a happy little family

the archives – day 2

2012-02-17T07:00:00.000-05:00

{ July 2009 }

An afternoon in the backyard – Peanut and Dozer.

the archives – day 1

2012-02-16T07:00:00.000-05:00

{ August 2008 }

My brother, Ben, introducing Josephine to my niece's lamb.

another anniversary

2012-02-15T16:39:00.000-05:00

Sometimes I wonder how Kyle and I manage to keep it together with both of us self-employed. This past week has been a total blurr (and yes...it's only Wednesday!). We are leaving in the morning to visit Kyle's brother Chris, Aunt Amy and little Allison in Houston, TX. Kyle and I are both neck deep in major work projects and are scrambling to get projects to a point that they can be left at until we return Monday. I might be packing bags at midnight tonight, but it will all come together. It always does.

Anyway, back to the "anniversary". Sunday will four years since I started this happy little blog. Kind of amazing, and heart-warming. Amazing that I've been faithfully writing 5-7 times a week. Heart-warming when I think of all that I've shared and worked through the past four years – with your help. The comments I've gotten from all of you mean the world to me.

For the next five days I'm going to share some random photos that I've pulled from the archives. Some you might have seen before, but most of them I don't remember ever sharing. Enjoy, and I'll be back Tuesday with family pictures from TX!

Oh...and to all of you... happy anniversary!

With love, Lisa

a very happy anniversary

2012-02-13T08:45:00.001-05:00

Today is the 2-year anniversary of my knee mishap. Yes...we'll call it that.

Last year at this time I was still having regular bi-weekly therapy appointments and was another month from even thinking about running.

Yesterday I ran ten miles, took an ice bath, and thought about how far I've come.

In 12 days I'll run my first half marathon.

Happy Anniversary to me!

build-a-bear

2012-02-12T08:38:00.000-05:00

A few weeks ago, Eleanor chose a trip to Build-A-Bear Workshop as her reward for keeping her temper and emotions in check. (I'll post more about this later in the week, it's been a collaborative effort between Ellie, me, and a game-changing parenting book from 1964. Sue...I owe you one!) Tuesday, Ellie earned the reward, and the rest of the week we'd been building up to the Saturday trip to the mall – the BIG mall. The one that takes a good hour (1 hour and 20 minutes in a snowstorm) to get to, in the Suburban since the weather was so bad, at $3.80/gallon for gas, in a vehicle that gets about 12 miles per each of those almost $4 gallons. This trip...was a BIG DEAL.

Wednesday night I visited the mall website. I reminded myself where Build-A-Bear was, even printed out a coupon for $5 off our purchase.

Saturday morning we were dressed and ready to go a little after 9:00am, drove the many slippery and snowy miles to arrive at 11:00am on the dot. The excitement was palpable!

Into the mall we go, potty break first then beeline for Build-A-Bear Workshop! As I get closer to the store's noted location, all I see is a big, black, painted plywood enclosure. No sign. No nothin'. **Deep breath** I calmly walk the girls over to the mall map. Yes...that's where Build-A-Bear is. At this point Ellie and Josie are asking questions. We found a bench and pulled out my phone to consult the mall website. Once it comes up I go immediately to the store's page. I even call the phone number. A lovely recording tells me that they are open at 10:00am, along with a bunch of cheerful nonsense about birthday parties and directions to the store. They fail to mention that THE STINKING STORE IS GONE!

Long story short, we went directly to the Guest Services office. They swore the website says the store is closed for remodeling until spring. I quickly prove otherwise, shaking with so much frustration that I can barely hold my phone. Where as I was seconds away from bursting into tears, Ellie and Josie held it together. They were sad of course, but no tears, no tantrums. We walked back to the bench and talked about our options – think of something else that would be special, or wait until spring and come back. Josie was all for waiting until Ellie spotted a Pillow Pets kiosk a few yards away. (Apparently my kids are all about the over-commercialized stuffed animals.) They've both been asking for a "mini" Pillow Pet for months, but we didn't think it was necessary to have two sizes of the same toy, but yesterday changed all that.

So...two Pillow Pets, a ride on the carousel, and dessert with lunch, and my two little girls came home with smiles on their faces.

saturday laugh

2012-02-11T08:23:00.001-05:00

A client sent a bunch of these to me in an email. Funny.

I wish I would have known this!

I could definitely use a little of this.

Forget about orange juice at breakfast!

screenplay

2012-02-10T07:43:00.002-05:00

Tuesday morning, Josie was on a mission. She asked Ellie to pose in the hallway with Josie's "fuzzy" and her Go-Go The Walking Puppy.

First, she drew a picture of Ellie, the blanket and the dog.

Second, she came to me and asked me to write on the paper "Just the same as what I say!"

______

[setting the scene - written in upper left] Act like a princess like this. [see drawing]
[setting the scene - written in upper right] Say things like a princess and talk like this – Hello everyone I'm talking fancy!

Princess: I have a trampoline up in the sky.

Princess: Josie is the name of me, the princess.

Princess: Josie is the name of this pretty princess.

Princess: I am almost going to marry a prince. His name is having to be Prince Eric.

____

Later, the name of the princess was changed from "Josie" to "Rpuzl" (I'm guessing that means "Rapunzel"?

we're here

2012-02-09T07:28:00.001-05:00

I apologize for being so absent from the blog. We've exceeded our satellite limits for the month and have been kicked off the Internet by the FCC (again). The joys of living in the boonies. (Oh to have access to DSL or cable...in our dreams!)

Fortunately, this means that I've been busy enough with work that the jobs I've been uploading have caused this inconvenience. Unfortunately, we have to limit our data usage to work-only – email, sending jobs to printers, etc.

Hopefully this ends soon. I miss posting and I really miss reading the blogs that have become part of my daily routine.

I'll be back soon!

recipe: shrimp lo mein

2012-02-06T19:01:00.000-05:00

I've been trying to add one new recipe each week to our "regulars". There have been a few that we won't make again, and a few, like this one, that we'll probably be making again sooner than later. This Shrimp Lo Mein, ripped from Real Simple, is delicious (and easy)! I did make a slight change from the original recipe – we added the snow peas later since we like them to retain a little crunch.

Ingredients
8 oz. lo mein noodles
2 tablespoons canola oil
1 lb. peeled, deveined shrimp
1/2 lb. snow peas
4 thinly sliced scallions (white and green parts separated)
2 cloves chopped garlic
1/4 cup oyster sauce
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon soy sauce
Kosher salt
crushed red peppers

Directions
Cook the noodles according to the package directions.

Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add the shrimp, scallion whites, garlic and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Cook, tossing occasionally, until the shrimp are cooked through, 2 to 3 minutes.

Add the oyster sauce, vinegar, soy sauce, 1/4 water and snow peas; cook, tossing, until thickened, 1 to 2 minutes. Add the noodles and toss to combine. Serve sprinkled with the red pepper flakes and scallion greens.

sunday photo

2012-02-05T08:24:00.002-05:00

Printed on a propaganda poster by the British government in 1939, these words were intended to raise the morale of the British public in the event of invasion. They've been raising my morale this past week as well.

not funny

2012-02-04T15:04:00.000-05:00

A few minutes ago I was in the bathroom putting my hair back into a bun. Josie was standing on the stool next to me, using the tangle spray to "make" her own hair.

"Mommy," she asked, "may I use the teasing comb?"

"Sure" I said as I handed it over. Impressed that she knew the exact name.

She held it for a second, then looked at me through the mirror. "But Mommy..." she said with a sigh. "...my hair isn't very funny."

Her hair might not be very funny, but she sure is!

Frugal-Lisa Friday

2012-02-03T07:46:00.002-05:00

Frugal-Lisa Friday: Dishwasher Rinse Agent

This one is so simple, I'm dissapointed that I didn't think of it on my own. Again...the wonders of vinegar!

Directions
Fill a glass jar with white vinegar and a drop of food coloring. Use this mixture in the Rinse Agent well of your dishwasher.

______

We don't use a Rinse Agent normally, just one more thing to buy, but when you can make your own...why not? I've been using the mixture since Sunday and love how my beloved vintage Strawberry Shortcake glasses no longer have a cloudy-ness to them.

Oh, and the food coloring? Not necessary, but it makes it easier to tell if the well in your dishwasher is full or empty. Ours has a tiny window, it would be a challenge to see the level with the plain vinegar.

Thanks to my mother-in-law for the tip!

change of scenery

2012-02-02T09:24:00.000-05:00

Since the basement isn't drying as quickly as we'd hope, I moved the doll house upstairs to Ellie's room. Sometimes, all it takes to make old toys feel new is a change of scenery.

play dates

2012-02-01T10:34:00.001-05:00

We've had play dates in the past. Our first was with my cousin Beth's daughter Claire a few years ago. I don't remember too many last year, and this year Eleanor's had a few with a couple of the little girls in her class. Today, after preschool, is Josie's first play date. Friday after school, two of Ellie's friends, who are also sisters, are coming over to spend the night. Another first for this happy little family.

As I dropped the girls off at school this morning, I started thinking "oh my, our girls are growing up too fast", but something else quickly occurred to me - I HAVE AN ENTIRE DAY TO MYSELF! I don't have to pick up Josie and Ellie until 3:00 this afternoon.

So...what am I going to do with my day? I worked for a while this morning, paid bills and cleaned the downstairs bathroom. In a few minutes I'll head upstairs to clean the upstairs bathroom and put away a few baskets of laundry. This is not an overly exciting way to spend my unusual Wednesday morning, but I'm good with it.

So far I've had two hours of absolute, utter silence. All I can hear is the ticking of the clocks. I'm loving every chore-laden second of it.

Ahhhh...

dirty little secret

2012-01-31T08:20:00.004-05:00

I have a confession to make. I watch The Bachelor. I know, it's a sad, sad, yet terribly entertaining way to spend my Monday nights. I've missed the past few weeks (easy to catch up, don't worry), and since I had a 90-minute run on the treadmill on my calendar last night, rotting my brain with reality TV was just what I needed to keep my eyes off the clock.

Aside from the sixty times I heard "We have this connection..." and one particular woman's constant snarky remarks "Winning!" being one of them, something else made last nights episode particularly entertaining: during the show I texted back and forth with a certain relative (whose name I'll keep to myself in order to protect the innocent). She made me laugh even more. We're two intelligent women. Why are we watching this garbage? My answer? It makes me laugh my ass off. Or maybe it was the miles on the treadmill that are helping with that. Either way, it keeps me running and laughing every Monday night for two hours.

*Phew*

Dirty little secret reveled.

cooties

2012-01-30T10:12:00.001-05:00

After dinner we played "Cooties" as a family last night.

It all started out perfectly well.

Josie rolled the die and chose the pink Cootie body...

Ellie rolled...

and chose the blue Cootie body...

Then it all went to hell...

Apparently, when you're four, pink Cootie body means

you are also entitled to the pink Cootie head
and "eyelashy" Cootie eyes.

Oh well. The rest of us had fun.

sunday photo

2012-01-29T17:13:00.000-05:00

Friday after school, the girls and I headed to the river to spend the weekend with Grandpa and Grandma Mox. I was attending our friend Jenna's baby shower Saturday morning, and we all agreed that a weekend should be made out of the event. Kyle, unfortunately, had to stay home. (Or maybe "fortunately"...depends on how you look at it.)

It was great to have the grandparents to ourselves – so often when we're all together it's hard to have one-on-one time. (No offense family...we love you all!) All three of us were spoiled. Ellie and Josie had snuggle time, new Legos to play with, banana splits as a bedtime snack, and even a pony ride (see above). I enjoyed some girl time at the shower Saturday, was able to meet some of Jenna's friends and family, including Allison and Avery (a little girl that kept us all in stitches), and treasured every minute of my time with my in-laws. After the girls were put to bed we sat by the fire, had a cocktail and talked. To be honest, we also each sat with our preferred Apple product and browsed, checked email and read. But, in between it all we shared stories, talked about being parents, and laughed. I am truly blessed to have such a great in-laws that I love dearly. (Yep. Sappy. But they deserve it.)

thank you

2012-01-26T12:39:00.002-05:00

The comments you gave yesterday were so much more than I expected. After reading them, then re-reading them last night, I was in tears. The support and virtual "hug" I felt from all of you was just what I needed.

I met with Eleanor's Kindergarten teacher after school yesterday. Kyle and I talked about it yesterday morning, and thought it would be helpful to have her opinion on Ellie's behavioral changes – if she had noticed any. We talked for 40 minutes or so while Ellie sat in the hallway and played on the iPad. By the time we were done, I could hear her out there giggling. She'd accumulated a couple of friends who were sitting next to her, helping her with a game. (So much for "no one likes me"!) During our talk, her teacher commented on a few small things she's noticed. Ellie can read extraordinarily well for her age, this tends to make her a little bored during the time spent on the alphabet and phonics. However, she's not nearly as strong in math and handwriting, and obviously would rather spend those subjects with her nose in a book instead. We're going to work on making sure she's engaged in class – helping others, or reading something more challenging during class.

The friends thing? Her teacher was adamant that she is a social butterfly that all the children enjoy. She's always with a different friend at recess, and she's a great fit for the class. We're going to invite a few different girls over for play dates in the next few weeks – hoping to nurture a few of those friendships.

We're also implementing a more positive behavior chart. We've always done a whining chart. She'd get marks when she would misbehave. Instead, we're putting into effect a good behavior chart with small goals. If she can go five days with good behavior, we'll go to Build-A-Bear-Workshop (her idea).

Lastly, I'm re-reading "Have a New Kid by Friday" by Kevin Leman. My grandmother gave me this book when Ellie was going through a spell around age three. The suggestions were great, but at the time they seemed more appropriate for an older child. Guess what? We have one! I read chapter one last night. The suggestion of "say it once and walk away" would be a miracle if it worked. Wish us luck!

Again, thank you so much for all the comments – it means so much to me.

help

2012-01-25T08:37:00.002-05:00

Calling all mothers, teachers, therapists. (Really...anyone that can help.) We've been dealing with something for the past six weeks that has both Kyle and me struggling with parenthood. Ellie has been having weekly emotional meltdowns. They come out of nowhere – she's not tired, hungry, bored – she just goes off the deep end like a premenstrual sixteen-year-old. It usually begins with her whining, something we've dealt with since she realized she could muster up a high-pitched squeal as protest to something she wants or doesn't want. For example: yesterday it was gum. She wanted her third piece of gum for the day, just minutes before lunch. I told her she could have the gum after lunch. She disagreed and started whining. The whining progressed into her making a "deal". I asked her to stop whining, she told me she'd stop whining when I gave her the gum. (Not likely.) When it wouldn't stop, and she asked me a third time, I sent her to her room. This is when it all goes down hill.

She starts by crying and yelling about not wanting to be in her room alone. It quickly progresses into how nobody likes her and she doesn't have any friends at school. This is not true. Recently I've tried sitting down with her, one on one, hugging her and trying to talk through it. This doesn't help. When you try to point out the six or so friends she plays with and talks about on a regular basis, she cries "but the other kids in my class don't play with me!" There are only 15 kids in her class – apparently she's upset about the other eight. I really don't know what to do. It's sad. You don't want to see your daughter so torn apart inside, and really...can it honestly be about a few kids in her class that don't play with her at recess? She's six. 6!

She gets 12-13 hours of sleep each night. She eats a healthy, balanced diet. She has two parents that live at home, work at home, and love her dearly. We do things with our kids daily. Family movies and games, dinner together, story time. There are no stresses in our home at the moment (other than the wet basement). What is making this happen?

I'm sure someday she'll look back at this blog and be upset with me for posting this – but I wouldn't do it if I wasn't truly at a loss for what to do next. I've Googled the heck out of "overly emotional six year old" (after a point, it's not a good idea to get your info from the internet), referenced our favorite parenting guide (that's where sending her to her room has always come from). I don't know what to do, or where to go from here. Any suggestions?

it happened again

2012-01-24T08:30:00.000-05:00

It happened here (back in 2008) and now it's happened again. The girls went downstairs to play yesterday and came back up yelling about the water. Lots of it! We quickly picked up the toys and piled them on top of tall, waterproof things. Luckily, most of our valuables are in plastic totes – we learned our lesson three years ago. Unfortunately, it's still a *#$%@* mess.

Kyle and I spent an hour or so sweeping water into the drain, the girls and I spent another 1-1/2 hours in the afternoon (they really did help), and Kyle put in another couple of hours last night before realizing the sump pump died. Guess it was too much to handle at one time. He's off this morning to replace it, so hopefully we'll be somewhat dried out by this evening.

But...we still have a lot of snow outside, and even though it's in the 20˚'s today, it's supposed to warm up to the 40˚'s by Thursday. Yippee. More water.

In the spring we'll have to do something about the drain field. Obviously it can't handle these sudden thaws. Until then, rubber boots and brooms it is.

Yesterday, while we were working, Josie said "Mommy, what we really need is some handy helpers!". (I told her that's what she and Ellie are for.)

no school

2012-01-23T08:23:00.002-05:00

Saturday it was sunny, cold, and snowing. The girls played outside and enjoyed their new sleds.

Sunday, Amy and I ran our long run. It was bitterly cold and windy.

Last night, at 1:30AM, Eleanor came up to our room, frightened by the strange winter thunderstorm that was pounding outside. (It freaked me out a little too. Really looooooong bouts of thunder, with bright and utterly silent lightning strikes.)

This is the view from our living room window this morning. PBS reflecting in the glass, (kids on the couch), garbage truck stuck on the slick-as-glass iced over dirt road. No school today! Luckily, my workload is relatively light for a Monday and Brooke, the neighbor girl, can walk across the road (or ice skate) and help for a few hours if I need her.

laugh of the day

2012-01-21T18:57:00.001-05:00

A few minutes ago, I was in the living room surveying the damage from our nice, quiet day at home. There are pop-beads, Legos, and Playmobiles scattered across the carpet. Markers and papers on the coffee table. Lots of Josie's new favorite thing to draw – bats – taped to the walls up and down the hallway. Ellie and Josie were settling down on the couch so we could have a quite "girls night" and watch the movie Rio.

As I looked around I said "Wow. This place is a disaster!"

"Yep."Ellie said, and without skipping a beat "Somebody has kids!" I looked at her, pretty shocked at her perfect timing and sarcasm, and laughed aloud.

She's getting too clever for her britches.

legos

2012-01-20T09:02:00.002-05:00

Before Christmas we talked about getting the girls Legos. We went back and forth about them being too young. We were wrong! Out of all their Christmas gifts, the thing that gets played with the most (besides Playmobile – a daily favorite) is the Legos. So much so that I've been looking on eBay for a lot of used pieces to add to the collection. There's only so much you can make with one small box!

This is Josie's collection of "robots"...

disney - day 4 (AKA the last post about our trip)

2012-01-19T08:17:00.001-05:00

Day 4 - Hollywood Studios and Epcot

Over-the-moon excited to see Phineas and Ferb!

Hugs from Alic

This next picture needs a little explaining...When we visited Epcot in 2005 with our friends Dave and Nicole, Kyle and I kissed in this same phone booth. That evening, I kind of realized I was pregnant. (It wasn't confirmed until we got home, but I was pretty sure that night.) While Kyle and I were kissing in the phone booth, with Ellie operating the camera, a woman standing near by with her family offered to take the photo. (She was kind of giving us a strange look – what kind of people pose and make their six year old take pictures?) We explained the history behind the shot, and were all laughing at the end. Maybe this picture was a bad idea – we don't need another little Kirker running around!

Marie from The Aristocats – one of my favorite
Disney movies as a child.

Sunday morning – waiting for the bus to the airport.

Overall, a dream vacation. We're so fortunate to be able to do this for our children. A completely different trip than when Kyle and I went seven years ago, but wonderful none the less. Now...back to reality!

disney - day 3

2012-01-18T07:00:00.000-05:00

Day 3 – Princess Breakfast and Magic Kingdom...

Ready for the Princess breakfast!

In front of the Akershus Castle, Norway, Epcot.

Posing with Dad at the Swiss Family Treehouse.

Our princesses – sweet as pie.

disney – the rest of the story...

2012-01-17T12:41:00.001-05:00

Wow. Tomorrow it will be a week since we packed up and headed south. It was my honest intention to update the blog each night, but by night #2, all the walking and stimulation caught up with me and once the girls were bathed and in bed, Kyle and I were minutes behind them.

Overall, our vacation to Disney was truly "magical". I understand why they use that adjective so much. There isn't another one that fits the experience more.

Instead of boring you with day-by-day narration, I'll get to the good stuff...pictures!

Day 1 – Magic Kingdom...

Showing Ellie Cinderella's castle

Yep...she sees it!

Riding the carousel

Experiencing "It's a Small World"

Day 2 – Animal Kingdom...

Timon from The Lion King

Lots of hugs – this one for Minnie.

It's Thumper!

Yes, we took our kids on the Dinosaur ride.
(Not a proud parenting moment.)

In our 3-D glasses, waiting for It's Tough to be a Bug

Days 3 and 4...tomorrow!

disney - day 1

2012-01-11T21:47:00.002-05:00

Day 1 at Disney – a success! It was so sweet watching the girls' faces at each "adventure" today. They were amazed by the airport, in awe of actually flying, thrilled to be on an actual Mickey Mouse bus. As we passed fountains, palm trees, and Disney signs, their faces lit up. It took us a while to actually get to the park tonight. With all the planes, trains and automobiles, we didn't arrive at the Magic Kingdom until just before 6:00pm. As we pulled into the parking lot on our big Disney bus, the sign "Magic Kingdom" made Ellie jump out of her seat.

After walking through the gates and turnstiles, they both had their eyes peeled for the Cinderella castle. It took about 10 minutes of negotiating our way through Main Street before it appeared around the corner. I knew it was coming and sneaked ahead with the camera. The look on Ellie's face was absolutely perfect – she literally jumped up and down, pointing and screaming "Cinderella's castle! Cinderella's castle!" I have every jump and smile on film.

We didn't have a lot of time at the park tonight, but were able to take a spin on the carousel, as well as ride It's a Small World. Ellie decided she likes that "the best" and insists that we ride it at least twice every day. (We'll see about that.) Josie was just taking everything in today. Quiet, and very aware of her surroundings. She'll warm up to everything tomorrow, I'm sure.

We finished the night by watching the fireworks – the first fireworks either of the girls has ever seen. It brought tears to my eyes.

Tomorrow, Animal Kingdom and a date night for Kyle and I while the girls play at the Sandcastles Club (AKA Disney Daycare - thanks for the tip, Nicole!)

A wonderful first day of our very first family vacation.

we're off!

2012-01-11T08:01:00.001-05:00

The car is packed, fish is fed, house and wood stove tended. We're 10 minutes out of New Era and Josie's asked "Are we there yet?" three times!

Almost four hours in the car to the airport followed by three in the plane. But...by 4:00pm this afternoon...we'll be in Walt Disney World!

a happy little giveaway: the happiness project

2012-01-09T07:04:00.000-05:00

And the winner is...Patti!
Email me at lisa{at}fresh-graphicdesign.com

with your name and address and
I'll get your book shipped out ASAP!

Someone very dear to me gave me The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin. It's a small little journal that captures one sentence a day, for five years. Each sentence recording something you were happy about that day.

I used to keep a journal when I was younger – an embarrassing reminder of my developing brain (and hormones) throughout high school and college. Once life kicked in (job, rent, responsibilities) a journal wasn't how I chose to spend my time each night. A good novel to take my mind of things sounded like a better idea.

But this little blue book? I can do this, and I have, for 9 days. It's been a pleasant way to end my day and reflect on the positive instead of re-hashing the less than stellar moments that passed the previous 16 hours. I'm really enjoying it, and want to share the love.

If you'd like a copy of The Happiness Project, leave me a comment telling me one thing you're happy for today. Easy.

I'll draw a name Sunday afternoon. Good luck!

sunday photo

2012-01-08T06:53:00.002-05:00

snow fun

2012-01-07T07:00:00.000-05:00

Winter. A really good time to have a little sister to play with.

Why are they always crawling in the snow?

And...why are they always eating the snow?

art

2012-01-06T07:00:00.000-05:00

Daily, I am deluged (in a good way) with art from the girls. Lots of "I love you Mommy" sticky notes from Eleanor, and numerous "wrapped" pictures from Josephine. These are two of my latest favorites...

by Ellie – "Love is in the Air"

by Josie – "Rockstar Princess"

strumming

2012-01-05T06:41:00.000-05:00

Uncle Blake and Aunt Kellie gave our girls guitars for Christmas. It was fun watching the girls and the grown-ups play last weekend. Thanks, Uncle Blake, for being the official family guitar expert!

Uncle Blake teaching Kyle

Josie giving it a try

Worn out, or enjoying the music?

I've enjoyed listening to Ellie and Josie play their guitars the past few days, making up songs and strumming along. (Really...it doesn't bother me at all. Now, if they had been given drum sets I'd have a different opinion.)

back to school

2012-01-04T09:09:00.000-05:00

It feels like forever since I've had to wake the girls at 7am, convince them to get dressed before 10am, and make them eat breakfast in a timely fashion.

Thankfully, we made it out the door in time for school, backpacks and coffee in hand.

It's kind of nice to have a quiet house to myself this morning.

family pictures

2012-01-03T09:07:00.002-05:00

The tradition that marks the end of the Christmas season is our annual family pictures. It used to be a fairly painless process, but with the addition of three spouses and four children, getting one photo with everyone smiling is impossible. (Apparently, getting Josie to smile at all when asked isn't an option!)

Even I can't explain this.

Aunt Kellie, Uncle Blake and Anna
{visit Kelli here}

Uncle Chris, Aunt Amy and Allison

I love, love, love this silly picture!

The best I could do – at last 1/2 are smiling!

Our Happy Little Family

The pre-picture chaos

Happy New Year!

Christmas at the river

2012-01-02T14:26:00.001-05:00

The tradition on Kyle's side of the family is to spend New Year's Eve celebrating Christmas at his mom and step-dad's on the Chippewa River. This weekend, as well as our annual 4th of July gathering, is something we look forward to all year – and cherish more and more as we get older. This year all four of the granddaughters were old enough to play and enjoy each others company. Of course, the adults did as well – eating, drinking and loving our time together.

Saturday morning the girls awoke to "Christmas" at the river. The adults have a separate gift exchange after the girls go to bed, but that morning was "all about the girls"...

Ellie, in awe of the stacks of presents.

Josie, excited to get a tiny Disney princess.

Aunt Kellie and Anna, opening an American Girl box.

Anna, playing with her twins – "Gill 2 and Gil 3"

The three older girls playing horses.


Allison, the baby of the family, having some quiet time with Daddy.

happy new year

2012-01-01T07:44:00.000-05:00

My favorite picture from Christmas

May 2012 be filled with joy, peace, blessings and family.

– Lisa, Kyle, Ellie and Josie

christmas...aftermath

2011-12-31T07:37:00.000-05:00

As a child, I remember loving the hours after the Christmas gifts had been opening and the paper cleared away. Everyone's gifts would be in a little pile by their stocking, the house quiet as Mom and Dad drank coffee and my brothers and I played with our new toys. When we were little we only had a few of these magical hours since there were grandparents' houses to go to and ham to be eaten. Not at our house. We stayed in our pj's all day, made a turkey dinner (eaten in our pajamas) and played to our hearts content (children and adults).

I love Josie's expression as she tries to fit in one last Lego.

My new running shoes from Santa.

Charging the Garmin.

Ellie's Barbie – must have been a rough night.
(She's a tad disheveled, and what's with
the Ken doll, naked in the background?)

christmas..."we're going to disney!"

2011-12-30T07:25:00.000-05:00

After all the gifts had been unwrapped, Kyle and I excused ourselves to get "one last present'. Once upstairs, the two of us looked at each other with tears in our eyes. Finally, the time had come to tell the girls about Disney. Kyle grabbed the two dress boxes and I grabbed the framed "invitation" we made to tell the girls about the princess breakfast we'd planned. Back downstairs we went, almost unable to contain our excitement.

Now...Kyle's dad spent the holiday with us, so we had him record video of Ellie and Josie opening the dresses (excitement), and Ellie reading the invitation (you could hear crickets chirping). There - was - not - a - single - reaction - from - either - one - of - them. Nothing. Nada. Zip. We explained it further, perhaps the invitation was a little hard to understand? "We're going to Disney World!" Still no reaction. "Oh." Ellie said. "I thought we had to be seven and five."

The invitation.

My parents showed up 30 minutes later, and by then Ellie and Josie were excited about the upcoming trip. I think it will sink in once we're on the plane, or standing in front of Cinderella's castle. Despite the lack of bursting excitement from our children, Kyle and I are still counting down the days until we leave...just 12.

christmas...an exciting morning!

2011-12-29T07:09:00.000-05:00

Kyle and I were awake by 7:30am Christmas morning, waiting ~~impatiently~~ patiently for our girls to run in yelling "Santa came!". Finally, at 8:00am, Ellie shuffled in, letter from Santa in hand. It wasn't long before Josie joined us and we all walked downstairs to see what was left under our tree.

Thanking Grandpa Kirker for a digital camera.

I love how, even at age 4, she's using her feet to open gifts.

Grandpa, trying out Kyle's new binoculars.

On Josie's wish list – Wuggle Pets

On Ellie's wish list – a new Barbie doll

The one and only picture of me from Christmas.
(Showing off the Garmin watch that Kyle gave me.)

So excited about their new suitcases!

Tomorrow...the big Disney "reveal".

christmas...the wee hours

2011-12-28T06:57:00.000-05:00

Ellie and Josie must have been good.

christmas...'twas the night before

2011-12-27T06:53:00.000-05:00

Saturday evening we went to my Uncle Denny and Aunt Luann's annual Christmas Eve party. We ate too much, laughed a lot and visited with friends and family we only see a few times a year. By 9pm the girls were beyond tired, so we packed them up and headed home.

There's only 1.75 miles between our house and Uncle Denny's, but we took the "long" way and showed the girls some of the Christmas lights sprinkled around our country "neighborhood". We were home by 10pm, dressed in our new pj's that Grandma Payne made, cookies, milk and carrots out for the visitor we were all expecting Saturday night.

christmas...at grandpa & grandma payne's

2011-12-26T08:45:00.000-05:00

Friday night was spent at my parents' house with my brothers and their families. We all live fairly close to one another, but getting all of us together under one roof is sometimes a challenge.

Eleanor, Jacob, Lindsey and Dana

My brothers Ben and Mike.
(Hey...he made the face...I'm free to post it.)

Two of our nieces – Lindsey and Natalie

My brother Phil, tying our nephews Simon and Jake
together in their new sleeping bags.

Ellie, thanking my grandmother for a gift.

Josie with my mom and dad's cat, Max.
(Josie and I decided he needed to wear a dress.)

merry christmas and happy birthday

2011-12-25T19:34:00.001-05:00

Circa 1970-something

Every time I see this photo, it cracks me up. It's Kyle (on the right) and his brother Chris with Santa. They look so cute, innocent, and festive. All except the revolver that Chris has pointed at his brother.

First of all, Merry Christmas! Our day was full of happy faces, shouts of joy, and a few words out of our children's mouths that made us laugh. One of which, was Josie, after unwrapping two books in a row, was given a box and said, straight-faced with a sigh "I hope this isn't a really thick book." I have so many photos to share, and plan on doing that throughout the week.

Second, Happy Birthday to my husband!

He's 40 today, and seriously getting better with age. Happy 4-0 Hot Stuff!

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-24T17:21:00.001-05:00

From the Kirker family to yours –
have a wonderful, blessed Christmas!

congratulations aunt amy

2011-12-23T09:41:00.001-05:00

Last weekend we travelled to Southfield to help my sister-in-law celebrate her graduation from college. We hadn't seen Chris and Amy in a few months and were so happy to get to spend our Saturday afternoon eating and visiting with family and friends.

Allison seeing Ellie for the first time that day.

Seeing Josie and wanting a hug.

Grandpa Kirker and his girls.

The graduate!

Kyle with his brother Chris and his dad.

Allison with her daddy – it was a long day!

Ready to go!

Aunt Amy helping Ellie float.

Ellie, passing on her new knowledge.

Josie - always the bathing beauty.

Allison and Josie - fun near the jacuzzi.

The guys really look like they're
paying attention, don't they!

Cannonball!!

2011 Holiday Gift Idea #6

2011-12-21T08:54:00.000-05:00

I forgot to take a picture,
so I had to fake one.

2011 Holiday Gift Idea #6 - Chocolate Fudge Sauce (or Raspberry Fudge Sauce)

It's not too late to make something for the book group, mailman, coffee club. The ingredients are pretty simple. the directions very simple, and I've even included two download able PDF files that you can print and glue to your jars.

For the jars you'll need:
1 printed PDF (Chocolate Sauce or Raspberry Sauce)
3-6 pint-sized jars with lids
Small piece of wrapping or scrapbook paper

For the fudge sauce you'll need:
1 cup of heavy whipping cream
1/2 cup light corn syrup
12 oz. of high-quality dark chocolate (either chips, or chopped)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract or raspberry liquor (Chambord)

Directions
In a medium saucepan, over low/medium heat, heavy cream and corn syrup. Cook until bubbles barely break the surface. Remove from heat. Add chocolate and either vanilla or liquor and whisk until melted. Allow to cool slightly before pouring into glass pint jars. Allow to cool completely before refrigerating. This will keep in the fridge for a few months. To reheat, place in a shallow pan of water and simmer until melted, or microwave for 30-40 seconds or until melted.

one down, one to go

2011-12-20T07:36:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I sewed from 8:00am until 11:20pm. The machine work is finished on both dresses, the hand sewing is finished on Eleanor's, Josephine's will take a couple of hours more – something I can do while watching TV sometime in the next few days.

I woke up this morning with a giant weight off my shoulders. Now I can focus on a huge work project that needs to be completed before Christmas. Oh...and I have to clean the entire house at some point, tonight I'm Christmas shopping with my Dad, Wednesday after work Kyle and I are picking his dad up from the airport, Thursday I have to work all day, Friday is Christmas at my parents and Saturday is Christmas Eve. Yeah...I'll get it done while I'm lazily watching TV one of these days. Jokes on me!

(Really. Don't feel bad for me. I thrive under pressure.)

sunday photo

2011-12-18T07:29:00.000-05:00

A Santa mug makes spiked
cocoa look so very innocent.

it's beginning to feel a lot like...

2011-12-17T07:27:00.000-05:00

...Christmas.

Until a few days ago I'd had have said "the middle of September". There isn't a flake of snow on the ground. These dresses are putting me less in the holiday spirit and more in the "holy crap I have 12...11...10...9 days until these things have to be wrapped and under the tree" spirit. Bah humbug.

Thankfully, we have two little girls that make it impossible to forget what is just eight days away. Each morning they run into our room with the new location of our Elf on the Shelf. Most of the day we listen to Christmas carols – I've heard Ellie's rendition of "The Twelve Days of Christmas" numerous times. Our days finish with one of our Christmas books, our favorite The Spirit of Christmas by Nancy Tillman. The air is thick with Christmas Spirit. Kyle and I have discussed how this is the first of the three or four Christmas' we'll get with both girls anticipating the morning of December 25th with pure, innocent, electric excitement.

It's truly magical, and I promise, we're cherishing every...last...second.

(If only it would snow.)

tree decorating

2011-12-16T11:57:00.002-05:00

Josie has her own way of decorating the tree.

{step one}

Spend all afternoon coloring.

{step two}

All afternoon.

{step three}

Seriously.

{step four}

Hang your artwork on the branches.
Beautiful!

thanks, elf on the shelf

2011-12-15T09:52:00.000-05:00

We have an Elf on the Shelf. I must say, I really wish he could stay around all year. This is the type of behavior we see quite often these days...

concert

2011-12-14T12:57:00.000-05:00

I know I'm supposed to have a fantastic Christmas gift idea today, but when I tried to link to the product online, it was "no longer available". Apparently a lot of other people thought it was a great idea too.

So...instead I'm going to share photos from Josie's performance at the Christmas concert last night. I remember Ellie doing this in 2009. I must say, they are equally delightful bell ringers!

Blowing us a kiss on the way in.

I think she's getting tired!

Our niece, Natalie.

officially "loco"

2011-12-13T08:40:00.001-05:00

August 10-11, 2012 I'll be running the Fred Meijer White Pine Trail 200 Mile Relay with team "Loco-Motive"! Crazy may be an understatement. For two days I'll be running 200 miles with 9 other current and future friends. We'll sleep in a van, run through the night and make once-in-a-lifetime memories. Now...241 days to train...

a special visit

2011-12-11T14:07:00.001-05:00

We haven't gotten together with our friends Eric and Shelly and Dave and Nicole in quite a while. A few weeks ago we decided that Saturday was the day. Dave and Nicole have twins, Zack and Emily, that are a few months younger than Eleanor. We had a great dinner (Kyle made ribs) and the adults were allowed to visit while the four children played in the basement. After dinner, while we were cleaning up the table, someone surprised us with a visit...

Asking the kids about "The Elf on the Shelf"

Learning what Ellie wants for Christmas

Thinking of a gift for Josie
(she said "I just don't know" when asked)

Thanking Santa for the little surprise he brought her.

Listening to "Twas the Night Before Christmas"

I am quickly learning that Christmas is just as fun as parents as it was as a child. The looks our girls' faces will be embedded in my memory forever. Pure joy, innocence and awe were visible in their sparkly eyes.

A tremendous "Thank You" to Mr. Peters, Nicole's father, who was able to arrange this special visit. Mr. Peters and Santa are close, and he must have told Santa to put on the charm for these families, because I know I'm not the only adult in the room that was pretty darned sure we were in the presence of Kris Kringle himself.

_____________

Oh...and the happy little winner of the Zum is Melanie! (I'll make sure your holiday scented soap is on its way!)

it's beginning to look a lot like...a happy little giveaway!

2011-12-09T10:42:00.001-05:00

After two failed attempts at getting a Christmas tree, last night we were successful. (If we had to drive home tree-less one more time, the girls were going to revolt!)

Waiting until after dinner to decorate was pure torture for Ellie and Josie, but well worth the wait. The excitement in the air while decorating was palpable. My attempts at getting a cute picture of the girls were met with this...

Getting a decent family photo was even more difficult. (It was almost impossible since I couldn't figure out how to get my camera off "2-second delay" for the self timer. I have got to get that figured out before Christmas. Most of the pictures were of my backside, or me only sitting half way on the stool.)

So...because I'm feeling cheery and there's the distinct smell of pine in the air, I'm happy to be giving away this...

Zum Joy – a new holiday favorite. It smells like Christmas with fir needle-peppermint essential oils.

To enter, answer this question: What's your favorite holiday fragrance? Mine is the smell of pine. It's homey and relaxing to me. What's yours?

I'll draw a name randomly on Monday morning so you can receive your Zum in time to smell good for the holidays. (Not that you don't smell good already. I'm sure you do.)

how much she loves me

2011-12-08T07:26:00.001-05:00

From Josie.

Translation:

Josie loves you to the moon and back.

(Note the moon with the arrow pointing to me?)

2011 holiday gift idea #5

2011-12-07T07:18:00.001-05:00

2011 Holiday Gift Idea #5a: Zum Soap

I've been using Zum for more than a decade. It smells wonderful, doesn't dry out my skin, and is made with 100% natural ingredients. From the Indigo Wild website: If you're good in this life, maybe you'll come back as a Zum Bar in your next life. This natural soap has the good stuff of goat's milk, 100% pure essential oils, veggie oils, herbs, natural glycerin and natural mineral pigments. But why? Well, it's better than stuff like tallow (beef fat) or PEG-6 methyl ether (a thickener) or tetrasodium EDTA (water softener) or lard (yeah, no explanation necessary)"

Really, what could be better than a big stack of Zum under the tree? Every time your gift-getter lathers up they'll think of you! (Yes...that could be weird, but in a "thanks for the soap" way.) Hint: If you'd like a chance to try Zum for yourself, I'd stop back Friday. Just sayin'.

2011 Holiday Gift Idea #5b: Holiday Fizzy Bath Cupcakes

Need a few stocking stuffers for your sisters, the book group, teacher gifts? Gift them a little festive relaxation with a Holiday Fizzy Bath Cupcake. (We could all use a little de-stressing these days, couldn't we?) These calorie-free delights are from The Happy Woman Store, a great place to find hundreds of gifts for every woman on your list. Bonus: any time I've gotten a box from THWS, it's been so beautifully packaged that re-wrapping it is completely unnecessary.

play date

2011-12-06T07:49:00.001-05:00

This morning I'll be dropping Eleanor off at her first play date at a friend's house. We've had friends come over here in the past, but this is the first time she's gone to someone else's house – her friend Drew. Yes, Ellie's first play date is with a little boy.

He's a really sweet little guy, always smiling and asking if Ellie can come over. After the class's first field trip his mother whispered to me that Drew asked Ellie to marry him. Oh my. Quite a difference from a few of little boys in Ellie's class last year. She would draw them pictures and they'd stare at them like she was trying to give them flaming newspapers.

At the beginning of the year we were nervous that we'd made a mistake by having her repeat Kindergarten. Conferences were a few weeks ago, and after talking with her teacher, and seeing the spark in Ellie's eyes when she talks about school, we know we made the right decision. She may have been ahead of the game with reading, but socially she was quite timid last year. Not this year, her attitude now is bright, self-assured and completely at ease with her classmates.

Have fun today, Peanut. I know this is just one of the many wonderful friends you've made with the class of 2024. (Holy cow. That's frightening to think about!)

45.5

2011-12-04T08:51:00.001-05:00

That's how many hours I've had to myself this weekend. 45.5. Kyle's been at a trade show since Thursday and Grandma and Grandpa Mox have had the girls since 3:45pm on Friday. When the arrangements were made for the girls to be "at the river" with Grandma and Grandpa, my head was swimming with all the things I could do with two days to myself: dinner with a friend or two, long runs, sleep in, manicure/pedicure, drive to the mall in GR and soak in the Christmas decorations and window shop, catch a movie, read. I could go on forever.

None of that happened. Instead I have spent 18 of those 45.5 hours working on these.

What have I done with the rest of that time (as if 18 hours of sewing isn't enough)? Saturday morning I got up bright and early to volunteer at the pancake breakfast at school. I had to run to Muskegon Saturday afternoon to buy ONE ROLL OF RIBBON for Ellie's dress. Talk about panic. The colors on the dress kind of revolve around the blue, pink and gold trim around the overskirt. I said a bad word (or two) when I pinned on the last of the ribbon I bought and realized I had a good 3 feet of overskirt left to embellish. Not to worry, there were two rolls left when I got to the store. {*phew*}

My favorite break of the weekend was an impromptu family dinner last night. When my dad found out I was going to be home alone, he invited me out for pizza. What was planned as dinner for two turned into dinner for eight when my mom, brothers Ben and Phil, sister-in-law Marge, and niece and nephew Dana and Simon joined us. Of course we missed the rest of the family (Kyle, Ellie, Josie and my brother Mike's family), but having some time with just those 7 people that I love dearly was really special.

So, back to those dresses. This is what they look like now...

They still need sleeves, lining, and one of them needs an actual skirt (not just overskirt), but they'll have to wait. I have three hours to myself before I have to leave to pick up the girls. The dresses need to be finished, but instead I'm going to remove my sewing room from the living room (erasing all traces of what happened in there while my family was gone), go for a soggy Sunday morning run, shower and possibly read for a little while. Oh, and those dresses? Never again will satin touch my sewing machine. They are going to be beautiful, and Ellie and Josie will love them, but what a nightmare. Next time...I'm shopping Etsy.

Autocorrect

2011-12-03T07:37:00.001-05:00

A friend shared this website on Facebook. If you have a smart phone, you know how frustrating Autocorrect can be when the phone "guesses" what you want to say. It never seems to guess correctly.

These are the top 25 Autocorrects from the website's first year. They are funny. Really funny. Warning though: some of them are vulgar. And most of them are vulgar because Autocorrect picks a dirty word instead of the correct word. (Autocorrect must have a dirty mind.)

Here's my favorite...

If you want to read the other 24 click here.

Infatuation

2011-12-02T07:17:00.001-05:00

Addiction, fetish, preoccupation, a bee in my bonnet?

Whatever we call it, I've been wearing a lot of stripes lately.

At least they're not this kind...

I do have a few days to myself soon.

I'll keep that second photo in mind while contemplating

what do do with my free time. I look fine in striped shirts,

but striped pants? Pretty sure that's toward the

top of the "What not to wear" list!

Oceana Outdoors

2011-12-01T07:00:00.000-05:00

The highlight of the outdoor activities
in Oceana county last week...

(At least in our neck of the woods)

I decided that my winter-weight running tights and

skirt do not make the most flattering photo.

But...to heck with that.

I was running up a big-a** hill and smiling!

2011 Holiday Gift Idea #4

2011-11-30T06:30:00.000-05:00

2011 Holiday Gift Idea #4: MollaSpace Paper Pots

I totally want one of these. {**Santa...are you reading this?**} We always have a box of tissue in the kitchen, but anywhere else in the house you'll find a roll of toilet paper. I'd have toilet paper in the kitchen if it didn't look so out of place. What? An attractive pot that hides your TP and dispenses it in a handy tissue-esque fashion? Sign me up.

For $39 it's a little pricey, but totally practical! Really, at 10¢ a roll for toilet paper and $1 a box for tissues...it won't be long before your Paper Pot has paid for itself. (Added bonus...for those of you that have kids like mine that insist on one tissue per nose wipe, think of the money and paper you'll save when you cut that back to one square per nose wipe.) I'm totally trying to talk myself and Santa into this one, huh? I can't help it. I covet this spherical splendor each time the Uncommon Goods catalog finds it's way onto my Saturday morning magazine pile.

So...Holiday Gift Idea #4...my favorite so far!

Birthday Girl: Part 2

2011-11-29T07:45:00.001-05:00

Sunday afternoon we had family over for cake and ice cream. The Ni Hao KaiLan cake that I spent three+ hours on the day before didn't fair too well. It tasted great though, and that's all that anyone cared about, right? (I also made a small gingerbread cake and served it with pumpkin ice cream for the grown ups. Yumm-O!)

Acting "shy" while we sing "Happy Birthday".

Looking at her cousin Dana for a little support.

A "Bug" wall hanging that my mom made for Josie.
This way, she can have bugs in her room all year!

Ellie, surprised by a little something
from Grandma & Grandpa Mox.

Uncle Phil started a wrapping paper fight.
Josie soon chipped in!

Natalie's contribution to the fight.

Grandma Payne's turn!

Yesterday the birthday excitement continued when the Postman brought two packages "just for Josie"! She was over the moon opening birthday gifts from Uncle Chris & Aunt Amy as well as Uncle Blake & Aunt Kellie. I think the girl has it pretty darned good, don't you?

Birthday Girl: Part 1

2011-11-28T12:56:00.001-05:00

Josie had "the best weekend ever" again this year. (What more does a parent need to hear after their child's birthday?) A few pictures to post on this busy Monday...

Opening her wished-for "GoGo the Walking Puppy"

Figuring out "GoGo"

Birthday pancakes

Her favorite things – Fuzzy and GoGo

Four

2011-11-26T08:09:00.001-05:00

Happy Birthday Josephine!

We love you – Mommy, Daddy, Eleanor

The "Dam Pie" 5K: Photos

2011-11-25T07:35:00.001-05:00

I'm still smiling. Yesterday I thought my smiles were from the 1/2 bottle of champagne I consumed before 11am, today I realize it's because of how happy I am from the success of our first "Dam Pie" 5K. Amy arrived a little before 8am with runners arriving shortly after. 39 runners in all! With family here to cheer everyone on, we had quite the driveway full yesterday.

This photo makes me laugh. I'm not sure what was so funny, but it really represents the feeling in the air yesterday morning...

A few of the runner pictures. (I forgot to change the camera settings before passing it along, so they are kind of blurry.)

Fastest finisher at 18:27 – Jon Studer

Jacob Boes – the winner! He guessed 20:00 and finished in 20:06!

Uncle Denny, Ellie, Josie and Zack– the cheering squad!

Uncle Denny and my dad.

This makes me smile. Now THAT'S a happy finish!

My sister-in-law Marge and my cousin Shelly.

Before people left yesterday morning, they were thanking Amy and me for hosting the run and telling us they'll be here next year. I hope so. I can't imagine a better way to start my Thanksgiving.

Oh...and our times? Amy smoked me by running 25:03. I don't mind though. I totally surprised myself by finishing in 28:22. I think I've officially gotten my wings back. Happy Friday!

The 1st Annual Marshville "Dam Pie" 5K

2011-11-24T06:30:00.000-05:00

Earn yourself an extra slice by running 3 miles before you sit down to turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and...well...pie.

The first annual Marshville "Dam Pie" 5K will start at 8:30am sharp, Thanksgiving morning. Run, walk, ride your bike, we don't care, just show up and give thanks for the ability to get out there and MOVE before the L-tryptophan sets in.

I've been wanting to do this for a few years – sponsor a Thanksgiving morning "turkey trot". This year was the year. At 8:30am this morning, 50+ people will be showing up at our house (near Marshville Dam) to run our three mile country block. Afterward we'll enjoy a few healthy snacks and toast with post-run Mimosas.

Wish us luck! I'll post pictures this afternoon. (As long as I don't fall asleep after running then stuffing myself with turkey, mashed potatoes and pie!)

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

2011 Holiday Gift Idea #3

2011-11-23T07:30:00.000-05:00

2011 Holiday Gift Idea #3: Nuun Drink Tabs

I've read about these for a while as a great post-run drink. As a lover of post-run chocolate milk, I've never needed an alternative, then milk stopped agreeing with me. (Enough said.) I tried the Nuun. Fell in love. Now I have a little "Nuun addiction".

These electrolyte tablets come in a number of flavors (citrus fruit is my favorite). You add them to 16 oz. of water and wait a minute. They tumble, fizz and dissolve into a refreshing, light hydrating treat. With 12 tabs per tube, and four tubes per box, they'd make great stocking stuffers for anyone – soccer kids, thirsty teens, moms who are trying to break the afternoon Starbucks habit. ($20/box you get 48 drinks for 41¢ each.) They even offer a cola-flavored tab. I'm not much of a soda drinker, but I really like it, and with a little bit of caffeine, it gives a nice afternoon kick!

How many Kirkers...

2011-11-22T08:50:00.001-05:00

...does it take to replace a faucet? Three.

Thirsty

2011-11-21T08:43:00.001-05:00

This weekend, the neighbors were over for a few hours. While the adults visited in the dining room, the kids were running around the rest of the house.

At one point, Brooke and Josie were playing restaurant. Brooke, the server, asked Josie, the customer, what she'd like to order. Josie though for a moment before asking, "What do you have on tap?"

Oh my. Little sponges, aren't they?

Procrastinating

2011-11-19T07:30:00.000-05:00

Two months ago, after we made our January 2012 Disney plans, Kyle and I discussed Eleanor and Josephine having new "princess" dresses for the trip. Instead of buying them this time (I do love Kiki's Things on etsy) we agreed that a special trip deserves special mommy-made dresses. In September, Christmas morning seemed so far away. I had plenty of time.

Now, however, I realize I have only one month to turn this...

into two of these...

Oh boy.

Guitar lessons

2011-11-18T07:30:00.000-05:00

Last weekend, while at Uncle Blake and Aunt Kellie's, the girls were quite fascinated with the sting instruments that they had to play with. Saturday night they found Anna's ukulele and Sunday morning they enjoyed watching Uncle Blake strum on his guitar. (Quite the little fashion-istas, aren't they?)

Photo shoot.

2011-11-17T07:30:00.000-05:00

Last week I posted about the five outfits from Gymboree that I totally scored on. The package finally came in the mail Tuesday, and Ellie insisted on trying everything on, immediately. Now...I don't remember posing like this as a child, but I do remember having to try everything on AS SOON AS I GOT IT. My friend Nicole is permanently scarred from me trying on new bras on our way home from Grand Rapids once. Sorry, Nicole. Anyway...back to the fashion show...

Lovable? You betcha!

These need a little hem work, I'm afraid.

Sassy little face, my dear!

There's my sweet baby's smile.

The fifth outfit belongs to Miss Josephine who couldn't be bothered to remove her princess gown and try on a boring old long sleeved t-shirt and skirt. Different strokes, right?

2011 Holiday Gift Idea #2

2011-11-16T09:08:00.001-05:00

2011 Holiday Gift Idea #2: Photo 101 The Book by Nicole Hill Gerulat.

This book is a great little tool for anyone that enjoys taking photos – family, kids, vacations – and wants to learn just enough to take their photos from "Oh. That's nice" to "Wow! What a great photo!". Nicole touches on subjects like Aperture and ISO, and explains them simply, but well. My favorites are the chapters on lighting and composition. She highlights the small tricks you can do that set your subjects in the right light, with tips on keeping what you intended as the focus of the photo. (Ha, ha...focus.)

So...if you know of anyone (grandparent, sister, yourself) that loves taking photos of the kids and would appreciate a little photography knowledge, Photo 101 The Book is the perfect little something to stick under the tree. (And by little, I mean it. It's a small-ish book with nice, short chapters and lots of photos. Great for sneaking in a chapter here and there while the kids watch The Cat in the Hat or soak in the tub!)

Josie-Isms

2011-11-15T07:01:00.001-05:00

First of all, let me quote Josephine this morning with a very loud "Happy reindeer shooting day!" We all are wishing Kyle luck as he sits at the back of our property hoping to have the success he had last year.

Second, I thought I'd share a few of the strange phrases that have been coming out of Josie's mind/mouth lately...

As she watched me eat scrambled eggs the other morning, she decided that they looked like "A flock of hang-ga-burgs all mixed up with some ham." (It was really just spinach and a tiny bit of cheese.)

She informed me that it's always "A great idea to have a phone. Just in case you have an emergency of dinosaurs!"

And the strangest of all (and a little disturbing), last week she walked into my office and said "Mommy, my boyfriend hits me. Don't worry though, I'm getting a new one." I totally agreed and informed her that no one should have a 'hitting' boyfriend, and really maybe a boyfriend at 3-1/2 is a tad soon. "Yeah," she agreed. "and he lives in my closet and poops on my clothes."

I had no response for that one. Still don't.

Happy reindeer shooting day!

Weekend at Anna's.

2011-11-14T09:40:00.001-05:00

Saturday, we travelled to Kyle's sister's to spend Saturday and Sunday with them. When we arrived, the wind, combined with their large backyard, begged for a little kite flying...

(Item blurred to protect the innocent.)
Don't worry...she's only holding it for Aunt Kellie!

Waiting for Uncle Blake to light the bonfire.

On a very sad note, my Mom called Saturday morning to let me know our Uncle Sam passed away suddenly Friday while hunting out of state. To my Aunt Ruth, cousins Beth and Jason and their families, our hearts are broken for your loss. Uncle Sam's presence in the Fleming family will be forever missed. Love – Lisa, Kyle, Ellie and Josie

Sunday Photos

2011-11-13T06:30:00.000-05:00

What happens when you combine a Preschool class with a box of old glasses...

Yes...this is Josephine!

Mission: Impossible

2011-11-12T07:30:00.000-05:00

I tried getting a photo for our Christmas cards.

This is what I had to work with:

Eventually, they came through:

Frugal-Lisa Friday: Free Samples

2011-11-11T07:30:00.000-05:00

Why I love Sephora:

Purge.

2011-11-10T09:35:00.001-05:00

We do a great job of keeping the living areas picked up daily, but Ellie and Josie's bedrooms, as well as the basement tend to be left out of the nightly cleaning session. I can tell when it's time for me to go through with a trash can and a Goodwill bag – it's not just the toys on the floor, but the tight feeling I get in my chest. I don't do "clutter" very well. Yesterday was the day...

Josie's room "Before"

Josie's room "After" (Like you can't tell!)

Ellie's perfect room. (Temporary, I'm sure.)

This morning, I've already walked into each of the rooms with a light, stress-free smile on my face. Maybe we can keep them this way for a couple of days. Maybe....

2011 Holiday Gift Idea #1

2011-11-09T12:36:00.000-05:00

There are six Wednesdays between now and Christmas day. {Frightening reality check!} For the next six weeks I'll be posting a gift idea each Wednesday in hopes that someone will find my suggestions helpful. Or not.

2011 Holiday Gift Idea #1: Perler Beads

At some point in the past two years, I walked into the craft store with a 40% off coupon and two little girls who desperately needed a new craft, rainy day project, get-out-of-Mommy's-hair-for-20-minutes distraction. I came across Perler Beads. At about $15 for a starter kit (less a 40% off coupon), they seemed like a great idea. When I got home, I remember Kyle rolling his eyes and asking if it was really a necessary purchase. He's eaten his words many, many, many times over.

I am not exaggerating when I say that EVERY child that comes into our house, and has beaded with Ellie and Josie before, begs to get the beads out. Begs. This is such a great, simple craft for all ages. All you need are the beads, a few templates (an iron) and a little imagination.

Nest.

2011-11-08T07:49:00.002-05:00

We are a family blessed with quilts. I counted once. We have 17 wonderful quilts made for us, with love, almost all of them by my mother. We keep a number of them in the livingroom – ready for any cold draft that may creep through the picture windows.

Every night, no matter the weather, I end up folding quilts and putting them away. Sometimes I fold six or seven of them. The girls love to make "nests" – it drives me crazy – but then I look at their faces and realize how much fun they're having. Folding a few blankets is worth it.

Weekend moments.

2011-11-07T07:40:00.001-05:00

Spending 40 minutes taking the recycling back Saturday morning, alone, while belting out "grown-up music". I'll admit it, I was the crazy woman on M-20 singing 80's and 90's tunes at the top of her lungs with absolutely no care as to whom might be watching.

Having our friends, the Houttemann's, over for a short bonfire, a few cold drinks on the deck, and grilled ribs. While the kids played after dinner, we introduced Rich and Gina to the game of Dominoes. (I think they'll be back for more!)

Being shocked out of our PJ's when Ellie and Josie both slept until the "new" 8:30am Sunday morning. This is the first time since becoming parents that our kids haven't gotten up at the "old" time leaving us sitting in the dark for an hour Sunday morning while the rest of the world enjoys the extra sleep.

Watching Ellie and Josie pour over the toy catalogs that came in the Sunday paper. I remember doing the same thing with my brothers as children and that feeling of excitement came right back to me. You feel as though all the options are there and it all could be yours as you flip the pages in an "I have to see everything" panic!

Getting almost $300 worth of clothes from the Gymboree website for $111.69 plus $50 in "bucks" to use in the future. Kyle complained last week that Ellie's been looking like a ragamuffin. There was a 30% off code in my inbox Sunday morning, so I shopped the Gymboree clearance section. We will be getting five new outfits from UPS this week. Score.

Going for a 7.5 mile run with my Sole-Sister, Amy. It was the windiest, hilliest route, but the company makes up for all the misery. I also experienced my first ever ice bath. My lady parts were in total shock being submerged in the freezing water, but the looks on Kyle and the girls' faces provided a little comic relief. (Amy suggested that next time I drink some hot tea while sitting there. Good idea.)

Enjoying "Family Movie" night last evening. Our film of choice was Dumbo. I haven't seen it since I was little and forgot how sad it is. Last time we watched The Lion King, now this. Our December choice has to be something a little more light-hearted!

This morning Josie greeted Ellie with "Ellie, I love you." The girls are dressed, fed, groomed and watching cartoons with 40 minutes to spare before we have to get in the car for school. Pretty great start to the week if you ask me.

Happy Monday!

Sunday photo.

2011-11-06T07:21:00.000-05:00

School pictures, 2011.

Josephine, age 3 – Preschool

Eleanor, age 6 – Kindergarten

Lucky me.

2011-11-05T15:32:00.001-04:00

Two bouquets in one week.

The first from my dad.

The second from Josie.

Contents of this one?

Three leaves, a few springs of parsley and
stem of lavender – all wrapped up with

Scotch tape and presented in a bullet casing.

She has a future in something creative.

We're just not sure what yet.

Preschool.

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

Monday, I volunteered in Josie's Preschool class. I was interested to see how she interacted with the other children. I have say, she's pretty quiet compared to her sister, and out of all the children, who did she play with the most? Her cousin, Natalie.

Quiet time before class starts.

Music time.

Reading a book with Natalie during "Free Choice".

Josie and Natalie counting pumpkin seeds.

The Preschool classroom.

Slot cars.

2011-11-03T07:24:00.000-04:00

The girls were a little restless last week. One afternoon Kyle told them that if they would be on their best behavior for the remainder of the day, they'd do something really fun after dinner. Once dinner was cleaned up, hands washed and girls waiting patiently in the living room, Kyle brought his old slot car track up from the basement.

It's been more than a week and we still have a slot car track set up in our living room. It's been re-arranged two or three times, and now Kyle and the girls are talking about all the additional track they should get and how cool it would be to have a figure 8 or maybe track going up the wall. The track has been a hit with everyone that comes over, and it's fun to watch Kyle and the girls race every night after baths. However, I'm not sure how much longer I can stand stepping over black track and slot cars whenever I walk through our living room. I think I can make it a few more weeks. (At least I can avoid vacuuming for a while!)

Pumpkins.

2011-11-02T08:25:00.000-04:00

I know, posting pumpkin pictures after

Halloween pictures is a little backwards. Oh well.

Eleanor – still NOT wanting to put her hands in the "guts".

Oh...it's not so bad!

Josie? Guts? No problem!

Josephine, drawing her design.

Eleanor's "Kitty" pumpkin.

Josie's "Beautiful Princess" pumpkin.

Happy Halloween!

2011-11-01T09:15:00.000-04:00

Of course, Halloween was a hit yesterday. We made our typical family rounds; my parents, my aunts and uncles, both of my grandmothers, and a few of the neighbors. I must say, this is the first year that both Ellie and Josie have been excited and knew what was going on. By the end of the evening, they were pros!

Eleanor's costume choice for the year? "Cinderella who had to work a lot" (Her words, not mine.) She came up with that idea Saturday evening. After a quick stop at Goodwill and an hour or so at the sewing machine, I think we did fairly well! (And "Thanks" to Uncle Ben for the hay for our broom. Sorry to everyone we left "broom tracks" with!)

Josephine's costume choice was not as cut and dry. Last week she wanted to be Dracula. On our way to school yesterday she insisted on being a ghost. After school? A princess. Finally, I convinced her that she'd make the cutest Jessie from Toy Story. (She did.)

Our first stop was my Grandma Payne's. We visited for a few minutes, then Josie stood directly in front of Grandma, tilted her bucket towards her and cleared her throat "Ummm...empty!" she declared. Thankfully, Grandma got a kick out of her little candy-grubbing antics!

Josie and Ellie with my Grandma Payne

My niece Dana and the neighbors, Brooke and Zack, were all at my parents' at the same time as us. We felt a neighborhood photo was in order. (Great picture of Dana and Brooke. I promised them that it will show up at graduation some day!)

L to R: Josie, Dana, Brooke, Zack, Ellie

The girls with my Grandma Fleming

I know it's a little backwards, but tomorrow I'll post pumpkin photos. Some of our best carvings yet!

Sunday photo.

2011-10-30T10:09:00.000-04:00

"Thanks for all you do for me. Love, Dad"

Date night.

2011-10-29T09:55:00.001-04:00

Earlier in the week, my parents volunteered to have the kids spend the night Friday. Jumping on the opportunity of a night to ourselves, Kyle asked if I wanted to go to Grand Rapids for a "date night". After looking at the calendar I realized I had book group Friday. I love my book group girls, but a real night out in the city with my husband won my affections last night. (Sorry girls...I know you all had fun without me!)

Kyle and I began our evening at the GRAM – Grand Rapids Art Museum. The museum hosts "Friday Nights at GRAM" with later visitor hours, live music and cocktails. I love art museums, and having one like this, just an hour away, is really nice. (Being able to look at art while enjoying a glass of wine is even nicer.)

The reflection pool at the GRAM.

Our reflection, in the reflection pool.

Funny. A request for a $5 donation with a $2 bill inside.
(Well, also kind of sad.)

Once we left the museum we were trying to take a self-portrait with the camera on my iPhone. A passerby asked if we'd like her to take the picture for us. Pollyanna that I am, I quickly handed over the phone and posed. The picture didn't really turn out (see below) but thankfully I got my phone back. After taking the photo, the woman began asking us a bunch of strange questions, then went into a story about how she didn't have any money and her kids were stranded a few towns away (all while holding my phone). We gave her a couple of dollars – it's always hard to know the right thing to do. I guess you give the person the benefit of the doubt. It's on their conscious if they don't do what they promised with the money, right?

After a short, brisk walk, we ended up at Rockwells Republic for a fantastic dinner. I had posted a question on Facebook asking for a few dinner suggestions. We have our favorites in GR, but wanted to try something new. This was the perfect choice. The atmosphere was jovial, there were 20+ beers on draught, and our food was delicious – Kyle had the Roasted Hawaiian Ono while I enjoyed the Smoked Tuna Ravioli. So yummy.

It really was the perfect night. A little culture, great food, and a handsome, sexy date. (Even better...we were home by 11pm and slept in until 8:30am. Bonus!)

RECIPE: Mummy Cupcakes

2011-10-28T14:43:00.000-04:00

On our way to yoga this morning, Amy and I were discussing the "treats" we'd be sending to school with the kids on Monday. I was going to make owl eyes out of dried fruit (Ok...maybe NOT a big hit with the kids on Halloween.) Amy told me about these guys. Last night she made a batch of full-sized cupcakes with M&M's and mini chocolate chip eyes. They sounded adorable, so after picking Josie and my niece Natalie up from school, the three of us decided that making a trial-run batch of Mummy Cupcakes was necessary. (It was.) To give the little guys at least one redeeming quality, I made pumpkin cupcakes instead of traditional cupcakes.

The ingredients.

RECIPE: Mummy Cupcakes

Ingredients
Chocolate cake mix
15 oz. can of pumpkin
White frosting
Mini M&M's
Small tube of black gel frosting (not pictured)

Directions
Preheat oven to 350˚F. Mix together the cake mix and the pumpkin. Fill the wells of a mini-muffin tray 3/4 of the way full. Bake for 12-15 minutes. Remove from oven, and while still warm, press two M&M's into each cupcake for the eyes.

After allowing them to cool completely, use a flat tip and a bag of frosting and go back and forth over the mummy faces until they are covered. Using the gel, plop a tiny dot onto the center of each eye.

Oh, and if anyone cares, I figured it out and they are 90 calories each. Not too spooky!

Laughing my *#$ off (LMAO)...

2011-10-27T06:53:00.000-04:00

My friend Wendy sent me THIS LINK yesterday morning. I didn't have time to read it until the girls were in the tub and I could sit in the bathroom and browse around on the iPad. (On the wooden stool next to the tub, watching the girls. Not the other stool found in bathrooms.) I was laughing so hard there were tears running down my face and I was seriously two more 1977 JC Penny photos away from peeing my pants. (Hmmm...maybe that other stool would have been a wiser place to sit.)

As the blog post states, "Strap in, shut up and hold on."

Enjoy!

Text message.

2011-10-26T08:10:00.001-04:00

Every Monday after preschool, Josie spends the afternoon with Aunt Marge so I can work. This Monday I received the following text messages from Marge while she was at lunch with Josie:

Marge: You are right! She's gonna be a wild one! We are eating at the Mexican restaurant in Whitehall and Josie told me she wishes there was a band here!

Me: What? Mariachi?

Marge: AND she's playing her air guitar. You guys are in trouble. I love it.

Me: Phew! At least it's not the air maracas!

Marge: She's funny. She's also worried about what our "Spanish" waiter is doing. "He's not supposed to be watching TV" she said, "He's supposed to be baking."

Me: Kyle and I are laughing so hard while reading these, we're in tears!

Marge: She DID mention a tambourine, so maracas are not totally out of the question. (She demonstrated by slapping her hand on her hip.)

Me: I want to be there, it sound like a lot more fun that work.

Marge: I'm sure it is. She's funny. She acts old. LOL.

Saturday night fun!

2011-10-25T08:44:00.001-04:00

5K+ trail race, on semi-lighted cross country trails, after dark, while being surprised and occasionally chased by human "spiders" hanging from the trees, werewolves, and men with chain saws. Sound like fun? It was.

Saturday night, Amy and I ran the Scardey Pants Adventure Race at the Winter Sports Complex in Muskegon. Participants were given a map of six different check points. The goal was to get all six check points punched on your passport and make it back to the finish in the least amount of time. There were more than 200 runners .We competed in the ladies 2-person team category, with 30 other teams.

The race was a blast. Amy and I kept commenting on the fact that we had enormous smiles on our faces the entire time. The comradaree between racers was like nothing I've ever experienced. Racers were assisting each other with directions, giving tips about the upcoming terrain, and shouting warnings of "surprises" to come.

One of my favorite parts of the night was when Amy and I were running from checkpoint 6 to checkpoint 5. There were two little girls (maybe 11-12 or so) dressed as Thing 1 and Thing 2 from the Dr. Suess books. They were unsure of what direction to take to their next stop, so we suggested they head in the same direction as us. They ran ahead 100 yards or so before stopping dead in their tracks at the top of a hill. When we asked if they were okay, they insisted that they "were done!" Just as they said this I noticed a chain saw weilding "mad mad" pacing back and forth across the trail at the bottom of the hill. I ran ahead while Amy grabbed one girl with each arm, gave them a quick pep talk and headed down the hill. Once past the freaky chain saw man, the two girls bolted up the next hill, leaving Amy standing at the bottom with a blue "Thing" wig under each arm.

Kyle and Amy's husband Chris were supposed to wait for us at the finish line to get a few pictures. Unfortunatley (or fortunatley) we were a little faster than any of us expected. The guys were still in the beer tent when Amy and I crossed the finish at 37:13. Once the overall results were posted an hour later, team "NewEra-licious" was doing more than just smiling, we were jumping for joy because of our scarey-pants-kicking third place finish. (Missing second place by just 30 seconds – seconds we gladly sacrificed helping Thing One and Thing Two!)

Post-race, showing off our 3rd place trophies.

My trophy – front and center in the kitchen!

Scaredy Pants Adventure Race

2011-10-24T09:03:00.000-04:00

Amy TenBrink and Me - Team NewEra-licoius!

Our outfits for the Halloween-themed trail race – "Team NewEra-licioius". I don't have much time to post today (three huge deadlines looming over my head), but a little hint: we kicked scaredy butt!

The weekend – bring it on.

2011-10-22T08:21:00.000-04:00

As much as I love spending time with my husband, I also enjoy the time we spend apart. Book group, a girls' night out – they are all good for the soul and a necessary part of my sanity as a wife and mother. Now, "fair" is a word that is thrown around here quite often these days. It's only "fair" if Ellie and Josie both have a second cookie. It's not "fair" that Ellie got to go to the pediatrician and Josie didn't (never mind that Ellie was sick as a dog.) It's all about "fair".

It wouldn't be fair if I got to spend a few hours here and there with my girlfriends and Kyle wasn't allowed the same escape. Last night, after dinner, Kyle and a few of his buddies drove up to Ludington to hang out in their friend Neil's garage. You know, stand around a semi-dismembered car, drink a few beers and talk about who knows what. (Think I could convince the book group girls to do that next Friday instead? Doubt it.)

Once they said goodbye to Daddy, and Kyle hit the road, it wasn't 45 minutes before the girls were both tucked into bed. I spent a half and hour or so picking up the house, then sat back and enjoyed the silence – a long, hot shower, my comfiest of comfy pants, a cup of tea and a good book. Once my eyes started getting tired I switched the TV on and watched whatever I wanted until I dozed off around 10pm.

This morning, Ellie didn't come upstairs to wake me up until 7:30am, Josie shortly after. Being able to sleep in is a miracle in itself. Both girls are well rested (as is their mother), Kyle and I both got a little "me time" last night, and Grandma Mox is coming over after lunch to spend the day, then watch the girls while Kyle and I go out tonight. I think it's going to be a great Saturday.

TIred.

2011-10-21T16:41:00.000-04:00

Tired (and not just Josie). I've been in bed by 8:30 or 9:00pm every night this week. This cold has me feeling pregnant tired – that barely keep your eyes open feeling. (I'm not pregnant.) I haven't gone for a run all week. I skipped yoga this morning. The housekeeping around this joint has been marginal at best. But...I think all this lying-low has been the right choice. As of 2pm this afternoon I'm beginning to feel like myself again and less like a zombie-version. I love how energized you feel when the fog is gone, it's as if your entire being is celebrating the exodus of whatever germ was causing you such misery.

Ahhh...just in time for the weekend!

Happy Friday!