I watched New Moon last night. I know, I’m a little behind the times, but there’s only so much movie-theater watching (I think the last was Princess and the Frog, and before that was the day before Lily was born) happening. I’m on a netflix-availability basis, and only then when I actually watch and return the movies. The month of July is usually a slow-tv time for me, as Nate watches The Tour. Sadly, after last night’s film I fear that I am maturing past my 15-year-old movie-mentality, and I’m a little depressed about it.
Along the wolf-lines (quite the segue Steph) I’ve been productive in the crocheting department. I purchased a Little Red Riding Hood and Big Bad Wolf pattern from this etsy shop back in November 2009. But because of work, life, etc., and my own no-confidence vote for reading crochet patterns, I put it off for quite some time. When I opened up the file again this summer, it just all clicked and I quickly gathered my supplies. The only disappointment for me was that the hood, and hat is super small. Nate tells me that while it fits up to a 24 month old, my girls are not average-sized. Oh well, it’s cute, and I believe I’ll be able to modify the pattern if I want to do a larger size. It took me a while to get pictures of the finished product, as I waited for cooler temps. My models were still less than enthused about the task.
Because the first hat was too small–and that’s too small for Lily–I made another one like the hats I crocheted in the fall. So Lily and Ava can be Big Bad Wolves together–or until Lily grows out of hers, which is pretty much now.
1. Thursday was Ava’s last swim lesson for this season. She’s gained more confidence in the water–although if you happened to be on Edsel last Friday, you might not have heard that. Epic tantrum. Over what you ask? She couldn’t figure out how to get off the float. Sigh.
(Nate thought she didn’t look happy in this picture. Literally impossible for me to get her to smile and hold a smile while I take a picture, especially when I’m using my phone.)
2. We went to the park and Lily got to hang out on the swings while Ava tried out everything.
3. I love our cat Grace. She’s a mellow cat that pretty much just lays around all day, except in the morning when she comes out for some Lily time.
She LOVES Lily and will do pretty much anything to be right up next to her. Lily in turn does her very best to pet Grace with her mouth AAAAGGGHHH! But what can I do. Grace puts up with Lily “kisses” and hair pulls and just purrs away. She did this exact same thing with Ava too, but it seems like little ones at her level–and ahem, her weight class–tend to get more Grace lovin’.
4. I checked out this book
from the library Saturday and have tried one recipe. It was very tasty and look forward to trying the lemon chicken tonight. She kind of drives me crazy with all her exclamation points everywhere and that she calls sandwiches sammies, but I can’t deny her food is tasty and pretty easy to make.
5. I plan on makingmadestrawberry and triple berry (strawberry, raspberry and blackberry, but no picture of those) jam today,
and if I’m still up for it, overnight cinnamon rolls from Our Best Bites.
6. I must must begin to study.
I believe I shared that I made a deal with myself that I’d start working on it July 1st. It is now July 19th, so I think the time has long passed and now I need to get on it. Remember how I said that moving the books to the family room would motivate me? Um, not so much.
7. Here’s a couple of pictures from Lily’s first taste of ice cream. It’s safe to say that she loved it.
7.5 (This one is for you Mom and Dad) here’s Ava and Bitty Baby dressed for bed…
8. And this picture of Lily carrying a piece of play-cheese around like a dog with a bone made me laugh. She circled the table like this until she saw me–then made a beeline for me. Silly Lily.
That’s what I’d like to do to summer. When I was in grade school, there was a TV show called “Out of this World” where the girl could stop time by putting her two index fingers together. I wanted that ability so much. I imagine using it in so many instances, and of course, now is one of those times. Summers go much too quickly.
To recap the first week(s) of July:
The girls and I traveled to Happy Hollow with a friend and her daughter and had lots of fun. It was a beautiful day and we took our time going through the park. Ava surprised me with wanting to go on the Frog Hopper. Nate thinks it’s strange that I was surprised, but I honestly did not think Ava would go through with it. But she did and had lots of fun. The mini-screams are hers:
Lily was pretty chill the whole time, content to hang out in her stroller and look around. We still need to take Nate to the park, as he has yet to see all the cool improvements.
We spent a quiet Fourth at home, hanging out at the pool and BBQing. We decided that Lily was still a little to young to try fireworks, so Nate and Ava went without us. Ava had such a good time, but did not like the fireworks that “screamed.” I could see some of the fireworks from our house, and enjoyed seeing some of the finale, which was pretty impressive. Next year we’ll be able to go as a family.
Ava continues to take swimming lessons and is building up her confidence more and more. She still is not keen on trying things without being held, or wearing her float, but she’s moved on to doing bobs in the water, rather then meekly putting her mouth and chin in the water, so I count that as a win.
Lily is a fast crawler and has started sit up on her knees quite a bit, especially when trying to get into her toy basket. Her new favorite game is to crawl all out towards me and have me scoop her up. Her second favorite game is to crawl all out away from us and have us chase her and scoop her up. She is such a fun little girl.
(Um, ignore the food stain behind her ear, and just pay attention to the cuteness! Yeesh)
Ava and I made playdough using this tutorial. It turned out great and Ava got to choose the four colors she wanted. I think we’ll make another batch this week, so we can have more color options. She already had a small amount of black, white and pink that she received as a party favor, but the recipe made the perfect amount for two people to play with, instead of the single-play from the mini-tubs. Ava’s spent a lot of time playing with the dough too. Here’s some of what she’s created:
I’ve been working on my to-do list and was able to make the floor pillows I saw using this great tutorial. I had some issues because my fabric ended up being a little bit too short, but I made it work. I didn’t get a picture of them when they were nice and fluffy, this is after they’ve been “loved.” I think I might add more poly-fil to them.
I also made some more felt food for birthday gifts, again using patterns bought here.
Ava was invited to a 1/2 Birthday pool party and she had lots of fun. Besides swimming, she had fun getting her face (and leg) painted and she chose a balloon kitty. It was a neat activity and the woman was very talented!
Other summer activities….
Ava and I are reading this book together:
We’ve tried chapter books before, including this one, but she would start to loose interest, and I don’t blame her. It’s not easy to learn to make the pictures in your mind, after seeing lots of cool pictures. But she’s doing great with it and we just do a chapter a day. She’ll look when there’s pictures, but when there’s not she stares out the window, or at the wall, and I know she’s imaging what’s happening. Pretty cool.
We’ve also started using this collection of books:
There are 18 books in the set and we’ve gone through the first three. This is a page from the “Sam” book.
Ava’s doing very well with them. She rocks at sounding out the words, but then immediately says “I don’t know” when I tell her to put all the sounds together. (Ex. “ssss……….aaaaaaaaa……….t” “okay, put the letters/sounds together faster.” “SSS…AAAA…T!” “I don’t know what it says Momma.”) Eventually she’ll say, “oh! it’s sat!” My favorite part is that when she gets frustrated she doesn’t throw a temper tantrum. I tell her it’s okay, we can stop, but she says “NO!” and wants to keep going. She’s having fun with it, so that’s all good.
Nate’s riding a century in the Livestrong Challenge today, so last night we had a family meal at Giorgio’s so he could partake of some yummy pasta before he rides 100 miles. Ava had pizza, I had a calzone, and we shared a cannoli. So good. Nate was up EARLY this morning and I don’t even remember him leaving. We’re keeping our fingers crossed on his safety and hopes he has lots of fun.
I have to share that I’m having a hard time being motivated to cook and clean up the kitchen. I so love being home, but man we generate a lot of dishes. So to add to my wants, I want to stop time, and I want a permanent dishwasher/cook. Oh, and a grading fairy, but he/she wouldn’t have to start until mid-September, so really, I’m not asking for a lot.
Have you seen it, because I’ve looked everywhere for it and still can’t find it.
We’ll be starting our THIRD week of summer vacation and seriously, I count it a win that my bed gets made every day. I should be cleaning the kitchen right now, instead of writing about cleaning it, but honestly, I just want to take a nap.
I’m thankful for Ava because she and Lily make messes like these:
(this one isn’t bad, and I thought it was pretty cool how they were both playing with their dollhouses. Lily lost interest in her’s after a while and made a beeline for Ava’s. Ava was not as excited about that.)
Ava’s finally at the point where she’s cleaning up with a minimal amount of whining and is a little faster at it too. Even messes made by Lily, although she’s not as happy about those.
I feel like the energy it takes to go to swimming lessons Monday-Thursday, ballet/tap on Wednesday, music together and the library on Saturday is about all that I can handle. I think working and going to school, on top of the mommy, house cleaning, etc. sucked all my energy and I’m working on building up my stores again.
Nate however, has been great about getting things done, even with working a full time job. Here’s the work in progress on the playhouse that I mentioned last weekend:
and here’s the finished result:
I have completed some craft things, so I guess that’s a win. I made this wreath using the tutorial from this website.
Not sure where I want to put it, maybe will even put it in my classroom, haven’t decided. I do have to share that I used a book from the dollar store called Closing the Leadership Gap: Why Women Can and Must Help Run the World. I thought if anything it would be inspirational to look at.
I also made a swimsuit cover-up for Ava (finished an hour before her first lesson, I know, high-five) using a tutorial from MADE
Just so happened I used the same beach towel, not intentional–just matches Ava’s suits.
And in exciting news, my niece, Lauren Elizabeth was born this past Friday. Ava, Lily and I are flying out to Maryland in August to see her (and my brother and his wife) and to be a part of her baptism. Ava’s super excited about it and enjoys looking at pictures of her. Much love, happiness and sleep go out to Josh and Liz! You have moments like this to look forward to!
Okay, that’s a little overly dramatic, but it’s made up of elements that would be a part of it. I like to think that I’m not a wuss when it comes to things like spiders, bugs, etc. I do, however, draw the line at the following:
1. Zombies.
I know, not rational. I admit it. Still am freaked out by them. What can you do? BTW, the people who did this:
would have me running (or driving) in the opposite direction.
2. Snakes.
All sizes, all kinds. Yes, even the “good” ones.
3. Mice, and now that they are on my radar (did you know there are such a thing as ROOF RATS? Um, yeah. Freaking California.) RATS.
It’s their gross, wrappy, hairy tails. No, not cute, gross.
And it is the latter that is the focus of this entry.
No, we don’t have the rats IN our home. But because of the bounty of fruit trees along with garbage due to the high population, they exist. I know they are all around me, and a few years ago I saw one walking along the fence between our house and our neighbors, and that my friends, was close enough. EW.
During a trip to IKEA a while back, we stopped in the kids department to pick up some more cups and bowls and Ava campaigned for a stuffed rat. I tried to talk her into a different toy, but thought, no, I’ll be enlightened and not pass my phobias onto my children.
Fast forward to a month or so ago. I was taking care of something in my room, and put Lily in Ava’s room to play on the soft rug (Lily just started full-on crawling this past weekend. Prior to that she rolled everywhere.) and when I went to get her, I found this.
AARRRGGGGGGHHHH!!!!!!!!!
Again, the rational side of me understood that this was a stuffed rat, and not a real tail, but the irrational part of me wanted to vomit. I actually got the chills when I saw it. Then I ran for the camera.
Happy Father’s Day to my husband, who shall remain picture-less. (Ava and I made the card using this post. Super easy–it took me longer to find the paper.)
Thank you for these two
and for all you do. Instead of spending the day doing what you want, you’ve chosen to spend it putting together the playhouse, which is just one of the many reasons we love you so much. Thank you for all your hard work, your love, and your time. Thanks for putting up with our shenanigans.
Ava had fun decorating the wrapping paper for his gift…
we used these books from the library for inspiration.
She chose to make a hula dancer, and would have chosen other random images, but then I asked her to pick things that remind her of Daddy, so she chose a cyclist.
Here’s her portrait of Nate
Happy Father’s Day to my Dad, Father-in-Law and all the other Dad’s out there. We love and appreciate you!
It’s hard to believe that last Saturday we were in H-O-T Oklahoma for Kate and John’s wedding. We left on Thursday, and as soon as the doors at the Tulsa airport opened we were socked with a heat that we Bay Area pansies were not ready for. It will never cease to amaze me how life continues in such hot conditions. Farmers, ranchers, construction workers, etc. work as if it’s just another mild day. Me, I run for the air conditioning.
Quick Ava story–while on our way to San Jose airport, I reminded Ava about needing to take off her shoes and jacket for security. She said, “so they can look for bad things and bad manners?” Exactly, because people with bad manners ruin it for the rest of us. Funny girl.
As this was a super short trip, Ava did all that she could to squeeze in as much Grandma time as possible. Grandma was busy with wedding details–she did all of the flowers, decorating, etc. and she did a beautiful job.
I have to say–I am not a professional photographer by any means, but I love my Nikon, and need to learn how to really use it to its advantage. That being said, our old Sony Cyber-shot does not cut the mustard, but with two kids, it’s much smaller and easier to travel with. I also didn’t bring the extra memorystick, so I was stingy with taking pictures period. Unfortunately, with the craziness of the morning of the wedding, juggling being in the wedding (along with Ava and Nate) and a SUPER ANGRY LILY, I didn’t realize until we were at the reception that I had hardly taken any pictures! Boo. So hopefully we’ll get some shots from the photographer so you can get a better view of the wedding, than from the few I took.
Ava was the flower girl and here she is at the rehearsal–she felt she needed a bouquet, so Lily’s giraffe stood in.
Here’s the table centerpiece (no pictures of the tables, boo. Everyone was seated by the time we arrived with the wedding party and yeah, I just forgot ) along with my bouquet. Again, made by Capie. So talented!
Some more of her handiwork (with Nate’s uncle hiding behind) :0)
Ava before the ceremony…
and after eating…
I find it impressive that there were no major stains on the dress, as she ate baked beans (and cake, and punch) along with her sandwich!
Poor Bryan’s head was cut off in this shot, but I was trying to be fast because I was holding Lily. Poor Lily had a rough morning, as she was so ready for her morning nap, but the wedding took place at 11am, so no sleep at the house for her. Thought she’d sleep in the nursery, but no, she felt it would be more productive to scream her head off, because Mommy and Daddy were no where to be found. We felt really bad for the young girl who had to deal the screaming baby.
And I have the two shots of Lily and Nate, mostly because the first one poor Lily looks drugged, and in the second one Lily looks fine, but Nate’s giving me “take the picture already” look.
Both pictures of Lily give you an idea of how sad she was. She was still doing her sob-sighs at this point.
But after some lunch, so was back to our happy girl:
Did I mention that she’s working on another tooth too? Poor girl.
Here’s Ava, Grandpa Woodhams, Kate and John at the reception…
And Bryan, Nate, Lily and their Uncle Karl.
And here’s Ava helping Kate and Kaiden open wedding gifts.
We flew back Sunday to warm California weather, but luckily the mild weather returned–I have to say, I was even a little cold during the 8th grade promotion on Wednesday. Thursday was our last day with 7th graders, and Friday was my last teacher work day of the year. Today we went to Music Together class, and Ava was presented a Music Together bag and music collection, as this is her 9th and final collection. We only have 8 more classes and then she will have completed the whole series. I’ve really enjoyed this time with Ava. Nate wondered if I do this with Lily and I thought no, but now I have a little guilt that I might be cheating her of the experience too. Oh parenting.
I slept in until 7:30 this morning–usually I’m awake around 4:30 or 5am, so sweet! Watched the world cup, made some hummus, and am getting my list around for the craft supplies I need to get from Joann’s. Think a Monday trip might be in order, to celebrate my summer freedom!
After another crrraaaazzy week (I know, broken record) I finally feel like I’m able to breathe. School is finally starting to wind down, finished grading the last major assignment yesterday. Here’s the rundown of the week
Monday was somewhat normal, except I had a meeting after school, but didn’t last until 5 like I thought it might.
Tuesday: Lily’s 9 month check up. She’s still doing well on the growth curve, almost 20 pounds, but I need to measure her for her height–the exam rooms have beds that have a dip in them and when they measure they are all about doing it quickly if there’s a screaming baby. So it looks like she really took a “dip” on the chart, but I disagree. Anyway, I think Lily totally remembered the office and was NOT HAPPY about even being in the waiting room. 12 month shots will be wonderful.But mostly she’s a happy baby, who likes to give me cheesey smiles, after first working up to them.
Tuesday night I got to hang out with friends to watch the Biggest Loser finale. Seriously, love that show.
Wednesday: Multicultural Day at our school (my student presenters did a fantastic job and even brought in some food from a local restaurant. Kids loved that) along with the District Staff Celebration and Awards night at our school that night. whew.
Thursday: 4:30 had Ava’s final parent-teacher conference and of course she’s brilliant. Ms. Thelma had stories about Ava helping out in class when Ms. Thelma couldn’t remember where she placed her clipboard, how Ava’s really into sounding out words, and is beginning to decode what letters make up words. She also shared that Ava likes to be at the front of the line, and once left the front to use the restroom but didn’t ask to save her spot, so had to learn the hard lesson of going to the back of the line. Ava made sure she was at the front the next day. I hosted book club and it was great, food–excepting my bean bake, the beans were still too hard, even though they soaked over two days, but oh well–and the conversation.
Friday: picked Lily and Ava up and ran to the bridal shop to pick up the elusive headband and sash that FINALLY came in for Ava’s ensemble for the wedding. Ava seemed fine until Nate said something about her feeling warm. I took her temperature and it was 101.3. Had to run to Target for some acetaminophen, gave that to her and checked her temp again Saturday morning, down to 99.5. Ava seemed fine pretty much all day, (exhibit A)
until about 5 pm, then she started acting listless, and even fell asleep on the couch, which she NEVER does.
A little frightening if you ask me.
Took her temp and yep, 104.3. I called the advice nurse and as there were no other symptoms, not much we could do except what we were already doing.
Today she’s down to 98.5 (even a 97.7 at one point, not sure what was up with that) and she’s acting more like herself. Ava did have a morning nap, which is also not like her, but her body is fighting some sort of infection. Unfortunately this meant that our plans for today went out the window. The girls and I were going to drive to Sacramento to see a friend and celebrate her completion of a master’s program and her daughter’s 4th birthday. Ava was SUPER upset when I mentioned that Lily and I were still going, but in the end, I felt bad about leaving Nate with a sick girl, and asking him to stay home for the four time in a week.
So it’s been a laundry day and I even took a nap! Now, I dreamt horrible dreams because I was too warm, but yeah, it was nice not to have to think about school work or homework. And to know that we’ll be home tomorrow too! I’d like to go to Anthropologie, and Nate needs a white shirt for the wedding. Luckily Lily and Ava are all set for the dress rehearsal and wedding! And because of the wedding, I believe I only have four more days in the classroom with students! Woot!!
My hope is that in the next two weeks I’ll be able to start projects again. I want to make this dollhouse
(From Land of Nod website and retails for $299) but thanks to this WONDERFUL site (and she’s just announced that she’s been approached to create a reality show based on her work. Um, super cool and you know I’ll be watching it) I will be able to make it for much, much cheaper. Nate’s told me he will cut the wood, as he doesn’t trust me not to lose a finger-I have been known to grate my finger when shredding cheese-but it’s supposed to be an easy project. Sweet! It will go in Lily’s room, and I’m super excited about it.
I’m hosting book club this Thursday and we’ll be discussing the book The Help.
We’ve spent a good portion of this weekend getting ready for the main event. While Lily, Ava and I walked the neighborhoods attempting to drum up support for the upcoming parcel tax, Nate worked on the backyard. It appears that the playhouse we bought back in February won’t fit in the part of the yard that I’d like it, so it’s back to the drawing board.
Besides the usual errands and chores, I also spent some time this weekend reading through this magazine
picking out some of the books I’m looking forward to reading this coming summer. Here’s a few:
I’m looking forward to reading that series as I’ve heard lots of good things–just didn’t the time to do so before.
I didn’t realize that the third book in the Heart series by Chelsea Cain was out. Her two previous books were awesome–the first, Heartsick, I chose for Book Club–and are about a crazy, sick-in-the-head female serial killer, and the police officer who was captured and tortured by her, yet managed to live, and now devotes his time to tracking her down. I can’t tell you the amount of times I think “just kill her! SHOOT HER NOW!” because Gretchen is sooooo messed up and scary.
(are you liking all the amazon extras to the pictures? oh well)
Another book I’m looking forward to reading is this book
but I feel I need to be either in a very happy mood, or already super depressed, as it’s about the environment and how we are sucking up all that it has, living little for our children. In this link the author uses the analogy of a family going out to eat, where only the parents order, and extravagantly at that, while the kids sit and watch, waiting for the leftover scrapes. perfectly in . He goes on to discuss why he wrote this young adult book, etc., but it sucked me in. And made me depressed.
I have stack of books by my bed already, and it’s been nice to read for pleasure again. I’m currently reading this book
that was given to me for my birthday, BACK IN JANUARY. Books don’t usually sit around that long for me. Oh well, I’m reading it now and that’s what matters. I’m just a few chapters into it, and loving it.
I only have 10 days left with students (will be absent for two days coming up, and my last day with students is June 9). Woot woot! I’ve only taught roughly five months this school year, but man, it’s seemed like longer.
Tomorrow is my final for this semester’s class. Starting to feel like the end is in sight…okay, I’m telling myself that, but I still have next Fall and Spring semester (one class each) and then the Plan B exam. Then I will be a holder of a Masters in History. Lord just let it happen now.
Anyway, must get to studying so this is more of a drive-by post. Met with a classmate yesterday and studied for three hours at the library, then home to Ava’s Spring “recital” (literally we w ere only there for 15 min. and saw four different classes of dancers. Short and sweet.), then home for a nap before heading off to supervise the spring musical. Chores planned for today and the aforementioned studying.
Here’s some pictures from yesterday’s fun:
Lining up
Showing off their gift from the school–rainbow sunglasses!
Posing for Mom
My girl. Won’t look at the camera to save her life.
Lily’s saying “mama” now for real, in addition to “dada” and “VA!” which we’re telling ourselves is Ava. She so desperately wants to be mobile, and gets up on her hands and knees, but then doesn’t know what to do and scootches backward. Silly girl.
Ava is into how things are made, and has asked me this morning how we get oatmeal, paper, and orange juice. And it’s not a simple “from oranges” answer. Oh no, my girl needs to know the step by step process for how it gets from the orange tree to our table. She and Nate can bond while watching “How It’s Made” on the Science channel. I swear that channel always has a marathon of that show running.
