MayLee, Alyson, Cara & Erik

Microwave scrambled eggs

2012-02-11T00:30:00.000-08:00

And now, for your first installment of Common Knowledge!

You can make lovely scrambled eggs in the microwave in less time than it takes to make toast. Did you know that? I didn't used to.

Benefits:

Quick
Easy to cook and clean up
The eggs are soft and yummy but also a perfect shape and size for breakfast sandwiches

Software (ingredients)

1 large egg
1 tablespoon water or milk
Optional flavorings

Cheese (small handful)
Pepper (to taste)
Salt (if you must - to taste)

Please, please do not over salt your eggs. If you're topping them with cheese and/or lunch meat there will already be salt. If you're eating it on a breakfast sandwich with butter - there's even more salt. You don't want to start attracting wild animals as a salt lick do you? Good, I'm glad we had this discussion.

Hardware (tools)

Microwave safe cereal bowl
Fork
Spoon
Microwave (as per usual, microwave times vary - please do not eat your eggs if they don't look done - I don't want to find out any of you have developed salmonella)

Process

Rupture egg surface
Divulge egg contents into awaiting vessel
Making use of the pronged instrument, denature the egg proteins (thanks Alton)
Incorporate liquid - mix until smooth texture is reached
Place vessel with prepared egg mixture into the awaiting microwave
* Important - remove the fork prior to latching the escape hatch
Microwave on high for 30 seconds
Remove from microwave
Using pronged instrument, gently stir the egg mixture - break up any areas beginning to firm, especially around the edges (this keeps it from turning into a hockey puck)
Return the vessel to the microwave (remove fork, close hatch)
Microwave on high for an additional 30 seconds
Remove the vessel carefully (it will be hot)
Assess the egg mixture - if soft but set, the eggs are done. If the eggs are runny, return the vessel to the microwave for additional quarter minute increments.
Introduce flavorings now if desired - if adding cheese, return to microwave for an additional 15 seconds
Using the spoon, gently evacuate the egg mixture to the intended target (in my case, a toasted and buttered English muffin)

Please note - I think I'm funny when I'm sleep deprived.

January 26, 2011 part 2 - MayLee on the big ball

2012-02-11T00:00:00.000-08:00

February 10, 2011 - A different hot dog

2012-02-10T00:00:00.000-08:00

February 9, 2011 - Aly for dinner

2012-02-09T00:00:00.000-08:00

January 24, 2011 part 2 - making bows

2012-02-08T00:00:00.000-08:00

February 7, 2011 - Got milk?

2012-02-07T00:00:00.000-08:00

February 6, 2011 - Lions

2012-02-06T00:00:00.000-08:00

February 5, 2011 - Chipotle

2012-02-05T00:00:00.000-08:00

January 23, 2011 part 2 - We need more houses

2012-02-04T00:00:00.000-08:00

February 3, 2011 - Tore Belly

2012-02-03T00:00:00.000-08:00

February 2, 2011

2012-02-02T00:00:00.000-08:00

January 16, 2011 - Shoppers

2012-02-01T00:00:00.003-08:00

Happy 8th Anniversary

2012-01-31T00:00:00.001-08:00

I'd pick you again honey. I love you.

"Love is what makes two people sit in the middle of a bench when there's plenty of room at both ends."

January 31, 2011 - Baby's Boat

2012-01-31T00:00:00.000-08:00

January 30, 2011 - Princess Keys

2012-01-30T00:00:00.000-08:00

January 29, 2011 - How about tomorrow?

2012-01-29T00:00:00.000-08:00

January 16, 2011 - Santa's Chapstick

2012-01-28T00:00:00.000-08:00

January 27, 2011 - Alyson falls out of bed

2012-01-27T00:00:00.000-08:00

January 26, 2011 - One for the matter, one for the game

2012-01-26T00:00:00.000-08:00

January 25, 2011 - Mommy spying

2012-01-25T00:00:00.000-08:00

January 24, 2011 - Bum on the fence

2012-01-24T00:00:00.000-08:00

January 23, 2011 - Coupllllllllle

2012-01-23T00:00:00.000-08:00

January 22, 2011 - Lee-Hum

2012-01-22T00:00:00.000-08:00

January 21, 2011 - Cleaned up Christmas

2012-01-21T00:00:00.000-08:00

January 20, 2011 - the gloved foot

2012-01-20T00:00:00.000-08:00

General Hospital - Dr. Duck

2012-01-19T20:52:00.000-08:00

Between the parking lot where employees can park and the hospital where I work, there is a small creek. In that little creek lives a community of ducks.

I'd call them a family, but there's really a little more drama going on with what I've observed the last few days.

Day 1:
A beautiful, crisp cold January day. As I walk over the bridge, I hear the quacking of an arriving duck. Splashdown! (the other ducks swim to greet the arriving male duck and when almost there, one female hangs back and quacks at her male saying - "Dude, give them some space to say hello - it's been since like 5 this morning since she's seen him!") Upon arrival, the female duck and male duck swim around each other quacking happily. I have to imagine the dialogue went like this:

"Ah, Quackita - you are looking especially bouyant today!"

"Why thank you Quacko, I was just admiring your tail feathers myself."

I laughed and walked on - promising myself that I'd share with you tomorrow.

Day 2:
Another beautiful crisp cold day, another duck arrives. Just like yesterday, the ducks swim to greet the new arrival quacking happil- oh, no I guess they're not quacking happily. They're warning him off. Apparently, he's new in town and is now checking out the ladies. He is quickly warned to swim away by the other males.

"Skyooz, me ladies, do I have something stuck in my..."

"Keep movin', dude, they're taken."

Day 3:
Another beautiful crisp cold day, our new duck reappears. the newcomer saunters over to a female only to be chased off by her drake (male duck - I was going to say her man, but come on - they're ducks).

"How YOU doin'?"

"Scram!"

Unhindered by any feelings of shame or decorum, he slides smoothly over to another hen (female duck).

"Heyyyyyyy."

"get lost!"

It's just like days of our lives out there!

Today:

We've had a lot of snow over the last few days - with freezing rain and sleet today. On my way out, this is what I saw.

The creek where they live is trying to ice them in, so they've had to put aside their differences and stick together and work together to keep the "path" clear between where they live in the grasses and where they eat.

You can see the little path they keep clear by swimming below.

Just keep swimming!

January 15, 2011 - MayLee at bowling

2012-01-19T00:00:00.000-08:00

Let it Snow

2012-01-18T09:15:00.000-08:00

This is our first really decent snow of the season.

Here's wishing I was at home with the girls snuggled in a blanket reading books all day.

January 9, 2011 - part 2 - An Aminal for MayLee

2012-01-18T00:00:00.001-08:00

Funnies at work - Today, January 16, 2012

2012-01-17T09:17:00.000-08:00

I have to own this one.

I called someone in another department.

"Sterile Processing, this is Dena."

"Hi Dena, this is Cara from Value Improvement for Patients returning your call."

"OK, where are you from?"

"Kansas."

Yes. I'm that doofus. Clearly I knew her by name and face better than she knew me by name and face. I didn't realize until I blurted out "Kansas" that she was still trying to figure out who the heck I was.

face palm (d'oh!)

January 17, 2011 - the Big idea

2012-01-17T00:00:00.000-08:00

January 16, 2011 - A single person experience

2012-01-16T00:00:00.000-08:00

Today - January 14, 2012

2012-01-15T22:24:00.000-08:00

Today, I tricked Alyson and MayLee into requesting and enjoying food storage.

I remember trying powdered milk at a friend's house when I was growing up. It wasn't great, but then maybe it Lately, I've gotten really into the idea of setting up my food storage and actually using it. I've looked into it a lot and have drunk the punch. Or in this case - the powdered milk. There are lots of great websites out there to make the experience possible and positive. They gave me hope that powdered milk has improved and some tips on making it palatable.

My game plan:

Make it new and exciting - the desirable milk instead of the weird food storage milk.

Today, I made a little - just enough for one person - in my pink shaker bottle. I added a small pinch of sugar and a little dash of vanilla (like vanilla soy) and sat down with it in front of my dinner. Immediately the girls asked to have some. I told them, "I'm sorry, this is special milk for mommy." I waited for just a beat to get their interest peaked and then asked them if they'd like some anyway. Using their pretty cups (instead of their run of the mill red plastic cups), I gave them a little each and let them try it. Success! They liked it, so I made more and shared it with them.
Next, if we ever want to get to the point that we're just drinking it from the pitcher, it'll have to be pretty. So I'll be checking thrift stores for a nice glass pitcher that will fit in the fridge. Bonus points if it has a lid. I'd love for it to be a small tube or rectangle. Man - Mom (grandma) and I came across a perfect one at Nell Hills years ago, but I didn't buy one. Now I don't know if they have them anymore. I'll keep my eyes peeled for a look-alike.
After that, the container is going to need a makeover. Maybe this is just where I get into wanting stuff to be pretty because that's what I do. But if I'm trying to pass this off as fancy / fairy milk, it's going to have to be in costume. Because the #10 can wardrobe just isn't doing much for it. I'm thinking a cute sleeve out of fabric or scrapbooking paper ought to do it.
Finally, I want to make this the fun milk - the milk you get on special occassions - until it's the milk I can pass off as every day milk - for cereal and drinking. For now, I'll keep it for fun days or for when I let them have chocolate milk.

An example of a can cozy - this one is petite for a little bitty soda can. Mine would really have to mean it for a #10 can.

The hope is that I'll eventually be able to keep from using the sugar and vanilla or eliminate one. I've learned a lot about what else you can do to use your food storage every day and if I try them and find them to work well, I'll force it upon you in blog form.

You're welcome in advance. :)

January 15, 2011 - Bowling

2012-01-15T00:00:00.000-08:00

January 6, 2011 (part 4) - Making a shoe for your lips

2012-01-14T00:00:00.000-08:00

Funnies heard at work

2012-01-13T14:18:00.000-08:00

Upon hearing she'd have to present part of our event report out the next day, one of our participants tried to get out of doing so by saying:

"I'm planning on wearing something wildly inappropriate tomorrow."

During our green team meeting yesterday, we had two gems. Both highly intelligent individuals in separate conversations.

Chase said in regards to bicycle commuting:

"I live six miles from home."

Bryan said (sarcastically) in regards to the huge mass of floating garbage in the Pacific ocean:

"Ah, is that the Bermuda Triangle?"

January 13, 2011 - Alyson's princess

2012-01-13T00:00:00.000-08:00

January 6, 2011 (part 3) - Overconfident

2012-01-12T00:00:00.000-08:00

Today - January 11, 2012 - part 3 - MayLee

2012-01-11T20:57:00.001-08:00

We are blessed with highly observant girls. MayLee brought me the "Fox in Socks" book to read tonight and called it:

"Gah-ca-Zoos" for Dr. Seuss.

More tidbits

2012-01-11T19:58:00.000-08:00

If you missed the gems earlier, don't forget to check the previous post.

We are currently watching Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone in honor of the girls' dinner time cuteness. In case you find all slightly mispronounced Potterisms like I do, I share the below.

Alyson's favorite part of the first movie is when Ron tries to change his rat yellow.

"Sunshine, Daisies, Butter mellow,
Turn this stupid fat rat yellow!"
All Alyson hears is:
"Stupid rat mellows!"
She then will quote it happily for a few minutes.

Then, for the first time, she recognized Draco Malfoy and said:
"That Malf-Boy is bad. He's mean to Harry."

Today - January 11, 2012

2012-01-11T19:25:00.000-08:00

Aly and MayLee are so funny. At lunch, Aly was pretending to be Ron saying:

"Wing-bah-bee-bee, Oh Sah!" and then she'd wave her pretend wand back and forth vigorously.

It blossomed from there into them saying "Harry Potter stick" with a rash of giggling.

"Harry Potter Stick!"

"Ee-ee Pah-yah gick!"

"Harry Potter Stick!"

"Ee-ee Pah-yah gick!"

Eventually it turned into:

"Blarry Blobber Stick!"

I swear we don't watch Harry Potter constantly. Only regularly.

January 10, 2011 (part 2) - MayLee's checkup

2012-01-11T00:00:00.000-08:00

At the doctor's office...

January 10, 2011 - Blocks are not books

2012-01-10T00:00:00.000-08:00

Today, January 9, 2012 Girl, Interrupted

2012-01-09T20:41:00.000-08:00

We were on our way in to the store this evening when we promptly turned right back around and left without buying anything.

Any ideas why?

A framed autograph to the correct guesser!
Okay, well maybe not, but 5 points.

Here's a hint. It starts with "T" and rhymes with "spantrum".

I decided it wasn't worth it. We're not that low on milk.

January 9, 2011 - MayLee claims a kiss

2012-01-09T00:00:00.000-08:00

Today - January 8, 2012

2012-01-08T15:21:00.000-08:00

MayLee was playing leapfrog with Alyson's stuffed froggie. Alyson's froggie that, incidentally had been dressed in Aly's jammies.

Christmas - Prettied Up

2012-01-08T14:53:00.000-08:00

Do you remember the other day when I posted pictures from Christmas? But I hadn't had a chance to Photoshop them yet? Here are a few that are prettied up - Just for you.

January 8, 2011

2012-01-08T00:00:00.000-08:00

On the phone:

Daddy: Whose birthday is it today Alyson?

Aly: Isabell's (and indeed, we were getting ready for Isabella's birthday party)

Daddy: And whose else?

Aly: (silence)

Daddy: Mommy's birthday!

Aly: It's not Mommy's birfday, it's Isabell's.

Daddy: Say "Happy Birthday, Mommy!"

Aly: (to me) It's not ore's birfday Mom.

I'm just going to say it

2012-01-07T20:32:00.000-08:00

I'm opinionated about certain things. I'd like to share 2 with you today. Normally I'd like to make it 3 because odd numbers are better than even numbers. Hmm - maybe that can be my third opinion.

1. Ugg boots. They appear to be about the most comfortable thing you could possibly wear outside the house. My feet feel comfy and warm just thinking about them. So why is it that I see young fashionable women wearing them in the dog days of summer with a mini skirt on? Please stop doing that. I might be able to condone it if they looked somewhat stylish - but they don't. They're the millenium's equivalent of the moon boot. Comfy and warm for winter wearing. You know - when it's snowing or you're running errands or building a snowman. Maybe I'm a snob. The only acceptable exception to the rule is kids. Kids can get away with Uggs no matter what, because they're kids. Everything's cuter when it's smaller.

2. Exposed zippers. It hasn't grown on me. I remember seeing it for the first time on Project Runway and hated it then. I still do. I'm sure I'm probably the only one that does - but I do. I don't care if a famous designer at Lanvin did it first. It looks like a mistake and completely interrupts the design. Maybe that was the point. I just don't think many people can pull it off. But let's face it - how many runway fashions can be pulled off - off the runway?

At any rate - because there are some that pull it off beautifully - here's my rule.
It cannot interrupt the design.
It cannot look like you didn't know how to do it and left it in wrong.
You must not use an exposed zipper in a waistband. I don't want my eye drawn to your nether regions.

3. Lists are better in odd numbers.

Thank you for your consideration of the above. Please, no hate mail.

Today - January 7, 2012

2012-01-07T14:10:00.000-08:00

The girls and I played dress up. And we went to the store that way.

After her nap, MayLee pointed to her ears. "Eeees!... wiggle!" And then she wiggled them around with her fingers.

January 7, 2011

2012-01-07T00:00:00.000-08:00

Any abandoned shoe is swiftly claimed by our resident shoe thief.

Today - January 6, 2012

2012-01-06T08:24:00.000-08:00

MayLee was running around this morning with a cinnamon stick wand trying to say Wingardium Leviosa. Which of course is the spell for making things float.

You can hear her saying it at about 30 seconds in the above clip. And then she flops herself over. Kind of ironic considering the intended outcome of the spell.

Eventually Alyson broke in and said:

"No, it's Wing - Gar - Dee - Um -- Leh - vee - OH - sah."
I only wish I'd caught that on video as well. My little Hermione.

Oh yes. We're great parents. I am for introducing them young and early to the magic of imagination. Erik is for playing along.

January 6, 2011 (part 2)

2012-01-06T00:00:00.000-08:00

Alyson: There wasn't a pompom in the sink.
Mommy: Nope. What was there?
Alyson: 'lime and dirt. (horrified face)... 'lime is icky. It will hurt ores body. It goes in de garbage.
Alyson: uh-HUH!

Today January 5, 2012

2012-01-05T08:07:00.001-08:00

MayLee was tickling me this morning -

"Kickle, kickle, kickle" (followed by giggles when I tickled her back)

January 6, 2011 (a day early)

2012-01-05T00:30:00.000-08:00

MayLee: Mmmm, I have an Oreo beard. I wonder how much I can lick off...

Today = January 4, 2012

2012-01-04T19:00:00.000-08:00

MayLee climbed up into her chair at the table while I was making dinner.

I didn't know why she kept giggling.

Until I saw that she'd gotten a hold of the butter.

And had been scratching little bits into her mouth.

I guess I'm lucky there really wasn't much on the butter dish at the time.

Ironic

2012-01-04T10:56:00.000-08:00

Sciatica has been kicking my butt lately.

That is all.

January 5, 2011 (a day early)

2012-01-04T00:00:00.000-08:00

So here's the deal. Sometimes I'll have more funny stories per day than I have of days. So they may shift around a little. Enjoy them anyway - but don't blame me if you start dating your documents incorrectly.

January 3, 2011

2012-01-03T00:00:00.000-08:00

(She gets that from me)

Today - January 2, 2012

2012-01-02T19:37:00.000-08:00

Well that's going to take some getting used to. 2012.

At any rate, though I didn't give much of a big reveal, and as I have still not chosen a new name, I am excited about sharing last year with you in cartoons. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.

Today: We completely overhauled the closet in our family room. It is now a usable space that doesn't look like a breeding ground for nargles and spiders.

Also today, I realized that picking up your violin for the first time in years and really seriously practicing is different than you expect. My back and shoulders hurt - as does my neck. I guess the muscles that used to hold the violin up like that in the past have gone a bit soft from disuse. I guess that's what I get, huh?

:)

Happy new year - back to work tomorrow.

January 2, 2011

2012-01-02T00:00:00.000-08:00

January 1, 2011

2012-01-01T00:00:00.000-08:00

So, from now on, I'll be reliving the past. In comic form.

As the year has gone on, I've kept track of funny things said, exciting milestones and heartwarming stories.

This is how I will be sharing them.

Additionally, because it is not healthy to only live in the past, I'll give updates on what is going on now. Who knows - maybe you'll see a comic next year and remember the story from this year.

Last year, we watched football games. And the girls and I made fun signs to hold up like the two shown above. Because MayLee didn't really understand the signs, she was more excited about the cheese dip and chips we were enjoying.

Happy New Year!

Christmas Part 1

2011-12-30T08:44:00.000-08:00

For your viewing pleasure, the unedited pictures. (better story to come later)

Here, the girls are seeing the tree decked out with gifts for the first time Christmas morning.

Inspecting the loot

Getting ready to open Santa's present

So excited she had to remove her socks

MayLee showing mommy her new puzzle

MayLee opening Santa's present

Santa even got the girls a floor puzzle to share - they got to open it together

Some of the felt food made by mommy

The smoker we got for Daddy that was supposed to be a surprise

Merry Christmas everyone!

Not again.

2011-12-29T00:00:00.000-08:00

It's just not fair I tell you.

Last month, I had a canker sore the size of a dime on my right tonsil. It stuck around for 14 days. It hurt to even exist.

I can feel another one coming on - this time on my left tonsil. Because, you know - that's just fair, right? Might as well spread the love.

This time, I'm going to be ready. I need to go to the store and get myself some alum powder, that should help it to resolve itself faster. And if I don't feel better by next Monday, I'm taking the day off! ... oh wait, I already have the day off in observance of New Year's. OK, then Tuesday!

You know the funny thing? Last time, after about 10 days of misery, I finally took a sick day to rest and hopefully feel better. And at the end of the day of studiously staying in bed and not playing with anything fun (like my sewing machine or computer), I felt worse. Yes, I started developing a cold. Because my body has a sense of humor that I don't always appreciate or understand.

Luckily, thanks to a friend, I never developed more than the very beginnings of that cold. But that's a story for another day.

At a loss for words

2011-12-28T21:33:00.000-08:00

I have two things to admit. They do not make me proud.

They even confuse me a bit, but here goes. Healing comes with acceptance and sharing.

---

I went for years without eating a Snickers bar.

Because I didn't think I liked nuts in chocolate.

I went all through high school without eating one. Until I was a senior. And then I ate one and realized I'd been a fool. A fool I tell you!

I've been making up for lost time.

-----

Next, and related to the above.

I went for years without eating my parents' glorious spaghetti sauce. Oh, I can taste it now. Savory and fresh, chunky and smooth - just a little bit of fire to keep you coming back for more.

And I rejected it for years in favor of cheese because I didn't think I liked onions. Well, let's be clear - I didn't like onions, but one day, we were out of cheese. I remember thinking to myself - come on Mom, how could you do this to me? You know I don't eat that stuff. But I grudgingly tried it. And the same thing happened (although, I'm pretty sure this happened in early middle school). I realized I'd been a fool. A fool!

I can't get those years back because I can't find my copy of the recipe.

----

Mom? Dad? Please, look kindly and mercifully on this, your wayward daughter. I'd like to come in from the cold and enjoy a feast of thanksgiving. Give me the recipe again?

I may even share some with my family... but only if we're out of cheese.

Changes - What you need to know

2011-12-28T21:04:00.000-08:00

I will be changing the name of our blog.

I will be updating it every day.

It won't always make sense - but you'll thank me anyway.

Merry Christmas part II

2011-12-28T19:59:00.000-08:00

OK, so I know I'm doing this a bit out of order since I haven't even got the pictures from Christmas up yet, but here are the pictures of MayLee and Alyson in the jammies Gma & Gpa got for them. You'll see in their arms the little bears they also included who are wearing little aprons. The girls have matching aprons to wear too. :)

Changes Afoot

2011-12-27T21:04:00.000-08:00

Oh, no what has she done now?

You'll find out on January 1. That's when the boat's going to start rocking.

More details then.

But as a preview:

Fluttering By

2011-11-03T13:00:00.000-07:00

Last night, Alyson acquired two wipes that she promptly used as wings. She happily ran around with them in her hands flapping merrily.

Alyson: "I'm a butterfly!"
Daddy: "Oh. Well tell me when you turn back into a girl so I can have a kiss"
Alyson: "You can have a butterfly kiss."
Daddy: "Okay."
Alyson: "In just a minute."
Daddy: "I'll wait."
Alyson flap and dances and twirls: "Ow, I just flapped my wing in my eye!"

Vacation - Final Dose

2011-11-03T12:29:00.000-07:00

It appears that I still owe you some resolution on the vacation adventure. I'll keep it brief - I'm sure you've seen enough of our slide show to be looking elsewhere for a while.

These are the pictures on the way back to the Tri-Cities. It's always hard to leave loved ones. Making it bearable is the fact that we get to come back.

Lengthy absence

2011-11-03T12:21:00.000-07:00

So, the internet has been a bit goofy at our house lately. And I can't currently post on my lunchbreak anymore because my computer needs an update to Adobe Flash Player. And well let's be honest here, I've had other things on my mind than posting.

But I have been thinking about you. I actually have a bunch of things I want to post eventually. Random stuff, pictures, rants, etc.

To make you feel a little less neglected, please consider the following.

I felt really off for a couple weeks due to hypochondria.

I had 3 halloween costumes to sew.

I had 2 beautiful girls to play with and be a mommy to.

I had a wonderful husband to spend time with.

And due to the above, we all had a crazy messy house to pay attention to.
I'm happy to say that after a very large effort on all of our parts, the house looks great right now. But it's a culture shift for all of us. It's amazing how little messes accumulate without any help and how little messes quickly turn into big messes with nothing more than a slight breeze and a sideways glance.

But we're working on it. For our sakes and for the girls. Because though I don't want to care more about a perfectly clean house than I do about playing with and teaching the girls, it's important for them to learn these good habits when they're young and they don't have to figure it out when they have adorable little cuties around to play with. Can it be done? You bet your life on it. Will it be perfect? I wouldn't even bet chewed gum on that.

Morning Musings

2011-09-29T20:27:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, Alyson woke up after having slept with her mouth open.

Aly: "Eww! Someone put slobber on me!... MayLee did... And I didn't like that!"
Mom: "Sorry to tell you this, honey, but that's your slobber."
Aly: (blank stare waiting for me to say "just kidding")

Ice Cream

2011-09-13T13:28:00.000-07:00

Once upon a time...

I was on vacation with my parents and my brother and sister. We went for the day to Aspen to do the Alpine slide. It was a lot of fun and as we were leaving, Mom and Dad said maybe we could get some ice cream. Really nice of them right?

Well, then Rachel and I had to ruin it. I thought it was over by the "x" thing and Rachel was sure - absolutely positive that, no, it was definitely over by the "y" place. We argued about it. Until Mom said, "Fine, we just won't get any."

I can't be sure, but I think that was a pretty good learning experience. When ice cream is on the line - play nice!

Confession

2011-09-06T22:06:00.000-07:00

Dear Mom,

Do you remember that Sunday when we were trying to leave the house to go to church? And I couldn't find my dress shoes? And we were late because we were all looking for them?

I have a confession to make.

I hid them underneath the table. Do you remember that fancy round table we were going to re-varnish? It had a really long table cloth over it. It was green with a lacy white over cloth. It hung all the way to the floor. It was the perfect place to conceal something. I don't remember if I ever used it for anything else intentionally, except for that one day.

So why did I hide my perfectly good (probably adorable) Sunday shoes underneath a dusty table? I was hoping you'd notice the super adorable strappy heels you didn't really wear anymore. I'd conveniently laid those out somewhere conspicuous after Rachel or I were done playing with them. I think I must have been a tween or early teens at that point. And man, but did I want to be wearing some more grown up shoes.

Incidentally, if you don't remember - you didn't take the bait. I gave up and then "found" my shoes underneath the table.

Though I didn't think it was awesome at the time, I appreciate it now. Thank you for not letting me grow up too fast. I'll have to put the brakes on for my own girls all too soon.

I love you,
Cakle-berry.

PS. Yes, I do know that "and" is not supposed to start a sentence. I like it anyway.

Dose 5 - the Aftermath

2011-09-06T21:50:00.000-07:00

When we were at the Cosmosphere, Erik picked up a fancy little contraption in the gift shop. It's pretty much a wing on a stick.

The next day, Erik and the girls tested it on the hill next to my parent's house.

All you do is put the stick between your palms and drag your hands in opposite directions.

Think of how cool it was when we all used to "Give a five, and let it slide". That's pretty much what you want to do with your hands - but vertically.

After the wing is free of your fingers, it spins up and away from you. And then you have your children bring it back to you. Because it's hot and they feel more like running around than you do.

My little Pookle

I'm not sure why, but I absolutely love these two blurry pictures.

We all had a blast. And then the girls needed a bath. Exhibit A:

MayLee's hobbit-ish feet

Dose 4 - The Roadtrip within a Roadtrip

2011-09-05T15:09:00.000-07:00

In addition to hanging out in town, we decided to go on a mini roadtrip while we were in Topeka. The girls have never been to the Cosmosphere space center and it's been years and years since we've been.

Before I give you the meat and potatoes though, here are some appetizers.

Grandpa C on a walk with the girls

MayLee playing at Aunt Amy's house

Alyson playing at Aunt Amy's house

MayLee with one of her cousins

Here we go now...

To be honest, we double dipped. On the way to Hutchinson, we stopped in Abilene to see the Eisenhower Museum.

We waited for a while before our tour of his boyhood home.

At the Cosmosphere, they have an entire HUGE airplane in the lobby. I can't believe I didn't get a good picture of the whole thing, but here we are at the tip of the airplane.

It's cool - there are no ropes - you can touch it, take pictures with it...

...or even sit your kids on it.

MayLee is looking at what we soon found to a lunar module. Pretty cool.

Alyson was kind enough to share her chapstick (tap-stitch) with Grandma C

The girls got to learn about Mars explorers

Aly got to sit in an ejection seat

Grammy, Grandpa C and MayLee next to the Apollo 13 space ship command center. Uh yeah. I said the Apollo 13 command center. The one they made a movie about.

MayLee fell asleep in Grammy's arms

Grammy and MayLee (asleep) in front of a the Lunar Module

We had a blast - an awesome, exhausting and memorable day! Thank you Grandma, Grandpa, Grammy, Grumpy and Aunt Rachel!

Bad Year

2011-08-30T07:55:00.000-07:00

Man, it's been a bad allergy summer. I'm not sure what's going on, because there doesn't seem to be an inordinate amount of wind right now, but something sure is attacking me.

The last time I felt like this was when I was pregnant with MayLee. And we had lots of wildfires and wind that year. This year - like that year, I have barely managed to not claw my eyes out of my head.

Dose 3 - The Park and The Pool

2011-08-28T21:40:00.000-07:00

Dose 2 - The Trip There

2011-08-26T23:06:00.000-07:00

On our (30 hour) roadtrip, we:

Watched a bunch of movies
Put stickers all over ourselves
Tried to take naps and sleep
Had a dressup party

Stopped for dinner and to stretch our legs at the overlook of a beautiful canyon.

The girls did exceptionally well. When we made it in to Kansas, we stopped for a little while at a visitors center. There, we:

Gave the girls their first dose of "don't walk in the grass or the chiggers will get you".
Grabbed brochures and flyers for our home state
Discovered Alyson's understanding of death.

Aly: "What's that on the wall?"
Daddy: "That's a pheasant"
Aly: "And what's that?"
Daddy: "That's a deer."
Aly: (pause) "Are they real?"
Daddy: "Yes honey, they're real"
Aly: "Are they dead?"
Daddy: "Yes they are."
Aly: (pause) "Oh. Did someone step on them?"
Daddy: "Yes, honey. Someone stepped on them."

Small Doses - The garden

2011-08-25T17:46:00.000-07:00

To ensure that I don't overwhelm you with awesomeness, I will be breaking my overdue pictures up into batches. OK, maybe that's part of it, but it's mostly to be sure I don't bite off more than I can feasibly chew.

Today, my pleasure is to show you my garden. Before I left on vacation, this is what it looked like.

Baby Pam pie pumpkin

Beefsteak tomato

Various tomatoes (somewhat) trained on stakes

Zinnias

Sage

Basil

Zucchini

Dwarf sunflower

My helpers - checking for last minute strawberries

Baby Pam again

Zucchini

The garden - looking a bit overgrown. (you ain't seen nothin yet)

Sweet bell peppers

Marigolds

And a teaser for next time!

Regret

2011-08-25T12:42:00.000-07:00

I truly regret having to come back inside to work after spending a glorious half hour out in the sunshine. It's a perfect day out there. And I'm in here. :(

Long time no see

2011-08-24T08:59:00.000-07:00

We do exist.

As do the mammoth sized zucchinis that were taking over the garden when we got back from vacation.

Pictures and fun stuff to come!

Mistaken Identity

2011-07-26T14:10:00.000-07:00

I totally thought for a couple weeks that I had assassin bugs in my garden. They're pretty awesome albeit kinda creepy looking. They help my garden by eating pests. Friends. :)

But no. I was wrong. They're not friends. :( They're not assassin bugs, they're squash bugs. Helping themselves to the leaves, stalks, stems and fruit of my Baby Pam pumpkin plant.

This is my un-friend request squash bugs. Consider yourselves uninvited to the smorgasbord you've made of my garden.

(wordless) Gratitude

2011-07-15T07:00:00.000-07:00

I sometimes forget just how good I have it when, in a fit of selfishness, I bemoan the vast quantities of laundry facing me. Or when I wish I could get a nap too. Or read a book. Or veg on the couch.

And then I get hit with hormones, and suddenly, everything is a much much bigger deal. Like it was a few months ago or like right now, when I'm almost crushed by a renewed perspective of my reality and gratitude for just how darn good I have it.

Let's review.

I have a husband who loves and respects me.
I have a great job, that I enjoy and pays me very well for what I do.
We have two beautiful, vibrant, healthy little girls. Who love me and Daddy and each other.
Our girls have never had to go to sleep hungry.
Our girls have never had to endure or witness violence or rage.
Our girls are learning both English and Spanish and their letters and numbers.
Our girls have access to great schools, music, safe places to play and healthy food.
Our girls have never had to walk across the plains to seek freedom from persecution.
I have the gospel in my life that comforts me when I worry about if (heaven help me), I should lose one of my babies.

My heart aches for the mothers and fathers who have had to comfort their children in war torn countries, where crimes are not punished or are enacted against you by your government.

No, our nation and our world is not perfect. Nor will it ever be under the direction of mortal hands. But for today. I myself am going to thank my father in heaven for piles of laundry. And toothy smiles. And kisses and slobber. And enjoy every bit of the misery and joy that is given to me. Because I realized a couple years ago - wishing to be past the pain won't make it go faster. And wishing your life away is pretty ungreatful when you have it as good as I do.

Dear Mom and Dad,

2011-07-12T17:15:00.000-07:00

Thank you,

For the piano, violin and voice lessons.
The braces.
Buying me those horrible choir dresses and telling me I looked beautiful.
Letting me use your embroidery floss for friendship bracelets.
Tutoring me in math when it probably wasn't fun for you either.
For teaching me how to be kind and how to love myself.

I never realized that you, as parents were and probably are still proud of me - as I am of my girls.

For what it's worth, I'm proud of you too.

I love you.

Memorable Moments

2011-07-08T11:17:00.000-07:00

Erik had Alyson on his lap at church the other day and she farted.

Daddy: (whispers) Honey, say 'excuse me'.
Aly: (normal Aly loud voice) You farted!

Oh, the joys.

Dear Mom,

2011-07-08T09:33:00.000-07:00

I remember one time I was getting ready to go over to Heather’s house (when we were living on Mayo) and I just started walking and didn’t stop. Didn’t even warn you that I was going. When I got there, you'd already been on the phone with Heather's mom and I'm pretty sure I got an earful from both of you.

I used to just drop my backpack on the front lawn when I got home from school. Not sure why. But I did. I think I was about 6 or 7 at that point.

And then of course there was that time that Rachel, Bonnie and I decided to go look for cans to recycle. And we decided to go look at the Expo Center. Without telling you. That's the only time I ever remember being grounded.

And there was one time in Middle School when I had detention (for eating a caramel in history class) I didn’t wait for you to come pick me up. I just started walking home when I didn't like what the other kids were talking about. Of course I didn't think about going inside. Nope - I just packed up my backpack and violin and headed out. But of course, I didn’t take any normal sort of route home. Because when Burlingame meets 29th, there’s no really good place to cross on the southwest side of the road. No sidewalks or crossing signs. I didn’t realize that soon enough, so instead of backtracking, I started walking west on 29th to find a better place. And you found me. After who knows how long of looking and how much cursing and praying.

So, uh. Thanks for always letting me live to see my next birthday. I didn’t always deserve it. I love you.

Overdue

2011-06-29T11:48:00.000-07:00

I'm a bit overdue on my quick posts - so here's one.

Lately, MayLee has become a bit of a little independent little being. By that, I mean she is quickly mastering the art of the overreaction. Consequently, occurences similar to the below have been happening.

(From the other room)
MayLee: Eeeeek! Nnn-No! (insert gratuitous additional screeching and toddler explitives)
Me (upon entering the room): Alyson, give that back to her. You don't need to take things from her. Wait for your turn.
Aly: (hands the 'x item' back to MayLee)
MayLee: (calmly resumes playing with 'x item')
Me: MayLee, you don't have to be such a diva. Use your words - don't screech please.

So apparently, this has happened enough times that Alyson has caught on to some of the lingo. Last night, after school, this is what I hear while they are playing.

Aly: MayLee, don't be a dee-va. (to me) Why she's a dee-va?
Me: She's learning about her emotions and how to play with other people honey. (silently, to self) Dang she's a smarty.

Conversations with (somewhat) animate objects

2011-06-02T17:00:00.000-07:00

My garden and I had a conversation the other day. This is how it went.

Garden: Oh hi, Cara. It's been a few days since you visited. I almost forgot what you looked like.

Me: I know, I feel really bad. We had a garage sale to prep for and hold, potty training, the house is a mess yadda, yadda.

Garden: Yeah, yeah, that's no excuse.

Me: True. I'm sorry I neglected you. What's new?

Garden: Well come over and see. Do you remember the carrots you and Alyson planted in the old cheese puff barrel?

Me: Yes - they were sprouting just the other day. Alyson was so proud!

Garden: Yeah, I remember that too. OK, now do you remember that crazy storm that dumped buckets of water? And that Rex's sprinklers don't seem to have an 'off' setting?

Me: (apprehensively) Yeah... why?

Garden: They've turned into a little swamp. Apparently the 'holes' you poked in the bottom of the barrel were not enough to let all the excess water drain out. And now they're plugged with icky stuff.

Me: Oh no! Oh, my poor Aly-pie. Um, also - ew. We'll have to try replanting after I clean that all out. And actually drill holes rather than just use a box knife.

Garden: Good call - Aly and MayLee have been having a lot of fun with the garden too.

Me: I really I missed you.

Garden: I missed you too.

Me: Ok, so what else have I missed?

Garden: Oh, well there is one thing.

Me: What? And, hey - why are you squirming?

Garden: Well, it's no biggie, I'm just a little itchy.

Me: Itchy, why? Where?

Garden: Ooh, right here - on the broccoli leaves. Oh! And on the romaine!

Me: Let me see! (gasp) You have aphids!!! How could I have let this happen?

Garden: I don't know, but please get rid of them.

Me: Here's one now.

Garden: Ah that's much better. There are about 60 more though.

Me: Well let's deal with this one first.

Garden: What are you going to do? Put it somewhere else?

Me: Nope. I squished it.

Garden: Why'd you do that? It was a little bitty living creature.

Me: I'm sorry, but the aphid should have known. You mess with my girls or my garden and I will mess you up.

Garden: Wow.

Me: Ok, now that I've gotten rid of all the aphids I could find, let's move on. What else is cooking?

Garden: Well have you noticed how spectacular the romaine lettuce is?

Me: My, my - you have been busy. Very beautiful. I think I will have some in a salad, thank you very much.

Garden: Ahh, thank you - that's nice. Kind of like a back scratch.
Me: What's next?
Garden: Come see the cute little lettuce you planted!

Me: Oh, my goodness. They're adorable. And so fluffy. Well done!

Garden: Why thank you. And how would you like to check on the Baby Pam Pumpkin you thought you killed?

Me: What, it's not dead?

Garden: Doesn't appear to be. Or maybe we just need to update our definition for dead.

Me: But its stem split! How can it be alive?

Garden: I'm sure I don't know, but oh, hey - be careful, the leaves and vines are a little prickly.

Me: Owch, I see what you mean. Well, at any rate, I'm glad to see that you're alive and well, Baby Pam.

Me: OK, what else?

Garden: Well, there's so much more to talk about, but there's maybe just one more thing I want to show you.

Me: What's that?

Garden: They say a picture is worth a thousand words.

Me: Well, we have been talking a lot.

Garden: True, but come see what I've been up to.

Me: Are those Pea Blossoms? You're making peas for me?!

Garden: (nods)

Me: Oh my gosh! You did it! Even though I took waaaay too long to plant them! I'm so excited! Thank you thank you thank you!

Garden: You're most welcome. Just visit a bit more regularly or I'll eat them myself.

The cuteness is astounding

2011-05-23T22:52:00.000-07:00

At church (and ever since), MayLee has been very interested in playing - Where's my nose, where's your nose and all variations. She's more talky than ever and getting bossier by the day - learning well from her big sister.

Alyson was reading a book the other day in which the main character Dora was returning library books. On the last page, Dora asks the reader how many books she's just returned. When I asked her how many there were? I was expecting her to count them out - likely in Spanish. Instead, with a I'm about to lay a good joke on you smile, she blurted out "65!".

Yes. 65 books. Not 7 or 4 or 9. Certainly not the 8 that were really there. There were 65 books there - that was her story. She stuck to it.

How Does Your Garden Grow...

2011-05-22T21:42:00.000-07:00

Splendidly.

Despite the fact that it is glorified sand masquerading as well tilled earth. So far, it is benefitting greatly from the loads and loads of compost I've added. It'll never end though - it will always need more. I guess that means I'll never be out of a job.

Baby carrots just thinned. Yes - they do already taste like carrots!

Tomato seedlings ready to be added to the soil. Since we started wayyyy too many, there's no way I can plant all of these. I'll have to start giving them away!

To the left, the raspberry plant I was certain I killed last year.

To the right, Alyson with the little cheese puff barrel of carrot seedlings she planted.

The improvised compost pile I have made up. So far, we're working with thinnings (the ones that don't end up on my plate) kitchen waste (that doesn't include fats or meat) and random bits of cardboard like torn up toilet paper rolls. Mix that all up with some soil or compost and, given the right circumstances, I'll have fresh new nutrient rich compost to add to my garden in a couple months. Sure beats the heck out of buying it, and I can feel a little bit better about the stuff I do throw out.

My garden.

My beautiful tomatoes. Started from seeds at home! So excited. We planted a couple beef steak, a couple Sweet 100 cherry tomatoes and a couple plum tomatoes from Italy.

Since these little babies won't want their roots disturbed by cultivating, I hilled some extra compost up around the base of their little vines. We'll see how that goes!

My bell pepper bed prepped for planting. I actually just tucked them in last night. Pictures to come!

On the left, Shasta Daisies ready to plant.

On the right, more baby carrots to thin.

I've got to say. I find this to be one of the most rewarding things I've learned to do. The ability to take a seed - a mumified little plant and turn it into pounds and pounds of fresh, healthy food for your family is just good ~~dirty~~ clean fun. Though I'm trying to cultivate (get it?) good habits of using gloves, I have to say I like a good old fashioned dirt manicure some days.

Maybe it's just the crisp newness of it - the awesomeness of learning a completely new skill.

Or maybe it's just freakin' awesome to eat a salad of hand picked ultra fresh greens.

It certainly doesn't hurt that I have some pretty awesome helpers...

...even if those awesome helpers get a little nervous when the air conditioner starts humming.

Some of my favorite things in the garden? Listening to Alyson call a cultivator a "koo-ka-lator" and when she wants to taste the lettuce with me.

Surprise!

2011-05-19T12:51:00.000-07:00

New posts over at Stash Crafter!

Good Morning, Monday

2011-05-16T08:34:00.000-07:00

Dear Monday,

Your kind gift of a flat tire this morning might have been better appreciated by someone else.

Please think twice before thinking of me next time.

Thank you,

Cara

I (Heart) Spring

2011-05-05T09:32:00.000-07:00

Taken

2011-05-03T12:17:00.000-07:00

Erik surprised me with these at work today.

Look what's hiding! A pretty pink rose nestled in - just like a hug.

Sorry Girls. He's taken.

As I'm quite taken with him.

Insult

2011-04-27T08:59:00.001-07:00

My shirt just called me fat.

Sweet Snuggles

2011-04-26T07:50:00.000-07:00

Aly and MayLee are the darn cutest little girls around. This mroning, Alyson was super snuggly and lovey. She woke up with a great smile and ran for a hug. She shared her cereal with MayLee in the car when MayLee ate all of hers and requested 'Te Amo's and 'True Love' hugs when I dropped her off at school. After I dropped MayLee off in her classroom, I snuck up on Aly and gave her a kiss. She turned around and smiled really big and said. "Oh thanks Mom!"

And MayLee! So darn funny. Snuggly, huggy, kissy. All with enthusiasm. You should see her with her little white piggie. Biiiiig hugs.

Oreo Post

2011-04-25T21:11:00.000-07:00

First things first. I'd like to say, "You're welcome". I've pared this down from the monstrously long post it was earlier.

As a prelude to the goop, here's some happy to tide you over.

Alyson is at the head of her class for many things

Linguistics - both English and Spanish. Yep, our school is fabulous. The kids are learning some Spanish every week. Erik and I are helping at home - this is a good refresher for me. I took Spanish in college, but my class was at 7am, so my memory is a bit rusty.
Fine Motor Skills - She's using scissors at a 4-5 year old level
Best out-right cackle - you have to hear it in person to truly appreciate her laugh
She's darn funny - and she knows when she's being funny. I never realized that kids have a sense of humor and can make jokes that young.

Now for the goop. Yesterday was a hard day. I'm not positive why, but I have a couple ideas of contributing factors. I didn't feel like myself at all. I felt physically and emotionally tired. Bone tired. I felt like crawling right back into bed as soon as I got up. Not even to sleep. Just to curl up and lay there. Erik had to work that evening, so it was all me.

Since I'm not 100% sure of what was going on, here's my theory.

Our house is a mess. OK, big deal - clean it up. What's the problem? ... I don't know. That's the weird thing. I just felt completely drained when I looked at it yesterday. More so than the normal - ugh, another mess feeling. It felt more like oh my gosh, it's all a mess, and it will never be clean, and I don't think I can bring myself to fold another thing and put another thing away and oh my gosh it's such a mess it will never get any better, what's the point in even trying. I'm sure you will agree - yuck.
I'm excited about my garden, but tired. It's exhausting to break, till and ammend the soil by sheer will and force alone. Could I have rented a rototiller? Sure. But though I'm glad that my hands are the ones that broke the ground, it was exhausting. And there's more to do. Having worked in peat moss, steer manure and compost, I really hoped my soil would look more like soil. But it still looks mostly like sand. It needs more. It's always going to need more. That's a bit exhausting to think about. And I finally planted my peas. But they really should have gone in a few weeks ago, so maybe it was a waste of time and effort to put them in at this point. Who knows.
Maybe it's just the hormones. I'll just blame it on the hormones. I remember the first time I felt hormonal during a period. I was at college. That year wasn't particularly great for me - it was 2001, my roommates and I were all a bit at odds with each other and I was busy and sleep deprived. This is what happened. I was watching tv. A commercial came on for a hair product. The model swung her hair around and the light flared just perfectly. And I started sniffling and my eyes pricked with tears. What is WRONG with me?! I yelled at myself. The same thing happened yesterday. I'm not sure why I felt weepy. But I did. Anything and nothing could set me off. I was really off balance feeling that way - it's been a really long time.

So yesterday was hard. Instead of getting off my butt, I sat on the floor surrounded by laundry. Then I sat on the couch and stared off into space. When I realized that Alyson was silent in her room, I started to get suspicious. And then she was calling: "I need a towel to clean up my mess." Off I dashed. Fresh despair coursing through my body. She'd smeared lotion in the carpet. Presumably trying to get it off of her hands. All of it. The whole bottle. It smelled lovely in there. Somehow that didn't help my mood. But I didn't yell. I just wanted to lay down on the floor and have someone else be the disciplinarian for a minute. I wanted someone else to figure out how to get the greasy lotion out of the carpet before it stained. I wanted someone else to be the parent for a couple minutes. I was tapped out and I needed to tap out!

I had Aly sit on her bed while I ineffectively tried to clean up the carpet. Eventually, after making the obvious mistake of smearing it around, I sprinkled a bunch of baking soda all over the affected carpet. This should have been a quick process. It took me about 45 minutes to get that far. No joke. I was more or less useless. It was exhausting and disorienting and really sad to feel that way. I hated it.

But it got better. I managed to get us out of the house to church. Both Alyson and MayLee were exhausted - none of us had had a nap, and we all probably needed one. MayLee was just so tired she was miserable. She kept trying to get to the snacks she couldn't have (peanuts and corn nuts - why in the world did I bring those?) and was furious when I kept taking them out of her hands.

Aly, bless that child over and over again, was so good. She was happy to sit down in Primary for the first week. In the past, it had been a struggle just to get her to sit down so I could go to class. But this time she did and gave me a kiss and asked me to stay. I love her. MayLee and I went back to the chapel for Sunday School where she fell asleep. And I got to listen and read and be touched by the Spirit. Maybe I was just in need of the Spirit and Sisterhood and Fellowship. I felt so much better. So much more renewed. More able to cope with and deal with the responsibilities of being a parent. My favorite thing said was that the small and simple things we do every day are the ways we clothe and arm our children with the Armor of God. It's how we prepare them to withstand the cloying, sneaky evil that is rampant in our world.

It truly is amazing that though I was still tired, body and spirit, I felt better. I was able to function. To be the Mommy again. To enjoy my girls' smiles and play games with them. To discipline when needed and tickle just because. I am so glad to be back to my old tricks.

OK, so for the other side of the fun?

At church, MayLee sustained me when my name and calling were announced. She saw everyone holding up their arms and she did the same. Straight up went her litte left arm - a great big grin on her face. She couldn't have known how much it meant to me. She didn't know that it helped heal my heart.

When waking up yesterday morning, MayLee gave Daddy kisses and responded to his "I love you" with "Yay-Yay-oh".

This morning

2011-04-22T06:33:00.000-07:00

MayLee gave Daddy a kiss:

Daddy: "Nice kiss MayLee. Maybe a little too much teeth."

-----

And 15 minutes later, I was in the bathroom and heard someone moaning plaintively in the hallway.

Mommy: "What's going on out here?"

Alyson: "I couldn't see you."

Mommy: "Well I was in the bathroom honey. You could have said 'hello' to Daddy."

MayLee: "I. I!!!!!"

On an unrelated note

2011-04-21T21:18:00.001-07:00

Erik got us some fabulous mats for the bathroom. They feel like standing on a teddy bear. Delightful.