"Sisters function as safety nets in a chaotic world simply by being there for each other."
-- Carol Saline
12.21.2012
12.18.2012
Insect Morning
Yesterday morning was an "insect morning." Zoie wanted to be a ladybug and wanted me to be a butterfly. So that's what we were. We ran around the house saying "I'm flying, I'm flying" and went exploring. We found many things and ate many disgusting things (only insects would eat). Oh the imaginations of this little one. It was a lot of fun. Gotta love it!
Zoie discovered something she can do with her lips and cheeks here. :)
It was pretty funny, wish I was able to capture the noise she was making.
WHAT KIND OF MORNINGS DO YOU HAVE?
12.14.2012
Crockpot Apple Butter
So I started this post in August and forgot to post about it. Being a mom of two can be busy, I tell you, but it is so much. The month of August I was canning like crazy. A friend of mine has apple trees and they went out of control producing apples this year. So I've been over a couple of times to pick apples. It's been so much fun. I've started to develop a love for canning. I've canned, applesauce, apple filling, and now apple butter. Here is the link to my Crock pot Apple Butter. I've made a couple changes to fit my family's personal taste and such. Here are my changes:
6 cups of my homemade Applesauce
3 lbs organic apples, diced
4 cups sugar
1 cup apple juice
2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp cloves
1 tsp pumpkin spice
Directions the same. I think the pumpkin spice adds a little more to the apple butter, and the homemade applesauce makes it all that much better without all the stuff they put in the store bought kind. More recipes to come on my canning apples adventures. Enjoy!
6 cups of my homemade Applesauce
3 lbs organic apples, diced
4 cups sugar
1 cup apple juice
2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp cloves
1 tsp pumpkin spice
Directions the same. I think the pumpkin spice adds a little more to the apple butter, and the homemade applesauce makes it all that much better without all the stuff they put in the store bought kind. More recipes to come on my canning apples adventures. Enjoy!
My Reindeers
Thursday on our way home from Staunton, we stopped by the library to see Daddy at work. The whole drive there Zoie kept saying, "see Daddy work, go to library, see Daddy work." She was very excited. She absolutely loves going to the library.
When we got there Zoie saw Daddy's Reindeer hat and wanted to make one too. She loved it. He helped her make one and I made one for Charlotte. These were such a clever and cute idea my husband came up with. He is very creative. He made them with his morning pre-school group.
Aren't they cute reindeer's?
When we got there Zoie saw Daddy's Reindeer hat and wanted to make one too. She loved it. He helped her make one and I made one for Charlotte. These were such a clever and cute idea my husband came up with. He is very creative. He made them with his morning pre-school group.
Aren't they cute reindeer's?
Snack Time
The other day I decided to spice up Zoie's snack time a bit. I told her we were going to have apples, oatmeal, butterscotch chips, and peanut butter. She got really excited and wanted to help. So I got everything together, cut the apples, and put peanut butter on. Then Zoie added the oatmeal and butterscotch chips. She had so much fun and was really excited to eat them.
They were delicious, healthy, and added a little bit of spice and fun! Here is how they turned out.
They were delicious, healthy, and added a little bit of spice and fun! Here is how they turned out.
They were a bit messy, but so yummy!
12.13.2012
Charlotte's Bling
Charlotte had many new experiences this trip. One of which was some "bling." Grandma, Aunt Blythe, Aunt Tilda, and me went to Icing and got Charlotte's ears pierced.
My Sister Blythe held Charlotte, I was a chicken and couldn't hold her. Thanks again Blythe. :) I did my best to keep Charlotte looking at me while they pierced them. She is such a trooper. They wouldn't do them at the same time. She did the best she could considering her age. :) She looks so cute and I absolutely love the earrings and think they fit her just perfect. She has white diamond daisy's with a black center. It's absolutely precious. I know it is a little hard to see them her in this picture, but this is the best she'd let me get.
My Sister Blythe held Charlotte, I was a chicken and couldn't hold her. Thanks again Blythe. :) I did my best to keep Charlotte looking at me while they pierced them. She is such a trooper. They wouldn't do them at the same time. She did the best she could considering her age. :) She looks so cute and I absolutely love the earrings and think they fit her just perfect. She has white diamond daisy's with a black center. It's absolutely precious. I know it is a little hard to see them her in this picture, but this is the best she'd let me get.
Such a happy baby. Charlotte you did great and remember We love you!
12.12.2012
Thanksgiving
We flew out to Las Vegas to visit my family for Thanksgiving. It was a long long day. The girls flew great, better than we had expected, both on the way out and back home. Charlotte slept most of both flights and when she was up she was either eating or watching a show with her sister. Zoie watched shows, colored, and slept as well.
waiting for our connection
We landed in Vegas about 7pm (10pm EST). We were all tired from the long flights, but surprisingly we were pretty awake when we met up with family. I think it was the way past our too tired stage. We visited with Grandmeir and she gave Zoie and Ryan a haircut. It was Zoie's first new hair style. It was great. She sat still the whole time and didn't flinch or anything. She was great. She loves her new hair, I love her new hair, except for the fact that it makes her look so much grown up than she really is. You'd think I'd get use to the fact that she is growing up, but I'm not yet. :)
We had so much fun visiting my family. Zoie loved seeing everyone in "real life." hehehe.... I only say "real life" because since Charlotte's blessing we have been skyping with them on the computer and seeing them in person was really exciting for her. She loved my family. She spent a lot of the time hanging out with my little brother Nathaniel, who she calls by his nickname, Dozer. She always asked Dozer to go play with her. They became best friends. She loved sleeping with my sister, Blythe. Blythe on the other hand didn't, only because Zoie is a bed hog. Literally, she takes up the whole bed and moves constantly. You wouldn't think so, because she is so small. But let me tell you don't underestimate the small people. :) She also enjoyed wrestling with my other sister Matilda on the trampoline. She was so thrilled to have her nails done by my sister Shelby and now she is the only who can do her nails. She enjoyed having another little baby in the house, cousin, Elliot. She always wanted to know where he was, and was sure to tell everyone to be quiet because he was sleeping. She had lots of fun with the dogs, Bentley and Tess.
She also got to meet her Great Grandparents and Great Uncle again. Her and Charlotte went on a walk down to Wally's (our local gas station) with Great Grandpa. We use to do that as kids growing up. She got to tickle and give a bunch of raspberry's to Great Uncle Matt. She loved having so many people to play with.
Grandma and Grandpa were a BIG hit. They got her some yummy food and snacks, prizes, played wally-ball, went to the park, went on walks, went shopping, and so much more. She spent time cuddling with everyone. She even helped Grandpa put a door up in the house and bottle some pills for work. She loved being with everyone and making new and lasting memories. She talks about them all the time now that we are home. "Where's Dozer?" "Shelby do my nails." "I like Grandma's shoes!" "Talk to Grandpa." "See Aunt Blythe." I'm glad she had fun with my family and that we all were able to give her an amazing Thanksgiving.
Charlotte loved everyone too. She played a lot with Elliot. She cuddle with everyone and took a couple naps with Grandma and Aunt Blythe. She was feed a bunch by Grandpa and Great Grandpa. They gave her oranges and apples to suck on and the she had her first go with rice cereal. It took a while to get use to what is was, but after that she loved it. Charlotte loved the attention so much. She got spoiled with all the attention.
It was great to be home for Thanksgiving with a house full of everyone! I've missed them so much. It was fun for all the cousins to meet. We are looking forward to seeing them again soon. We all are so excited and can't wait to see them all again, especially Zoie.
End Table Make-Over
Two years ago we moved into our little apartment and acquired some end tables for our living room. They were great and I loved them. Then we got some new furniture and no longer had space for them in our living room or any other room in the house. I tried to figure out what to do them and make some use of them but we just didn't have any space in this apartment. So they ended up sitting on our back porch for like 9 months!!!
This past weekend I knew what I was going to do with them. We had a bunch of new families move into our church ward this summer, and one family didn't bring any furniture with them. What a better way to start off the Christmas season than giving to those in need. I told Ryan and Zoie what I wanted to do and they got on board with me.
Zoie and I unscrewed and took the end-tables apart. I then sanded them down and stained them a dark walnut color. I absoluely love that color. I used it for my family blocks and mirror frame. Then Zoie helped me screw them back on. It was fun. Zoie loves to help me out with all my projects.
Here is how they turned out. What do you think?
This past weekend I knew what I was going to do with them. We had a bunch of new families move into our church ward this summer, and one family didn't bring any furniture with them. What a better way to start off the Christmas season than giving to those in need. I told Ryan and Zoie what I wanted to do and they got on board with me.
Zoie and I unscrewed and took the end-tables apart. I then sanded them down and stained them a dark walnut color. I absoluely love that color. I used it for my family blocks and mirror frame. Then Zoie helped me screw them back on. It was fun. Zoie loves to help me out with all my projects.
Here is how they turned out. What do you think?
They turned out great! Our friends love them and they look great in their house. I am really loving making old and ugly things pretty again.
12.11.2012
Long Time...Sorry
Wow... I can't believe it's been just about a month since my last posting. I'm sorry. We've been busy lately. I've been doing a lot of projects, that I am super stoked to share with you all and taking care of the house and the girls. Ryan is keeping busy with work, church callings, and the kids of course.
The girls are great and growing every single day. Zoie loves being a big sister, loves helping with whatever she can, loves learning about new things (especially Christmas), and so much more. Charlotte is now 5 months (another post to come on that). She is coming to understand what a voice is and does. She can squeal and squeak so loud it's crazy funny. She loves to play with Zoie and laughs with her so much. I'm glad those two get along, well a least for now anyways.
There is just a quick update for you. A lot more posts to come this week, Zoie's 1st real hair cut, Charlotte's new discoveries, my projects - end tables, box baskets, ottomans, coffee table, and a bunch on family life and activities.
Here are some pictures to hold you off until the next post. Aren't they so adorable! They absolutely love to be with each other.
The girls are great and growing every single day. Zoie loves being a big sister, loves helping with whatever she can, loves learning about new things (especially Christmas), and so much more. Charlotte is now 5 months (another post to come on that). She is coming to understand what a voice is and does. She can squeal and squeak so loud it's crazy funny. She loves to play with Zoie and laughs with her so much. I'm glad those two get along, well a least for now anyways.
There is just a quick update for you. A lot more posts to come this week, Zoie's 1st real hair cut, Charlotte's new discoveries, my projects - end tables, box baskets, ottomans, coffee table, and a bunch on family life and activities.
Here are some pictures to hold you off until the next post. Aren't they so adorable! They absolutely love to be with each other.
11.14.2012
Happy Halloween
All day long Zoie would say " Happy Ha-ween, Happy Ha-ween" and "trick treat. trick treat." I think she was very excited!! She was Minnie Mouse and Charlotte was Pumpkin. Zoie got a bunch of candy and kept trying to share with Zoie, because they would give her some for Charlotte too. It was cute. Zoie had fun trunk or treating with her friend Ivy.
I did a 13 days of Halloween with Zoie, wehere each day was a different theme. It was great and she had a blast. I'll do another post about it. I think it got her really excited for Halloween and that is why I think she had so much fun! Happy Halloween girls!
I did a 13 days of Halloween with Zoie, wehere each day was a different theme. It was great and she had a blast. I'll do another post about it. I think it got her really excited for Halloween and that is why I think she had so much fun! Happy Halloween girls!
Pumkin Patch
We went up to Layman Family Farms, to pick out our pumpkins. We had a lot of fun. Zoie had a blast. She got play in a corn pit, go through a maze, go on a hay ride, pick a pumkin, try deep fried oreos (which she and I absolutely love), and run around. It was great spending some quality family time together. We are so excited for Hallowee, especially Zoie.
Zoie's Birth Story
I've never recorded Zoie's Birth Story on the blog and I want her to come back and read it, so in honor of her 2nd birthday. Here it is, exactly how I wrote it out in my journal two years ago. Enjoy!
September 23, 2010: I had a doctor's appointment and Doctor McMillian checked my cervix and I am still dilated to 1 cm, but my cervix has softened a little. All evening and through the night, I had contractions. It was painful and uncomfortable. I kept Ryan up and I felt bad. He has a busy schedule the next couple of days. He starts a seminar with Jeff Benedict Friday and Saturday, and if he misses it, he'll have to withdraw from the class, or he'll fail, because there are only four seminars throughout the semester.
September 24, 2010: I was still having contractions all morning and afternoon. I had a wonderful friend, Becky, come over to be with me while Ryan was in class. My contractions were 10 minutes apart all morning and around 2pm the started to be every 5 minutes apart. So Becky took me into the doctor and her husband, went to got an pick Ryan up from his seminar. We got to the doctor and he checked my cervix and still no more than a 1 1/2 cm dilated. It's driving me crazy. I am in so much pain and nothing is happening.
The four of us hung around the area for a while. Ryan and I bought a rocking chair, then we all walked around Target and then went out to eat at Applebees. While we were eating, my contractions went from every 5 minutes to every 3 minutes, lasting about 45 seconds to a minute. Funny thing, our waitress, was rushing back and forth with us and all her tables and she kept looking a us with our timer on our phones and she thought we were timing her. We told her we weren't we were timing contractions and were about to go have a baby and she gave us free desserts to go. It was great.
So we went to the hospital and they hooked me up to a machine for about 3-4 hours to monitor my progress. Everything was good except my cervix still wasn't dilating. So, once again, they sent Ryan and I home.
It was a long, horrible drive home. I was in so much pain, I was crying. When we got home, Ryan gave me a priesthood blessing and we went to bed. Ryan is a GREAT husband.
September 25, 2010: We woke up and I was still having contractions, 10 minutes apart. I had contractions all day, very irregular, between 4-15 minutes apart and some lasting 1-3 minutes. Ryan and I pretty much hung out at home all day.
Ryan did some homework, I tried to sleep and relax ,but couldn't. The General Relief Society Broadcast was on tonight and I stayed home and watched it online. The opening hymn that we sang was Count Your Blessings and during the second verse; "Are you ever burdened with a load of care, does the cross seem heavy you're called to bear." (Something along the lines of that) I had a contraction and told Ryan this is a horrible song. :) It was pretty funny. Kind of a great beginning labor story. :) I wasn't able to finish the broadcast, because it was to painful to sit during a contraction.
Ryan and I tried to watch a movie, The Lake house, then went to bed. Ryan helped me time my contractions all night and around 10:30pm he said they were 2-3 minutes apart, lasting 1-3 minutes. With that, we decided to go the hospital, again. We got there and they hooked me up to the fetal machine again to check the baby and my contractions. I was dilated to 3cm. It was going to be a very long night. I tried to relax and breath through my contractions. I slept a little and that's only because they gave me pitocin. Poor Ryan, he hasn't had much sleep this past week.
September 26, 2010: Around 6am, they officially declared me into labor (that just sounds weird). Then, my cervix all of a sudden decided to relax and dilated from 3cm right to 8cm. Doctor Merksi came in and asked if I wanted an epidural and that this will be the only time they could give it to me, I told him No. It was so hard, I probably wouldn't of been able to giver birth if Ryan wasn't there with me. Even though I got upset and annoyed with him a bit, (he told Brian Regan jokes the whole time), I am very glad he was there with me.
The hardest part for me was when I was asked not to push, but that's all my body wanted to do. It was difficult and painful. I kept asking how much long and kept looking at Ryan for encouragement and support.
Around noon or so, Doctor Merski checked my cervix and I dilated all the way 10 cm. A little before he came in, I told the nurses that I think I just went to the bathroom because it was all wet down there, and they checked and said my water just broke. Once I was fully dilated, it was time to start pushing. So exhausting I tell you! I pushed for about 10-15 minutes and at 12:19 pm, I became a mother to a beautiful 6lb 6 oz little girl. Zoie Jane Congdon. You were 19 1/4 inches long and had a head circumference of 15 3/4inches. Your so beautiful!
It was the best and relieving feeling I have ever experienced. I did it, I gave birth!!! In the end, Dr. Merksi told me 6 hours of labor. Not bad. Holding you for the first time was a moment I will never forget. I just couldn't believe that we created a human being and brought forth a daughter of God to live in the life. What a blessing.
The rest of the day Ryan and I rested. We couldn't spend a lot of time with you because you weren't keeping your body temperature up and had to stay under the ultraviolet lights. I only held you for maybe 5 minutes your first day. Your dad held you for about 15 minutes. It was hard not spending a lot of time with you the first day.
We are so thrilled to welcome a daughter to our family and are excited to start this journey of parenthood. Your a great blessing in our life and we couldn't be more happier.
September 23, 2010: I had a doctor's appointment and Doctor McMillian checked my cervix and I am still dilated to 1 cm, but my cervix has softened a little. All evening and through the night, I had contractions. It was painful and uncomfortable. I kept Ryan up and I felt bad. He has a busy schedule the next couple of days. He starts a seminar with Jeff Benedict Friday and Saturday, and if he misses it, he'll have to withdraw from the class, or he'll fail, because there are only four seminars throughout the semester.
September 24, 2010: I was still having contractions all morning and afternoon. I had a wonderful friend, Becky, come over to be with me while Ryan was in class. My contractions were 10 minutes apart all morning and around 2pm the started to be every 5 minutes apart. So Becky took me into the doctor and her husband, went to got an pick Ryan up from his seminar. We got to the doctor and he checked my cervix and still no more than a 1 1/2 cm dilated. It's driving me crazy. I am in so much pain and nothing is happening.
The four of us hung around the area for a while. Ryan and I bought a rocking chair, then we all walked around Target and then went out to eat at Applebees. While we were eating, my contractions went from every 5 minutes to every 3 minutes, lasting about 45 seconds to a minute. Funny thing, our waitress, was rushing back and forth with us and all her tables and she kept looking a us with our timer on our phones and she thought we were timing her. We told her we weren't we were timing contractions and were about to go have a baby and she gave us free desserts to go. It was great.
So we went to the hospital and they hooked me up to a machine for about 3-4 hours to monitor my progress. Everything was good except my cervix still wasn't dilating. So, once again, they sent Ryan and I home.
It was a long, horrible drive home. I was in so much pain, I was crying. When we got home, Ryan gave me a priesthood blessing and we went to bed. Ryan is a GREAT husband.
September 25, 2010: We woke up and I was still having contractions, 10 minutes apart. I had contractions all day, very irregular, between 4-15 minutes apart and some lasting 1-3 minutes. Ryan and I pretty much hung out at home all day.
Ryan did some homework, I tried to sleep and relax ,but couldn't. The General Relief Society Broadcast was on tonight and I stayed home and watched it online. The opening hymn that we sang was Count Your Blessings and during the second verse; "Are you ever burdened with a load of care, does the cross seem heavy you're called to bear." (Something along the lines of that) I had a contraction and told Ryan this is a horrible song. :) It was pretty funny. Kind of a great beginning labor story. :) I wasn't able to finish the broadcast, because it was to painful to sit during a contraction.
Ryan and I tried to watch a movie, The Lake house, then went to bed. Ryan helped me time my contractions all night and around 10:30pm he said they were 2-3 minutes apart, lasting 1-3 minutes. With that, we decided to go the hospital, again. We got there and they hooked me up to the fetal machine again to check the baby and my contractions. I was dilated to 3cm. It was going to be a very long night. I tried to relax and breath through my contractions. I slept a little and that's only because they gave me pitocin. Poor Ryan, he hasn't had much sleep this past week.
September 26, 2010: Around 6am, they officially declared me into labor (that just sounds weird). Then, my cervix all of a sudden decided to relax and dilated from 3cm right to 8cm. Doctor Merksi came in and asked if I wanted an epidural and that this will be the only time they could give it to me, I told him No. It was so hard, I probably wouldn't of been able to giver birth if Ryan wasn't there with me. Even though I got upset and annoyed with him a bit, (he told Brian Regan jokes the whole time), I am very glad he was there with me.
The hardest part for me was when I was asked not to push, but that's all my body wanted to do. It was difficult and painful. I kept asking how much long and kept looking at Ryan for encouragement and support.
Around noon or so, Doctor Merski checked my cervix and I dilated all the way 10 cm. A little before he came in, I told the nurses that I think I just went to the bathroom because it was all wet down there, and they checked and said my water just broke. Once I was fully dilated, it was time to start pushing. So exhausting I tell you! I pushed for about 10-15 minutes and at 12:19 pm, I became a mother to a beautiful 6lb 6 oz little girl. Zoie Jane Congdon. You were 19 1/4 inches long and had a head circumference of 15 3/4inches. Your so beautiful!
Zoie - one day old
It was the best and relieving feeling I have ever experienced. I did it, I gave birth!!! In the end, Dr. Merksi told me 6 hours of labor. Not bad. Holding you for the first time was a moment I will never forget. I just couldn't believe that we created a human being and brought forth a daughter of God to live in the life. What a blessing.
The rest of the day Ryan and I rested. We couldn't spend a lot of time with you because you weren't keeping your body temperature up and had to stay under the ultraviolet lights. I only held you for maybe 5 minutes your first day. Your dad held you for about 15 minutes. It was hard not spending a lot of time with you the first day.
We are so thrilled to welcome a daughter to our family and are excited to start this journey of parenthood. Your a great blessing in our life and we couldn't be more happier.
Zoie's Two
I can't believe our little bug is two years old. Man, how time has flown by. It has been so much fun watching her grow and learn new things. We had a very fun-filled day today, to celebrate Zoie turning TWO!!!
Ryan and I decorated the house the night before her birthday. We blew up a bunch of balloons, decorated her door with streamers, and put up a Happy Birthday Banner. She got up early, and Ryan had made her favorite breakfast, blueberry pancakes. She loved walking through the streamers and eating breakfast in her birthday chair (which was just decorated with balloons). After breakfast she opened her presents and was so excited. It took a while, because after each piece of wrapping she ripped off, she would run into the kitchen and throw it in the trash. Silly girl. She had a blast kicking the balloons all over the house.
She got a bunch of books and a baby from Papa and Grandma Marj Congdon. From Great-Ma she got crayons, coloring books, chalk, fruit snacks, glue sticks, scissors, and clothes. From Grandma & Grandpa she got a kitchen and clothes. From us, she got a bike and ladybug bike helmet.
We had a big dance party, went to volleyball practice, where my volleyball girls brought her Tye-dyed cupcakes, and a bucket full of candy and toys with little notes from each of them. She loved it! They got her some princess sunglasses and she walks around wearing them saying, "I'm cool." It's very funny.
After volleyball practice, we came home and had dinner. Zoie loves chicken and rice, so that's what I made. Then we rode her bike.Well I mostly just pushed her, she was to excited to do anything, except hang on tight.
She had so much fun today and I couldn't be more happy seeing her super happy. We love Zoie Bug so much and are excited for the adventure this next year brings.
Ryan and I decorated the house the night before her birthday. We blew up a bunch of balloons, decorated her door with streamers, and put up a Happy Birthday Banner. She got up early, and Ryan had made her favorite breakfast, blueberry pancakes. She loved walking through the streamers and eating breakfast in her birthday chair (which was just decorated with balloons). After breakfast she opened her presents and was so excited. It took a while, because after each piece of wrapping she ripped off, she would run into the kitchen and throw it in the trash. Silly girl. She had a blast kicking the balloons all over the house.
She got a bunch of books and a baby from Papa and Grandma Marj Congdon. From Great-Ma she got crayons, coloring books, chalk, fruit snacks, glue sticks, scissors, and clothes. From Grandma & Grandpa she got a kitchen and clothes. From us, she got a bike and ladybug bike helmet.
We had a big dance party, went to volleyball practice, where my volleyball girls brought her Tye-dyed cupcakes, and a bucket full of candy and toys with little notes from each of them. She loved it! They got her some princess sunglasses and she walks around wearing them saying, "I'm cool." It's very funny.
After volleyball practice, we came home and had dinner. Zoie loves chicken and rice, so that's what I made. Then we rode her bike.Well I mostly just pushed her, she was to excited to do anything, except hang on tight.
She had so much fun today and I couldn't be more happy seeing her super happy. We love Zoie Bug so much and are excited for the adventure this next year brings.
HAPPY 2nd BIRTHDAY ZOIE!
10.12.2012
* remember this *
"Sisters function as safety nets in a chaotic world simply by being there for each other."
-- Carol Saline
10.05.2012
* remember this *
"Sisters function as safety nets in a chaotic world simply by being there for each other."
-- Carol Saline
watching "Tangled" together while mommy canned pears
9.29.2012
Living Room IV
Well... it's about time I posted about my mirror! It would have been done a while ago, but I had my husband screw the back of the board to the mirror and he accidentally cracked part of the mirror. So I needed to figure out what to do to keep this mirror. I came up with a brilliant solution with the help of a friend.
Said friend has a Vinyl Creates shop and she has been a great source to start and finish my projects. When I told her about my mirror and we talked about putting some design to go over the crack, that wasn't just feeling right, because I didn't think it would cover the whole crack. Then she told me she has chalkboard vinyl! I loved that idea. I could write little sayings, scriptures, quotes, holiday sayings, etc. on it. And who has a mirror with chalkboard vinyl on it?! With that, I went ahead and had her cut a design for me that wasn't just a strip, but had a little character to it.
I sanded the mirror down, stained the wood a dark walnut, and cut a piece of plywood to hold the mirror in the place.Here is the before picture!
Thanks to my amazing, wonderful, talented husband, he pieced the mirror all back together and hung it up for me. (I hope it doesn't fall:)) Here is our mirror! What do you all think?
Said friend has a Vinyl Creates shop and she has been a great source to start and finish my projects. When I told her about my mirror and we talked about putting some design to go over the crack, that wasn't just feeling right, because I didn't think it would cover the whole crack. Then she told me she has chalkboard vinyl! I loved that idea. I could write little sayings, scriptures, quotes, holiday sayings, etc. on it. And who has a mirror with chalkboard vinyl on it?! With that, I went ahead and had her cut a design for me that wasn't just a strip, but had a little character to it.
I sanded the mirror down, stained the wood a dark walnut, and cut a piece of plywood to hold the mirror in the place.Here is the before picture!
Thanks to my amazing, wonderful, talented husband, he pieced the mirror all back together and hung it up for me. (I hope it doesn't fall:)) Here is our mirror! What do you all think?
Keep in mind that once I piece my quilt together it will hang underneath the mirror. I love how it turned out and am excited to finally cross this off the project list.
9.22.2012
Frisbee
Today officially marked the first day of Autumn! It's a beautiful autumn day and how could we not spend it outside?! We ended up going up onto SVU's campus to play Frisbee with some friends. It was a lot of fun. Zoie had fun chasing Daddy around and playing in the big tree and dirt. She would sometimes even shout for them to throw her the Frisbee. Charlotte finished her nap in the stroller then got up to look around and "play." We had a great afternoon.
9.21.2012
Shapes. Colors. Glue Sticks.
Zoie and I had some fun this morning, but we made it a fun learning experience as well. I cut out shapes
and told Zoie what they were. She used her glue stick to draw circles and lines and then would put the shapes on top, then she'd color. It was fun. Every time she finished putting the shapes on top of the glue she would say "ta da." I love her. Here is her with her finished picture.
Volleyballs
Wednesday I had a team bonding activity planned for my volleyball girls. Our District league started up yesterday and I thought it would be fun for the girls to make their own volleyballs to hang up in the gym. Zoie had a lot of fun making her volleyball. Here are our volleyballs we made. Zoie went crazy with the glitter and glue sticks, but she had so much fun. I let her be creative and do her own thing.
* remember this *
"Sisters function as safety nets in a chaotic world simply by being there for each other."
-- Carol Saline
9.19.2012
FALL FUN
Yes, that's right fall has officially arrived here in town. I am so excited. I LOVE this season. I love seeing the leaves change, the slight cold breeze, the smells, the holidays, the activities, the events, and especially the memories.
This season meant school started, which to me meant I could play volleyball. It was great. I still feel this way, but it's not as exciting as it once was, because now I don't play competitively anymore. I do get excited to coach my volleyball girls and start a crazy season once again.
Now, this season reminds me of meeting the best man that has ever happened to me. Ryan. We met during fall (football and volleyball seasons :)). All of our good times and "special" occasions happened during fall. Our first date, first kiss, first walk, holding hands, dancing, singing, laughing, drinking hot chocolate, swinging at the park, getting kicked out of the park (story for another time) and so much more. This is a season of memories that I'll always cherish, will always be with me, and I'll always think of during this time of the year.
Here is a picture Ryan took of all the leaves that have fallen off and are changing color. Isn't it just beautiful?!
This season meant school started, which to me meant I could play volleyball. It was great. I still feel this way, but it's not as exciting as it once was, because now I don't play competitively anymore. I do get excited to coach my volleyball girls and start a crazy season once again.
Now, this season reminds me of meeting the best man that has ever happened to me. Ryan. We met during fall (football and volleyball seasons :)). All of our good times and "special" occasions happened during fall. Our first date, first kiss, first walk, holding hands, dancing, singing, laughing, drinking hot chocolate, swinging at the park, getting kicked out of the park (story for another time) and so much more. This is a season of memories that I'll always cherish, will always be with me, and I'll always think of during this time of the year.
Here is a picture Ryan took of all the leaves that have fallen off and are changing color. Isn't it just beautiful?!
So on this here fall day, what do the kids and I do. Well, we first started off dancing to music, then cleaning, then going outside to play in the leaves, kick a ball around, and race. Zoie loves racing with me along our pathway to the house. We run that back and forth probably like 1000 times before she is tired and ready to come inside. It was a lot of fun.
While we were out there Zoie loves to just sit and watch the sky and see if she can see any "tweets" flying around (in case you didn't get it, that is how she identifies birds). We saw a few today, but the miraculous discovery Zoie had was seeing a butterfly. She has seen them before, but they have never come close to her before. She loved it. It flew by her head, "tickle ear mommy", sher said, (tickled Zoie's ear) and sat on a rock for a few seconds. Long enough for Zoie to get a good look at it. She was so excited.
When we were done playing outside we came in had some lunch, then played with some play-dough. Zoie wanted to stamp our names with the letters so I rolled out some dough, gave her the letters, and she stamped them down. It was so cute. She had a lot fun and kept repeating the letter over and over again. Here is how they turned out.
We had so much fun today. I love spending time with my girls and creating fun, exciting, interesting memories with them. Charlotte loved being outside and was just smiling up a storm while we running and kicking balls with Zoie. My Bug and Little Miss are awesome girls and I am glad they are in my life. They are my other greatest blessing!!
9.17.2012
Our Morning
This is how the girls and I spend most of our mornings.
Zoie and I play and do something creative and fun. Today we made a space suit out of a cardboard box and played with play dough. Charlotte napped. Charlotte did play with us a bit before her nap, well she just sat there as Zoie and I cut the holes in the box.
I have so much fun playing with girls and helping them create things or learn something new. I'm excited for next week and I start doing a pre-pre-school with school oh and it's her 2nd birthday. Well, everyone enjoy your Monday. More updates on the girls another time.
9.14.2012
* remember this *
"Sisters function
as safety nets in a chaotic world simply by being there for each
other."
-- Carol
Saline
9.12.2012
Staying STRONG in the STORMS of Life
Life is hard! My life is hard! Why is Satan always trying to bring me down? Make me feel miserable? Why me? Why now?
It is always hard to find peace in any trial or challenge that you are going through. I, sometimes, don't want to find that peace because I am just so mad and not ready to let it go. I'm human, that's how I function. I was driving home from work last Thursday morning and I am listening to one of our Church Cd's and this song comes on, "Where Can I Turn for Peace?". There couldn't of been a more perfect timing for me to hear this song. I needed to hear it specifically at that time. I knew the Lord loved me and was ready to help me.
It is always hard to find peace in any trial or challenge that you are going through. I, sometimes, don't want to find that peace because I am just so mad and not ready to let it go. I'm human, that's how I function. I was driving home from work last Thursday morning and I am listening to one of our Church Cd's and this song comes on, "Where Can I Turn for Peace?". There couldn't of been a more perfect timing for me to hear this song. I needed to hear it specifically at that time. I knew the Lord loved me and was ready to help me.
Where Can I Turn for Peace?
Where can I turn for peace? Where is my solace
When other sources cease to make me whole?
When with a wounded heart, anger, or malice,
I draw myself apart, Searching my soul?
Where, when my aching grows, Where, when I languish,
Where, in my need to know, where can I run?
Where is the quiet hand to calm my anguish?
Who, who can understand? He, only One.
He answers privately, Reaches my reaching
In my Gethsemane, Savior and Friend.
Gentle the peace he finds for my beseeching.
Constant he is and kind, Love without end.
There really is only one way to have a peace of mind and feel at peace with any trial you face. That way is through our Lord, and Savior Jesus Christ. He knew we would go through difficult trials and that is why He bleed from every pore for me and you. That is why He suffered a great deal.
I know through Him, I am able to overcome my difficult trial and create an even stronger bond with Him, that will make it that much harder for Satan to get through and break. Because of the Saviors Atonement, I am able to continue working hard on staying STRONG in my STORMS of life.
9.07.2012
* remember this *
"Sisters function as safety nets in a chaotic world simply by being there for each other."
-- Carol Saline
In the ball cart at volleyball practice
8.31.2012
Life of a Coach's Child
If you didn't already know, I am the Head Volleyball Coach for the High School in our town. This is my second year and I am loving it. I love volleyball and have played competitively for a long time. I'm not ready to give up that part of my life yet. So my next option was to coach. It's been a great, challenging, frustrating, annoying experience. I've learned a lot about myself, the sport, and about kids and their parents.
Zoie and Charlotte are such good kids. They have to come to practice with me every other day and live without me in the evenings all the other days. They do really well. Zoie will watch a show on the computer at the school, write on the dry erase board, run with the girls when they run, helps pick up the volleyballs, and takes care of Charlotte while I coach during practice. Charlotte either sleeps, needs to eat, sits in the ball cart (and hands mommy volleyballs :) lol) or hangs out with the JV coach.
I don't have to worry too much about them. Although every now and then I need to run and grab Zoie of the court while they are playing (although lately I've been leaving her on and if she gets hit, oh well...hopefully she'll understand and learn her lesson).
Zoie loves coming to practice and gets excited when she wakes up from her nap, cause she knows she gets to go "play" volleyball. Today I had her on the court playing with us and she loved it. She would come stand next to me in ready position to pass the ball, then she'd come up to the net and she'd have her hands up and legs bent ready to jump. The girls even taught her how to hold her hands to pass the ball. (I'll be sure to get pictures of her in all her positions). I love her and hope she continues to love this sport. She is so cute.
Here are couple pictures that I took at practice the other day with my phone. This is how they spend most of their time during practice. Sorry for the picture of Zoie and Charlotte being blurry, Zoie didn't want to stand still and was in a hurry to pick them all up.
Zoie and Charlotte are such good kids. They have to come to practice with me every other day and live without me in the evenings all the other days. They do really well. Zoie will watch a show on the computer at the school, write on the dry erase board, run with the girls when they run, helps pick up the volleyballs, and takes care of Charlotte while I coach during practice. Charlotte either sleeps, needs to eat, sits in the ball cart (and hands mommy volleyballs :) lol) or hangs out with the JV coach.
I don't have to worry too much about them. Although every now and then I need to run and grab Zoie of the court while they are playing (although lately I've been leaving her on and if she gets hit, oh well...hopefully she'll understand and learn her lesson).
Zoie loves coming to practice and gets excited when she wakes up from her nap, cause she knows she gets to go "play" volleyball. Today I had her on the court playing with us and she loved it. She would come stand next to me in ready position to pass the ball, then she'd come up to the net and she'd have her hands up and legs bent ready to jump. The girls even taught her how to hold her hands to pass the ball. (I'll be sure to get pictures of her in all her positions). I love her and hope she continues to love this sport. She is so cute.
Here are couple pictures that I took at practice the other day with my phone. This is how they spend most of their time during practice. Sorry for the picture of Zoie and Charlotte being blurry, Zoie didn't want to stand still and was in a hurry to pick them all up.
My best ball shagger!! (starting them young... dad)
Falling asleep in the ball cart
Their own Blankets
Blankets are very important in our home. The girls have to have their own and can't share.
Phil and Donna Blackwell were serving a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints a few years ago, here at Southern Virgina University. They are the couple that hooked me and Ryan up and ever since then they have been apart of our lives. Sister Blackwell crocheted a blanket for Zoie and made another one for Charlotte.
Zoie loves, loves her blanket. She loves it so much that that is the only thing of hers she won't share with Charlotte. We use Charlotte's blanket for her to lay on when she is playing (it's too hot to use it now). She enjoys it as well.
A couple days ago, I laid Charlotte down on hers and Zoie wanted to sit next to her but on hers. I laid Zoie's down and they started to watch the Little Mermaid. It's too cute. Sometimes Zoie will share her blanket, but only when they are both laying on Charlotte's and are using hers to cover them up.
Phil and Donna Blackwell were serving a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints a few years ago, here at Southern Virgina University. They are the couple that hooked me and Ryan up and ever since then they have been apart of our lives. Sister Blackwell crocheted a blanket for Zoie and made another one for Charlotte.
Zoie loves, loves her blanket. She loves it so much that that is the only thing of hers she won't share with Charlotte. We use Charlotte's blanket for her to lay on when she is playing (it's too hot to use it now). She enjoys it as well.
A couple days ago, I laid Charlotte down on hers and Zoie wanted to sit next to her but on hers. I laid Zoie's down and they started to watch the Little Mermaid. It's too cute. Sometimes Zoie will share her blanket, but only when they are both laying on Charlotte's and are using hers to cover them up.
Zoie was saying "WOW" when I took this photo, when they showed
the city of Atlantis.
8.30.2012
Staying STRONG in the STORMS of Life
Happy New Year!
"I know the calendar suggests that New Year's Day is on January 1--and believe me, I appreciate the extra holiday so close to Christmas. My tree would probably be up until Easter otherwise. But for me, the day that really seems to signal a new yer -- or at least a new beginning -- is September 1.
This is when we finally set aside the decadent summer chaos of midnight betimes and spontaneous weekend trips and avoidance of cooking and housekeeping. Delectable as all those things can be, they begin to wear on me, like too large a helping of chocolate cake (if, indeed, such a thing exists). I long for the plainer fare of schedules and structure.
September brings my life back into sane proportions. The kids are happily occupied in school, not yet overwhelmed with an accumulation of term projects, but productively engaged in getting the learning machine back into gear. Clean lockers, just-bought clothes, unspoiled notebooks, fresh boxes of colored pencils all the same length -- these are the symbols of a new start for them.
Encouraged by their renewed resolve, I find myself looking for ways to bring greater accomplishments into my own life as well. This year, I want to work on being truer to what I know in my heart is right for me. This is partly due to the passing of Elder Maxwell and Elder Haight, which left me pondering, Have I been as faithful a disciple in my small sphere as they were in their larger one? Have I been as true to my life's mission as I might be? Recognizing that I have many worthy alternatives to choose from, am I making the best choices for this stage of my life?
One thing I've discovered is that today's best choices does not necessarily carry over into tomorrow. Circumstances change, and if I don't change with them I find myself feeling increasingly out of kilter. I just have to start over every now and then. This takes attention, prayer, and even some experimenting. That's why I'm grateful for an 'extra' new year's day in September, a time to pull myself together and rethink some things and ask for guidance for the next leg of the journey.
So, although I'm not going to stay up until midnight to mark the occasion, may I wish you a very happy new year and another chance to make your life what you want it to be."
--Emily Watts
I have never thought of September 1st being another new year's day. We all struggle through life and sometimes we just need a break, a time to start fresh, and what better than September 1st.
With September 1st just a couple days away, I challenge you to evaluate your life so far and decide what changes need to be made and new goals you'd like to accomplish. I know I need to do some changing. Having a time to re-evaluate my life, helps me stay close to the Savior, which in turn keeps me STRONG through the STORMS in my life.
"I know the calendar suggests that New Year's Day is on January 1--and believe me, I appreciate the extra holiday so close to Christmas. My tree would probably be up until Easter otherwise. But for me, the day that really seems to signal a new yer -- or at least a new beginning -- is September 1.
This is when we finally set aside the decadent summer chaos of midnight betimes and spontaneous weekend trips and avoidance of cooking and housekeeping. Delectable as all those things can be, they begin to wear on me, like too large a helping of chocolate cake (if, indeed, such a thing exists). I long for the plainer fare of schedules and structure.
September brings my life back into sane proportions. The kids are happily occupied in school, not yet overwhelmed with an accumulation of term projects, but productively engaged in getting the learning machine back into gear. Clean lockers, just-bought clothes, unspoiled notebooks, fresh boxes of colored pencils all the same length -- these are the symbols of a new start for them.
Encouraged by their renewed resolve, I find myself looking for ways to bring greater accomplishments into my own life as well. This year, I want to work on being truer to what I know in my heart is right for me. This is partly due to the passing of Elder Maxwell and Elder Haight, which left me pondering, Have I been as faithful a disciple in my small sphere as they were in their larger one? Have I been as true to my life's mission as I might be? Recognizing that I have many worthy alternatives to choose from, am I making the best choices for this stage of my life?
One thing I've discovered is that today's best choices does not necessarily carry over into tomorrow. Circumstances change, and if I don't change with them I find myself feeling increasingly out of kilter. I just have to start over every now and then. This takes attention, prayer, and even some experimenting. That's why I'm grateful for an 'extra' new year's day in September, a time to pull myself together and rethink some things and ask for guidance for the next leg of the journey.
So, although I'm not going to stay up until midnight to mark the occasion, may I wish you a very happy new year and another chance to make your life what you want it to be."
--Emily Watts
I have never thought of September 1st being another new year's day. We all struggle through life and sometimes we just need a break, a time to start fresh, and what better than September 1st.
With September 1st just a couple days away, I challenge you to evaluate your life so far and decide what changes need to be made and new goals you'd like to accomplish. I know I need to do some changing. Having a time to re-evaluate my life, helps me stay close to the Savior, which in turn keeps me STRONG through the STORMS in my life.
My Girlie Girls
8.24.2012
Staying STRONG in the STORMS of Life
Sorry it's been a while on these post. It's hard for me to find some time to sit and really ponder on what I need to write about. I'm reading this book "Live, Love, and Learn." It's all the devotional messages from Time Out for Women. I want to share one with you today. It's titled "Decide Once" by Don H. Staheli.
"I have developed a practical approach to hair dryer preservation. In a household with four daughters and a wife, each of whom has thick hair, such imaginative strategies for living are important. Especially if some economic benefit can be realized in the process.
For years we went through hair dryers almost as fast as the cans of spray. I tried to fix them when they broke, but the little busted pieces, essential to the operation of the appliance, were expensive to replace and impossible to rebuild (I think they are built by robots anyway. nobody has fingers small enough and eyesight so clear as to actually put together the innards of one of these hot-air machines). So, it was off to the discount store to find another 1500 watt beauty.
Finally, one day, I figured it out. There was a common symptom in the early demise of the hair dryers. The heating element rarely seemed to run out of heat. The blower itself looked okay. But the on/off switch--yes the vulnerable switch--was the scene of manipulated mayhem. 'On' when the drying started. 'Off' to wind a curl or comb a snarl. 'On' for more drying and shaping--slow speed for styling, high speed for quicker drying, slow again, then off: a thumb-generated endurance test to which the machine just wasn't equal. No matter the cost of the unit, the switch was often the first thing to go.
The solution was simple. Just turn it on and leave it on. Only move the switch once! Plug it in for power when you want it to blow and unplug it when you're through. Admittedly, this was somewhat impractical for certain hair-dos, but for many needs it was perfect--and with far less thumbing of the on/off button, it lasted much longer.
A lot of decisions in life can be like that. There is no need to go back and forth or up and down about many things. You just make the decision once and let it go at that. For instance, I feel sorry for those who agonize each Sunday morning over whether or no to go to church that day. Or for those who struggle to obey the Word of Wisdom. Imagine having this argument with yourself, over and over: 'Should I drink a beer of should I not? Maybe this time, but not again. Well, perhaps I will. After all, this is a special occasion. No, I really shouldn't drink at all. I guess . . .'
No! Just make up your mind that you are going to do what's best and stick with it. Your decision switch will last a lot longer that way. Of course, there are times when we choose to deviate from our usual way of behaving because circumstances require a different approach (not with drinking!). But most of the time we need to make up our minds only once, and that decision can then be applied over and over again, generally leading us to do what is right and saving ourselves needless anxiety and turmoil.
Perhaps that is what the Lord meant us to understand when he gave us this principle: 'But in case no additional light is given, the first decision shall stand' (Doctrine and Covenants 102:22)."
I have learned that when I make a decision and stick to it, life becomes a lot easier, especially when raising children. I hope these words of advice help you make decisions and stick to them, to not only become a better individual, but to better you're life and really enjoy everything you have to offer and that has been given to you.
I know it can be hard to make decisions, especially when you're unsure, but I know when you go to the Lord and tell him what's going on and what you feel like you should do, He will help you know without a doubt that your decision is the right one or the wrong one. He is always there to help, you must allow Him inside to help. He is knocking, but are you willing to open the door?
"I have developed a practical approach to hair dryer preservation. In a household with four daughters and a wife, each of whom has thick hair, such imaginative strategies for living are important. Especially if some economic benefit can be realized in the process.
For years we went through hair dryers almost as fast as the cans of spray. I tried to fix them when they broke, but the little busted pieces, essential to the operation of the appliance, were expensive to replace and impossible to rebuild (I think they are built by robots anyway. nobody has fingers small enough and eyesight so clear as to actually put together the innards of one of these hot-air machines). So, it was off to the discount store to find another 1500 watt beauty.
Finally, one day, I figured it out. There was a common symptom in the early demise of the hair dryers. The heating element rarely seemed to run out of heat. The blower itself looked okay. But the on/off switch--yes the vulnerable switch--was the scene of manipulated mayhem. 'On' when the drying started. 'Off' to wind a curl or comb a snarl. 'On' for more drying and shaping--slow speed for styling, high speed for quicker drying, slow again, then off: a thumb-generated endurance test to which the machine just wasn't equal. No matter the cost of the unit, the switch was often the first thing to go.
The solution was simple. Just turn it on and leave it on. Only move the switch once! Plug it in for power when you want it to blow and unplug it when you're through. Admittedly, this was somewhat impractical for certain hair-dos, but for many needs it was perfect--and with far less thumbing of the on/off button, it lasted much longer.
A lot of decisions in life can be like that. There is no need to go back and forth or up and down about many things. You just make the decision once and let it go at that. For instance, I feel sorry for those who agonize each Sunday morning over whether or no to go to church that day. Or for those who struggle to obey the Word of Wisdom. Imagine having this argument with yourself, over and over: 'Should I drink a beer of should I not? Maybe this time, but not again. Well, perhaps I will. After all, this is a special occasion. No, I really shouldn't drink at all. I guess . . .'
No! Just make up your mind that you are going to do what's best and stick with it. Your decision switch will last a lot longer that way. Of course, there are times when we choose to deviate from our usual way of behaving because circumstances require a different approach (not with drinking!). But most of the time we need to make up our minds only once, and that decision can then be applied over and over again, generally leading us to do what is right and saving ourselves needless anxiety and turmoil.
Perhaps that is what the Lord meant us to understand when he gave us this principle: 'But in case no additional light is given, the first decision shall stand' (Doctrine and Covenants 102:22)."
I have learned that when I make a decision and stick to it, life becomes a lot easier, especially when raising children. I hope these words of advice help you make decisions and stick to them, to not only become a better individual, but to better you're life and really enjoy everything you have to offer and that has been given to you.
I know it can be hard to make decisions, especially when you're unsure, but I know when you go to the Lord and tell him what's going on and what you feel like you should do, He will help you know without a doubt that your decision is the right one or the wrong one. He is always there to help, you must allow Him inside to help. He is knocking, but are you willing to open the door?
8.21.2012
Beans. Ice. Color.
Yesterday, Zoie and I spent a lot of time playing with each other. We did some crafts and different activities. We first spent the morning watching the Magic School Bus on the computer. Zoie loved it and laid on the couch and laughed throughout the show. Then we did Body Attack. Zoie was so excited to finally have mom be her partner again. She missed it. We enjoyed out exercise together. :)
We spent the rest of the afternoon playing with dry beans, making rain sticks, and filling the ice cube trays up with water and put food coloring in them. Zoie really enjoyed watching the water change colors. Once they were frozen we put them in our water at dinner. Zoie kept saying "cool water, cool water." It was cute. We had a fun-filled day yesterday and I look forward to many more.
We spent the rest of the afternoon playing with dry beans, making rain sticks, and filling the ice cube trays up with water and put food coloring in them. Zoie really enjoyed watching the water change colors. Once they were frozen we put them in our water at dinner. Zoie kept saying "cool water, cool water." It was cute. We had a fun-filled day yesterday and I look forward to many more.
The beginning of August I started volleyball tryouts and practices. I would have practice twice a day until school started up (yesterday). Because of that our schedules and routines weren't on a 100%, which messed with all of us, but mostly Zoie. Zoie use to go down for a nap at 11:00am with no fussing, or argument. It was nice, but since my practice time ended up being during her nap, and she was with me a practice, and couldn't take a nap with everything going on, she never had her naps. She would nap the 15-30 minutes picking dad up from work. Her normal nap is anywhere between 2-3 hours long.
Now that school has started she won't go down at 11:00am because she hasn't for the past couple weeks. So we've pushed her nap time back a couple hours to 1:00pm. Today she didn't want to nap because she was having fun playing with "melting ice cubes" outside. But she was getting tired and needed one. She fussed a bit, and after about 10 minutes of calling my name, she finally stopped and was asleep. I go in to check on her and this is how I found her.
Just gotta love her!
8.18.2012
Living Room III
I framed a piece of subway are that I love and I guess says what principles or rules I would like to be followed in our house by our family. It says
" Be Honest. Count Your Blessings. Bear each others Burdens. Forgive and Forget. Be Kind and Tender Hearted. Comfort One Another. Keep Your Promises. Be Proud of Each Other. Be True to Each Other. Look After Each Other. Love One Another."
Then hanging next to it is a canvas that I traced a floral pattern to and hot glued over the pattern and spray painted it navy blue. I love how it turned out, but I wish the navy blue was a little darker.
This is on the same wall just on the other side of the window. It's my family shelf. I made the family blocks and have two of our wedding pictures place on the shelf. I LOVE LOVE this shelf and how everything turned out.
Here is a close up of my "Family Blocks."
What do you all think? My mirror is stained and hopefully by mid next week I'll have another wall finished to show you. Have a great day.
The Girlie Girls
How the girls spend most of their time.
Giving Kisses. Reading. Singing.
They love each other!
Miss Charlotte
Charlotte is starting to be more awake and active. I love it. Her fussiness stage has come and gone. Thank Goodness!!! Those simple five techniques have helped a lot.
She is sleeping a lot more. She takes like 3-4 naps a day and they are 3-4 hours long. She will only sleep that long if she is swaddled, has one of my t-shirts placed on top of her (so she can smell me) and is laying on our bed in between our pillows. It's cute and awesome.
She is very kind and easy going, especially with Zoie loving her all the time and wanting to play. Zoie has taught her the "peanut song" and "popcorn popping." She loves her big sister and calms down whenever she is sitting close by.
Charlotte is making noises and wiggling like crazy. I love this stage, the part where they begin discovering what they can do and have. We've decided that she looks a lot like me and has a lot more of the Thompson genes in her.
We love Miss Charlotte and are excited for the next couple of months.
She is sleeping a lot more. She takes like 3-4 naps a day and they are 3-4 hours long. She will only sleep that long if she is swaddled, has one of my t-shirts placed on top of her (so she can smell me) and is laying on our bed in between our pillows. It's cute and awesome.
She is very kind and easy going, especially with Zoie loving her all the time and wanting to play. Zoie has taught her the "peanut song" and "popcorn popping." She loves her big sister and calms down whenever she is sitting close by.
Charlotte is making noises and wiggling like crazy. I love this stage, the part where they begin discovering what they can do and have. We've decided that she looks a lot like me and has a lot more of the Thompson genes in her.
We love Miss Charlotte and are excited for the next couple of months.
Zoie Bug
Zoie has been loving the Big Sister life. She is so willing to help out whenever we ask her too. She is enjoying sleeping in her big girl bed, but I think she enjoys how she can get in and out of bed when she wants. We have found her sleeping by the door a couple of times.
Zoie is becoming quite the talker now. She repeats just about every word we say. She tries really hard to talk in complete sentences and it is so cute. Her favorite show to watch right now is Strawberry Shortcake. I can't tell you how many times we have watched the same two shows over and over again. We are borrowing 10 different episodes of this show from a friend and Zoie will only watch two of them.
She loves to write in her "journal", well I guess it is more of a scribble. She tries to be like me a lot, I guess I need to watch what I do, say, and act more often now. :) She absolutely LOVES to be outside and we do our best to get out there every day. She enjoys to play dress up in mommy's shoes, clothes, and jewelry. She likes when I "pretend" to put my make-up on her (only she thinks it is real).
Zoie is very particular with things and how they are to be placed. She hates being messy and sticky. When she eats any snack or candy that has different colors, she will separate them all by color and then eat them one color at a time. Just like mommy. She LOVES LOVES to eat popcorn and watch shows.
She is growing up a lot and is for sure developing her little personality. We love our Zoie Bug.
Zoie is becoming quite the talker now. She repeats just about every word we say. She tries really hard to talk in complete sentences and it is so cute. Her favorite show to watch right now is Strawberry Shortcake. I can't tell you how many times we have watched the same two shows over and over again. We are borrowing 10 different episodes of this show from a friend and Zoie will only watch two of them.
She loves to write in her "journal", well I guess it is more of a scribble. She tries to be like me a lot, I guess I need to watch what I do, say, and act more often now. :) She absolutely LOVES to be outside and we do our best to get out there every day. She enjoys to play dress up in mommy's shoes, clothes, and jewelry. She likes when I "pretend" to put my make-up on her (only she thinks it is real).
Zoie is very particular with things and how they are to be placed. She hates being messy and sticky. When she eats any snack or candy that has different colors, she will separate them all by color and then eat them one color at a time. Just like mommy. She LOVES LOVES to eat popcorn and watch shows.
She is growing up a lot and is for sure developing her little personality. We love our Zoie Bug.
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