Gum in the Carpet!!!!!!!!!!!!

Clare's afternoon ritual goes something like this:

1. Request to watch the latest "Fetch" show that has taped on the DVR in the loft.  (Side note: she would also like to be a contestant on the show...if anyone out there has a connection for her.)

pbskids.org

 2. Ask for a piece of gum.

And I believe that is how I stepped on something sticky in the loft the other day.

  

Behold, gum in the carpet!  

Thankfully it came out.  To do so, I placed an ice pack on the spot for a good 30 minutes or so.  The gum was easy to pull off once it was cold.  

Ta-da!

And now I'm a bad mom because I keep telling her we don't have any gum...

Memorial Day 2011

"A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself." 

            - Joseph Campbell 

1st Tooth Lost!

First tooth in...

...first tooth out!  

Served faithfully for 5 years. 

"Public Works Fair"

Our city recently hosted it's annual "Public Works Fair" and, since diggers, scoops, backhoes, and bulldozers are common vocabulary around here, we were very excited to attend!  

In heaven in the driver's seat.  (I had to go up and physically get him out!)  

Big smiles!

In the scoop.  (You really don't realize just how big those things are!) 

There was lots to see!

Ellen was easily entertained by the balloons.  

 One very happy boy!  

Some people can never resist these!  

Lunch break!

 

Time for a train ride.  (Pretty much the highlight of the whole day!)

**And Clare informed me that this was not just a train, but actually a "steam locomotive."  

They really do love each other!

And here's when Jude explained that his train shirt...

  

...was the same as...

...the train that we were riding on...

...at that very moment.  

 Waving to the crowds.  (It paid to watch the Royal Wedding!)   

 One last game of red light / green light before heading home.

The end!

Just Canonize Her Now...

Frozen Yogurt Graham Cracker Sandwiches

   

Now that warm weather has finally hit, we all like to enjoy a cool treat after dinner.  Ice cream isn't the best option for those of us 8 months postpartum and preparing for bathing suit season.  I originally found this recipe on a Honey Maid Graham Cracker box.  (I tried to find it online, but now this recipe is the only one I could find...sounds good, too.)

Frozen Yogurt Graham Cracker Sandwiches

1 6 oz. container of fat free yogurt (I like vanilla best)

1 cup of fat free cool whip

6 whole graham crackers

Mix yogurt and cool whip together in a small bowl.  Break graham crackers in half.  Dollop one large spoonful of yogurt/cool whip mixture onto one graham cracker square and place another graham cracker square on top.  Place in baking dish, cover, and freeze.  Makes 6 sandwiches.

Garage Sale Finds

'Tis the season for garage sales and I recently hit some up with Ellen.  (She's up at 6 AM every morning, so she made the perfect buddy!)

I scored a "Lite Brite" which has already provided hours of entertainment!  Clare and Jude are at the perfect age for it and we've already witnessed it as perfect rainy day activity.

The Lite Brite has me remembering playing with one at my grandma's house when I was younger.  (And I'm pretty sure she still has it in her "grandchildren toy stash.")

First completed picture!

I also got Jude some small construction vehicles which he is loving.  He really likes to have them dig in the bean box!  He has also slept with them on several occasions.  Nothing says snuggly like dye-cast metal!

Peanut Butter Play Dough

What could be more fun than edible play dough?!?

Here's how to make some...

Combine 2 cups of peanut butter with 6 tablespoons of honey.

Stir in about 2 tablespoons of flour with a splash of milk.  

(We also added in about 2 tablespoons of cocoa for a bit of a chocolate flavor.)

Use Cheerios, raisins, etc. to decorate and eat!

Yummy!

Uplifting Words...

...from a homily given by our pastor a few weeks ago:
"We look forward in faith, we live in hope."

Happy Birthday, Mom!

I wish we could be there to celebrate today!

Since I can remember I have always been told that I look like my mom.  And since I was her worse labor, complete with back labor (sorry!) I inherited her name.

Now that I am a mother myself, I appreciate my own mom all the more.  Suddenly you realize and understand just how much your own mother loves you.  And you appreciate the years of selflessness and unconditional love that have been poured out for you in a new light.
 
There are many things I admire about my mom, but a few stand out above the rest.

My mom is a reader.  I always remember my mom reading...usually while feeding and rocking one of my younger siblings.  I enjoyed being read to by my parents growing up.  One book I remember my mom reading to me is "Marvin K. Mooney Will You Please Go Now?" by Dr. Seuss.  I specifically remember this book because my mom's OB had a copy of it in the waiting room.  And throughout my mom's entire pregnancy with my younger sister, Mary Jo, I had her read it to me every time she had a doctor's appointment.  And...she actually really despised that book!  (Maybe this had something to do with me requesting it so often???)

  

My mom has a wonderful sense of humor.  She always sees the bright side of things.  And when you aren't seeing it that way, she'll remind you that "the first 100 years are the hardest!"

My mom is a very thoughtful gift-giver.  I am always amazed at Christmas when gifts are opened how everyone ends up with something they really needed or she knew they would enjoy.  (And by the secret code that she remembers as to who gets what present because some people that still live at home like to snoop and shake and try to figure out what they might be getting...)

I am thankful to have such a wonderful resource and friend to rely on as I navigate through motherhood myself.

Happy Birthday, Mom!  I love you!    

All Grown Up!

Who would have thought that this little girl...

...now has her first loose tooth and has started getting ready for kindergarten??  

I'm going to get some kleenex.

In the meantime, Jude is slightly obsessed with Buzz Lightyear.  When I put him to bed I usually ask him what was his favorite part of the day.  For the past couple of nights his response is, "Playing with Buzz Lightyear, the coolest toy ever!"  (Although "coolest" comes out more like "tool-est" and it's even funnier in person.)  

Back when it all began...

Boy has it bad!

"Painting" the House

In an endless effort to keep people out of trouble around here, Jude did some painting for me the other day.

Supplies: one bucket of water, one paintbrush, one house, one little boy.

Then someone else came along to help.

I was inside making dinner when Jude called me outside.  A butterfly had landed on the side of the house and lingered for quite some time!

Very fun for two little explorers!

(And of course Clare got wet painting and immediately needed a new outfit.)