Sunday, November 1, 2009

Funny Things

Just a couple of random quotes:

"Mom, is that guy beating his dog?" by Clark while watching a jogger and his dog running. Get it? Beating him in a race? I know, it took me a second to process and respond to his question.

"I'm going to beat you up!" by Clark while racing up the stairs to our apartment. He does say this while racing when we are NOT on the stairs and it cracks me up. Is it wrong if I don't correct him?

"HI FRIENDS!" by Bruce with a big smile to a crowd of strangers in our parking lot. They did respond similarly to his greeting. The enthusiasm of little children is undeniable.

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

A Little Incentive


Clark has been giving us a hard time about bedtime in a typical 3 year old way. I need to go potty, I need a drink, climbing into his brother's crib to wake him up, etc... He has been such a good sleeper until the "big boy bed."

It really only took a bribe (ahem), I mean some "positive reinforcement," to help out at bedtimes around here. (Thanks for the idea, Dad.) Besides the excuses, he was doing a pretty good job of keeping himself awake while he was in bed (until 11pm and sometimes later). I don't know how he does it. Put me in a quiet, cool, dark room with a fan and I don't stand a chance.

It wasn't until he decided he wanted to go to bed, with a promise of reward the next day, that we have really had any success. We've been going for 2 nights now without any incidents of bedtime resistance. The power of a lollipop in the eyes of a child. He insisted on an orange one (his favorite color), but settled for a cream soda when I couldn't find orange.

Brucie is enjoying the rewards for good bedtime behavior, too. It's kind of a given since he falls asleep pretty quickly. He ate his lollipop today and about half the stick (well, it was pretty well chewed).
Just in case you were wondering, they still have root beer flavored Dum-dums. For some reason I always remember getting that flavor as a child. Ah, good memories.

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Bait and Switch

It's been in the 90's all week, but we may see 80's again next week. (sigh) I shouldn't be surprised. It's like this every year, but the promise of cooler weather is so anticipated (by me) that I can't help but be disappointed. Well, maybe we'll have another cool snap by Halloween.

Clark has been washing dishes with Daddy lately. The agreement in our house is that I will make dinner every night, and Caleb will wash the dishes. We don't even have a dishwasher, so I really mean wash the dishes. I have to give him props because Caleb is really good about it every night. Well, finally he has a little help... from Clark. Caleb washes and Clark rinses. The enthusiasm from that little guy is really overwhelming. It's the first thing he talks about in the morning and he doesn't let up all day. "I think we should do the dishes, Mommy." He continues asking for the rest of the day. He actually finished helping tonight and suggested that we do them again. Caleb declined the offer. I wonder what would happen if I was as enthusiastic about cleaning. It's really cute, actually. Well, the chances are slim that this excitement about dishes will last until adolescence (and it certainly doesn't happen when we're picking up toys), but we'll enjoy it while it lasts.

Funny Clark quote...
I have found that the moment my children see me eating they want some too. Even if they've already eaten. Well, this was after he had eaten breakfast and I was trying to tell Clark that he didn't really want what I was eating because he would think it was yucky. Well, he didn't fall for it. This was the expressive response, asked as if he really wanted me to answer his question. I wish you could have seen his hands waving for emphasis. So funny. I've never heard him use this expression before.

"Are you kidding me? Mommy, are you kidding me? I love that stuff!"

Funny Bruce quote...
Brucie, as the youngest, often will get the benefit of the doubt in a conflict (especially when I didn't see it). Well, he didn't in this case because I saw what he was up to. He was trying to commandeer Clark's coloring book (he had his own, but wanted Clark's), and I told him that he should go color in his own book. He turned back to Clark and this was what he said with an accusing finger waving at his brother for every word...

"Clark! You. Are. Driving. Me. CRAZY!"

Whoops. I guess he may have heard this from someone before, but not with quite that much emotion. :)

This is a dish washing video. If you are wondering, yes, I believe that Brucie takes a sip off the spoon. Just to make sure it still functions as it is supposed to, I'm sure.

Thursday, October 1, 2009

Cool weather is here!

Well, cooler weather. It's been in the mid-80's and we've been enjoying the outdoors this week since it seems the hottest days of the year are behind us. Not exactly cold, but this morning was a little brisk for our walk. I'm looking forward to some more enjoyable (not sweltering) outside time. I'm sure the boys are too. Welcome fall!

Friday, September 25, 2009

Morning Hair and Library Books


This was an extreme enough case of morning hair (well, after-nap hair) that I thought I would document it for Clark's posterity. Apparently, I take police line-up style pictures of my children. Clark looks like all he needs is a number to hold up in front and the height lines behind.


Bruce also wanted to be in on the action. He had been up a little longer and was much more chipper. He seems tall for almost 2. Generally I try to avoid a messy room scene if I can, and I guess that leads to this style of pictures.

(As a disclaimer, I'll let you know that we went to the library which always ends up with a room littered with books until the excitement of the "new books" wears off after a few days. At least they're excited about reading... It's a trade-off I guess.)

We've been into nature/science books recently. Snakes, lizards, bugs, airplanes, etc. I attribute this newfound interest to Uncle Mike, who spent a lot of his visit hunting/catching lizards and frogs. Clark's made a request for volcanos next time.

Bruce is mostly into board books, due to the aforementioned book ripping. These incidents are fairly regular, but usually reserved for older books which are showing some wear (which are usually the ones that WE own). Personally, I like to read books with a good rhythm and rhyme. Like Dr. Suess and "Bear Wants More".

Most contested book from this library trip: A field guide to amphibians and reptiles.

Sunday, September 6, 2009

Exerpts from the Scriptures

Literally...


I found Brucie manhandling Caleb's scriptures the other day. Clark stated several times in the following minutes that it was Brucie who did it (and not him). Brucie spent a while in time-out while I found all the pieces. Repaired pieces are on the left-hand side of the picture.
Reconstruction was touch-and-go, but I think the patient is going to pull through with all pages intact. Caleb has committed to not leave his scriptures on the table after he is done reading them in the morning.


Brucie a few days earlier with my fruit smoothie... What a stinker! I guess you notice a theme here: Items left on the table are not safe from almost-2-year-olds.


Clark looking cheerful after church today. He's posing for Nana who got this outfit for his birthday.

Monday, August 24, 2009

Back to School

Naptime on Sunday afternoon (Caleb and Clark). The peaceful slumber of a man without any homework... yet.

Well, the exciting last semester is beginning. Caleb is scheduled to graduate in December and we are making important decisions for what happens next. Caleb is preparing to take the GRE exam. He is considering going to grad school for a master's degree in education. If you had asked me what he would be studying a few years ago I would not have seen that coming, but then again when we moved here we thought he would be studying accounting and not english...

I've decided to stop thinking I know what will happen in the more distant future and just choosing to "go-with-the-flow" and try to enjoy things as they come. Not to mean we will not be planning for our future, but you just can't control some things. I guess the Lord just wants us to stop trusting in our own strength and rely on him a little more. I would have to say that every time in my life that I have it all "figured out" is when the biggest surprises come. So, maybe grad school. Maybe not. Hopefully gainful employment... :) The good news is that when Caleb talked to his counselor she said that it looked like he would graduate with honors. Go Caleb!

Monday, August 10, 2009

Hello again.

It's been a while. It may seem strange to some in this day and age, but sometimes I go a really long time without using the computer. It just doesn't seem to make my to do list sometimes, but mostly I've been in and out of town. Also, there is a guilty feeling involved with leaving your children to ravage someone else's house while you're on the computer. Even close relatives. Well, I'm back. (This may be a relief to my few remaining readers.) And I flatter myself even thinking that people still read my blog.

We have actually had an eventful few weeks. Spent a whole lot of time with family. My brother and his family came to visit from Colorado. Celebrated my 5th wedding anniversary. Went to the beach. Lots of summer stuff, relatively no pictures. I hate to admit it, considering I believe I have two of the most beautiful children in the world, but I'm not really a picture person. I am the person at the event that didn't even think to bring a camera (or left it in the car), but will ask someone with a camera if they will send me some of their pictures because I feel a bit guilty about not recording this part of childhood for my boys. In reality though, we have plenty of pictures. The boys' lives are well documented even though it may not be entirely with pictures.
This photo was taken on our anniversary.
We had a wonderful 5-year wedding anniversary. It isn't that we did anything spectacular, but we spent a few consecutive hours together without children. Sometimes that in itself is spectacular. I have to say that one of my favorite things to do is to talk to my husband. I think he's funny and after 5 years of marriage, he still makes me laugh. Technically, we go back a lot further than that, but that is a story for another time. We actually share a wedding anniversary with my grandparents. I really love them a lot and think of them (especially on our anniversary).


I've been spending a large part of my very small free-time sewing. I have made 2 shirts, altered 3 shirts, sewn 2 purses, and plotted more projects. My most recent learning is sewing with knit fabrics. Now, there is a reason why people buy their clothes from stores. It is because once you have factored in time and resources, it's usually cheaper these days to buy off the rack. But when you have a mother who has a lot of fabric laying around, with a $3.44 pattern you can have a very satisfying one of a kind article of clothing (hopefully one of a kind in a good way). I'm not posting the first attempt at this pattern because I think this one turned out much better.... :) If you're interested the pattern info is Simplicity New Look #6875 (from Walmart). Very simple, which is how I like it.

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Ring around the rosie!

When I went into the church nursery on Sunday to pick up the boys, they were playing ring-around-the rosie. The kids were so cute hand-in-hand in a circle. Bruce was in the middle doing his thing. That night he was showing off for us. I guess Brucie is more of a solo act.


He tried to be a team player... briefly.

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Happy Birthday Clark!


Clark turned 3 years old on August 1st! I can't believe he's getting so big. He truly is more little boy than baby now. He tries so hard to be good, but sometimes he can't resist... If I had to describe him to a stranger, I would say he has a sunshine smile. He is such a people person and will chat up anyone who will look in his direction at the store or anywhere! No shy violet here. He is smart and is always asking questions, wanting to understand. (I think that comes with his age.) Loves to read, color, sing! Loves his brother (bubba), even though sometimes it's more of a "tough" love situation. :)

I tried to set his b-day up with some age appropriate activities. We went to the zoo (Brucie in photo with the Galapagos Tortoises),
baked some cupcakes (with sprinkles!) which he picked out - frosting and all,
fixed a bike with Dad,
and had some serious sugar consumption. We did the candles 3 times, I think. Happy, happy birthday, Clark!


This is the cupcake he picked to eat. Also, thanks to HB and K who came to celebrate with us and make sure I didn't polish off the rest of those cupcakes alone!
Side note: Brucie devoured this cupcake like nobody's business. I wish I had it on video. I swear, like 30 seconds from start to finish. You would think he hadn't just eaten 2 whole pieces of pizza, or anything in the last 12 hours! He must be going through a growth spurt.

Sunday, June 21, 2009

Happy Father's Day!

Here is a video tribute to Grandpa and Papa. Happy Father's Day! We love you! And, of course, Happy Father's Day to Caleb, who is an awesome Dad!





It's always fun when Grandpa (Papa) comes, when Grandpa (Papa) comes Hoo-ray!
He always says the kindest things, and in the kindest way.
He has a wrinkly, twinkly smile. He's happy all the day!
It's always fun, for everyone, when Grandpa (Papa) comes!

Friday, June 19, 2009

Address?

Today I was talking with Clark, who is almost 3, and we were working on memorizing our address. We started slow and he got the hang of it, so I tried a little role play.

"Let's pretend you get lost. I'll ask you a question. Hey, what is your name? (pause) You say Clark."
"Clark."
"Okay, let's try this again. What is your name?"
"You know my name!" (laughing)
"No, I'm pretending, remember? What is your name?"
"Caleb... Clark."
"No, just Clark."
"Clark."
"Okay, let's try your address. Where do you live?"
"Here."
"Where is your house?"
"This is my house, silly! (laughs) We're at my house."
"Okay, let's try saying our address like we practiced, remember? Where is your house? What is your address?"
"In the closet."
"What is your name?"
"Clark."
"What is your address, Clark?"
"No, your address."
"Say what we practiced. Do you remember?"
"Yeah."
"Okay, your address is where you live. It's where your house is. Let's try again. What is your address?"
"No, I don't wear a dress. I'm a boy. YOU wear a dress!"
"Okay, I think that's good enough for now. Good job, Clark!"

Maybe I should have started with our phone number...

Monday, June 15, 2009

Blast from the Past

Its fun to look at old photos. I found this in a box today while I was looking for something completely different. This was taken in the backyard where I grew up. We had just had a campout (hence the tent) and this is the next morning, I think. It reminds me that it has been a long time since I went back to visit. If anyone has a guess as to when this was taken and who that is on the back row, I would like to hear. I figure I was somewhere between 9 and 12. I think this may have been the last time I posed so brazenly in a swimsuit...



From Left to Right
(Back row) Erica, Sara, Kristy, ?, Penny, Carly (baby)
(Front row) Sarah, Wendy, Kelly, Me, Leah, Sheri, Jenny

Monday, June 8, 2009

Independence


You can't tell from the picture, but the shorts are backwards too.

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

A Little Bit of Song and Dance

Two posts in a row! I know, I can't believe it either...

Brucie likes to sing. Especially if it has to do with Thomas the Train. I think it is so cute. Here is his rendition of "It's Great to be an Engine". My favorite part is when he says, "Puff, puff, puffing along." (I thought I'd let you know in case you can't understand what he's saying.) That lump on the couch behind Bruce is Caleb, who got up early with Bruce this morning (but was sleeping while I filmed this video). There is nothing sweeter than an extra 30 minutes of sleep. Thanks Caleb!





Clark and Bruce are playing with one of those "noise making" toys that we had hidden somewhere and they found it again. (The kind of toys that scare you when you're walking by them at night and they start up suddenly. Creepy. Or when the batteries are dying and the song gets lower and slower. Even creepier.) It sings an alphabet song, but you can't hear it very well. In the first video Clark is dancing and doesn't know Caleb is filming him. In the second one, they're both dancing, but Clark is playing it up for the camera. Still cute enough that I had to post them both.







Tuesday, June 2, 2009

Scotty Potty

You can probably tell by now that I'm a better blog reader than a blog writer. I have a hard time thinking about what I'm going to write when I have a little boy (or boys) climbing up on my chair (like right now) trying to push some buttons.

We have been potty training. It was and is still a learning experience. Thank you to those character underpants, which eased our transition because Clark was so excited to wear them. I have to say that the tiny underpants are adorable and I love seeing them in the clean laundry (emphasis on the clean). Clark has got the hang of it, despite the "almost-made-it" experiences every once in a while including last week when he was sick (I guess they don't call it the runs for nothing). Now if I could only get him to not use all the soap and toilet paper... He's enjoying his newfound access into a mostly parent-supervised zone. He has even graduated from little potty to big potty of his own volition. I was surprised, since (as an almost 3 year old) he doesn't like change. He definitely wants to be a big boy, which has helped immensely with this new step for us. Officially, I cannot call him my "baby" anymore, which I still do despite his protests. He tells me, "Brucie is a baby! I'm a big boy!"

Special thanks to Aunt Kristy and Scott, who visited this weekend and brought the Wall-E shoes (and "Aunt C" who sent them on from her boys). Clark is in love with them and would wear them to bed if I let him. Not that he really knows who Wall-E is, but that doesn't seem to matter. (He doesn't have the attention span for Disney movies yet.)
We also competed in a friendly cheesecake competition. This was the first time making a cheesecake for me and it turned out fairly well. I came in 4th of 6 entries, but mine wasn't as fancy as the goat milk and toffee cheesecake that won first... I made a plain cheesecake with blueberry topping for Caleb who likes 'em plain. We all had a good time and I'm wishing I was more of a camera person because then I would have a picture. I'll have to see if I can rustle one up for all three of my loyal readers. :) And here are some recent pictures that I do have...

"Big Boy" Clark w/ his new shoes. Do you think he likes them? Does this say something about how exciting our average day is?


Jumping to show me the lights on the side of his shoes. (I couldn't get it in the picture. Tricky.)



Brucie, who is still a "baby".


Cheeeeeeeese!


Reading with Daddy.

Thursday, April 30, 2009

The Illusion of Control

I remember as a new mother asking the women who attended my local mothers' group when they finally felt they had things "under control." They then exchanged knowing glances, patted my hand and broke the news that from now on things would be a "new normal." I still feel that is the simplest way to describe the ever-changing, hectic life of parenthood.

That being said, we are learning about potty training, potty learning, toilet training, whatever you may call it... Transitioning into another "new normal." Clark is finally gaining some interest in that little potty in the bathroom that has lain, dusty and unused, under our bathroom sink. We have had one unsuccessful attempt at potty training a few months ago, but I decided that we would both be a lot happier if we waited for some more interest and understanding regarding the potty. We have talked about "big boys" using the potty, observing which friends "use the potty", checking out books, familiarizing ourselves with the parts and functions, recognizing the need to "go", handwashing, etc... I always thought Clark would train early since he could speak and communicate so well from an early age. Well, either I missed my window early-on, or he just wasn't ready because the first attempt had less potty-sitting and more floor cleaning. So, here we are at 2-1/2 just starting our potty adventures. I wonder how Bruce will do since he wants to be a part of whatever "Bubba" (big brother) is doing.






It's interesting to think about parenthood, which is in my opinion a "learn as you go" type of thing. You can try to be as prepared as possible, but individual circumstances will inevitably prevail and experience becomes your new teacher. Recently I've felt this way about night time and sleeping/waking children. We have a routine, we have a regular bedtime, getting to sleep is not usually a problem for us, but still we have good nights and bad nights, and some nights I have to admit I have no idea why my child has woken up. I quickly run down the list of past problems: too hot, too cold, teething, air is too dry, limb fell asleep, sick, recently in contact with a sick child, took a late nap, too long of a nap, did not have a nap and is overtired, bad dream, gas, constipation, went to bed too late, sleep schedule disrupted from traveling, traveling and sleeping in a new place, hungry, thirsty, bug bite, dirty diaper, dropped something, too light, too dark, too loud, too quiet... Scrambling sleepily through the darkness, you hope to find the right one before they are awake for too long. And then... they're up. Sometimes nothing will soothe or console them in time and out they come - awake. I try to avoid getting them out of bed (if at all possible), and don't let them sleep in our bed (not that I haven't tried this in desperation without success), but this has been a frustrating reality of parenthood for us (and certainly others) and a reason why our sleep is constantly interrupted and naptimes/bedtimes are sacred. Because no one wants to be the one on the couch with an awake child at 3 a.m.

When I was a new mother, I used to think that other mothers were judging me on my parenting abilities. I know there are some who feel there is only one "right" way, but I believe most people, especially parents who have "been there", understand the learn-as-you-go dynamic of parenthood. As your child collapses in a fit of frustration on the floor of a store there may be some judging glances, but also some knowing and sympathetic glances. No one will be able to tell you what will work for you, although most will be willing to tell you what worked for them. You will get a lot of advice as a parent; keep the good advice and disregard the bad, as someone once said. I appreciate the advice I've received from good friends who help me find a different approach to my continuing parenting dillemas.

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Our House?


It's kind of funny that I've entitled my blog "Our House," since we don't actually own a home. If I was being technical, I probably would have called it "Our Apartment" or "Our Living Space," but those just don't have the same ring to them. Possibly "Our Home" would have worked, but it's too late now.

Most of you know that my major in college was Interior Design, so I often feel stress about not having creative control over my living space to, say, paint the walls or knock them down if I really wanted to (not load-bearing walls of course). It's a frustrating predicament, but I find my creative outlets in other ways. Once upon a time it was working in a career (which I loved) and these days it is pouring over home building and plan books from the library and constantly pestering my husband about "What do you think of this plan?" and "Do you prefer a one-story or two-story house?" HGTV is more like pouring salt in the wound. It's easy to get over-done on HGTV. I love, love, LOVE "This Old House" magazine. One of my few magazine subscriptions. I often laugh about our "preferences" because by the time we are able to afford our "dream home" we will probably be too old to enjoy it or ready to down-size. Hopefully not. My friend H who is in the process of buying a fixer-upper is going to have to put up with me for a while. Hopefully I won't be too much "help" for her.


It is amusing to look through home plan books with a critical eye. (Not amusing to everyone I'm sure.) Yes, what a beautiful, sprawling 4,000 square foot house with every room with it's own bathroom, but obviously whoever lives here isn't planning on doing their own laundry because the laundry room/cubby hole is less than adequate. I guess the maid will have to deal with it. Or I loved the 3,335 square foot house with it's own lighthouse-style widow's walk. You could also live in an octagon-shaped house to take advantage of those panoramic views. And always my favorite are how they need all the different names for these rooms to distinguish them from the others in large houses, "Family Room, Living Room, Great Room, Library, Bonus Room, Study, Home Office, Library, Hearth Room" the list continues. Hypothetically, all of these similarly-purposed rooms could exist in the same house. I love to see the extravagant (and usually poorly planned) mega-mansions designed for the rich and famous. (Although, they will probably hire an architect instead.) "Who builds these houses anyway? I think this one is 70's-era. Do you think this is a popular plan? Amazingly popular enough to publish it... (shakes head)" Hours of entertainment and open-ended questions await. Check out a home plan book from the library, it won't disappoint.

So, here are some of the things I would like in my dream home, in no particular order. (And I reserve the right to add to/change my list at any time, since I will probably have many years to perfect it.) Please keep in mind that we would like to have a larger family some day, and this list takes that in to account. Suggestions for the list are welcome.

  • 4 bedroom/2.5 baths
  • Under 2,500 square feet (I will have to clean my dream home.)
  • Some kind of front and back porch
  • Large, fenced in yard (Something we appreciate from an apartment point-of-view.)
  • 2-car Attached Garage
  • Caleb would also like a shed of some kind for lawn-equipment (He was quite inspired by Uncle P's garage.)
  • Formal Entry (Nothing huge, just enough to transition. I'd rather not walk straight into the Family Room. Too apartment-like.)
  • Extra Garage Space (For Caleb to have a workbench or tool storage. Maybe the shed would suffice. "Man Space")
  • A laundry room with a laundry sink (Also something we appreciate now that we don't have it. One day I will be able to wash my laundry without wondering if I have enough quarters. And some place to wash out... kid messes.)
  • Room inside the house for an extra freezer (Since we plan to live in a warm climate, this helps on the electric bills. Also important because we probably won't have a basement like some of you.)
  • Powder Bath (Off-limits to our kids so I don't have to be embarrassed to let people use our bathrooms. "What is this puddle from? Who didn't flush? What is this on the floor?" Dream house, remember?)
  • Large Kitchen Pantry (For Food Storage. In my dreams I would also have a separate storage area/closet for additional food storage. Where do you put all that wheat anyway?)
  • Kitchen open to the Family Room (Don't want to be closed off from the fun)
  • Separate Vanity Area from Toilet/Tub Area in Kid's Bath (I don't know how many times there was a major bathroom hold-up from a long shower-taker, or your brother comes out with a smile on his face and says "It's all yours!" if you know what I mean. Sometimes kids only need a sink.)
  • 2 Sinks in the Master Bath (I want my own.)
  • Separate closets in Master Bedroom
  • Separate Tub and Shower in Master Bath (Resale purposes. I'm not really a bath-taker.)
  • Lots of closet space (Did I mention closets yet?)
  • A mail center space in kitchen/garage entry area (To catch clutter before it hits the kitchen counter or table.)
  • A Public Area Desk for the computer (Just to keep an eye on things when my kids hit that age.)
  • One-story (Caleb's requirement, not mine)
  • In my dream of dreams I also have a craft room, but I'm not holding my breath just yet.
  • At least a two-cook kitchen (We have barely a one-cook kitchen now and it makes for stressful mealtimes as Caleb and I dodge and climb over each other to get things the job done.)
  • Modern insulation and energy-efficiency bells and whistles (Lots of options on the market to keep you from hemmoraging money in a well-built and well-planned house.)

I'm not sure my dream house exists, but it will someday.

I hope I get to live in it!



Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Oh Bananas!

Bananas are a hot commodity in our house. We all eat them regularly, but Brucie has at least 2 a day, in combination with other foods of course, but definitely a favorite. On Sunday, however, 2 was not enough and after wolfing down 2 whole bananas, Bruce decided he needed one more... Here is what I found when things got a little too quiet. Are those puppy dog eyes?


Nap times are carefully planned since the boys share a room and both will still take a nap... usually. Clark goes to sleep first, because he sleeps heavier and even a crying Brucie doesn't phase him. Well, when Clark goes to bed, Bruce gets the toys all to himself. You can see all the "favorites" in this picture: the trains, the doctor kit, the "vegables", and (of course) the Grand National. This is as good as it gets for a 16-month-old younger brother, I'm sure. Paging Doctor Bruce!


I'm not an accomplished sewer by any means, but I am (in my own opinion) a creative person. I have a list of several "projects", sewing or otherwise, that I am in the middle of completing at any one time. After encounters with project that drudged on far past enjoyment, I realized that I'm not one of those people who can not start another project until they've finished the one they are on. I decided that I won't make myself finish something (that doesn't have a deadline) if I can't enjoy it. Otherwise it isn't fun, is it? And what is the point of having a hobby if you don't enjoy it anymore. On the other hand, because of limited time and money, I try to gauge how much I really want to do something and only start a project that I am sure I will finish in the relatively near future. When a project becomes overwhelming, tedious, or I simply don't have the time to devote to it because of a busy schedule, I am able to set it to the side (with only a little guilt that it is still unfinished) and pick up something else until I have the patience/interest/time to return to the other project. This philosophy, expectedly, makes for a lot of unfinished projects.

I am to the point in my project cycle where Caleb has begun eyeing my growing pile in the corner and I get the feeling that in order for domestic tranquility to continue, I need to finish some of my projects. So recently I have been working on finishing a purse that I started a while (or several months) ago, and I estimate I am in the last 4 or so hours of the project. But with sewing that may be the last 8 hours, if you know what I mean. This particular sewing venture has pushed my skill level. Zippers, handles, cording, etc... Well, here is a picture of my labors last night. A little shaky since Caleb "surprised" me with a picture while I was working on it, but you can see the pattern of the fabric. (Not my finest posture moment, but in this picture I'm putting in the zipper and I'm really focused.) I'm excited to see it finished although I don't know what I'm going to do with it since I'm not much of an accessories girl as a "want to learn new techniques" kind of girl. I'll be sure to post a picture for you of the finished project.

Monday, March 16, 2009

The Father-Son Camp out

Well, we've had a great Spring Break! Our last, since Caleb won't be in school much longer. It's nice to have a chance to get away from our place for a while and crash at Grandma and Grandpa's way bigger and cooler place. We got to party with "Uncle D" who turned the big 1-0, hang out with the family (Caleb's and mine), and even the change of scenery was exciting to the boys. We are currently down shifting from all the fun times and readjusting to having a schedule and being at home again.

So, Clark and Caleb recently had their first "Father-Son Camp out" with the ward, which was exciting for us all. Mom got some "Mom time" and Father and Son set out for some male bonding adventures. I was surprised at Caleb's enthusiasm in taking our 2-year-old out to sleep in a tent for the night. Alone. Not even returning after discovering that their pillows were still at home, sitting on our bed. Brave soul! I have to say that I was a little pleased that Caleb was able to satisfy his "hankering" for camping and I didn't really have to go. A family trip is daunting with two little boys and an inexperienced camper such as myself. I have to admit that it has been almost 5 years that we've been married and we have yet to go camping together. (Those of you who know me well won't be too surprised about that fact.) I have some fun camp out pictures to share. They are adorable if I do say so myself. I can't believe that Clark is getting so big. Caleb more than fulfilled his promise to bring back pictures.
Setting up the tent!


Dinner Time... Gotta love the campfire meals on the cooler/table.
(Good call, Caleb, bringing that chair.)
Good Morning, Sunshine!

The Last at the Breakfast Table
(Which might be why Clark was so "sunny" when he woke up!)
Gotta love the self portrait with the head cut off. There are more of these pictures actually and they cracked me up, but this blog is pretty picture-heavy as it is so I will leave the hilarity up to your imaginations.
A Story from Caleb:

We had a pretty good time. It was on a lake so Clark kept wanting to "go down to da wader."
"No Clark, you already got your clothes wet, we aren't going to the water anymore" (we changed his clothes).
"Umm...daddy you wanna go close to da wader but not in da
wader?"
"No."Few minutes later..."Daddy you wanna come put the stick in da
wader?"
"No, not anymore. We're not going back down to the water"
So then he just started running for the water and I had to catch him. He
wasn't too happy about that. But we had fun.
I have to say that I'm feeling very grateful for all our blessings and the simple joys of life. The Lord has given us so much over the years including our family and the people we love. We probably won't ever have everything that we want, but we do have everything that we need and so much more. It's hard to look at my beautiful children and supportive husband every day and not give thanks to our Heavenly Father who loves and watches over us and still blesses us on top of it all.

Monday, March 2, 2009

A Day in the Life

It's been a while for me since I've been able to sit down at the computer and form complete sentences. Just a lot of busy-ness that keeps you going, but you can't remember exactly why you were so busy all day or what you've really accomplished.

So, my boys have a favorite Hot Wheels car they like to play with. Actually, it's Clark's favorite and therefore Bruce's favorite. The "Grand National." Called by name and arguably the most disputed-over Hot Wheels car in the lower 48 states, or at least in our apartment. I'm always surprised that this is the favorite car. No bright colors, no fancy wheels, no operable doors (which were always my favorite), no cartoon character associations, not even a good flame paint job going for it. I've included a picture of the well-loved Grand National as well as a picture of Clark with the many other cars he could've picked as his favorite, but didn't...
















Clark is a big helper. He likes to set the table, he likes to help with "projects", and loves to help his little brother, but Clark generally has a hard time with transitions. Any time we are going anywhere from anywhere else, and it doesn't necessarily matter where we're going to or from; if he has to leave then it's a big problem. Even at the end of nursery class on Sunday, while most kids are wailing waiting for their parents to return Clark is also crying, but for another reason; he doesn't want to leave. So, today when it was time to leave playgroup I gave my 5 minute warning that we would be going soon. A smooth exit didn't look promising today. I was even picturing our phenomenal exit with Clark crying and screaming, limp as I dragged him towards the exit with Bruce in my arms, but when it was time to go I had an idea to try something new. I told Clark to "Go get Brucie. It's time to go." It was a bit of a risk, depending on how Clark decided to "get" Brucie, or if Brucie decided he was ready or not. But the stars aligned and there came Clark and Bruce, hand in hand, out the door, to the car. Small victories...













Bruce and Clark (respectively)
At my parent's house
Dec 2009