She's not so little anymore.

I look at her everyday but some days I can really see her, the young lady she’s becoming, the woman she will be. It amazes me how quickly it has come. She’s always spoken beyond her years but now she talks about when she’s grown and married. She’s already playing the role of a mommy and carries her doll “Lily” everywhere. She even gives us babysitting instructions for taking care of Lily when she’s at school. For those of you that know Anna, she’s carried a white, lovey bear around with her since she was little. She calls him “Daddy Anna Bear”. There’s also a “Mommy Anna Bear” and a “Baby Anna Bear” but it’s “Daddy Anna Bear” that is worth more to her than gold. You know he’s important when you realize he’s been forgotten at a hotel and in a panic you turn around to drive the two hours to get him. Anna always sleeps with him. I can attest to some anxious nights prior to bedtime where Doug and I have scoured the house desperate to find where Daddy Anna Bear disappeared to during the day. The other night as I was tucking in Anna and her Daddy Anna Bear, I happened to look over at the wall by her bed. There on the floor, she had set up a little blanket and pillow. Under the covers she had tucked Lily in and right next to her was “Baby Anna Bear”. I smiled to myself, gave Anna a kiss and wished her “sweet dreams”. As I was walking out of the room, I heard her blow a kiss to Lily and say, “Good night, sweet baby, sweet dreams.” I know there will come a time when my baby will be tucking in her own baby for real...but I won't be ready for that anytime soon....probably not for another 50 or 60 years or so :). Can’t she just stay little forever?

Candied Apples and Conversations with the Peanut Gallery

I made candied apples for the first time today! It wasn't as difficult as I had envisioned although my first batch was definitely the learning batch. When the instructions say to let the excess caramel drip off, they really mean you should take the time to do that. My first four apples, after chilling for 15 minutes, looked like apples with sticks stuck in them standing on top of a plate of caramel and pecan chips. The majority of the caramel (and the pecans along with it) just ran right off onto the wax paper. After I got things figured out, the second batch looked much nicer. I'm happy about that as I want to use them for a little photo session I have planned with the girls at the pumpkin patch. We had planned to go this evening but it's 98 degrees here today. The girls and the apples both would have melted by the time we got into the pumpkin field. We're planning to try it first thing in the morning. If the shots turn out, I'll stick some up on the blog.

Random Conversations with the Girls

At my doctor's appointment the other day, Lauren was telling the physical therapist that she could sing several songs. She started by humming the wedding march and then proceeded to sing the "Ring Around the Rosey" song. It went like this:

Ring around the rosey, a pocket full of posies,

Asses, asses, we all fall down!

Anna mentioned in passing the other day that she was starting to like boys for the first time. This caught my attention and so I asked her to tell me more. She said she thought she did like boys but they still made her nervous because as she put it, "Boys like to say "Dude" and they try to get you to say "dude" too. I don't like that word." I guess this is a sign of things to come. Wouldn't it be nice if the worst thing that boys ever asked her to do was just say "Dude" with them??

Did you know that apparently mustard is made of shredded corn? Anna told me so. I always thought turmeric was the reason for the yellow color. You learn something new everyday.

Lauren has started saying, "Only 3 girls can do this." I guess it's necessary to be at least three years old before you can perform some of her radical moves, i.e. jumping from the second step of the stairs, doing a somersault or breakdancing. Interesting. I wonder just what 37 girls can do that others can't.

How is it that something that seems so harmless can cause a problem? The "Chicken Little" cartoon was on Disney the other day. We recorded it for the girls. I walked into the kitchen yesterday to hear Anna singing the Spice Girls' song, "If you wanna be my lover...". I nearly choked and asked her where she'd heard that song. Apparently on "Chicken Little" a duck and a pig have a karaoke duet and of all songs they sing that happens to be the one. I tried to explain to Anna why I didn't want her to sing that song and gave her alternate word suggestions. Now she's singing, "If you wanna be my mother or butterfly or sunflower." Mothers need to have their own motto like the Marines...ours could be "Semper Vigil" (Ever Vigilant) or even better "Nothing's Safe" although I don't know the Latin for that one.

Football Confessions

I have a secret to confess...I’ve never really been that into football. I mean I’ve been raised around it my entire life but never really understood what all the hoopla was about. Growing up there was this huge Alabama/Auburn rivalry that I didn’t care much about. I’ve spent more time sleeping in front of the TV during ball games than I ever have watching them. Then I met my husband and married into a family of Green Bay Packer fans. It was a whole new world. I’ve still spent a lot of time asleep in front of the TV but I can now actually tell you names of team members. I know a little about their positions and their history and I even read a biography on a quarterback. I started to care about a team. Sounds pretty crazy, I know. I’m still trying to be a good fan and now I’m going to try even harder since Doug told me he wants to raise a family of Packer fans. So, Sunday he and I put on our Packer jerseys or as the girls call them our Green “Packer” shirts and watched the game. We tried to get the girls excited about the game starting and called them down to watch. Even with my limited understanding I tried to explain some plays to the girls while they jumped up and down and shouted along with their Daddy. Doug likes to get a little loud during the games and will often direct that at the players on TV. At one point he yelled, “Go” and the players actually moved. Lauren was impressed that they had heard him and listened. The girls asked about their Packer gear and we had to tell them that we’re ordering their shirts as they’d grown out of their cheerleader uniform that Auntie Jan sent years ago. Believe it or not I actually had fun. This was compounded by the fact that the weather was cooler that day and Doug made a pot of his family’s famous steak and dumplings. The girls were interested for about the first half and then Anna was ready to go for a bike ride. Heck, a whole half...I think that’s a great start. It’s taken me 37 years to even get close to that. So, here’s to family unity and the Pack. As the girls would say, “Go Green Pack, Go!”

Touchdown!

Quiet and Still

In church on Sundays, our pastor always begins by saying “Let’s be quiet and still as we prepare to come to the Lord.” Quiet and still. Just think about the peace conveyed in those words. It’s such a nice way to end or begin the week depending on how you look at things. Quiet and still. They’re ideas that are not often observed in our home. The day or week can start off with such promise. There’s a nip in the air, the leaves are starting to turn, a pot of soup for dinner sounds scrumptious and then your day really gets started. Does your brain ever feel like this?

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immediatelyaftertocomplainaboutgardener’searlyhourstakeLaurentochildcarebacktodropoff

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makesaladtogowithsouptoastbreadrealizesoupthatshouldhavebeensimmeringisonmedhighand
bottomisnowburntDougcomeshomehandhimthekidsgotogetthemailcryontheway….

Some days are just like that, I guess. I’ve been thinking about Shelly’s post on her blog titled “You’re gonna miss this”. She’s exactly right...I will miss this. When everything is quiet and still and everyone is out of the house, I’ll wonder what happened to my wonderful, chaotic, little nest. Until then I’ll readily admit that I will still need occasional quiet and I’ll need the peace that comes with just being still. However, I’ll do my best to try and remember to embrace the insanity as well. Having silly monkeys around helps immensely too. I can always count on a good laugh from the peanut gallery. Look for more conversations with our little nuts this week.

Here's to peace and quiet.

Fall is in the air!

I love the change of seasons and it appears that fall is finally on its way. Bishop's Pumpkin Farm in Wheatland, one of our favorite fall haunts, opened today. We always have such a good time there. The girls got to see the animals, jump in the hay bales, and ride the train. We also took the wagon out into the field and picked pumpkins. It may be a little early for pumpkins but whenever you're at Bishop's you just can't resist. Doug and I came home with a fresh apple cake and a jug of apple cider. I had never seen them pressing apple cider but we got to see the whole process from the apples waiting in the bin outside up to their pressing and journey to packaging. The cider tastes incredible. All in all it was really a nice time and I can't wait to get back. They're only open through Halloween so we try to fit in as many visits as possible prior to then. I'm anxious to get some shots of the girls in their costumes before all of the big pumpkins are purchased and carted away. If any of you are headed out that way and want company, give us a call...we're always ready to go!

Wes and Amy

As most of you know we attended my brother’s wedding in Long Island this past weekend. The girls and I flew in on Thursday and out again on Monday. We had such a nice visit with all of our family. The wedding itself was just beautiful; there was something so eloquent about its simplicity. The focus was just on Amy and Wes….no pretense, nothing over the top, elegant and perfect. My brother is obviously so in love with Amy and she with him. When they began to recite their vows, Wes became a little emotional. I was incredibly touched and began to cry. Anna asked me what was wrong. I told her I was just happy. She responded, “With your face like that??” I was so proud of both of our girls. They walked down the aisle with only minimal bribery. Prior to the ceremony we joked that we should have Anna leave a trail of marshmallows along the way to ensure that Lauren would follow along. Fortunately no marshmallows were required although Granny did have a bag or two in her purse just in case. At the end of the ceremony, Anna began to walk back down the aisle. Lauren was a few rows back at this time and when she realized it was time to go she took off running behind Anna without her bouquet or her wreath. We got a good laugh out of that one. Maybe she was worried her promised "swim puppy" was on the line if she didn't finish the job! The reception was held at the West Sayville Country Club, a beautiful spot overlooking the water. Wes and Amy did such a wonderful job planning everything down to the smallest detail. I can’t say enough good things about the wedding or Amy’s family. They were so warm and welcoming. I still have a ton of photos to go through but here are a few from the ceremony and the period immediately after. Although it may not appear to be the case, we did spend a considerable amount of time on the girls’ hair. After the ceremony, however, they began to run around and play and must have taken their pretty little wreaths off and on about 8 billion times! Thus, the crazy hair….I see their pictures and just wish I could brush the photo. :)

Meet the Peanut

Talk about surprises! In May, we learned that we were unexpectedly expecting an addition to our family. I was immediately giddy and then I panicked. I wondered how you do “it” with three kids. “It” of course being providing all of the love, guidance, support, and individual attention required to three little people that depend on you entirely. No pressure there. Also, how do you get three children out the door on time when I struggle with just two? Then I remembered my great-grandmothers who gave birth to and raised 11 and 13 children respectively. After this shift of perspective, three babies didn’t seem quite so daunting. As the initial shock wore off, I realized just how thrilled I really was. I’ve always loved the idea of having a big family and a holiday table filled to overflowing. With a third baby (five children total), we would be well on our way.
Most of my family assumed that we would be having another little girl. I kept wanting to refer to the baby as “he” but was focused on girls’ names. Imagine our surprise (once again) when we had our ultrasound this month and learned that “Peanut” was in fact a little boy. I’m so excited and already feeling the need to buy airplanes and fire trucks. Although Anna was a bit disappointed initially (she really wanted another sister), I think she’s going ahead with her plans for another guest at her tea parties. I also think she’s still planning to dress our little guy up in appropriate tea party clothing at least until he’s old enough to run away. Lauren, on the other hand, is happy it’s a boy and excited about the prospect of having someone to hunt lizards with.
My actual due date is January 11th but as Anna and Lauren both came at 37 weeks, I’m expecting a Christmas baby. We were scheduled to depart from California at that time but have requested a lease extension on our home through the end of January. So, we’ll have one last Christmas here in sunny Northern California.
I had hoped to have a sweet ultrasound photo to share but alas, our little guy was uncooperative that day and remained face down. So, in all of the pictures we have he either looks like “Skeletor” or it’s just a picture to prove that he is indeed a little boy. I’ll be having one or two more ultrasounds in the upcoming months so maybe we will end up with a cute profile shot. Until that time, this picture will have to do. :)

"Jacob at 23 weeks"

A big thank you to Doug for his super smiley face art skills and his unending patience everytime I had him retake the photo due to a fat roll or two...or three. :)

We're Home!

The girls and I made it home safely. My sweet and wonderful husband met us at the airport with three long stemmed red roses...one for each of us. I love how sweet and thoughtful he is and when he includes the girls....aaah, it's just a little piece of heaven on Earth. When we got to the car he had a "swim puppy" waiting for Lauren and a "swim baby" waiting for Anna. Dinner was waiting at home, a clean home I might add and he had stories ready for the girls after their bath and before bedtime. I'm so thankful for him. I can't imagine my life without him in it. I'm also thankful that all of my family made it home safely yesterday; even my mom, stepdad, grandmother and aunt who DROVE from NY leaving at 0400 yesterday morning. I don't know about you guys but I don't have a 19-hour bottom. I was desperate to get off of the plane after a 4-hour second leg. The trip was really a special, wonderful time with my brother, his new wife and their sweet family. I can't say enough good things about the Harrison family and it's obvious that Amy and Wes were made for each other. I'm in love with that part of the country and wish we could have spent more time sightseeing. I am, however, thoroughly exhausted and happy to be home. I haven't had time yet to sit down and get more pictures from the trip ready to post but here's a sneak peek.

Long Island

Hi all,
I know I said I would be updating daily and I'm sorry I've been MIA. We're in New York for my brother's wedding and I haven't had a chance to update the blog until today. The girls and I will be home tomorrow and I'll post some pictures soon. We've had a wonderful time and the ceremony and reception were just beautiful. Anna AND Lauren were both flower girls and just melted my heart. Off today for some sightseeing....more to follow soon! :)

Where does the time go?

Yesterday was Tyler's 20th birthday! Can you believe it? I sure can't. I still remember the little boy I met in England when he came to visit his dad. He's still as sweet and as bright as ever but he's now a lot taller! We're so incredibly proud of him. He's attending the University of Georgia and seems to be doing so well. He has his own apartment this semester and in addition to his jeep just picked up a motorcycle to save gas getting around campus. We're hoping to see him and Alaina again at Christmas time. Here are two pictures from the trip he and his girlfriend Sarah took to Europe this summer.

Saturday Travel

We headed back up to Empire Mines today to meet with some friends for more photos. Trish Larsen has been so sweet and let me tag along on her photo shoots over the past few months. Today she was photographing the Tull family. The whole family is super friendly not to mention beautiful. I think we got some fun shots. Here are a few pictures I snapped of the girls before we went in to the park. We really just think it's a beautiful place. Check out more of Trish's work at http://www.tlarsen.com/.

Throwback Thursday

One of our favorite photos from Louisiana--Anna and Thurman checking things out. They both spent a lot of time at this window.

Here's one of my all time favorite shots of Lauren. I don't know why I think it's so funny. It just cracks me up everytime I look at it.

....And see all the people

Last fall we were in Wisconsin for our niece's wedding. The girls got to spend an evening with their Auntie Jan and Uncle Mike. They had such a great time. On top of mac 'n cheese, chocoloate milk, and homemade brownies, their Auntie Jan taught them this poem. Anna has been helping Lauren with the words. I finally convinced them that there's a steeple on the church and not a stable. :)
Note: Again, please remember to scroll to the bottom of the page and press stop on the playlist so you won't have competing sounds.

Lost in Translation

Walking to the park the other day, Lauren began to say, "I want the ploodle! I want to feel the ploodle." I asked her to repeat herself and she said the exact same thing again. I was lost.

Have you ever been there? I mean, you can understand the words that are coming out of their mouths but have no idea what they're saying??? I’ve backpacked alone through Europe. I’ve visited China solo. I’ve been to 5 of the 7 continents and traveled to over 20 different countries. Even though I may not have spoken the language in all of those places, I’ve managed to get where I’m going via train, taxi, boat or on foot; procured food and found a room; and I’ve seen the sights. I also spent four years as a linguist for the Air Force. Why then is it that I have so much trouble understanding my three year old? Usually she's just overly excited about what she’s saying or occasionally she’s overly upset. Either way, it can make for a difficult conversation.

Lauren: Mommy, How did the sqwireel bloh ahwaa?
Me: Honey, can you say that again? I didn’t understand.
Lauren: How did the sqwireel bloh ahwaa?

This is usually when I bring in the big guns. “Annnnnaaaa”, I call. “Please come tell me what your sister is saying.” Anna listens one time and then says, “Mommy, she just wants to know ‘how did the squirrel blow away’?” She must realize from my glazed over eyes and blank stare that Mommy is still in the dark. “You know, Mommy, from that movie “Ice Age”, at the very end??” The light finally dawns and I’m able to deliver a satisfactory answer to my wee one. Anna understands her most of the time and I’m usually right there with her 90% of the time but every once in a while she throws me for a loop.

In case you're wondering about the park phrase....she wanted to pet a poodle.

Conversations with the Peanut Gallery

Did you know that the Pledge of Allegiance has additional verses? They’re probably not as well known as the original pledge but I still think they’re quite catchy. This is what Anna recited after returning home from school the other day:

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America,
And to the republic for which it stands,
One nation under God, in-vi-dis-ible,
On Earth as it is in Heaven,
The End.

Two days later she had the correct version down pat but I must admit her first attempt was probably my favorite.

I get such a kick out of the girls' sense of time or should I say lack thereof. Anna will see something she wants at a toy store. If I tell her we won't be getting it today, she says, "Okay, how about for my next birthday or when I'm 18?" She also asks if we'll let her walk to school by herself when she's 30. Yesterday she told me she really liked going to church. She said we should go all the time and asked, "How 'bout we go again next spring?"

While living in Nebraska we had a hail storm come through that shattered our outdoor glass table. Anna has seen photos of it and we've talked about it once or twice since then. We recently started recording episodes of "Magic School Bus" for the girls to watch. After one cartoon about space and the planets, Anna asked, "Mommy, why did a meteor fall from the sky and break our table?"

I had a parents' orientation at Anna's school the other day and so the girls stayed with a babysitter. When I returned I asked them what they had for dinner. Anna responded, "Basagna and green beans."

This was the first time the girls have really been old enough to appreciate the olympics. I explained how athletes come from all over the world to compete. I pointed out the Chinese, the Americans, Russians and Ukrainians among others. I was quite surprised by how “into it” the girls were. I heard Anna telling Lauren about Michael Phelps. “Lauren”, she said, “there’s this one athlete who has more gold medals than anyone in history EVER. He’s a champion.” This was followed by Lauren calling us over to the television to watch men’s synchronized diving. “Hurry guys”, she said, “It’s the Krussians!”