so excited

Eva is turning 7 this month.  Wow.  7.

Going to do an extreme makeover to her room.  I have had the hardest time putting things together because I am so used to pink.  I like pink.  But this isn't my room.

I have tons ideas in my head and have gathered a bunch of materials.  

But here is one thing that is done and I am so so so happy about the way it turned out.  

I should have taken a before picture of these ugly chairs that were left at this house by the previous owner.  

Paint and primer: about $8

Fabric: my friend Kara (who happens to be an amazing seamstress and artist) 

was so kind to share this discontinued stuff that I love.  I have loved this fabric for a long time.  I do that.  I love fabric. 

The garage floor, my jeans, and my leather boots that I kind of messed up:  Uh, we won't count that.

Total cost:  $8, a bargain.

And the first to sit on the lovely "new" chair...

Something else I am so excited about is my blog book that I got printed.  I did the whole year of 2008.  I used Shared Book.  I tinkered around with Blurb a while back and didn't like it.  Too much work for work that I had already put in when I blogged in the first place.  There was another scrapbooking company that did it too but I can't remember the name and they were a lot of work too.  Shared book just sucked the blog in, let me choose a cover and I was good to go.  They also let you choose if you want to publish comments.  I chose yes because I love them.

Cons:

I don't love the cover, there were a lot of choices.  

I couldn't change the format or size of the photos so they were all a uniform small size and some of them got bunched in weird formations.

Kind of pricey (but still less than printing all the pictures out and sticking them in an album- so it is just a temporary con)

Pro:

Family history for 2008, scrapbook for 2008, family journal for 2008 IS DONE!!!!!

This has been great for my kids and my  mom who don't get on the computer to read my blog.  My mom has already scoured the book and loves it.  I will order more copies if there is demand (and this one gets trashed).  

traded in my spot as mom of the year for the best nap ever

Just finished making a bunch of onesies and am sending them off tomorrow. So grateful to those that are donating to Lulu. It was fun for me to make them. Yep, fun. If you want to get in on the fun, I will still make one for you whenever.

Last week, there was a day that Samuel had school and Eva didn't. Feel free to get me wrong, but I love those times when I get to be with Eva alone.

Took her to get her hair trimmed at Cookie Cutters. She was so enthralled in the movie that she didn't even hear us talking to her. At one point, a tiny bit of drool dripped out of her mouth and went all the down to the cape and she didn't even flinch. Of course, I was cracking up.

We got home and I thought it might be fun to do a craft. I pulled out a box of pre-made craft kids and she didn't want any of them. She had something in mind.

By this time I was getting sleepy (night people need afternoon naps sometimes), and visions of bonding with my daughter while crafting were slowing changing to me laying on the couch while she crafted.

She said she needed some material to make a cat puppet for Samuel. In the car, earlier that day, Eva was telling Samuel that there is no such thing as red cats. He insisted there is just because it is his favorite color.

So I gave her red. Partly because I have a ton of red felt because I was going to make her Wendy outfit but ended up finding the biggest part of it at the thrift store for 99 cents. And I know I am probably repeating myself but it is because I am just that excited about my find.

She also needed scissors. I told her to think really hard and think of anything she might need because I didn't want to keep getting stuff (especially if I couldn't reach it from my soon to be nap spot). She got started, but then she needed a stapler. Good thing she knew where I keep my stapler because my head was stuck to the pillow by then.

I woke up occasionally (I'm a really light sleeper) to see some measuring, cutting and stapling.

I finally woke up to this:

Later on, she made it into a reversible puppet. The other side is a sock monkey.

Ingredients for the best nap ever:

1 couch

1 pillow

1 window letting sunlight in (I love napping in the sunlight)

felt

1 pair scissors

1 stapler

1 6 year that has some serious vision and skills

Oh, and when Samuel got home, he saw Eva's balloon from Cookie Cutters and asked, "Did Eva go to Cookie Cutters?" I thought he would be mad that he didn't get to go but instead he was worried, "Is her hair short?" He has hair opinions and for some reason I find it so funny.

in just one day

Was just thinking about the day.  Was just thinking about Samuel's day.  

-I have a friend that we visit weekly.  She is in her 70's.  Samuel loves to go because he gets to watch TV while we sew together.  So today, he walks into her house.  Walks straight up to where she had been sitting and says, "You spilled!"  Yes, she obviously spilled.  Thanks, 5 year old, for pointing that out.  Oh, and, he also asked her how much the rug cost.  

-Samuel had his well child check today.  The picture is him coloring.  The nurse offered the coloring pages while we waited for the dr. to come in.  Samuel gets them.  Points out the Transformers and then looks for a place to color.  Says, "I'll color up there."  The exam table is where he ends up.  Totally content.  Humming the entire time.

-On the way home Samuel starts singing the 7-11 song (dads take their kids to 7-11) and he asks, "Who's Kevin?"  He was singing, "Oh thank Kevin... 7-11!"

-After I explain that the song, he says he has to pee.  Really bad.  No biggie.  We were on our way home.  I got out of the car and went in the house.  The kids usually take longer to get out of the car.  A while later Samuel tells me that he accidentally got pee on the car seat.  But there he was standing in dry jeans.  Baffled.  But then my mom detective skills start kicking in.  I remember finishing the bottle of water and putting the bottle in the cup holder.  I remember Karl teaching Samuel the (for road trip emergencies only!) trick long ago.  Then I realize what Samuel did.  I go out to the car, and sure enough and bottle of the yellow stuff is sitting on the passenger side seat.  Ugh.  I was exasperated.  After scrubbing, I sent him to his room and called Karl.  I had to have Karl talk to Samuel.  I didn't want to blow this out of proportion.

-Samuel told Karl that he wants me to have a baby, "I want a little boy  who will do anything for me."  Nice.  Samuel wants a slave.  

A couple more things.  Not today, because I don't think he could have packed anything else into this day anyways.

-We had family home evening a week ago and we played a game. It involved reading a scenario that was written on a picture of a cow and then depending on the scenario the cow went to to the "dry dessert" or the "peaceful pasture."  Karl, Eva, and I took turns reading and the kids took turns placing the cows.  At the end of the lesson, Karl asked, "So, what did you learn?"  Samuel says, "That we all talked and I don't know how to read."

-Last night Samuel ate three pieces of pizza.  Three.  If you know how skinny he is, then you will think this is funny, too.  Even more funny?  Karl was late to dinner so he only got 1 1/2 pieces.  

twenties

One of Karl's clients was having a "Post Prohibition" party. We went all out.

We even painted Karl's shoes.

It was fun. I just kept wishing the plates were bigger.

And you would think after all, shopping, planning, pinning, glueing, painting, curling, clipping, I could have taken .5 seconds to straighten my headband for the photo shoot.

spill

Saturday mornings.  Nowhere we have to be.  Nothing we have to do.

Kids had that big tub of popcorn on the couch.  I thought it was cute.  So instead of taking it away, I grabbed the camera and said, "Please don't spill!"

And then as I snapped a picture, of course, it spills. 

I hate vacuuming.  That is my first thought.

They pick it up.  Or should I say, Eva picks it up and Samuel just continues with his eating.  This time off the floor.  

christmas afternoon 2009

Our tradition is to go to my parents house in the afternoon.  

After we open presents there is some serious lounging around.  Mostly on the floor in the living room.  Even though there are plenty of seats in the house.  These is the totally typical scene: 

One of the best traditions we have it to pick up a bunch of Alvey's Chocolates when we are in Logan and then we bring them out on Christmas to snack on while we open presents. 

I love homemade gifts but am not always confident that other people love them as much as me.  This year, I went out on a limb and made these heat pads for a few people in my family.    Affectionately called "corn bags," these things were a hit and I ended up making one for everyone.  

My brother got everyone a "Tornado" for emergency use, and well, to cook the crab out in the garage.

The Christmas spread was amazing.  

Along with lounging and eating is enjoying of presents.  The Darda tracks made a fine version of Lombard Street. 

My brother Dennis gave someone a jumping machine thing.  He makes everything into a contest and before we knew it, we were all jumping with all our might.  And some of us (older than 13) had a lot less might than others (younger than 13).

And my mom always likes to get a photo of all of us together.  That is harder than it might seem.

But we got one.  And I am glad because it is so fun to compare the photos year after year.

And you know how I was saying that the kids always seem to have so much fun with the wrapping paper rolls?  Same goes for boxes.  

And of course, the night ended with Settlers.

The scoreboard for 2009

christmas morning 2009

Santa came.  Enjoyed his snacks and left more than the kids could ever dream of.

Santa always leaves an orange, a toothbrush,  orange sticks... 

 ...and whatever trinkets and candy he thinks the kids might like.

 After the stocking, the kids moved on to the big stuff.

 And isn't it always the case that the kids seem to enjoy things like the big plastic bin and wrapping paper rolls as much as they enjoy the actual presents.

But somehow that doesn't stop us from spending too much money on something they will end up breaking, not caring about, or losing anyway, right?

Christmas is magic.  Thank you, kids, for letting us be a part of your magic.

our many days of christmas 2009

Like many, we have family Christmas traditions. 

One of them is to be late to the family Christmas party.  This year we were mega super late.  But everyone was so nice and waited to sing a few songs so we could join in.  I love seeing all these grown men singing how they are a Little Gypsy Girl.

Among other traditions we enjoyed:

 -dancing around the tree

-a meal complete with cheesy-Mormon-funeral-au gratin potatoes (I love them but I hardly ever make them because they don't taste so good once you see what goes into them so I make sure to eat a ton at family functions) 

-a talent show (Eva wrote and read a short story and Samuel said a poem)

-tarts with a nut hidden in a few.  Whoever gets a nut in his or her tart gets a prize.  Karl wins every single year.  And if he doesn't win, he cheats so it looks like he wins.

-an ornament/gift on the tree for each of the great grandkids

-lots of catching up with cousins that live all over the country

After the big party we went to Karl's mom's to open presents with cousins and siblings.  Eva really wanted to do the Christmas nativity thing but no one else did.  Poor Eva.  She is such a good girl. After everyone cleared out, Karl and I played Pinochle with Kathryn and Gordon until the wee hours of the morning.  I love that game.  Even though we didn't win, I still love it.

The next day we went to Karl's dad's to see more family.  It is no wonder my  kids love Christmas.  It is one giant, indulgent season.  We joined them in their Christmas Eva fondue.  It is so fun.  And, really, where else am I going to have deer, wild boar, bison and beef fondue?  Pretty impressive.

As soon as we pulled up to the house Samuel saw the hill and said, "I want to slide down that hill."  Samuel was so light, he went down the hill and all the way across the yard.  Then the big boys tried and didn't quite make it that far.  It left a big hole in the track.  So after that, anyone that tried would crash when they hit the hole.

We then packed up and headed home in time to put milk and cookies out for Santa, celery and apples for the reindeer, and cheese for the mice (the kids insisted).  Oh, and the elves left PJs for the kids.  

And read 'Twas the Night Before Christmas and told a little bit about the birth of Christ.

Then off to bed for the two little ones and Karl and I spent the whole night getting ready for the big morning.

farewell, good friend

Dear Pentax,

I want to thank you for being such an excellent camera. I bought you from my sister and before I had you, I didn't even know how much I needed you. I learned so much with you. You opened up a whole world of photography to me. As I took baby steps from auto to manual, you were patient and forgiving. Most of all, you helped me record so many priceless, wonderful (oh, and maybe not so wonderful) memories. Memories that would have been long gone if I did not have you.

The time came when I wanted more lenses. I think it is just a natural thing. "They" told me there is no point in investing in you anymore. I think they were right. So I had to move on. So sorry. You had some glitches and lately you had been freaking out when I turned you on and just snapping a bunch of pictures. Maybe you knew I had started moving on. I sent you in and hopefully they will fix you and find you a new home (and give me some money) and you will be a great starter camera for someone else.

If you want to know, my new camera is great. I got it for my birthday. I know my birthday was back in March but it takes me a really long time to make a decision and after I finally make the decision it takes me even longer to find the best price and the best place to buy the stuff. And besides, I kind of liked you. It's name is Canon Rebel T1i. I call it t1i for short. It is faster, it is lighter, it takes video, and best of all, I got some great new lenses to go with it (18-200 mm and 50 mm f/1.4, in case you're wondering) that I have loved playing around with them so much. Even though I already lost the battery charger, it doesn't mean that I don't love it, because I do.

I am getting sick of this letter and wish that I would have posted this a different way but I don't have the patience to do so. So I will end it now with a great big THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES.

Love,

Christina

{"dear pentax" taken by the newer, faster, lighter t1i}

cookies and countdowns and christmas crafts

Saw these snowflakes in a store last year.

With the help of this tutorial I got my own this year.

Also did these ornaments for the kitchen. Realized that I love hanging things from ceiling and Karl hates hitting his head on them every time he passes. Didn't even cross this shorty's mind.

Got the idea from this awesome blog.

This year Karl decorated the gingerbread house with the kids while I made the advent calendar with friends. Let's just say that he should be the one in charge of the gingerbread house from now on. He is way better at it. When I was in charge it did not look this good for sure. Two years ago I let the kids just put a huge smiley face on the front and we called it good.

Went to a cookie exchange. Spent way too much time making a bajillion of these cuties. Karl and the kids liked them. Me, not so much. Nothing like spending HOURS baking cookies only to find out you don't like them, right? Cuter to look at...

Also make these advent calendars with friends. Was fun just to talk to be creative.

I love that Christmas means more stuff to make. Except when I procrastinate. Like right now.