Swimming

Amy got the brilliant idea to take all the kids swimming yesterday. While it was a bit of a feat actually getting to the pool, and an even bigger one getting them showered, dressed and fed afterwards...it was a delightful change to staying inside. Thanks for the idea Amy, and next time I'll try to remember my daughter's swimsuit!

Valentines Craft

I always love admiring other people's crafts, but when it comes to me actually DOING them, it generally doesn't happen. So, with actual scissors in hand and some friends for encouragement, I cut AND glued paper. I know you are all impressed. Now what you might want to know is that as I glued these papers together on a frenzied craft-high, I quickly hit rock bottom as I realized that I had done it all inside out. So, this isn't how this paper globe is suppose to look, but I was determined to finish it none-the-less. Let's be honest, I'm still proud of it, I mean, I BLANKET STITCHED for crying-out-loud.

I also may have had Geoff stand in front of it at 11pm and tell me I am a Craft Queen. I have no shame when it comes to crafts.

Click here if you want to see what it was suppose to look like.

I think I prefer being on the other side

It was almost painful posting a picture of just me...no kids, no husband, but here it is. I got a haircut today. It's short, but I wanted something new. It's growing on me, literally.

Happy Birthday Baby

My little boy is three. Technically he's been three for a month now, but since he was born on Christmas, we have decided to celebrate it on January 25th and give him his own special day.

Hard to imagine that three years ago our lives were changed forever by the birth of this boy. He's quite the handsome kid (if I do say so myself), strong-willed, sooo smart and techno-savvy, the best big brother ever and a huge ball of energy crammed into one little body! We love you Isaac. Life is better because you are a part of it.

***in a sad twist of fate, Isaac and I both came down with the flu last night. Hopefully we'll be able to get feeling better soon and reschedule that party!

Those eyes

I love my boy Isaac, but ooooh, there's just something about having a girl!

Sledding

It snowed most of today and despite my dislike of the cold, it was quite beautiful.
We hadn't taken Isaac sledding yet this year, so we took the opportunity of a semi-day-off to go.

Can you see how excited he was to go down all by himself??




Geoff would like me to note that this was the only color sled left.



Isaac was so excited, I could barely get him to stand still for a photo!






Our snowbaby.

Two silly monkeys jumping on the bed

We love when Livi comes to play. There is NEVER a dull moment. Like last week for example. Amy and I took the kids to Storytime at the library and then to McDonald's. Amy and I were enjoying our time talking while Isaac and Livi were off playing on the playground. After about ten minutes, Livi came around the corner wearing only her shirt and diaper. I started laughing and gave Amy one of those your-child-is-crazy kind of looks, only to be shamed as Isaac entered the scene also pantless! (which as you can see from the pictures posted, he also enjoys doing at home) Amy and I had a good laugh and then told them as sternly as we could muster to "go up the slides and GET THEIR PANTS!!"

Let me see your Sushi Roll

Since we got married, Geoff and I have always wanted to do a sushi party and actually use some of the Asian paraphernalia that we got as presents. Almost seven years later, we finally did. We invited Geoff's younger brother and sister and their significant others over for a tremendously fun evening. It really was so much fun to make these, who knew? Though they weren't the prettiest thing you've ever seen, they were delicious.

After stuffing ourselves on edamame, pineapple, tempura shrimp, potstickers and Asian salad, we managed to even eat chocolate fondue with fruit and other delicious items, all while playing Catch Phrase. We definetly plan on doing this again!

The making of:










The end result:

Shown up by Auntie Em's hat

And if this isn't the largest cheeser grin ever!

Isaac and his christmas present from momma

Ok, the the braids may be a little large for a boy, but I was pretty proud of myself.




Fast forward 10 years? He looks so old here to me!

The sweetest person I've never met

A few days ago I got a package in the mail from Slovenia. Inside was the kindest letter from Nina, a girl living in Slovenia who happened upon my blog. She thanked me for inspiring her to get into photography and included this book for me to have a "taste" of her homeland. Such flattery I have never known! I never imagined that doing this blog or taking pictures would touch someone from so far away. Nina simply asked if she could comment on my blog, how tender is that? So yes Nina, you may comment as much as you like. You are the sweetest person I've never met.

We *heart* Auntie Em

Thank you Aunti Em for coming to stay with us. We all LOVE YOU!!!

And a couple more

Our trip to the land of rain and greenery

This year was our year to go to my parent's house in Oregon. My parents waited to cut down a Christmas tree till Isaac got there, knowing he would think it was fun. My mom and I rode in the back of the trailer being pulled by the John Deere in a bumpy ride up the road. Isaac was thrilled to help Poppy use a saw. We also went by the horse stables while we were up there. Isaac couldn't have been more excited about the entire adventure! Thank you mom and dad for a wonderful stay!

(I had my blasted ISO up too high so forgive the poor quality)

You made this a Christmas to remember

And by "you", I mean the flu bug. Sometime around 4am, as my mom tells me (she was up working her fingers to the bone on her sewing machine), the flu attacked us all. That is, all of us but Geoff and Lucy. Geoff was born with some sort of herculean stomach and has yet to EVER throwup. The rest of us mortals however took turns in the bathroom. We didn't even open presents till 7pm, and then crawled back to bed. Below is the only picture I took from the present opening event. Thankfully, most of us were feeling much better the next day.




Lucy the Sunday before Christmas in her Christmas dress.

I was a very good girl this year...

Apparently Santa got all my letters I've been sending over the past year, because he brought me the lens I've been righteously coveting for some time now.




The girl who decided she would only sleep on me every night we were at my parents house.






Playing with Poppy.

Bowling

The only time we ventured as a group out of the house after The Flu of Christmas 2007.




Isaac's signature bowling move.

Oregon Photoshoot

Just a handful from a shoot I did while at home.