kitchen decorating

I have finally put my kitchen somewhat back together since we repainted it in March. I am trying to use my bakers rack for extra storage, not just junk or pretties. I wanted my coffee pot over there, but it opens from the top and wouldn't fit on the shelf. So, john had this idea to put the thing on a drawer slide. Now, I just pull it out to add the coffee and water and i have a whole little coffee station. I am really liking it. The yellow bowl holds my filters and the coffee is in the canister. I still want to repaint the whole bakers rack. But, haven't decided how yet. And, I am undecided on the curtain thing. i made it out of a thrift store table cloth. it looks kinda stupid. I bought the drawer shelves in Round Top and the new drawer pulls at Anthropology. Yes, the pulls were more than the drawers. ha! Sara took the lovely pictures of our girls cooking when she was here in june. i got the idea to display them this way from a magazine. Can you belive i did that all by myself? The guy at Lowes cut the boards for me..... Ok, and john hung them. oh, and Sara took the pictures. ok, so i just put them on the board. ha! i was still impressed with myself.

Just as a side note.... i am totally addicted to the thrift stores! i have been going almost every week and finding all sorts of tresures. Several Christmas gifts are coming from there. maris picked out her own sit n spin for $3. That will be under the tree. ha! And, i found a cute vanity bench for Macie that i am going to re paint and fix up for Christmas. More stuff that i won't reveal at this time. hee hee. ok, bye!

Halloween and Flower Pillow

Wow! It's been a long time. Is anyone even looking at this any more? I need to just give this thing up. But, I wanted to post Halloween pictures of my cuties and to show off the flower pillow I made Macie. I was having a good ole time making it until I had to sew those dang petals on! You sew them on when they are stuffed and it was a little difficult.... It was a pain in the BUTT! Also, when I got ready to post this, I realized that I didn't have a picture of Macie in her Halloween costume by herself. So, this is a cute one of her and her friend Jordan aka Tinkerbell. Funny cuz Macie was Tinkerbell last year and Jordan was Ariel. Hee hee.

Thrifting and crafties

Yesterday I went to some thrift stores with my friend Amy. We met at Panera Bread and then hit the shops. It was so much fun and I spent too much money. Here is a sampling of what I got. I had been looking forward to a big cup of coffee from Panera Bread all day... you know those big coffee mugs they have? Anyway... found one at the thrift store! And, it's so cute!! Presentation/packaging is everything. Had been wanting one of these truffle bowls or whatever you call it. And, the ugly duck thing, I bought for the embroidery loom. Hopefully, I will post a project with that soon. I also got a vintage tupperware cheese grater for $2, a ballerina outfit for Macie, two red kitchen rugs, a pumpkin towel and a shawl. I want to go back. Trying to hold off and save my money for Round Top in about 10 days!!

When Sara was here a couple of months ago, we both got some of these cute hearts cut out of an old quilt. Sara had the idea that I should put them in these oval frames that I had (I bought two the same day as the hearts). Anyway, I finally got around to putting them up in Maris's room. They look cute. I think it needs something else though. What do you think? Different spacing, more stuff?

Finally!

Here is a project that I had been wanting to do forever. And, it took me forever. I just worked on it here and there and finally finished it. I think it turned out cute. Of course, Macie will never wear it. I asked if she wanted to wear it to school tomorrow and she said: "Maybe the next day". That translates into: "I am never putting it on again". I guess there is hope that someday Maris might wear it. I guess I should be happy that she agreed to wear the spiral skirt I made her today. Oh well, I enjoy making the stuff. I took one of John's shirts that had a rip in the sleeve and the fabric band is some fabric I had used for my kitchen curtains. The hardest part was making the pattern. John helped me do that.

Maris's First Day of School

Today was Maris's first day of school. How cute is she???!!! She cried when I dropped her off and was crying when I picked her up. But, her teacher said she was fine in between. Her teachers are SO nice and sweet. I am so happy about that! Ok, back to Maris. Granny made her this sweet little dress. Macie and Sally (Macie's doll) have matching ones. I need a picture of all three. Thanks Granny! And, check out her backpack. I got it from Etsy and she LOVES it! She can even say "backpack". It is just too cute! Oh, and if you can see it, check out the name tag on the backpack, also from here (Etsy) and adorable. I ordered some for all Macie's friends for Bday gifts. And, did I mention cheap?

Labor Day Weekend

This picture makes me laugh! "Excuse me sir, license and registration please." We had a wild weekend. I was in the mood for a vacation, but we never go our act together, so we kinda just played tourist here close to home. Fri, I drug the family to Grapevine Mills to do some returns. The bribe was eating at Rainforest Cafe. It was fun. Saturday, we went to Fossil Rim Wildlife park to see and feed the animals. It was fun too, but not as great as it has been in the past. Plus, it was super expensive. I think it will be a while before we go back. Sun, we took it easy and Mon we went to Lake Grapevine. Macie tried out our new boat toy that is kinda like a raft or tube you pull behind the boat. She road it with Erin. Later, she told me "That thing was awesome!" It was cool to see her riding it and not too scared. Maybe she will learn to ski in a few years.

Unfortunately, we also were at the Dr two times this weekend. On Fri for Macie's ear ache. Thurs nite she was crying and saying it hurt. Fri morning it didn't but I took her anyway. Turned out to not be bad and she didn't take meds for it. Mon, I thought she had a urinary tract infection.... won't go into details. We are waiting for the final results of that test, but she was fine later in the day, so I think it was nothing serious. She calls it an eery-eery infection. Too funny.

Oh, and by the way, I tried to beautify my blog, but couldn't figure it out. I got tired the other day and just left it like this. Sara help! I will try again in a few days. I am such a dork!

Maris make me laugh

So the last entry was all about Macie, now for Maris. I have been getting to enjoy Maris much more now that Macie is gone all day at school. She has been cracking me up! She grabs my hand and pulls me where she wants me to go. One day, we spent like 15 minutes racing from the backdoor rug to the kitchen sink (3 feet). She would say "Go!" and then run and giggle and giggle. It was hilarious. One day she brought me Macie's gloves and wanted them on her feet. She wore them around like this for about an hour. TOO FUNNY!!! She is also very into her babies right now. She loves to feed them, put them to bed, read to them. So sweet!

First Day of School

We survived the first week of school! Macie has enjoyed it. I was surprised that she wasn't just completely exhausted when she got home. On Thurs, I was talking to another mom and she said she thought her daughter was running on adrenaline and she was waiting for the crash. I laughed and thought, that was a possibility. We had been walking to and from school, but this day I decided to drive and then go to Sonic for drinks. On the way, we drove by Nature School. Macie casually said, "There's my old school. I miss Ms. Terry." Then, she started bawling her head off! She cried and cried. Poor thing, I couldn't even hug her cuz we were driving. (She climbed up to the front when we got to Sonic). Later that day, our whole family was in the car (on the way to the Cowboys blue and white practice game at new stadium) and I commented to John that I was proud of Macie for not having her pin moved in class. She then said "I almost got my pin moved today." I asked her why and she started bawling again. Through her sobs she said: "I love my mommy and daddy too much to tell them this news." She got that from a book we had from the library before school started called "The Bad News Report Card". It was funny, but sad all at the same time. She was just exhausted. What wonderful parents to drag her off to the Cowboys thing. Anyway, we never did find out what she did to almost get her pin moved. Friday after school, we had a bunch of her friends from church and the neighborhood who go to her school, over to play on the big water slide. Everyone had a great time. So tomorrow starts a new week. I think she will do fine.
As for me, I am handling it well. The neighbor has offered to take her to school in the morning. I am secretly very glad that Macie wanted me to take her last week. She has to wait in the cafeteria until her teacher comes out and takes the class back. She was in their with 5th graders! Gasp. But, next week , I think it will just be 1st grade. She told the neighbor tonite that she would walk with them tomorrow. I may try to weasel my way in just one more week. But, on the positive side, I did get the carpets cleaned in Macie's room and my room and the hallway. This week: closets watch out!
I have to say that these pictures are not the best in the world. We were running late of course. I still remember exactly my first day of kindergarten picture. Sorry Macie. This is yours! The second one was taken in her classroom. Oh, and by the way, I have to say that neither the backpack nor the lunch box would have been my choice. I really tried to get her to choose a cute flower or butterfly, non-character lunch box. (The backpack is from last year and a long story). But, then I thought, I had a Strawberry Shortcake lunch box and a Holly Hobby. So, who am I to deprive her? And, what difference does it make anyway? I think I would have drawn the line at Hannah Montana, but thankfully, that did not come up.

End of Summer

End of life as I know it!!!!!! I know, I am being dramatic. But, it is just a matter of hours now that Macie will start kindergarten. Tonite, I had a vision of her eating lunch in that great big cafeteria will all the other kiddos. No me. She will love it though. Probably won't miss me a bit. This is going to be hard for me! Its enough to make me consider home schooling.... not really, but ALMOST! Kindergarten should not be all day. They should at least get out at 2 or something. I think the hardest part will be when Maris and I do stuff like playdates and library. I spent the last week trying to cram in all this fun stuff. We went to the zoo, she went swimming with Aunt Patti, we went swimming for playgroup, went to the Children's museum and saw Imax Dolphins, got her hair cut at Sweet n Sassy and had lunch with Daddy at his office. And, today, the whole family went to NRH2O, a water park. After the intial shock it will all be fine and dandy, I'm sure. I am looking forward to getting into some kind of a routine. School will force that a little. With Maris in mothers day out for 2 days/wk, I have visions of me completing tons of sewing projects, udpating my blog frequently, having a spotless house and catching up on all kinds of projects that have been building up.
Ok, with all that said, I wanted to post some pictures of our summer. Again, I can't format all this so it looks pretty and organized, so I am just going to post pictures and you can figure out what is what. In June, Sara, Lily and Natalie came to visit. It was SO much fun! The girls were a hoot! Lily and Macie staying up all hours chatting and giggling in Macie's room. Sara and I crammed in all that was humanly possible with 4 girls in tow.
For the 4th of July, we went to my parent's house. I think it is going to be a tradition. We picked blackberries and shot fireworks. The guys and the older kids (there were 14 great grandkids there) put on a firework show that would have compared with any city sponsored show. It was amazing. It had poured down rain right before dark and cooled everything off. We snuggled up with blankets and jackets on the front porch and watched the show. Can't beat that. The sky right before dark was amazing too.
In late July, we went to Lake Murray with 3 other families from our church. We stayed in cabins and had campfires and cookouts. One day we rented a double deck party barge thing that had a slide off the top deck and a jet ski to play with. We brought the boat too. We had a lot of fun.
Sometime in there we also went to a Ranger game. Through the library reading club, Macie got to parade around the field before the game started. I think John was more excited about that than she was. But, it was cool. Ice cream and french fries got us all the way to the 7th inning. I was impressed.
August seems to be clouded by the fact that my Dad was and is still so sick. But, like I said above, we managed to do a bunch of fun stuff. We even stopped by Sulphur on the way back from visiting my Dad. The girls loved it. No pictures of any of that.

Ok, are you still reading? This is a long post. I must go now and finish a dress I am making for Macie. Will post more with all my new free time next week........ Here are the pictures in no particular order. I will have to add "figure out how to blog" to my list of projects.

Silly picture

I am the worst blogger ever! But, who cares. Look at my little toot. She is so funny. Snuggled up on Macie's babydoll bed. Too cute! I want to post some more picts from our Ranger game experience and our camping trip. Maybe....

Inspiration

I am doing a Beth Moore Bible study right now and she listed the words of this Steven Curtis Chapman song in the lesson today. I had to share them cuz I think they provide such wisdom! so true with all of life, but I esp feel the trueness of it with kiddos.

There's only on who knows
What's really out there waiting
In all the moments yet to be
And all we need to know
Is He's out there waiting
To Him the future's History
And He has given us a treasure called Right Now
And this is the only moment we can do anything about
And if it brings tears
Then taste them as they fall
And let them soften your heart

And if it brings you laughter
Then throw your head back
And let it go, let it go

You gotta let it go
Listen to your heartbeat
There's a wonder in the here and now
It's right there in front of you
And I don't want you to miss
The MIRACLE OF THE MOMENT.

Garage Sale!

Last night on my way home from Walmart, I noticed signs for a "HUGE Garage Sale Thurs ONLY". They got me. So, this morning, I drug Macie and Maris with me. Can't help it, its in my blood... love garage sales. Macie does too. ANYWAY.... Look what I got. It is a Kenner Family tree house. My FAVORITE toy as a kid. (Well pre-Barbie and Cabbage Patch of course). I about knocked Macie down when I saw it there on the sheet for $3. Ha! I bought Macie some annoying knock off Weeble Wobble one a couple of years ago, it just didn't compare. I have previously seen these on Ebay for TONS of money. If you have time and are so inclined, check it out. I looked on Ebay again tonite and there were listings of the complete set ranging from $10-$250 (buy it now price). I am curious to see how high the bids go on the $10 one. OK, I know, I'm crazy. Of course mine has no people and is missing a wall I think, but still. I HAD to have it. I thought I would see if Ebay had the people or furniture. The furniture was about $3-$15 a piece. And, the people were $15 each. So excited, had to post it on my blog! Macie and Maris got toys too. Macie got a talking Dora doll for 50 cents (that will probably see the Goodwill pile next week) and Maris got one of those round toys that you point the arrow at the animal and pull the string and it makes the animal sound... 50 cents. Tonite I saw signs for an ESTATE SALE nearby. I think I will hit it on the way to Maris's Dr aptmt tomorrow!!

Summer!

We are having a fun and busy summer so far. I don't think anyone has been too bored around here. We had a great week with Sara, Lily and Natalie. It was so fun having them here. I think we packed in as much as we possibly could. Lily and Macie had Nature School in the mornings and they played and played the rest of the time. We got the big slide out again and went to a water park. Sara took pictures. We talked, cooked, schemed. We bought fabric and made dresses for Lily and Macie. And, Sara and I even got a babysitter for the kids and snuck away for 1 1/2 hours to a lovely antique store in downtown Arlington. We had tons of fun and gathered some stuff for more projects!!

We are off to OK for 4th of July tonite or tomorrow. (Macie is throwing up today, so don't know when we will leave.... ugh, life with kids). I will be posting lots of picts of projects and the 4th soon.

The BirthdayParty!

Wow. It was crazy. Somehow there were a million kids at my house. And, it was the hottest most humid day of the year. But, it was fun. Again, more random pictures. I had to make the cake twice, b/c the first one looked like crap. We ended up buying a high dollar inflatable waterslide for the party (and to use all summer). I tried to get it on craiglist for 1/2 the price, but the lady was such a flake. I just couldn't make it work with her. She lived an hour away too. So, Target sold it to me for the previous week's sale price and I got 10% off by applying for the credit card. I love doing that. I got the best deal from GAP. And, currently I have $60 in credit at Pier 1.... but I digress...

So, we had the crazy slide which was a hit. But, the kids went crazy for the treasure hunt, too. That surprised me. I thought they wouldn't want to get off the slide. Katy drew a map for me, I tore it in 4 pieces. The first clue we snuck into the pool at the bottom of the slide inside of a plastic bottle. They read the first clue which told them where the 2nd piece was located and so on. Then, they put all 4 pieces together to make the map and locate the treasure. I filled this small treasure box with candy and trinkets. They attacked that thing! It was funny.

After the party, John and I tried out the slide. It was fun. It was a pain to take down and clean and our yard was a swamp afterwards. But, we plan to get it out once every week or two during the summer. I hope it holds up. We read some bad reviews.

Oh, and presents galore! Ha. But, she got some really great stuff. A lot of art things and puzzles and games and stuff. I am definitely going thru her toys and donating some. The girl has too much stuff!! I'll admit it, she's spoiled. Ugh.

Our Trip to OK

Here are some pictures just randomly thrown in cuz I don't know how else to do it. (Sara, you are going to help with that next week, right?) There were surprises all around. The first surprise, which I knew before we got there, is that my Dad has moved back from Korea. Yeah! The other surprise was 2 dirt bikes and a 4-wheel truck thing that we are calling a Kubota, even though it isn't. Anyway.... They were fun. I even tried the dirt bike. I used to ride them when I was little. No fear back then I guess. And, there was a new baby calf, born just 2 days before we got there. They call the mom "Dolly". See why? Poor Mama!

Some updates

Maris is eating and sleeping much better! She has taken to eating without her hands and just diving face forward into her plate. Macie and I thought this was so funny yesterday when she got mac and cheese stuck to her snotty nose. It was really funny when there were two noodles stuck there, but I couldn't grab the camera fast enough. Unfortunately, she likes to eat that way off the floor too. She will dump her snack out and then eat them off the floor like a dog. Ha! (I know, it's gross and I do stop her). I guess that is why we have ants and also why I won't spray with chemicals.... so we still have ants.

I finally decided on Macie's birthday. I don't know why I was having such a hard time. Finally, it all just came together in my head. Thanks for all the comments on the blog & otherwise. We are going to have the party at home and it is going to be Mermaid and Pirate theme because Macie wanted to invite boys this year. It will involve our fabulous fort in the backyard, that is very soon to have swings and maybe even a tire swing, and some kind of water fun. We are considering buying or renting a big water slide. Macie and I made the invites, modeled after some ideas I found online and in Parents mag. The invitation is on blue cardstock, cut with wave scissors & blue glitter paint on top. The bottom, we dipped in sand. Then, I mailed them in a paper bag. The invite said to bring the bag for the scavenger hunt. I stayed up til midnite working on that Mon nite. I thought it would be regular postage, but the grumpy lady at the PO told me it would be 59 cents. I had to use two ugly stamps, one of a pitcher and one of James Michener in a Hawain shirt. Ha! Oh well. Cost more to mail them that make them.

About the gifts..... This was a hard one. I am going to just let people bring gifts. And, I think I will wait until she is a little older to try the no gifts thing. I still think she doesn't need anything else. Our house is full of toys, and you know what her friends fight over when they come play? AN OLD BROKEN CELL PHONE! Don't donate your old phone or recycle it, send it to me so they will all have one. Ha!

Now, I have to go clean up the sand that Maris dumped out all over the desk and carpet. I know, I was stupid for bringing it in the house.

Macie is out of school for the summer. I am looking forward to summer and we have a few trips planned. But, I think I will be ready for kindergarten. Macie is so bored already!

Birthday Dilema

Ok, again, I don't know how many people read this regularly, but I need some input. Sara, I already talked to you about this, but am still having some problems deciding. We started having friend bday parties with Macie at age 3. She has had 2 really fun backyard splash pool parties. This year, we were planning on another at home party. Possibly pirate and princess themed so she could invite some of her friends who are boys. I really enjoy the home parties and making the cake and all that. But, for some reason am tempted to go somewhere this year. Macie told me this morning she wanted to go to the princess tea room place. This is where they get to jump in a bounce house, dress up, have nails painted, get their own tea and teapot and cakes and cookies. You pay someone to do all that stuff. Problem is, I would have to limit the invitees cuz its pricey. This is probably the last year she will want to dress up like this. So, what do you think.... at home or fancy pants tea room? I really never thought I would go somewhere for a party, esp a place like that. But, really, I do end up spending a lot of money and definitely a lot of time getting favors and decorations and making the cake and decorating the house and cleaning up the house......

Next issue: Gifts. I really have been thinking that I want to request no gifts or donations to a charity. Macie wasn't too hot on the idea when I mentioned it once. Should I push it or wait until she is older? (For Maris, I think I will definitely start earlier, but Macie has had and has been to too many parties and seen all the gifts galore). Ok, any input would be appreciated.

Mothers Day

I had to share these things:

Macie made a Mothers Day card for me at school. It was a Mad Lib-style form letter and here is what it said:

All About My Mom by Macie:

My Mom's name is Stephanie. She is 37 years old, has brown hair and brownish greenish eyes. If my mom gets to go out to eat, she wants to go to Burger King and she likes to be with the family. Mom spends most of her time cleaning the house and her hobby is playing with me and maris in the bathtub. She would love to take a vacation to everywhere. The best thing my mom does for me is put me to bed.

Hee hee. By the way, I hate Burger King. She said she couldn't think of anything. But, I would like to go on vacation everywhere.

These pictures are of some more flowers Macie picked for me. She LOVES picking flowers. This little vase is a tiny syrup bottle from Cracker Barrell. My grandma was visiting last week and it was her idea. It is so cute and PERFECT for the tiny flowers Macie finds. And, what a great reason to go to Cracker Barrell and order the pecan pancakes! (You get a glimpse of my new kitchen in this picture too. I am currently making curtains, then I will take a picture. My mom helped me get started... I may never finish). The other picture is of some dead magnolia tree leaves. Our neighbor has a magnolia tree and Macie is always picking them up and making a bouquet out of them. This time, we brought them in and put them in a vase. Add some rocks from the front yard and its not a bad look.

Some day I am going to figure out how to make my blog look nice. Maybe when Sara comes to visit...... I have no idea where these pictures are going to come up on here. Anyway, one more thing to share. Last Saturday, I bought myself a mothers day gift. Maybe I will take a picture of it. But, it is two interlocking rings, one says Macie, the other Maris. I first saw the idea here at nelle & lizzy. But, I saw that a lady was selling them here locally and was engraving while you wait. So, got me one.

And, finally, I am adding the picture of Maris cuz I think it's funny. She is walking around the kitchen with a bag of Pirates Booty. Maybe that's why she doesn't eat dinner...... (actually she is getting much better)

Easter & a Macie conversation.

I know, Easter was a million years ago. But, here are some pictures of our little family. I tried all day to get a sweet picture of the girls in the dresses their Granny made them. They were both being stinkers. Notice Maris's muddy toe in the family picture. Ha!

And, here is a funny little Macie story:

Macie: I don't like my name.

Me: Why?

Macie: It's too different. I want a more prettier name like Sheeba or Rudolph.

Okkkaaaayy....... This is an example of a conversation based soley on the fact that she wants to be talking... about ANYTHING.... Just talking. Ha! Which reminds me... She was describing a girl in her class today and she told me "She's not much of a talker ya know". Hee hee.

Mommy Confessions

As I was warned, having Maris has been humbling. Picky eaters bug me and I love to sleep. Macie slept thru the nite by 6 wks (mostly), and eats tons of stuff (not as much as she used to though). Our dog sleeps all night, always has. ha! Maris... she's a picky eater and she still isn't sleeping thru the nite. Well, she does sleep until 4 or 5, if we are really lucky 6. So, technically, that is thru the nite, right? But, I still nurse her to sleep for naps and bedtime. Ugh. She will sit in her high chair for 5 minutes or so and then tries to escape by scooting down under the tray. I always give in and let her out because I am tired from trying to get dinner cooked then cut up on the girls' plates and on mine. (John is rarely home before dinner) I just want to eat in PEACE! So, she gets down after two bites and entertains herself while we eat. Last night she ate her avacado off her plate in her high chair, then got down and ate a piece of egg off the floor from breakfast and some Pirate Booty chees puffs she found left over from her snack earlier. I joke that I should just scatter her dinner around the floor under the table and she would eat it. For lunch today she had a chicken nugget in the car and 4 french fries. That doesn't include the nugget that she chewed on and then spit out in my hand. Lovely. When offered some foods, most foods, she blows a razzberry at it and turns her head away. What the heck? Anyway.... I am not sure who all reads this, but I don't want a lecture or advice. Just venting. I know what the problem is. I have a million excuses and I just can't get there yet. I do have to say to all those people that I secretly looked down on for: nursing too long, not eating well, not sleeping..... "SORRY, Now I know why!!!!!!!" Hopefully, I can get everyone whipped into shape before its too late!

I have been horrible at updating this blog. I hope to post some picts soon.

simple things

The past few weeks have been crazy and busy for me. I won't go into details, cuz its whiny and I just don't feel like it. Consequently, my patience has been short and my girls have been driving me crazy. Then, on Tues, the girls and I were in the front yard and the ice cream truck came speeding down the street. Macie got a huge watermelon flavored popsicle with candy seeds in it. I just remember how much fun that was when I was a kid. Then, we met some friends down at the park where Macie picked these wildflowers for me. She ripped most of them up by the root. It was hilarious. Sometimes I forget that she is just 4, still such a little girl.

I have not been updating my blog like I want to because I have been busy with other stuff. But, I see the light at the end of the tunnel. Maris is getting tubes in her ears on Fri am. I am so ready. She has had 5 ear infections! And, she has not been sleeping well AT ALL, which of course contributes to my crankiness. So, I will start making her sleep better after that. I am selling a ton of stuff in the JBF consignment sale this weekend, clearing out a bunch of junk. Hopefully this weekend I can do a little shopping and can start re-decorating my newly painted kitchen. Of course I am going to wait until the termite people come and drill holes in the newly painted wall on Friday. Oops I said I wasn't going to whine. Ok, that's it for now!

Overheard in OK

We spent a great few days in OK visiting my mom and Grandma. I forgot my camera in my rush to leave my horrible kitchen and mess of a house, but maybe will post pictures soon. But, I got a kick out of this conversation that took place on Sat while we were fishing down at the pond:

Macie: "Grandma, I'm diggin up this cow patty!"

Grandma Ruth: "Oh good, do you see any worms"?

HA! Gotta love it!!

Macie-ism

On Tues, John and I had our 8th anniversary. On Mon nite, I told Macie that the next day was our anniversary and that we had been married 8 years. She got sad and kinda started to cry. I asked her what was wrong and she said "You're getting so old". Ha!

The girl is a hoot. She just came in here and told me that she was scared of the Dora show on tv. Sheesh!

Oh, and I know every parent has probably experienced this. We went to zoo on Mon and Spring was in the air if ya know what I mean. The elephants and turtles were mating. The elephants were very intersting to say the least. Anyway, Macie says: I didn't know elephants played piggy back rides. We of course, left it at that.

Ugh

I just had to share my woes. Really, I'm just feeling sorry for myself, cause I know none of this stuff is THAT bad, but here we go....

1. The roof over our kitchen, where we are currently re-texturing and painting the ceiling, IS LEAKING

2. The kitchen faucet broke. As if having the whole kitchen torn apart wasn't bad enough....

3. I stubbed my little pinky toe on Tues and it hurts SO BAD! The whole area is swollen and black purple and it hurts to walk on it still.

4. Maris has been running a fever for 2 days, and has tonsillitis and her 4th ear infection since Sept. She is going to the ENT to see about tubes in her ears! She's just a BABY!

Ok, its not that bad, but poor me anyway. I will say that I am so thankful to have such nice friends and be around such nice people. On Wed nite (before I knew about the leak and before the fever and faucet) I went to church with both girls and it was pouring down rain. Scott Souder went and parked the truck for me. After church, it was raining again and Scott Tenery went and got my truck for me. So nice! On Thurs, Kelly brought Macie home from preschool. Also on Thurs, Gina verified Maris's ear infection so I didn't make a needless trip to the Dr.

I think its supposed to stop raining sometime today, which will be great. I don't know how you stand it Clarissa! Hopefully John will fix the roof this weekend and we can get the kitchen done! It is taking FOREVER! OK enough.

Quick Update

Here are some pictures and some updates of what has been going on in our life. I want to get back into updating this blog, but I feel like too many other things have been going on. The pictures are out of order, but oh well. Sara, when you come visit, I want you to give me bloggin lessons. Anyway........... Maris's birthday was fun. She got a cozy coop car and tons of other things. Granny made her little bday dress.

Macie had her first soccer game on Sat. These pictures are of her playing goalie. They are misleading, because this is the only time she actually partcipated. The rest of the time, as the girls chased the ball up and down the field, she was several yards behind them wandering around. She also thought the goal net thing (she gets her athleticism from me) was a stage and was dancing around. I am hoping she was just REALLY tired due to the camping trip the night before and will do better next week.

On Friday night, we went camping at River Legacy Park down the street from our house. The city organized it and it was a lot of fun. They provided hot dogs and smores, Macie made a lantern that she uses as a night light now and the librarians read some books. At 9, they showed a movie (open season) on a big screen. Macie knew a couple of friends there from Nature School and of course met some new ones. She had a great time. Maris loved it too. She had a ball in the tent and on the air mattress, and in her little lawn chair. The weather was great, but WINDY. The tent was blowing all over the place, even ripped our brand new tent. Maris and I made it until 1 am and then took off for home where we slept much better. We were all 4 trying to sleep on a queen size air mattress. ha! Oh well, we hope to try camping again later this spring.