Readers, I'm sure you've had the same experience I have had in the last 24 hours at some time in your life. While reading the OCRegister one morning (a fabulous paper that I once worked for), I noticed a competition-a Cutest Baby Contest. Now I have to tell you that I have never entered any contest before and I really didn't do it because I think my baby is the cutest in the whole world but I thought it would be fun to give it a whirl. I should have known better...
I posted the picture of Lynnea last night and we, of course, voted highly on how cute our child was. Then, this morning, it happened...more votes. I would welcome good votes. Yes, I would be happy if people thought my child looked decent and not like a child from another planet but the results shocked me...SHOCKED me! For a total of 3 votes (ours included) my innocent, beautiful little girl had a 4!! If you're good at averages, you know which numbers, averaged with 10, make a 4. Breathe deeply, Riva. Think positively. Maybe people thought a 1 was the best they could do? Maybe no one read the word "lowest" by the #1. I'm beginning to have second thoughts about entering a contest at all. I think it will be my last. There are thousands of babies entered and some of them have upwards of 13,000 votes but here is where I'll plead with you. I know Lynnea won't win. I know she doesn't even have a fighting chance against 13,000 votes but could those of you reading please put in a good word for her. Vote. You don't have to give her a 10 or even an 8 but please bring her out of the "you shouldn't have even entered your unattractive child" category? She doesn't deserve to be a 4, NO child does.
I want to thank you in advance for helping me with my self-esteem. Oh, and hurry! I entered it really late and all voting ends tomorrow. I will promise you that I'll never do something like this to myself again...
http://ocregister.upickem.net/engine/Details.aspx?PageType=APPROVED&ContestID=1838&SubmissionID=54281&IncrementNumber=1
VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE!!
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Nature Calls
ok, Will came up with the title. I don't take credit for it.
I know it's been a week *gasp* since I've written on my blog (sorry Uncle Bill) but last week was full of preparation for this last weekend. We went CAMPING! Crazy, you say, with 3 kids including one 6 month old, but we did it and we had a blast! I felt like I was packing for a 2 week vacation when we were only going to be gone for a weekend and I was wondering how it all would fit. It did, barely. Here is what the car looked like after Will expertly fit everything into the Honda. You can almost see Mikayla back there. She had to crawl over everything to get out.
After making a lunch stop at McDonalds, we arrived at Dogwood Camp Site in Lake Arrowhead at around 1:30. I think it took a total of 6 hours to completely unpack the van but we got it done before the sun went down. Here is our awesome tent!! It had everything I wanted in a tent but all of those "extras" did compromise the inside space. We were a little tight. Oh well, family bonding, right? It has a screen on the side of it for those mosquito-filled nights where you still want to be enjoying nature, a hinged door so you don't have to forever zip and unzip, and a light, yes, a remote controlled light inside so you don't have to fumble with flashlights. All this for around $170 on Amazon.com. Amazing! I know others had tent envy, as did we of some other's tents. Hopefully we'll be able to use it for decades to come.
One of the first things the kids did, after getting themselves soaking wet at the local water spigot, was try on Alex's roller skates (thanks, Jenny, for letting everyone else use your son's toys). Of course, a Coke Zero had to be in hand as I helped my clumsy son get used to wheels on his feet. Everyone at the campground finally realizes just how unrelated my son is to his feet this weekend. I think for every 3 steps he took, he tripped at least once. Rocks, twigs, and trees are not my son's friends.
The Nelson's camped with us in our site. They brought their sister-in-law's trailer which we all were appreciative of. In the middle of the weekend, when we could no longer see the actual color of our children's skin, their built-in hose/shower cleaned them up pretty good. Of course, the downfall was stripping them naked, hosing them down, then actually watching the dirt leap onto them once again in less than 2 minutes. A pretty amazing thing, camping. It was fun sharing food and nights around the campfire with such dear friends. The food was so good that I gained 5 pounds over the weekend. I can only give the excuse of water-weight, right?? Thus, I've finally gone back to the gym this week to work off the baby weight (and excessive donut and s'more inhalation).
OK, the term "clingy" doesn't even begin to describe my youngest child this weekend. When she was awake, she was either in my arms or away from me, crying. It was exhausting but I did have about an hour a day that she succumbed to a nap in her exhaustion. 
This was the pathway to the water pump that the kids LOVED. Dirt, dirt, and more dirt.
The kid's table.
One of the highlights was roasting smores every night. Tyler loved the act of roasting marshmallows but hated the flavor and texture of the finished product. Basically, he had one marshmallow on his stick the entire time. It got blacker and blacker. 
This next picture was quite funny. Will and I wanted to get a picture of the 2 of us so we set up the camera on the table and posed for the shot. When I looked at it, I noticed the incredible amount of smoke from our campfire that engulfed us. No wonder why Lynnea's hair smelled like smoke when we got home...would it be child neglect to mention that she didn't have a bath the whole weekend?
Beware of the next shot. There were community bathrooms a few campsites away from ours but they were always inhabited by a particular arachnid that was local to the area. You never went to the restroom alone! They look pretty scary but they just sat like statues the whole time they were on the wall. That was comforting!
Here's a picture of our whole campsite. We had a nice little setup, full of shade. 
Bekah and Mikayla had so much fun playing together. They loved finding new games to play and new ways to get dirty..
Lynnea's only place of no crying was sitting in her miniature chair on the picnic table. From that vantage point she could see the whole campsite and keep me within view at all times. For those of you out there who are looking at the seat and saying, "awww, what a cute chair," you can pick one up at Target. It's actually supposed to be a booster seat but it works well as a miniature person seat too. =)
Mikayla's knees. Apparently, in her haste to get down the hill one sunny morning, her legs went slower than her body and skidded on the pavement. We had about a 1/2 hour of crying and then all was well. Now, they're just a reminder of how much fun she had this weekend.
Jenna brought over her coloring book and scented markers for the girls to share. Thanks Jenna!! I almost kept the markers a few extra hours just to smell them...what were the creators thinking when they made smelly markers? I'd want to lick them if I were 5 years old again.
The men cooking dinner the second night-spaghetti. These 2 did lots of the cleaning and picking up while we looked after the kiddos. The spaghetti turned out great, guys. And that garlic bread! I think that's part of my 5 pounds.
Lynnea's hair is starting to get very "Sasquatch-looking" so in an effort to help her see better, I gave her ponytails. By the way, this is the look she has about 80% of the day..."who, me?" I also want you to notice the vice-like grip she has on my shirt.
On Sunday morning, Rob and Valerie led us in worship. It was so fun to see all of the couples in one place. There were quite a few of us! Al spoke a little about our class and keeping the unity in our transition coming up with the church and the kids did well through it all.
We had an incredible weekend. Smores, friends, dirt, sun, trees, food, stars...the list goes on. How blessed we are!!
I know it's been a week *gasp* since I've written on my blog (sorry Uncle Bill) but last week was full of preparation for this last weekend. We went CAMPING! Crazy, you say, with 3 kids including one 6 month old, but we did it and we had a blast! I felt like I was packing for a 2 week vacation when we were only going to be gone for a weekend and I was wondering how it all would fit. It did, barely. Here is what the car looked like after Will expertly fit everything into the Honda. You can almost see Mikayla back there. She had to crawl over everything to get out.
After making a lunch stop at McDonalds, we arrived at Dogwood Camp Site in Lake Arrowhead at around 1:30. I think it took a total of 6 hours to completely unpack the van but we got it done before the sun went down. Here is our awesome tent!! It had everything I wanted in a tent but all of those "extras" did compromise the inside space. We were a little tight. Oh well, family bonding, right? It has a screen on the side of it for those mosquito-filled nights where you still want to be enjoying nature, a hinged door so you don't have to forever zip and unzip, and a light, yes, a remote controlled light inside so you don't have to fumble with flashlights. All this for around $170 on Amazon.com. Amazing! I know others had tent envy, as did we of some other's tents. Hopefully we'll be able to use it for decades to come.
One of the first things the kids did, after getting themselves soaking wet at the local water spigot, was try on Alex's roller skates (thanks, Jenny, for letting everyone else use your son's toys). Of course, a Coke Zero had to be in hand as I helped my clumsy son get used to wheels on his feet. Everyone at the campground finally realizes just how unrelated my son is to his feet this weekend. I think for every 3 steps he took, he tripped at least once. Rocks, twigs, and trees are not my son's friends.
The Nelson's camped with us in our site. They brought their sister-in-law's trailer which we all were appreciative of. In the middle of the weekend, when we could no longer see the actual color of our children's skin, their built-in hose/shower cleaned them up pretty good. Of course, the downfall was stripping them naked, hosing them down, then actually watching the dirt leap onto them once again in less than 2 minutes. A pretty amazing thing, camping. It was fun sharing food and nights around the campfire with such dear friends. The food was so good that I gained 5 pounds over the weekend. I can only give the excuse of water-weight, right?? Thus, I've finally gone back to the gym this week to work off the baby weight (and excessive donut and s'more inhalation).
OK, the term "clingy" doesn't even begin to describe my youngest child this weekend. When she was awake, she was either in my arms or away from me, crying. It was exhausting but I did have about an hour a day that she succumbed to a nap in her exhaustion. 
This was the pathway to the water pump that the kids LOVED. Dirt, dirt, and more dirt.
The kid's table.
One of the highlights was roasting smores every night. Tyler loved the act of roasting marshmallows but hated the flavor and texture of the finished product. Basically, he had one marshmallow on his stick the entire time. It got blacker and blacker. 
This next picture was quite funny. Will and I wanted to get a picture of the 2 of us so we set up the camera on the table and posed for the shot. When I looked at it, I noticed the incredible amount of smoke from our campfire that engulfed us. No wonder why Lynnea's hair smelled like smoke when we got home...would it be child neglect to mention that she didn't have a bath the whole weekend?
Beware of the next shot. There were community bathrooms a few campsites away from ours but they were always inhabited by a particular arachnid that was local to the area. You never went to the restroom alone! They look pretty scary but they just sat like statues the whole time they were on the wall. That was comforting!
Here's a picture of our whole campsite. We had a nice little setup, full of shade. 
Bekah and Mikayla had so much fun playing together. They loved finding new games to play and new ways to get dirty..
Lynnea's only place of no crying was sitting in her miniature chair on the picnic table. From that vantage point she could see the whole campsite and keep me within view at all times. For those of you out there who are looking at the seat and saying, "awww, what a cute chair," you can pick one up at Target. It's actually supposed to be a booster seat but it works well as a miniature person seat too. =)
Mikayla's knees. Apparently, in her haste to get down the hill one sunny morning, her legs went slower than her body and skidded on the pavement. We had about a 1/2 hour of crying and then all was well. Now, they're just a reminder of how much fun she had this weekend.
Jenna brought over her coloring book and scented markers for the girls to share. Thanks Jenna!! I almost kept the markers a few extra hours just to smell them...what were the creators thinking when they made smelly markers? I'd want to lick them if I were 5 years old again.
The men cooking dinner the second night-spaghetti. These 2 did lots of the cleaning and picking up while we looked after the kiddos. The spaghetti turned out great, guys. And that garlic bread! I think that's part of my 5 pounds.
Lynnea's hair is starting to get very "Sasquatch-looking" so in an effort to help her see better, I gave her ponytails. By the way, this is the look she has about 80% of the day..."who, me?" I also want you to notice the vice-like grip she has on my shirt.
On Sunday morning, Rob and Valerie led us in worship. It was so fun to see all of the couples in one place. There were quite a few of us! Al spoke a little about our class and keeping the unity in our transition coming up with the church and the kids did well through it all.
We had an incredible weekend. Smores, friends, dirt, sun, trees, food, stars...the list goes on. How blessed we are!!Monday, June 16, 2008
Hangin' with the Dad's
The most wonderful Dad, next to mine, in the world. I'm so proud to be married to this incredible man who loves me, his kids, and would do anything for us. You deserved the rib-eye, baby!
We bought some steaks, mom whipped up some sides and we went over to my parent's for some celebration time. My sister went to a baseball game so they couldn't come. We definitely missed them.
The next picture may strike you as a little odd as far as outfits are concerned.. Leave it to my son to spill orange juice all over his shirt and pants. We had to dress him in his pajamas and sandals to go outside. Yes, it looks a little strange and the pajamas ended up getting filthy but he didn't seem to care. He didn't want to run around in just a diaper and shirt. He has more modesty than my daughter...
Being a dad is hard work. I wouldn't know but I trust that I'm speaking for my husband here. I mean, they work to provide a home, they are looked upon for leadership, and they have to have time at the end of the day to play. But when you're a daddy for these little munchkins, it's all worth it. Just look at their faces...the ones with the drool,
Yes, even the strange faces...
And the crazy ones.
One of the highlights of the evening was the wagon. I won't show you pictures of myself running, yes, running with the kids in the wagon across the grass but I will tell you that I did it...and did it quite a few times I might add. I keep meaning to go back to the gym (and I'll get there, I promise) but this evening's "romp" showed me just how far I have to go to get back in shape. It's hard work pulling 70+ pounds of kid and the wagon. After about 10 times, I enlisted the help of my son. Tongue out, pulling with all of his might, he did a pretty good job hauling Mikayla around the yard...in his pajamas and sandals, none the less.
After taking a quick break, it was Mikayla's turn. I'm surprised Tyler didn't fall out and become a victim of "wagon rollover."
Meanwhile, the adults were on the patio watching the melee. 
And, at the end of the time outside, he put Tyler on his shoulders to see the moon. What a priceless day...celebrating priceless people!!
And Lynnea fell asleep...finally...
Happy Father's Day to all those dads out there. You are loved!!
We bought some steaks, mom whipped up some sides and we went over to my parent's for some celebration time. My sister went to a baseball game so they couldn't come. We definitely missed them.The next picture may strike you as a little odd as far as outfits are concerned.. Leave it to my son to spill orange juice all over his shirt and pants. We had to dress him in his pajamas and sandals to go outside. Yes, it looks a little strange and the pajamas ended up getting filthy but he didn't seem to care. He didn't want to run around in just a diaper and shirt. He has more modesty than my daughter...
Being a dad is hard work. I wouldn't know but I trust that I'm speaking for my husband here. I mean, they work to provide a home, they are looked upon for leadership, and they have to have time at the end of the day to play. But when you're a daddy for these little munchkins, it's all worth it. Just look at their faces...the ones with the drool,
Yes, even the strange faces...And the crazy ones.One of the highlights of the evening was the wagon. I won't show you pictures of myself running, yes, running with the kids in the wagon across the grass but I will tell you that I did it...and did it quite a few times I might add. I keep meaning to go back to the gym (and I'll get there, I promise) but this evening's "romp" showed me just how far I have to go to get back in shape. It's hard work pulling 70+ pounds of kid and the wagon. After about 10 times, I enlisted the help of my son. Tongue out, pulling with all of his might, he did a pretty good job hauling Mikayla around the yard...in his pajamas and sandals, none the less.After taking a quick break, it was Mikayla's turn. I'm surprised Tyler didn't fall out and become a victim of "wagon rollover."Meanwhile, the adults were on the patio watching the melee. I just wanted to share, before this next picture, that my dad is one of the most sacrificial, loving, wonderful men in this world and I'm so proud that he's mine. He has always been there to pray with me, love me, and accept me for who I am (apart from my twin sister) which means a lot to me. I'm so happy that my kids get to know him too.
Lynnea has been having a little anxiety when I'm not holding her but she loved being in Gramp's arms for a little while.
And, at the end of the time outside, he put Tyler on his shoulders to see the moon. What a priceless day...celebrating priceless people!!
And Lynnea fell asleep...finally...
Happy Father's Day to all those dads out there. You are loved!! Saturday, June 14, 2008
Lots of...
Snot...This was the face of my son when he came in from playing in daddy's dirt pile outside. Obviously his nose was running and grabbing a kleenex wasn't his first option. Pretty gross.
Pictures...I was trying out some settings on my camera and captured this face from Lynnea. We were all hanging out under tarps in the backyard so that daddy didn't have to be alone while working to make our backyard beautiful.
Digging...Will is getting the side yard ready for some rock hardscaping. He's done so much already and I admire his determination to finish the "project" we started. He's tilled, dug, moved sprinklers and moved more dirt than I care to imagine. I can't wait until it's finished.
Family...Tonight we went to this awesome buffet place for dinner with 2 of Will's brothers, their families, and Will's parents. It was to celebrate Father's Day and we had a wonderful time. These were several minutes of Lynnea being happy in someone else's arms. My nieces tried to hold her afterward and she decided she'd had enough. I'm getting really good at holding her and eating at the same time. The only downfall is that Lynnea's hands reach out for everything. Keeping her occupied with toys is imperative.
This weekend is so special. A day to celebrate Fathers and all that they do for us. Thank you dad for your amazing wisdom and Will for your unending love. I'll post more tomorrow!
Pictures...I was trying out some settings on my camera and captured this face from Lynnea. We were all hanging out under tarps in the backyard so that daddy didn't have to be alone while working to make our backyard beautiful.Digging...Will is getting the side yard ready for some rock hardscaping. He's done so much already and I admire his determination to finish the "project" we started. He's tilled, dug, moved sprinklers and moved more dirt than I care to imagine. I can't wait until it's finished.Family...Tonight we went to this awesome buffet place for dinner with 2 of Will's brothers, their families, and Will's parents. It was to celebrate Father's Day and we had a wonderful time. These were several minutes of Lynnea being happy in someone else's arms. My nieces tried to hold her afterward and she decided she'd had enough. I'm getting really good at holding her and eating at the same time. The only downfall is that Lynnea's hands reach out for everything. Keeping her occupied with toys is imperative.
This weekend is so special. A day to celebrate Fathers and all that they do for us. Thank you dad for your amazing wisdom and Will for your unending love. I'll post more tomorrow!Thursday, June 12, 2008
Random Acts of Violence
It's not who you'd expect to be the victim.
Ahh, fun times in our household....
Oh and, by the way, I'm not laughing at him. I just didn't think it was that bad. Thus, the reason I turned off the camera-I realized it was going to be a "hold and console" slap.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
A Pat on the Back?
So I had a wonderful outing this morning with 2 very dear friends, Mina and Jenn. We went to the bookstore for storytime, picked out 2 new books to read, went to lunch at Panda Express and had a great time. I pack up the kids and we all head out, get in the car and the usual dialogue begins. There are conversations about lots of things (usually duplicated since Tyler's in the "mime" stage and has to repeat every word anyone says) and then came the interesting exchange.
Mikayla: Mommy, I don't know what I want to do when I grow up.
Mommy: You don't have to choose right now.
Mik: I want to do what you do...nothing.
As if that wasn't enough she started saying what I wasn't. "You're not a policeman, you're not a doctor, you're not a...
In short, "nothing" is her definition of what a "a stay-at-home mom" does. I'll forgive her today because I knew she was just saying it in her own way. I choose to look at it this way: I am with her always, there for her always and have no other job than to be her best friend and mommy. Wow, I'm blessed!...to do nothing.
Mikayla: Mommy, I don't know what I want to do when I grow up.
Mommy: You don't have to choose right now.
Mik: I want to do what you do...nothing.
As if that wasn't enough she started saying what I wasn't. "You're not a policeman, you're not a doctor, you're not a...
In short, "nothing" is her definition of what a "a stay-at-home mom" does. I'll forgive her today because I knew she was just saying it in her own way. I choose to look at it this way: I am with her always, there for her always and have no other job than to be her best friend and mommy. Wow, I'm blessed!...to do nothing.
Monday, June 9, 2008
Booty-licious
I apologize if this title offends anyone but I just had to use it. See, I actually completed a project that was sitting in my "project pile" for a while. Booties for the baby. I got inspired one day to look for all of the online tutorials for various sewing ventures and this was my favorite. I made 2 pair this afternoon since I had already cut them out and here is my model wearing them.
These are the pair she wore...then Mikayla promptly touched them after eating boysenberries and I had to Shout it out. It lasted all of a few hours on the feet *so common of clothes in my household.* Anyway, I put the ribbon on both of them because these types of booties tend to fall off pretty quick. The ribbon ties it tighter on the foot.
Here's the second, girly pair. I love this toile fabric that my mom used in Lynnea's quilt so the extra pieces had to find their way into something else. I think they turned out pretty well (after I ripped out a few seams). They were really fun to make!
These are the pair she wore...then Mikayla promptly touched them after eating boysenberries and I had to Shout it out. It lasted all of a few hours on the feet *so common of clothes in my household.* Anyway, I put the ribbon on both of them because these types of booties tend to fall off pretty quick. The ribbon ties it tighter on the foot.Here's the second, girly pair. I love this toile fabric that my mom used in Lynnea's quilt so the extra pieces had to find their way into something else. I think they turned out pretty well (after I ripped out a few seams). They were really fun to make!
Since I'm short on words tonight...long day...I'll just post a picture of my kids on the kitchen floor, entertaining their little sister. She liked grabbing Mikayla's face and making her scream. I don't really know what Tyler is doing but he's playing with his Mickey necklace given to him by his Grammie and Gramps. That's another story. He kept wanting to wear all of Mikayla's necklaces and we told him that those are not for boys. My parents, on one of their trips to Disneyland, chose a very masculine Mickey mouse necklace on a black chain for him to wear and feel cool. So sweet and such a wonderful gift.
My darling daughter right before she started crying. Heaven forbid we are left on the floor...I'll stop there before it becomes a venting session. I thought 3 was easy until this stage came.
My darling daughter right before she started crying. Heaven forbid we are left on the floor...I'll stop there before it becomes a venting session. I thought 3 was easy until this stage came.
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Super Powers
Mommy Superpower (ok, I'm pushing it): This is the position I hold Lynnea in while I occasionally work on the computer. She likes being held and she fits just perfectly in the hollow where my legs cross. Just give her a toy and we can both go like this for quite a while...maybe 10 minutes?
Tyler Superpower: He was the first one to go at Spiderman at David Martinez' party this weekend. He swung with gusto and even managed to put a nice little hole in the poor guy's back. Just the fact that we trust kids with wooden sticks is a tad disconcerting.
Mikayla's Superpower: The hardest hitter of the afternoon. So hard, in fact, that some partygoers asked me where the harbored "anger" was coming from. Gee, I hope it's just passion and not some pent up frustration. She almost severed a leg in her "passion" but it was eventually destroyed by the birthday boy and his daddy. Even then, it was pretty indestructible.
Superpower vendetta: Once Spiderman was conquered, the kids got their bags and rushed for the candy. Not wanting to look completely "power"less, Spiderman got one more revenge...against Mikayla. In the wind that was plentiful that afternoon, he became a pendulum of cardboard that smashed into her face while she went for the most dangerous candy of all, the middle candy. She felt it for a brief moment and then went on with her task...all that and we forgot her candy bag at the party...I guess he won in the end. What child forgets their candy at a party? It must have been the head trauma.
Superpower awe: Even Lynnea found herself falling in love with the Superpowers. Transformers were her favorites and she got quite attached to this balloon while we sat on a chair and absorbed the festivities. I had to pry it from her vice-like grip. I have a feeling that we won't be doing a Princess 1 year party...it may be centered around Superheroes.
Tyler Superpower: He was the first one to go at Spiderman at David Martinez' party this weekend. He swung with gusto and even managed to put a nice little hole in the poor guy's back. Just the fact that we trust kids with wooden sticks is a tad disconcerting.
Mikayla's Superpower: The hardest hitter of the afternoon. So hard, in fact, that some partygoers asked me where the harbored "anger" was coming from. Gee, I hope it's just passion and not some pent up frustration. She almost severed a leg in her "passion" but it was eventually destroyed by the birthday boy and his daddy. Even then, it was pretty indestructible.
Superpower vendetta: Once Spiderman was conquered, the kids got their bags and rushed for the candy. Not wanting to look completely "power"less, Spiderman got one more revenge...against Mikayla. In the wind that was plentiful that afternoon, he became a pendulum of cardboard that smashed into her face while she went for the most dangerous candy of all, the middle candy. She felt it for a brief moment and then went on with her task...all that and we forgot her candy bag at the party...I guess he won in the end. What child forgets their candy at a party? It must have been the head trauma.
Superpower awe: Even Lynnea found herself falling in love with the Superpowers. Transformers were her favorites and she got quite attached to this balloon while we sat on a chair and absorbed the festivities. I had to pry it from her vice-like grip. I have a feeling that we won't be doing a Princess 1 year party...it may be centered around Superheroes.
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Finishing Well
I know! Two posts in one day-can it be? This week has been pretty busy for me and my 3 but it's nice to have a busy week every once in a while. Today, one of my nieces graduated from Jr. High. I think I remember a few days of jr. high. I feel like it was a loooong time ago...wow, I'm already in my 30's which means it was a long time ago. *whew* I didn't go to the ceremony but the family met for Dim Sum afterward. Sitting through a 2 hour ceremony with my kids would be the equivalent of...hmmmm, I can think of a lot of unpleasant things but nothing that bad is coming to mind at this moment. Anyway, here are some pictures of Lynnea with Mama and Yeye (the other 2 were too social for photos today).
These next photos are for my Uncle Dannie but I wanted everyone else who reads this blog to be a part of it as well. My Aunt Lynette was an accomplished jewelry maker, beader, and cross-stitcher. She loved the art of Cross Stitch, as do I. It is kind of a lost art since a lot of people mistakenly think it looks "grandma-ish" and isn't up to today's "style." I couldn't disagree more. My Aunt loved finding beautiful projects to begin and this Lady in Blue was one of them. She had several projects in the works when she passed away in February of last year. As we were dividing up her overwhelming wealth of beads and stitcheries, I came across this one...finished except for the beading that she never got to complete. Immediately I asked if I could have it, and finish it. And here it is...
Fittingly, on the last trip North to see my cousin and my Papa, I finished it. Here is a close-up. I don't know exactly what I will do with it at the moment but I know that it will be cherished. I wish my Aunt Lynette could see it finished....and know how much I miss her....I think she does...
These next photos are for my Uncle Dannie but I wanted everyone else who reads this blog to be a part of it as well. My Aunt Lynette was an accomplished jewelry maker, beader, and cross-stitcher. She loved the art of Cross Stitch, as do I. It is kind of a lost art since a lot of people mistakenly think it looks "grandma-ish" and isn't up to today's "style." I couldn't disagree more. My Aunt loved finding beautiful projects to begin and this Lady in Blue was one of them. She had several projects in the works when she passed away in February of last year. As we were dividing up her overwhelming wealth of beads and stitcheries, I came across this one...finished except for the beading that she never got to complete. Immediately I asked if I could have it, and finish it. And here it is...Fittingly, on the last trip North to see my cousin and my Papa, I finished it. Here is a close-up. I don't know exactly what I will do with it at the moment but I know that it will be cherished. I wish my Aunt Lynette could see it finished....and know how much I miss her....I think she does...
Discovering Science...and pandemonium
Before I reminisce about the Discovery Science Center yesterday, I wanted to post a cute picture of Mikayla and Keira, a friend from church. We had her parents and sister over for dinner the other night and had a great time. They're friends from way back. There is nothing better than hanging out with old friends and being able to have easy conversation and a relaxing time.
On to the Science Center. I met my sister for a fun-filled morning at a local attraction and we had....fun..? You know, when you have 3 kids (5 between both of us) and you're trying to navigate between mobs of 4th, 5th and 6th graders, what started as a great time of "discovery" tends to migrate toward a day of stress and "recovery." Sorry, just had to be rhymy. It was fun for the kids but Cara and I kind of felt like we were in a tornado of children, talking, reprimanding and coralling. Through it all, we got some cute pictures and the kids had lots of fun! Here are some shots of the day.
This was the world's largest "pin art" wall. I bought a miniature one for Tyler at Target a while back and I think I was more excited than the kids to see this opportunity to make an impression. On the bottom left is Tyler's imprint, minus the head. I picked him up and pushed him into the wall. Mikayla didn't want me to do it to her so I took the chance to play around myself. It was the coolest thing.
The kids in a steam thing. I didn't read the instructions on this one.
The theme of this month's special exhibit is "grossology" and it talks about gas, smells, and other disgusting things about the insect/animal world. Here, Tyler found a frog game that shoots balls into holes. Anything with balls is his favorite.
This was the most disgusting part for me. Either I knew and wanted to forget or never knew in the first place but I found out a little tidbit of information that makes me look at flies in a whole new light. Did you know that they VOMIT on their food to soften it and then eat it? YUCK!! This animated fly talked all about it, along with information about his hygeine, relatives and food preferences. Makes me want to vomit. I can't believe they included the vomit in the display...gross.
Climbing in the dino dig exhibit. The boys weren't interested in posing.
Mikayla tried a climbing wall. She did pretty well!
Playing with Bob the Builder.
After eating lunch at Taco Bell, we headed to my house where Cara and her kids stayed through dinner. Her hubby was out of town and she needed some company..and some playmates for her kiddos. Here's a cousin picture. It looks like Lynnea's having the most fun of all of them.
Me and my sis. We always have so much fun and so many laughs together. Thanks for coming over!!
On to the Science Center. I met my sister for a fun-filled morning at a local attraction and we had....fun..? You know, when you have 3 kids (5 between both of us) and you're trying to navigate between mobs of 4th, 5th and 6th graders, what started as a great time of "discovery" tends to migrate toward a day of stress and "recovery." Sorry, just had to be rhymy. It was fun for the kids but Cara and I kind of felt like we were in a tornado of children, talking, reprimanding and coralling. Through it all, we got some cute pictures and the kids had lots of fun! Here are some shots of the day.
This was the world's largest "pin art" wall. I bought a miniature one for Tyler at Target a while back and I think I was more excited than the kids to see this opportunity to make an impression. On the bottom left is Tyler's imprint, minus the head. I picked him up and pushed him into the wall. Mikayla didn't want me to do it to her so I took the chance to play around myself. It was the coolest thing.
The kids in a steam thing. I didn't read the instructions on this one.
The theme of this month's special exhibit is "grossology" and it talks about gas, smells, and other disgusting things about the insect/animal world. Here, Tyler found a frog game that shoots balls into holes. Anything with balls is his favorite.
This was the most disgusting part for me. Either I knew and wanted to forget or never knew in the first place but I found out a little tidbit of information that makes me look at flies in a whole new light. Did you know that they VOMIT on their food to soften it and then eat it? YUCK!! This animated fly talked all about it, along with information about his hygeine, relatives and food preferences. Makes me want to vomit. I can't believe they included the vomit in the display...gross.
Climbing in the dino dig exhibit. The boys weren't interested in posing.
Mikayla tried a climbing wall. She did pretty well!
Playing with Bob the Builder.
After eating lunch at Taco Bell, we headed to my house where Cara and her kids stayed through dinner. Her hubby was out of town and she needed some company..and some playmates for her kiddos. Here's a cousin picture. It looks like Lynnea's having the most fun of all of them.
Me and my sis. We always have so much fun and so many laughs together. Thanks for coming over!!
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