The Crafts

Things about today...

2012-01-26T14:51:00.004-06:00

I am tired today, yo. I've also been listening to too much hip-hop. I don't even like hip-hop all that much. (Okay, that's a total lie. I'm a closet fan. But my heart still pitter-patters for good ol' rock n' roll.)

Today has been fun and obviously tiring as I type this with coffee in hand and my eyelids drooping.

Today I skipped the guilt behind plopping CJ in front of an episode of Scooby Doo because she watched it with the Bible in her hands. Perhaps she was praying for mom's forgiveness?

This was all her. Not staged at all. Promise!

Today the snow is melting thanks to above freezing temperatures. We celebrated by building the biggest snowman I could hoist into the air. I may have also left CJ in the house to play for 10 minutes by herself while Kate and I finished building. I guess I was having too much fun.

Our snowman looks more like a totem pole but no one around here is complaining.

I did complain however about Frosty's inability to hold onto his blueberry eyes and mouth. I desperately teetered atop an overturned garbage can poking holes into his face without success until I broke out a can of spray paint and fed blueberries to the birds. The newspaper delivery man arrived during my balancing act and looked at me like I was a complete nut. Which I suppose could be true.

That is one bad motha snowman.

Today my dining room table looks like this...

(Actually it's looked like that pretty much all week.)

We've been fiercely cutting hearts and creating glittery Valentine's for days. I'm starting to lose the passion.

Today my 'mud room' / 'foyer' / 'hallway pass-through' looks like this...

(And actually this area too has looked this way for days.)

And today, when no one was looking, I helped myself to the last serving of Gooey Chocolate Pudding Cake. I baked it last night and 95% was gone two hours after being pulled from the oven. I should have taken a photo of the cake for my blog but all you would have seen is this...

(This was not my cake leftovers. I stole this picture from the internet.)

I thought maybe I'd search out the recipe and share it's link on my blog but couldn't find the exact one.

I did however find a new website that will probably cause me to waste a lot of time.

And, today after shoveling, snow digging, snowman building, races through the living room, dancing to various hip-hop songs, a library visit and chasing the cat to save her from CJ annihilation, both little girls are tucked away in their rooms.

I like today.

2012-01-25T16:23:00.000-06:00

This week has been a series of thrills and disasters. It's strange. We had an excitedly, glorious moment where my heart raced like an Olympic swimmer on steroids, only to follow it up with a heart breaker. One after the other, this week is roller coastering itself to the finish line. I hope the good will continue and the bad will die out in a pile of ashes. I made sure to photo document most of the good stuff, but I skipped the bad. Bad days are real but who wants pictures of them?

These two have melted my heart so many times this week. They've been seen hugging, dancing and occasionally fighting. Fortunate is what I am.

And although this photo is blurring I had to share. We sometimes have dance parties after dinner. This is Dina sporting her 'dancing face' while attempting to get Supergirl CJ to wiggle with her. And I really mean wiggle. We were dancing to my favorite Zumba song, "Wiggle, Wiggle" by Fulatino. It puts a smile on my face.

Kate is high drama most days. It's typically good high drama but drama none the less. Her tumbling class was fortunate enough to perform during the high school wrestling meet the other day. I'm not sure what's going on with this pose but I particularly like this picture because it shows CJ sneaking into line with the other girls. She tried this so many times but never got away with it.

I tried my best to capture an action picture of Kate's tumbling performance but there were too many bodies running back and forth. I did catch a shot of her random, happy interpretive dance. She was supposed to be waiting her turn in line but the excitement got to her. When a girl's gotta a dance, then a girl is gonna dance.

This is the tail end of her cartwheel. Yes, a tumbler is expected to land on her feet after a cartwheel but Kate is...well let's say she is trying to recreate the cartwheel into something of her own.

Pigtails in the air... such a happy looking little kid moment.

Another happy moment (yes, I'm glossing over the bad) was when I successfully taught Kate how to play Solitaire. She's got the hang of it. Watch out Vegas, our 5 year old plays cards. (I've never been to Vegas, do they have Solitaire? kidding, totally kidding...)

And of course, little sister must try her hand at Solitaire as well. But she failed miserably. Counting money is her stronger suit.

To continue my intentional ignoring of bad events, I snapped a quick pic of Kate making her own lunch. Yes, the girl turned find just last week and she has started making her own sandwiches, she finally buckled herself into the van and got her sister some milk upon request. And if you know CJ it is an all too often request. That girl downs 3 gallons a week on her own. But I digress...

So there you have it folks. Almost all of the great things from our week so far. I didn't share them all and I didn't mention a single bad thing because I'm trying to focus on the positive points in life. Certainly we cannot ignore all the less than rosy things that are presented to us in this life but right now, for me, I'm going to drink in the good and spit out the bad because there is always something happy going on around the corner.

Learning and listing...

2012-01-21T13:33:00.001-06:00

The warm start to winter fooled me good. I actually started to believe that our almost 100 year old house with it's original windows and open NW corner was somehow not too bad in the winter. Just when I started to truly believe it, the real winter arrived. And I've been wearing 8 layers of socks ever since.

Each year I learn one or two more things about our house. How to keep out the cold air, what that weird, mysterious light switch leads to, why does the electrical for the bedroom sconce run to the garage? The more I learn about the house, the more I love it here.

My little girls reveal new things to me all the time too. And it gets me excited. I feel like I get to know their spicy personalities a little better every day. They still throw me for a loop. Like this kissy-kissy, we-share-all-of-our-toys phase that recently ended and a shoving match phase ensued. But this phase too will pass.

This is a favorite game: lay on the floor while Mom throws a blanket on top.

Some days I look at Kate and I can envision her grown up. And then I think, "What the heck, Sarah! She just turned 5. Get a grip!"

I hate to get all sappy, sentimental but that's just how I roll sometimes. I cry at sad movies and I feel mushy about my girls.

A little corn syrupy emotional outburst never hurt anyone, especially when it's over the sweetness of your kids. This my blog, I can get sugary if I want to.

**********************************************

Friday's snow day led to lots of lists. We had a running list of things to accomplish. A list of things to cheer up someone we love. A list of City Council things that need to be looked at. A list of goodies I've been wanting to make and subsequently eat. We crossed off a lot of those to-dos and it feels good. Probably one of the best items on the list was play time with these two. When we all get along, they're pretty darn fun.

Speaking of to-dos. I'm debating whether to make some digital scrapbooks from Shutterfly for these two cuties. I haven't pulled the trigger on the project yet but I think it'd be a nice memory book for them someday.

Speaking of to-dos, this blog post was on one of those lists. Somehow the days fly by before I knew they began and I then realize another blogging opportunity has slipped through my fingers. Blogging is a good outlet and it needs to be on my list more often.

And now the next thing on my list is ice cream. Better go cross that one off.

Reminiscing...

2012-01-17T09:04:00.002-06:00

Five years ago yesterday Matt and I spent our last night out as a couple without kids. A short while later I would awake to labor pains, sneak out of bed to the computer and frantically research boy names. 21 painful hours later we were greeted with our sweet faced, baby girl who had herself a solid set of lungs and feet too large for the imprint paper.

Five years later we have an incredibly tall girl who loves math, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and can never get enough play time at the park.

She loves Scooby Doo, fairy chapter books, 'running' with Mom and watching goofy YouTube videos with Dad.

Kate is super competitive and wants to play every sport. At three years old she commanded I let go of her while swimming in the deep end of the pool. She proceeded to swim to the side on her own and later that day threw herself in a cannon ball position off the diving board 26 times.

Kate is bursting at the seams to begin Kindergarten and while we know she will flourish, her mom is going to miss having her around all day.

Kate is an adorable, kind-hearted 5 year old beauty and I am so very proud to call her mine.

HAPPY 5TH BIRTHDAY, KATE!!

wind up...

2012-01-16T14:22:00.001-06:00

I'm going to keep this brief because all three girls are fast asleep and my alone time is precious. (And quite frankly, I could use a shower, but you didn't need to know that.)

The first snow fell this past week and we've been taking advantage of it. In order to really appreciate living in a colder winter climate a person has got to find ways to enjoy it, otherwise visions of palm trees will dance in your head. While Caribbean life would be grand in the winter, I'm think the long, sweltering summers would kind of suck. (Actually, I know first hand. I lived in Florida for a summer. But that's another story for another time.)

This is my new favorite picture. The stealthy, snowball clutching, older sister creeping up on the innocent, unsuspecting, younger sister. You can guess how this turned out. I'm sure glad I snapped the before photo.

Our weekend played out beautifully. I have lots of pictures to share but again...that shower is calling my name. Plus I have another birthday party to get ready for tomorrow and my sister is coming to visit. So much to look forward to this week. I'm not even sure where to begin. Oh yes, how about with a long, hot bath and a good book. I'm reading "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo" and "In Praise of Stay-at-Home Moms." They are quite the opposite reads but I love a good book waiting for me. Oh, and did you notice the new blog header? Love it!

party on, Wayne...

2012-01-13T14:33:00.001-06:00

Like the rest of Iowa, we were shocked into winter this past Wednesday. Around noon that day the girls and I walked to school with coats unzipped and a springy spring in our step. CJ later took a nap and when she awoke we pulled on boots, mittens and scarves. This isn't news. Winter has finally arrived and we are all well aware. I was really enjoying the unseasonably warm temps but winter's arrival was timely. We are about to begin Kate's birthday celebrations and a January birthday should really involve snow and sledding.

While she won't reach the ripe old age of five until next week, her excitement began several months ago. Today I hung the rainbow birthday banner I made for her and this has only ramped up the anticipation.

Yes, that's a book in our fireplace. It's a long, cold story.

Countless seasoned moms have warned that days with children are long but the years are short. I never bought into that baloney until I woke up and realized Kate is almost five. FIVE!? Five is the beginning of a new chapter. I'm excited but astonished that she has transformed from teeny tiny to big girl.

1 1/2 years old

4 years, last year's birthday party...and she really has more than 3 fingers on each hand

Five is a big number and worthy of a celebration. We are planning a rainbow theme complete with tie-dye rainbow cake and homemade ice cream. It's going to be a good weekend.

Let the celebrating begin!

break time...

2012-01-11T14:21:00.002-06:00

Alone time is a rare gem for me these days. Who I am kidding. Alone time is uncommon for a lot of people.

But when the stars align, like they have this very lovely afternoon, I take full advantage.

I just awoke from a brief nap and am now making googly eyes at a big bowl of mint chocolate chip ice cream.

Shall I read a book, catch up on blogs, ~~clean house~~?

I think I'll enjoy the peace.

I hope the stars have aligned for you too today!

What do you do with time to yourself? Is it bad that my first reaction is to eat desserts?

Resolute...

2012-01-09T14:26:00.001-06:00

Surprisingly CJ has declared herself a New Year's resolution. At 2 years of age she has resolved to eat pickles this year. I'm not sure where that came from but I love it. Kate resolved to eat healthier food. She bats a pretty good average when choosing healthy over sugar but we all have our moments of weakness.

Through the month of December I managed to blog 25 + or - days in a row. Since then I have been an awfully lazy blogger. Actually lazy is the wrong word because I made a conscious decision to avoid blogging and Facebook. Between vacation in Florida, New York and our various Christmas travels, I barely touched a computer. I don't think I've logged on since Thursday of last week. While I really enjoy catching up with friends via Facebook, reading blogs and writing my own, I've found that life goes on without it. This realization kind of led me towards a resolution for myself this year. Instead of ignoring the kids so I can focus on blogs and Facebook, I'm going to ignore blogs and Facebook so I can focus on the kids.

Thanks to my resolution and unseasonably gorgeous January weather, we've been doing a lot of this...

...without coats or hats or mittens.

To continue with my new found love of ignoring unnecessary things I also added messes to my list. I've worried less about dishes, laundry and dust and spent more time focusing on playing UNO, reading books and dancing to 'Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious' about 87 times. And I'm not exaggerating. The results have been tremendous. I've barely had to act as a referee, breaking up fights between Child A and Child B. I've traded whining, tattling and fighting for bigger piles of dishes and dirty laundry. And I'm totally cool with that.

I'm not about to quit completely. In fact, I'm ignoring CJ for a few minutes to type this up. As a stay-at-home mommy I need that virtual interaction with adults because there aren't too many grown-ups to be found around here during the day. And like all well intended New Year's resolutions I'm sure there will be some lapse in my new found efforts but I plan to do my dandest to keep it up.

Back to play time, although that pile of laundry is staring to smell. Trade-offs are hard but sometimes so worth it.

From LPC to NYC...

2012-01-03T17:11:00.000-06:00

Attention readers: we are in recovery mode. We tested the waters and learned that the rumors are true. The City of New York never sleeps and neither did we. It was fabulous. All insomniacs should take up residence in New York and party their butts off 24/7. I like New York City...a lot, like a whole heaping lot. The character, the characters, the nonstop sights with literally thousands of things to do. Ah, I was overcome. You could live a lifetime in that city and still never see it all. I will be back. WE will be back. Our list of New York things-to-do is still a mile long and a foot wide.

We have Iowa State University to thank for our trip. The university didn't pay but they did pave the way. A return trip to New York has been on our radar for years and thanks to the Pinstripe Bowl we found our excuse to go.

Either Dina shrunk in New York or she is slouching. We are tall but not THAT tall!

We rung in 2012 in the heart of the world's New Year's celebrations: Time Square. New York knows how to celebrate.

Behind the heavy commercialized portions of Manhattan lie unbelievably beautiful areas to discover. I particularly enjoy this picture; a stunning bridge with a Central Park trail running underneath. And while he is way too handsome to be a bridge troll, Matt's dad tried his darndest.

Central Park is teeming with giant rocks just begging us to break an ankle. Thankfully Dina and I came out safe and sound. I think Dina's muscle flex means she was proud.

It was a trip to remember and a trip we'll relive sometime in the future because even twice isn't enough. From LPC to NYC. We had a blast.

See you soon NYC!

M.I.A...

2011-12-27T15:35:00.000-06:00

I will be away from the blog for a little while.

I won't tell you why but the answer is hidden somewhere within this collage.

See ya soon!

A very Merry Christmas...

2011-12-24T22:37:00.000-06:00

Wishing you a Merry Christmas!

And because it's near impossible to get a pic with everyone looking at the same time I've included two photos.

And then a third photo with all the Craft girls.

Merry Christmas!

God bless!

o-n-e...

2011-12-24T14:55:00.000-06:00

We have two very excited little girls in this house. And yet they were as patient as angels while I prepared cinnamon rolls, Christmas dessert and Kringla this morning. I suggested they play house and this is what they did.

My two, sweet Christmas blessings...

Christmas Eve Eve tradition...

2011-12-23T21:02:00.002-06:00

We don't have much time together in our home over Christmas so we have created our own little early celebration called Christmas Eve Eve. And today is that day.

Each Christmas Eve Eve Matt picks up little treats to celebrate together. It's always the same treats and it is always awesome. The treats include Ben & Jerry's Phish Food ice cream, mint chocolate coffee (for me) and a big bag of goldfish...not the cracker goldfish but the swimming around in a bowl kind of goldfish. Typically they survive our house a few days, maybe a week but this time...they didn't even live much past dinner and the reason for that is this...

Yep, that's a fish in her tiny fist and she is squeezing the life out of the poor thing.

And just when I thought she has finally being gentle with them I find CJ scooping out goldfish with her bare hands, hiding them under the towels and pounding her fists atop that towel in glee. Please don't call PETA.

When we finally called it quits I counted 8 fish instead of the 9 we started with.

I was worried Miss CJ may have swallowed the fish whole but instead found him flopping helplessly on the dining room floor.

And afterwards we watched Napoleon Dynamite.

A weird Christmas Eve Eve tradition for sure but it is something I look forward to every year!

A side of hot sauce..

2011-12-22T14:49:00.002-06:00

I'm not a big fan of fried chicken. It's just not my thing. But I do love boneless wings. They're pretty much the same thing; they're fried, they're chicken but without the bones. Anyway, all these wings restaurants have a sliding scale of hot sauces. The mildest measuring in at a 1 and the so-hot-you-may-wet-yourself kind of sauce measuring in at a 10. I love these places. I dig spicy.

Kids can be spicy too. Especially when they're around two years of age. Some, like Kate, measure on the more mild side. I'd say two year old Kate rang in at 2, sometimes 3. Miss CJ, and I think you know where I'm going with this, has herself a whole lotta spice. When she's in the mood for some sauciness she measures up there with the your-face-is-gonna-burn-off kind of spicy which is probably a good solid 9.

So, when I spotted saucy CJ sitting quietly on a library chair reading a book with a cute pink bow in her hair while all the other kids played a game...well, I had to snap a photo. These quiet, level 1 mild moments don't happen all that often. I'm hoping she ~~slowly~~ quickly transitions into this kind of girl all the time. I may like my boneless wings hot but NOT my children.

Just look at that face! You'd never believe this girl could be trouble, do you?!

Sorry for the blurry pic but it was too sweet not to share.

So long...

2011-12-21T16:13:00.000-06:00

Good bye fall. You rocked and we're going to miss you something terrible.

Winter is not my friend but I attempt to make the best of it.

Today we celebrated a beautiful fall day...the very last fall day of 2011.

No snow. And that's okay by me.

This is not an "I heart Michele Bachmann" post...

2011-12-20T14:16:00.000-06:00

Matt likes politics. And you have to admit, there is a real air of excitement when a Presidential candidate comes to town. Unless of course only ladies in crazy cat sweaters show up to ask questions about something Congress passed in 1910. But anyway, I'm off topic... So Matt has decided to introduce Dina to the world of American politics.

Michele Bachmann is on a 99 county tour of Iowa this month and made a stop near us last night so Matt and Dina took off late afternoon to listen to her speak. Despite the fact that Matt is probably not supporting Michele Bachmann, he was impressed with her. She is intelligent, communicates clearly, argues her opinions well and even avoided making people look a fool when they asked really stupid questions.

Dina was awfully excited to get her picture with Michele.

I think it was a really good learning experience for Dina. She was surprised to hear how the American public, including political candidates, can so freely disagree and sometimes bad mouth those in office. There really is very little respect in American politics. From what I understand this is quite different than the political tone of Kuwait. Dina was also amazed to hear Michele Bachmann's stance on gun control. In fact, after Michele's speech Dina said, "Well, if she is elected president, the U.S. can save on bodyguards." That woman can defend herself. Michele Bachmann loves guns.

This blog post in by no means a political endorsement. We would take Dina to get her picture taken with Obama, or Ron Paul, Ghandi if any of them swung through LPC. Last night was all about experiences. And from talking to Dina, I think it was a good one.

A full work-out...

2011-12-19T14:29:00.000-06:00

When I came up with today's plan I immediately had flashbacks to one summer day in Des Moines. Straight out of graduate school I was living alone in a rather junky apartment and working at my first ever professional job. With no cable television, my boyfriend, now husband, living 100 miles to the east and only a cat to call a friend, I was hunting for ways to stall boredom.

I did not add the Christmas ornament to the cookie baking counter, but I bet you can guess who did.

...enjoying the unbelievable December weather...

I was a regular runner, logging 3 miles a day, five days a week but the pattern was becoming tedious. One afternoon while sitting inside my cubicle I decided that evening I was going to run a full hour. I'd never done it before but why the heck should that stop me. I punched out and stepped outside to a 90+ degree day. Heh, that hour long run suddenly didn't sound so awesome but I couldn't back out, I was already committed. Long story short, I completed the run, returned home to no electricity or air conditioning and I finally stopped sweating about a month ago. This was the start of my long distance running career.*

Flash forward to today where I awoke with a large dose of motivation. I vacuumed the whole house, finished up 8 loads of laundry and to top it off completed an hour long run. Yes, I peeled my lazy bones off the couch, wrote off my regular 3-mile route and pounded pavement for a good solid hour, just like the days in my shabby Des Moines apartment. (Except I came home to electricity.)

So my point is, and I do have one, I like myself a good old, fashion challenge. Tell me I can't do it and that just makes me more motivated. I'm a stubborn girl and I like it that way.

Tell me, "You're not quite smart enough to major in Economics." Done. "You'll never get all 20 dozen cookies baked today." Check. "You should really watch this great new movie, 'Top Gun.'" Still haven't seen it. I told ya I'm a stubborn one.

Today was a very rewarding day. And I best hold onto it because I'm sure I'll follow it up with a slow Tuesday and too many goodies in my pajamas. And that's alright with me too.

*Career is extremely loosing defined in this instance.

Blog Rehab...

2011-12-18T19:42:00.000-06:00

The past three days passed me by...quickly. I'm not entirely sure where they went. I was off on a Christmas family bender full of gifts, food, cookies and...oh, the cookies.

One of these little girls is not like the others...

Today was Kate's Christmas church program. Similar to last year she was adorned with a halo. And to be quite honest, that halo is well deserved. Kate is a little angel. That's if angels are sometimes incredibly loud because this girl has herself a set of solid gold, lungs. It's like God gifted her with a set of Bose speakers instead of vocal chords. Her voice carries like Payton Manning with a stiff wind at his back.

And for today's program Kate did not leave her lungs at home. She was loud and I was proud. CJ was loud too but she wasn't performing...well, she wasn't suppose to be performing at church.

With only seven more days til Christmas, surely I can follow through and keep my blog current. I imagine these two will give me plenty of material to work with.

Stick of butter...

2011-12-15T19:13:00.000-06:00

When my brother was small we'd often catch him with his head in the refrigerator and his mouth full of butter. I don't get it. Butter is great and all but not alone. Anyway, this morning I heard the familiar scraping of a stool being haphazardly dragged across the kitchen floor and I knew what was up. I also immediately knew the face of the guilty party. I sneaked around the corner to find CJ proudly balancing atop a kitchen stool. I quick grabbed my camera and soon found the other monkey with her nose in the cupboard too.

By this afternoon the treasure these two sought is almost gone despite the fact it was just purchased yesterday. But I guess a box of animal crackers is a whole lot better then stuffing a stick of butter in your mouth.

Lazy days...

2011-12-14T10:00:00.000-06:00

The other day one my grandmas asked why the girls are always wearing pajamas in my pictures. I wondered if anyone would notice. It seems I snap most of our pictures in the early morning hours. Either that, or the girls and I are just lazy about getting dressed. Okay, you caught me. We're just lazy.

Quite honestly there are days the girls don't leave their pajamas until they absolutely must because either we're heading out for preschool or a playdate or because it's time to make supper and we don't want Dad to find us still in our pajamas. I'm sure the UPS man could share some stories about us.

Winter is good for laziness. And that's just the way we like it. (Oh, and it saves on laundry!)

Eating breakfast in pajamas...

Playing board games in pajamas...

Exploring boxes in pajamas...

Cleaning house in pajamas...

Pajama tea party...

Playing Go Fish in pajamas...

Pajamas in a bucket surrounded by Barbies...

Worth it...

2011-12-13T08:56:00.000-06:00

There are days when, despite my best intentions the night before, I awake long after I should. Matt will be showered and almost out the door while CJ and I are still rubbing our eyes and padding down the stairs. These days mean either I skip my shower until late in the day or I sneak away while the girls are distracted. Yesterday was one of those days. So when I decided I couldn't stand not showering I turned on a cartoon, slipped into the shower and was fully dressed before anyone noticed. And then I got a grand idea. Now fully showered and clean, I decided to forgo my usual chores of laundry, cleaning, making beds and instead grabbed the toy microphone and announced a big foot race was to occur in 2 minutes and all runners should report to the starting line.

The three of us ran 22 races, running in circles from living room, dining room, kitchen, foyer, office and back again. We stopped for short breaks between runs to hydrate and then started all over again. Once we tired of running we danced on balance beams made of folded blankets, we practiced our somersaults and cartwheels, played several games of Go Fish and a never ending series of hide-and-go-seek. Two hours later we collapsed exhausted on the couch and Kate said, "Mom, that was so fun." And she's right, it really was.

My girls won't remember all the hours I log laundering their dirty clothes or washing sippy cups but they will remember those trips down the twirly slide with mom chasing them close behind. I guess I've started to understand the legacy I leave with them shouldn't be about a spotless house but rather lots of moments of laughter with mom. And while some games (like Go Fish) may mentally kill me because they're so boring, at the end of the day their faces tell me the invested time was so worth it.

Pets...

2011-12-12T21:51:00.000-06:00

A little fun fact for you today: Kuwaitis don't have pets. Well, unless you include fish. I almost think a fish would be harder to care for...but they would shed less than cats and dogs. Anyway, my point is that because it is rare for a Kuwaiti family to own a pet, Dina is not at all used to them living in the house. She is terrified of Baxter, our sweet, docile kitty who sleeps all day and purrs all night. So when Dina allowed Baxter to sit on the arm of the couch by her the other day I knew I had to grab my camera.

Dina is even smiling at Baxter. Normally she is gasping, holding back a scream or shoeing Baxter away with her bunny slippers. (Baxter hates bunnies.)

Dina even offered to fake pet Baxter.

And then in the next picture Matt tried a gentle push to get Dina even closer.
It almost worked.

A little more love grows between Baxter and Dina every day.

By June next year when Dina has to return home these two will be inseparable.

Nah.

Race against the clock...

2011-12-11T21:29:00.001-06:00

I was doing a fairly good job keeping up on my Christmas countdown until today when I realized I hadn't even given the interwebs a single thought. So my blog post today will be short and sweet. Kate and I spent a good deal of quality time together. It was really great, actually. I love hanging out with my girls one on one.

Those sweet girls are now in bed and I need to review some grant applications but Stefon has been stealing me away from my work. Stefon is so darn funny, goofy and a little inappropriate. Don't know who he is? Check him out.

Good night!

My Christmas wish...

2011-12-10T08:06:00.001-06:00

Remember the other day when I said Christmas was in full swing around here? Well, it was and still is, but something else is in full swing as well. CJ, with all her cute smiles and giggles, has officially peaked (or at least I hope so!) in the "terrible twos." Like a shootout at high noon in the wild, wild west, it has been high drama as we face off lungs a blazin'. Yes, I said lungs because two year old children don't carry guns but they sure pack some heavy heat with their fake cries and real whines. It's all a phase and this too shall past.

CJ and I did have a few fun moments with each other yesterday while Kate was in school. We completed several puzzles and played hide and seek. CJ is a confident girl and argued with me on several topics, proclaiming herself right and me to be wrong. For example, while trying to place the "R" puzzle piece in the right spot, CJ insisted that the "R" is actually a "T." And when we painted nails later in the afternoon she argued that my red nail polish is actually daddy's. The girl wants to be right, even when she is oh so very wrong. I'm kind of proud of her persistence, even though she was clearly incorrect.

Whiny arguments aside, my CJ has a strong personality and I'm happy for it. She has an attitude all her own and tons of creativity. CJ, herself, I wouldn't trade for the world. Now this two-year old sassy-ness? I'll sell it to you at a bargain.

Silent Night?...

2011-12-09T12:55:00.001-06:00

Every parent, especially a stay-at-home parent, needs a little time away from the kids. A good amount of time has passed me by since I've stepped away from my little ones for more than a night's sleep. And it was starting to wear on me. So the other evening after the supper table was clean and everyone seemed distracted, I sneaked upstairs, turned on the heated mattress pad, grabbed some reading material and sunk into bed. I spent five glorious minutes between warm sheets, filling my mind with things that weren't related to Max & Ruby or Dora the Explorer or another game of Go Fish. Five glorious minutes and Kate tiptoed into the room with a shy, "Hi Mom. Want to play a game with me?" Of course, I normally do, but at that moment I would have rather done anything but. So instead Kate grabbed a book and settled in next to me. Five more minutes later CJ peers around the corner with a sly grin. She got the hint, grabbed her favorite edition of "Happy Town" and slipped in next to Kate. And somehow, I was able to feel a little bit of peace with both girls laying next to me, even though they were wide awake.

That night helped me remember that kids love their parents unconditionally. It is so easy to forget that after a hard day, or several long days without a break. Kids can never take in too much parent time. And I need to remember that my girls following me around incessantly isn't their way of annoying me, rather it is their consistent (sometimes exhausting) way of demonstrating their unconditional, never-ending love for their mom. Man, oh man, it's a difficult but important piece of information to remember.

In case you were wondering where the picture came from... A minute after CJ climbed in Matt came around the corner, found us all in bed reading and ran for the camera. A peaceful moment with little kids is next to impossible to capture on film.

17...

2011-12-08T14:24:00.001-06:00

Christmas is in full swing here.

We've been decking the halls and singing fa-la-la-la-la until our cups runneth over...with hot chocolate.

The other day I made hot cocoa from scratch.

The kind of homemade stuff with more sugar than milk and more cocoa than chemically designed powder from those Swiss Valley premeasured packets.

To top it off, homemade whipped cream, sprinkles (pink, of course) and candy canes.

Our bellies were full and our supper was ruined.

So worth it.

*******************************************************

Today we stuffed envelopes with Christmas cards and holiday stickers while sipping tea and dining on crumpets.

We were feeling rather royal. Yeah, baby. (Said in my best Austin Powers' accent.)

I also wore several layers of clothes as I recited more appropriate Austin Powers lines like, "It's frickin freezing in here, Mr. Bigglesworth." Because it really is freezing in our old, drafty, yet gorgeous house.

(I'm really not that big of Austin Powers fan. It's just that formal tea and crumpets makes me feel British and sadly, Austin Powers is the first famous Britain, although fictional, to pop in my head.)

I must get back to the tea party. My guests are getting restless.

A Wednesday without words...or at least just a few words...

2011-12-07T13:57:00.001-06:00

This may appear to be sisterly love but if memory serves me right the cute 'cuddle' snapped here soon turned into a fight.

But really, who hasn't blindly tackled their sibling into a choke hold.

Playing house...

2011-12-06T08:33:00.001-06:00

I recently bought myself a new vacuum and the resulting excitement made me worry for my sanity.

But it is an awesome vacuum. And it was pretty cheap; relatively speaking.

I'm not the only one in the house who digs the new vacuum.

Miss Claudia has been having herself a heck of a time and her tummy, hands and jammies have never been cleaner.

Vacuuming yourself is a riot!

We're at 20...

2011-12-05T15:30:00.001-06:00

If I ever wrote a letter to Santa as I a kid I sure as heck don't remember it.

That probably means I didn't actually write one because I remember a lot of stuff from my childhood.

Anyhow, I decided to let Kate write a letter to Santa.

I obviously did the physical writing but Kate came up with the words on her own.

She sat at the dining room table dreamy eyed.

It has got to be the most random letter to Santa ever...or at least that I've ever read.

Nonetheless, it gave me a good laugh.

Points of clarification:

*She asked me to draw the heart.

*We have a small stuffed Santa that checks up on her behavior. Mini-me Santa moves around each night and occasionally leaves chocolate coins and peanut butter cups in stockings.

*Kate must be planning a naughty 2012 because she specifically told me to write down, "I hope you give me some gifts next year." I said, "don't you mean this year?" And she said, "No, I'm wondering about next Christmas." Hmmm...

*CJ does, in fact, bear the resemblance to a wild animal on many occasions. But I'm surprised Kate ratted her out to Santa.

*"Kate is like a first grader." Kate is somewhat of an old soul. At least a first grader old soul. She really wants to start school.

*"CJ is a milk girl." This couldn't be more true. She honestly needs to consider MA; Milk-a-holics Anonymous.

*"Kate likes doing math." Random, for sure but Kate is very good at math...well, simple addition and subtraction math. She is also very proud of her math skills. The girl is not short on confidence.

*"I want a real dog." This one surprised me. I've never heard her ask for a dog and she will never get one either.

Is Santa real? No. Does Kate understand that? No.

I don't see anything wrong with a kid getting all googly-eyed over the idea of Santa.

She knows the real reason for Christmas. In fact, during our tea party this morning she toasted Jesus. And when I say that I mean she gave a toast in his honor with her tea cup held high.

So let the magic of Christmas continue.

It's a lot of fun!

Christmas cartoons...

2011-12-04T13:00:00.000-06:00

...and popcorn...

...and cozy quilts...

...and family...

Entrepreneurs...

2011-12-03T11:00:00.000-06:00

Welcome to Restaurant de Craft.

Playing off an imaginative project posted on my friend's blog (thank you Megan!) the girls and I created our own restaurant.

Using a large cardboard box we created a window where customers can place their order.

We started serving tootsie rolls, cookie cereal, crackers and chocolate chips however my two chefs ate the kitchen clean.

We then had to revert to play food.

It was a fun-filled sugar high for all.

The countdown continues...

2011-12-02T13:02:00.000-06:00

I let my girls watch cartoons.

...gasp...

Some parents are very strict about cartoon viewing. We are less strict and more calculative. They don't watch cartoons just to watch cartoons. I use those precious moments to do things like cook supper, take a shower or sometimes (shh...) write a blog post. They stick mostly to PBS with the occasional Scooby Doo thrown in there. Anyhow, PBS will sometimes air 'Dash's Dance Party.' It's a 60 second segment that gets kids off their cans to practices dance patterns. The girls LOVE it and I always dance with them.

Here they are all in their Dance Party glory...

I think it's pretty adorable.

The countdown is on...

2011-12-01T12:44:00.001-06:00

Last year I used my blog to countdown the days until Christmas.

Each day I took a picture and posted it as that day's countdown.

It was a fun way to document our December 2010.

So why not try it again for December 2011?

A pic a day. A countdown to Christmas.

And we're starting off with a goodie...

Miss Claudia isn't one for directions, instructions or rules.

This girl lives for the moment...usually half dressed and atop furniture, despite our pleadings.

It's going to be a chilly winter for CJ if we can't convince her to keep her clothes on.

Christmas bliss...

2011-11-29T07:48:00.001-06:00

If you spend any time reading blogs or viewing Facebook you can find photos of various Christmas trees galore. Most look the same, ours included, but there is enough excitement bubbling behind those Christmas tree pics to warrant the need to share with the world. The family and I decorated two trees this weekend, my parents' and our own. Actually we have one real tree and several artificial trees. We've accumulated at least six artificial trees in our seven short years of marriage. And believe it or not, we didn't purchase a single one. That's what happens when you have family looking to 'share' their old trees and when you move into a partially cleaned out old home. We found a great big Christmas tree in the basement.

******************

While I ordered our Christmas cards a couple of weeks ago I'm wishing I would have waited.

Wouldn't this have made a cheery greeting?!

Or I could have used this pic instead. Although I think I'm partial to the previous photo.

Storing, hauling and hanging Christmas decorations is a lot of work. I've given my biceps and calves a serious workoutorkout with all my trips from attic to living room. There are times when I think about minimizing our decorations, and then I look at the faces of my little girls. The sparkle in their eye is enough for me to forgo minimization and instead rush to buy more ornaments, faux santas and boxes of candy canes.

Christmas through the eyes of a four year old is the best! Heck, viewing the entire world through the eyes of a four year will transform you from boring, old scrooge to Santa's little helper. (And I'm not talking about the dog from The Simpsons.)

It's been a fun few days dreaming of Christmas, family gatherings, Christmas Eve church service, stockings and gifts.

We have Norwegian Kringla to bake.

We have gifts left to purchase.

We have countless parties to attend.

And I can't wait to get started!

The only thing that seems to be missing from our merry equation is a big ol' snowstorm. And while I typically shrivel away from cold weather I wouldn't mind a little snow for Christmas. Let Mother Nature decorate our world for the holidays while we squeeze in a sledding trip or two and then it can all melt away. I give it permission.

Yes, the holiday season is upon us and we are falling in deep. It's sure to be a marvelous month!

Been awhile...

2011-11-28T12:41:00.001-06:00

I'm a little surprised at myself. I missed an entire week of blogging. We've been filling our days with lots of good things like family, playing outdoors, celebrating Thanksgiving, decorating for Christmas and well, just plain relaxing.

CJ may have 'dominated' her game of catch with Holden but...

...Holden put the smack down in their impromptu game of tug-of-war.

Typically I don't like to begin Christmas celebrations until December 1st at least, but this year I couldn't help myself.

Santa Dina Claus flexes her guns.

Santa Claudia Claus is feeling mischievous.

While Santa Kate Claus knows how to work the camera.

With the Christmas spirit in our sails we made our way to a local tree farm.

The face of a laborer.

That Frasier Fir was no match for 'Paul Bunyun.'

And what do ya know? The real Santa Claus made an appearance after we chopped and hauled our own Christmas tree.

Yes, it's been a full and fun week.

Here's to so much more in the upcoming month!

Opposites attract...

2011-11-21T15:38:00.001-06:00

I am certainly not the first person to ever have two children, but it is my first time ever having two children.

I like it a lot. These girls are my world. They're sweet, intelligent, fun-loving but, and you knew a 'but' was coming, when they are together... boy howdy, you'd better put on a helmet because you're gonna get hit with a lot of crap. Proverbially crap, literal crap, figurative crap...it's all gonna fly.

But among the flying crap a rainbow in the form of preschool or nap time or a simple miracle arrives and you get a glimpse at how one child can act when they are away from the other crap-flinger. (Is this too graphic? Sorry. I'm just being honest.)

Today was one of those rainbow days. Kate had preschool while little sister and I had some fabulous quality time together. We read books at the library for an hour and played at the park together for another hour and a half. This afternoon was a breath of fresh air. CJ laughed, smiled and had herself a fun-filled, one-on-one-with-mom time.

If there was a magic pill to help CJ and Kate be themselves when they're together I would take it. Or feed it to them; I'm not ashamed.

Paula Abdul, in all her musical wisdom, taught me that opposites attract. Perhaps my two beauties are simply too much alike?

This picture of CJ reminds me SO much of Kate. I think it's the eyelashes?

If you've got advice then I will take it. I'm all ears if you have any possible solutions. And if not? Well, I'll continue to love these two and teach them to love and respect each other. Quite honestly I do believe they care a lot for one another. And it's not necessarily that they fight all the time. It's the mere presence of the other that causes individual personalities and behavior to change.

All in all, disagreements or not, I am one very lucky mama.

(But I'd still take that advice if you have some.)

The party and the recovery...

2011-11-18T18:44:00.001-06:00

Back in my 20s I was no stranger to the early morning hours. Watch movies til 1 a.m.? Sure! Hanging with friends on the town til 2:00 a.m.? I'm there. But now days, the sight of 10:30 p.m. causes a panic. It's part knowledge that my two favorite girls will be up before the sun and part me just getting old. So when my friend Jennie suggested we try out the midnight showing of the new Twilight movie I immediately balked. Midnight movie? Haha! Who does she think I am. Britney Spears?

But you know what I did? (I'm darn proud of myself.) I put my worries aside and dove head first into that midnight showing.

Earlier in the day I pushed aside all the furniture, gave the girls a great big box and told them to burn off every ounce of energy. Mama was going to need a nap.

It was a great night. We left at 9:30, stood in line until 10:30 and waited with all of the other crazy Twilight fans for the midnight show to begin. When it wrapped up around 2:00 a.m. I felt awesome. I probably could have kept going. Today however is a different story. Today I'm actually dragging. A lot. Yeah, I'm not joking. I feel like a pile of poo.

But the girls have been fantastic all day. Their good behavior is surely a blessing considering the state of exhaustion I am in.

So while a 3 a.m. bedtime didn't seem too bad at the time I'm glad I don't plan to do that regularly.

The girls and Matt often sit in one small chair together to watch various Youtube videos featuring crocodiles and monkeys. CJ is obsessed with crocodiles.

No regrets though. It was totally worth it!

Transitioning...

2011-11-16T11:19:00.001-06:00

The return to normalcy after a super vacation isn't always the smoothest.

I've been doing pretty well but I've also sunk myself deep into some serious projects.

I continue to start new activities before I finish the last.

I guess now I know where Kate gets her focus (or lack thereof.)

November in Iowa and it's 55 degrees. It may not be a tropical paradise but we're still taking in the local sites.

My mind and body were still thinking warm because I went out for a jog in shorts the other day.

Thanks to my delusions, I'm beginning to feel the start of a cold.

I'm sure in some strange way this potential cold is Iowa's punishment for me missing Florida so much.

Thankfully I've got a box of Cold-eeze (have you tried that stuff? It rocks!) and lots of irons in the fire.

These are all good things to keep me preoccupied from the inevitable winter weather and a groggy head.

Besides, hitting the park with these two beauties makes me smile no matter what the circumstances may be.

We may be beach girls but when we're home, we are 100% girls of the park.

The return home has had it's comforting moments, that's for sure.

It's good to curl up at a familiar table in ballerina jammies.

And I've been happy to dive back into my Pumpkin Dunkin' Donuts coffee.

But this time, I enjoy it from my kitschy Florida mug.

It's ugly and I love it.

And really, although I thoroughly enjoyed sand in my toes, sometimes a chunky pair of winter boots is just as soothing.

Yes, we're slowly transitioning into the familiar routine of school, park play and making messes on the living room floor.

We missed our Dina, books, crayons and kitty cat.

It is good to be home.

The tropics...

2011-11-13T10:36:00.001-06:00

While my heart belongs to Iowa, I must admit I left a huge chunk of love in Marco Island.

This looks like a set-up for Jaws 4.

Those nine days were fabulous. I loved every minute.

Ok, so I didn't love the 5:30 a.m. wake-up calls (4:30 a.m. Central time) from this girl...

...but we powered through it.

I can't blame her, really. Who would want to lay in bed while there was so much to explore outside?

I'm a summer sun, sand-loving kind of girl.

So is she...

And she...

Kate fell hard for the sand and surf.

Each morning began with a request for the beach.

And each evening ended with sand in all sorts of places.

Watch out for my six-shooter. She means business!

Hands up, Grandma!

When we weren't at the beach we were doing this out back...

Shooting squirt guns and swinging pool noodles... That's how this girl rolls.

High-flying pool jumping! We all took a turn!

And we tamed the wild beasts of the sea...

While others played half-naked cards.

We took a break from the surf, sand and pool to catch some fish one morning.

This girl was all about it!

And so was I!

Kate and Matt caught a silver trout.

He was big enough to keep and eat.

Matt reeled in a 6 pound black drum fish and the crew devoured him 3 hours later.

The man of the house provided for his family.

I caught myself a hammerhead shark.

(It's technically a bonnet head but they are almost identical.)

His eyes were so funny he looked like something straight out of a cartoon.

His teeth, however, were all business. Those suckers looked sharp.

Thankfully none of us learned first hand!

I was obviously VERY proud of my catch. :)

Four hours of fishing later we were all wiped out.

...literally...

We smiled, we laughed, we swam and we ate like kings.

It was a vacation to remember!

And this was the day we lost our car rental keys to the sea.

But at least we have the happy memory of Kate fulfilling a dream; to be buried in the sand.

We thoroughly enjoyed that silver trout and black drum.

So long Marco Island.

We'll be back.

Deception...

2011-11-10T20:23:00.000-06:00

For the past nine days I have been here...

Ten days ago I packed nothing but three swimsuits, two pairs of sandals and one dress...and now it's time to return to the cold.

(OK, I may have packed a wee bit more than that but it's not far off from the truth.)

Of course I could maybe buy that bar on the beach.

Then I could live and work in warm climates...

Home school my girls among the dolphins...

Sip fruity beverages instead of hot chocolate...

Eh, home is calling plus I'm pretty darn sure Matt wouldn't go for it.

That's alright. It was amazing while it lasted!

So long happy, warm, sunny, white sand beaches.

I'll be back...

What makes us happy...

2011-11-09T14:00:00.000-06:00

Today I'm feeling grateful for my family. I have so many great family members. Immediate, extended...they're important. A lot of those family members I rarely see but I still value them. I always make a pledge to myself to do a better job of staying in touch with family and with friends. Life can get in the way sometimes but relationships define our happiness. Without healthy, positive, loving relationships we are bound to feel lost. Sure I feel happy when I get that new coat or eat a double scoop of mint chocolate chip ice cream (hmm...that sounds pretty good right about now), but real happiness comes from surrounding ourselves with good people. I'm blessed to have good people in my family. No better time to work on those relationships then the holidays. So go make some happy in your life and call a friend or a Grandma or an Uncle or a Cousin or a....

Strolling...

2011-11-07T14:30:00.000-06:00

I'm just taking a trip down memory lane...

Love is not something you say, it's something you do.

You can fake that you care but you can't fake being there.

To send a message of love to your children you must show up.

Love is not a spectator sport.

Our kids need to have love expressed to them daily.

With the little ones its pretty simple.

We need to hug them often.

We need to get down on the floor with them and play with toys.

We need to sit down and read with them on a regular basis.

We need to go in and lie down with them occasionally at naptime.

We must not allow ourselves to be too busy to spend time with them-lots of it.

Mac Blesdoe from Parenting with Dignity: The Early Years

Bad coupon, we're talking doily shirts...

2011-11-04T14:00:00.000-05:00

Today's bad coupon arrives courtesy of Megan Lorenzen.

And based on Megan's comment written on the ad in yellow, I'm guessing she doesn't own one of these.

But I know some lucky folks who might find one in their Christmas stocking this year!! :)

My new maid...

2011-11-03T15:00:00.000-05:00

I've got myself a new maid around here. But don't tell DHS because she is waaaaay under the legal age.

I shared these on Facebook earlier this week but they're too fun to not share on the blog.

Kate got a kick out of this idea but she is a wee bit too tall for it.

I convinced her it would be more fun to rake leaves outside with Dad instead.

Vacuuming sure took a lot longer than normal but I smiled the whole time.

Totally worth it.

Super Supergirls...

2011-11-02T14:00:00.000-05:00

So many physical similarities...

...and yet their personalities couldn't be more different.

We love them both!

Halloween...

2011-10-31T21:29:00.000-05:00

Do you remember the excitement of being a kid at Halloween? I sure do. In fact, I still feel that excitement pulse through me when we cover the kitchen floor in newspapers for pumpkin carving. Or the thrill of dressing in costume as fast as you possibly can because you can't bear the thought of missing out on any of the action. Seeing your friends running through the streets dressed as princesses, witches, cats...it's all so imaginative. And it still gets me excited!!

Dina's never experienced that exact excitement...until she got to carve her first ever pumpkin.

Kate made sure to show her the ropes...

She's never gone trick-or-treating, so the girls were happy to show her...as long as she was able to keep up.

Those girls sprinted through the streets in search of porch lights.

I decided to wear my silly Halloween wig. Once I put it on I realized my hair looked a little like Dina's

So Matt tried it on too, then draped his shoulders with Dina's coat shivering and cursing the cold.

Dina laughed hard! I'm glad she's a good sport!

It was a gorgeous Halloween.

The temperature was perfect; crisp but sunny.

So long Halloween 2011. We're moving onto November and I cannot wait!

(It's my favorite month of the year!)

Goodbye week...

2011-10-28T12:48:00.001-05:00

Hooray for Friday!

I'm ready to say goodbye to this past week for a couple of very good reasons.

I'm ready for a fun filled weekend beginning with a dinner party with friends tonight, family birthday parties, trick or treating and the continued countdown to vacation.

The girls are begging me to make this...

and this...

And that makes me laugh because if I tried, well, it wouldn't look a thing like the book.

Kate wants them so badly she took photos of the book containing the recipes and asked for me to post it to my blog.

Maybe she thought mass blog support would encourage me to make an intricate chocolate, caramel witch cheesecake?

My girls are grumpy at me for my lack of attention the last couple of days. I've been busy with City stuff.

This is what I looked like pretty much all day. I'm only sharing the picture because it's actually a photo where I don't look scary.

The blurry-ness probably helps.

Kate also took this picture of the clock when I said I wanted to go to bed. She didn't think that was a good idea.

I instead stayed up til almost midnight to watch game 6 of the World Series and then my 2 year old, midget alarm clock woke me up at 5:55.

It's a good thing my alarm clock is so cute.

Fa-la-la-la-la...

2011-10-26T13:49:00.000-05:00

We had another first around here.

Kate and CJ attend their first high school choir concert and Dina performed in her first high school choir concert.

So many incredibly talented voices.

It was fun to watch Dina sing on stage with all of her classmates and friends. Although we only saw bits and pieces as Matt and I took turns walking the halls with CJ. She wanted to watch too but she didn't want to be quiet while she watched. After the first song, and before anyone broke out into applause, CJ proclaimed it a good song with a spirited "yeaaaa!" Her cheers drew some chuckles BUT that kind of thing is only funny once. And after a kid realizes they are funny, they don't stop trying to be funny.

Anyway, it was a great show and I was so proud of Dina.

She looked like a perfect fit up there.

Dina and Carolina after the show.

Left photo: From left to right; Kate, Dina, Carolina and my Kate. There aren't all that many Kates out there but Dina happens to know two of them. :)

And while last night we enjoyed Dina's extra curricular activities, tonight we will enjoy Matt's. His first basketball game of the year is tonight. I'll be sure to take pics for tomorrow's blog post. Be prepared for old, sweaty guys attempting to dunk, dribble and almost die on the court. But oh how he loves his basketball.

A first...

2011-10-24T15:44:00.000-05:00

Kate has many dreams.

...walk to school by herself

...wear all pink sparkles every day of her life

...be a dancer, a gymnest, run a marathon, etc...

One of her many, many dreams came true last week. And although the dream was small it lived up to her expectations.

Kate rode a school bus.

Her preschool class took a trip to a nearby pumpkin farm.

She visited with ostrich, goats and pot belly pigs. She also picked her own Indian corn (or if you want to be politically correct...Native American corn), her own pumpkin and posed with some cute pumpkin farm residents.

I was fortunate enough to tag along. I soaked up her words when she asked if I'd sit with her on the bus. It won't be long and she'll probably be shy to admit such a thing in front of her friends. We talked about all the gadgets on a bus; how it was so cool you didn't have to wear a seatbelt. She was amazed all the kids from school were on there with her. She'd proclaim, "there's Lily!" or "I saw Trevor." I think she truly forgot this was a preschool trip.

So Kate lived out one of her many dreams.

And I was happy to be there with her.

Kiss..

2011-10-20T11:37:00.000-05:00

I've received some really great bad coupons lately but I haven't posted any of them yet.

Here is a sneak peek...

Nothing better celebrates the birth of Jesus than a strand of Kiss lights and ornaments.

My tree will definitely sport some of these this year. :)

Creative Play...

2011-10-19T13:00:00.000-05:00

Independent play is so important to little kids. CJ is the queen of independent play. Kate does fairly well but needs a little guidance to get started. To encourage creativity and imagination, I've been coming up with new activities. Most of which have involved cardboard in some form or another.

We recently acquired a couple of cardboard boxes thanks to an on-line purchase. My initial reaction is to immediately break down the box and toss it into the recycle bin but this time I traded patience for spontaneity and held onto them until I came up with a fun idea. Behold our new cash register...

The cash register features a long toilet paper tunnel for dropping your change. Once you drop in the change it lands in the 'drawer' and slides down into the small tissue box coin holder seen on the carpet. The girls have had lots of fun with this today.

I really wasn't sure what to do with the second box. I thought about holding onto it for a little longer but then a fight broke out over whose turn it was to drop coins down the toilet paper tunnel and I quickly got to work on the second box. I cut circles into the top and added a large Scooby Doo bucket filled with coins and a few bowl-type objects with a hole in the middle. CJ spent a good chunk of time dropping coins into the colored 'bowls' and then refilling the Scooby bucket. I think she liked the clinking noise the coins made inside the bucket.

So while the girls played quietly I set out to accomplish some things around the house and returned to this...

I knew I should have put those clothes away rather than leave them neatly folded in the laundry basket. :)

Shuffling...

2011-10-18T15:33:00.001-05:00

Although today is only Tuesday I feel very confident when I say that this week is enormously better than the last. For the life of me I cannot differentiate between bad days and good. Our days are not overly busy so I cannot blame our schedule. Perhaps some days it is our lack of schedule? Playing indoors with the occasional trip to the park doesn't seem to cut it lately. Whomever discovered the phrase 'waking up on the wrong side of the bed' was completely right.There is no rational explanation for good or bad or funky or okay, we just all have these days and they are completely unpredictable.

So many caption possibilities...

*************

Did you know I have a small table sitting in my dining room? It's broken in two pieces and has been lying upside down in there for a few weeks. Did you also know I grew up in a super clean house? My house is not super clean as evidenced by the broken-in-two, upside down table lying in my dining room. I try to keep a clean house but it seems most of my efforts are aimed more towards general pick-up than spotless hard wood floors. Like most moms I probably pick up the living room at least 8 times a day, and that is no exaggeration. I have already picked up in there 6 times today; I've been counting.

Dina: Learning the fine art of 'tunnel monster;' a frequently played game in our house.

Lately I've been trying to give up on the goal of cleanliness. Like a five star, homemade dinner that everyone loves; it's just not going to happen. I will say though that I've been clearing out rooms. I collect the toys that no one pays attention to and quickly, quietly shove them into boxes and tubs. The girls haven't missed them. In fact, I 'cleaned house' with the girls around. I just kept my lips sealed and the garbage bag open. No one said a thing. And to my relief and surprise they played beautifully once 90 percent of their toys were safely stored in my tightly shut 'sewing room.' It's the room where no one sews, but it does however store a sewing machine.

Perhaps cleanliness isn't the goal for me. Maybe it's decluttering and then living with the few things that inevitably lay on the floor waiting for someone to step on. It's a lot easier to pick up 10 toys than it is to pick up 100. And my mood is a lot happier when I live with less. Eh, whatever. Next week could perhaps be another rough one and I'll be singing a different tune. I guess for now I will just enjoy the week I'm in.

Random photo... I'm just dreaming of hot weather, cool pools and sandy beaches!

Growing up...

2011-10-17T12:53:00.002-05:00

This little girl finally has enough hair for pigtails.

She instantly went from toddler to big kid.

What's a mom to do?!

Like it or not...

2011-10-13T17:30:00.000-05:00

Like it or not, Kate is growing up. She is approaching the ripe age of 5, which in her opinion is not coming fast enough. To her 5 means awesomeness to the max. (Whoa, I just used some 80's slang. I'm so old.) Fashion has become her passion. But...and it's hard to say this out loud although I'm gonna do it anyway...it's bad fashion. As long as she is appropriately dressed for the weather and the occasion, I usually hold my tongue. Boy oh boy, is that sometimes difficult. Here are a few of her recent favorites.

The girl has her own style, that's for sure. But who doesn't love a kid with a little spunk?

Little sister is not much different...

Fall, glorious fall...

2011-10-10T12:57:00.001-05:00

With each leaf I watch fall off the trees, I dread winter a little more. Winter is not my favorite. But this fall sure has been fabulous with temps in the 70s and 80s, gorgeous red, orange and yellow leaves hanging from tree limbs and wild, happy kids lapping up every second of it. Yes, I'm not looking forward to winter but dang it, I will enjoy the pleasant weather while it's here.

This past Saturday we enjoyed fabulous weather in my parents' backyard while Matt was stuck in the office.

The girls told Grandpa they wanted to rake leaves for him. But he saw through that plan. They just wanted giant piles of crunchy leaves to jump in.

Notice the hand sneaking out from the leaves to get CJ!

Yikes! Now the hands are strangling her! Actually, my dad was just trying to hold CJ still so I could snap a picture of both girls looking at the camera. It worked but they don't look too happy about it.

Dina enjoyed some leaf jumping, too!

As did Grandma Smith. The girls buried her in leaves.

That Grandma; she's like a chameleon. Her hair matches the leaves.

And we all went home with crunched up leaves in a whole lot of places.

Can't get enough...

2011-10-06T14:45:00.000-05:00

I take it back. I think fall is my favorite season.

But I'm wishy-washy. In the spring I'll proclaim my love for buds on trees and tulips peeking out.

In the summer I'll profess to a life of swimming pools and suntan lotion.

(I don't think I've every claimed love for winter, though.)

*******************

While Kate was away at preschool CJ and I made yet another return trip to Hickory Hills.

This girl loves bugs, dirt, sand, rocks, sticks, water... If it lives outdoors she is best friends with it.

...especially if the outdoor 'thing' is a brown, fuzzy caterpillar...

I let this girl go nuts outside yesterday.

If she wanted to sit in a pile of dirt and scrape out rocks with her once-clean fingernails, well I said go for it!

Even while playing in the dirt a girl has got to look good.

Typically during preschool time CJ sleeps and I sit with my butt planted in a chair reading a book, but since CJ's unexpected departure from nap time we've had to improvise.

I've stopped trying to make her nap. And you know what...we've been having a blast together!

I'm really enjoying this one-on-one, uninterrupted time with my youngest.

And to my surprise, it's resulted in a very tired munchkin around the 3:30 hour.

I pick up Kate. I pick up Dina. Kate takes quiet time and CJ naps.

It's like buttah, baby; all very smooth.

This is normally how CJ investigates; crouched down with knees firmly shoved under her arms.

I'm pretty sure Magellan and Columbus explored the same way.

Today's exploration included bouncy tents instead of bugs and fun was had by all.

I hope your Thursday rocks as much as our's!

Dinner bell...

2011-10-04T14:11:00.000-05:00

Meal times lately have been, well...

Spanish: dolor en el trasero

Arabic: ألم في بعقب

French: douleur dans le cul

Dutch: pijn in de kont

English: pain in the butt

Matt, Dina and I are easy to please, generally.

The other two are not.

I took the girls to Hickory Hills yesterday. The trees were beautiful. It was scenic, peaceful and rejuvenating.

Matt and I typically lay down the law at meal time.

Eat what's on the table or don't eat at all.

But lately I've been thinking about becoming a big softy and giving in.

Not because I feel sympathy for them but rather because my ears can't take the screaming.

Dina and I are convinced these two monkeys were trying to throw themselves into the water.

Thankfully they didn't fall in.

Do you have any recipes that please your brood?

A dish that everyone will eat?

Something that is delicious, crowd pleasing and doesn't come from a box of macaroni and cheese?

Please share if you do! I'm dying to know!

And while their taste buds are ever changing, I do have one recipe that each and every person will eat.

Here you go...give it a try...

Corn & Bean Fritters with Tomatoes

(although I leave out the tomatoes to avoid the crying)

2 cups frozen whole kernel corn, thawed (I use sweet corn, yum!)

1 lb grape or cherry tomatoes

1 Tbsp vinegar

1 - 15.5 oz can butter beans, rinsed and drained

1 - 6 oz pkg corn bread mix

1 egg

1 tsp chili powder (don't tell your family this is in there or again, more crying)

Olive oil

parsley or cilantro (optional)

1. Coarsely chop, halve and/or slice tomatoes. In small saucepan combine tomatoes, vinegar, 1/2 tsp salt and 1/ 4 cup water. Cook, covered, over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. For fritter batter, in a large bowl mash beans with a fork. Add corn, corn bread mix, egg, ground chilli, 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 cup water; stir to combine.

2. Heat a large griddle or 12 inch skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tsp oil. Drop four 1/2 cup scoops of batter on griddle at a time. Cook 4 minutes per side. Serve fritters with warm tomatoes and parsley and/or cilantro.

Makes 4 servings.

Victory...

2011-10-03T12:42:00.000-05:00

This past Thursday night the girls, Matt and I painted our faces and cheered on the Junior Powder Puff football team.

Okay, only part of that statement is true.

And our cheering must have helped because the Junior team pulled out a win despite the odds.

The game went into overtime, which is the worst possible scenario for little girls because it was already waaay past bedtime. But we hung in there.

The Junior team was obviously very excited about the win.

Dina was bouncing around like a ping pong ball and of course, Kate and CJ wanted in on the action.

Here is CJ photo bombing the victory picture. It's blurry but I LOVE that she sneaked her way in there.

Dina is on the left. She is with some school friends after the game. Notice Kate in the background?

This is Carolina and Dina. Carolina is from Brazil and these two girls have become very good friends.

Dina scooped up CJ and ran around the field with her...spinning, twirling, running...CJ loves Dina.

We were all proud of Dina for joining the football team. She hadn't even witnessed an American football game until a month ago and now she plays on a team. She is a go-getter and we love that about her.

Salsa diet...

2011-10-01T20:52:00.000-05:00

Since discovering this recipe, I'm fairly certain that at least half of the food I consume is salsa. Thank you to my in-laws for sharing it with me. And now I share it with you...

one minute salsa
1/2 small red onion, diced
1/2 cup fresh cilantro
1/4 cup drained jarred pickled jalapenos (I typically exclude these)
2 tbsp lime juice (fresh is best)
2 garlic cloves (again, fresh is best)
1/2 tsp salt
1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained (I only use a 15 oz can b/c I like a lot of onion, garlic and cilantro flavor)

Drain the tomatoes in a colander. Meanwhile, combine all the other ingredients and then add the drained tomatoes. The salsa can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 days but if you are like me, you will eat it in one sitting...by yourself. Okay, maybe not all but close. Dina usually helps me eat it fast.

If you need further inspiration watch this video. Although it is a different salsa recipe, it still gets you in the salsa-loving mood. PS...if you make the mojito from the video, don't use spiced rum. I'm just saying. http://vimeo.com/26847728

Living in Bedrock...

2011-09-29T16:53:00.001-05:00

This afternoon I had a new experience; a little taste of the prehistoric life. I channeled my inner Fred Flintstone and drove without brakes.

Yep, that's what I looked like driving...but without the 5 o'clock shadow.

All three girls were safe. It was just me strapped in, driving white knuckle worried. And I don't think I want to do that again...ever. By the way, when searching Google images for 'Fred Flintstone driving' I found not only the above picture but also the Iowa Hawkeyes tiger hawk, a photo of a raw steak, a judge's gavel, Alice from The Brady Bunch and a revolver. The interwebs are a fascinating place.

Remember when...

2011-09-26T09:16:00.000-05:00

Sunday late afternoon while the girls took a rest, Dina and I made our way to the mall. Shopping with someone over the age of four gave me time to look at shoes in my size and to examine jeans without elastic or some form of an adjustable waist. I was having flashbacks to my teenage years when I'd patiently peruse the racks of clothes in Vanity in search of the perfect Hypercolor shirt. I found one, by the way. It was stormy sky blue and deep purple and cost a whopping $30. Despite the birthday money I'd stocked away in my room I still didn't have enough, so my Hypercolor shirt was put on layaway. And I diligently returned each Saturday to add another $5 towards making that shirt mine. Sadly, right after I finally bought that shirt I jumped a wire fence while playing with friends and ripped a hole in the front. My heart still aches when I think of it. The word love is overused today but I can honestly say I loved that shirt.

Dina and I visited several stores and had lots of laughs trying on gaudy glasses and oogling over electric blue, high heel shoes that upon wearing in the slightest bit of rain is sure to result in a broken femur. It was a fun afternoon.

Earlier in the day we visited Fall Fest in LPC. Kate and CJ ran through this hay maze a few dozen times.

Despite the fact I was deep in a rare shopping-without-the-girl outing I found myself spending the majority of my time in the kids' section wondering if that green, flower dress will fit Kate or thinking CJ does need some hot pink, zebra print tights. I even wandered into the men's department to pick-up some things for Matt. (I've started shopping for him since his pants-without-a-zipper and shoelaces-held-together-by-duct-tape incidents. But that's a story for another time.)

In the end I left the mall with two shirts for myself so it's not as if I completely forgot to self indulge, but I also walked out with a little excitement in my step. I was returning home with gifts for everyone. I was so anxious to show Kate her treasures I woke her at 8:30 to surprise her with these...

CJ hugged her new jeans this morning and although Matt would have preferred his gift to be a certificate for a round of golf or an ISU autographed football, he left the house looking quite handsome in his new sweater.

I sure as heck don't see anything wrong with indulging in a little shopping for myself, but I really like the fact I had an inner drive to think of my family during my time away. Despite the times they drive me crazy, and I do the same to them, I ache for my wild monkeys during a few short hours away from the circus that is my house.

This is a particularly good feeling as we start the week with a cold and rainy, dreary Monday morning. We are celebrating with a movie, Reese's Peanut Butter cookies and a fashion show. I hope your Monday is just as good!

Busyness or is it laziness?...

2011-09-23T13:55:00.001-05:00

Sorry...too ~~busy~~ lazy to blog today.

Miss Claudia actually fell asleep during Kate's preschool time.

So instead of sitting down to write a thoughtful, funny or interesting blog post, I will share a picture of what I'm going to do instead...

...and that's all I've got to say...

*coffee with half and half* *brownie* *Tina Fey's book, 'Bossypants' on the Nook*

PS - I know that coffee mug is not at all cute but it is my favorite because it has a really large handle and you can wrap your entire hand around the mug through the handle. Your hands get warm and toasty that way.

Happy weekend to you!!

Matt and I are actually going to spend some time together. Say what? I know!

It's almost unheard of these days.

She's so mature...

2011-09-22T08:02:00.000-05:00

Rolling her eyes at me already? Oh, it starts so young.

Actually I'm fairly certain she was just looking up. I think.

**********************************

I have a little tip for you; a small piece of advice. If you are having a rough day with your kids and you think making cupcakes with them will cheer up the whole house, you would be wrong. You might have fun during the measuring, the stirring and the pouring but when it comes time to clean-up, your children may object. They may take handfuls of cocoa powder and eggs shells and chuck them at your head. It may be wiser to simply insert a Scooby Doo dvd into the dvd player and dunk your head into an ice bucket full of crisp water.

I warned her; flour and cocoa powder do not taste good. I guess she had to learn for herself.

You wouldn't think such a thing could be possible looking into those sweet, blue eyes but it is.

In an instant those eyes can change from blue skies to volcano lava.

Thankfully they always return back to normal in a relatively short amount of time.

I'm sure my blue eyes flip out sometimes, too. Nah, I would never do that. :)

At least the cupcakes tasted good...

Pencil it in...

2011-09-19T15:47:00.000-05:00

Just when I think life has settled itself into a good old fashion, happy family routine, a fast, flying curve ball comes at me from behind. Whether the curve ball comes in the form of a new grown-up phase Kate is experimenting with or CJ declaring she will no longer consume grapes which leaves us with four foods she is willing to put in her mouth, there is always a curve ball. I guess curve balls are an assurance that life won't be boring. And who wants to be bored, right?

Our latest curve ball was thrown by one of the best pitchers in this family; CJ. She climbed the pitcher's mound, wound up and aimed a wicked throw straight at my quiet time. Her lack of napping is cramping my lazy style. I cherish that one hour a day of quiet-all-to-myself time.

I'm not complaining. I'm just experimenting. One day I corral her to her room. The next day I take her to Target. Tomorrow I might let her go nuts in the room I've been hiding toys. A mom's gotta do whatever it takes to get in some quiet time. Am I right ladies? Chirp, chirp, chirp...

Car napping in the country...

I'm trying my hardest to look at this as a positive. I was/am militant about nap time. I'd skip out of fun trips with friends and family to make it home in time for nap. I plan playdates and shopping trips and fun excursions all around that 1-3 p.m. time slot. We missed a lot of good swimming opportunities this summer all because of that stinking, glorious, mom's-gotta-have-it nap time. So the bright side? Our days are a free for all. No more planning around, skipping or missing out on fun stuff. The world is our oyster. Right? Do you sense I'm really working to convince myself of this?

Here's to new adventures...without naps and quiet happy time!

*smile*

Air mail...

2011-09-16T07:00:00.000-05:00

Last night the Craft family, including Dina of course, had some fun with a very large package that arrived via air mail last night.

Matt was the only person who could carry it into the living room.

In fact, it took two delivery drivers to carry it up front steps of the house.

Needless to say, we had a lot of laughs around here.

Since the weather in Iowa has taken a turn for the chilly, poor Dina has been suffering.

She claims the weather here right now is colder than a Kuwaiti winter. Oh, Dina, Dina, Dina...is she in for a surprise this winter.

But for those of you reading in Kuwait, let me explain that Iowa weather is similar to a roller coaster.

One day you'll be on top of the hill with sunny skies, 80 degrees and air conditioning and the next you could very well be at the bottom of that roller coaster hill with 50 degrees, cloudy skies and heat blasting from the furnace. And that is exactly what happened between Monday and Thursday of this week.

Anyway, Dina's package was exactly what she needed right now.

Packed full with clothes and gifts, everyone was excited.

We also had some fun making jokes over carrying this enormous bag as a purse.

We all agreed Dina should take this bag with her next time she goes shopping.

Notice Dina's ISU sweatshirt? She's actually wearing another one under there too while Kate is wearing shorts. The girl is going to be cold this winter. Oh, and please avert your eyes from the dozens of toys scattered across the floor. :)

****************

Everyone here is very excited today is Friday.

Hope you have a good weekend, too!

For the record...

2011-09-15T07:48:00.001-05:00

I don't want to quit my blog. I'm sorry I gave that impression in my last post.

My blog is a fun outlet for me...whether it is entertaining to others or not.

So there it has been said. I'm going to keep it up however my posts may be a little infrequent.

************

The girls and I are off this morning for a trip to visit friends.

My good friend, LeAnn, moved away this summer and we've been missing her.

I can't wait to catch up!

Here's to well behaved, happy kids so the moms can chat away the day!

Bye-bye blog?...

2011-09-14T13:34:00.001-05:00

I've been a bad blogger lately. My posts are sporadic and I don't put much thought into my words. I can't imagine they're all that entertaining to read either. One of the biggest reasons for my blog inattentiveness is Miss Claudia's lack of napping. Generally my only computer time during the day is when the girls are nestled in their beds. And they haven't been doing much nestling, or the nestling has been short. In fact, I'm quickly typing this between return trips upstairs to toss her back into bed. So I guess what I'm saying is if CJ's naptime continues to be nonexistent then my computer time will become nonexistent and therefore so will my blog. Sigh.

Well I best get back up there to make more fruitless attempts at putting CJ to sleep. At least I'm getting in an extra, unplanned workout. I chase her (jogging), I swoop her into my arms and carry her back to bed (weight lifting) and then we start the whole thing over again (reps). An hour or so of this a day and I'm sure to look like Cindy Crawford in no time. I may rename 'naptime' 'exercise time.' They're just about as exhausting.

I'll leave you now with a picture of my two wild monkeys actually sitting still. Seriously, this is one of those moments I knew I must snap a photo because it doesn't happen all that often. So here it is. Soak it up because you don't see this very often.

Weekend wrap-up...

2011-09-12T13:00:00.000-05:00

Some days this is the only way to get her dressed...

Don't worry. I'm not hurting her. She apparently had her heart set on attending church in her birthday suit.

The picture below probably wraps up Matt's entire weekend...

And that's all I got folks.

Playing Columbus...

2011-09-09T13:16:00.000-05:00

Inspired by a large helping of friends' explorer stories mixed with a heavy dash of good news in the family, I awoke feeling adventurous. I really wanted to bring Dina but I'm a responsible parent and instead drove her to school, packed a hearty snack and a picnic blanket, and tossed the girls in the van. I've never visited Hickory Hills, a nearby County park, except for a night time Christmas party where I couldn't see anything but the lodge, so I thought this might be a good place to venture. And it did not disappoint...

Unbeknownst to me the Park features a huge, gorgeous lake surrounded by fields of green grass that begged my girls to run wild. We greeted unexpected, but caged, bison, elk, turkeys and pheasant. We unintentionally stumbled across a frisbee golf course that thankfully no one was playing because we would have caught a frisbee in the head for sure. We risked falling in head first off fishing docks, danced along the shore's edge and of course, discovered a playground. My girls have a nose for playgrounds.

And this is the moment that caused several sweet old fisherman to pack up and seek peace elsewhere...because we are never peaceful.

A morning with nothing to do suddenly became an adventurous opportunity to explore parks so close and yet so untouched by us.

Kate took note of the many campsites throughout the park. She had plenty of time to notice them since I got us lost; something that happens all too frequently. (I'm directionally challenged.) She has since been begging to go camping. I'm thinking that could be fun...or a complete disaster. You never know until you try.

Happy Friday!

Side note: In case you were wondering, our morning was not completely full of happiness, smiles and giggles. No. Our trip ended with a screaming, tantrum. But really, what outing doesn't. It's part of being a parent, right?

New experiences...

2011-09-07T11:12:00.000-05:00

This past weekend we packed a whole lot into three short days.

Isn't it funny that even three day weekends sometimes don't feel long enough?

Anyway...

We took Dina to her first college football game. ISU v UNI

Yes, I swam for UNI and yes, I still support UNI but I sported ISU gear because Matt has several big ties to ISU and I needed to look like the supportive wife. (FYI - Matt did NOT pressure me to do this.)

Our first Ames stop was Buffalo Wild Wings for some, well...wings!

We prefer boneless and I prefer spicy. Matt likes his with sugar and no spice.

It turns out Dina loves spice too and the two of us together braved the second hottest spice on the menu.

No problemo, people! Next time we are conquering the hottest.

After touring the ISU campus and visiting the bookstore for sweatshirts we hit the tailgates.

The weather was crummy but our spirits were high.

The football game was actually hideously boring until the last 7 minutes of the game where both teams finally moved the ball. I think half the crowd was falling asleep.

****************************

Despite never golfing once her life, Dina golfed twice this weekend.

We went out Friday night with the little girls and Monday afternoon Dina and I golfed with my sister, Lindsay.

I'm not sure who has more fun driving the golf cart...Kate, CJ or Dina...

(Actually I really like driving, too!)

As usual the little girls were tired of golfing after two holes so they did this...

Thankfully we were the only ones on the course so they could run wild without worry of flying golf balls.

The little girls ran themselves silly; hanging from willow tree branches, nose diving into the grass, giggling hysterically.

It was a fun night followed by bed for the littles and a movie for the adults.

I hope your long weekend was just as fun!

Random...

2011-09-06T13:48:00.000-05:00

My mind is swimming with a thousand thoughts.

It's like a skyscraper-sized aquarium of thoughts squeezed into my little head.

So many thoughts have taken over that I'm not even quite sure what to blog so I'll just pick a few random things.

Miss Claudia, who is officially two years and one week old, celebrated her birthday in Scooby Doo-style with family this weekend.

Some CJ tidbits:

Loves - Milk, Oreos, bugs, rock, dirt, sand, all animals, putting miscellaneous items down her shirt and of course...Scooby Doo.

Dislikes - Most foods except milk and oreos, sitting still, using a quiet voice and listening to direction.

We love our little girl!

Two other random bits:

I recently learned that if you wear a bobby pin upside down with the bumpy side against your head, the bobby pin will stay put instead of slipping out all the time. Huh! What do you know!

And my last piece of randomness is some advice to make this pizza crust. and automatically become known as the best homemade pizza maker in town.

I have a lot of pics to share from this weekend but I'll pour them out like molasses from a bottle..nice and slow over the course of the week.
Cheers!

Gotta get down on Friday...

2011-09-02T12:52:00.001-05:00

Woot, woot!

Hew haw!

Whoopieee!

However you say it, you gotta celebrate Friday!

Especially a Friday that precedes a looong weekend!

That deserves an extra woot, hee haw and whoop...don't ya think?

(FYI...Thursday is Kuwait's Friday. Their weekends fall on Thursdays and Fridays. Just a little trivia for you.)

Put on your cookie pants and let your bellies hang out...it's Friday!

And a Friday favorite for me is bad coupons because you can't help but smile when you see them.

This week's coupons feature a doily shirt, chest-high pants and some kickin' flower sneakers.

Together they make a fabulous combination.

Thanks to Megan and LeAnn for the great coupons. Notice Megan's comments in yellow above the model's head?

I sure hope you have a fun weekend waiting for you.

Our's includes an ISU tailgate and football game, a Scooby Doo birthday party and visits with family.

It's going to be a good one for sure!!

Oh, and if you have any good 'bad' coupons please share!

craft@netins.net

How about you in Kuwait? I'd take a coupon in Arabic if you got one. :)

Moody blues...

2011-08-31T13:16:00.000-05:00

I've been a grump lately.

Sure, I could blame the girls or a lack of running or the end of summer but...yah, actually I'll blame all of those things.

The girls and I haven't been getting along all that well. Kate is exploring a rebellious, independent phase, Claudia is ~~entering~~ stuck in a screaming phase and I am lodged in between.

This to shall pass...this too shall pass...this too...

*************************

This may sound drastic, dramatic or what have you, but I have banned myself from ever shopping at Walmart again.

We've all heard my Walmart saga...lost keys, bathroom emergencies, weird she-males who try to poke at my babies while I'm examining the Gala apple selection... Walmart and I have broken up forever.

I am a liberated woman.

Run away CJ...

**************

Whether Dina likes it or not, I'm seeing small signs that cooler weather is on the horizon.

The freezer door to old man winter will soon be propped ajar and I'm not quite prepared for a long season of staying indoors with bored kids and a moody mama.

The girl loves rocks. Unfortunately she is eating them in this pic.

************************

A couple years ago Kate, short on sleep and long on tears, was throwing fit after fit after temper tantrum. Obviously this would make any mother stressed out. I remember the desire to throw my hands in the air and declare war on her attitude. But instead I painted on a fake grin and told her happy stories about kitties, rainbows and ice cream...you know, the things little girl dreams are made of...and her mood instantly turned from sour grapes to candy sweet. Perhaps it's time to tell myself some dreamy stories, too.

Right after we all take a long nap.

Go shorty, it's your birthday...

2011-08-30T13:22:00.000-05:00

Happy 2nd birthday to my spunky, independent, wild, stubborn, fun-lovin' Claudia.

You are just like your mother.

Heaven help us!!

Five years time..

2011-08-26T13:23:00.002-05:00

My mom likes to measure life in five year increments.

Look at your life five years ago today and you will realize how much things have changed.

Five years ago Matt and I were living in a two bedroom ranch with no kids, two incomes and nothing but time on our hands.

Today we live our 'dream' house with two sweet, little girls, one teenager, one income and no time on our hands.

Sure some things are still the same. My hair continues to live in a state of growing out or chopping off, my precious, silver Dodge Stratus, a.k.a. Rammy, is still my favorite car, Matt will always live and breathe all things ISU, CBS's Survivor is still on the air, but most of life has changed. And most of that change is for the best.

Looking back in five year increments is comforting really. When I struggle to teach good behavior to feisty kids I look back and think, thank God I have kids to teach. Or thank God they won't be stuck in this same running and screaming phase five years from now. The last five years flew by and the next five years will too.

I might as well slow down and enjoy the year I'm living in now.

Look at her determination. That girl believes whole heartily she will scoop up that ground ball.

But like much of life, the ground ball sometimes slips through our glove.

I'm proud of Kate's determination. She is one strong willed, determined child. Determination I can teach. I have oodles of determination. Patience is my weak point.

Who knows what qualities my girls will possess in five years. Five years ago they were nothing more than a dream. Five years from now they will be nine and seven. Five years time...

*****************

I skipped bad coupons last week.

I was reveling in vacation and preparing for Dina. I forgot all about bad coupons. But the paper doesn't disappoint. Despite my forgetting the paper supplied plenty of good 'bad' coupons. Not unlike the commonly heard phrase, "one man's trash is another man's treasure," the same is true for bad coupon products. "One man's bad coupon is another man's beloved trinket." Yep, pretty sure that catch phrase isn't going to catch, but it's my way of saying that I'm not trying to insult you if you like any of these products. But I will say I am surprised.

******************************

Here's to a good weekend!

We're taking Dina to her first ever American football game.

What's on your agenda?

Little bits of this and that...

2011-08-25T13:46:00.000-05:00

Kate is trying to tell me something.

Something I already know.

Something I'm reminded of each and every time I pass my running shoes.

I haven't run in almost a week.

Come on lady! Get your act together!

Yep, I'm pretty sure that is what she is trying to tell me here with my Garmin on her wrist and her 'running sunglasses' on her head.

*********************

In other news we've been having fun with Dina around here lately.

We sampled some treats Dina hauled overseas...juicy, plump dates.

They are delicious.

And I learned from Dina that they are the first food consumed after a day of fasting during the month of Ramadan.

Kate was a little uncertain at first. Like a puppy she licked, she sniffed and then gobbled them up.

Wednesday was the first day of school for both Dina and Kate.

Here are their first day of school pics...

Boy oh boy, Kate is tall for a four year old. Notice a pink skirt beneath the pink dress in pic one and then orange shorts beneath the dress in pic two? The girl loves to dress herself and change her clothes...a lot.

Dina also brought individual gifts for Matt, for me and for the girls.

Kate and CJ have been loving their new stuffed friends and purses.

Kate has even diapered and clothed the bears several times.

I also found Kate feeding the bears a potato.

****************

With our new house guest, the beginning of school and the end of vacation, Miss Claudia has been put through a series of ups and downs.

Wednesday she asked for a nap at 10:30 a.m.

Huh? The girl who never sleeps ASKED to nap?

And then today while I was making lunch she cried herself to sleep in bed.

Double huh?

It's like The Twilight Zone around here.

***************

I feel like we are getting into a rhythm with Dina and it is really nice.

I sure hope my girls grow up to be teenagers as sweet as Dina.

*****************

Gotta run...I hear Sleeping Beauty waking now and she doesn't sound too happy.

Riding the wave...

2011-08-23T15:18:00.001-05:00

Like you, I look forward to vacation. Months in advance I create a mental packing list and tuck it away until it's time to really get serious about filling that suitcase. I dream of things we'll do, foods we'll eat; I'll plan for rest and instead stay up late and wake with the sun. Not just because my almost two year old dislikes sleep but because there is so much to look forward to on vacation.

The opposite holds true when that last day of vacation arrives. My eyes crack open with a little less ease and that mental packing list is crumbled up and tossed in the trash because it is officially time to return to reality.

I like vacation.

I'm a beach girl at heart.

My skin begs for hot sun, sand in my toes and a cold margarita in my hand...or an iced coffee.

A girl's gotta cool off somehow.

Laying back and putting up my feet...that's how I roll. But really those moments of relaxtion are just that...moments; because in between slathering coconut sunscreen and sipping iced coffees a beach-goer needs to play in the sand.

Sand castles aren't exactly my forte but I'm always willing to try.

Our Clear Lake vacation involves lots of people. LOTS!

Family and friends and of course, scores of children who would rather sleep on a pool float than stretch out in a bed.

Thank goodness for grandmas and grandpas who give us parents a break.

Another iced coffee for me, please because grandma has got the girls.

Ahhh...vacation. :)

Something unusual happened during this year's getaway.

The Surf Ballroom hosted Blues Traveler. Remember them for way back when?

A bunch of us went out for the show.

That is one big, bad dude on the harmonica. He oozed talent.

And we oozed fun.

When the concert lights dimmed, when the sun set on our last day and when we all had our fill of water, sand and sun, we hopped back into the pool for one last dip. It was one last chance at creating a memory to hold onto until it's time to start a new mental packing list.

Kate in the pool game room. Sister and I played some grueling games of foosball.

CJ sported a vacation-ending sad face and so did we.

So long Clear Lake. We will ache for you until next year.

A return and a welcome...

2011-08-22T07:51:00.000-05:00

This morning begins our return to routine...kind of.

Sunday we returned from vacation, unpacked and then drove straight to the airport to await Dina's arrival.

We waited, then waited some more and then we...oh wait, nope...we continued to wait.

But all that waiting was worth it.

Dina finally arrived, we ate a very quick supper and crashed into bed.

A couple of pics from our Clear Lake vacation. The girls weren't all that interested in sitting for a picture.

We had a fantastic time away on vacation.

I have plenty of pictures to share but I'm going to put that on hold until tomorrow.

The girls and I are excited to spend some time with Kate's 'new big sister.'

2011-08-18T14:26:00.000-05:00

The countdown is on...

...to school...

...to Dina's arrival...

...to election day...

...to our Florida getaway...

So, so, so much to look forward to.

And to get nervous for!

CJ is obviously relaxed about it all.

Must get back to planning...

A reunion of sorts...

2011-08-16T13:32:00.000-05:00

We traveled. Some cried. Most laughed. All are tired.

Those four short phrases wrap up this past Saturday.

Thankfully the crying was done by the guests under 5.

I thought about crying on the way home, but I was laughing too hard at the ridiculous sobbing coming from the backseat.

Err...let me back up, eh?

In addition to celebrating my mom's birthday we traveled to Winfield, IA to visit family.

My cousin, Angela, and her boyfriend traveled from LA to make a rare Iowa appearance and we had to say hello.

(Angela is writing a hilarious book about her experiences as a private jet attendant. Just wait til you read her celebrity stories.)

This picture was Kate's handiwork. She ran around the party taking random pictures. Most were shots of people's knees and noses but every now and again she caught a good one.

I am convinced my aunt and uncle's house is home to My Little Ponies and Care Bears because we saw not one, not two but three rainbows.

One was a double rainbow!

(Have seen the ridiculous double rainbow video before? Check it out below. "What does this mean?!")

The only difference between the double rainbow we saw and the one the guy in the video witnessed is that no one in our family sobbed.

Yeah, you can't see the double rainbow in my picture but I swear it was there.

Kate matched perfectly.

We celebrated another birthday while we were there, too. My uncle's mother, Louise.

Kate asked if she could help blow out the candles and then proceeded to blow them all out before the birthday girls even sat down.

We laughed and she blushed.

No big deal, we just re-lit the candles.

And then CJ reached to touch the hot candle wick. You can see her hands moving forward here...

And then here she is sobbing because we wouldn't let her touch that hot wick.

Sigh...

It was a fun night. A long night. We stayed until dark.

And then we drove two hours home. Well some of us drove, the others bawled.

At one point Kate was sobbing and yelling she was so tired she was going to puke.

I wasn't about to take any chances so I emptied out the cooler and handed it over.

I kept reminding myself that I will one day look back at the car ride home and laugh.

Memories, right?

Thanks to my family for a great weekend!

A not so easy wrapping...

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

My mind was (and still is) swimming with a million thoughts this weekend.

Thoughts of everything from grocery shopping lists to pedicures to Kuwaiti teenagers.

Now that's a broad spectrum, don't ya think?

A large portion of Saturday was spent hanging out with family to celebrate my mom's birthday and other things.

Some of us chipped in and bought my mom a nook.

I was feeling creative. I didn't want to simply wrap it, so I decided to hollow out a book and hide the nook inside.

The hallowed out book was supposed to look something like this...

But wouldn't you know, hallowing out a book is no simple task.

I sweated, I swore, I almost lost a finger...and then I gave up.

This is what my hallowed out book looked like.

And I had about 200 more pages to go before the nook would fit snugly inside.

I abandoned ship and instead wrapped a book jacket around the nook.

See...peek-a-boo! You thought we were giving you a "Freakonomics" book but, tee hee, it's really a nook.

I didn't fool her.

She knew immediately.

But I had fun trying...okay, now I'm just lying to you.

Advice: Don't try to hallow out your own book. It's not worth it.

Bad couponing...

2011-08-12T14:21:00.000-05:00

Boy oh boy, did I receive some great 'bad' coupons this week!

They are so bad and yet so good. And each makes me giddy.

The first comes from Julie Ulven who thought someone out there might need to know about Baby Bubu.

He is a 16" newborn, onesie-wearing, thumb sucking, fully poseable Orangutan.

What would you do with a fully poseable Orangutan?

I mean, if you're four years old then I understand, but what if you are say 60?

Do you pose him in the kitchen hugging the sugar container?

Or you could sit him by your favorite chair so he can hold your remote control.

It would be kinda fun to sit him right inside your screen door. You know...to keep those pesky door-to-door salespeople away.

I am loony for the next bad coupon; also sent in by Julie Ulven. (She hit the jackpot this week!)

Did you notice the secret compartment hiding inside the "ornate crypt music box?"

Words cannot not express how awesome this thing is.

Is this something you'd buy as a gift for a woman or a man?

No man wants a music box but no woman would want a vampire seductress making eyes at her, right?

The last bad coupon comes from Emily Pittenger.

While I would never buy this, it does remind me of those mosaic cows seen in the streets of Chicago.

I kind of liked those, to be honest.

Still, I can't really imagine this sitting on my shelf...unless I paired it with that newborn Orangutan.

Then I could create my own zoo scene. Hmm...

Man, I love bad coupons.

Keep them coming people!

If you find a good 'bad' coupon please email it to me at craft@netins.net.

Here's to a good weekend!

I have something super fun, and unusual, to do this weekend, but I can't let the cat out of the bag yet.

And a long-term visitor makes 5...

2011-08-11T14:56:00.000-05:00

I am excited and nervous and anxious and shocked to write this blog post.

Matt and I are hosting a foreign exchange student who is due to arrive Sunday, August 21st.

We just decided to go forward with this.

It's like finding out you're expecting except the gestational period is a week and a half.

Dina is a 15 year old student from Kuwait.

She will call La Porte home over the course of the upcoming school year.

We are actually serving as a welcome family which means, assuming all goes as planned, we will host her for 8 weeks plus or minus.

We are so excited for her arrival.

Kate is probably more thrilled than anyone as she runs around cleaning Dina's room, making Dina's bed, decorating Dina's walls...

In fact, as we were shopping for Dina today, Kate pushed the cart through the aisles chanting Dina, Dina, Dina.

Apparently Dina already has an American best friend, whether she likes it or not!

I can't wait to meet her!

Can't...contain...my...excitement...

2011-08-09T14:00:00.001-05:00

Pop quiz!

What do the people in these three pictures have in common?

Come Friday, September 16th we will all be in the same room...singing our guts out.

Thankfully the two people on the far right won't have a microphone because we can't carry a tune.

(Sorry, Lindsay!)

One of my favorite 90's rock bands, my favorite sister and I will be rockin' out to Stone Temple Pilots in concert.

I couldn't be more excited!!

...

2011-08-08T15:23:00.000-05:00

If I haven't been at the pool then I've been pouring over my latest favorite book.

The Crafts took it easy this weekend.

Pool, reading, swimming, cartoons, dollhouse, puddle jumping.

Kramer's brats, LPC bakery donuts, farm veggies.

It was a good one.

(Psst...if you haven't indulged in a Kramer's brat and an LPC bakery twist donut then you are missing out my friend.

Seriously, come over to my house and we'll indulge together. Yum!)

My dad and his sister, Valerie, playing on top of a dresser.

Seriously Grandma, what were you thinking?

Just kidding! I let my kids sit on top of the counter and help me make coffee.

The skies have cleared this afternoon.

I'm guessing the girls will request a trip to the pool.

I better enjoy it now because our swimming days are coming to close.

I noticed all the walnuts dangling from our walnut tree outside.

Those stinkin' things.

Last year we picked up 20 maybe 30 buckets of walnuts. Drat!

Come over in about a month. You can pick up walnuts and I'll reward you with brats and donuts.

Sounds like a fair trade, eh?

Well my book is calling...

Don't you love a good read.

Vicodin, hunger and bad coupons...

2011-08-05T16:06:00.000-05:00

What a week!

Monday started with me moving two rooms worth of furniture simply because I got an urge.

Mistake.

Despite my original thought that stretching tore my back muscle I've now come to the conclusion it was instead the result of me playing tough guy with the couch.

Next time I promise to not be so stubborn and impatient, and I will wait for Matt to help me move stuff.

Actually, that will probably never happen. I've always been stubborn and impatient.

Anyway, I'm now happily downing Vicodin and promising myself I won't end up in rehab like Matthew Perry, Brett Favre and Rush Limbaugh...just to name a few addicts.

While suffering through unbearable back pain (which really isn't all the bad with a cup of joe and shiny, white Vicodin) I read The Hunger Games...in 24 hours.

LOVED IT!

It is gruesome and well written and wonderful.

Anyway, I'm hopefully picking up the second in the series tonight.

Sorry sweet family of mine, I've got some reading to do. :)

Another highlight of my week was when I received two emails from friends who read my blog.

Those emails contained none other than....bad coupons!

Yah, Baby!

The first bad coupon was sent in by Kristin Haar and it made me laugh and laugh and laugh.

I'm really not sure how tightening this contraption around your neck is supposed to relieve neck pain?

I don't think that woman is sighing in relief. No, her eyes are closed because she has choked.

The "neck extender 3000" (or whatever it is called) looks about as comfortable as this...

The second bad coupon came from Telea Bogan and in her email to me, she said it best...

"...who wouldn't want to buy 'fine jewelry' from the newspaper."

Indeed.

Nothing says exquisite like bad coupon jewelry.

Men, it may look as awesome as jewelry from a display case but no woman wants to explain to her mother and friends that her man bought her engagement ring from the Sunday paper.

You're gonna look bad.

Hooray for bad coupons!

If you find any good 'bad' ones please send them my way...craft@netins.net

They make me smile. And so does Vicodin.

Random bits...

2011-08-03T13:57:00.000-05:00

No one is happier for the break in the heat and humidity than our air conditioner.

Last night she threw up her arms and kicked the bucket.

She had had enough. Thank goodness she was an easy repair though.

This morning I opened the house for the first time in at least a month thanks to old granny air conditioner calling herself done.

The whole house smells fresher.

*****

I have somehow hurt my back.

I feel older than my age.

I groan every time I bend or stretch or even breathe for that matter.

Do you know how I hurt it?

I think it was from stretching before yesterday's run.

First the air conditioner, now my back.

++++++++++++++

I found these two photos in my Picasa photo bucket.

Not quite sure where they came from.

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

I can't believe it is time to start thinking of Miss Claudia's second birthday party.

Last year this was my inspiration....

I actually made that banner.

It took a long time but I love it.

It's now hanging in CJ's room.

This year I think this guy is going to be our party inspiration...

She loves Scooby like I love air conditioning and a pain-free back.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

We have a big Craft family vacation coming up soon.

I won't tell you when.

That way no one will rob my house while we're gone.

Matt started the packing list last weekend.

Third item on the list was peanut butter which came waaaay before important things like swimsuits, underwear, sunscreen, etc.

I laughed and laughed and laughed.

The man loves peanut butter. Probably more so than anything else. Except the Cyclones, of course.

****************

Speaking of vacations, I'm dreaming of this................

..............and this..............

And I'm also celebrating the fact that CJ didn't hop out of bed once when I put her down for nap today.

Woot! Woot!

My aching back is grateful, too.

I'm going to down a bottle of Tylenol so I don't have to miss golf tonight.

Probably not good for the old back but it is great for the mommy mind.