Just Plain Moody

the end.

2011-12-07T11:55:00.001-06:00

It feels like the time to close this chapter. I find myself sharing my stories on Facebook more and less here. I do love blogging but I think it's time to try something new. So in 2012, you can find me at www.crystalmoody.tumblr.com or on Facebook. :)

Hank the Dog

2011-09-02T11:15:00.000-05:00

Meet Hank. We met Hank on Saturday. As we drove up and parked at our apartment building, we saw him lying on our sidewalk. We started to our door and he walked off. We all went upstairs and then Thad returned back down with a bowl of water and some treats. He found that the workers at the store downstairs had just given him food and water. The dog had wandered off again so Thad talked with them about who he might belong to and just how cute this guy is. A bit later, my parents arrived and we told them about the dog. Yes, they said he's still out there on the sidewalk. So back downstairs Thad went, this time with a leash. Next thing I know, Thad is back WITH the dog this time. Quickly he meets our dog Mattie. Surprisingly no barking or other rude behaviors occurred. Clara who is usually unsure or sometimes afraid of dogs was fine with him. He hung out with us for awhile while we assessed the situation. He seemed like a sweet boy. Everyone (dogs + kids) were getting along. We wondered who he belonged to. Thad took him back downstairs to ask around about him. The story seemed to be that his name was Rufus and he belonged to a homeless man who possibly had been jailed recently. As sweet as this dog is, his owner must be missing him. So we put up a sign with his photo on it, right where we found him.

Monday morning I took him to see Rick who works in our building. He looked the dog over and told me that he wasn't sure if it was Rufus or not but he would check with his friend about it. Rick was nice enough to stop what he was doing right then to find out. About an hour later, Rick knocked on my door. No, this wasn't Rufus. Rufus is older with white on his neck, and more importantly Rufus wasn't missing. Hooray....because by this time, we were calling the dog Hank (short for Henry) and we were all in love with him. A collar and leash were bought for him, a vet appointment was scheduled. Wednesday, we took down the sign. Hank was home.

Wednesday night was a rough one. Mattie wasn't acting quite right; she needed to go out several times. Then she vomited up some blood. The vet appointment that was set for Friday was quickly changed to Thursday afternoon.

The vet said it best with..."No good deed goes unpunished." Hank has heartworms, tapeworms, and hookworms. In the meantime, he has likely infected Mattie. Our vet sent Thad home with a pharmacy and it is only a few week's worth.

It's going to be a long road with Hank. He has a lot of medical issues to get through but he is strong and should do fine. He has a lot to learn. He is doing great with potty training and walking on the leash. Crate training isn't going as well. But who could look into those big brown eyes and be around his sweet demeanor, and then leave him on the sidewalk? He's Hank and he's home.

week in the life 2011

2011-08-09T08:34:00.000-05:00

A couple weeks ago I participated in Ali Edwards' "week in the life" project. I did this project last year and think I'll add this year's to the same album. I decided to go mostly digital this year so I created my 8.5x11 pages and I'll print them out at home. I'm still working on adding in the little papers collected throughout the week and also the title page. Ali had a link to Catherine Davis's blog called Design Editor and I immediately liked her design for week in the life. She also is offering a free download for these days of the week designs, so cool!

embrace the camera

2011-06-30T09:09:00.000-05:00

Summer is in full swing around here.....chalk on the deck, trips to the pool, summer movies, farmers market, bare feet, bug bites, sweaty/stinky, staying up late, & sleeping in. Kinda sad though, it's almost the Fourth...that half-way point of summer. :(

the simple things

2011-06-26T10:08:00.000-05:00

One of my favorite things right now is walking to the farmers' market on Thursday evenings and picking up some fresh fruits & veggies, homemade cookies, and grass fed meat, and then carrying it home in our burlap sack. :)

Linking up here......

embrace the camera

2011-06-23T10:22:00.000-05:00

Grabbed the camera & tripod this morning for a few photos together. Miss Clara Bear was super cooperative even though it was mid-SuperWhy and all. Linking up here.

right now...

2011-06-22T16:02:00.001-05:00

Right now....I can't say that without thinking of the Van Halen song which I don't even like that much but anyway....right now Thad & Eli are doing crazy exercise stuff like tae kwon do kicks and jumping jacks......Clara is running around yelling lines from SuperWhy.....the kitchen is clean and the dishwasher is running.....Mattie is half-asleep on the bed....the kids' room is a disaster.

Linking up here. Photoshop Elements actions are watermelon by myfourhens.

project life update

2011-05-24T12:40:00.000-05:00

I'm still plugging away on Project Life. I still really enjoy putting it all together every week. I got a new computer and now printing the photos has been a bit of a chore but hopefully I will have it all figured out soon!

April 11-17--new crocs for the kids, Clara fell in love with Flicka, UCCC night at Panera, Play-doh with Great Grandma, hiking, arena football

April 18-24--the green shirt, kids' writing, field trip to the zoo, camping trip at the lake, Easter

April 25- May 1--still playing with Easter eggs, new laptop, Mattie's photo shoot, Clara's parents as teachers screening, Easter flowers, downtown & Commercial Street

May 2-May 8--Mattie's trip to the vet, kisses & cuddles, Bin Laden headline & Obama's speech, Eli's handwriting & gymnastics report card, hula hooping, ArtsFest, Mother's Day

May 9-15--Cuddles, dinner time, potty training, preschool graduation, Mother's Brewing Co. Festival, Tag birthday lunch, graduation

May 16-22--visit to Gram & Pa's, first week of summer vacation, birthday parties, swimming, severe weather, fishing

2011-05-23T09:11:00.000-05:00

While we spent the evening at the window and on the deck watching the weather and snapping photos like this one...

less than an hour away, a town was destroyed. Seeing the images last night and this morning is horrifying. My thoughts are in Joplin today.

a first

2011-05-22T14:18:00.000-05:00

giving digital a try....

free digital template from paislee press

nvs challenge

2011-05-14T21:15:00.000-05:00

The challenge is up at nvsgirls; go check it out! Here's mine....

I loved the colors in the inspiration and the polka dot inspired me to use this felt that I've hung onto for way too long. Stay tuned for the next challenge...love the colors in it too.

embrace the camera thursday

2011-04-21T07:31:00.000-05:00

The 'big' camera has sat lonely in the kitchen for awhile...so a few photo taken with my phone instead. 1) At the Wolfpack game (arena football), 2) movie/nap on the couch, 3) hiking at Busiek Forest with a stop in the "4" tree.

8 years

2011-04-19T07:00:00.004-05:00

I cannot believe it has been 8 years. I always say that in some ways it feels longer and in others shorter but one thing is for sure....these 8 years have been filled & fulfilling. So a little walk down memory lane....

What an incredible life we have together.....Happy Anniversary.....love you.

project life 10, 11, 12, 13, 14

2011-04-12T07:00:00.001-05:00

I'm keeping up with my Project Life album, still really enjoying how easy it is and how it all comes together each week. Every Sunday evening or Monday I sit down to put it all together. It's become something I look forward to doing. It is so cool to look back through the weeks. Here's the last month or so.....

week 10--spring break, donuts, bubbles on the deck, hiking at Busiek State Park

week 11--circus, family night @ Eli's preschool, Eli's acceptance into Greenwood, St. Pat's parade, visit to a friend's house, trip to the barn (a 6x12 insert that holds 3 4x6 photos on each side)

week 12--Jordan Valley Park, playing indoors, trip to visit Gram & Pa/Uncle Rusty (another 6x12 insert for extra photos)

week 13--Thad's birthday, 5#apparel, legos, book club (covered with drawing in 8.5x11 insert), Jordan Valley Park

week 14-- visit from Gram & Pa, Woody, Papa's creek, sunset, trip to E.R.

melted...

2011-04-11T07:00:00.002-05:00

So the other day, Eli said something that just melted me. He said "Clara is not just my sister, she's my best friend." Don't know where he heard it or got the idea but I completely melted. That is SO him, so sweet. I LOVE watching them do things together.....jump on the bed, watch a movie, play doll house, play superheroes, dress up, play ball. I'm surprised by all the things that they CAN do together at the ages of 5 and 1.5. He is very good about taking care of her and watching out for her. He is very good at including her and giving her a turn with his toys. A girl couldn't ask for a better big brother or best friend.

thankful thought 002

2011-04-08T07:00:00.002-05:00

So very thankful for time spent traveling to visit family and friends but there is nothing quite like being home and around my own family who are my best friends.

Clara and her dada within an hour of returning home from a weekend trip.

embrace the camera thursday

2011-04-07T07:00:00.004-05:00

A beautiful spring day at the park, record high temps, bare feet in the cool grass, pink sweaty kissable cheeks, perfect.

nerdy

2011-04-06T13:58:00.000-05:00

I'm a nerdy girl.....I know big surprise! But in this case I mean I'm nerdy girl #6 over at NVSgirls. It's a scrapbooking challenge blog of a somewhat different kind. Challenges come by way of inspiration boards. Take what you like from it, leave the rest behind. I totally dig that. Here's a couple of examples:

So far I've found that it steers my layout in a new direction while still keeping it 'me.' And I like that. A new challenge will be up soon, so check them out...

clara today

2011-03-23T07:00:00.002-05:00

favorite things to say:

"I got you."

"Somersault!"

"Hey Cowboy!"

"Watch this!"

"Mattie move!"

"Show me, tell me!"

"Hug. Pats. Kiss."

"High five. Low five. On the side. In the hole."

"I like Jessie!"

"Calm down. Quiet voice."

Holga Effect in GIMP

2011-03-16T07:00:00.002-05:00

The March/April 2011 Creating Keepsakes magazine has an article on photo tricks with instructions for creating the Holga effect in Photoshop. I recently sat down with GIMP and found that the steps are very similar.

1) To begin, I opened my photo in GIMP and played with the curves to brighten it a bit.

2) Then click LAYER and DUPLICATE LAYER.

3) In the layers palette, change the mode to MULTIPLY. (your new background layer is the selected layer)

4) In the toolbox, select the ERASER tool. Within the eraser palette select the large brush (circle fuzzy) and slide the scale to as large as it will go (10.0).

5) Position the brush over your photo and erase the subject of your photo.

6) To make the effect more dramatic, right-click on the background copy and select DUPLICATE layer.

yesterday & today

2011-03-15T07:00:00.002-05:00

Our most recent assignment in Yesterday & Today was "I have learned." Here's my take focusing on my story with weight. I plan to turn it into a two page spread when I run across a photo of me at my biggest.

project life 7 8 9

2011-03-14T07:00:00.002-05:00

I still love doing these layouts every week. It's been 9 weeks so that's really saying something for me!

Overlay in GIMP

2011-03-12T14:45:00.000-06:00

If you'd like to add an overlay to a photo using GIMP just follow these simple steps:

To begin I have opened my photo in GIMP and resized it to 4x6 inches. Click FILE and OPEN AS LAYERS.

Then locate the overlay on your computer and OPEN.

Hooray! Your photo has an overlay!

thankful thought + GIMP tutorial

2011-03-11T14:54:00.000-06:00

thankful thought 001--I love how they work & play together. He is always kind to her. Just so very thankful; hope that they are able to continue such a close relationship.

Ali Edwards began a new series: Thankful Thoughts. She so generously provided a free download of the overlay and rounded corner mask seen above. Her post includes a video of how to use the overlay & mask in Photoshop Elements.

I don't have Photoshop! :( But I can still do it and so can you! I use a free image software called GIMP. If you don't already have GIMP, go there and download it for free. Oh, and while you're gone...go ahead and download Ali's overlay & mask. Then come back here and follow these steps to get started.....

1) Make sure GIMP is installed and you've unzipped Ali's files. Look through your photos and find the one that you'll use.

2) Open GIMP and click FILE and OPEN. Find that photo that you'd like to use and OPEN it.

3) Click IMAGE and SCALE IMAGE. Under 'image size' change the units to INCHES and the width to 6 and lenth to 4. Then click SCALE.

4) Now click FILE and OPEN AS LAYERS. Find the thankfulthought overlay and click OPEN.

5) If you'd like to change the color of the overlay to white.....In the layers palette, check the box to LOCK. Then click EDIT and FILL WITH BG COLOR (which is white.)

6) Now to round those corners....click FILE and OPEN AS LAYERS. Find the RoundedCornerMask that you downloaded and OPEN.

7) In the layers palette, drag that black mask to the bottom of your layers.

8) Now things get a bit tricky....but just trust me and click along. In the layers palette, right click on the mask layer and click ALPHA to SELECTION. Now click your photo layer. Click CTRL-C and CTRL-V to copy and paste.

9) You'll now have a floating selection at the top of your layers. Right click on it and click NEW LAYER to make it a layer.

10) Drag this pasted layer down to be on top of your mask. Right click on your photo and DELETE LAYER. Your photo is in the pasted layer now so you don't need that one anymore.

11) Right click on the pasted layer and click MERGE DOWN.

12) Ta da! Don't forget to save your work! I found that those rounded corners can be difficult to see. It may not look like anything happened. Try saving your work and then opening it again in whatever software that you use to view or print.

Eli is...

2011-03-11T07:00:00.001-06:00

into playing Super Mario on the wii with his Dada.

into science, especially the space & planets, and tried his first experiment.

into playing games on his iPod especially Transformers.

into riding his bike, fast.

into watching Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles on his iPod and goes back & forth between the top and bottom bunks.

usually a good role model for his little sister who likes to copy everything he does.

learning to bat the ball, with his eyes open!

very tolerant and understanding toward his little sister.

Holy Guacamole!

2011-03-05T07:00:00.000-06:00

Check this out! I'm so excited! I'm going to be a part of the Nerdy*Victorious*Scrapbookers. One of my goals for 2011 was to have scrapbook layouts published online and/or be a part of a design team YES! One goal down, a huge opportunity for me, and more great things to come! YEAH!

embrace the camera thursday

2011-03-03T07:00:00.001-06:00

a day in my life...

2011-03-02T07:00:00.001-06:00

project life

2011-03-01T07:00:00.002-06:00

I am loving the Project Life kit from Becky Higgins. At first I didn't think this was for me. Too controlled, too limiting. I was wrong. It is so easy and so fun. Great to get pictures in an album that I probably otherwise wouldn't have even printed. So here's the past few weeks:

Jan 31-Feb 6--left side and a drawing of Eli's inserted in the middle

Jan 31-Feb 6 right side and printout from Discovery Center inserted on the back of Eli's drawing

Feb 7-13 full page spread

Feb 14-20 left side; insert is postcards from Grandma and a note from Eli's school

Feb 14-20 right side and the backs of the postcards & letter

sunday morning @ the zoo

2011-02-28T07:00:00.001-06:00

another nerdy challenge

2011-02-26T11:48:00.000-06:00

I am participating in a challenge at Nerdy * Victorious * Scrapbookers again. They post an inspiration board rather than a sketch. I really enjoy working with the boards because you can take the bits you like and I think it really expands my scrapbooking. So here's my take on the current challenge:

The 'bits' I took from the board are the color scheme of grays, black, white, and pops of pink. I really liked the herringbone fabric on the inspiration board but couldn't find anything in my stash like that. I went with the black & white paisley you see at the bottom instead. I also liked the scalloped edges on the tickets so I scalloped the edge of my patterned paper and used ribbon with some interesting edges. :)

yesterday & today update

2011-02-25T07:00:00.001-06:00

I am really enjoying Ali Edward's class 'yesterday & today' at Big Picture Classes. Even better, my mom is taking the class too. Here's our first 6 assignments:

embrace the camera thursday x2 (again)

2011-02-24T07:00:00.001-06:00

Missed last Thursday again! So double the fun again today:

hiking in February

2011-02-22T07:00:00.001-06:00

embrace the camera thursday x2

2011-02-10T07:00:00.000-06:00

Double post this week since I missed last Thursday---

'making' cookies with Clara, she only has the attention span for the ready-to-bake ones right now

cuddles on the big bed where we were jumping, dancing, and being silly

designers challenge

2011-02-09T07:00:00.001-06:00

A new layout for February designers challenge at scrapbook generation. Last month's can be found here.

BIG girl

2011-02-08T07:00:00.001-06:00

She is getting to be such a big girl. She has outgrown her pajamas (that I bought just a few months ago) and is now wearing Eli's old white t-shirts to bed with the pajama bottoms that still fit. At times, she refuses to sit in her hair chair and kneels here to eat. She wants to eat her cereal with milk just like her brother. Before we always gave her dry cereal and milk to drink for easier clean-up but now that's not always acceptable to her. I just can't believe how grown up she is.

super bowl sunday

2011-02-07T12:03:00.000-06:00

half time, just before the kids jumped up to dance along to the black eyed peas

this girl LOVES popcorn, she gets her own bowl of broken up pieces because she shoves in handfuls

thought looked funny all lined up on the couch, of course mattie is begging for popcorn too

steelers lose, bit disappointed but still made it to the super bowl, kids didn't quite make it to the end

embrace the camera thursday

2011-01-27T06:00:00.001-06:00

Taken on Sunday, just after returning from my book club weekend....maybe they were ready for Mama to be home. :)

So Clara

2011-01-26T14:31:00.000-06:00

There's so many things right now that are just so Clara that I just love:

She loves Toy Story 3 and demands that it be on most of the time. Other favorite movies are Charlotte's Web (the "cow/pig" movie), Babies the documentary, and Toy Story 1.
The girl eats more than Eli and many days more than I do. Her words: "Mama, 'nack!" Current favorite snacks are dried fruit, applesauce, yogurt, chex mix, and pretzels.
She loves to take her bath at night and is SO getting into her bedtime routine.
She likes to stand on a chair at the window and watch for Dada. She mostly smiles and yells "Dada" when she sees him but sometimes she waves and blows kisses.
She likes to get up in your face, turn her head sideways, and say "HI."
She can say SO many words and likes to just yell them one at time, slowly putting together her story. Example: (at the window watching Dada leave for work) "DADA...HAT...TRUCK...GO...WORK...BYE!"
I love the way she says "HUH!" when she gives hugs and "KISS" before she kisses. Then she usually says "PAH" and gives pats on the back which are anything but gentle.
She loves to play high five, low five, on the side, in the hole. Over & over. She also loves to play Ring around the Rosie which she calls "RO-RO."
I love when I let her go after eating, she runs off yelling "PLAY!" and "RUN!"
She calls Eli "E" but he won't allow anyone else to call him that.
Everything is said with such emotion, good and bad.
She remembers everything! The other day she was upset over something and I tried to calm her down and get her to use her words to tell me what was going on. I told her to 'calm' down. So later when it was almost bedtime she wanted more milk. I said "Clara you need to sit here while I get it, okay?" She says, "yeah....calm."
She is energetic, emotional, and ornery. She can wear me down one moment and crack me up the next. She is just SO Clara.

scenes from my birthday

2011-01-22T07:00:00.001-06:00

my adorable date and my favorite dessert.....

games

2011-01-21T07:00:00.001-06:00

She's been watching her brother play games on the computer for awhile and she's had enough. Today she demanded to play. So I set her up on kneebouncers and she loved it. I liked it too until she broke the enter key.

embrace the camera thursday

2011-01-20T20:52:00.001-06:00

Posted a little late but it's still Thursday! Here we are all snowed in today. Too much TV and video games. The kids actually enjoyed taking a photo/tickle break.

nerdy victorious scrapbook challenge

2011-01-15T16:03:00.000-06:00

I'm participating in a challenge over at Nerdy Victorious Scrapbookers. This is my entry based on their inspiration piece. I took inspiration from the black & white photos with just a few pops of color. I liked the large photo and smaller polaroid supporting photos. Also the word perspective made me think of photos taken from different perspectives. Also liked the graphic text patterns.

scrapbook catch up

2011-01-14T07:00:00.003-06:00

embrace the camera thursday!

2011-01-13T07:00:00.004-06:00

Date night last Saturday,

saw the movie The Fighter,

dinner at Gallery Bistro,

good time!

a switch

2011-01-12T07:00:00.001-06:00

she has gone from demanding "MAMA READ BOOK!" to "NO!" and wanting to look at it all on her own. (and look at that crazy hair!)

this is what's new

2011-01-11T07:00:00.002-06:00

around here....

Clara is sleeping in a big kid bed! The kids have bunk beds in their room but Clara has been sleeping in our bed since the move. I told Eli that Clara was about ready to make the move and asked him where he thought Clara should sleep. We gave him the choices: Clara could sleep on a trundle under the lower bunk, Eli could move to the top bunk & Clara on the bottom, or they could share the bottom bunk. Eli wanted to share for awhile. He has slept on the top bunk a few nights but prefers the bottom. He also loves to cuddle with Clara. So far she starts out the night here and then as she fusses I eventually bring her into our bed. We got a bed rail to put up on her side to keep her safe, she's quite the active sleeper. Eli sleeps like a rock & so far hasn't been bothered by her at all. It'll take time but we're off to a good start.

designer's challenge layouts

2011-01-10T08:28:00.000-06:00

Finished up my layouts for Designer's Challenge at Scrapbook Generation. For Designer's Challenge each member is given a kit of patterned paper and a few other items. We meet each month to see what everyone created with the same supplies. This month's paper was from TPC studio, a collection called So Delish.

yesterday & today

2011-01-08T07:00:00.004-06:00

I'm just having a blast in Ali Edward's Yesterday & Today online class. At first I thought it would be overwhelming: weekly assignments, going through so many old photos, scanning, printing, etc. But she does a really good job of making it manageable, one thing at a time. While going through old photos I ran across some more old Girl Scout badges. I made a layout with some of these badges a few years ago. So yesterday I took the badges I found and put them in divided page protector to go next to the layout. I could see replacing that blank cardstock with a photo if I run across one that would work. And maybe try to find out exactly what these badges are (I have no idea!) and put that information in some of the remaining empty spots. Just feels so good to have this stuff organized and on display.

Also finished up my introductory page/this week's assignment. Had so much fun doing this...going through photos, learning about the program GIMP to get them resized and printed....playing around with the paper.

there's something special between these two....

2011-01-07T07:00:00.001-06:00

embrace the camera

2011-01-06T07:00:00.002-06:00

It felt as if I didn't have enough projects going on right now ;) so I decided to also participate in embrace the camera every Thursday. It's an effort to take (or have taken) more photos of myself. So first up.....

this will go in my onelittleword album as my beginning for 2011 :)

this is the look.....

2011-01-05T07:00:00.002-06:00

of vacation...he has been out of (pre)school for almost three weeks...in the habit of staying up late...watching too much tv...playing too many video games...having his dada around a lot....and of course sleeping in. Bad news buddy = it's about to end.

current happenings...

2011-01-04T07:00:00.001-06:00

So excited...

I'm taking two scrapbooking classes online through Big Picture Classes: One Little Word & Yesterday and Today. Yesterday and Today is a weekly class for 12 weeks. I'm going to be super busy keeping up with that! One Little Word is a monthly class for the entire year. So excited about that (and I've even got the hubby doing parts of it!) Links are on the side bar ----->

I'm learning the program GIMP which is free software similar to Photoshop. I like all the possibilites of photoshop but it was always so overwhelming not to mention expensive! So happy to have run across a similar program that is free!

I have a goal of taking more photos of myself this year. And already have a couple. Eli has a camera on his Ipod and every once in awhile a photo of me shows up there. Thad has a camera on his phone and I've encouraged him to pick up my camera and 'just shoot.' (He's a bit intimidated by the new camera!)

this one was an accident...taken with my phone.

side note....I love how Clara calls Eli's Ipod "E pod!" E for Eli....that's what she calls him. And pod. So cute. Not so cute the way she steals it and drops it on the floor. :P

December Daily COMPLETE!

2011-01-03T07:00:00.001-06:00

I am so happy that I didn't do my December Daily album daily! I didn't make the album ahead of time or blog everyday like I intended. It just wasn't for me (this year)! So here's how the rest of it turned out:

birthday boy

2011-01-02T18:15:00.000-06:00

a layout from the other day...will be on display at Scrapbook Oasis in Warrensburg, MO

welcome 2011 and my 'one little word'

2011-01-01T13:54:00.000-06:00

I'm very excited about 2011. I've never been one to make New Year's resolutions or to get all too excited about the new year. I've always found New Year's Eve to be a bit of disappointment. Until last year when I decided to follow along with Ali Edwards and find one little word for the year. Rather than writing lengthy resolutions you choose one word to invite into your life. Last year I chose the word 'simple.' I have been amazed at the number of ways that one little word has impacted my life. This year my word is 'focus.' I'm excited about the possibilities of this little word. And for 2011 I am taking it a step further and joined Ali's class at Big Picture Classes. And so it begins.....

Reverb 10 . 27 28 29 30 31

2010-12-31T10:47:00.000-06:00

December 27 – Ordinary Joy Our most profound joy is often experienced during ordinary moments. What was one of your most joyful ordinary moments this year? (Author: Brené Brown)

Lots of ordinary moments around here make me happy. Here's just a few....

sharing cheese & grapes with Clara, watching Eli play with & care for Clara, sitting down with a cafe latte and notebook, Clara's current favorite reads.

December 28 – Achieve What’s the thing you most want to achieve next year? How do you imagine you’ll feel when you get it? Free? Happy? Complete? Blissful? Write that feeling down. Then, brainstorm 10 things you can do, or 10 new thoughts you can think, in order to experience that feeling today. (Author: Tara Sophia Mohr)

In 2011, I hope to get a scrapbook layout published either online or in print. I think I'll feel happy to have set a goal and accomplished it. I think I'll feel encourage to keep at it. Ten things I can do...
1. scrapbook everyday
2. post in galleries online
3. submit to magazines
4. submit to online calls
5. maintain my blog
6. go to crops and share layouts in person
7. participate in online scrapbook message boards
8. take lots of photos
9. stay true to my own style
10. stay positive

December 29 – Defining Moment Describe a defining moment or series of events that has affected your life this year. (Author: Kathryn Fitzmaurice)

This was the year of the move. The defining series of events...
decision to move, finding a new place, saying goodbye, moving day, settling in, selling the house, setting new goals.

December 30 – Gift Prompt: Gift. This month, gifts and gift-giving can seem inescapable. What’s the most memorable gift, tangible or emotional, you received this year? (Author: Holly Root)

Lots of great gifts this year beginning with Christmas Eve when Clara fell asleep in my lap and Eli fell asleep next to me while watching Christmas Vacation. Also my mom got me this great necklace with the kids' names & birthstones. Thad got me some awesome shoes....I just haven't gotten them exchanged for my size yet.

December 31 – Core Story What central story is at the core of you, and how do you share it with the world? (Bonus: Consider your reflections from this month. Look through them to discover a thread you may not have noticed until today.) (Author: Molly O’Neill)

Lots of common threads throughout this process...the move had a huge impact on me....my need to simplify my life...I see lots of goals for this year and the focus to achieve them.

reverb 10 . 22 23 24 25 26

2010-12-29T21:09:00.000-06:00

Catching up from the holiday....

December 22 – Travel How did you travel in 2010? How and/or where would you like to travel next year? (Author: Tara Hunt)

Travel in 2010 mostly consisted of drives to Champaign, IL for Thad's work. We took one camping trip along with a day trip to Branson. There was a couple of drives to Wentzville to sell the house. The trips in 2010 didn't feel like 'travel' in the fun, leisurely definition, just travel as in transport.

Next year I would like to take two vacations. One with the kids and one without. Destinations unknown but thinking about it.

December 23 – New Name Let’s meet again, for the first time. If you could introduce yourself to strangers by another name for just one day, what would it be and why? (Author: Becca Wilcott)

This question baffles me. I don't want to pretend to be someone else. I'm me and I like it just fine.

December 24 Prompt – Everything’s OK What was the best moment that could serve as proof that everything is going to be alright? And how will you incorporate that discovery into the year ahead? (Author: Kate Inglis)

August 2, 2010 we closed on the house. What a weight off the shoulders! Still some debt to pay but everything is going to be alright. 2011 will be the year of financial peace for us.

December 25 – Photo – a present to yourself. Sift through all the photos of you from the past year. Choose one that best captures you; either who you are, or who you strive to be. Find the shot of you that is worth a thousand words. Share the image, who shot it, where, and what it best reveals about you. (Author: Tracey Clark)

This is us trying to get a decent family photo. Camera is on the tripod on the table; we're on the couch in the living room. I'm trying to get Clara to look at the camera and being goofy so Eli will smile. It's just typical me--crazy hair, weird look, and all.

December 26 – Soul Food What did you eat this year that you will never forget? What went into your mouth & touched your soul? (Author: Elise Marie Collins)

We ate all kinds of new and strange foods this year because of our CSA. I'm not sure it touched my soul! Some new (or rarely eaten) foods were: kale, radishes, turnips, butternut squash, kohlrabi, mizuna, beets, eggplant.

Reverb 10 . 21

2010-12-22T07:00:00.001-06:00

December 21 – Future Self. Imagine yourself five years from now. What advice would you give your current self for the year ahead? (Bonus: Write a note to yourself 10 years ago. What would you tell your younger self?) (Author: Jenny Blake)

First, let me think back 5 years ago...I was a month away from my 30th birthday. I was coming home from the hospital with a beautiful baby boy. I had just quit my job to stay at home & start a new chapter in life. Wow. to think how much has happened in the last five years!

Five years from now...I'll be a month away from my 40th birthday. The kids will be 10 and 6, 4th grade & 1st grade, I hope. No more diapers or naps. I'll be packing lunches, taxi driving, and helping with homework.

My advice to me for the year ahead....while things can be chaotic and difficult at times, enjoy these days...chubby baby cheeks, bubble baths, finger painting, reading the same book a hundred times, it will all end soon. And you'll miss it. Also make connections & build relationships. You'll need those to lean on soon. Try to live each moment. They grow up too fast.

December Daily album

2010-12-21T14:31:00.000-06:00

So I'm not doing December Daily everyday. And "it's ok." We don't do holiday related things even close to everyday and I wanted to keep the focus of my album on that. I already have my 'week in the life' album which focuses on everyday activities. And I don't want to lump Eli's birthday in with Christmas; that's not fair to him. So I decided to just take the days I have and make a twelve days of Christmas album. No, the events didn't actually occur on the 12 days of Christmas and "that's ok" too. :) So here it is thus far....

Reverb 10 . 16 17 18 19 20

2010-12-20T21:08:00.000-06:00

December 16 – Friendship How has a friend changed you or your perspective on the world this year? Was this change gradual, or a sudden burst? (Author: Martha Mihalick)

I can think of 2 friends who have changed me this year. They don't know each other but have a lot in common. Both are married without children. Both are very dedicated to their work. Both are simply caring, geniune people. I focus so much on my family that sometimes I forget to have my own life. These two have given me that this year. I can talk to, have fun with, and lean on each of them. So good to have both of these girls in my life.

December 17 – Lesson Learned What was the best thing you learned about yourself this past year? And how will you apply that lesson going forward? (Author: Tara Weaver)

This year I think I discovered my drive. I'm not afraid to just try things. Just do it, that's me. I'm not sure that I really understood that about myself before. It can be a little scary but I'm okay with putting myself out there. And next year, I'm really going to tackle some goals.

December 18 – Try What do you want to try next year? Is there something you wanted to try in 2010? What happened when you did / didn’t go for it? (Author: Kaileen Elise)

One of my goals for next year is to get a scrapbook layout published in print or online. I've had that goal for awhile but haven't really focused my energy on it. I will do it next year.

December 19 – Healing. What healed you this year? Was it sudden, or a drip-by-drip evolution? How would you like to be healed in 2011? (Author: Leonie Allan)

Two things healed me this year. One was the move & selling our house. It was such a huge relief to simplify our lives and our finances. The other was Pilates. My body is lean and strong now. No more back issues, no more ignoring my health.

December 20 – Beyond Avoidance. What should you have done this year but didn’t because you were too scared, worried, unsure, busy or otherwise deterred from doing? (Bonus: Will you do it?) (Author: Jake Nickell)

Go to the doctor. A particular doctor. I'll get one in January and go when scheduled.

Reverb 10 . 15

2010-12-16T11:15:00.000-06:00

December 15 – 5 Minutes Imagine you will completely lose your memory of 2010 in five minutes. Set an alarm for five minutes and capture the things you most want to remember about 2010. (Author: Patti Digh)

Ok, setting timer....ready, set, go!

the anticipation of the move
moving (while sick with the flu)
going away parties
discovering a new town
arranging our new home
camping
visiting family without having to drive for hours
date nights
Eli's new school
pumpkin patch
hosting thanksgiving
boys fishing trips
learning my camera
having friends over
book clubs
Clara's first birthday
trips to Champaign
Chiefs football
7 year anniversary

whew. ok time's up!

Reverb 10 . 14

2010-12-15T21:30:00.000-06:00

December 14 – Appreciate What’s the one thing you have come to appreciate most in the past year? How do you express gratitude for it? (Author: Victoria Klein)

The one thing I appreciate the most this year is health. It felt like we, as a family, were sick a lot. Clara began the year with breathing treatments. In February, we all had the stomach flu, first Clara, then Thad & I, and then Eli. In April I had the trouble with my back that took awhile to figure out. Then August Clara had the stomach flu again. September was another round for her and then she shared with Thad & I. Throw in a couple of colds for each of us and it felt like a rough year. I think its tough to express gratitude for health. It is so easy to take for granted. We were sick enough this year to show me just how sacred your health is.

December Daily 12

2010-12-14T13:00:00.002-06:00

December cuddles. And this quilt may have been the best Christmas present I have ever gotten Thad. It was when I was pregnant with Eli. I quit my job and started to work just part time. While Thad was at work I took all his old rugby t-shirts from college and made this blanket. I was a little worried about cutting up his shirts because he LOVES his rugby shirts. But they were nasty and not shirts he wore often (or should ever wear!) It took me a long time! I had an old sewing machine that I bought at a garage sale for five bucks. It didn't work so great but the blanket has stayed together. I remember crawling around on the kitchen floor with my big belly in front of me to line up the squares and look at the design. I lined it with fleece and we both love it. It is the go-to blanket for cuddling on the couch. I wish I would have made it bigger!

December Daily 9

2010-12-14T05:00:00.003-06:00

This is a continuation of our love of Starbucks. It was before school but after breakfast. Eli wanted a snack and there wasn't much in our kitchen. I had planned to go to the store after I dropped him off at school. Situation called for....a trip to Starbucks! I made sure to explain to Eli that this was a special treat. We aren't going to Starbucks everyday before school! But it sure was fun just this once.

December Daily 10

2010-12-13T21:45:00.000-06:00

A quick stop at Uncle Lloyd's to taste test some cookies before Eli's birthday party.

Reverb 10 . 12 and 13

2010-12-13T13:00:00.000-06:00

December 12 – Body Integration This year, when did you feel the most integrated with your body? Did you have a moment where there wasn’t mind and body, but simply a cohesive YOU, alive and present? (Author: Patrick Reynolds)

before Pilates--horrible posture!

My Pilates class has made a huge difference this year. My teacher is always telling me "engage your abs!" After several months of class, finally I find myself doing this throughout the day. Not too long ago, I was walking the kids home from school and I realized that my abs were engaged. I was walking and could feel how my belly muscles were working. My posture has improved and I could feel it walking down the street. I think it was that moment when I could feel the difference in my body.

December 13 – Action When it comes to aspirations, it’s not about ideas. It’s about making ideas happen. What’s your next step? (Author: Scott Belsky)

Exactly. First I need to get these ideas recorded. Get some thoughts down on paper. Start mapping out some details, the process. Make time for the action.

Reverb 10 . 11

2010-12-13T09:59:00.001-06:00

December 11 – 11 Things What are 11 things your life doesn’t need in 2011? How will you go about eliminating them? How will getting rid of these 11 things change your life? (Author: Sam Davidson)

11 things I don't need in 2011--

stress
illness
anxiety
hives
clutter
temper tantrums
negativity
time wasters
dry skin
clothes I don't like/wear
Brett Favre (retire already dude!)

I think the key to eliminating most of them lies in balance. I'll keep with Pilates and creative outlets. Keep walking as much as possible. Keep with our monthly donation bag. As much of a neat freak that I am, I need to be more aware of germs. I finally started carrying germx but need to actually use it more often. I need to carefully consider those that I allow into my life and what they bring to it. Balance just may be my one little word for 2011.....still thinking about it.

December Daily 11

2010-12-13T09:56:00.001-06:00

(Yes, I know I've skipped a few days...I'm working on it. :))

Saturday, Eli & Thad went to the Christmas Parade downtown. Clara was napping so I stayed home with her, perfectly happy to be inside where it's warm. Eli was pretty excited about it and they got a big surprise when they saw Aunt Kara in the parade.

December Daily 8

2010-12-11T13:58:00.000-06:00

An impromptu 'under the tree' photo. After this photo session, any time Clara sees me get the camera she runs to the tree and sits down, saying "cheese!"

Reverb 10 . 10

2010-12-10T21:35:00.000-06:00

December 10 – Wisdom Wisdom. What was the wisest decision you made this year, and how did it play out? (Author: Susannah Conway)

January 2010 touring the loft

I think I made some good decisions in 2010 but it may take some time to tell just how 'wise' they were. The one decision that turned out to be a great one for us was choosing to live where we did. In January we came down here and toured two apartments, this one first. We walked into the building and my jaw dropped. It was amazing. We headed up to the loft and I remember thinking "yeah this is nice but it is SO small." "How are we ever going to fit all of us in here?" We went to lunch afterwards to talk it over. We were both so excited. We loved it and loved the challenge of a small space. By the end of lunch it was settled and we began to make a plan. We had no idea how that one decision would impact so many other things.

We have a great space that we love.
We've edited our possessions to only those things that we really need and love.
We no longer worry about home repairs or lawn work.
We can walk to restaurants, the grocery store, shops, the park, the movie theater.
We have great neighbors and live within a community of artists & designers.

Looking ahead, I don't know how long we'll be able to live here. The kids share a room and at some point they will probably want their own spaces. But for now, this is perfect for us.

December Daily 7

2010-12-09T20:44:00.001-06:00

As a kid, I remember watching Christmas Vacation every year at our extended family Christmas and hearing my aunt Lana laugh and laugh. I can hardly separate the movie from her laugh in my memory. And I remember watching The Christmas Story with my family. My mom, brother and I loved it. Recently I've come to love The Family Stone and Four Christmases. Last year Eli watched Disney's Prep & Landing and LOVED it. He watched it over and over. Tonight it was on and he was glued to the TV. We recorded it so I'm sure we'll be seeing it again. We are still creating our own family traditions. We tried Elf the other night but the boys didn't enjoy it quite as much as me. I hope that my kids have those same memories of laughing together at the same movies every year.

Last year, Eli dressed as Wayne from Prep & Landing in his tinker toy sleigh & reindeer.

Reverb 10 . 09

2010-12-09T20:30:00.001-06:00

December 9 – Party Prompt: Party. What social gathering rocked your socks off in 2010? Describe the people, music, food, drink, clothes, shenanigans. (Author: Shauna Reid)

I don't really rock my socks off anymore....geez I sound old. We went to a few 'parties' in 2010 but I think my favorite was this small little get-together that we had after we started to feel settled into our new place. We invited friends, Valerie & Dave and Matt & Alli. We played Wii and the guys told stories of back in the day. We grilled steaks, brats, and veggies. A few of us drank some beer. We all laughed and had a great time. The kids played until they were tired and didn't want to go home. Why don't we do that more often?

Reverb 10 . 08

2010-12-08T13:49:00.001-06:00

December 8 – Beautifully Different. Think about what makes you different and what you do that lights people up. Reflect on all the things that make you different – you’ll find they’re what make you beautiful. (Author: Karen Walrond)

Oh, I'm definitely different. That was a big change in my life, a time when I recognized that, accepted it, and started to actually like it. It doesn't bother me one bit and I rarely worry about what people think anymore. So what makes me different...

I'm a big neat freak
I like my hair & fingernails short
I'm cold a lot
I have freakishly long toes
I have a false tooth
Until recently I've liked wearing glasses
I'm sarcastic but not as much as I used to be
I'm not a girly girl
I never wanted a diamond ring just a wedding band (like my mom)
I don't like being the center of attention

Oh that's enough for now. Feel free to leave me a comment and let me know how I'm different.

December Daily 6

2010-12-07T11:20:00.001-06:00

My family is in love with Starbucks. We cannot go to the grocery store or Target without the kids begging for Starbucks. It would be so much easier to resist if I didn't love it too.

Reverb 10 . 07

2010-12-07T11:16:00.000-06:00

December 7 – Community Prompt: Community. Where have you discovered community, online or otherwise, in 2010? What community would you like to join, create or more deeply connect with in 2011? (Author: Cali Harris)

I am still looking for community after the move. Before I found community at school: I loved my teacher friends. I have stayed involved in my book club and love the community there. Even though I live far away from them, it has been easy to stay in touch through facebook & goodreads. In 2011 I hope to find community here, possibly through scrapbooking or photography.

Reverb 10 . 05 and 06

2010-12-06T12:28:00.000-06:00

December 5 – Let Go. What (or whom) did you let go of this year? Why? (Author: Alice Bradley)

I let go of many things in 2010, mostly physical things that we didn't need anyway. It didn't feel like letting go at all. It felt freeing to have less. We made the decision to go with quality instead of quantity. For example I own 2 pairs of jeans now. Both pairs fit well and feel good. I don't really need more. That whole process was easy for me and felt so good.

December 6 – Make. What was the last thing you made? What materials did you use? Is there something you want to make, but you need to clear some time for it? (Author: Gretchen Rubin)

Saturday we made a way to display our stockings on the brick wall in loft. See post below. Also I finished a scrapbook page that I had planned to submit to a magazine. It didn't turn out as well as I planned so I'm not sure that I will now. But I enjoyed the process of making it and have one more story documented in the scrapbooks.

Not the layout created Satuday but a recent one.

I find I have to create things. It's my outlet. It keeps me sane. I have cleared time every Monday, Wednesday, & Friday afternoon and any other time I can steal. :)

December Daily 5

2010-12-06T11:53:00.003-06:00

Thad & Eli went to Papa & Nonny's farm to get this branch. Thad used fishing line to hang it from the rafters above. Then we tied the stockings to it with some white ribbon. I found a pot for our Christmas tree at Lowes. I managed to get one string of lights on it and some of our ornaments. We hung the other lights around each window. It's starting to feel festive. Just need more presents around the tree!

Reverb 10 . 04

2010-12-04T21:39:00.001-06:00

December 4 – Wonder. How did you cultivate a sense of wonder in your life this year? (Author: Jeffrey Davis)

I'm defining wonder as to speculate curiosity, to be filled with amazement or awe, something surprising. I find wonder in trying something new. This year we moved to a new city...there was lots to discover. We ate new foods....some were good and some weren't. I learned something new...I got a new camera and learned to shoot on manual. We bought new furniture and created a space to live that we love. 2010 was full of wonder. Now to create opportunity for wonder in 2011.

December Daily 4

2010-12-04T21:26:00.000-06:00

Today we headed to Wickman's Gardens in search of a tree. The wind had picked up and it was pretty chilly. We looked around outside for awhile and found that the cut trees were too big & the living ones too expensive! Eli was cold so we went into the greenhouse to warm up. It was beautiful.... poinsettias, Christmas Cacti, herbs, tropical plants, rows & rows of plants. We walked the aisles and the kids chased a black cat. On the way out, we ran across this potted pine and decided it was just about right; right size & right price. No better way to shop for a tree than inside a warm, sunny greenhouse!

Reverb 10 . 03

2010-12-04T09:10:00.001-06:00

December 3 – Moment. Pick one moment during which you felt most alive this year. Describe it in vivid detail (texture, smells, voices, noises, colors). (Author: Ali Edwards)

Perhaps I need a more exciting life. Maybe I need to take more risks. But I doubt that is going to change a thing. I'm a pretty even person. I don't have high highs or low lows. I stay pretty positive most of the time and just press on. As I look back over the moments of 2010, there's a few that stick out to me with the feeling of contentment. I have all I need right here. That's a pretty powerful (and good) feeling. This is one of them.

This is August 15th, late morning. Somehow we slept in that Sunday morning or just lounged around because we were just venturing out. We strolled downtown just wandering around. Even though it was getting close to noon it wasn't too hot yet. It was pretty quiet, the streets were mostly empty since it was Sunday. We stopped in at a coffee shop for a snack: a couple of muffins, coffee for the 'rents, milk for the kids. We rounded the corner and found these steps to sit on. Thad started breaking off pieces of muffin for everyone. And I stepped back to take a picture with my new camera. Then through the lens I saw it. Or really saw them. My family. Together, sharing. Talking quietly. Beautiful. Happy. Complete. Perfect. I feel pretty lucky to be alive and part of it.

December Daily 3

2010-12-03T19:05:00.002-06:00

We spent most of the day at home. And I think that is normal for December. Playing in a box, climbing on the couch, watching shows, wrestling, etc. Simple lunch--cheese & crackers with grapes.

Reverb 10 . 02

2010-12-03T11:08:00.000-06:00

December 2 Writing.
What do you do each day that doesn’t contribute to your writing — and can you eliminate it?
(Author: Leo Babauta)

At first I really struggled with this prompt. The trouble began with the word 'writing.' I don't feel passionate about 'writing' so I've changed it to the things I feel passionate about: my kids, photography, scrapbooking, my blog, art, ect. Then the trouble continued. It seemed like an exercise in understanding that to pursue a passion you have to make time for it. I am not someone to make excuses. I don't say "well I don't have to time to exercise or scrapbook or whatever." I do. Everyone has 24 hours in the day; we just choose to spend them differently. So I'd like to look at this prompt from this perspective...What do I do each day that DOES contribute to my passions? How can I improve?

I know that I have more time for my passions when I keep myself organized and focused. Organized for me means organized around the house, routine for the kids, to-do list for myself, etc. Focused means I know what I need to do and what the next step is. I can be thinking about things while I'm going through my day to day activities. I know that I 'work' better in short bursts. Twenty minutes here & there, an hour at a time at the most. Luckily that fits my schedule pretty well. I know that I stay focused better when I take time to reflect on what I've done and where I'm going. I also stay more focused when I allow myself some downtime. Hopefully having this list of how I AM successful will help me to build on it.

December Daily 2

2010-12-03T06:57:00.002-06:00

After dinner we headed to Jordan Valley Park to look at the Christmas lights. The weather was warm, about 50 degrees. It was a good walk. We sang Christmas songs along the way, Thad carrying Clara in the backpack.

Afterwards, we headed over to Trolley's for dessert: a monster skillet cookie. The kids danced to the 80's music as Thad & I drank our coffee. It was a wonderful evening.

Reverb 10 . 01

2010-12-02T14:56:00.001-06:00

Reverb 10 is an annual event and online initiative to reflect on your year and manifest what’s next. The end of the year is an opportunity to reflect on what's happened, and to send out reverberations for the year ahead.

December 1 One Word.
Encapsulate the year 2010 in one word. Explain why you’re choosing that word. Now, imagine it’s one year from today, what would you like the word to be that captures 2011 for you?
(Author: Gwen Bell)

My word for 2010 was simple. I had no idea what we were in for when I chose 'simple' in January. In February, Thad was offered a job in his hometown. We kept this word in mind throughout. We chose to accept the job because it offered more money but less responsibility. We chose to move from our 3 bedroom house on a 1/2 acre lot to a 2 bedroom loft. We sold off most of our furniture and donated tons of our stuff. I quit my job and decided to stay at home with the kids. In the spring when Eli was ready to start at a new preschool, we chose one within walking distance. We now walk to the grocery store, to school, to dinner, to the park; we walk almost everyday. This summer we enjoyed the extra time we had, no longer spending weekends on our yard. We finally sold the house and began paying off ALL our debt. As fall began, I thought a lot about working again. I began trying to turn my hobbies and interests into my job. Simple has been the driving focus in most all decisions this year. It has been a life changing year. I'm still thinking about a word for 2011. Hopefully this process of reflection will lead me to the perfect word for 2011.

December Daily 1

2010-12-01T19:52:00.000-06:00

Clara is 16 months old today and so that meant a trip to the doctor for shots. She had a good nap afterward so hopefully she will fair well this time.

Preparations for Eli's birthday are underway. Presents wrapped today.

Began reading Countdown to Christmas with Eli. Today's discussion was about the meaning of the word 'advent.' We made a paper chain to count down the days. Also Eli filled in the blank with "it's December"
I know Christmas is coming because ____________________.

I'm back!

2010-11-30T21:36:00.000-06:00

Lots of updating going on around here and still a bit under construction. I hope to get back to posting on a more consistent basis. Here's a few things I've been reading & thinking about lately:

Rebecca Cooper's idea of an advent countdown with books
She is wrapping up the kids' Christmas books. The kids select a book to unwrap and read each day, counting down the 25 days until Christmas. Twas the Night Before Christmas is saved for Christmas Eve. I really like this idea but not really prepared to do it this year. Probably would work better for Clara to do it next year anyway. I did get a book tonight called Countdown to Christmas that we will probably read each day. It explains Christmas, has a gratitude section, and a project to do each day. I'll be following Rebecca's other "Simple Christmas" blog posts.

Ali Edward's December Daily
It is a scrapbook that chronicles the month of December (or 25 days or 12 days or whatever you want). I did Ali's "week in the life" project back in April. I had a great time and love how the album turned out. Again not sure that I'm ready to tackle this project this Christmas. But then I saw this...

Tira's version of December Daily--December Daily Blogging Project
I use the words and photos from my blog in my scrapbooking alot so this would be a great way for me to do December Daily. Rather than creating a scrapbook, you simply post on your blog your photo or story for each day of December. I think I can commit to that!

And I'll leave you with this photograph. I LOVE when they actually play together. This was just one of those moments....

Clara 15 months

2010-11-02T14:13:00.001-05:00

first birthday

2010-08-02T22:01:00.006-05:00

Clara had a great birthday party Sunday. All grandparents, aunt, uncles, cousins, and a few friends squeezed into our loft to celebrate Clara's first year. For me, the best part was when we were singing happy birthday there was a moment when she realized we were all singing to her. Her face just lit up and she smiled her big toothy grin. I hope someone got a picture of that moment because I was busy enjoying it. Eli said that his favorite part was the guests. Thanks to all who came to celebrate with us and also to those that sent gifts. It was a good day.

11 months

2010-07-06T10:37:00.005-05:00

Clara Bear @ 11 months
• is standing for a bit
• walks pushing her walker
• crawls on all fours now
• has a big, ornery grin
• has big, blue eyes
• has fine, blond hair that is starting to fill in
• has tan skin that keeps getting darker despite the 50 spf we put on her
• laughs so hard she gets the hiccups often
• loves to wrestle with her brother
• sticks her bottom lip out when she's focused on something
• likes to play ball, pat-a-cake, and give high fives
• talks & talks changing her tone like she really has something to tell us

Eli likes to
• say "Hey Clara!" and "it's ok Clara" often
• gently wrestle with her
• give her little hugs
• sing "you are my sunshine" to her
• play pat-a-cake with her
• make her laugh with his silliness
• share his food with her
• interpret her baby talk
• call her Baby Hulk...she is quite strong!

Busiek State Forest

2010-06-02T20:44:00.003-05:00

Probably my favorite thing to do in the summer....wading through a clear water creek, looking at the rocks & critters, staying cool in the ice cold water. This is Busiek St. Forest and it is beautiful. We parked, walked down into the creek, and just starting hiking upstream. We met a few people along the way but mostly we had the place to ourselves. Eli has grown to be a good hiker but hiking through the water was new to him. It didn't take him long to get comfortable. The water rarely got knee deep on us, waist deep for him. Clara loves the backpack as long as we are moving! Beautiful day, such clear water, a great way to spend the morning.

10 months!

2010-05-31T18:10:00.002-05:00

Clara @ 10 months

crawls on all four (usually on carpet)
prefers to belly scoot across the hardwood floor
pulls up to standing using anything she can
says mama, dada, bubby, bubba, uh-oh
waves bye
drinks from a straw
refuses most baby food
wants anything on your plate
has fine, blond hair that is finally starting to grow in
usually is very happy and easy
but will scream & throw a huge fit every so often
makes friends everywhere we go
is very loved by us all.

week in the life album complete

2010-05-04T10:33:00.005-05:00

week in the life Thursday

2010-04-23T17:30:00.003-05:00

Week in the life Wednesday

2010-04-22T14:47:00.003-05:00

Tuesday highlights

2010-04-21T14:52:00.003-05:00

week in the life Monday highlights

2010-04-20T11:01:00.007-05:00

This week I'm participating in a "week in the life" project shown here. I started out strong taking pictures in the morning and then took fewer & fewer as the day went on. I'll have to get photos of our afternoons and evenings today. Rough outline of the day:

4-19-2010 Our 7th anniversary, Thad took the day off work
7:00 Clara & I up, change diaper, get her breakfast, Thad comes home from walking Mattie, wake Eli, Eli & I eat, check email, blogs, etc., dress Eli, help him brush teeth & comb hair
8:00 Eli watches Batman, dress Clara, I dress, brush teeth, start laundry, blog post, Eli plays Wii, Thad reads to Eli, make latte, Thad walks Eli to school, I put Clara down for nap
9:00 Mini –workout legs & arms, Thad home, laundry, look @ news, relax, snack
10:00 Relax, Clara wakes up, feed her a snack, leave
11:00 Lunch at Riad
12:00 Haircut, come home, walk to get Eli
1:00 Pick up Eli, walk home, Thad reads ‘quiet time’ books, Clara goes to sleep, Eli tosses & turns
2:00 Lay with Eli, after an hour let him get up, Thad tries to convince Eli to go fishing, he wants to stay home and play
3:00 Clara wakes up, kids play, we all go to Wal-Mart
4:00 shopping at Wal-Mart, Eli throws temper tantrum…tired from no nap
5:00 Come home, cook frozen pizza, eat, hook up laptop to TV, watch a few things online
6:00 Eli showers, bathe Clara, pajamas on, quiet play, Thad reads books
7:00 Put Clara down in our bed, Thad sits by Eli
8:00 Eli asleep, go to Olive Garden to meet friends from Warrenton
9:00 Hang out with friends at their hotel
10:00 Drink beer, catch up
11:00 Laugh A LOT
12:00 Hotel neighbors complain about the noise we are making, move rooms
1:00 Tell everyone good night, go home
2:00 Go to bed, late night

7 years ago today

2010-04-19T08:00:00.000-05:00

we stood barefoot on a cliff overlooking the Caribbean listening to a Jamaican minister named Winston speak these words:

"Now you will feel no rain,
For each of you will be shelter to the other.

Now you will feel no cold,

For each of you will be warmth to the other.

Now there is no more loneliness,

For each of you will be companion to the other.

Now you are two bodies,

But there is only one life before you.

Go now to your dwelling place,

To enter into the days of your togetherness,
And may your days be good and long upon the Earth."

Happy Anniversary babe, I love you. (In three years, we go back & do it again! :))

our cloth diaper experience

2010-04-08T14:37:00.005-05:00

When I was pregnant with Clara I thought about cloth diapers. I knew they've come a long way. I also knew the impact the disposable ones have on both the environment and our finances. But I didn't really look into it. I assumed that since Clara was going to be in daycare at 8 weeks it would never work. I should have looked into it. I should have asked about it at her daycare.

Once we got settled in here, I started to think about them again. I remembered this post from a blog that I follow. We quickly decided to start with this trial program. They send you different styles to try and you simply return the ones you don't like for a refund. Sounded easy enough and it was.

So here is a little about the different cloth diapers we tried and our experience:
Prefolds with cover--These are the most like the old-school diapers. You fold the cloth into thirds and then attempt to cover your baby. I found this most difficult! Instead of safety pins, there is now a plastic piece that holds the diaper on similar to an ace bandage. (these were the ones that got returned!)

All in ones like BumGenius & DreamEze--These were the easiest for Thad because they go on just like a dispposable diaper. Con for me was that they can take awhile to get dry because they are so thick, usually two cycles in the dryer or one dryer cycle & lay out in the sun to finish drying.

Pocket diapers like FuzziBunz & BumGenius--These diapers are a shell with a pocket for an insert. There are easier to dry but takes a little time to get them stuffed & ready to put on.

Diapers with inserts like GroBaby & Gdiapers--These are also a shell but the inserts snap in place. These are nice because the shell doesn't always get wet/dirty and can be reused with a clean insert but this doesn't happen as often as one would think!

Flushable inserts like Gdiapers--The Gdiaper shell can also be used with an insert that is biodegradable, flushable, & compostable. I've used these for just a few days but I really like the idea of using these while traveling so I don't have to pack around a dirty diaper!

Overall thoughts: Since I'm at home anyway there has been no hassle to using cloth diapers. The laundry hasn't increased much. The spin and rinse cycle on the washer has been awesome. That takes care of the poopy ones and then they can go in with the other laundry. It was a learning process and takes time to get your system figured out. I think (just like any other baby item) what works with one baby & family may not with another. The cloth diapers are much bulkier so many of her pants didn't fit over them. I had to buy the next size up; so now the legs can sometimes be too long. The diapers are very cute. I don't bother with a diaper cover when she's wearing a dress. And finally Clara doesn't seem to care what, if anything, covers her hiney.