The Eid's Have It

Don’t be worried-Daddy is okay

2012-01-31T13:59:00.001-06:00

He was feeling a little under the weather.
The doctor and nurse rushed in and took immediate action.

Doctor Mallory listened to his heartbeat and it checked out normal.

His armpit temperature was “happy”.

And upon saying “Ahhh” for Nurse Mikayla,
his throat checked out just fine.

Thankfully, the services were covered under insurance.
The copay was a few cookies and some wrestling.

Too cold for a drink

2012-01-30T05:48:00.000-06:00

We have a well cap in our front yard. It sits about 15 feet from the house and stands about 16 inches tall and it is made from metal. In the summer the girls use it as a stool, a perch to twirl on, and pretend to use it as a drinking fountain.

In the winter, the well cap should NEVER be used as a pretend drinking fountain. Mikayla, learned this the really hard way today. While I was busy shoveling the driveway the girls were playing with sleds in the front yard. With a hill barely steep and long enough to gain any momentum, they were safely in my line of vision having a snowy good time. Mikayla toddled up the hill and apparently went over for a drink at the “drinking fountain” aka FROZEN BLOCK OF METAL. When I heard her screams, I looked up and saw her hunched over the well, I ran over thinking she had slipped and fell. Then I saw the damage. Her entire mouth; tongue, lips and all, were completely frozen to the cap. I told Mallory to stay with her sister and I ran inside to grab a glass of water. Thankfully, in a sense, her mouth was too frozen for her to rip it off herself (as instinct wanted) so when I returned with the water she was still stuck. I poured the water over her mouth and thank God, she was able to pull it free. Blood started pouring everywhere and her tongue was pure white. I was terrified. I ran to our neighbors, knowing she was home and also a nurse, the door opened, she had seen the commotion and heard Mikayla’s cries. She took Mikayla from me, and like any well seasoned mother she grabbed a wet towel and held it to her mouth. I took off the other way to find Mallory. She too, was terrified. She stayed by Mikayla’s side the entire time saying “It’s ok, mommy will help. It’s ok, mommy will help” But when it was all said and done, she slumped. “Is my sister going to die? Does she need to go to the hospital.” As best as I could, I explained that she was going to be just fine.

A few minutes later we all made it home and cried together…it sounds stupid to even admit at this point. It was one of our first “emergencies”. Fix it now or it will be bad. Screams of terror that didn’t stop for too long and lots of blood—learning first hand today that the mouth does bleed a lot. Mallory wants nothing to do with talking about it as it brings her back to a scary few minutes.

Hours later, Mikayla’s lips and tongue are healing up. She has plenty of open sores and a fat lip to boot, but she is no worse for the wear. Her tongue returned to normal almost instantly when the warm wet cloth was used and now has no visible wounds. When I told my dad the story, he asked, “Do you think this was a teaching moment, or do you think she is too young to remember?” I quickly answered back, “Didn’t you just ask me this same question a few months ago when she stuck a french fry up her nose? I sure hope she learns a lesson from this tale as well…”

We laughed and agreed that this story will make a great page in the book of Mikayla’s life: Day by Day.

I went back out when all was calm inside and snapped pictures of the evidence that lingered on the well cap. The little lit bit that actually made it on top of the cap after she was freed, is nothing compared to what poured out of her tiny lips and tongue. Yuck.

Birthday Party-Friend Style

2012-01-24T14:19:00.001-06:00

Mallory turned six a few weeks ago and though the parties and celebrating seemed to last more than just a few weeks, the Thank You cards are in the mail and the celebrating is done. She requested a “friend” party this year. Aiming to please the birthday girl, we celebrated at home with a low-key princess party. Six little girls were treated to an afternoon of birthday fun. We threw the party together “old school”, like parties were when I was little. Mikayla was super sick, so my sister came to help me with the party while Brent tended to Mikayla. We did a princess art project, painted nails, did a few party games, had cake and ice cream while drinking from fancy glasses, and let the kids play on their own.
Mallory had a blast and was so excited to have her friends over to her house.

Hitchin’ a ride

2012-01-13T20:32:00.001-06:00

We brought the trike out in hopes of Mikayla learning to pedal before spring.
How fun will walks be this spring?! Wahooo!
Mallory still loves her pink trike. Though her knees knock the handle bars every time she pedals, she still zips around the couch and island just like she learned to do 3 years ago.
I thought Mikayla was going to stomp her feet and growl when Mallory took over the pedals, but once again she proved me wrong.

She giggled. “Bop Mawawee!” (Stop Mallory). Mallory stopped and Mikayla climbed aboard. Just like she had done it time and time again,
she held on and screeched WEEEEEE!!

They pedaled and played right up until bedtime. They attempted multiple different ways of doubling up on the trike. The trunk method proved to be the most successful.

The house erupted in laughter and I loved every minute of it.
We did have one head bump, as Mikayla tried to “ski” behind the trike on a blanket she slipped and bumped her forehead on the ground. She fussed, rubbed her head, got back up and said “Weady Mawawee. Go!”

Mallory’s Day

2012-01-06T14:03:00.001-06:00

Mallory chose Mall Of America for her afternoon of birthday fun. We picked her up early from school (which she loves) and headed to the Mall. She wanted to ride a few rides and, out of a few options, chose to go to Build A Bear for her birthday gift.

Check it out! Two kids and two smiles!
This was the third attempt. First-they were looking at the rollercoaster.
Second-Mal was jumping in the picture.

Once each of the rides started, Mikayla loved it. The anticipation was almost enough for her to want to get the heck off the ride and watch from the sidelines.

Brent, stuffed into the Mini Dora Train-
worth the three tickets it took each kid to ride the train.

The balloons were my favorite ride (insert:Lame Mom). I had visions of us four all riding in the same balloon. Giggling, smiling, letting the wind blow through our hair. Smash. Only one adult per balloon…stupid rule. Pretty sure I weigh less than some 11 year olds, but I didn’t want to argue in front of the kids.


And check this out…Mallory rides the real big kid rides! She loved every twist, spin and drop on the rollercoaster at the mall. Brent looks like he’s say “Chaaa Right” circa 1994, let’s hope he was pointing out the camera to Mallory.

After the rides it was off to Build a Bear. Mallory quickly picked out a sprinkle bear—who she fittingly calls Cupcake. Mikayla, unsure of the whole process would have been content without an animal.
After giving her option after option, she chose a cat or “mee-oww”.


We finished the night at Buffalo Wild Wings for dinner. This is her 6th Birthday and this is the 3rd year we have enjoyed BWW for dinner. She loves the macaroni and cheese with a chocolate milk to wash it all down.

Six. What?

2012-01-04T07:02:00.001-06:00

She is six today.
Mallory has been spinningincircles excited over the fact that she turns six! TODAY!

If I could bottle up Mallory on the morning of her sixth birthday it would contain;

A bunch of smiles. She leaves excited to take on each day. She usually wakes with a smile and a good morning. As long as she is kept busy, she is happy to be involved with whoever is willing to include her.

A toothless grin and two more wiggly teeth eager to join. Her top teeth are taking their sweet time coming in and her other teeth are getting inpatient waiting. Once again, her look is about to change and eating is about to take on a whole new adventurous level when two more fall out.

A teeny bit of caution. She is showing us an awareness to things around her. Gone are the days we could carry on a conversation of something unrelated without her catching on. Her current fear is chocking on food or food going down the “wrong pipe”. Meal time is taking much much longer as she nibbles on her food like a bird all in hopes of it travelling down the correct pipe.

A true and great friend. She loves her friends. She talks about a handful of girls in her class and she spends weekend afternoons with a neighbor up the street. This weekend we will host our first ever “Kid Birthday Party”. The theme will be princesses and we plan on painting finger nails and coloring a princess craft to take home.

A pinch of sass. She’s been known to roll her eyes and say “I know that already, mom.” She has yet to scream and run away yelling truly hateful words about us…but I am sure that day will come soon enough.

An eager learner. Her love of learning is evident in everything she does. She has been inquisitive since the days she figured out “how come” carried on a conversation. Her teacher boasts about her ability to read, quickly catch on, and (maybe more than once) has said she could run the classroom if Mrs. Hoel were ever gone.

A bunch of speed. When she wants to be done with a certain task (brushing teeth, making her bed, finishing more than one school assignment) she can rush rush rush until it is done. “Take your time.” Is frequently stated before she sits down to do homework. I can see it in her, she just wants to see what is next. Never wanting to be left behind…

A great big heart. Unless over tired, she is extremely even tempered. She is a happy little girl, who goes along with almost anything. She helps with her sister, teaching and encouraging her along the way. It is not unusual to hear her reading a book to Mikayla, giving her a “good job Mikayla!” or the occasional “THAT’S MINE! GIVE IT BACK!!”

She changed this year. Sure, every year brings on some sort of change as we grow, but this year she crossed over the bridge and became a little girl. She left behind her preschool years and she matured. She knows to look both ways, she knows to put her helmet on before riding her bike. She knows to say please and thank you. She can brush her teeth without being watched. She watches over to make sure her sister is on the right track and most of the time does a great job at helping Mikayla when help is needed. She really is a young teacher. Willing to help out, eager to be included and accepting of the praise that follows.

Happy 6th Birthday Mallory! Thanks for a world changing six years and for being one of the best daughters a mom could ask for.

Goodbye 2011!

2011-12-31T06:03:00.000-06:00

You were a great year, and like it or not, it is time to move on to 2012. It will be the year of a vacation away from my babies, a big girl bed and potty training, new big front teeth (hopefully!) and graduation from Kindergarten…

My 2010 recap was a ton of fun, so here I am doing it for 2011.

January 2011
A banner month for our family…

Mikayla introduced the family to pink eye. She shared it with her sister which was really nice of her.

We took our first trip to Wisconsin Dells and though Mikayla battled a terrible ear infection, we managed to have fun and make it a tradition.

I talked about how many mom badges I earned and realized that when times get tough on the road of motherhood, you never are alone when you reach out to others. With the onset of a brutal double ear infection, we had no idea that the unwelcome fluid would hang along for too long…

February 2011
Mallory went down a waterslide all by herself, thus conquering a big fear. Her dad and I stood on the sidelines and realized that parental pride is something that soars inside of each and every parent.

March 2011
Molly and I saw the sparkle in these two girls explode when we took them to see Princess’ On Ice.

Nine months later, there are still moments where I still cannot tell their laughter apart.

April 2011
Mikayla’s love for coloring sprouted. She still requests ducks and fish.

Looking back at these pictures, I am in awe of her vibrant red hair. These are the times when I ask myself, Will I look back in one, two, three years and wonder, where did all the red go?

May 2011
Two loveys under arm, we took Mikayla to have her tubes put in. The surgery was a piece of cake (such a relief) and with ears no longer plugged with fluid, she was able to hear us clearly for the first time in 4 months. We listened and hoped for a language explosion. We waited only a few months before we realized that we needed extra help in this area…

Mallory played T-Ball. The games were both fun as we watched her play, and exhausting as we tried to keep Mikayla from joining her sister out on the field.

Mikayla took a big bug for a walk. She loved on him and it started a real love for all things creepy and crawly.

June 2011
She graduated from preschool. From that point forward her eyes were set on Kindergarten in September.

We made a big decision to move back to Woodbury. I never could have imagined how “right” the move would really feel…

She continued to love on all things creepy and crawly. When she met a toad for the first time she acted exactly as I had imagined-loving every last hop the little green toad took.

July 2011
I thought I had a really great idea when we spontaneously decided to go the Air Expo. Yikes. Fail.

We moved. I was exhausted and slightly overwhelmed with the never-ending to-do list that went along with it. One of my slowest blog months yet…

August 2011
Mikayla turned two and we celebrated for weeks.

We stumbled upon some snakes. Enough said.

September 2011
Mallory climbed up on the big yellow bus on her way to her very first day of Kindergarten. She has continued to love every single day. That is the only highlight this month needs…

October 2011
We adjusted to the school routine with only a few bumps along the way. Fridays continue to be hard days, but knowing what to expect makes it a little more bearable.

Not once, but twice. Mallory lost both of her front teeth within days of each other. Her toothless smile never gets old.

Mikayla thought a French fry belonged up her nose, instead of in her mouth. It was a very long 24 hours and a very very expensive small order of French fries.

November 2011
It snowed just once. We were lucky enough to see about 4 inches of the fluffy white stuff. Mallory took full advantage of the winter fun and played until her cheeks were raw with hives, thus showing us that her Cold Uticaria is still present. This has been the only measurable snow fall to date…

Mikayla made leaps and bounds with her language. She is now currently yelling for her sister in full “MAWaWEEE” We love every new word that she works so hard to say. She babbles enough for a classroom full of toddlers and we are starting to see sentences and questions (why?) fall into place.

December 2011
The month of the holidays. We packed as much fun as possible into the first 25 days of December. There was cookie bakes, Santa visits, gingerbread building, shopping trips to pick out secret gifts, a Christmas Tree meant just for us, and so much more. I really feel at peace with the traditions that we have started and continued as a family. The blend of traditions that are decades old coupled with the ones that we started when our family started give us warm fuzzies that will carry us well into the new year.

Here we stand on the doorstep of 2012. What will it bring for all of us and what will the recap look like in 365 days? I cannot wait to find out!

Christmas Un-wrapped

2011-12-27T20:32:00.001-06:00

As I sit here on December 27th I feel a bit overwhelmed. I want and need to document our memories from this Christmas but my mind is a flutter with the Christmas Hangover we all have. For the sake of all things holly-berry I will remember, more with pictures than words.

Christmas Eve was spent with my Dad’s side of the family. It was a nice full day of appetizers, family, and gifts. My dad hosted and he did an amazing job decorating. It bled Christmas just like it used to and it all felt so festive.

One of the best gifts was from Kate to Mikayla. A dress up doctor outfit. Scrubs, a white coat, a hat and mask. Mikayla loved getting it and I am pretty sure it is safe to say Kate loved giving it to her.

Christmas Morning
One of the chart toppers as far as family Christmas mornings go. The girls were so excited. The dog was even exited to open her gifts!

Mallory was thrilled to get exactly what she asked for from Santa-a white dog with a purple leash. The dog barked before she got the wrapping paper off and her eyes were so shocked. With this picture you can almost hear the squeal she let out…

Lucy tried to sit patiently and wait for the kids to finish opening her presents. She gave a good effort and scratching them open, but two eager helpers pitched in to finish the job. She squeaked her new toy for the remainder of the morning…

Santa brought Mikayla duck decoys. She wasted no time once she opened her plastic bugs in having the two play together. This age is so fun.

It doesn’t get much better than this. My two girls, fancy dresses, both smiling, standing in front of our beloved tree. An absolute “framer”.

Christmas day down in Jordan. Kentucky came home! Here are all five cousins together. The older kids picked up right where they left off. After hugs and smiles, they busily set off playing family…

How to feed Santa’s Reindeer

2011-12-23T20:42:00.001-06:00

You need just a few things to successfully feed Santa’s Reindeer.

1. Most importantly, you need the idea. Giving credit where credit is due, feeding Santa’s reindeer was not my idea. I saw it on Kelle Hampton’s Blog, Enjoying The Small Things. She threw her kids an amazing “North Pole Party” where, among other things, they put together some food for the reindeer.

2. You need a pantry with a few opened packages of random dried goods you are wanting to get rid of. Our recipe included rice cakes that needed crushing. Rice cakes are good source of “crunch” for the reindeer while they wait for Santa to drop the gifts off at our house. Corn meal. This is good for keeping the reindeer feeling full longer, thus being able to continue on with the very busy night that they have. Hot cocoa mix. Mallory thought this was to keep them warm (she is so smart). I added that the sugary cocoa mix also gives them the extra energy boost they needed to lift the sleigh off the ground. Shredded carrots. Because, hello, we all need vegetables in our diet. And finally, glitter. How else would they see the food if we didn’t add the sparkly glitter for Rudolph’s nose to shine on letting them know where their snack is.

3. You need a few willing kids who are full of wonder and awe. Have them help crush, mix, shred, and sprinkle.

4. With Wonder and Awe by your side take the food outside and have them decide where the best spot to drop the food would be. We talked about where the sleigh would land, how far apart all 9 reindeer would stand and where we thought Santa would fly off to next. Little Wonder kept saying “See ho, ho, ho?” Big Awe kept telling her that we “Wouldn’t be seeing Santa until tomorrow night—when we sneak out and take a peek when we hear his jingle bells.” Something tells me Awe won’t be getting a very good nights sleep this Christmas Eve…

Here Mallory checks out the ratio between grass and chimney entrance for Santa.






Four easy steps to add some sparkle to the season. Now if I am really lucky, we will wake up tomorrow to a few deer grazing on the food we left out in the yard. Eating all the food before the reindeer have a chance?? No! They are testing it out to report back to the reindeer to let the know that this place has the good stuff!

Snowman Funny

2011-12-21T20:57:00.001-06:00

Photo courtesy of guy-sports.com

Pre-Christmas 2011

2011-12-19T05:56:00.000-06:00

As you have all read, I have preached that the season of Christmas is not just about receiving. The girls have listened and have enjoyed making traditions and giving back to others to learn what it is all about to truly celebrate Christmas.

I would be lying if I didn’t say how fun it is to watch the girls excitement as the holiday unfolds before us. We are lucky. The girls have presents under the tree and we have thoroughly enjoyed picking out a few things that we know will make them smile. With a 5 year old and a 2 year old this year is going to top the excitement charts. It is sure to be an exciting few days watching our girls tear into gifts and squeal with delight when they see what is waiting for them under shiny paper and inside cardboard boxes.

I cannot wait.

She opened one gift this weekend and check out that smile!

Kentucky comes home in 6 days. That means Mallory will be able to wrap her arms around her cousins that she has been missing so much lately. She told me yesterday that the first thing she is going to do is “run and give them the biggest hug ever!”
If this moment plays out in front of me like I am envisioning, I am going to be a mess of tears. We are going to drink in as much family and fun as we can over the holiday weekend that is to come…

Toddler Play

2011-12-15T20:55:00.001-06:00

When toddlers are left to their imaginations
you never know what you might find…

As I was making dinner, I opened the cupboard to pull out the toaster and this is what I found.
Apparently sisters needed a tan before they headed to South Beach.
Please note: the toaster is never plugged in unless up on the counter out of reach.
Calm.Down.

Kitchen/Great room of the doll house
Does this mean the cow was invited for dinner or steak was served as the main course?

Giant cookies for dessert in the attic!
“What’s that Dad? You want to know where we got our great tan?
Oh, we have the perfect spot…”

Looks like the dog was treated to the leftovers from dinner…

Gingerbread House-2011

2011-12-14T05:51:00.000-06:00

We headed to the Lindner’s this year to partake in the 3rd annual Gingerbread making extravaganza. The moral of this year’s tale is
“Remember what you’ve learned from mistakes made in past years.”

The men always build the structure. It’s just what they do. This year was no different, they both got right to work. They started out with very similar strategies.

Frosting glue, cookie sides, frosting glue, cookie roof…

Somewhere, somehow, the Lindner Lodge mistakenly read their house plans wrong. It might have something to do with the immediate “blizzard” that fell upon the roof or maybe it was the way the designers took hold to the roof with candy shingles…whatever happened it was not good.

They tried more frosting glue and that didn’t work. So they tried some more glue, and that still didn’t work.

As you can see, once again, Mallory snacked her way through the decorating process. She loves this day. She has come a long way in her three short years of being a decorator. This year she had a method and a small strategy to the way she placed the candy on the house.

Mikayla decorated her own cookies and loved spreading the frosting, shaking the sprinkles, and tasting as she went along.

Abbie watched contentedly from her highchair eating crackers and sipping on milk. Once again, we commented on how different one year from now will be…three sets of messy fingers and sprinkles on the floor from wall to wall.

Above: Mallory’s Masterpiece. Below: Poor Lindner Lodge

Sisters. A new milestone

2011-12-11T19:53:00.001-06:00

Mallory you are one month shy of six and Mikayla you are all of your two years. It is two weeks before Christmas and our house is in full Holiday-Prep mode. We are all Merry with the season… You two are amazing little girls.

From the minute we brought Mikayla home from the hospital, Mallory embraced her big sister role. She never once asked for her to leave, never tried to push her away, and always wanted to help. Mikayla continues growing up only knowing the position of the younger sister. She has a sister she runs to if her parents put her in a timeout. She gives an occasional “hooorraaaay!” when Mallory gets home from school. Over the past three years their relationship has grown and changed, and recently we are seeing a real bond emerge. Thursday morning Mikayla cried and cried because she didn’t want Mallory to go to school. Mallory got down on her level and said “It’s okay Mikayla. I promise to play with you when I get home and then in just 2 days I get my weekend and we can play for two whole days.” Mikayla gave a tearful “yep” and Mallory stuck to her word, playing with her that afternoon and all weekend long. From school to daycare and bake sale to cake walks, they have played and played for the last two days. They snuggled on the couch to watch a few Christmas classics, they giggled together while taking a bubble bath and they attended Mallory’s wedding. It was a very eventful weekend.

Sounds just about perfect doesn’t it?

Well, I wouldn’t be who I was if I didn’t give it to you straight up. Mallory and Mikayla, you two also have learned to fight like sisters. A toothless blonde wanting to be in charge and a red headed two year old who just wants to do it her way--you have a recipe for a knock down brawl. Mikayla growls and swats and Mallory screeches “I am telling mom!”

The dynamics between the two of you, on most days, is wonderful. The other moments during our long winter weekend days, seem slightly daunting. I can see the crumbles begin to fall and before long you both are a mess of screeches and screams with tears following not far behind.

I’ll be honest, as I have seen it begin to unfold, I was nervous and slightly annoyed with the new milestone. I barked at them to stop and I pleaded with each to just get along. Quickly, I realized that this is an important step for their relationship. It is one that they need to figure out for years and years to come. So I am learning to step back. I listen to make sure the swats and screams don’t turn into fist throws and bloody noses. There are times when I will talk with each about what the “situation” was about, and then there are other times when I let a spat go un-discussed. Sometimes one comes running to tattle and other times they move on and as quickly as it started, it is done.

This new milestones means the depth and the strength of the sister bond that you have is growing stronger. I hope that we are giving you the home environment that is needed to grow a relationship that will not crumble under any circumstances. I hope you go about your days knowing that someone always has your back. When your first boyfriend breaks your heart, I hope you crawl into bed with your sister and cry until you giggle knowing that you are much better off without that stupid boy. I hope that when your parents rules drive you both crazy, you can stay up late and talk all about how they are out to ruin both of your lives. Go ahead, devise a game plan to break free (I dare you). If either of you ever choose to marry, I hope the other is standing witness, even if she is the only witness you have to the union. And when one of you finds out you are about to become a mother, I hope you pick up the phone and know exactly who deserves one of the very first phone calls.

You two have each other for now and forever.
Hug. Swat. Growl. Giggle.
For now and forever…

It’s more than just a tree

2011-12-07T06:17:00.000-06:00

I had visions of us plowing through the “forest” walking circles around rows and rows of pine trees until, under the shining light from above, we would proclaim that “This is it. This is our tree.” I should know better than to go into with a planned, perfect expectation in my head..

From the minute I woke up on the day of the big Christmas tree adventure, I felt off. I had a long weekend filled with less than normal sleep and more than normal delicious food. I went about the day, played outside with the kids and shoveled the driveway, tried to eat lunch, addressed our Christmas cards and just tried to ignore the anger that was my gut. When we piled into the van and headed 3 miles down the road to the tree farm, I wasn’t feeling any better. Long story short, Brent and the kids walked around for 10 minutes before I called them back and said I needed to go home. Brent walked down one aisle of pre-cut trees, told the employee what type he was looking for and grabbed the first one they recommended. He strapped it to the roof and we were on our way home.

Once we got the tree in the house and in the stand we gave him a big drink of water and let him thaw out overnight before we decorated it. Slowly over the next 24 hours his branches began to fall and I fell in love with our tree. I never knew there was such a place for a happy feeling when it comes to a tree… The smell, the size, the softness of the branches, the fact that the tree is so fat it looks like it is stuffed with more branches than normal, this tree couldn’t have been a better fit for our very first Eid Family Christmas Tree.

When the tree was ready to be decorated, like typical kids, the girls had a blast hanging the ornaments. They picked special spots for their ornaments and just the right branch to hold it up.

Standing lit in our living room, this tree looks like it was meant to be in no other house than our own. I am pretty sure a light was shining down on this very tree,
pointing at us to “pick me! pick me!” and I am so glad Brent did.

Ho, Ho, Ho! No. No. No.

2011-12-05T15:58:00.001-06:00

We went to visit Santa this weekend, as per the handbook for two-year olds, Mikayla acted exactly has anticipated, she wanted absolutely nothing to do with the Jolly Man. I had been asking her for a few days leading up to the visit if she was going to sit on his lap and she flat out told me No, so I wasn’t disappointed when she stuck to her word.

Mallory sat next to Santa talked to him for a minute or two and then told him she wanted a white dog with a purple leash. She also agreed with him when he asked if she was being a good girl. Our ~~super expensive~~ ~~semi-~~professional picture shows only Mallory and Santa. Mallory is flashing her best “I know I am supposed to be okay sitting next to this bearded man, but in my book the jury is still out” look. Mikayla was doing a life-saving cling on Brent’s leg so she was unable to be photographed.

We did take one last picture to show that Mikayla was in fact with us this year. She gave a big wave to Santa, standing safely behind the evergreen hedge.

Mission Tradition is back

2011-12-01T19:50:00.001-06:00

Two years ago I started thinking long and hard about how I wanted the holidays to feel in our home. We had our family completed and Mallory was just at the age where she was starting to understand what the holidays were all about. Among other things, I started the tradition of Brightwing. He is our Book Elf. He travels all the way from the North Pole to bring out our Christmas books for us to read for the season. This year, when our small tree was put up, and as we anticipate the big “real” tree we will cut down in a few days, Mallory asked if Brightwing was going to come. She loves reading, and she could not wait for him to come and leave the books for her to read. (I was beyond thrilled that she remembered this tradition! We are helping her build the memories and traditions that make this season what it is all about…)

Her anticipation grew as a few days went by before Brightwing came to visit. When she woke up this morning and walked into the family room her mouth dropped open like it was Christmas morning. HE CAME! HE CAME!! BRIGHTWING CAME! She was so excited. She didn’t know what to look at first. He not only dropped of our Christmas books and coloring books, he also decorated our mantel with brand new stockings. She was in awe and I loved it.

Next to one of the new books he left letters for both of the girls:

Dear Mallory,
YOU CAN READ!
We at the North Pole are so proud of you! Santa and I have been watching you. You really love Kindergarten! You have been a very good girl. Remember to continue to practice patience and be grateful for all that you have and all of those people who love you.
Love, Brightwing

Dear Mikayla,
Merry Christmas! You are working really hard at sharing your toys and playing with your big sister. Santa and I see how hard you are working at being the best 2 year old you can. Keep up the good work! Oh and Santa is not scary! Go ahead and sit on his lap—he wants to know what you want for Christmas!
Love, Brightwing

Mallory read her whole letter (by herself, stumbling only on patience and grateful) and said, “Ohhh they do see me at school.” When she moved to Mikayla’s she said, “This has to be for Mikayla because it does not say anything about Kindergarten”.

The Brightwing tradition is here to stay. They spent the better part of the afternoon, after school, paging through Christmas books. Watching Mallory attempt to read “Silent Night” to Mikayla, ranked right up there as a big warm fuzzy moment. Even when the girls know that Brightwing only exists in their imaginations, he will still show up a few days after the tree goes up, each and every year…

My mind is Holiday wandering…

2011-11-30T14:18:00.001-06:00

It has been less than one week since Thanksgiving and I already feel like our life has begun the blur that is the Holiday season. This year I am promising to enjoy it all. Our calendar days are quickly filling up with fun events that give this season meaning. Most our traditions, and those I love most. Holiday baking, Gingerbread decorating, present wrapping, Christmas decorating, music playing—we are welcoming the season with open arms. Mikayla has joined the “awe” stage of the season and every string of lights is deemed a “Tissmmass teeee”. Mallory now remembers traditions from the past, and I love hearing her talk about each one. All the traditions, wrapped up together, make Christmas magical for her, for all of us really…

Our Thanksgiving weekend was very nice. We filled our tummies to the brim with good food, we were sure to share our thankfulness and we survived the first holiday weekend with Brent working. Thankful for employment, this alone made it much easier to send him off to work after a delicious turkey dinner.

In the days to come we will bundle up in our warmest winter gear, drive to our local tree farm and cut down the Eid Family Christmas Tree. Are you laughing at the thought of us out in some forest with an ax? Ya better be…

Stories and traditions to come as we engulf ourselves in the Season!

How to Cook a Turkey

2011-11-23T14:02:00.001-06:00

Mallory’s Kindergarten class had a chance to describe how they would cook a turkey. Grab a glass of cider, sit back and get ready to laugh because this is hilarious. I love the workings of little minds…

How to Cook a Turkey!
By Mrs. Hoel’s Kindergarten 2011

Andrew—Put the turkey in a pan. Cook it 1000 degrees in the oven. Take it out and put some mashed potatoes inside of it and stuffing. Then, you’re done.

Ben—Put it on a tray and put it in a really big oven. Press the button that says start. It has to be 10 minutes hot. Cook it for two more minutes after the ten minutes. Don’t put anything on it. Just cut it and eat it.

Brooke—Turn it in the oven and then we put it in. Put it in with salt and pepper on it. Make it a little hot for six seconds. Then we eat it.

David--Put the turkey in a big metal pot. Then it cooks. Turn the lever to get it hot, like 100 degrees. Cook it for an hour or two. Then you take it out of the big metal pot. Then, eat it!

Devin—Draw a face and make turkey wings. Cut it first. Put it in the oven. Put salt on it. Make it six and keep it in there for eight minutes. Then you eat it. Put sugar on it and salt and butter and yellow cheese.

Hailey—I would baste it and bake it. Put stuffing on it and then put carrots on top of it. Then we cook it in the oven 150 for 23 seconds. Then we have to smush it up and put it back in the oven and set it in for 10 seconds. And then mark off one tally on our sheets and that would mean one day that we cooked the turkey. Put some salt on it and some pepper. Put eggs on top of it and a little syrup too. We just put one drop of syrup. We put some fish on top of it. That’s it.

Janae—Go find a turkey. Cut it first. Then put it in the oven in a pan. Make it cook for 24 minutes. Then cut it up and eat it. Put some sweet and sour sauce on it. Then eat it!

Juliana—Put it in the oven and baste it and you cook it until it smells so nice. It has to get like this hot (with hands). Keep it in there for like 11 minutes. Then you baste it and eat it. Make sure you put stuffing inside it. Eat it.

Kaitlin- So you do a neck like a straight, then you do a little gobble. Find a turkey, then you cut it then you put it in the oven to back a little bit. Then you take it out and you stuff it. The you have to put it back in the oven for 20 minutes. You have to make sure to put it in the right area. It will spill if you don’t put it in the right area. Then you have to make sure the turkey is really good so it won’t be so disgusting. Put a little salt in it, just a little bit. Put it on a plate when you’re done. Make sure it’s not really have feathers on it. Make sure that it’s not too salty. Make sure you have to have stuff to stuff the turkey and if you don’t stuff the turkey it will be not like a puffy one. Make there’s something on the bottom so it won’t be sinking when you put it in the oven.

Kristina—Take the wrapper off of it. Then put it in the oven. It has to be 18 hot. It has to stay in the oven 17 long. Take it out of the oven. Put some gravy on it. Then you can eat it.

Luke—Baste it. Cook it. Stuff it with mashed potatoes. Put it on a tray and maybe put some salt on it and pepper. Then you eat it. Maybe put the oven 50 degrees. Leave it there for 20 minutes. Take it out. Let it cool off. Then you can eat it.

Lilliana—Eat the pumpkin pie. Baste the turkey. Make it hot in the oven. It has to get really hot, like super hot. Keep it that way for 5 hours. Put some salt on it. Take it out of the oven and then eat it.

Madelyn—I think you cut it, then you put it in the oven. Put it on a tray. Make it a little tasty. Put salt on the turkey. Maybe a little sprinkles. Make it super hot, but I don’t know how long for. Then, you have to let it cool off. Eat it.

Mallory—Put like baking soda on it maybe. Then you put salt on it. Then you put it in the oven to bake, of course! You have to put flour so it doesn’t stick to the pan. You have to put it on a pan so it doesn’t get burnt. It is 35 degrees. It should stay that way until it’s done, about 35 minutes. Take it out of the oven and let it cool and then you cut it and then you eat it. Just put some salt on it. Maybe put some flour on it to make it more tasty. Maybe some sugar, too. Then it’s ready to eat!

Matthew—How you make it burn is you put it on the thing that has the fire under it and it has a straight line and it holds it up. Burn it for awhile, probably 17 minutes. They you might baste it and you taste it. Take the blood out and put some good tasting stuff in.

Nate—I would bake it in the oven. I think you put spice on it. We have to kill it first. We have to put stuffing in it. We baste it. I think 50 degrees. You cook it for a minute or two. We take it out of the oven. Put some hot spices on it before you eat it.

Parker—I put it in the sink and clean out all the fat. Then we baste it. I sometimes take a little bite when mom and dad are downstairs. I think we cook it in the oven because I don’t remember. It has to be as hot as cookies. You turn this little thing and then you uh, it just cooks. And then you hear this little beep and then it’s done and then you can eat it. It probably should stay in there like five minutes. I don’t really put stuff on mine, sometimes I do. I sometimes put hot sauce on it. Then we eat it and that’s all!

Rebecca—First, you take off the skin. Then you put it in the oven. It should be medium hot. Leave it in there until it beeps. You take it out. Put some salt on it. Put it on the table and then you eat it.

Reese—First unthaw it. Baste it. Then, put it in the oven. Turn it on. It doesn’t really matter how hot it gets. Leave it there for about a couple minutes. Take it out. I think you put on some salt. That’s all.

Reyhaan—Put it in the oven, then bake it. It has to get warm. Keep it in there for 30 minutes. Put it on a plate and then eat it.

Vandalyn—Grab a knife and cut it. Put some seasoning on it. Put it in the oven and cook it. It doesn’t need to get that hot, not too much, just a little bit. It needs to stay in the oven for like 10 minutes. Take it out of the oven. I can’t remember what to put on it. Eat it.

Snow!

2011-11-19T18:46:00.001-06:00

Since becoming a parent, one of my favorite days of the year is the first day it snows. It never ceases to amaze the kids and watching them experience it is so much fun. Mallory saw it falling first and she exclaimed “It is SNOWING!! THIS IS SO COOL!” She sounded so much older than she did last year… Mikayla looked outside and said “Oh yeah nooow” Her response made it seem like she sees snow every single day.

The snow had barely covered the ground and Mallory was begging to go outside and play. She bundled herself up and out she went. Barely skimming the ground and not nearly enough to make a snow ball, she had a blast. She came in, warmed up and when Mikayla woke up from her nap we bundled her up and we all went outside. Mikayla took one look at the snow, squinted her bright blue eyes and said “Bye Bye nooow”. She took a few steps onto the driveway, but the driving snow was no fun for her. She kept telling the snow bye-bye and when I told her we couldn’t make the snow go away, she turned around and went in the garage to play.

When Brent got home from work they all bundled up again and headed out back. One long sled ride, a snowball fight, and lots of tackles, they all had a blast. It is going to take some getting used to for Mikayla, but with Brent as her dad, she has no choice but to love snow.

School Picture 2011

2011-11-14T06:55:00.000-06:00

During the first few months of school, on one scheduled day, school pictures are taken. When I was in school, this day was so very important. I made sure my hair was in place, I picked out the best outfit, and I made sure to follow my Grandma Crandall’s orders when she said “show your beautiful teeth when you smile”. I sent Mallory to school on picture day armed with some of the same advice. More importantly, I told her to “make sure you smile so I can see your wiggly teeth!” I knew we were days away from her teeth falling out and that this picture would absolutely capture a “moment”. I wasn’t as concerned about her outfit and her “picture perfect” hair as I wanted this picture to show Mallory on her school day. Sure I made she wore a cute shirt and I made sure I brushed her hair before she bolted out the door, but let’s be honest, this certainly isn’t the only picture I have of Mallory as a Kindergartener.

She is in Kindergarten. Her teeth were wiggly for just 6 weeks into her school year before they fell out. She loves her teacher and her other classmates. Her closest friends are Brooke, Reese, and Julia. Her favorite hot lunch meal is a toss up between French Toast Sticks or Spaghetti. If she brings her lunch from home she takes a cheese sandwich, a bag of Cheetos or plain potato chips, a few carrots and grapes, and (if she’s lucky) a treat from mom, all packed inside her Princess lunch box. She is reading sentences, putting them together to read and understand books. Every time she reads a book to me, I get a little fluttery inside. Listening to your child read, as they are learning to sound out words, is a pretty incredible milestone. She constantly sings songs that she learns in Music Class. She has several friends on the school bus and a few boys who may or may not tease her as she isn’t quite sure what “teasing” really is. One of the boys who “may or may not have teased her” smiled and said “Hi!” to her the next day…this fact alone makes me weak in the knees.

She is confident. She is happy. She is learning so much everyday.
She is my Kindergartner.

Polar Bear?

2011-11-12T13:07:00.001-06:00

The most important audience to these memories are my daughters. One is just beginning to read simply sentences, the other too young to understand that words put together make sentences, but to me it does not matter. I write for them. In a handful of years these words may not even be “published” on the internet. They will sit, bound in a book on a shelf, waiting to be read by my girls.

I visited with my mom yesterday afternoon. Giving my dad the night off, I offered to her help her drink her daily can of Diet Coke and feed her dinner. Moving back to Woodbury has opened up a part of my mom’s memory bank that I love tapping into. She remembers the layout of this house. I can tell her the different changes we are making to it to make it ours. Like a typical mother, some changes she likes, others she isn’t so fond of.

She always asks me about the deer. “Have you seen any deer?” She usually tells the same story about the 12 deer (pretty sure this number is inflated, but come on, who doesn’t inflate wild life stories?) that played in the backyard on the golf green and sand trap that my dad built. I do remember this memory. So we talk, we laugh and we remember.

On this particular night, my mom’s memory began to wander when we had the following conversation. “We had lots of animals in the backyard… One time (her eyes got as big as saucers) we even had a POLAR BEAR on the DECK!!! If I may interject-we did in fact have a visiting bear for a few weeks about 10 years ago. He was up on the deck (pictures to prove) snacking on the bird seed in the bird feeders. However he was a black bear, not a polar bear. I could barely contain my laughter and I didn’t even try. She caught on to my laughter and kept insisting that it was in fact a polar bear. Once I told her that I knew it was a bear, “but Mom, a polar bear? They live in the North Pole.” Something seemed to click and she giggled along with me… Hmmm she said…and I could see her almost comprehend that she had made the mistake.

When she laughs she is the woman who I remember as my mom. Sometimes I wish she would just snap out of the dementia and be back. One laugh would end and she would say “Whoa…what just happened?” Now wouldn’t that be something…

You at Two

2011-11-05T08:59:00.001-05:00

Mikayla, fittingly I titled this post “You at Two” because you are a full blown two year old. I have many many favorites about you during this age and stage.

You are now referring to yourself as “you”. When I first figured this out, it came on the heels of a very confusing conversation.
Mik: “Momma, book. YOU!”
Me: “Do you want mommy to read you a book?”
Mik: “NO! Momma BOOK YOU!”
Me: “Do you want mommy to look at the book by myself?”
Mik: “NO! MOMMA BOOK YOOOUUUU”
Me: Completely puzzled…taking a guess…”Do you want to read a book by yourself?
Mik: In the sweetest voice. “Yeah. You! Book!”
It has since snowballed. When you want something, you refer to yourself as you. Confusing, sort of. Make senses, absolutely. We are trying to refer to you as Mikayla, as often as we remember.

Speech therapy is going really well. You started in the fall after we waited a handful of months after your tubes went in to see if your language blossomed. To no avail, we needed help. Darby is fabulous and has given us all sorts of tips on helping you articulate the many many words you have. You have full blown conversations saying only a few intelligible words. In two months we have come really far. You are mimicking us and trying really hard to listen to the word and say it how you hear it. We are at a mountain in which we have to break old habits attempting to teach you the correct habits. Word by word, we will get there. I promise to continue to work just as hard as you are.

You are tuned in to all of our emotions. If you see Mallory upset you go right to her to pat her back and tell her “ohhhh nooooo” It’s adorable. Sometimes this perks your sister up, other times it makes her more angry. You take my cheeks in your hands and plant big wet kisses wherever you choose, forehead, eyes, lips and sometimes the tip of my nose. You also like to sweep my hair away from my forehead and give me a kiss. This you learned from me, as I always sweep your hair away and kiss you on your forehead. If you are scolded you run to whoever didn’t do the scolding and ask for some sympathy.

You love your babies. You carry them, feed them, change them when they are “ohhh EWWW stinkkyyy”. You also love to use the doctor kit and play “thdump dump” which is your sound for a heart beat.

Giving your teeny tiny dinosaur a check-up

You play really well. You will head downstairs and play in the playroom all by yourself. Some days you choose to play by yourself more than you choose to play with your daddy or I. You never pass down an opportunity to play with Mallory. You follow her wherever she wants, but you are quick to give your opinion on what the chosen activity is. You also love to play hide and seek. Most days you find a better hiding spot, staying much quieter, than your older sister. It is so fun to watch you play. You count “Da. Two. Teee. Two. Teee. Two. TEEE.”

Playing Hide and Seek with your dad-you and your sister found a prize winning hiding spot!

You still love bugs. We are closing in on the season where most of our bugs will be taking a long winters’ nap, and I am curious if you will still love them next spring. You drop whatever you are doing to pick up a bug and play with it. It is remarkable to me. You call them all “bees”. You go on bug hunts…they aren’t over until your little fingers are full of tiny bugs.

Mikayla, time is going by way too fast. I am watching you blossom into a little girl with such a vibrant and fun personality. You continue to be persistent and polite with just enough spunk to keep me on my toes. Thanks for the days filled with fun and smiles!

Halloween 2011

2011-10-31T20:30:00.001-05:00

With the loss of Mallory’s two front teeth, she was (less than) thrilled when I asked her if she wanted to be the tooth fairy. I thought the idea was so great. She changed her mind and signed up with a big YES! when I told her Mikayla would toddle behind as a giant white tooth. The costume making itself proved to be semi-easy once I jumped the hurdle of “but I am not crafty”. A few tooth embellishments on a current fairy gown and Mallory’s costume was done. Mikayla’s tooth took a little bit of help from our neighbor as well as some putzy work on Brent’s old T-shirt. I was pretty happy with the outcome—more so because I did it then the actual resemblance that Mikayla was to a tooth.

Once again we celebrated Halloween until our costumes nearly fell apart. The kids’ buckets (and bellies) are full of treats. We started the weekend off with the annual Halloween party at my mom’s apartment. Grandma LOVED the kids and was happy to hand out as much candy as anyone would take. Sunday we headed south and visited Brent’s family. His Aunt and Uncle were happy to hand out some candy and the girls loved the horses they have. Grandma and Grandpa Eid spoiled the kids…It was the first Halloween in 6 years that we didn’t celebrate with Caleb and Ava (we miss you all!). The weekend finished with our traditional dinner with the Jovles and the Moehrings. Kristen and John added to our costumed bunch with baby Molly who made the most adorable peapod I have ever seen.

Brent made it very clear that we were ALL dressing up on Halloween itself. As excited as he was, I couldn’t let him down. We surprised the kids as Raggedy Ann and Andy. Mallory was ecstatic that we were dressed up too. Grandpa Crandall’s house was the first stop and from there we came back home and trick or treated around the neighborhood.

We all had fun and by the time we came inside at the end of the night, I was plenty ready to say Goodbye to Halloween 2011.

Pumpkins!

2011-10-28T05:28:00.000-05:00

Family Fun Night! We carved pumpkins in preparation for Halloween. Brent was the most excited about this activity, followed closely by Mallory. The girls were interested in the process for all of 5 minutes before Brent and I were forced to take over and finish up.

Rundown:
**Mikayla dug in the pumpkin for 1 minute before declaring “EWWWW” in the most gruff voice you can imagine. She then found a spider crawling on the pumpkin and all was okay. I kid you not.

**Mallory was really really excited. She put on grubby clothes, she watched intently as we carved the tops off and when it was her turn to take the guts out she was all ready to go! Three minutes later her hands were freezing and she needed a trike break.
**Brent didn’t want just a normal jack-o-lantern face. He went all out and when it was all said and done he proclaimed “That is the best pumpkin I’ve ever carved.”

**I achieved perfection when one of the pictures I took of the girls showed them both smiling HUGE happy smiles.

Next up…celebrating Halloween for five straight days!

Typical

2011-10-25T05:57:00.000-05:00

It’s pretty typical to see pink cowgirl boots pedaling down the street.
It is also pretty typical to see a blow up duck, in the middle of fall, with not a puddle of water in sight.
Typical. Fun.

Saplings

2011-10-24T05:59:00.000-05:00

Mallory hops on the bus every morning and the adventures continue for Mikayla and I around here. One particular day Mikayla and I were visiting with our neighbor. Mikayla was on a hunt for pinecones and stumbled upon a few new baby trees. Before long we were digging up the little trees and hoping they would survive through the winter sitting on our window sill in front of our kitchen sink. They look out over the deck and into the big backyard.

Being as creative as I am (insert a big giant HAHAHAHAHA), I headed to Michael's and bought three ceramic pots. I came home, pulled out our accent paint and made three cute little pots valued at $2.50. Mikayla had the big job of filling the tiny pots up with dirt. She took her job very seriously…

Houseplants wouldn’t be the same if they weren’t given names, so from left to right meet: Bruce the Spruce (named by yours truly), twins are Rose and Tulip (named by Mallory) and finally, Evie the Evergreen (named by Brent). I would love if these little trees grew enough to make it to the backyard.

The French Fry Story

2011-10-20T18:58:00.001-05:00

Fresh from memory, less than 24 hours old, here is how it really went during the two days Mikayla decided to stick house flies and French fries up her nose.

Day 1: Visiting relatives in Ashland Wisconsin, we were admiring the views of Lake Superior atop the look out tower at the Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center. Mikayla could have given a hoot about the lake as she was much more interested in the house flies that were almost asleep for winter. They wiggled just enough to grab her attention but not enough to get away. Game on. Mikayla snatched fingers full of flies before we headed into the elevator to travel down the two floors to the gift shop. Admiring the facts on the elevator walls, Brent and I didn’t pay much attention to what Mikayla was doing. When we got to the bottom floor I looked down at Mikayla and her hands were clean of the flies and I didn’t see a single fly on the ground. “Mikayla, where are your flies?” Brent muttered something along the lines of “I would bet money she ate them". It was all funny until she looked at me, pointed and said “NOSE!” Wide eyed, Brent and I looked at each other and asked her if she stuck the flies up her nose. “Yeah. Yeah!” she answered. A flashlight, a rolling industrial cart, and a keen eye, I saw the evidence shoved up her nostril. Within a few minutes Brent sprung into action and Mikayla was able to blow not one, but two, still alive flies out of her nose. Super funny Mikayla. “We do not shove flies up our nose.”

Day 2: Three hours into our four hour car ride home, it was getting close to lunch time so we stopped to supplement our car lunch we had packed. Mikayla always loves a good gr French fry so we picked her up some fries to munch on. At this point in our trip, Brent and I just wanted to get home. We’ve had fun, but we have laundry and house projects waiting for us at home. Not to mention the girls are exhausted and needed baths before the day could end for any of us. Five minutes down the road Mikayla utters “Uh OH! Nose!” And she started to cry. I looked back and asked her if she shoved the French fry up her nose and she said yes and she was mad. Screaming and in pain, French fries don’t feel as nice as house flies, and this she lets us know about. We tried to have her blow her nose, but she wanted nothing to do with letting us get even remotely close to her nose. A quick call to our clinic and I was told if you can see the object but cannot get it out you need to come in and have it removed. Fair enough. We were hoping that with all of her crying she sucked it back in and swallowed it. She settled down and when we got home, Brent grabbed a flashlight and once again, we could see the culprit shoved right up her nostril. Thirty minutes later I packed Mikayla back in the van and headed up to the doctors office. I thought I was going to head into the office and be out in 15 minutes, French fry dislodged, funny story number two done and only a memory, and I would make it home for Mikayla’s nap.
Wrong (haven’t I learned that Mikayla has taught me to never EVER underestimate her). A burrito wrapped Mikayla made things somewhat easier, but bit by bit the fry broke apart and the doctor was having no luck removing the “large chunk” wedged up far into Mikayla’s nose. One hour later I left the office headed straight for an ENT who was to try and remove the “foreign body”. You see, it was then given a medical term. This is not so funny. The pediatrician could not successfully remove the fry. Using a small nasal vacuum, the ENT had no luck either. This left us with surgery scheduled for the next morning. I am pretty sure I said, on more than one occasion, “Are you kidding me? This has got to be a joke”.

Thursday morning we headed to the surgery center for Mikayla’s FFE (French Fry Extraction-coined by Grandpa Crandall). After a long wait for a late doctor, it was finally Mikayla’s turn. The fry was lodged so far up and had caused swelling and irritation, they needed to give her an IV, put a breathing tube in, and give her heavy sedation so they could clean out both nostrils, making sure no debris was left behind. When the doctor asked if I wanted to keep the French fry, I quickly answered “yes”. I needed to document every bit of this tale…
It took her 5 seconds to shove the fry up her nose, 2 different doctors to attempt removal, and 15 minutes of sedation to get the fry guts out.

We are going to talk long and hard over the next few weeks about shoving NOTHING up nostrils. And Lord, I hope she gets it.

Above is the actual evidence (minus the dime)

I do not want her to be a repeat patient for “Foreign Object Removal” surgery.

Family Pictures

2011-10-11T21:41:00.001-05:00

What type of Eid family Christmas card will land in your mailbox this year?

It really sparkles

2011-10-09T05:58:00.000-05:00

Our new kitchen. It sparkles. When night falls and the house quiets down, I sit by the new lights and all I can say is “It really sparkles.”

Should I tell you all the whole story or just leave you with before and after pictures? Its been a long 10 weeks. Filled with lessons learned and broken rock that was supposed to be our center island. It was filled with refrigerators that were too big and workmen showing up well past their chosen “window”. We had best friends step in and help put up a backsplash that gives everyone who walks into the kitchen the desire to “just touch it”. It holds new light fixtures that now show our taste and not my parents. We sit around a table that has nothing but memories from when I was little. Solid oak chairs that I sat on when I was 5 and now Mallory sits on the same chair. We painted over pink walls and took down valances that were a sign of the times—circa 1991.

It is warm. It is complete. It is ours. And it sparkles…

In order to save space, I made three separate photo albums throughout the process.

Lights, backsplash, COMPLETE!

VIEW SLIDE SHOW

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Invitation for Friday Fun Day

2011-10-07T05:42:00.000-05:00

You are cordially invited to a Friday night sleepover at our house. Our five year old gets off the bus at 4:15pm. It would be in your best interest if you would be here around that time. You are sure to see her bounce off the bus and fall into a puddle of “woe’s me’s”

She usually cries when snack isn’t promptly served.
She usually weeps when it is time to come inside after a few precious minutes of ~~whining~~ playing. If you are lucky, the time spent at our house on Friday afternoon, will even contain a push or shove from one sister to another.

Bring your appetite because by the time dinner is served our Kindergartener can barely function enough to eat what is served. If she is given a choice as to what she wants to eat, she will sniffle and cry through trying to decide what to eat. If your favorite is the same as hers, in the moment of dinner time, she may not even like what was once her favorite. It makes for such a relaxing dinner hour…

Excited yet? Just wait.

Staying for the entire night, means you get to experience bedtime on Friday nights. If I could, I would insert a giant *chicken dance* right now. I really would. Just for you. Bedtime on Friday is so.much.fun. She usually whines right up until the exact right story is picked out. When the book is finished she snuggles in bed and I tell her that I love her, no matter what. And if I am really lucky, she will look up to me and say “Even when I am cranky on these days?” Yep. Even when you are cranky, but lights out means lights out and you best sleep for a long time so you sleep the crankies away…

Friday Fun Day and You are invited. Are you in?

Rockstar

2011-10-04T19:38:00.001-05:00

Mal: Mommy this tooth feels like it is going to fall out.
Me: Do you want me to just yank it out for you?
Mal: NO!
Me: Then you are just going to have to wait a few days until it falls out on it’s own. No big deal. Keep wiggling it…

Next thing I knew, I was holding a tiny tooth in my hands. Her eyes were as big as saucers.

After reminding her about the lesson in The Berenstain Bear’s book about Sister Bear losing her front tooth, she gave me the nod to go ahead and pull it out. And I’ll be honest, I had to pull. Hard. She only cried before the whole thing. Nothing during. Nothing after.

If I had to guess, I’d say she’ll give birth to her first baby without an epidural.

Because having your tooth pulled out, is totally comparable to childbirth.

Or not…

And now she looks at least 8 years old. I can barely stand it.

Bump. Tug. POP!

2011-10-02T21:24:00.001-05:00

Today you BUMPED your very loose tooth when you were playing with Julia.

It bled. You cried. But it did not fall out. It was hanging on by a few more threads than what would make it easy to just wiggle out. You wiggled and wiggled, and it bled and bled. When I asked if you wanted me to pull it out, you said “NO! YES! NO! Okay…yes…”

Covered in a bit of toilet paper I wiggled, TUGGED a little bit, and

POP!

The second front tooth is so close to falling out it won’t be long before it is out too. Once again, your look changed in a instant. A bit more grown up and a little bit goofy…

With moving from house to house, we found the tooth fairy pillow that Kate and I used when were little. You stick the little tooth in the rainbow pocket and the Tooth Fairy fills it up with her treasure!

House Projects: Laundry Room

2011-09-30T14:35:00.001-05:00

The laundry room is one of a handful of projects that we’ve been working on. Let’s be really honest, my parents have kept this house in really great condition. To say the least, we were so lucky to walk into a clean, well kept home. The first question most people ask me when they come to our new house is “Is it weird that you are living in your parents house?” The honest truth is that no, it is not. This move has felt right from the minute we committed to it. Has it been easy? No. Moving, unpacking, and standing in the family room of the house I grew up in, took a lot of work. We are trying to make changes that help put our touch, to an already beautiful homestead. With each small project complete, I look around and feel a little bit more like this home feels like ours.

We have learned a lot. Too much at times. To name just a few: Check the Better Business Bureau before signing an agreement with a company. Round Up kills more than just weeds—it kills grass too.

For now, we busted through ripping down some wallpaper and putting a fresh coat of paint up in the laundry room. Picture overload-you’ve been warned.

Before



The kids thought ripping the wallpaper was like opening a Christmas present.

Ripping the wallpaper off was the easy part. Removing every bit of glue gunk, on the other hand, took lots of elbow grease and patience.



Wallpaper ripped off. Glue scraped off (courtesy of Downy fabric softener). Gary stepped in to help paint the ceiling and prime the walls. As we were told by lots of different experts, when it comes to removing wallpaper its all about the prep work…



Prep work done. I was left to myself to finish it up with a couple coats of paint.

Ta Da!
New paint, a new light fixture, new hardware, and (coming soon) a freshly painted back door.



Next up: A finished kitchen remodel!!

Impatiently waiting for Fall

2011-09-27T21:05:00.001-05:00

The girls and I are plenty ready for the change from Summer to Fall. Mallory has been asking for a leaf pile to jump in for at least 2 weeks and I have been all over watching the leaves begin to slowly change from green to the vibrant fall colors we are beginning to see. (I will come back to this post around the last week in January and want to kick this part of me in the head for wishing summer away.)

Sunday morning the weather forecast looked promising for the morning hours so we headed out to find a few fall colors to take our first set of pictures. Problem number one-Mikayla wanted nothing to do with sharing space with her sister. Go figure. This in turn made Mallory put on her “this really isn’t any fun” fake smile. I snapped a couple single shots, decent enough with the bright colors of the Sumacs, and off we went.

We grabbed the wagon and the rake and headed to our neighbors back yard to steal leaves. Our goal was to fill our wagon with leaves and jump all the way until lunch time.

Giggle. Rake. Carry. Giggle. Dump. JUMP. Giggle. Throw. Hide. Giggle…

They threw leaves at each other, they threw leaves at me. They pretended to sleep in the leaves. They jumped and jumped and jumped some more.

17 seconds of smiles and giggles…

Giggles and Leaves

Mallory uttered to me as we pulled the wagon back to the garage when it was well past lunch time, “This was the best morning ever!”

After nap we were all super excited to introduce Sienna to our leaf pile. She wasn’t ready to jump in quite yet just give her a year and it will be all.over.

Chasin’ Butterflies

2011-09-24T14:28:00.001-05:00

Our neighbor came over 2 nights ago with a butterfly perched on a twig. He found her in his yard and he figured it was either injured and unable to fly, or the recent cooler temps were slowing it down too much to be able to take flight. We happily put it in our butterfly box, showered her with twigs, grass, flowers and sugar water, all in hopes of helping her perk up so she would be able to fly away.

When the sun peeked through the clouds today, I told Mallory and her friend Julia that they could take the butterfly outside and see if she was ready to fly.

She wasn’t ready to fly… In fact she was very content hanging out on our finger tips, elbows, hands and shirt sleeves. That little butterfly held onto Mikayla while she walked over to our neighbor’s house to show them.

We gave her fresh flowers, sugar water, and twigs and put her back in her happy box. It looks like she will be spending her few short lived days in Minnesota instead of Mexico.

One note about this next picture. Mallory’s two front teeth are getting really loose. Her side profile shows a two really bucky teeth getting ready to pop out. Her view from the front is slowly starting to show the same feature. Her look is about to change, big time… Any parent out there know, do they come in as bucky as they look when they are ready to fall out? Eeek…if so, braces are definitely in Mallory’s future.

Where is Mallory?

2011-09-19T20:56:00.001-05:00

Is she right there? Nope.
WAIT. Is she way over there? No luck.
Is she over by you mommy? No, not there either…

Does Mikayla spend her lonely days looking for her sister? Wondering, Where could she be? Crying, I miss her so much!?

Nope. To be totally honest, she doesn’t seem to care too much. She is loving her sister-free days. She does wonder if every bus she sees holds Mallory and she squeals and skips with delight when she sees Mallory’s bus come down the hill. However, she waves her arm high and yells “BYE BYE!” when Mallory heads to school. When the bus pulls away she is all set to play the day away. As soon as we walked in the house today after Mallory left, she hustled to the table and started using Mallory’s “favorite” pen and notebook and scribbled away. She is a smart little thing…

Yet another badge

2011-09-16T19:05:00.001-05:00

Not only is it time to revisit the Mom Scout Badges that I talked about a few months ago, it is also time I dig out my Singer and sew on a few new badges for my vest!

I wrote last time about earning a badge if you’ve sent your Kindergartener off to school. Badge earned. I also believe a star should be given out each year if you watch you child drive away on the school bus: heartstrings=pulled.

Survived the first week of adjusting to the new school schedule? Give yourself a badge. I thought the adjustment came on the first day alone. Wow was I ever wrong. One week into it and I think we have it our lowest of lows. Let’s just say I hope it is all unicorns and rainbows from here on out.

Last time, I completely brushed over the topic of badges earned when you have toddlers in your house. Have you potty trained a toddler? Give yourself a badge. Conquer the feat of training a little boy? From what I hear, you should earn a special star if you’ve succeeded in training him.

Do you grocery shop with your toddler on a semi-regular basis? You know you deserve a badge just for thinking about taking your toddler to run errands. Extra stars are given if you have ever; A. caught your toddler climbing out of the cart or B. Used a car-cart.

Have you ever discovered some sort of rodent or reptile in your house that didn’t belong? Give yourself a badge. Special bragging rights go out to you if you had to physically remove the intruder by yourself or if your husband was too scared to do it himself.

Spouse travel a lot for work? Does he hunt or fish more often than you get away for a girls weekend? Solo-parenting is the toughest job. Give yourself a badge. Special stars are awarded for time spent solo adding up to more than 14 days a year.

Once again, I haven’t earned all of the above badges, nor do I hope to some day. (read: no we are not going to “try for that baby boy” just so I can earn an “I potty trained a little boy” badge.)

I also hate to admit that I try to keep shopping with Mikayla to a minimum, therefore I don’t think I fully deserve to sew that badge on my vest.

Any new badges I should be aware of?

The State Fair

2011-09-10T20:40:00.001-05:00

How could I forget to share our Fair pictures? (If Kindergarten seems all consuming, how are we ever going to make it through the next 13 years and beyond!?)

We took the whole crew to an early morning outing at the fair. Grandma loves mini donuts just as much as Mallory. Brent needed his cheese curds. Grandpa needed his milk shake from the dairy barn. Kate was along to see everyone else stuff their faces. Mikayla would have spent the entire day at the big yellow slide if I let her. The weather was cloudy and cool—perfect fair weather if you ask me.

Ok. So here’s the deal. I love the big slide. The guy who set my burlap/potato sack down set it way too close to the side and I felt like I was going to slam into the red wall the entire way down. The thought of running into it with Mikayla on my lap was slightly unnerving. She squealed the entire way down. No lie.

I need to make a confession. I really wanted to leave my two year old at home with Brent. The thought of bringing a stroller hating toddler to the fair made my stomach queasy. My dad talked me into it, telling me that she would love the fair and if 4 adults couldn’t handle a two year old for a few hours, there was something wrong with us. Point taken.

Mikayla loved the fair. Probably was the one who enjoyed it more than any of us. She ran the streets, waved at people as they passed, pet whatever she could get her hands on, enjoyed our food just like it was “Fair” food and almost passed out on my shoulder from all the excitement.

“How could you not bring her to the fair?” Was muttered by my dad. Maybe more than once.

Mallory had plenty of fun at the Kidway.

Brent took one for the team so Mallory could ride her “favorite” ride-the tilt-awhirl. He is a much better parent than me, I never would have had the guts-literally.

Until next year!?!

Your first day

2011-09-08T20:18:00.001-05:00

Today you took the big yellow bus and went to Kindergarten. To say it was one of those proud parenting moments is an understatement. You are our oldest so these milestones we forge thru together. The first time for all of us. The night before Kindergarten you had a very hard time falling asleep. You kept coming out to tell your dad and I that you were just too excited to fall asleep. We sympathized with you, as this feeling brought your dad and I right back to the butterflies we felt the night before our first days of school. You woke up bright and early (dressed by 6:30 am) on your first day. Your outfit was picked out days before and you felt and looked so pretty. Your purple backpack was packed with supplies and your princess lunch box was packed with a peanut butter sandwich, carrots, grapes, Cheetos and one Oreo cookie. (Depending on when you read this, you may roll your eyes) I also put a napkin with a little note that read “I LOVE U!”

You willingly posed for many pictures. In fact I had to tell you that we had taken enough. You wanted to make sure we didn’t forget this most unforgettable day. You posed by yourself, with your little sister, with your dog, with your family, and in front of the bus. All with smiles as wide as the ocean is deep.

When the bus barreled down the hill, and the yellow lights began to flash, I was taken aback. This day changed your life forever. This was the largest stepping stone you have taken and this one you took all by yourself. The door of that bus opened and you walked up the steps all by yourself. When it drove away, tears streamed down my cheeks. This moment will never be forgotten.

The three of us that didn’t climb on the bus, carried on with our day. There was a not moment that I didn’t glance at the clock and wonder “I wonder what they are doing right now”. I waited for the bus for 25 minutes, because I was so excited to see your smiling face when you bounded down the bus stairs. When you did get off the bus, big hugs later, I wanted to hear every detail of the day. You, on the other hand, only wanted to eat a snack. You were exhausted after a full day of new adventures. Eventually you opened up and told me that you had three friends from “Kindergarten Here We Come” in your class and that you didn’t like how you had to sit so much throughout the day. Recess was your favorite part, as well as drawing on the erase board with markers.

Today, your first day of school is over. You are more than ready to go back tomorrow and I have no doubt you will conquer Kindergarten with a smile each and every day!

Campfire! Without the camping…

2011-09-06T10:01:00.001-05:00

With the onset of the cooler weather our neighbors fired up their fire pit and have had a campfire for the last three days. Mallory has been in her glory. She has been asking since the week we moved in when Debbie and Rich were going to have a campfire. When temps were soaring above 90 degrees the answer was simple; not today. Debbie promised when the weather cooled down they would have S’mores. We walked to their backyard and walked into a campground (without the tents and portapotties). The girls sat on rocks and home made benches and we roasted marshmallows and hot dogs. Fingers dirty, hair smelling like campfire, the girls loved every minute.

Like opening an Oreo cookie, Mikayla knew exactly what to do with her S’more. She had one, and the rest of the weekend preferred grapes to marshmallows and graham crackers.

Mallory, on the other hand, would have survived on S’mores alone if we would have let her.

Feet crossed, S’more in one hand and covering her face from the smoke with her other, what a memory.

It was a great wrap up to a busy summer. We are two days before the big bus comes barreling down the hill to pick up Mallory. She is really excited. These next few days will be spent making sure we have all we need before she heads off to school.
And I ask again, where has the time gone?

See Ya Training Wheels!

2011-09-04T07:26:00.001-05:00

She did it! She kicked those training wheels to the curb.

The first day of practice Brent made a rule. No skirts or dresses when you are learning to ride your bike. Fair enough. She obliged. We also told her to wear leggings and long sleeve shirts hoping to keep the road from giving her too much of a rash when the inevitable falls came. We told her she would fall (because when don’t you fall when you are learning to ride a bike??). She was nervous. At first she was very timid. She practiced with her tiny bike with no pedals to help feel herself fall and then catch herself. She was wobbly. Soon enough we could see her start to grasp the concept.

Before I knew it, Brent and Mallory were in the street and she was pedaling her big bike. REALLY wobbly. Instantly the memory was etched in my mind. Brent was running along side of Mallory as she weaved in and out trying to stay on her bike. He cheered the entire time, her smile was as wide as I have ever seen it.

Day by day her balance improved. Today, day three, she had the great idea of putting the pedals back on her tiny bike so she would be able to catch herself easier if she tipped. It was all the confidence she needed and she was off. We stood yards behind her as she pedaled her little self along.

Dying to see video, aren’t you? While beaming with excitement and about ready to jump up and down, I did my best to tape her riding. As soon as I hit “record”, I realized the camera was the wrong way. As soon as I hit “stop”, I realized I sounded like a complete dork. So-I deleted my voice and set the movie to sound—39 seconds of the beginning of a song.
For some reason you have to watch the video through YouTube directly. Follow the link on the video and it will bring you right to the video.

When it’s too quiet.

2011-09-02T05:52:00.000-05:00

Too Quiet. If you are a parent to a toddler, you know the quiet I am talking about. The quiet that screams to you; somebody is getting into trouble.

In our house, the quiet was compounded when I didn’t see or hear the dog or the toddler. This cannot be good.

Lucy knew exactly why she was to be quiet. Who wouldn’t want a bowl of treats for a midmorning snack? Mikayla sure thought it was a fantastic idea. Lucy’s mid section should thank me, as I quickly stepped in and took the snacks away.

Mornings without loveys

2011-08-31T05:57:00.000-05:00

Laundry day for the loveys is a sad sad day around these parts. Mallory cries and cries at the mere thought of Mr. Elephant being put in the washer and scrubbed clean. I like to soften the blow a little bit by calling it Tubbie Time for the loves, but it does nothing on the heart strings of their mothers.

The last time I cleaned their animals, both girls sat in front of the washer and dryer and watched each tumble that the animals took. All of the animals bounced and hopped around the washer and dryer and looked almost like they were enjoying themselves during the warm sudsy ride.

All that is, but one. Poor Cookie Monster his plastic eyes are too much for the stainless drums of the machines. His baths are much more stressful.

I realize he looks like a kidnapped hiker having stepped over enemy lines, but I needed to find a solution to the constant banging and potential damage that might have been done to his sight.

Here’s to hoping the blindfold never causes him to toss his cookies during the spin cycle.

Curious as to who is being washed on Lovey Tubbie Day? Mallory has stripes and star and moon, her most loved blankets. She also has Mr. Elephant, little Curious George and big Curious George. Mikyala has Duck Duck, Elmo 1 and Elmo 2, and Cookie Monster (num nums)

Snake Farm

2011-08-28T19:37:00.001-05:00

Ray Wylie Hubbard sings a song called Snake Farm. The lyrics go something along the lines of:

Snake Farm – it just sounds nasty
Snake Farm – well it pretty much is
Snake Farm – it's a reptile house
Snake Farm – Uuuggghhhhh......

Have you ever heard the song before? Yeah, me neither. That is until (fittingly) Thursday night while my dad, sister and I waited at the State Fair for the Reba and Ronnie Dunn concert to start. The song made us all laugh really hard…and this is why:

Amanda came over to watch the kids (concert, remember?). A few minutes after she arrived, Lucy had to go potty. This was the first time Amanda had been at our new house, so we all trucked downstairs to let Lucy out so she could see where Lucy does her business. I walked down the long hallway, entered the unfinished part of the basement and pulled the light string to turn on the light. I walked to the double doors and just as I was about to open the door, I saw him. “Oh. Hi, Mr. Snake” Imagine my horror, and my attempt at hiding such horror as both of the girls are with me, when I see a SNAKE IN MY HOUSE. This is not okay. Amanda and I went around and around (quickly) with how to get the little (but too big to be IN MY HOUSE) snake out. Finally, he decided to slither under the door and head for safety. He was out. I felt a teeny bit better. Amanda, are you ever coming back to watch the kids after the snake scare?

Friday came and Brent set out on a mission to fix the door and seal it as to not allow any more snakes inside. My dad suggested a spray foam under the flashing of the door to seal up the spot where we thought the ONE snake was coming in. Can we just say that snakes inside your house is about the sickest thing.ever. Blechhh.

Brent also knew the bottom seals of the door were rotten and needed to be changed. When he unscrewed the bottom seal. Icannoteventypethewords. THREE SNAKES. Along with a partial snake skin. They were living in the door!

Mallory was quick to ask what we were going to do with the snakes. Now, normally I pride myself on being truthful, but gentle when it comes to harsh reality. I don’t think I skipped a breath when I told Mallory. After Brent sealed everything up, he ended up setting them free far far from the door.

Anybody up for an overnight visit to the snake farm?

Our life has been anything but dull…

2011-08-24T13:35:00.001-05:00

The last weeks of summer are slipping away and I am finding myself left numb and exhausted at the end of each day. August has been a whirl wind of activity. Birthdays, kitchen remodel, party hopping (in the non-drunk good way), gearing up for the school year. My camera took a back seat, often times being left behind, leaving me to beg and borrow from others who did a better job of capturing the moments.

August wrap up, quick version…

We celebrated Mikayla’s 2nd birthday three times. The girl was beyond spoiled. She, fittingly, shared one of her parties with Kendra. Watching them listen to “Happy Birthday" being sung and attempting to blow out candles was lots of fun. I cannot believe two years ago they were teeny little babies, eyeing each other up from across a blanket.

Mikayla’s “Crandall” party turned out to be more of a cuddle party then anything else. She was sick. Feverish and clingy. She went from lap to lap, partying in her jammies, and briefly perked up to open a few presents.

We also celebrated her birthday with a Sparkle. Best friends, little kids, and great food we started a new tradition. I love traditions. Kristen did a great wrap up on her blog with some fun pictures of the girls. Our next sparkle comes tonight when Sienna turns one. What a year. That little girl become a family favorite from the day she was born. Her smile is super contagious at the young age of one.

The next sparkle on the calendar belongs to a very special soon to be baby girl Moehring. She is due in early September and the big question is, will she be blonde or brunette? I cannot wait to find out!

August 20th we threw a Going Away party for Craig, Molly, Caleb and Ava. If you’ve been a reader for a long time, you know change and I don’t get along very well. This move is so well deserved for Craig who has worked hard at the onset of his new prestigious career. However, it brings a move over 700 miles away from family. The kids took it in stride. Mallory made comments like “I can’t wait to see them on the computer when they live in Kentucky” They hugged goodbye and off they went on their separate ways. If only I had the resilience of a 5 year old. When it came for my turn to say goodbye—open the flood gates, it was tough. Pulling myself together, I rested in the thought that everyone is healthy, taking great steps in their lives, and we will see them as soon as time allows.

When Sunday rolled around and a couple of extremely busy weeks were over, I figured I should let my mind start to think about the big yellow bus that is set to come rolling down our street at 8:39 AM every morning in just a few weeks. Her school supplies are all purchased, her bus schedule is set in stone. It is all sinking in. She is beyond ready. She wants to go so badly, and I am hopeful, she will have an easy time with the transition. Let’s just get that first day when she climbs up the bigger than life school bus steps and I can move on with life with a Kindergartener.

Double Bubble Tubbie

2011-08-14T19:28:00.001-05:00

We had an eventful Friday morning visiting a local Coin Carnival with some friends. From hot dogs to funky hair spray and puppet shows to temper tantrums, by the time Friday afternoon rolled around I was done. The girls were dirty from head to toe including some very vibrant hair spray and it was inevitable that a good scrub down was needed.

To turn my mood around, I decided to fill up the tub with the new Elmo Bubbles that Mikayla got from Ellie for her birthday. Typical bath fun—super sized!

Mallory makes a mean Santa beard

In fact, at times it was borderline creepy. (Click to enlarge-though you’ve been warned)

Mikayla wanted nothing to do with bubbles on her face, but thought adding bubbles to Mal’s face was super funny.

Yeah-bubbles in the tub and Mikayla didn’t poop!

It helped my mood for the remainder of the day. Not gonna lie though, bedtime was glorious Friday night.

To-Do or Not To-Do

2011-08-10T20:21:00.001-05:00

We are trying to remember to have fun and not slave the day away to our house hold projects. Our lists grow ever longer and the days seem never long enough. We are one short week away from being completely done with the kitchen (crossing our fingers the tile backsplash goes without a hitch). We need fresh paint just about everywhere, but the weather has been too nice to open cans of paint and roll the afternoon away. I make it sound like it’s easy to stare at my projects day in and day out, not doing a thing to cross them off my list, but this is far from true. It drives me almost off-my-rocker crazy, but I do know that winter is long in this State. Very very long (and cold and windy and snowy and long). When the snow flies and I feel cooped up, a fresh coat of paint and a “completed” room will feel pretty darn satisfying. Right?!?

For now I share our memories of what makes this place feel so right. Space. Space to run, roam, climb and smile.

A personal fav.
See that smirk…”Mikayla we don’t chew on pebbles…”

Where has the time gone?

2011-08-06T05:33:00.001-05:00

I feel like I was just holding you in my arms, minutes old…

I feel like I just spent countless hours bouncing.rocking.swaying.

I feel like you just discovered your little tongue—and you have loved it ever since.

I feel like you just learned to sit up all by yourself and that we just learned it was growing in bright red.

I feel like you just learned how to slither.

I feel like I just blew up a whole bunch of balloons and celebrated your first year…

And now here we sit..

My beautiful Mikayla you are two years old. You have a spunk and zest for life like no other little girl I’ve met. You are persistent. If you get your car stuck in the grass, you push harder, hardly ever giving up. If you could play outside from the moment you were done with breakfast (nobody better get in the way of your meals) until it was time for lunch, you’d be at your happiest. Barefoot and in a diaper is how you love to roll. We insist (most of the time) on wearing clothes. You love bratwursts, grapes, chicken, cheese, grapes, and hose water. You continue to be our bitty, weighing in at barley 21 pounds. You have a lot to say, but a lot of it we don’t quite understand. Your sister is your best friend and you ask for her each morning when you wake up. Your favorite game is to take Mr. Elephant right from Mallory’s arms and run off with him, waiting with excitement, for your sister to chase you. You love your loveys. Elmo (twice), Cookie Monster, Duck and a few rags must be with you at night. Our days are filled with fun. You make me smile and test my patience within seconds each and everyday. I cannot wait to see what “2” will bring for you! Happy Birthday Mikayla!

Because

2011-07-29T22:01:00.001-05:00

Because I wake up every morning with a project to do.
Because I am still unpacking boxes.
Because I may or may not know exactly where my computer is located. Or the remote. Or the spoons. Or the refrigerator…
Because the weather has been too nice to sit down after dinner and before bedtime.
Because moving stinks.
Because life is getting in the way.

That is where I have been. I am okay with all of it. Crossing things off of our ever-growing list of things to do. Making sure we spend as much time laying on the grass and learning just what it feels like to spread our wings, back home, once again.

It is good.

It sounded like a great idea

2011-07-20T06:00:00.000-05:00

Sunday was hot. REALLY hot. Temperatures approached 90 and the dew point was higher than it was in the Amazon rainforest—no lie, I saw it on Facebook…

We set out to take the girls to Eden Prairie Center to let them play in the indoor play area. As we were driving we started to see signs for the Air Expo that was taking place at Flying Cloud Airport just a few miles from the mall. I then had a ~~maybe one of the stupidest ideas I have had in a long time~~ *brilliant* idea. Let’s take the kids to the air show! I bet they would love to see all the big planes! I bet we could watch a few take off and land! Super fun. Brent carefully got on board with my idea with a few “if you want to’s” and it was decided. We played at the mall until the Expo opened and then we headed over on our spontaneous adventure. (As much as I was excited by the idea that the Air Expo would be fun for the kids, I was also thrilled with the idea that we were doing something unplanned. When we left for the day we had no idea we would end up watching a bunch of really cool planes in action. I felt a little bit like a rebel)

We paid our way in, found a parking spot and opened up the van doors to hop out. We were struck in the face by the unbearable heat. “Do we even have sunscreen?” Brent asked. Yes, of course we do. I always come prepared for spontaneous outdoor trips. (Truth. I always carry a tube in the van because I tend to forget it all summer long…) The kids were slathered with sunscreen in minutes and we were off to the Expo! First things first, we see that the expo has multiple inflatable jumpy things for kids. I was annoyed. When we were growing up, unless we went to Como Zoo, Valleyfair, or the State Fair, there were no rides for kids. Deal with the event you are at. But, were we really going to be the only parents that told our 5 year old daughter that she couldn’t play on the inflatables? No, but it would have to wait until we were done seeing the airplanes. Off we go! (Did I mention how hot it was?) Rosy cheeks (our two kids), really whiney (everyone), and a husband who is now completely not-on-board with my great spontaneous idea.

Long story, trying to shorten...

We made it about 45 minutes, and saw 4 airplanes up close. We saw lots of different air planes taking off and landing as well as the Blimp and a helicopter. The kids were fairly unimpressed. A smidgen too young, too hot, too hungry and (one) really really excited little girl ready to jump in the inflatables, the Expo was a bust.

I could have just shared pictures and not my story leading you all to believe that we had a marvelous time and that our day was perfect. The kids were perfect—just look at their smiling faces. Shoulder rides from daddy—it’s the only way we roll. A day full of wonderful memories…
When in reality, the smiles were few and far between. The tears and whining won by a landslide.

Air Expo. Fail.

1, 2, 3, JUMP!

2011-07-17T14:49:00.001-05:00

The Crandall Cabin was packed on Saturday. Six kids, four adults, tons of sun, and HOT weather where the water proved to be the place to be.

Molly and I loaded up the van with the kids (and Jada) and headed north to Sandy Lake. We had envisioned a great Friday and Saturday enjoying the lake complete with fishing, swimming, castle building, bonfires, s’mores, pontoon rides, and a cousin sleep over. Then we woke up Friday. Four inches of rain later, we decided to make a day trip up Saturday when the weather was going to cooperate.

Kate and Mark and the girls met us up there and we packed plenty of fun into one day.

Highlight of the day…

I loved it. Every single jump I shook my head in disbelief. How far we’ve come. Normal for any other 4,5,6 year old? Absolutely. Finally she understands the thrill and fun to let yourself go, propel yourself off the dock and know your not gonna sink. I also had to ease her mind that she wouldn’t land on a fish. I promised her they would swim away in fear of the giant five year old plunging into the water.

This is the first year, that I can remember, where the water has been so high we don’t have a beach. The water is up over the landscape block and sloshes and sprays with each wave. I am not a fan of change, so I am hoping it drops and gives us back our sandcastle building sand next summer.

Mallory and Caleb had a blast fishing. Of course the only picture I took was of the smallest fish Mal caught. For real…the rest were HUGE. How’s that for a true fisher-woman’s tale?

Mikayla wanted to touch, grab and lick (I assume) the fish—until it gave its tailfin a wiggle and scared the crap out of her. It was arms-length viewing from that point on.

All in all, our first trip of the season (gasp! July is almost over! Remember the move? Who plans a move during the shortest summer season?) Mikayla loves the water. She would swim all by herself if I just let her go. Clearly she has no fear. She found fun in finding big rocks, dumping, pouring and drinking lake water, and NOT riding on the boat.

Tuesday Tuesday

2011-07-12T21:54:00.001-05:00

No pictures today. Use your imagination…

Today, Mikayla sat at the table with her sister and her cousins like a big girl. She used a plate instead of a tray. She put her foot up on top of the table, rubbed a grape on the bottom of her foot and ate it. She did this more than once. Molly and I laughed and then I stepped in and told her it wasn’t polite to put feet on the table.

Today, Mallory, in all of her 5.5 year old wisdom yelled at an older and much bigger boy at the park. She ranted something along the lines of “I am 5 and a 1/2 years old! and my cousin Caleb is SIX!. We are not LITTLE!” I had to step in and tell her that she wasn’t talking nice and I made her apologize to the big boy. When it was all said and done, though I don’t want to raise a bratty/bossy kid, it sure was ~~neat~~ down-right awesome to see her stand up to someone far bigger and older than she was.
(After talking later about the incident I guess the boy told her and Caleb that they were too little to walk on top of the tube slide and they could only crawl up the slide. Guess no one tells Mallory that she is too small to do anything.)

Today, on the way home from Caleb’s T-ball game, Mallory asked me which cloud I thought Jesus lived on. I told her he could live wherever she wanted him to. On that big fluffy one shaped like elephant without the trunk? In this car? Right here on my lap? Yep, Yep, and Yep. I said I see him living in her smile and I hear him living in the laughter that Mikayla and her share. She smiled, giggled and tickled Mikayla’s toes—”Come on Mikayla. LAUGH!” I am not an overly outwardly religious person. I pray. I believe in signs from those who have died. I don’t attend church as often as I like. But today, today made me realize that all you need is to do is teach that is okay to believe. I do believe.

Cranky

2011-07-10T19:58:00.001-05:00

Because cranky was her middle name, after a really long week of shorter nights of sleep filled with summer fun.
Because cranky was her middle name, as new pointy teeth poking through tender gums are no fun.
Because cranky was her middle name, packing boxes during nap time all week means no quiet time for mom.

When all else fails, go visit Grandma. A snack in the flower garden out back and a ride on her wheels because little feet were too tired to walk, and we are all smiles.

We smiles and headed to the van on our favorite path, via the fence.

All went splendidly until bitty fell and opened up a big scrape on her knee.
Cranky, became her middle name, once again.

The 4th, 2011

2011-07-08T14:15:00.001-05:00

The Jovle’s were gracious enough to host the 4th again this year (Thanks!!). I promised I would do my fair share of hosting once we move to Woodbury.

Fabulous weather, a little kiddie pool, delicious stuffed burgers, a cat (once again) willing to let Mikayla pet, a successful picture of the 4 kids, and a few of us even made a trip to watch the fireworks from Valleyfair. All in all very fun day.

Don’t mind the loads of pictures—I don’t want to forget a thing…

July 4, 2011

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Effort

2011-07-03T19:44:00.001-05:00

Mikayla, may you always possess the desire to try until you succeed.
Wanting no help from others, having no concept of time, and until it is complete to your standards, may you always finish the task you begin.
And may your mother always possess the patience to wait.
Wait until you have finished each and every one of these toddler tasks.

Without the lense

2011-07-01T07:06:00.000-05:00

Summer is in full swing and though the weather hasn’t been all that cooperative we are still keeping ourselves plenty busy. When I wake up and see the sun shining, besides the little bounce that is added to my step, I turn slightly Looney. I feel the need to make sure that we take advantage of every single minute of the sunlit days because I fear the next day we will wake up to rain, gloom and cold temperatures.

As the days fly by and we swim, slide, and skip our way to pass time, I find myself making memories with the kids and taking it all in through my own eyes, and not so much through the lense of my camera. Is this an easy way of saying, I’ve been lazy? Not so much (but maybe a little). I try and snap a few here and there, but I’d rather splash in the waves, hold hands together, and remember it in my own way.

They waded in the lake today, they played with cousins (one twice removed), and Mallory said, “It was pretty much one of the best days ever”. They were slightly sun kissed and smelled like lake water and sun screen when the day was over. Truly a summer day success.

Change is in the air…

2011-06-28T20:32:00.001-05:00

After four years of school, studying, and training, somebody is about to go to work and no longer needs a trainer over his shoulder watching his every move.
That is a big change…

Somebody is a month away from turning two. She knows how to play “hide and seek”, she knows how to climb up on the furniture-including into the EidAway, and we are teaching her to say “twoooo” and she is willingly attempting to mimic us.
That is a big change…

Somebody is living in the moment of summer. She loves the freedom, rarely asks about preschool, and is really really excited about starting at her new school in just 2 months. That is a big change (well some of it)…

Somebody is about to turn 32. She will pack a bunch of boxes, label them with “Kitchen. Bedroom. Basement.”, hire a truck of movers and move her family across town.
That is a REALLY big change.

You read it all correctly. This winds of change are blowing and we are about to let go of our kite and let it soar as the winds blow. After much consideration and late night discussions on doing what is “right”, we have been blessed with the opportunity to move back to Woodbury and purchase my parents home. I know what you are thinking…the Garden!!! Ha. Kidding—sort of? We may be slightly crazy (which is probably what you were really thinking) but we couldn’t be more excited about our summer move. My dad has been hinting for months about Brent and I “buying the farm” and we finally approached him about it. He is ready to downsize which means giving up a bunch of unused space and yard maintenance he no longer enjoys. We are ready to spread our wings, enjoy the yard and bigger house, and make some changes to make the place feel like our home. We will be four miles from my dad and five miles from my mom. I could not be more excited about that fact alone. Will we be farther away from some close friends and family? Absolutely, but we’ve promised it won’t change too many things and we are committed to that promise. We also have decided to keep the news from my mom until things have settled and we find the right way to share our news. If you visit with Pat, please respect our wishes.

So. Get ready for some amazing “before and after” pictures as we attempt to DIY some fun projects around the house. Brent has some grand ideas for a play house in the woods and my sister and I cannot wait to get our hands on an entire basement fit for two little girls!

Oh and this somebody? She cannot wait for the big yard to run free. The thoughts of snacks of rabbit poo fill her dreams as she patiently waits for August 1st.

Strawberries!

2011-06-23T20:36:00.001-05:00

Summer has yet to really show up around here, but Molly and I decided we cannot wait forever for her to arrive, so we bundled the kids up and took them strawberry picking. The girls and I have never been so I was excited to experience for the first time with them. With the deluge of rain we’ve been having and the colder than average temperatures finding a patch that was open for picking was a little tough, but we did. Winter hats, puddle boots and all, we made a morning of our adventure and had tons of fun.

When we got home and I washed the berries, I realized we may not have picked the best of the best of the berries, but it doesn’t matter. The kids pulled the majority of what we bought and with each one they showed us how great they thought their berry was.

Mikayla, in true toddler form, enjoyed the experience in her own way. She was thrilled to pull any reddish fruit from the vine. She didn’t understand to not walk (or sit) on the plants so there were a few strawberry casualties along the way.

Winter hats or not, rain or sunshine, it didn’t matter. We made the most of our day and I can’t wait to enjoy the fresh strawberries-dipped in melted chocolate chips of course!

Puddles of fun

2011-06-21T21:58:00.001-05:00

Before nap we took a typical walk. We walked up the street and stayed on the sidewalk. Just like we do everyday. Very typical.

See that big puddle? This walk is about to take a turn for the super not-so-typical.
I gave Mikayla the green light to play in the puddle. Splash. Jump. Kick. Just don’t eat the leaves or rocks…

She got soaked. When it was all said and done her belly button was as wet as her toes. She loved every minute of it.She took a knock down nap and when she woke up her cousins were over! When we told the kids were going to the park—they assumed it was going to be a typical park play date. After 2 days of off and on rain, we knew the park would be a sloppy mess. The temperature was just right and we knew the kids would have a blast so off we went… They were timid for only a short time before they made themselves one with the sand and water.

The kids smiled the entire time. They played, jumped, splashed, and dug in the sand and water and begged for more when we told them it was time to go home and clean up.
Call me selfish, but these are the days I hope my kids remember me for…

Remember the day our mom let us play in the mud at the park and splash in the puddles on our walk? Yeah, that was pretty cool…

Farmer’s Market and Donuts

2011-06-20T05:18:00.000-05:00

Bet you can tell who enjoyed donuts at the Farmers Market last weekend!

Been friends for way too long to not share this picture that made me laugh out loud whenever I looked at it. The thing that made it even more funny—it is damn hard to get Justin to agree to a normal smile in a picture, and then when we do, 3 of the 4 other people in the picture have a mouth full of sugary sweetness.

Love it.

Fun times

2011-06-18T18:17:00.001-05:00

Same blanket, same three cousins, same smiles.
The one thing that has changed is the magnitude of fun these three have when they are together.

Three years in a blink of an eye and once again I realize that time goes by way too fast…

A winged mother

2011-06-16T20:56:00.001-05:00

We’ve been giving a gift of a nest. We watched our mother bird take twine and sticks and build her nest. We anxiously awaited as she sat poised in her new nest for a few days. We were so excited when we saw 3 and then 4(!) tiny blue eggs fill the nest.

The girls have both quietly peeked at this entire process and it has been so fun (even for me) to watch. The momma bird will only leave her perched warming spot for a few minutes to let us peek at the eggs. Today when I went to check I saw a tiny crack in one of the eggs. We are now on hatch watch and won’t let them go unattended for more than a few hours to make sure we can watch the process unfold right before our eyes…

Mallory squealed with delight when she checked the nest on Tuesday morning. She came running to me “MOMMY THE BIRDS HATCHED! There are two little baby birds in the nest! The eggs hatched!” You know the kind of excitement that almost takes your breath away while you try and talk—that was her tone. That was her facial expression. It was so cool. She literally jumped with excitement. Mikayla hasn’t wanted to leave her spot with her belly flat on the deck looking down at the babies. She lifts her head up, gives me the “shhh” sign, and goes back to watching the birds.
How in love are we? Head over heels for our little birds. Once they open their eyes we will name them. And I don’t care if you think it is corny to name baby robins. Don’t care one.bit.

As of 9:00 am Tuesday morning we had two brand new baby robins waiting for food. The third egg is cracked in half and when you watch closely it moves methodically as the new life inside of it works so tirelessly to to free itself from the egg.
By Wednesday morning all four eggs successfully hatched. They huddle together to keep warm and every so often they lift their heads, open their beeks and squeak for food.
Four new lives, though it is that of a bird, it is happening a mere 4 inches from our fingertips. It has become a lesson on science, life, hard work, and love. A big thanks to our mother bird who chose the perfect spot to allow us to watch the entire process…
(In case you are the curious, bird loving type, more pictures of the winged babies will follow when they grow some feathers and open their eyes)

Almost a prince.

2011-06-14T05:40:00.000-05:00

Do you see that in the grass? That is a toad. We found them in the garden. I met a toad today!
Actually I met two toads!

First they hopped and I watched.

Then they hopped some more and I squealed.
Of course I tired to pick it up!
But man, those toads are slippery and squirmy…he kept hopping away.

My daddy taught me the “gentle” way to hold a toad. I may be bitty, but I don’t understand gentle when I am so excited!
About the toads! Two toads!

I picked him up and put him down.
I picked him up again and I had to show grandpa!
Grandpa laughed and laughed. I don’t think he has ever seen a toad before. Me either! TWO TOADS!

Mommy was behind the camera and she kept saying ‘No No kiss. No No kiss.” I really wish they didn’t put those tubes in my ears or I wouldn’t have been able to hear and I would have kissed that toad. TWO TOADS!

And here I thought only Earth worms lived in the garden…I snuck a quick kiss before my mommy could say “No No kiss.”

Add worm and toad to the list of creatures I love…right behind beetles, ants, birds, dogs, cats (poor Zoey), horses, goats, bears, sea otters…

Why I have been quiet?

2011-06-12T18:53:00.001-05:00

Because they went away and made some unforgettable memories.

It lasted an entire week—8 days, really.

I counted? You ask. Yes. Because the thought of doing it solo, while flying to Woodbury 5 times in 6 days, was almost enough to cause me to crawl in a hole and forget about the world around me.

But we marched along through our week. My girls kept me busy. My friends and family kept me sane. Our play dates kept us connected and happy.

My husband was in Canada catching memories along side big fish tales. He was lucky enough to be invited to go with my dad, uncle, and long time family friend. Hearing Brent say he has never seen my dad laugh as hard as he did, made it all worth it.

This week was not a time to be selfish and pouty (did I pout? A little and I whined just a few times to my sister). However, making solo memories with the girls and those around us, was just what we needed to make the time go by a lot faster.

Will they do it again next year? Yep. When the time comes, the week will seem slightly daunting (maybe a little less with an almost 3 year old?) but well worth the girl time memories made while the boys do whatever is they do best up in Canada.

Preschool is over?

2011-06-08T20:25:00.000-05:00

Mallory graduated one week ago today. Her preschool has the option to be year round so I fully assumed she was going to keep going to preschool until we told her she was done in July to take a break before Kindergarten started in the fall.

One week ago the cap was worn, she received her diploma and she took pictures with all of her close friends. The next day she asked if Sophie would be at school and I told her she was not because she was taking the summer off. Mallory asked about a few more friends; 2 were taking the summer off and 1 was still going to be at school through the summer. She then told me words I never expected to hear “I don’t want to go to school today.” We talked her into going and I picked her up and she appeared to have fun. All weekend long she talked about wanting to take a break from school. She wanted to “wait until Kindergarten and the big bus”. Monday came and she said the same thing about not wanting to go… I ushered her into the van, into school, and picked her up a few hours later. Her response continued that she just wanted to take a break.

So I listened. I told her she didn’t have to go if she didn’t want to. It was indeed summer vacation. And she chose to be done—”well except for maybe the field trips”. She is fully aware that afternoons are spent quietly at home because Mikayla still needs a nap. Mornings this week have been spent lounging in our pj’s and heading to the park earlier than ever before. We’ve mall walked when it was unbearably hot, we’ve twirled on the deck and we have plans for a picnic/park play date with our cousins.

This picture…you guys! She looks so old! I cannot get over it.
Her bang-less style has added at least a year and a half of age to her look.

Preschool is over and she is on her way to Kindergarten. But first we are going to thoroughly enjoy a real summer vacation!

Momma says “No screaming in the house!”

2011-06-05T07:32:00.000-05:00

No problem at all. I’ll just go outside.

I will stand right by the door and scream as loud as I can. All while trying to hide a smile, because I am funny.

Gotcha!

Oh boy does this little bitty make me laugh. She also scares me to sleepless nights as to what is to come when she turns two, three, and (lord help me) four…

Graduation: The first of many

2011-06-03T05:45:00.001-05:00

Dear Mallory,
I am writing this note a few weeks before you walk down the aisle at your preschool graduation. Depending on your age when you are reading this letter, you are either rolling your eyes at your unbelievably embarrassing mother, smiling at the thought of your own future children graduating from preschool, or wiping back tears as you have a preschooler of your own at the eve of his or her graduation. I hope you know that I am so proud of you as a beautiful 5 year old little girl. You make me smile daily and I am so very excited for you to end this chapter of your life and start a brand new and exciting chapter in just a few short months as Kindergarten awaits.

Graduation is not a new term in our household. Over the years you have graduated from many many things. You’ve graduated from formula to milk, crib to big girl bed, diapers to underwear, highchair to adult sized chair, car seat to booster. However this is your first graduation event. This is the first time that graduation means moving from one thing you are very comfortable with to a brand new and exciting thing awaiting for you in the fall. Preschool has been wonderful for you. You have loved every.single.day of school. You bounce in with a smile on your face and you leave having had a great day. You love learning, friendship, singing, routines and all that follow in the classroom. You thrive in places with rules and teachers. You love art projects, coloring and story time. You’ve made some great friendships and have even thrown around the word “boyfriend”. Sophie is your best friend and weekly play dates have been going on for months. You are greeted each day at preschool with “Hi Mallory!!!” excitement beams from your classmates. You are just as quick to give the excited “hello’s!” back at your friends. I am proud of you as a graduate.

The ceremony was simple. You were so proud. Your dad and I were even more proud of you… Last year I told myself that I wasn’t allowed to cry (too hard). You were not graduating and I had one more year to hold on to you as a preschooler. This year I expected the tears to flow. Though I got choked up a few times (preschoolers doing sign language gets me every.single.time), I was surprised at my composure. The composure came from watching you this past year become fully ready to embrace Kindergarten. This change is going to be so great. Sure I am sentimental, that will never change, but knowing you are ready and watching at who you are today, my pride is so great it over takes the tears.

I could not believe how old you looked and acted. Your hair and bangs are getting longer and it is giving you a very grown up look. Your last day at Harbor Preschool will take place in one short month. That day will undoubtedly be tough as you say goodbye to your teachers and friends. Graduation means leaving something behind that you are comfortable with and moving on to what is new…and exciting. Congratulations Peanut, Mommy loves you!

They dance

2011-06-02T05:27:00.000-05:00

She loves dresses that twirl.

On this day, the wind was on her side.

Her sister watched, took it all in, and decided she needed to try.

And then she attempted a twirl.

With a unique twist.

Memorial Day 2011

2011-06-01T06:33:00.000-05:00

I ended last year’s Memorial Day BBQ post with a picture of three little girls wiggling on a blanket as we attempted to take one successful picture with the three of them smiling.

I ended with a statement about what was to come on Memorial Day 2011:
“Next year? We almost double it, putting the number to five little girls—what a sassy and fun little bunch we are sure to have :)

When Cari and Greg got pregnant last summer, the deal was sealed and in one short year the number of little girls at the annual Memorial Day picnic went from three to six.

Ariana (sleeping in the Bjorn at 10 weeks), Mallory (5), Sienna (9 months), Abbie (9 months), Ellie (2 years), and Mikayla (1). Love.

Sassy and fun? Absolutely.

As well as Beautiful and Busy.

Picasso at her best

2011-05-31T06:23:00.000-05:00

First it was a simple smiley face when she was just two years old.

A few months later she drew a lady bug that I plan on keeping forever.

Then came a family of special stick people that she drew when she was almost four.

And now she has moved on to things like real words, rainbows with balloons, and dogs with eyelashes, of course. Because, why not?

I think it is one of the cutest little post-it note dog pictures I have ever seen.

My best friend the beetle

2011-05-28T05:53:00.000-05:00

Mikayla has hit the quick downslope of the few months before she turns two. I absolutely loved the age of two to four with Mallory so I am very excited to see who this little girl blossoms into.

Today while we were playing outside Mikayla spotted a brown beetle. She loves bugs. The “let me pick you up, squish you in my hands, give you a kiss and never say goodbye” sort of love, so it was no surprise when she gave me an exasperated smile and quickly bent down to pick up the ~~sort of~~ big bug. She then proceeded to play with him for the next 15 minutes…

She took him for a bike ride

Next she tried the wagon. This proved to be very bumpy for Mr. Beetle…
So she decided to get in the wagon with him.
And hold him. And squeeze him. And try to kiss him.

We tried to put him “nigh nigh” in the woodchips, but goodbyes are really tough. Instead she gave him one last kiss and set him free on the driveway.

Mr. Beetle had a lot of energy in the beginning, kicking and crawling around, but man was he tired and sort of life-less when the play date was over…

She went, she succeed and she conquered.

2011-05-26T14:03:00.001-05:00

It was almost 3 years ago that she walked into her first preschool classroom. At the age of (not quite) 2 1/2 she was curious from the get-go and she napped on only one occasion, the first day. From then on she didn’t want to miss a single thing. She has been a star student, in our eyes, from the very first day.
In just a week she will graduate from preschool. It will close a chapter in our family’s book of memories. Is it a big deal to the rest of the World? Not at all. Is it a big deal over here in our little house? You bet.
She is about to start a journey that will open a world of new doors and add new memories to our ever-growing public diary. She is heading to Kindergarten in the fall and I could not be more excited for the journey that lies ahead for all of us. She will stand proud with her backpack filled with new crayons, a box of Kleenexes to share, and a post-it note that reads (something along the lines of) “I am a Kindergartener, if I look lost point me to Mrs. B’s room”. She will look lost for all of about 3 minutes before she paves her very own path all over the Kindergarten classroom… She will pose for a picture with her dog on one side and her little sister on the other. The woman taking the picture will undoubtedly have a tear-streaked face as this is a memory any mother will remember forever…
But those memories will only be created after we stand for Pomp and Circumstance as she walks in with a classroom of friends and teachers who have helped mold and guide Mallory to who she is today. More to come on our little graduate next week.

Maybe the “post-its” were worth it…

2011-05-22T17:20:00.001-05:00

The reason she was so quiet during her rest time this afternoon was evident when I found her hard work on the kitchen table.

I think the Bunny was spot-on with her decision to buy post its for Mallory.

Still red, even under a hat

2011-05-19T15:23:00.001-05:00

If you have ever been in public with Mikayla and I, you have more than likely experienced somebody commenting on her red hair. If you are a frequent reader, than you also know how much in love I am with her red locks—they hold a special place in my heart. With that being said, let it be known that I don’t carry around a big cardboard arrow that points directly to her hair. That would be ridiculous, and I am not sure how I would have enough hands to deal with the two kids, the diaper bag, a cart full of groceries and the big arrow… The red hair just seems to be a semi-unique feature that draws peoples attention to her.

The warm spring sun has been out in full force this week, so I have pulled out the brimmed sun hats for Mikayla. She has very fair skin so a hat on her head helps keep the sun off of her face. It also covers up her bright red hair. Not a bit sad (for real), I put the hat on her and off we went to Mallory’s preschool picnic. Mikayla motored around the new park paying no attention to her sister who so desperately wanted to show her off to her friends.

Chit-chatting with a mom and grandma of another preschooler, Mikayla toddled up to me and I picked her up. She wanted a drink of water and asked a quick question as to where Mallory was. The grandma looked at me and then asked “Is that a head full of bright red hair under that hat?” I lifted off her hat and said “It sure is.” And the grandma melted into the question and answer session that we so frequently encounter when out and about…

Cheering Mallory on at a T-ball game later that same day, Mikayla wore the same brimmed sun hat. Before the game was over I had the “red hair” conversation with another curious mom.

Pictures Don’t Lie

2011-05-16T13:29:00.001-05:00

Thank goodness for digital cameras. Mikayla sees our camera and instantly says “cheese” and smiles with her eyes closed. I have more pictures of her with her eyes closed while smiling than open. If she isn’t simultaneously smiling while saying cheese and keeping her eyes closed, she is making a goofy face just to make us laugh. This kid…

Lucy hates the bunny

2011-05-13T05:56:00.000-05:00

She is clearly ticked that the Easter Bunny brought Mallory a pack of 200 neon colored post it notes. Not only does Mallory need to write 34 notes to family and friends each day, Mikayla LOVES to displace these special notes to anywhere she can. Poor Lucy’s little paw pads are a magnet for the little sticky notes…

Two things to note (no pun intended): 1. She looks like she doesn’t care about the post-its at this point because Mikayla is in the process of shoving lunch into her mouth. She is hoping the little muncher may drop something on the ground. 2. Don’t make fun of her tubby belly—she is on a diet and we have her on a semi-rigorous exercise program.

The very first game

2011-05-11T19:47:00.000-05:00

When Brent was hired by the FAA as an Air Traffic Controller it was inevitable that his hours were not going to be Monday thru Friday 8-5. We were both well aware of this. I would be lying if I said I didn’t worry that this would be an adjustment. When he started, Mallory was young and her activities never took place in the evening so it was never a big deal. This year has brought the onset of activities and the opportunities for us as parents to (finally) sit on the sidelines and watch. We are no longer required to join in the class. Mallory’s first T-ball game was supposed to be on a Monday night when Brent would normally be home. With the rainy spring we’ve been having, unfortunately the game was cancelled and the first game would have to wait until Wednesday—an evening Brent was scheduled to work.

I thought nothing of it. (Lie: I actually thought a little bit about how much work it would be to chase Mikayla and try to watch Mallory play.) About 4:00 on Wednesday afternoon I got a few texts from Brent “Is the game cancelled?” “Not yet and it doesn’t look like it will.” “Damn. I really want to be there.” “So.do.I.” “I am taking vacation time. This is too important to miss. I’ll be at the field at 6:00.”

Mallory and Mikayla this is a moment where you will smile and remember. You will remember that mom and dad were almost always there. Come Hell or high water, your dad wouldn’t miss amazing waterslide rides or the very first T-ball game.

We watched #5 swing and hit her first ball of the game. We watched her run to each of the bases. We watched her try really hard to pay attention when she played first base. These are the moments that pictures are taken so that we will not forget. The red helmet looks so big on her tiny body. The blue hat falls to cover her eyes. But more than anything, this night I will remember we were all there together.

When the game was over and we were on our way home I asked Mallory what her favorite part of the game was, and her response was simply put; “I loved the whole thing!”

Sand + Water (still equals) Fun

2011-05-11T05:37:00.000-05:00

Ironically we opened the sand and water table on the same day last year as we did this year. I went out to take the token first few photos of the kids playing. I was struck with deja vu when I took the following photo.

May 9, 2011

Instantly I remembered one year ago…same big blue eyes, same red boat, same little girl (only a bit bigger).

May 9, 2010

The rest of the afternoon was spent making numerous mud pies, tall sand castles, splish-splashy boat races and sloppy messes.

Our Mother’s Day 2011

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We became a family 7.5 years ago. At first it was Brent and I. Four months later we added our favorite mutt Lucy, the one we figured out to keep alive and loved together. Two and a half years after we were married we became parents to Mallory. The real deal…

And now we have a real reason to celebrate Mother’s Day, two reasons to be exact. It is a day filled with fancy home made cards from the girls and a sappy card from husband (usually stating how he would never be able to survive without me). This year we crammed as much family time into one day as we possibly could. Feeding (nonexistent) ducks, played at two different parks, went to the semi-rainy zoo, and had a delicious dinner.

With this place, I will remember

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Mother’s day 2011. I have two beautiful daughters. Mallory is five and is celebrating her last spring in preschool. Mikayla is on the bridge to turning two and, with her newly tubed ears, is attempting to communicate more and more each day. They keep me on my toes, they make me question my actions daily, and each night I go to bed one of the luckiest women alive. I wouldn’t be the mother I am today without my own mother’s love and strength. She has strength that comes from the depth within that most don’t know they possess. She fights through everyday and ends most with a smile on her face. She does exactly what she knows to do and that is love her husband, her daughters and her granddaughters more than we could ever ask.

In 20011, this is where I am. My five year old loves to wear dresses that most days don’t exactly match. She wants her toenails bright pink and she wants her hair grown out “just behind her shoulders”. My almost two year old proudly wears a pony in her bright red hair. I love to dress her in green because I still have control over her wardrobe (I can be honest here, right?) She wants her lovey in one hand and her favorite fingers in her mouth. I love them both from how different their personalities are all the way to their laughter, that on some days, is hard to decipher.

This is the year that I will remember that love and strength will get us through our days. Happy Mother’s Day!

Hungry Ducks

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We looked at some eye to eye, others quickly swam on by. They swam away with bellies full of stale bread and we kept our feet dry—all in all a successful snack was had.

When it is louder than a whisper…

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When a whisper in the back of your mind becomes louder than just a whisper, you need to listen.

In January Mikayla developed a whopper of a double ear infection. It lasted 5 long weeks. She ran high fevers, she tried 2 oral antibiotics, she puked from the pressure and fluid build up, she was an insomniac. It was brutal and the infection ultimately was kicked by a three day course of an antibiotic shot. When the infection was seemingly gone and we had our toddler back things went back to normal.

And then I noticed it. She stopped adding new words to her vocabulary. She has always been a very verbal little girl so it took me a while to realize something different was brewing. Receptively she could understand everything we said. Get your shoes. Go upstairs and find your socks. Where is your nose, ears, eyes? etc.. My concern continued to grow as the weeks went on and Mikayla’s vocabulary consisted of a whole bunch of daas and baaas and not very many shoes and more. I tried to push the whispers that something may be wrong aside by telling myself not to compare siblings as Mallory was such an early and advanced communicator. I tried to tell myself that all children develop at different paces. But something kept nagging me… This is not being over-reactive this is being proactive. Finally I gave into the whispers and I made two phone calls. The first was to set up an appointment with an Ear, Nose and Throat Doctor. With a simple “She has had a bunch of ear infections and the last one lasted 5 weeks”. I was scheduled for 2 weeks out. It was done. the second phone call was to our school districts Birth to 3 program’s speech and language pathologist (SLP). This was a great phone call…

The SLP and I had a really good conversation. We both could see that the ear infection in January probably played a key role in her lack of new words and her struggle with forming the words correctly. She wanted me to see the ENT and she would meet with me afterwards to see what we were dealing with. She was under the assumption she probably went through a language explosion during a time where she wasn’t hearing correctly while the infection was healing and the fluid was draining. She assured me she would give me some great advice on how to re-teach her the words she was saying wrong.

When I headed to the ENT appointment two weeks later I figured it was just a formality. I was pretty sure they were going to tell me everything was fine and that we should go about our business on teaching Mikayla how to talk now that she could hear correctly. I thought maybe there would be some scar tissue from her doozy of an ear infection. Well slap me silly I was wrong. After a look in her ears the ENT saw a bunch of built up fluid. Her last infection was over 3 months ago so he figured it has been there, unresolved, for three months. “Let’s check her hearing and see if that is affected. Either way I am assuming we are heading towards tubes.” And then they ushered Mikayla and me into a small sound proof room and tested her hearing. Five minutes later, I walked out shocked. With a noticeable hearing loss, I felt like I got kicked in the gut. Fifteen minutes later I walked out to the van with a plan to schedule ear tube surgery within the next two weeks. Surgery yes, but a solution to a problem that needed to be fixed.

And that is when I realized that those whispers add up to be what most call a mother’s intuition… It should never be ignored.

I was bored one day…

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So I found a shoe box, punched six holes in it, threaded it with a shoelace and handed it to Mallory. Her first response was “Awww a new box for Elephant to sleep!” Um. No.

Ten minutes later she learned to tie. No kidding. I spent more time searching on the internet and asking Kristen if I should put the lesson to a song or a rhyme than it did for her to master the task.

In case you are curious, I did not set it to a song. Instead I told a very random story about a rabbit, his long ears, a dogs tail and the chase between the two of them. I made it up as I went and she remembered as she learned. Thankfully she didn’t need the story the second day because I wouldn’t have remembered the details if I tried. She picked up the box and the shoe string and, just like pedaling a bike, tied the perfect bow.

Trust yourself

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Every time we go to the park Mallory asks for help on the fire pole. My answer is always the same; Mallory I am too short. You have to wait for daddy to help you. Today her daddy was at the park with us and she asked for his help. I was busy chasing a toddler around so I missed the first couple attempts at sliding down the pole. When she yelled for me to watch her, I turned around and this is what I saw…

When I watched her from the top, I saw her hold onto the pole and in that split second she had the choice; trust herself or back away? And she did it. She took the leap. She trusted herself. She did it over and over again, smiling the entire time, until it was time for us to head home…

Egg-cellent Afternoon

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We boiled our eggs.

We invited Grandma over to help and we grabbed our crayons to decorate.

We smiled and giggled. Mallory was in charge of the timing of how long the eggs were left in the dye. Being a whiz at stalling time we ended with very vibrant colored eggs.

We ended with beautiful eggs and good memories.

The crushed orange egg (top center) is Mikayla’s masterpiece. Gentle bitty doesn’t quite understand how fragile eggs are.

Color!

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Mikayla LOVES to color. Whether it is at the kitchen table with crayons or outside with chalk, she is all over her artwork. Sometimes she tries to eat the color utensil, but we are working on it. Give the girl a break. It is hard to sprout 6 new teeth…

Such concentration while she colors Grover, Elmo and Dorothy

Now if you sit down to color with her, whether at the table or outside, without a doubt, she will ask you to draw a duck and a fish. please and thank you.

Heartstrings

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When I became a mother I grew heartstrings. I never knew they really existed until I watched my first born grow. Practically before my eyes, as a newborn, she stretched and wiggled and soon enough her brand new “preemie” outfits were too small. Before my eyes I had to dig in her drawers and take out those teeny tiny outfits, once were too big and now her little toes wanted to poke out the ends of the footies. From season to season and growth spurt to growth spurt I packed up my first born’s clothes into boxes. I was careful to fold and label them, hoping that one day my second born would wear the same cute and teeny tiny clothes. Three years later, when the ultrasound told us our fate for our second born, the boxes came out and the teeny tiny clothes were given a second chance. Most of the clothes were folded and put into Mikayla’s dresser waiting for her to wear them. However, there were a few outfits that tugged so gently on my heartstrings that I couldn’t bear to have any other baby wear them. There was a cute fleece sweat suit that Mallory wore when she was itty—as in days old. It was so cozy and we spent numerous hours snuggling away with her. She wore it until it was noticeably too small and when I washed it for the last time and packed it away I was more than a little bit sad.

As Mikayla has grown over the last 20 months the boxes of clothes have come out of storage one by one. Slowly, we have grown into and out of some of Mallory’s hand me downs. My baby continues to grow and I continue to box up the clothes that she can no longer fit into. Now my head knows that this is my last baby. There can be no more packing up boxes and pushing them further into storage. Trying to tell my heart this has been a little bit harder. My heartstrings want so desperately to hold on to those little bitty clothes. I don’t want to forget how little they were, what they wiggled and giggled in before they could walk and talk, and more importantly, to hold on to a time that is so fleeting that I still can hardly believe it.

Thankfully, Mikayla has grown very very slowly so by the time she graduates to a new size, I almost feel like throwing a small party. (Cue the balloons, streamers and pony rides Mikayla just grew out of 12 month clothes!) New clothes get to come out of storage and I get to take a trip down memory lane with clothes that Mallory once wore. Just as close as a sister, my best friend Kristen had a baby when Mikayla was a year old. Handing the clothes over to her as made boxing up old clothes and handing them over so much easier.

When I pack a full box and pass them on to Kristen and Sienna I usually oogle over a few of my favorites to Kristen. She listens. She’s a mom so she too was given heartstrings. It never fails that a few months go by and when Sienna is big enough to fit into the passed down clothes, I get a picture sent to me. Sienna is always full of smiles, and in this picture, she is wearing one of my favorites. Tug Tug.

Cool Stuff You Do

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Because you are not changing leaps and bounds like your sister, monthly updates go unnoticed. You are no longer growing like a weed so your growth stats from month to month go uncharted. However, that does not mean we don’t see changes, sometimes daily as to who you are becoming.

Mallory, when people ask you how old you are (insert the wonderful lady who trimmed your hair), you answer “I am five years old. I don’t think I am five and a half yet because I have not been five for that long.”

You make your own bed and you are really good at it!

You pick out your own clothes, get dressed by yourself, and ~~always~~ sometimes remember to put your pajamas away.

You love taking long, hot showers. All we need to do is wash your hair. You do the rest, from behind your ears to the bottom of your toes. You even dry off and get all dressed.

You are a great friend. You can see the excitement in your eyes when you have a playmate your own age. You see a piece of clothing in a color that is one of your preschool friends favorites, and you immediately tell me that you need to wear it to school so _____ can see you in it.

You can swing all by yourself. You need a little bit of help getting started, but then your little legs pump away and you are off, attempting to soar as high as the sky.

You LOVE to use the computer. You are given two, 15 minute segments of computer time each day. These are privileges and are very easily used as bargaining tools for discipline as you do.not. want to lose your computer time. You are currently playing a learning game called JumpStart for Kindergarteners.

You pick up any “Step 1” book and attempt to read it. Most of the time you sound out each new, longer word and make an effort to read it. When you are tired, or have read “too many” words, we help you out. You can see the smile of pride when you make it through a string of brand new tough words. (To date, this has been a huge parenting highlight)

You still love dressing beautiful. This means dresses, skirts, tights and anything that sparkles. Oh my…

You doggy paddle like a little puppy, when just weeks before you were terrified to even let go of the side of the pool wall.

And most importantly, you still think your mom is pretty cool…

Dress-Up

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I never thought two sisters, who got dressed-up almost on their own, could be so cute.

Happy Blog Anniversary!

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My three year blogging anniversary was on Saturday. Three years! That seems like a long time. To date, I have written 478 posts. To me, that means I have forever remembered almost 475 memories for my children. A handful of the posts have nothing to do with my children, little do with me, and are completely irrelevant to parenting, but for the most part this story I have written is a true vision of what goes on inside my home.

From day one, this blog has provided an outlet for myself that I never knew I needed. The creativity, the pictures I take (just to remember) and the writing that I sit down to do at the end of the day, puts an end to my day and helps me reflect.

My mom was, and continues to, struggle with dementia. I deal with the forgotten names, memories, and moments each time I visit her. I fear the day that I won’t remember the small things that happened in my children’s lives. My grandma wrote in a diary every day for as long as I can remember. She had them lined up on a book shelf in chronological order. She wrote the year with a gold marker on the binding of the small unlocked book. When she died I was given the diaries from 1979 and 1981. I have kept them close as to read about her days gives me comfort and makes me feel like a little bit of her fire still burns along side of me. She wrote about the weather, what she did during her retired days, and my favorite part, what she ate that day… I know that she gave me a Strawberry Shortcake dress and a baby doll for my 2nd birthday. I also know that she called me, on several occasions, her red headed little dolly.

With the hopes of providing my family a diary with gold binding, I continue on. I can’t wait to see what year three to four brings to the Eid household. If you are an avid reader you know that it will most likely bring sibling rivalry, terrible two’s, Kindergarten, a checked out controller(!), and a wife/mother/woman who sits down at the end of the night to write it all down with the hopes of never forgetting a single minute.