The Crafts

Warning: Obnoxious number of photos ahead. This past Saturday Matt and I pulled on our golf shoes, tossed our girls in the van and had a heck of a beautiful day at the course.  Can't wait for the trees to green-up. Since CJ can't much master a golf club, she became the official caddy for the remaining family members. Although our caddy was quite lazy sometimes and instead of catering to our needs she'd hang in the cart stuffing her sweet cheeks full of popcorn. I guess I can't blame her really. Where is that caddy when you need her?! Oh, there she is. Still eatin' up all the popcorn. After squeezing in nine holes of golf we piled back into the mini-van for home, but made a quick pit stop at the park. This slide is huge and Miss Claudia, not unlike her sister, LOVES it! As you can see here... Yep, there's the big slide...in case you didn't believe me. After that we dug the soccer ball out from underneath the van seats. An Iowa St...

I was so happy. I came around the corner to find my two sweeties sharing a chair. Kate was 'reading' (repeating from memory) the Five Little Monkeys Book  to CJ. I was even happier when I was able to snap a picture without them really noticing. I love my girls! ********************************************************************************** By the way, I finished reading These is My Words  and it was wonderful. So, so, so good. I'm now reading Little Women .  Have you read that one before? I have not. I started a long list of books I want to read so I will never be without. I'd love to hear if you have any fantastic titles to share.

Do you notice anything wrong with these pictures? So if you didn't notice, then let me point out the captions on each of the above coloring pages. Too cool for school... Shop til you drop... Gross! What is Barbie teaching little girls here? Dress super sexy and blow kisses so boys will notice you? Who cares about school when you could be flirting at the mall all day? I want my girls to grow up confident and strong, to love themselves for who they are not for what they wear. I want my girls to run faster than the boys and get the best grades in their class. I want them to dive head first into a book and then dig in the dirt. But most of all I want my girls to know they are loved. So I am tossing out the Barbie coloring book. I apologize to whomever bought it for them. It's not you, it's me. I realize I am over-reacting, but Kate has begun asking what each picture says and I debate whether to tell the truth or lie. Kate, the page says, "I want to go get my PhD in ...

I've been completely absorbed lately. It has something to do with this book... When I asked the librarian to help me find it, she thought I misspoke and corrected me with, 'these ARE my words.' It was kind of awkward. I can't put this book down. When doing other things around the house I wonder what will happen next. When I am engrossed in a good book then that book becomes my absolute favorite. And "These is my Words" is my current favorite. Another book that has consumed me lately is... Kate loves to read, too.  Her book of choice lately is one we've been reading again and again and again... She bought it with her birthday and Christmas money. She was so proud of herself. Miss Claudia likes to read books too but she is more interested in reading by herself. She's a very independent, sometimes stubborn, child. I wonder who she gets that from. It couldn't be me! :)

For anyone who has spent much time with Miss Claudia lately you may have noticed she is missing something. She's been a bit... oh... temperish. Is that a word? Nope. Oh well. She hasn't been showing off her sweet smile much. It's been hiding behind grumpiness. I think it has something to do with age and this current growing phase and blah, blah, blah... BUT, she was all smiles the other day and I worked so very, very hard to capture that smile on camera. Was it the Barbie that caused her smiles to reappear? I hope not. Maybe it was all my kisses?  Doesn't look like it. Whatever the cause may be I'm just happy they came out for awhile. Now, however, she's in bed and I shall put on my happy face and read for awhile. But why is it that each time I put the girls to bed our third child comes out of hiding and pesters me. She isn't really this evil looking. She's just camera shy.

We've got nothing to do today... and I couldn't be happier! ...62 degrees, sun, green grass... The girls and I are starting our day with toast, coffee (with half n half, of course) and a cartoon or two. I suspect the rest of our day will be spent adventuring outside. Parks, bikes, nature hikes, hopscotch, ice cream on the porch, a nap for the girls and a good book for me. I hope you too get to enjoy this day! Hmm...I'm not sure why her arm disappeared in this pic. :)

Who's settling in with a brownie and a book for nap time? Who should have put on a little make-up before posing for her own silly picture? Who has neglected the lunch dishes so she can maybe sneak in a few minutes of her new favorite show with no one else around? And who's got two thumbs and is ready for an hour break from little girl drama? This girl! HAPPY NAP TIME!