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.)  

Picture Treasure Hunt

Growing up, my siblings and I would make treasure hunts for each other around the house.  I remember that this was always a lot of fun.  Clues were written out, telling where the next clue could be found.  The treasure at the end was usually something small like gum or candy.

This might not come as a surprise, but neither Clare or Jude can read.  (OK, Clare can read the names of her 14 classmates.)  But they do love to do treasure hunts.  I have an envelope of picture clues...pictures of various household items that I have cut out of magazines.  Clare and Jude really enjoy finding and "reading" the clues.  They always get very excited when I suggest a treasure hunt (and it usually buys me some time because I have them go up and down the steps about 10 times throughout their hunt!).        

And theses are for Grandma B., who asked if Ellen is pulling herself up yet...  She just started this the other day.  At least she's interested in helping with the dishes!

Even Superheros Need Some R&R

Multiplying Butterflies

This week Clare has become a modern day printing press.

She brought home one butterfly picture from school...

...and has "copied" it several times.

(I think I would scare you if I showed you the exact number she has recreated...you might suggest therapy.)

Send more printer paper!!  

My "Best Guy" and His Firetruck Cake

Happy 3rd Birthday Dear Jude! 

For the past couple of weeks I have been asking Jude what he wanted for his birthday.  

His answer: "A firetruck cake."

Yesterday his birthday wish was granted and he was very pleased with his cake, along with his very own Woody, Buzz, and other Toy Story goodies!  (As you can see, he is slightly obsessed with Buzz.)  

(The fire engine cake recipe is from Betty Crocker -- although we used chocolate donuts for the wheels.)

I do have to admit that I'm not too sad to see the (terrible) 2's end for Jude...I've gotten a lot of souls out of purgatory this year...

Somehow he lived to see his next birthday!

Love you much, Jude-Buggy!

Purse Cards

The kids and I made these cards to give for Mother's Day.  (We simplified the process and just made them as cards.)

First print the template out here.

Trace the pattern over a piece of construction paper (or card stock) and cut out.  

Then fold the card where noted.  

We decorated the purses with stickers and markers.  

Next I just poked a pipe cleaner into the top for a handle.  

I secured the other side by bending the pipe cleaner.

Jude decided to string beads on the handle of his card.  

(He also really enjoyed coloring the purse template.)  

 Then I was feeling brave and busted out the glitter pens.  Very sparkly!  

All finished!  So chic!

Kitchen is Painted!

I think it has actually taken me longer to take "after" pictures of the completed kitchen than it took me to paint it.  I like how it is so much brighter than the red.  Although with all of this beige I need to introduce some accent colors soon!

Before:

After:

I want to use the color scheme from this rug that is in the foyer.

So here are some of the fabrics I liked from my last trip to JoAnn's.

 Thoughts??

  

Contagious Giggles and Smiles

For some reason Jude (AKA Buzz) thinks this you tube video is hilarious.  

(He also thinks he is the baby in it.)  I think we've watched it several dozen times here over the past couple of days.

In other news, Ellen enjoyed her first plane ride over the weekend!  

She was by far the sweetest little passenger on board!

Morning Prayer

I have a magnet on my refrigerator that reads:

"Lord, Help me remember that nothing is going to happen to me today that you and I together can't handle."

And this is why: