Earning Her Keep

Well, B has been running low on money lately. (Haven't we all?) So we told her we would pay her some big bucks for taking over my chores. She happily agreed as she loves to "help" do them anyhow.

She started by cooking us a delicious breakfast . . . as soon as she could figure out where that dang "whisk" thing was.


Afterwards, she realized that she had a whole sink of dishes to do!! But, not to be dismayed. This, she realized, was one of her favorite tasks! (to this day big tears fill her eyes when we deny her request to do the dishes).


Especially when it came to turning off and on the water. REeeACH!


And last, but definitely not least, she volunteered to babysit her little friend J for some extra dough. He is her favorite "baby" to take care of. Here she cozied right up to him and tried to amuse him with a funny finger-in-mouth sound . . . definitely NOT amused. :)

In the end, we thought she had earned her keep pretty well for that day. But there's always tomorrow. :)

With Flash and Without

I recently read that you should NEVER use flash. While I doubt that is totally true, I decided to experiment with no-flash pictures. B likes to look out the window at some stray cats that have graced our back and front porches (lucky us).

The picture on the lower right is with flash.

The picture on the upper left without.

What are the differences?! See them?











And again sans flash below (this picture is better than both above, I think):


I guess one of the keys of NOT using flash is learning to use natural light--which I still have to figure out.

One of My Favorite Things

Well, I've been gone for a little under a week visiting a dear friend in the City of Brotherly Love--and I dare say Sisterly Love, because I do love her as a sister. We met back in the days of BYU and played basketball together on a couple teams, hung out with our husbands as couples, and just "clicked."

In Philly, we had a lot of time to talk since we did a lot of cleaning and fixing up to get her house ready to sell. And we started talking about our favorite things. Hmmm . . . my list is long: chocolate ice cream, chocolate, delicious food, . . . ok you get the point that I love food.

But, among other things, I LOVE to play basketball. It is so fun to run and jump and exercise and have fun with other people while not even noticing how much of a workout you are getting. It is also a time when I do not realize or think about how much taller I am than most all other women (and men) and can just be in the moment and ENJOY--even though I really am fully exhausted after a good, hard game.

Recently, I have been on a basketball team that plays once a week in a women's league. We've also had church ball--which league we won! So, in honor of that, I had to include a photo: (unfortunately this does not include everyone, but it's pretty close).


Oh yeah, don't you love my wings behind my ears? Guess I should have waited for that haircut . . . (Note: this is also post game).

Also, B likes to help me get ready every week for the big game, so here she is modeling three jerseys that she just HAD to layer for the full effect:


She'd be pretty intimidating on the court, don't you think? Especially when she's posed like a Shaq or KG. That's why she gets to go to Sporties for Shorties every week with her daddy--to work on those skills. Watch out!

Easter Hunting

We decided to do B's Easter basket hunt after church and a good nap. And with a little help, she found it!

At first she seemed a little lost--(note the post-nap hair and glazed look).
But she got the idea pretty soon . . .

Especially when she discovered the jelly beans . . . mmmmmmmm . . . yummy!

Then, we went out side and joined some friends for an Easter egg hunt.

She hunted . . .

And hunted . . .

And hunted . . .

Look at her stash!

When she was done looking on the ground, she "found" some in a friend's basket.


Here's B with all her friends.


It was such a beautifully wonderful day!!

Easter Weekend - Duckling Day Parade

Well, B is sleeping more during her sick days, so I guess I do have some time for blogging . . .


The Saturday before Easter B was invited to a birthday party and got to march in the annual Duckling Day Parade. Here she is as a little duckling. I think she's soooo cute but she was rather overwhelmed by it all so she had a blah face on. Also, it was SOOOO cold. So, she wore her coat for most of it.
She LOVED the big ducks that were posing for pictures outside the library--as she is an animal lover at heart. She wasn't even afraid to walk right up and give it a hug.

She was also pretty excited to see some dogs being walked and to collect this rubber ducky dressed up as a fire fighter--placed along the duckling's route.

But her favorite part of all was afterwards . . . at the birthday party, EATING CAKE! You can see the little hand reaching up for another cupcake. B is sooo tall for her age that she can reach most things a 2 1/2 year old can, but she does not have the capacity or self control for understanding "no." Plus, it was Easter weekend. So, did I really care how many (19) jelly beans she ate in 1 hour?! :)

I must say to the party planners, it was the best party and best food I've had in a loooong time. Of course, these friends are notorious for their fun parties and invites and craftiness, and all around creativeness. Unfortunately, I did not get a good picture of B and the birthday boy together. But, thank you & Happy Birthday!

Sicko

Well, B has been a bit sick the past couple days. We couldn't figure out why she wouldn't eat and just wanted to be held. We found her this morning with throw up all over her bed and she was just crying miserably with a fever of 103.

So for now I'm going to be taking a short break from blogging until I don' t have a little 18-month-old lying limply in my arms . . . poor baby.

On the upside, E is home more this week to help! And he has most of April off! Yay!

Playgroup

This is B's playgroup. She loves it and goes once a week. I love this picture that was taken last week by one of the other mothers and just had to share it with you. I think it captures some of their personalities well. While my observations are probably inaccurate--this is just my opinion:

First, there is A who is sweet, in a nice dress and tights--a little lady--watching the world around her, very observant and taking everything in. She looks at her two little friends--perhaps longing for their same freedom and courage, but possibly also thinking "they are crazy." Her hair is pulled back in little tight pigtails with precision and I doubt she even cried while this was happening.
Then, there is A who has a glimmer of mischief in her eye, although she is being very good at not spilling her snack--using the proper manners, and looking at the camera when told. Her hair is cute and orderly--but one bow is never enough. If you look closely you can see some bottled up energy in her eyes, ready to let the chasing and "I get you" begin!
Next there is B. This blog has shown some of her personality before now, and as her mother, I am a bit biased in interpreting pictures about her. But, I think anyone can see that she is a firecracker and the tallest of the bunch. Her hair is disorderly (although there is a feeble attempt made at a bow), her undershirt peeks through, and her posture says: "I dare you." Mischief and laughter in her flow. And her cuteness is obvious. But to tame that spitfire takes more than a little energy, ingenuity, and wit.
Then there is M, who has her moments, but is sitting as told and looking at the camera. She has an abundance of hair that is well-mannered, except that it grows at an inordinate rate (much to the chagrin of her mother who must constantly trim her bangs). You can see her transition from baby to little girl in her cute little overalls (as I hardly consider overalls a baby wear). There is also a slight hint of rebellion in her as she does not tolerate any confinement of her hair. "Let it grow!" she says.

Thanks everyone for making playgroup so fun! And for dealing with my little spitfire--even as she now hits the keyboard with her hair clip as I type. We are working on that . . . ;)

B's New Kitchen

Well, I broke down and bought B a play kitchen at our amazing "Twin Sale" that is held bi-annually. It was a whole whopping $10.00! Of course, when we got it home we had to clean it--and B had to be right in the thick of it, helping with the 409.

As you can see, B was pretty delighted with herself and HER kitchen.

It's pretty cool cause it's double sided--on one side is the Kitchen, on the other is a little "store" complete with a cash register that rings when you push the red button. B is demonstrating here.

She's pretty pleased with herself.

It's so nice that it entertains her--as she was getting pretty bored with her old toys.Peekaboo! Looking through a cupboard . . .

Thanks for playing!

Match Day continues . . .

Our Friends and Placements: Meg, JR & Alyssa - UT San Antonio; Kenny, Tara & Ashley - S. Carolina; Ethan, Scott (& Emily-not pictured) - Cleveland; to the right: Annie & Brian- Riverside in Columbus, OH; and below right: Katherine & Lee - Indiana.

So, of course the Match recipients had to wait until noon to open their letters. We arrived around 11 am for a little ceremony and a reception and waited with our friends in a big auditorium. Our row was pretty much the only one with kids--but they all did a good job waiting.


All the students had to go to the front of the auditorium to pick up their letters at around 11:45. You can see the posters with giant letters in the background, according to last name.

If you look closely, you will see a little foot and hand hanging over E's hip--since B accompanied him up to pickup the good news.
And here's E & B, returning with the letter! She was a little stone-faced the whole day. I think it was a bit much to take in.

And I know you guys all wanted an up close and personal look at E reading his letter. He got a little choked up when he realized what it said. We both did.

Anyhow, the school put on a nice reception with yummy food, then B had naptime, and then we got together with some friends for a pizza party and more food! It was a great, busy day--E remarked that it reminded him of a wedding because of the emotions felt and how it was so busy, going place to place, and eating tons of good food. I must admit, I had to agree.

Match Day?!

A picture's worth a thousand words. But here's a few more to help . . .

Although E and I are ecstatic about the Match results, B voiced her concern once she heard about the -40 degree F record this Winter. We tried to reassure her that summers are divine. :)

But seriously, we feel so blessed to have matched where we wanted. We were both near tears today when he read the letter. Oh, the tender mercies of the Lord!

More to follow . . .

Photography Lessons, Anyone?

Ok, photography is not my strength. In fact, it is rare that I take a good picture. E is interested in it, even has a nice point-and-click camera that he received for college graduation, and has taken a few classes (in high school I think). But, I--the one usually with B and with the camera--am the one who needs to know photography.

Yes, I attended a little seminar on the subject (i.e. Enrichment), but really, it was too technical for me. I have figured out that pictures look better if they are taken from above--thanks Heather and Stacey.

So, can anyone tell me how I got B's eyes to shine like they do in this picture? I think I must just have been slightly higher than her level. I'm not even sure if I used the flash. I know that light is important, but it's hard for me to figure it all out. I also like the way the light is on her face and hair. And I remember something about the "Rule of Thirds." But, her face is centered and still looks good, right? Would it be better if it wasn't centered? The only thing I do know is that it is a digital camera and the shutter was partially closed (due to the fact that B jammed her little finger up there a couple weeks ago).

Anyhow, random post, but I'd like a few of these questions answered if anyone has the time. I would like to recreate pictures like this at some future date.

Thanks in advance for any advice you can all provide! And Happy St. Patrick's Day!!!

The Little Mother

In one of her quiet moments (not a common occurrence), B can be found taking care of "her baby." She is learning to be soft and that babies need bottles and diapers. Of course, her size 4 diapers go up to the doll's neck. I should have saved some of those newborn diapers! Rats!
What a good mommy! Look at her aristocratic pinky up in the air as she gives the baby the bottle (and yes this picture was a couple weeks ago). Of course, 5 seconds later I think she threw the doll down on its' head and ran off to the next thing. You can only be so good . . .

But really, aren't we all just practicing at being good mommies (& daddies)? My parents told me I was their practice child, as I was the oldest. And don't doctors "practice?" In fact, in the nursing profession, the order is "watch one, do one, teach one." I guess that's just how life goes. What do you think?

Daddy?!

This is how B often waits when I tell her Daddy is coming home. Of course this picture is from her days of the cast, but you can imagine her hopeful face, nose against the glass, looking at E's parking spot.

We miss you and hope you drive home safe!

Missing MyMy

Two days ago, my friend called to ask about her daughter having oral thrush, which looks like this (look closely at the tongue):



But it didn't sound right to me because she was describing something that looked like this (sorry for the gross cavity picture) and resembled canker sores and "white bumps", although they were on her tongue:








After hearing she had a fever, was inconsolable, not acting like herself, not sleeping and not eating as well, I suggested some other causes besides thrush (i.e. teething, canker sores, ear infection, etc.) and advised she trust her instinct and call her doctor. Mom's just know when something is not right with their kids.

Later on, she told me her daughter also had these (note the small sores on the palmar surface) and would not take her pacifier (i.e. the tongue sores were painful):





Ohhhhhh . . . Now I get it. A picture's worth a thousand words.
And we have (ta da!) Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease. So, watch out. It is very common in nurseries and daycares

Unfortunately for her poor baby, it also comes with a rash and sore throat and is moderately contagious so B can not play with her for a while. Which is probably good since both B and I have had colds which we would not like to pass on to anyone.

But it was very sad as this morning these little friends saw each other from a distance but could not play together and B just kept calling, "Mymy! Mymy!" (which is what she calls her friend) over and over again. They both were a little frantic & B cried at the prospect of not being able to hug and play together like normal. Luckily B and "Mymy" will be able to come off quarantine soon!




B & "MyMy" 1 year ago.
Now what do you think is going through their little heads?

"Blizzard '08"

So, this is what they are calling the massive storm we had over about 2 days. It pretty much snowed straight from Friday morning through Saturday evening. This is the final result of the snow:

But B still had a fun time helping Dad to dig out the cars and sidewalk.

This is when we wish we had a garage. For sure, if we move to Minnesota, that is a necessity. Also, snow tires would be nice. The thing about here is that they are not prepared for such storms (they only have ~30 trucks for the whole great Columbus area which is ~ 2 mill) because they are not very common here. It really hardly snows here at all. Especially when compared to Utah, Wyoming, etc. But, then again, it is colder and freezing rain equaling icy roads are more common. So, they are pretty good (or rather overkill) with the salt. As a result, I have learned we must wash our undercarriage as a part of our car maintenance.

Hope there's not a Blizzard '08 part II. :)