and make my way to the table she's set and eat pretend chocolate chip cookies in the shapes of colorful animals (she used puzzle pieces).
In honor of the new year I've made a list of the top 10 things I hope to accomplish, try or change. And just as my lists change everyday, I'm sure my projections for 2011 will too in one way or another.
Being a Type A (personality, not blood) I love lists. I don't get much done without them in my current occupation. After I stop something to kiss a boo-boo or find out why someone is crying and respectfully punish the responsible party, I often can't remember what I was doing. So I make lists. That doesn't mean for certain that everything gets crossed off, it's just a projection of what I'd like to do that day. My children always get first priority so if I get invited to a cookie party at Audrey's restaurant, like i did today, I am going to remind myself to drop the dishes ( no matter how many days they've been sitting there) and make my way to the table she's set and eat pretend chocolate chip cookies in the shapes of colorful animals (she used puzzle pieces).
In honor of the new year I've made a list of the top 10 things I hope to accomplish, try or change. And just as my lists change everyday, I'm sure my projections for 2011 will too in one way or another.
1. exercise more, eat less.
2. give up sugar. I know, this is a big one and I will do it gradually. I say this because I know I still have sugar in the house and it's within reach. mmm Dove miniatures! Sugar is evil. I'm for sure addicted. I've given up gluten and caffeine, surely I can master this one too? I've heard it can eliminate anxiety and get rid of PMS? Not to mention the other 100 health benefits of giving up sugar. But in my 24 hours of contemplating this task I find it's everywhere and in everything. This is going to be tough.
3. pray more, worry less. Trust God
4. plant a garden, even if it's on my back porch and in pots. Why? I love the idea of producing my own food. It's fresh. It tastes better. It's organic, or it will be before Jeremy starts spraying it for bugs. at the very least, I'm bringing back the herb garden. cooking with fresh herbs makes your food dance on your tongue.
5. survive sending Audrey to preschool. Pick a preschool and apply! I should reverse those.
6. journal more. not blog. journaling to me is the fun stuff you don't want people to read.
7. go on more than two dates with my husband.
8. read. readers are good writers.
9. eat more fish. I'm giving the cow a break this year.
10. spend less money at the Gap.
11. Go see Cinderella's castle. (As Audrey says)
I have more goals, too personal to publish. We always set family goals too. Last year I think we were so sleep deprived with a newborn that our only goal was for her to sleep through the night. We missed the mark on that one so we are continuing that goal into 2011.
11. Go see Cinderella's castle. (As Audrey says)
I have more goals, too personal to publish. We always set family goals too. Last year I think we were so sleep deprived with a newborn that our only goal was for her to sleep through the night. We missed the mark on that one so we are continuing that goal into 2011.
02 January 2011
New Years Eve
The day started with me nearly burning our house down. All because I wanted a cup of hot tea to soothe a sore throat. I've made a hundred or more cups of tea since we've lived in this house but today I made a mistake I'll never make again--I left items that didn't belong on the stove. And then I lit the wrong burner. Thank heavens we have an electric stove top--the kitchen would have been in flames a lot quicker if we had that gas oven I've had my eyes on.
I'm the last to get a drink in the morning, because I scream the least. I filled Allie's sippy with whole milk, skim for Audrey and then decided to make hot tea for me. Normally, I'm a coffee girl, but not when I'm sick. I filled my plastic liquid measuring cup with filtered water and turned on the burner. I then drew Audrey's attention at the lakes of water in our neighbors back yard. Hard to believe a week ago we had nearly a foot of snow and today it's all melted and raining. No sooner did I draw the blinds in the kitchen as I smelled something hot. What on earth would be hot? And then it hit me as I frantically looked across the room. My eyes settled on the smoke coming from the stove. My biggest concern at that point was that the alarm would go off and scare Audrey to death. She hates our alarm and screams to her core every time it goes off. Lots of smoke, but no flames, so I grab the two tea boxes and 4 cup measuring cup that has now melted and throw them in the sink.
The cook top is still smoldering. It's not grease, so I throw a little water on it. That calms it down. I open all windows and doors and am now warning Audrey that the alarm could go off because of the smoke. At the mention of alarm, she runs to the living room love seat and curls up in a ball. That takes me back to my childhood and I feel for her and my heart breaks a little because I know her fear. I look at Allie, my one year old. She's still holding her bottle of milk, but she has spit up all down her dress. When did this happen!? And where? I start to see tracks of it on the floor. I find the pile of her breakfast on the kitchen floor. The focus is now on the puke and not the smoke. I take the girls upstairs, we all get dressed and plan to head out until the house can be refreshed. With all the windows open and the rainy day, 45 minutes later it smelled like an April day in our house.
I'm so thankful that not more damage was done. Oh how thankful I am that we stayed in the kitchen and didn't wander to another room or upstairs for a minute. Thank you God for protecting us and our house.
We didn't do anything wild and crazy tonight to bring in the new year. We are fighting colds and didn't feel like partying this year. We watched part of Jeremy's new Blu-Ray series, held our breath every time fireworks went off in the neighborhood, hoping they didn't wake the girls, and went to bed before midnight.
For years New Years Eve meant spending time with my Dad's family celebrating my Grandpas birthday. Some years, I even made the cake. Happy birthday Grandpa. You are missed and how I wish you could have known my girls.
Happy New Year!
Sarah
I'm the last to get a drink in the morning, because I scream the least. I filled Allie's sippy with whole milk, skim for Audrey and then decided to make hot tea for me. Normally, I'm a coffee girl, but not when I'm sick. I filled my plastic liquid measuring cup with filtered water and turned on the burner. I then drew Audrey's attention at the lakes of water in our neighbors back yard. Hard to believe a week ago we had nearly a foot of snow and today it's all melted and raining. No sooner did I draw the blinds in the kitchen as I smelled something hot. What on earth would be hot? And then it hit me as I frantically looked across the room. My eyes settled on the smoke coming from the stove. My biggest concern at that point was that the alarm would go off and scare Audrey to death. She hates our alarm and screams to her core every time it goes off. Lots of smoke, but no flames, so I grab the two tea boxes and 4 cup measuring cup that has now melted and throw them in the sink.
The cook top is still smoldering. It's not grease, so I throw a little water on it. That calms it down. I open all windows and doors and am now warning Audrey that the alarm could go off because of the smoke. At the mention of alarm, she runs to the living room love seat and curls up in a ball. That takes me back to my childhood and I feel for her and my heart breaks a little because I know her fear. I look at Allie, my one year old. She's still holding her bottle of milk, but she has spit up all down her dress. When did this happen!? And where? I start to see tracks of it on the floor. I find the pile of her breakfast on the kitchen floor. The focus is now on the puke and not the smoke. I take the girls upstairs, we all get dressed and plan to head out until the house can be refreshed. With all the windows open and the rainy day, 45 minutes later it smelled like an April day in our house.
I'm so thankful that not more damage was done. Oh how thankful I am that we stayed in the kitchen and didn't wander to another room or upstairs for a minute. Thank you God for protecting us and our house.
We didn't do anything wild and crazy tonight to bring in the new year. We are fighting colds and didn't feel like partying this year. We watched part of Jeremy's new Blu-Ray series, held our breath every time fireworks went off in the neighborhood, hoping they didn't wake the girls, and went to bed before midnight.
For years New Years Eve meant spending time with my Dad's family celebrating my Grandpas birthday. Some years, I even made the cake. Happy birthday Grandpa. You are missed and how I wish you could have known my girls.
Happy New Year!
Sarah
Christmas 2010
Every Christmas as a kid I wanted it to snow. I'd hope and pray that the grey skies would unleash mounds of snow that covered all the dead trees and brown grass, giving it a make over, so to speak. Some years it would bring a scant amount that barely dusted the ground. For years we didn't have snow at all. (disappointing) But this Christmas Eve it snowed and snowed and snowed. It was a quiet and peaceful snow that fell the entire day and into the night. A pretty snow with flakes so light and fluffy when they landed on your sleeve you could see their snowflake shape. I heard reports of 4 feet and 8 feet and everything in-between. I know we barely got our van in the garage that night our driveway was so deep.
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| This picture was taken by my Dad on Christmas Eve Our Christmas this year consisted of three big family Christmases all back to back. We like to call it the Christmas Blitz. Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and the day after. 12 hours, 8 hours and 12 hours, respectively. My family on Christmas Eve, our family Christmas morning, Jeremy's extended family Christmas Day (my extended family Christmas night, which we often miss and did this year) and then Jeremy's family the day after. Whew! We are so blessed. Twas the Night before Christmas: snow. (and lots of it) a roast beast (ham) and all the fix-ins. opening gifts. more candy, cookies, Chex mix, fudge, chocolate covered popcorn, cheese balls (and a special gluten free one just for me!) that gave us visions of sugarplums in our heads. a warm fire and laughter. a canceled Christmas Eve service due to snow. reading the Christmas story. matching pajamas. new dolls, one for Auds and one for Allie.  The stockings were all hung by the chimney with care, in hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there..... |
Christmas Day
the girls slept in. Jeremy got up at 5:30 to scoop the drive and woke us all up at 7:30. Did Santa come? Indeed he did! "My dollhouse!" Audrey exclaimed as she ran into the living room. Allie got a riding toy train. I got a replacement lens for my camera--mine quit working a few weeks before Christmas. Jeremy got a man table and bar chairs to go in his man cave. We gave the girls a pretend grocery store that resides in the basement. They love it when people come to shop. Audrey especially loves to operate the cash register. Allie especially loves to steal the money and run! Bacon and eggs for breakfast and mimosas for Mommy and Daddy. Then, off to Aunt Vals for lunch and cards. Audrey loved playing with cousin Hannah and Allie was infatuated with Sophie, Aunt Val's dog. My favorite moment that day was when I was holding Lilah (Audrey and Allie's cousin who is 7 months) and Allie walked over and gently hugged her and put her head on Lilah's shoulder. It was so sweet.
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| " I wonder how long it will take them to notice I swiped Santa's last cookie?" |
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| Our family Christmas morning. |
The 26th:
church. opening gifts. sledding (only Daddy participated. Audrey had no desire to go outside and freeze her bum off or touch the snow. She doesn't like it). games. playing with cousins. Spoons. (Did you know they made an actual game for this? We just always played it with tablespoons and a deck of cards!) a toast. shrimp. ham and cheese. a late night. Audrey's favorite gift at this Christmas was a talking Jessie doll. Allie opened a tea set that the girls play with everyday.
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| Audrey and Hannah on the 26th |
We are so blessed and we are so spoiled. My heart broke early in December when other Moms and I packaged Christmas presents for children overseas. We were to fill a gallon size ziplock bag with items on the table. hair combs, deodorant, soap, and sanitary napkins were a few items we stuffed with love into those bags. I wanted to rush out and buy all of them presents. I felt awful that my girls would get more presents and little trinkets than they'd know what to do with and this child would get a toothbrush that he'd share with his entire family.
This year we are so thankful for family and that we have more gatherings to attend than we can get to. We are thankful for Jesus, the real reason for the season. We are thankful for each other. We are thankful for today.
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