The Canny Family Blog

a fun weekend

2012-02-04T22:35:00.007-06:00

Friday night we headed to the rodeo. The national bullriding championships were held here in our little town and it was a very exciting show. Those bullriders are crazy. Talented, but crazy.

~~~~
The fun continued for the little lady of the house tonight for her first dance - a father/daughter dance! We had so much fun getting ready. Dan spoiled his little girl with a new dress, corsage and flowers for her hair.

A few senior prom type poses. :)

How Dan said they spent most of the night . . .

up in here

2012-01-16T21:25:00.006-06:00

My little sister just told me to update the blog. Kellie, don't say I never listen to you. ;
~~~~

Last week we went from playing in sand and sweatshirts to snow and snowsuits.

See this one. Catching snowflakes on his tongue? Nope. About to turn around and pretend to stick his tongue on that basketball pole! Yep, someone has seen the movie "The Christmas Story" a few too many times. He never actually did it but had lots of giggles freaking me out. The worst was that little brother, who copies everything biggie does, really did try to stick his tongue on the pole. I spent 15 minutes blocking our toddler from freezing his tongue to a basketball pole before carrying his screaming tantruming self inside. Fun times here folks, fun times.

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Dan is continuing his path to becoming a media mogul. Not really, but he did get a sign installed at the office. :)

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I gave the boys haircuts. With clippers. For the first time. Including the mogul himself. Dan and Cooper's turned out pretty good.Cooper was a little shocked because Callum's cut went a little shorter than originally planned. Just a tad. Still a cutie though.

~~~~

What else? Oh, I locked the kids in cages today. No, not really. We went to Pella to a little play spot. Super fun. Callum thinks he's 12. Now that he's got his big kid, tough guy haircut. ;)

It's January, right?

2012-01-07T09:31:00.002-06:00

Apparently we'll be sliding back down to normal tempatures soon, but the last week has been anything but normal. Lots of park time, no bulky coats, no snow. Yesterday's walk reminded me how dry everything is though, so maybe I won't complain too much if a few snowflakes come this way, but we have enjoyed getting out during this little heat wave.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

2011-12-25T23:01:00.000-06:00

tis the season

2011-12-19T15:51:00.002-06:00

Last year we didn't visit a Mr. Claus, so I'm not quite sure Cooper really knew what he was getting into when we walked into his little house (we went to see the Holiday Nights and Lights displays at the park - Char convinced us to stop in and plead for a pillow pet because not everyone in the entire state had yet heard her request). While we read a few santa books we don't really focus on him as a real dude. Guess we should've prepped Cooper a little bit more, poor guy. Callum was cool talking to him, "Dada Dada Dada," until Santa reached for him. Not so cool.

No tears were shed during this Christmas tradition. Much more fun for us all. Tip from me to you: hot glue the gingerbread (or graham crackers if you're me) together before you decorate, it toddler proofs the process a bit.

Howdy

2011-12-17T22:51:00.003-06:00

Cooper's birthday morning started, as I suspect, many little boys' birthdays have started for many, many years. Toy guns and cowboys and indians. Breakfast party in the morning with playdate pals.

(why do i always forget to take pictures of all the kids at the party? bad mommy.)

Perhaps the best birthday present came later in the day when the kids got some free entertainment via the cement mixer truck. Yeah we have a sidewalk again!

Happy Birthday Cooper!

2011-12-16T22:07:00.003-06:00

A few outtakes from our recent photo session with the lovely Leslie.
More to follow for our birthday boy...

18 months

2011-12-03T08:00:00.000-06:00

random

2011-11-29T12:59:00.003-06:00

Exhibit A: "Is that building a hotel?" No, it's an office building. "Why?"

Exhibit B: "Is [insert the person who's usually still within earshot] a boy or a girl? She's a girl. or. He's a boy. "Why?"

Exhibit C: "Is there snow on the ground?" No. "Why?" Because it didn't snow. "Why?" Because it's not cold enough? "Why?"

I'm beginning to understand the phrase - because I told you so.

~~~~

Cooper told me today that he could see my butt crack (when did he learn the phrase "butt crack"?). He then proceeded to pull up my pjs. Dan told him he was the Butt Crack Police today (oh, maybe that's who he learned that phrase from). He's taken his job very seriously.

~~~~

Our Second Annual Turkey Day Tshirts turned out a little wonky this year:

We went with footprints instead of last year's handprints. Cooper's skinny foot = a skinny turkey. Callum's lost an eye on the drive up to Grandma's (it's dangerous out there folks) and we didn't even get a picture of Charlotte's shirt. But it was equally as "cute." :/

~~~~

Speaking of crafts, we made these reindeer cookies last night for Char's preschool snack today.

I'm mother of the year.

After preschool, we went to Target where I bribed my kids with dollar spot toys to keep from acting like monkeys on crack.

I'm mother of the year.

~~~~

peace out.

Thanksgiving Photo Dump

2011-11-26T22:41:00.003-06:00

Admiring Grandma's pumpkin pies; watching Charlie Brown's Thanksgiving with cousins; checking out Aunt Heidi's cool phone; Cooper not posing with Aunt Kellie; and Cal being cool.

Because we're never quite sure what the weather will hold the week or so before Christmas, we had a little early birthday party for Cooper. He wasn't feeling very well, but he perked up for presents! And Callum enjoyed the noisemaker. :)

Picnik

2011-11-21T16:46:00.003-06:00

So it's no secret I like to take my kiddos' pictures. A lot. I like to document this little life here and it's the unposed candids that are my favorites. My better half has Photoshop for work and for the longest time my to do list included a box for "master Photoshop in my spare time." I don't even have the spare time to brush my hair most days, thus the details of Photoshop have been shelved.*

But all is not lost, for I have something "better." Well, better, as in FREE and EASY. Picnik. It's been around forever. Go there and give your pics some punch. These examples aren't examples of perfect pictures/edits, by the way, just a few things I did in a minute or so (said to all real photographers who are laughing right now). :)

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*Random story:

The other day Char asks me about the book I'm reading. "It's about being a better mom," I say.

"You're already a good mom, " she says (as I slip her a twenty, just kidding).

I ask her what she thinks I do well (good?). "Tying shoes."

Then what, if anything (ha), she thinks I could do better. "You could brush your hair better."

Wordless Wednesday

2011-11-16T22:42:00.001-06:00

?

2011-11-14T20:48:00.003-06:00

Deep sea diver. Of course.

Happy Halloween from our zoo to yours!

2011-10-31T21:36:00.002-05:00

Preschool Halloween

2011-10-28T14:26:00.002-05:00

Charlotte has been loving preschool this year and learning so much. On Tuesday her class, with the minivan driving moms, headed to a little pumpkin patch. And Thursday was her costume party.

Little brothers entertaining before the show. Wonder where they get their love of the stage from (their father perhaps -ha)? Pippi Longstocking!!

The two senior classes on stage.

(yes, Char and Callum look so much alike, they make the same facial expressions all the time)

2011-10-27T23:31:00.002-05:00

This weekend the kids and I headed up to their grandparents' mountain.

So nice to see their bountiful harvest.

~~~~~
Then this week we had to make some mountains (and valleys) of our own. Thanks to a lovely broken water pipe from the city's main to our house we've had some digging going on.

I missed some of the best pictures - those of Dan, eight feet down, covered in clay - but I did get some of these, filling back in the hole and trench. Our yard looks like a bomb test field, but we're grateful that this was a fixable problem. Messy, but no biggie in the bigger scheme of things. And we're so thankful for some little blessings to help resolve this, and BIG help from our neighbors.

anatomy of family craft time

2011-10-11T13:25:00.002-05:00

Overheard while Char’s brothers “helped” with her first homework assignment. Yes, preschool homework.

“Do you have to go to the bathroom before we get started?” “Don’t eat the glue!” “Get down from there!” “Do you have to go to the bathroom?” “Yes, you can use the scissors, just use them safely!” “Don’t eat the beads!” “Are you sure you don’t have to go to the bathroom?” “Where did the baby go?” “That’s not a safe way to use the scissors!” “Did you just pee!?!” “On the chair?!?” “Don’t eat the crayon!” “Get down from there!”

“Great job sis!”

my shy eye

2011-10-03T11:00:00.000-05:00

Overheard from the back seat:

Cooper, "Charlotte do you see my face? Do you see my eyes?"

Char, "Yes."

Cooper, "Do I look angry at you Do you see my angry eye?" [angry eye? what?]

Char, "Yes."

Cooper, "This is my shy face. Not angry. This is my shy eye." [shy eye?]

Char, "Are you shy at me Cooper."

Cooper, laughing, "I'm not shy at you silly, I love you Charlotte."

Pretty sure this is his happy face/happy eye. But we could be wrong...ha!

enjoying the fall colors

2011-10-01T21:52:00.004-05:00

We drove down to Lake Wapello this morning for a little walk through the woods (with a yummy stop at the Amish bakery along the way). Southern Iowa is so pretty this time of year. Gorgeous. Callum was there too, along for the ride in the stroller as he's been a bit under the weather. But the crisp fall air was good for him too.

She’d move in if possible!

2011-09-29T16:24:00.002-05:00

A couple of weekends ago, Charlotte and I headed back to what’s quickly become one of her favorite places around for a fall pioneer festival. We met up with some buddies who “know Laura stuff.” That’s Laura Ingalls for those not in the know.

So, all of a sudden she “poses” like a girl now (matching hands, bonnets all down). There wasn’t a requirement that kids dress in their dress up best, but our gals wouldn’t turn down the chance.

Watching Bennett in the spelling bee while sitting in real life old school desks in a real life old one room schoolhouse!

Hands down one of her most favorite days!

slime!

2011-09-26T12:45:00.002-05:00

A couple of weeks ago, we made slime using this recipe. Borax, glue (we didn’t use clear, and it still works), water and food coloring. Easy peasy.

We saved ours in a ziplock and, weeks later, it’s still slime-errific!

thoughts on 10 years

2011-09-24T22:04:00.001-05:00

heading out the door on our (praise Jesus!) 10 year anniversary date.

two hours and dinner without kids = all we needed. :)

Mr. Rico Suave and Mrs. Forgot-to-remove-the-shades.

~~~~

So, do you like your job? Are you happy?

Simple questions. Ones you'd likely ask a friend, or someone you're getting to know.

So, how did I miss it?

This past year. Since Dan walked through our front door, unannounced, at 3:00. Since the severance ran out. Since the other job, the one I wanted him to get that he was glad he did not get, wasn't gotten anyway. Since the meetings with the investors. Since the honest talks with the parents (mine). Since the dining room table, turned into the rented room, turned into an actual set of offices. Since the first customer turned into forty. Since the possibility turned into reality.

Since all of that happened . . . I hadn't asked if he was happy.

Until a quiet dinner alone.

~~~~

Are you happy?

His answer is YES. Resoundingly yes.

~~~~

I have no qualifications to give marriage advice whatsoever, because I've probably made every mistake in the book along the way. But if you're looking for the perfect spouse to give advice, someone with no room for improvement, than my guess is you'll be looking for awhile.

So I might as well babble. :)

Ten years is nothing. It's a blink. But, for us, it packed a punch. There's been a lot of living in the last ten years. School, buying homes, selling homes, starting a career, leaving a career, inlaw issues, a baby, no sleep, and more babies, unexpected drama, starting a new business, changing churches, and on an on. To have someone standing next to you through all that is worth it. For that person to know that his happiness matters to his wife - and hers to him - well, how much is that worth?

A lot.

So I'll keep asking. And he'll keep asking. And you should ask yours too.

~~~~~

Oh, and Jesus. He helps too.

And not being annoyed by her inability to completely tighten the pop bottle lid. And not being annoyed by his inability to remember that garbage bags have to replaced. Not that those things annoy us still, after ten years. :)

Charlotte's Summer

2011-09-15T13:59:00.008-05:00

Halfway through September, but I still want to post a few pictures from Char's awesome summer. One word = FUN. She found it everywhere. In the smallest of things, in the everyday normal, she finds the fun.

JUNE

JULY

AUGUST

~~~~

Charlotte you started swimming this summer! Your first swimming lessons got you a little bit more comfortable with the water and then on the next few swimming trips we look over and there you are head under water, floating around. Great job!

Worms, science books, bats, writing, sight words, making your own coloring books. You were all about learning, soaking up new to you stuff. You started cooking (first sandwich made up on your own: spinach, peanut butter and strawberries, yum?). Speaking of new - first movie theater movies - that was fun.

You spent lots of July at your Grandma and Grandpa' farm. 10 days! We missed you but you loved it. You visited all your great-grandparents and had lots of cousin play time.

You continued with some of your "interests" and added new ones, including Pippi Longstocking (she can lift horses, you know, and therefore you show us all the stuff you can lift). :) Smurfs! Annie! Wearing glasses (they "help" you read and, no, we won't say they aren't real).

There's so much I'm forgetting, but I know you had a great 4 year old summer. We love you Charlotte!

real life

2011-09-13T20:56:00.003-05:00

love her hand on his knee. ahh...

first day in the SENIOR class!

2011-09-07T20:14:00.002-05:00

The Senior preschool class is a big deal, in case you didn't know. Charlotte has wanted to go to the Senior class since she discovered the bigger kids next door last year. Now she's the bigger kid. Yikers.

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First Day of School Interview: 2011, First Presbyterian Preschool

4 years old

What's your favorite color? Red

What's your favorite food? Cereal, with milk on it

What's your favorite thing to drink? Milk

What's your favorite toy? Teddy

What's your favorite book? Little House on the Prairie

What was your favorite part of your first day of school? Snack

What is your favorite song? songs from Annie

What do you want to be when you grow up? a doctor

Who is your favorite person to play with? Momma

What is your favorite thing to play with your brothers? Hide and Seek (with Cooper) and Picking him up (with Callum)

last year's interview

Callum's Summer

2011-08-30T13:24:00.004-05:00

Some people have asked me about the switch from two to three kids versus the change from one to two. Last summer, when our third merely rode around in the baby carrier on my chest all day, I smiled when answering that transitioning to three didn't seem that much harder/different. Ha! I should have looked down the road. Three mobile kiddos, often in three directions, is crazy sometimes. Man to man versus zone defense. Yep, crazy difference. So transition from three to four won't be a big deal .... anybody catch that.... anybody....is this thing on....just kidding, nothing to report on that front. :) Moving right along...

Cal Cal or Baby (the two nicknames that appear to have stuck in our family) is definitely been on the move!

JUNE

July

August

I ended our soon-to-be 15 month old's summer with a haircut. There's still a curl or two back there, but to please his dad, they are mostly gone. Sigh...

Callum, you are definitely your own kiddo. You do things we've never dealt with before. For example, you constantly try to run into the street or down the sidewalk! What?! The other two never tried that. Seriously, you're a workout.

You love to dance, play peekaboo and sword fight (wonder where you got that last one from). You have six teeth but have been exhibiting teething symptoms and tears at night for weeks now (plus plenty of drool) so we're hoping the rest come through soon.

The first time I told you to "wait just a minute," you put your hand on your hip and cocked your head to the side while furrowing your brow. Mr. Sassypants. You're learning the word "no" and learning you don't like it.

You still eat everything (but bananas) and everything you shouldn't (sand, chalk, etc.). You're still nursing. You rock our little world here, buddy. We love you!

Cooper's Summer

2011-08-24T21:33:00.006-05:00

i haven't blogged a lot this summer but, so i thought i'd do a little photo recap for each kidlet, starting with Coop-a-Doop!

This kid makes me smile so much. His grin gets me. Every time.

Sure, have another sucker, kiddo.
Cause yo' momma's a sucker for you. (budum bum)

Look at that face. Every time folks. His grin wins.
JUNE: fishing; parks; carnival rides (well, not so much a fan of those, but you liked the smoothie and deep fried pb&J served up by your parents of the year); uncle Ted's wedding in which you boogied like a rockstar, grandpa's old truck.

JULY: water was our friend; swords and sticks; goats at the fair; children's museum; jumps were higher and stronger; a week up at the grandparent's farm with your sister. In July you officially switched from little boy to big boy (I saw you, really I did, overnight you grew a mustache).
AUGUST: wrestlemania, hunting bad guys and bad wolves all.day.long; and another trip to the farm.

Cute cousin Aayla and her sweet little face. Sweet thing. And then...there's Cooper. Don't smile there buddy. Don't do it. Whatever you do, look as bada$s as you can. But don't smile.
Leading his cousin's bucket calf at grandma and grandpa's house. So brave.

Speaking of brave, this has been your summer kid. You conquered the big twisty slide. You conquered the pool (head underwater baby, booyah)! You're a little less shy (no biggie there, a little shy is okay with us). You conquered meat?! What?! Well, not really at all, but you did eat three pieces of bacon at supper tonight!!! Whoot Whoot!! It's a start. A small start, but a start!

You love your siblings immensely. You love to push your limits with them too. You are always ten steps behind us taking your own time, taking in the scenery. You've learned to pray. You (mostly) go with the flow. You idolize Grandpa Moo, Uncle J.D., the "guy at church who sings to Jesus," Davy Crockett and "Pumpsy" (Clumbsy) Smurf. You sing on tune and dance when nobody's watching. You're doing pretty well on the potty. Your serious voice makes me laugh. You seriously don't like that I can't take your serious voice seriously. We still call you Bubbie and Brother.

We love you Cooper!

strutting his stuff

2011-08-08T22:13:00.007-05:00

snapshot

2011-07-30T15:33:00.000-05:00

Three kids. Three different directions.

Crazy? Yep!

~~~~~
We're lucky to have neighbor's with an open door trampoline policy. I mean I'd never own one of those death traps, but we'll jump on theirs any old day. ;)

a small observation

2011-07-23T21:25:00.005-05:00

our kids don't mind. they love new friends.

we don't mind. the more the merrier.

but someday, these kids that you're not watching might.

they might look back and remember playing with someone else's parents at the lake. they might remember someone else's parents helping them when they swam too far out, past where their little tippy toes could touch. they might remember seeking lots of attention, sad amounts of attention, from another momma.

we didn't mind.

but you should have.

because someday those little tippy toes won't be so little.

~~~~
Just a little observation from our afternoon at the lake. Really, we don't mind watching or playing with stranger's kids. It's fun. And you know what, sometimes we all need to rely on a friendly other parent to look over our kiddles. Someone falls down or needs a drink from the water fountain and you have to look away. Knowing that another pair of eyes from the "village" is covering your back is great. I've been there and been so grateful for another mom I've never met. But sometimes it just makes Dan and I a little sad. Seriously, it was like 45 minutes or so before we even noticed any sort of adult claiming these very little kids and even then it was a blink and you'll miss it type of appearance.

Ever had to deal with something like this before? Thoughts please...

Wordless-ish Wednesday

2011-07-20T09:59:00.000-05:00

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Took a little bloggy break, but our summer is trucking along just dandy. Lots of fun, little outings here and there, and unexpected pipe bursting causing some crazy work on our home (as if a pipe bursting were ever expected?). Much to update soon...

~~~~

Callum has learned to stick his tongue out at me. He thinks it's incredibly funny and giggles whenever he sees that I see his tongue. I pull out the camera to catch the cuteness in action and he gives me that look. No tongue, but still pretty cute. :)

"Pretend I'm _____"

2011-07-19T22:29:00.006-05:00

Many, many, many times a day I hear a little girl's voice urgently saying, "Mom, pretend I'm [insert name (and age, age is often a very important componet)]." I then must remember who this little girl is pretending to be and must not call her by the other 35 names she's been that day until our lovely changes her lovely imagination again. And again. And again.

I love this imagination. I love thinking of where it will take her someday. I love that it stretches me as a parent because sometimes I get frustrated with the many interruptions and then have to apologize for my short fuse - because, really it takes 20 seconds to say, "Okay, I'll pretend you're Allie, Laura Ingall's cousin's sister who's 6 years old and just broke your leg." I don't so much love the dozens of outfit changes leaving clothes all over the house as you raid your brothers' and your parents' closets for your wardrobe needs. But, again, no real biggie.

I have plans to one of these days take a picture or at least write down every "character" you perform in a 24 hour day. But I'll start with a few of these recent goodies.

These are all her own ideas, put together entirely on her own, while I'm ten steps behind her thinking we're still in the previous story:

1) Indian headdress (made from a plastic knife ponytailed to a headband);
2) a mermaid;
3) Charlotte, as a one year old;
4) Tom Sawyer;
5) Scarecrow from the Wizard of Oz; and
6) {sorry, can't remember your name here} but I know you're legs are broken, hence your "crutches" and your friend's legs were broken in her "wheelchair" and the two of you were going to walk through the snow, despite your injuries, to go to the store before returning to your home at the "place where people sleep when they are old." whew. meanwhile, you're stocking hat and fur coat make me smile because it was 115 heat index outside.

storytime

2011-06-17T22:09:00.002-05:00

Summer school is in session (with a pretty relaxed dress code apparently).

Just love peaking into the toy room, never know what these two will be up to.

first birthday cake(s)!

2011-06-14T21:56:00.002-05:00

Callum had two first birthday parties. One up at the farm with Grandma and Grandpa Morris and company. We think he enjoyed his steak more than his cake. :)

I love this picture - Grandpa getting a toy out of the package, Cooper in his boots, Cousin Aidan helping with presents, and Callum eating wrapping paper.

~~~~ We had Grandma and Grandpa Canny over for dinner for First Birthday, round two. By then, Callum was more into the cake. He knew what to expect.

Thanks to all who celebrated with our (big) little guy!

ONE!!!

2011-06-03T08:00:00.001-05:00

getting back on the horse

2011-05-31T21:40:00.004-05:00

We camped again this weekend.
I guess we're "campers" now. Whether this momma likes it or not.
And really, despite the constant state of moving to make sure one our littles doesn't seriously injure themselves, it is fun. It is all worth it for moments like this . . .

Getting ready to fish. Who cares if they didn't catch anything?

That's not the important part anyway.

Camping = great sleepers.

Sandcastles and weird sand faces courtesy of their dad. Callum only ate a few (dozen) handfuls.

Meet the worm, One Eyed Green who was soon accompanied in Char's rubbermaid box (with holes) by his worm friend, One Eyed Brown. She fed them leaves with salt and pepper. Yum.

Yep, we're definately campers now.

best dip ever

2011-05-26T21:40:00.003-05:00

Pineapple Cheddar Spread
10 Servings Prep/Total Time: 20 min.

4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1-1/2 teaspoons soy sauce
2 cups (8 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese
1 can (8 ounces) unsweetened crushed pineapple
1/2 cup chopped almonds, toasted
1/4 cup finely chopped green pepper
2 tablespoons finely chopped green onion
Celery sticks

Directions
In a small bowl, beat the cream cheese, mayonnaise and soy sauce until smooth. Beat in the cheddar cheese, pineapple, almonds, green pepper and onion. Serve with celery. Yield: 2-1/2 cups.

~~~~
1. I have made this dip about 247 times in the last month. Or something close to that number.
2. I have never added almonds.
3. Nothing against almonds, just not on my regular grocery list.
4. I have also never served with celery sticks because, I mean, look at the cream cheese and mayo. Let's not kid ourselves that this is healthy.
5. Also, nothing against celery sticks. Celery is on my regular grocery list.
6. But so is veggie chips and crackers. Which is what we dip into this yumminess.
7. Double the recipe.
8. Trust me.
9. Oh, and add a little black pepper.
10. Finally, find a park bench to pass to take a quick little yummy-dip-induced-nap.

our first family camping adventure

2011-05-23T14:35:00.005-05:00

We camped.

All five of us in one tent.

Two nights.

It rained. There was mud. There was a trip to the van to wait out a small storm. There were a few temper tantrums (mommy included). :)

But.....

There were blue skies. Lots of places to explore. Great friends. And lots of fun.

Our kids pretty much had the best time ever! Charlotte cried for ten minutes on the way home not "ever wanting to leave her best park!" And Cooper was telling me (three hours after we got back home) that he didn't want to go home. Um, buddy, look around, we're home. Sweet boy.

Frogs!Happy baby boy grins! Lake Red Rock is pretty awesome. We'd never been there before, but we'll definately back. See - proof I had fun - there's a smile on my face.

We climbed the Cordova Tower, which gives a great view of the area.

Sure mom, climing up 106 feet is fun but look - a drainage tunnel thingy - even better!

First year down, many more to come!

2011-05-19T20:46:00.005-05:00

Charlotte finished her first year of preschool today - it was a great year. Crazy week of fun outfits. What does it mean that on Wacky Wednesday she wanted to dress up as her daddy? :)Love our sweet girl. Char has matured SO much this year. She still has some of those lovely four year old issues some days, but really there's something magical about turning four - things get a little easier.

One day one of the school's teachers said that Charlotte "always seems to have a party going on in her head." So true. Char is always thinking, planning, dreaming of the next thing to do. She rarely misses anything that's going on around her. Char is quick to smile and always looking for the fun in any situation. She easily entertains herself and loves stories - listening to stories and creating her own. She also can't stand still for more than a minute to save her life. :)

The kids put on a little program and received some awesome memory books filled with pictures and mementos from their year.

This is Char's second program and the second time she didn't really sing. This is one thing I love about being a parent - you think you have your kid figured out and then you realize oh, nope, not so much. At Char's winter program she didn't sing a lick. Didn't smile. Was obviously (to her parents anyway) pretty uncomfortable and anxious on stage. We asked her about it later and she simply said, she didn't like singing in the "big church." Not a big deal, just a part of her personality we were surprised by. Char is always singing her school songs in her classroom and at home. She has never appeared shy to us at all. Today's program was in the church basement. Less people, less intimidating. She started to sing the first song, stopped, and just started looking around - mugging for everyone's cameras, hugging her friend. Not uncomfortable, still having fun, just doing her own thing. And I think that will be the story of her life...

One of Char's amazing teachers!

If anyone local is looking for a preschool, let me know, there's still spots available for next year (can you tell I'm on the Board - ha!).

happy birthday to you!

2011-05-11T09:00:00.000-05:00

I won't write a lot because you'll just be embarrassed and we all know you don't read here anyway, just come for the pictures. :) But we love you. We're proud of you. We're blessed to have you leading our home. Now I'm off to learn how to make bread pudding (by special request)....

family field trip time

2011-05-09T22:19:00.003-05:00

On Saturday we took a little roadtrip to the Nelson Pioneer Farm. Perfect for kids to run around pretending like they were "back in the old days." Charlotte is just a little obsessed with Little House on the Prairie, so she was enthralled with the whole thing, pretending to be Laura. It took just a few hours and was a pretty little farm to spend the morning - a great resource for anyone local.

rewind to April...

2011-05-09T13:18:00.002-05:00

Easter 2011

I know it's cheesy but we totally went there for Easter this year.

Matching boys, hats, gloves and the pretty dress, oh my!

The night before Easter after the kids were in bed Dan and I were chatting about how the kids already had completed three egg hunts and received tons of candy (thanks to awesome Grandparents from our trip up north the week before). We wanted to do something different in the morning before church. Thus....our family's first annual Rise and Shine Easter Breakfast Party!

So, as is our modus operendi (there's law school sneaking in), Dan and I decided (at 10:00 at night) to whip up a party - banners, a cake, decorations, etc. Not quite sure how the strawberries ended up on top of our cross cake, but that's cool. So we ate a yummy breakfast of eggs and bacon and cake! No one ate the Peeps. Peeps are gross, just saying. :) We even pulled out the old hymnal. Great start to a new tradition and the perfect reason to celebrate!

Posing.

Charlotte picked the dress out herself. The gloves and hat were a surprise (and were quickly added to the dress up rotation).
Some outtakes from our Easter monkeys.

happy mother's day!

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

One of the things I love about Dan is how he grabs the camera when we're not looking - to catch a moment that the typical family photographer in house can't catch. Had I known he was peeking into the toy room I likely would have protested the picture. Or at least asked to comb my hair first or force something posed. But when I found this on my camera, it made me smile. A little early mother's day treat.

In one month...

2011-05-06T12:33:00.003-05:00

...this little stinker turns ONE! Crazy. Just crazy. Gosh we love him.

~~~~

I finally was able to upload over 500 photos last night. It has been a month. I'd say that was actually a light month of picture taking. I'm aware that's crazy. Lots to update one of these days. But that nearly one year old up there never.stops.moving. Never. Also, never.stops.putting.stuff.in.his.mouth. Never. Busy little beaver. So, it might be awhile.

fly by update

2011-04-27T21:25:00.002-05:00

I'm having some computer issues so not able to really update much, but we're all good.

Easter was awesome. Callum did great with his ear tubes surgery. We're all healthy and happy (except for the non working computer).

Peace out!

not a super mom, but a blessed one

2011-04-12T21:56:00.004-05:00

(Probably my favorite picture of these two, because it is just so them.)

Almost once a week I hear the question which, let's face it, really isn't a question, but more of a statement that the asker feels safer saying then, well, "Woman, you crazy!" That is, about once a week, I hear, "My, you have your hands full!" or "How do you do it?" or something similar. I smile and laugh and agree that it's crazy.

Because it is crazy. We're a ragamuffin crew. Char's crazy curls and her 10 steps ahead of us attitude. Cooper's pokey-little-puppy-pokiness that usually has him 10 steps behind us, just taking his time. And Callum's, well, Callum's chunky not-so-little chunkiness or his desire to stuff anything in his mouth at all times, usually requiring me to be in the middle of unstuffing his face. We're crazy.

But it's so good. I love this crazy. I love finally getting a spare moment to upload some pictures, look back through the past week and come upon these. I love their giggles, their shared jokes and crazy games of make-believe. I love their ragamuffiness. They are super. I am blessed.

a meeting of the minds :)

2011-04-01T14:40:00.000-05:00

homemade play dough

2011-03-29T22:56:00.005-05:00

This was a fun little afternoon for my two. Messy. Very, very messy. But filled the time for kids who desperately want to play outside but it was just a tad too chilly (snow, again, what?).Equal parts of all three ingredients, add some drops of food coloring and let the kids mix it up. The pop was really this momma's secret ingredient. To fight that 3:30 energy slump. :)

lamp switcheroo

2011-03-27T20:19:00.003-05:00

I mentioned to my mom one day that I needed a new lamp for the foyer after the last one kept burning my fingers (hmm, dangerous?). She delivered, and I switched it up. Just a little ivory spray paint and recovering the shade from my old lamp and - voila - a new lamp! I also stained the top of the dry sink/cabinet thingy that we bought several years ago. But, I forgot a "before" picture so that's a little less exciting.

Oh, and, yes, that is a black cast iron pig with wings sitting next to the phone. I've had him for almost ten years. Every home needs something a little quirky, right?

Callum's Big Week

2011-03-21T22:41:00.004-05:00

In the last seven days, this little one has put himself (and us) through the wringer. RSV (requiring breathing treatments every 3-4 hours and crazy-baby-making steroid medicine); double ear infection (ouchy); cut his first tooth (make that teeth - the two bottom ones have both popped up at once - finally); started crawling; and started pulling himself up to standing completely on his own. Yes, we're worn out.

Well, Cal doesn't think he's worn out, don't let him fool you, he's just gearing back up. The worse of the sickness is behind us (we're just on some maintenance treatments/meds for the next few weeks) and Callum's got his special spark back.

Whatcha got planned for us this week, big guy?

moments

2011-03-18T23:03:00.006-05:00

Three moments from today, worth smiling back at in remembrance . . .

I smile at the baby's cough (not the big cough, nothing smile worthy there, the little coy cough). He sees the smile and coughs again. Cough, smile. Cough, smile. I ahh at the baby's oooh. He oohs I ahh. Oooh. Aaahh. Oooh. Aaahh. All day long, for months now, this has been our game.

~~~~~

A two year old brother, getting a drive by head pat from his sister, just a little shush, nothing more, rushes right back to her, grabbing the handful of imagined hair and slapping back on his head, "Give me back my hair CeCe!" Sister just giggles and keeps walking.

~~~~

On our escape from the boys for an hour this evening, on self declared mommy/daughter time, my four year old in the booster pipes up to her driver, "When will I get to go to the movie theater?" "When there is a movie daddy and I think you can go to sweetie, we'll take you." "But I just saw two little girls go in there?" I smile at her approach, "Well, movies are something we save for special times. We will go to the movies someday and it will be very special." "Ok, Momma."

A few minutes later, hand in hand on our errands, "Momma, this is a special time too."

Yes, yes it is.

Debut(s)

2011-03-05T23:47:00.005-06:00

Charlotte made her acting debut last week on SaveOttumwa.com - so cute!

Click here to check her out (and Dan).

~~~~

Thursday night, was Char's first preschool program, it was adorable.

Here she is checking out the crowd. :)

We love our little actress!

fun weekend

2011-02-21T22:14:00.010-06:00

Saturday night Dan and I attended a Night of Worship at the Bridge. Carlos Whittaker performed with our church's worship band and it was a nice little date while the grandparents watched the kiddos. I took some pics for the Bridge and had a lot of fun doing so. They're not nearly as sharp as I'd prefer and I have much to learn but, hey, it was fun to play concert photographer for the night. Maybe I could hit the road someday shooting concerts and hanging with the groupies? Hee.

More here

Oh, and just to prove I am a hobbyist photographer - I took more than 200 pictures and kept 30. Many of pictures were much too blurry because the band was awesome and I couldn't stand still. :)

and breathe . . .

2011-02-17T21:05:00.003-06:00

If you live in Iowa you know what I mean about today. What a refreshing day. 70 degrees (or pretty close), sunshine, fresh air, birds chirping, not having to layer the littles. Just an awesome afternoon. The kids got super muddy but I didn't care a bit - I only warned them to stay away from the (mounds) of dog (and deer) poop all over our backyard. No, we don't have a dog. But there are still plenty of dogs in our neighborhood who apparently prefer our yard. That didn't even get me down - did I mention70 degrees (or pretty close)?!?!?!

We walked to the park, Cooper held my hand when asked (big improvement from our last walk to the park several months ago). I wore Callum in the carrier and he was just happy as can be, laughing at everything. And Charlotte, well she was breathing in the sunshine just as much as her momma. "Momma, I'm the leader, but you're the boss," she said as we set off up the sidewalk. True dat sista! :)

~~~~

For the record, this was just six days ago: Snow still so deep, the kids had a hard time walking. All the snow is gone. Crazy weather.

~~~~

And for no other reason than that Cal looks a little dazed in the above pic (I think he's noticing the snow on my lens), here's one I took yesterday of our handsome little dude.

I could eat him. With a spoon. He's that adorable. Yep, I said it. :)

Somewhere Over the Rainbow . . .

2011-02-14T22:35:00.003-06:00

(bad mommy blogger, bad mommy blogger - forgot to blog Char's birthday party)

We hadn't really wanted to do a big birthday party for another year or so, thinking we could get away with just family birthdays. However, Charlotte loves birthdays - just the idea of birthdays and birthday parties. She "plays" birthday quite a bit. That coupled with the arrival of one of those birthday party catalogs in the mail (with Wizard of Oz party, momma! look balloons!! and napkins!! with Dorothy!!) meant we were going to have to put a little get together, um, together.

I ordered a few themed balloons and a few other little things - not the whole set because I would've had to sell a small child for that price. :) But there was this little snowstorm and FedEx was enjoying my box of party goodies in Chicago the day of the party. So, the night before, Dan and I decided to do it up homemade style. Char loved everything, never knowing the difference. And we enjoyed the "real" balloons on Sunday on her real birthday/family party.

The treats: Auntie Em's cookies, Yellow Brick cookies, Munchkin Lollipops, Scarecrow's Straw (pretzels), Tinman (candy) Hearts. Oh and birthday cake of course!

Dan made a little house. Notice the Wicked Witch's legs and Charlotte's own drawing of Dorothy and Toto. She's becoming quite the artist herself, says the proud momma.

My awesome husband also made a Tinman.

Checking out the cake, and the long searched for Wizard of Oz toy set (found on Etsy). Do you know how hard it is to find Wizard of Oz toys? I was clicking my heels all over the internet. This was just a vintage little set that she loved.

Fun time was had by all. Basically, beyond the food, it was just another regular playdate.

Low key birthday party is my kind of party.
~~~~

Now the cake. My first attempt at something somewhat "fancy."

It was far from perfect, but I think turned out rainbow-ish enough and kinda cool.

~~~~

On Sunday, the 6th, her actual birthday we had Grandma and Grandpa and Aunt Kellie down for lunch and an easier, and yummy, strawberry cake. Tuesday, she took chocolate mini muffins to preschool for birthday treats. This past Sunday, Char had another birthday party at Grandma and Grandpa Canny's house Cupcakes with rainbow sprinkles. :) Four years old, four sets of treats, four sugar highs. But well deserved for our little gal.

Charlotte, at four years

2011-02-08T23:11:00.003-06:00

You are such a light.

An always moving, always creating light.

Dreaming. Insightful. Thoughtful. Joyful.

Happy 4th Birthday Charlotte!!

2011-02-06T21:04:00.001-06:00

"da da da da da"

2011-02-03T09:00:00.000-06:00

and "mmmmmaa mmmmmaa mmmmmmaa"

and "ahhhaaaahhhaaa" (a great pterodactyl impersonation)

Happy 8 Months Little Chatterbox!

A Frat House

2011-02-01T22:38:00.004-06:00

That's what my living room looks like right now. And, this time, I'm not even taking pictures to document the disaster.

A package of Ritz crackers ripped open on the loveseat. A package of diapers ripped open on the floor. Construction paper, yarn, stickers, crayons, colored pencils, stamps, and various other crafty sundries strewn about. Three separate toy baskets on their sides, with the toys scattered. A Radio Flyer Scooter on top of the coffee table (what? how?). The contents of my purse purged to the floor. Library books . . . well, you get the idea.

But, I have a good excuse.

You see, a bee flew in my bonnet upon the purchase of an old school desk we bought a few days ago. The desk needed stained/painted. And then I decided the craft dresser needed painted. And then some furniture needed rearranged. And then, since I was painting anyway, why not paint a few other projects. And then . . . well, you get the idea.

Cabin fever induced ADD.

None of my projects are completely done. My house is a wreck. Char's birthday, and parties, are this weekend. Guess it's a good thing we won't be going anywhere tomorrow. I'm putting my little hooligans to work! Oh, and hopefully, I 'll get my projects finished and post some pictures.

Stay safe through this snow storm!

a thoughtful link

2011-01-24T22:23:00.006-06:00

~~~~

So, I'm not sure, in blogging rules, if it's cool to quote this much of another post, but her words were just so perfect, I didn't just want to post a link. The following excerpt is from Resolved 2 Worship, one of my favorite bloggers. She doesn't know me from Adam, ha, but I just love her perspective. It seems to me, especially in dare I say Christian circles, so many parents strive for perfection or perceived perfection in our parenting. I've been guilty of this too. Thinking the way we do things is better than the way someone else parents. But, really, it's the heart that matters. Are we training our children's little hearts to grow into big hearts for Jesus? The rest? Simply not as important.

~~~~

"'Cause I'm not after kids with perfection. I'm after kids who know they have a need for Jesus and have witnessed the failures of their mom and dad and watched their parents humble themselves and be honest with their need for a Savior as well.

God doesn't call us to be parents who have it all together. He calls us to be parents who humbly confess we don't, but we know where to go to find the source of our power in life: Jesus Christ. That's the bottom line to parenting - relationship with God, drawing near and holding fast to our Guide and Savior.

Our kids will know the difference. They will know whether we worship ourselves and thus carve on them to make them what we want them to be (just like in the Old Testament when an idol was carved because the children of Israel didn't believe God was enough). And they will know whether we love them more, or the bedtime schedule. Whether we love them more, or making sure they don't make us look bad on the basketball team. Whether we love them, or being that perfect parent who does it all "right."

If a child is loved, loved for who they are and not what they can do or be for us, they will know it. No matter what system we have or select, if our heart is idolatrous towards our kids, it's not going to work in the long run." quote from Resolved 2 Worship Love this blog post.

randomness

2011-01-18T22:31:00.004-06:00

I have a bit of the winter ho-hums (yep, that's a word). It's just a little too gray, too cold, too wet and frozen (yep, possible to have both) outside for my liking. My brain is a bit scattered tonight, as has been my picture taking the last couple of weeks. On with the randomness...

~~~~
Meet Rich. With his Barbie gal pal of course.Char has two boy barbies. Plastic, blonde haired Ken, of course, and Rich.

I picked him up the other day, accidently called him Ken. Both kids stopped, looked up at me and said, "That's Rich." As if, I should've known. As if it's not big deal. "Oh him, that's Rich." As far as I know, they don't know anyone named Rich. His name wasn't Rich on the package.

Why did they name him Rich?

And why have I spent so much time pondering that question?

~~~

The following did not occur on my watch. I left to get groceries. I came home to the ballet. :)
~~~~
To the previous owner who donated this unopened, still in gift box, craft set to the thrift store:

Thank you. It was an awesome surprise. Yes, it was messy. Yes, little bits of sand got scattered. But my daughter loved it! Please feel free to donate more messy crafting supplies. It's messy outside, might as well be messy in the dining room too.

~~~~

Example of bad, blurry picture:

Examples of beautifully lovely pictures: Leslie Cook Photography

Check out her new website. It's gorgeous! So proud of you, friend!

~~~~

One last picture

2011-01-10T22:17:00.005-06:00

...from Christmas morning.

Can you tell someone loves his sister?

seven months

2011-01-03T22:04:00.003-06:00

smiling happy baby with your aunt kellie

Christmas Collages

2011-01-02T21:59:00.002-06:00

Christmas Eve

~~~

Snowman making, Cookie decorating, Dan performed in skit at Church, spending time with Aunt Mandy, putting tired kids to bed, setting up the living room

Christmas Day

~~~

Excited kiddos, "A Scooter! It's Red!! My favorite color!!!", Christmas lunch with Cannys, Charlotte kept rewrapping presents all day to keep handing out to us, Cooper kept asking, "for me?", so sweet!

Christmas with Morris family

~~~

finished up Christmas this weekend, Barbies, Cowboy Boots, John Deere, Dominos, Would You Rather, staying up way late and lots of playtime

2010 was a year of unexpected changes. So many changes. Changing churches, change in delivery plans - induction, new baby, Charlotte starting school, Dan leaving one career and starting his own business - just to name a few. While I secretly hope for a quieter 2011, I know that will likely not happen. 2011 will be another year of great change for our family. I'm excited to see what's in store for our family, and yours, next year. Bring it on!

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-24T21:31:00.003-06:00

For God so loved the world that He gave his one and only Son,

that whoever believes in Him should not perish

but have Eternal Life.

John 3:16From our family to yours. . . . . . may you have a blessed Christmas!

And we pray that in 2011 you feel loved and enjoy plenty of goofy, goofy smiles!~~~~

Christmas Eve 2009

Christmas Eve 2008

Birthday, round two

2010-12-23T22:26:00.003-06:00

We finally had Grandma and Grandpa Canny (and Aunt Mandy) over for Cooper's belated birthday supper now that everyone is healthy. The kids were a little hyper tonight, I think their grandparents were worn out just watching them run around. But it was nice to have a little special supper for Cooper (and a nice distraction for the constant question of "is it Christmas yet?").

starting a sweet tradition

2010-12-20T17:22:00.002-06:00

Family Christmas

2010-12-19T21:17:00.003-06:00

The kids and I headed over to Marion today for a little family Christmas gathering at my aunt's house. Dan was busy back here so I, nervously, headed out alone. But the kids did great (a Christmas miracle! ha). We all just needed to get out of the house after being cooped up so much this past few weeks.

It was great to see everyone, including my cousin Heather's baby, Linken, who was born just eight days before Callum.

(love the six month look of "why is everyone looking at me?)

The boys were a bit bigger than the last time they hung out (this past Easter):

HAPPY BIRTHDAY COOPER!

2010-12-16T20:44:00.003-06:00

Most of the time when someone says, I can't believe my baby is however many years old, they are referring to how fast the time has flown. I don't understand how Charlotte is almost four years old. My first babe is like a real live girl now and when did that happen? But with Cooper, we're sorta the opposite. You're only two? Haven't we had you for longer than that? Haven't you been two for awhile now? Cooper has always seemed a little older to us than he should be (not always, more mature - ha!).

notice anything wrong with this picture? what was I saying about acting older? hee

Cooper at 2 years old you:

- love playing with your stick horse, any balls to throw, your books, any ride on toys, and sticks (yes, give the boy a stick from the yard and he'll be entertained for an hour - it's a hammer, it's a sword, it's a shovel, it's a horse);

- have a pretty full vocabulary and talk up a storm (when not around a lot of people);

- a willing participant to your sister's dress up games off to see the wizard

- are sleeping in your big boy bed and are easy peasy to put down at both naptime and bedtime;

- are potty training!!! we're taking it slow and just responding to your excitement, but we're definitely starting and you're doing great;

- are a hugger (so sweet);

- are shy around people you've never met, takes you a little while to warm up;

- are not a big eater. sigh. This has been a struggle for your parents and kept us up with worry at night as we try to discern the appropriate steps to take. Your recent illnesses have certainly not helped the situation. Right now, we're taking the approach that we're in control of what foods you get and when you get them. You're in control of what you eat. We don't want our dinner table to become a battlefield, but we want you to be healthy. We will get it figured out :)

- really are only willful on two different things - eating and getting your face washed. Which is funny because for not eating much, you get a pretty messy face :)

- but we adore that face!

with brother and his baby friend Brady. Cooper hearts Brady so much (he's often in Cooper's "God Bless..." list at nighttime prayers). "this is fun momma"
One other cute little thing you do right now is you tell us when you're having fun, whether you're with your buds, or just going playing with something you've played with everyday. "This is fun momma!" I think it's cute that you just want us to know. :)

~~~~

We had a low key party with just us family tonight since we've all been germy around here. Your starting to feel a little better and YOU ATE TODAY! Seeing you with some energy was great (now that we've *hopefully* found the right antibiotic/steroid combination and Pediasure). Happy Birthday little guy!

"well" baby

2010-12-10T20:41:00.003-06:00

our pharmacy, I mean fridge

I had this long post in mind detailing our week of puke. Which followed our week of colds. Which followed our week of . . . well it's just been a long season of ickyness round these parts. But you know what, it's really not that bad. And it could be much, much worse. I'm grateful for my health to care for my family and for access to medical care, clean water, and, um, Lysol. :)

~~~~~

Callum had his six month "well" baby visit today. I say well, because, well, you saw the fridge. All three kiddos are doing their parts to keep the antibiotic industry in business. But our little guy is still just as happy and content as ever, despite technically "unwell."

Callum, at six months you are:
- sitting independently;
- rolling from back to belly (not so much the other way because you're still not a big tummy time fan);
- eating solids twice a day (although "eating" is a relatively loose term because you still spit most of it out);
- breaking out the personality with the cutest little chuckle (definitely a chuckle, not a laugh, a chuckle);
- in love with your siblings (the feeling is mutual), you just watch them all day;
- in love with your bath;
- 22 1/4 lbs 29 1/8 in. long (97+ percentile);
- sporting a similar hairdo to your pal Rudolph:

in between clothing changes :)

carrots

2010-12-05T22:21:00.001-06:00

I had a baby six months ago . . .

2010-12-03T18:03:00.002-06:00

. . . and here he is today:

first snow of the season

2010-12-02T12:25:00.005-06:00

On Tuesday, after preschool, for just a few minutes - because it was chilly - but it's the first snow, so we had to enjoy it!

Joyfully Waiting!

2010-11-29T21:49:00.002-06:00

Sunday marked the beginning of the Advent season. A time where we slow down and reflect on the expected arrival of Jesus. Woot Woot! Excited much? Well, yeah. We want our kidlets to be just as excited for Jesus as they are for that Santa dude. So we talk about the nativity story over and over and over. :) I wanted to do something each day to mark the countdown to Christmas (something more than what a lot of advent calendars do which is just give the kiddos a small treat or present each day). Thankfully, my mom was more on top of things than I was and gave us this devotional which is perfect for toddlers/preschoolers. (Nice score mom!) Short lesson, with corresponding bible verses, prayer and a project. Some projects are crafts, some just things to talk about, others are family outings/service projects. (selling on Amazon for cheap too - click here).

~~~~

And for no other reason but to add some chubby baby cuteness to this post, here's Callum, in all his adorable glory!

Thankful for our Little Turkeys!

2010-11-27T23:26:00.005-06:00

So thankful this year for so much. Including that we arrived safely, despite a little pitstop halfway up to wait out some icey roads, at the grandparents.

Hope you all enjoyed your Thanksgiving!

~~~~

We got a little crafty this year and made some classic handprint turkey tees for the kids. I even made Charlotte a little Thanksgiving ribbon skirt. Just call me Martha (really, though, I pick the easiest projects, nothing too complicated).

Posing last week before preschool.

Ragamuffin Garland

2010-11-21T21:38:00.002-06:00

The other day I made this garland to hang in the boys' bedroom. It is super easy to make and the only thing I bought were the star quilt clips to hang the garland and some twine. The clips were $.69/ piece at Goodwill. They were blue and white - so I spray painted them red. Easy peasy. Pottery Barn, by the way, sells these nearly identical star clips for $34.00 for a set of three. I like mine better. :)

Take a long piece or ribbon, yarn, or, as I used, twine and knot strips of fabric and ribbon. I used old denim from a pair of the boys' baby jeans, an old pinstriped dress shirt of Dan's, a brown tshirt of mine, red ribbon, some red checked scrap fabric. You don't even have to cut these strips, just tear, adds to the "ragamuffin" effect. Every 12 inches or so I put a clothespin to hang up pictures/mementos. Here's a tutorial that may be a little clearer.

Cooper's been playing more and more with his train table. Which is awesome and allowed me to take these pictures. Which allowed me to realize his name is a little crooked. :)

Of course, though, I've since rearranged his room, so it looks different now. But I'll post the finished look later when I get a few other projects for the room completed. I love our kids' rooms. They really are my favorite rooms in our home and I like that they each have a little something homemade.

girl time

2010-11-20T22:53:00.003-06:00

Char and I had a little girl time this morning at the Festival of Trees event. Cookie decorating, face painting, cookie walk, checking out trees, cookie eating. Good times.

Then, maybe because of all the cookies, we got a little silly over our lunch. We ate at The Vine, an awesome new coffee shop just down the street from us. Nice little Saturday morning with my monkey.

turning two in one month

2010-11-16T23:53:00.002-06:00

watch out world!

and it launches . . .

2010-11-15T14:07:00.003-06:00

SaveOttumwa.com

Save money.

Follow on Facebook or Twitter.

Print coupons.

Laugh.

Enjoy!

(even if you're not "local" - there is lots to look at and lots to come)

my "helper"

2010-11-12T22:43:00.004-06:00

This morning, when I asked Charlotte if she'd woken her brother after I found her holding Callum's hand and telling him a story, giggling quietly, she replied, "I had to momma. He's just a baby and doesn't know how to do things. I have to teach him. He doesn't know how to wake up. So I'm showing him." Thanks, but he's got the waking up part handled.

She really is the best big sister - to both her brothers. She likes her "pribe-bacy" from time to time, but usually is happy right alongside these two.

The mother bird in the nest she made outside one afternoon for her brothers.

Yep, she's in pajamas - she'd been sick and I let her out to blow the stink off. :)

Wordless Wednesday

2010-11-11T00:00:00.000-06:00

Jesus Calling: 365 Daily Devotions for Kids by Sarah Young

2010-11-10T22:47:00.005-06:00

So, don't ask me how I heard of BookSneeze, but I did (somewhere) and I'm glad I did. Sign up + read a book + write a review = keep the book for free. Easy peasy.

My first book is Jesus Calling : 365 Daily Devotions for Kids by Sarah Young. This is a super cute, easy to read and understand, applicable to kids (but topics are not too heavy). The cover art is adorable. There's a devotion for each day and the days are numbered so you can jump in and start whenever you get the book. Each devotion is one page so it's a quick read. The title "Jesus Calling" is appropriate because it's written in God's voice - as if He is speaking to your child. I think this is really interesting and unique. Although a little too old for our oldest, I'm definitely saving this for the future. I think it would be great to read each day around the table or keep on our daughter's nightstand and chat with her about what she read or "heard" from Jesus that day.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

enjoying it while we can

2010-11-09T22:14:00.006-06:00

We have spent the last two days soaking up the awesome weather.

Because, come on, we've got big things to do outdoors . . .

toe grabbing!

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slide yelling!

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dinosaur bone hunting!

~~~~loving 75 degrees in November!

Callum's Baptism Day!

2010-11-07T20:17:00.006-06:00

I will always obey your law, for ever and ever.

I will walk about in freedom,

for I have sought out your precepts.

I will speak of your statutes before kings

and will not be put to shame.

Psalm 119:44-46

Thank you to our family that came and celebrated with us today!!

Thankful Thursday

2010-11-04T22:48:00.004-05:00

thankful that this is washable

fall.

2010-11-04T00:17:00.002-05:00

5 Months

2010-11-03T10:00:00.002-05:00

late night cheesy ramble

2010-11-03T00:18:00.004-05:00

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It's after midnight and I'm finally settling down. Not really too settled, obviously, as I'm on my computer, just a little too amped with sugar to sleep just yet. The sugar as a result of the baking. The baking a result of Char's preschool bake sale. Yep, my first bake sale as a mom. Baking intimidates me a bit, especially when people other than family are going to be eating the goodies. Cooking I can handle, but baking gets me a little nervous. At the last minute I decided to try a new cake recipe as the brownies I'd made got taste tested a bit and I needed something else to bring. I made a few mini cupcakes with extra batter so I would know if the cake (Applesauce Spice) was "bake sale worthy." It's yummy. It's worthy. :)

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As I was waiting for the cake to bake, I edited this picture of Cooper from a few weeks ago. We had gone to the park earlier today and I just smiled watching my kids play. I'd taken pictures today (um, of course) but the camera was in the same room as the sleeping baby and I'm not that big of a fool (ha!) so I was just looking through some pictures, with this quote in mind.

Being up until midnight in the kitchen may not be fun, but it's a pretty cheap price to pay for the pleasure, the sweet pleasures, of being a momma. Night!

Trick or Treat

2010-11-01T00:47:00.005-05:00

We went trick or treating last night on a nice little street in town that goes all out for Halloween. The homeowners decorate their houses and sit in their yards while hundreds of kids and parents march up and down.

Callum enjoyed his ride.

Dan enjoyed his workout (having to carry Cooper most of the time).

Cooper enjoyed it a little more once he noticed what was going in his bag, but he was pretty leery of most of the costumes (I don't blame the little guy).

Charlotte just enjoyed it all!

"Trick or Treat! Smell my feet! Ank You!"

And although she looks leery here, she wasn't at all. She loved the other costumes and all the people. Charlotte loves stories and costumes and pretend - so the Halloween season is just the best for her. She's already talking about next year's costumes (yes, more than one).
Bad picture, but just to show we had costume changes this year too.
A bride and a cowboy at the library's party.

Happy Halloween!

2010-10-30T22:47:00.005-05:00

wordless wednesday

2010-10-27T19:22:00.001-05:00

a new trick

2010-10-26T22:39:00.001-05:00

Wordless Wednesday (baby drool makes me smile)

2010-10-13T21:24:00.001-05:00

Speaking of big kids . . .

2010-10-12T23:01:00.002-05:00

Yep, I'm a little shocked too - he's not even two yet!

Right now it's just kind of a novelty for him (and a lot of work for his momma) as he wants to go over and over again. But he went, and dumped it down the toilet (his favorite part) about 15 times today (only once right beside the potty). So we'll see - sure would be nice not having to pay for two in diapers anymore.

big kid toys

2010-10-12T22:49:00.003-05:00

I'm not too sure about this.

Ahh don't worry, it's fun, look at this cool monkey

All right, it's not so bad.

I'll just go back to chewing on my hand now.

Click here for a little deja vu :)

Happy Sunday!

2010-10-10T00:29:00.006-05:00

enjoying this perfect Indian summer weather and Callum's sweetness

Oh, and if you can, take your babies outside tonight around 5:30/6:00, stick 'em under a tree and take their picture. The weather and lighting is perfect for great pictures- you can't beat it.

family pictures

2010-10-09T21:49:00.002-05:00

I'm way behind on blogging. Not that we've done anything huge or super exciting. But the "little" things like park playing, cookie making, pumpkin painting - regular old family time - are just as important for me to capture as the "big" things.

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Well, I guess there is a big thing some of you may have heard rumored through the grapevine. Dan has resigned from the newspaper, left town and joined the circus. Okay that's only partly true. :) More details to come when the time is right - but yes, we are officially self-employed. And by me, I mean Dan. I, on the other hand, have three little employers (pay sorta stinks though). Dan is opening his own marketing company, it will launch in the next few weeks and we're excited about this new venture. More to come . . .

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On Wednesday, we took a quick little trip to see the great grandparents. Our kids are so blessed to have them in their lives. As Char said, "I have a lot of grandmas and grandpas."

with Great Grandma and Grandpa Morris (Autumn's dad's parents)

with Great Grandma and Grandpa Price (Autumn's mom's parents)

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Speaking of family pictures . . . Charlotte's recent renditions:

4 months

2010-10-05T20:28:00.003-05:00

bigger than the other two at four months

(but we could've told you that before his appointment today, just by looking at him)

97+ percentile = 19 1/4 lbs., 27 1/4 in.

boy likes to eat :)

need an armrest? grab a brother.

2010-09-30T20:56:00.003-05:00

Comfortable, Charlotte?Not now, Mom - this is the good part!

Carrie is in the hole!! Oh no!

Gotta love good old Little House. Anyone? Anyone?

i'm good enough, i'm smart enough and doggone it, people like me!

2010-09-27T21:25:00.003-05:00

Callum has hated tummy time.

Until we pulled out the mirror. Now he enjoys the view a little more.

Oh, I'm sorry, am I interrupting something? hee