Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Ice, Ice Baby!

I love this weather! We had a little ice storm here last night. Most of the severe weather went north of us, so we did not lose power, but it was enough to transform our little corner of the world. I know ice makes travel problems, but I just think it's beautiful. Everything becomes almost crystal-like. I love it especially paired with a bleak winter sky. Of course, I love snow too and I wish we had a little snow for my girls to play in outside, but there is just something so transforming and almost dangerous about ice. It always makes me a little melancholy to see it melt away leaving behind very little evidence to show it was even here for a short time. What a lovely day it has been to be home in our little warm cocoon spending the day with the kids surrounded by a winter wonderland!



Friday, January 23, 2009

Love These Moments

January has been the best month around here. Our social obligations have been ZERO. Our after school activities have been ZERO. Everyone has been healthy. It has been QUIET! I keep asking myself why I am not doing more during this "down" time. Why have I not been scrapbooking? Tagging clothes for the upcoming kids resale event? Why haven't I been organizing my files on the computer and backing up all of my precious pictures and music? Having lunch with old friends? Well, here's a glimpse of what I have been doing instead.



Nathan is crawling everywhere! He is discovering new rooms everyday and keeping me on my toes by picking up everything that is on the floor. The girls are getting used to having him crawl right behind them, getting into their things. They even complain that he is "tackling" them. I tried to explain that is what little brothers are for - getting into your stuff and tackling you. Here's a cute pic of an impromtu after school moment when the girls tried to make a "train." Lovely. This is the reason I am home. Too fun. Let's see, what else has transpired in January? My sister has officially moved back to Arkansas, so I now get to see her more than 3 times a year. She came to visit with her new boyfriend who seems really sweet and completely into her. We went bowling for the first time in what seems like forever! It was great fun and the girls really enjoyed their bowling experience. Marty planned a day trip for us to go to Hot Springs and to the horse races. I'll admit, I had to be gently forced to leave Nathan for that long, but we had a great time! We went with 2 other couples and it was so refreshing to have continuous adult conversation. I was instantly reminded that Marty and I need to take time for ourselves more often. Of course, with 3 kiddos, this is not always so easy.

Besides these things, I have been reading 2 books simulataneously and watching episodes of the Gilmore Girls again. It's a great way to spend January and I highly recommend it. I am thinking for February, I may do a "28 things I love" blog event. Or 28 things I love about kids. Since I am a structure-list lover kind of girl, I may really enjoy changing things up a bit. We are expecting an ice storm tonight and I can't wait! I hope we are iced in for 2-3 days! Marty and I have big plans to watch our last 3 episodes of season 2 of Dexter. Life is good!

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Getting Back in the Saddle

I cannot believe it's been almost a month since I posted on this blog. Well, actually, I can. It's been a BUSY month! Once the whirlwind of Christmas hit full force, I just decided to take a break. We had a great time in St. Louis with my family and then enjoyed some down time through New Year's. Once the girls got back in school, I have been able to spend some time putting the house back in order. It's always the immediate issue after Christmas - where to put all of this new stuff? So, a few closets got cleaned out and all of the new toys found a home. Other things that have kept me away from my blog? Well, I have a renewed desire to scrapbook, for one. I have all of these great pictures and no scrapbook for Nathan even started. For some reason, I decided to give digital scrapbooking another try, which has involved me deeply into Photoshop. I have been trying to learn how to edit pictures better, which has killed a LOT of time! And still no scrapbook page to show for it! Oh, well, I will keep trying....

I have also become hooked on a new show that I love. Yes, I know it's an old show, but I have fallen in love with the Gilmore Girls and the town of Stars Hollow. I think I love all of the supporting characters even more than the two stars of the show. It's just such a quaint little town and the people are so real. And the writing is just brilliant. All kind of references to historic and cultural events. It's just wonderful. I got hooked after watching 2 episodes and Marty was fabulous enough to buy me the 1st 2 seasons on DVD. I'm halfway through season 2 right now and sitting on the edge of my seat waiting to see what happens next.

The biggest adjustment lately that has kept me from blog-land is my baby hitting the 7 month milestone. Somewhere in between month 6 and 7, we acquired 2 teeth and the ability to crawl. Every day he is getting faster. Which means that every day I lose a little more freedom. He can now find me in the kitchen and is starting to make his way to our bedroom. Before long, he will be standing outside the shower door wondering why it's so important that I take a shower by myself! I love watching him discover new things, but it's a stage of life that takes a lot of attention and maintenance. Here's a few shots that encompass his new temperamental side. Happy when mom is playing with him, crying when mom leaves. Nice to know I'm needed, but shew, it's exhausting!