Saturday, October 5, 2013
Goofball
I recall when Gwen was a baby, I thought she was so serious. Always observing and taking it all in, seeming so focused and somber. Well, things have changed a bit. We have a full-blown comedian on our hands these days. She loves to make people laugh and it is one of my favorite things about her. Some evidence to my claim...
Saturday, July 13, 2013
Muse
For a few years now, Gwen has been my muse for photography, but lately she's making me miss drawing and painting. There are so many photos that I love of her and I finally need to turn them into art - the kind I haven't done for darn near a decade by now. I want to sit and sketch a picture, with one of the photos I took today as the inspiration. I guess I'm writing this before actually doing it to hold myself accountable. There's been a lot of things I've intended to do over the years. Didn't do quite a few of them. So this will be different. I'm going to sit down with my pad of paper and bundle of H and B pencils (not sure I remember which are my favorite anymore). I'm hoping it will all come back to me. As much as I used to love doing art, it would truly be a shame if I let the gift slip away.
With G as my muse, I will do art again. I plan to post the work sometime soon. In the meantime, I must narrow down the photo to re-create...
With G as my muse, I will do art again. I plan to post the work sometime soon. In the meantime, I must narrow down the photo to re-create...
Sunday, July 7, 2013
Happy 4th!
Our first family getaway was a success, if I do say so myself. Road trips are so fun! We loaded up the car with two days and one night's worth of clothes/essentials (which came out to be more than you'd think...) and took off!
Stopped in Emporia to eat at Applebee's (G's meal was free for the holiday - whoopee!) then back on the road. Gwen finally took a little dozer - so did mommy. I couldn't help it!
Checked into the hotel Marriott at the Country Club Plaza. They even opened our car doors for us! Ha! The room was cozy - a nice King bed for mommy and daddy, a pull-out couch for munchkin. But no time for laying around, it's H&M time! So off to the plaza we RODE! Shuttle service = awesome. Front door delivery, doesn't get much better. G in the stroller, rocking the shades indoors. Mama trying to get in the shopping mood (not as easy as it used to be). $150 later, I have one new shirt, daddy has 2, and G has a dress, 2 leggings, and a headband that she picked out herself (then refused to wear since...) Then A/X - mama's favorite. Flippy floppies and a jacket.
Time to eat again! Cheesecake Factory, here we come! Andy and I split the meal so that we'd have room for dessert of course. Who could go to the Cheesecake Factory and not eat cheesecake?!?!
I planned the trip as best I could, selecting a hotel then changing my mind again and again before finally settling on the Marriott near the Cheesecake Factory. Andy gave me one rule - do NOT put us in the hotel that's way up the hill/mountain from the plaza. We've made that mistake before. Well, unfortunately AFTER purchasing the non-refundable room, I Google mapped it. Oops. Oh well. A little exercise after eating all that we had wasn't a bad thing... But first, we stop to rest our bodies a bit before the hike - at the gorgeous fountain.
One more tiny rest, then into the car again as we head downtown to the casino's parking garage roof. We heard from the gal working at Lucky that it's a great spot to watch the fireworks display. We showed up way early so we decided to make our way down to the actual River Festival festivities. Basically paid $10 for the porta-potty (priceless). We made our way all the way back to our car and enjoyed a gorgeous fireworks show at a comfortable distance. Gwen thoroughly enjoyed. And even though her usual bedtime was hours before the show even began, she did an amazing job staying her sweet lovable self the whole day through.
She even argued as we slowly made our way out of the garage that it wasn't over yet! There were still fireworks! But we had to call it a night. And she was ready. Her in her bed and Daddy and I in ours, she said 'sweet dreams - turn out the light!'
The morning came too quickly - if not for the knock from housekeeping about 9AM, who knows when we might have started our day! No rush getting ready, some fun photo ops before check out...
Our view of the Plaza:
Lunch at Fritz's - a burger joint where the food is delivered via train. A track runs along the wall near the ceiling and places the food on a tray that lowers to the table. Genius. And a blast for the kiddos (obviously, because the place was packed!) Luckily, we were there right at open.
Then to the Aquarium. Not really what we had expected - it was more geared towards the kids. A very, keep-the-pace feel as opposed to others we've been to where is was more of a casual stroll. But Gwen had a lot of fun and saw lots of 'bloop-blups.' That's what we call fish. A 'Bloop-blup' is to fish as 'Moo moo' is to cow. We played the animal sound game long ago - this one really stuck! hehehe
I do think G was a bit disappointed that there were no mermaids...
One more stop at Kaleidescope (sp?) for some quick arts and crafts, then we finally had to say 'uncle'. Headed Home Sweet Home. We hardly made it out of the parking garage before Gwen was slumped over in her carseat, dreaming of fish and shopping bags and fireworks.
Stopped for some ice cream at a turnpike McD's. Home early evening - fit in a bike ride to the playground and back before bed.
What a fun trip! G's ready to see the fireworks again next year already! How do you explain - 'not for another year' to a 3-year-old? What's a year? I used to think it was a long time. Seems lately, they go pretty quick... Savoring every moment.
Thank you, Lord, for my wonderful life. For my wonderful family.
Blessings all around ♥
Stopped in Emporia to eat at Applebee's (G's meal was free for the holiday - whoopee!) then back on the road. Gwen finally took a little dozer - so did mommy. I couldn't help it!
Checked into the hotel Marriott at the Country Club Plaza. They even opened our car doors for us! Ha! The room was cozy - a nice King bed for mommy and daddy, a pull-out couch for munchkin. But no time for laying around, it's H&M time! So off to the plaza we RODE! Shuttle service = awesome. Front door delivery, doesn't get much better. G in the stroller, rocking the shades indoors. Mama trying to get in the shopping mood (not as easy as it used to be). $150 later, I have one new shirt, daddy has 2, and G has a dress, 2 leggings, and a headband that she picked out herself (then refused to wear since...) Then A/X - mama's favorite. Flippy floppies and a jacket.
Time to eat again! Cheesecake Factory, here we come! Andy and I split the meal so that we'd have room for dessert of course. Who could go to the Cheesecake Factory and not eat cheesecake?!?!
I planned the trip as best I could, selecting a hotel then changing my mind again and again before finally settling on the Marriott near the Cheesecake Factory. Andy gave me one rule - do NOT put us in the hotel that's way up the hill/mountain from the plaza. We've made that mistake before. Well, unfortunately AFTER purchasing the non-refundable room, I Google mapped it. Oops. Oh well. A little exercise after eating all that we had wasn't a bad thing... But first, we stop to rest our bodies a bit before the hike - at the gorgeous fountain.
One more tiny rest, then into the car again as we head downtown to the casino's parking garage roof. We heard from the gal working at Lucky that it's a great spot to watch the fireworks display. We showed up way early so we decided to make our way down to the actual River Festival festivities. Basically paid $10 for the porta-potty (priceless). We made our way all the way back to our car and enjoyed a gorgeous fireworks show at a comfortable distance. Gwen thoroughly enjoyed. And even though her usual bedtime was hours before the show even began, she did an amazing job staying her sweet lovable self the whole day through.
She even argued as we slowly made our way out of the garage that it wasn't over yet! There were still fireworks! But we had to call it a night. And she was ready. Her in her bed and Daddy and I in ours, she said 'sweet dreams - turn out the light!'
The morning came too quickly - if not for the knock from housekeeping about 9AM, who knows when we might have started our day! No rush getting ready, some fun photo ops before check out...
Our view of the Plaza:
Lunch at Fritz's - a burger joint where the food is delivered via train. A track runs along the wall near the ceiling and places the food on a tray that lowers to the table. Genius. And a blast for the kiddos (obviously, because the place was packed!) Luckily, we were there right at open.
Then to the Aquarium. Not really what we had expected - it was more geared towards the kids. A very, keep-the-pace feel as opposed to others we've been to where is was more of a casual stroll. But Gwen had a lot of fun and saw lots of 'bloop-blups.' That's what we call fish. A 'Bloop-blup' is to fish as 'Moo moo' is to cow. We played the animal sound game long ago - this one really stuck! hehehe
I do think G was a bit disappointed that there were no mermaids...
One more stop at Kaleidescope (sp?) for some quick arts and crafts, then we finally had to say 'uncle'. Headed Home Sweet Home. We hardly made it out of the parking garage before Gwen was slumped over in her carseat, dreaming of fish and shopping bags and fireworks.
Stopped for some ice cream at a turnpike McD's. Home early evening - fit in a bike ride to the playground and back before bed.
What a fun trip! G's ready to see the fireworks again next year already! How do you explain - 'not for another year' to a 3-year-old? What's a year? I used to think it was a long time. Seems lately, they go pretty quick... Savoring every moment.
Thank you, Lord, for my wonderful life. For my wonderful family.
Blessings all around ♥
Wednesday, July 3, 2013
Age Three
What a fun age! They're all fun so far in their own way, but I'm having a blast with three. As a parent, I am supposed to teach her, but I find more and more that I am the one learning. Gwen doesn't have a shy bone in her body. We go to the pool, the store, church... it's a big, bright, happy "HI!" from Gwen to whomever crosses her path. I watch how the gloomy faces around us turn into smiles, lots of giggles and kind words. How I wish I could bring out the happy in people as easily as my daughter does. I know, she does have utter cuteness on her side, but wouldn't it be nice if we all had that effect on those around us?
She is caring and sweet. Says "I love you" more times than I can count each day. God has blessed us with a beautiful person.
This idea came to me from Pinterest. 20 questions (which I tweaked and added 4) to ask every year around her birthday. She talks up a storm - I don't want to forget a moment. These questions will help me to remember this moment in time for years to come.
I had my assumptions of what the answers would be. First, I thought her answer to the first question would be blue. Boy, was I off. Her first answer to almost every question on here was Pink! So I'm glad I asked!
I thought her favorite toy would be the iPad. I thought her favorite food would be ice cream with sprinkles. Clothes, I would have assumed it would be a princess dress as most items I place on her are unacceptable if they don't twirl well. Maybe she meant pink princess dress?
I thought Daniel Tiger on the computer would be her favorite game. Assumed her favorite animal would be a dog. Song would be Taylor Swift's "Never Ever Ever Getting Back Together." Silly me, I thought I was her best friend. She tells me I am, until I tell her to do something she doesn't want to. She does what I say, but usually sneers, "you're not my best friend, mommy." To which I reply, "Ok."
The doctor toy answers really threw me for a loop. She was definitely dropping hints because even though she claims their her favorite indoor and outdoor activity, she doesn't actually even own doctor toys! Santa shall jot that one down... I thought outdoor activity would be to swing or play in the dirt; indoor would be playdoh.
Christmas is what I assumed would be the favorite holiday. She cannot go to bed without the singing bear or grey kitty cat - I always thought Clifford was optional...
As much as she loves to dance, I assumed Ballerina would be her occupation of choice, but a doctor will do.
'Tangled' is the movie we've watched most, but she does love Cinderella. Unfortunately, she loves the cheesy knock-off version best. She casts me as prince and we act it out quite frequently. G: "I have to go home," she says as she stops dancing and scurries away. R: "But wait, Princess! I don't even know your name!" And then we sing, "Where have you been all my life? I'm drawn like a moth to your flame..." Well, you get the idea. We do shows upon request, so keep that in mind if you enjoy theater.
The big blue car carts are her favorite so I assumed Lowes would be her favorite store. In her favorite book (well, the book I thought was her favorite - Ballet Bunny), she bunny goes to the ballet store. Perhaps that's the inspiration behind her response to the store question.
Never a dull moment with my little princess. I'm truly blessed to know her, well, as well as I think I know her. As you can see from the differences in our answers, I don't know her as well as I thought. Perhaps I should suggest a new game show much like Newlyweds, except with the kiddos. I'd be entertained!
She is caring and sweet. Says "I love you" more times than I can count each day. God has blessed us with a beautiful person.
This idea came to me from Pinterest. 20 questions (which I tweaked and added 4) to ask every year around her birthday. She talks up a storm - I don't want to forget a moment. These questions will help me to remember this moment in time for years to come.
I had my assumptions of what the answers would be. First, I thought her answer to the first question would be blue. Boy, was I off. Her first answer to almost every question on here was Pink! So I'm glad I asked!
I thought her favorite toy would be the iPad. I thought her favorite food would be ice cream with sprinkles. Clothes, I would have assumed it would be a princess dress as most items I place on her are unacceptable if they don't twirl well. Maybe she meant pink princess dress?
I thought Daniel Tiger on the computer would be her favorite game. Assumed her favorite animal would be a dog. Song would be Taylor Swift's "Never Ever Ever Getting Back Together." Silly me, I thought I was her best friend. She tells me I am, until I tell her to do something she doesn't want to. She does what I say, but usually sneers, "you're not my best friend, mommy." To which I reply, "Ok."
The doctor toy answers really threw me for a loop. She was definitely dropping hints because even though she claims their her favorite indoor and outdoor activity, she doesn't actually even own doctor toys! Santa shall jot that one down... I thought outdoor activity would be to swing or play in the dirt; indoor would be playdoh.
Christmas is what I assumed would be the favorite holiday. She cannot go to bed without the singing bear or grey kitty cat - I always thought Clifford was optional...
As much as she loves to dance, I assumed Ballerina would be her occupation of choice, but a doctor will do.
'Tangled' is the movie we've watched most, but she does love Cinderella. Unfortunately, she loves the cheesy knock-off version best. She casts me as prince and we act it out quite frequently. G: "I have to go home," she says as she stops dancing and scurries away. R: "But wait, Princess! I don't even know your name!" And then we sing, "Where have you been all my life? I'm drawn like a moth to your flame..." Well, you get the idea. We do shows upon request, so keep that in mind if you enjoy theater.
The big blue car carts are her favorite so I assumed Lowes would be her favorite store. In her favorite book (well, the book I thought was her favorite - Ballet Bunny), she bunny goes to the ballet store. Perhaps that's the inspiration behind her response to the store question.
Never a dull moment with my little princess. I'm truly blessed to know her, well, as well as I think I know her. As you can see from the differences in our answers, I don't know her as well as I thought. Perhaps I should suggest a new game show much like Newlyweds, except with the kiddos. I'd be entertained!
Thursday, June 6, 2013
Under the Stairs
Home projects rarely turn out exactly as you expect - and even more rarely require less than 20 trips to Lowes. Ours was no exception. This project has been a journey to say the least. In our home there is a small room under the stairs. It was unfinished, smelled of dirty dog (from the former home owners), and only served as a place to stick our broken down boxes from the move.
I love art and I want my now 3-year-old daughter to experience all types of art. But that's difficult to do indoors! I don't want to have to micro-manage, but it's almost impossible not to if you don't want paint, clay, etc. on the hardwood floor, table, couch, walls - parents, you know what I mean?
So my vision was, let's convert this small 6.5' square room into her free-for-all. Turn her loose, let the paint and whatever else fly. Small project, I thought. Wrong... but so very worth it! We went to work in the evenings. She didn't even suspect! It was our plan to have it ready for the big reveal on her birthday. And by golly, we did it!
Before/After of entry - used shellac-based primer to seal in any stink on the drywall. I didn't want the smell to still be there after all was said and done.
Before and after, 'round the corner - reading nook and desk.
I love art and I want my now 3-year-old daughter to experience all types of art. But that's difficult to do indoors! I don't want to have to micro-manage, but it's almost impossible not to if you don't want paint, clay, etc. on the hardwood floor, table, couch, walls - parents, you know what I mean?
So my vision was, let's convert this small 6.5' square room into her free-for-all. Turn her loose, let the paint and whatever else fly. Small project, I thought. Wrong... but so very worth it! We went to work in the evenings. She didn't even suspect! It was our plan to have it ready for the big reveal on her birthday. And by golly, we did it!
Before/After of entry - used shellac-based primer to seal in any stink on the drywall. I didn't want the smell to still be there after all was said and done.
- Desk Wall-mounted drop-leaf table, white, IKEA
- Picture Ledges 21 3/4" Long, IKEA
- Gold polka dots on ceiling 2" Gold Seals, Staples
I used a 2" circle punch to remove the jagged edge. I'm pleased with how they look, but do re-stick them every time I go in the room... - Light fixture White Powder-Coated Flush Mount Fluorescent Light, Lowes
- Pink paint - Valspar, 'Pretty in Pink'
- Magnetic, Chalk board wall on right
If I could do it all over again, I would not have messed with the magnetic paint. It added a lot of texture, so the eraser sheds a LOT when erasing the chalk.
- Triangle Pendants made from paint swatches picked up during our many trips to Lowes, strung with white yarn
- Banner Pendants made from cardstock book. Printed letters backwards onto shiny side of Transparency Film, then rubbed them onto the cardstock to spell out her name
- Vinyl flooring, Lowes
- Trim - nothing fancy, straight and simple white trim, Lowes
- Display rail Roller System, Staples
- Marker board and screw covers, Lowes
- BYGEL rail, 39", IKEA - Markerboard and Crayon storage
- Containers, IKEA
- Princess castle decal, Amazon
- Curtain held up by tension rod, velcro fabric strip to hold it back (sewn to 3M hook)
- Foil wrapping paper, Target $1 bin
brought in some color, she LOVES the mirror effect - Glow in the dark foam stars
- Picture Ledges 21 3/4" Long, IKEA - book storage
- Crib mattress and pillows - now that she's in a big girl bed, this was just in storage! Along with the comforter, Dwell Studio Olivia (discontinued - I found it on eBay)
- BYGEL rail, 39", IKEA - chalkboard storage
- Hooks, BYGEL, IKEA
- Pails, from the Target $1 bins
The big reveal happened right after her 3rd birthday party! We managed to keep it a secret until then - she hadn't been in the room since hanging the drywall. "Wow!, Wow!" This was all she could say as she walked in for the first time. Then she went around the corner, got in the bed, and asked us all to leave. She was going to sleep. Since then, she loves to go in there to lay on the bed and read or play on the iPad, paint using the desk, or draw on the chalkboard and markerboard.
I'm so thrilled that she loves it as much as daddy and I loved putting it together for her!
Friday, March 22, 2013
And I QUOTE!
My goodness, I should have been doing this ages ago... As I upload new pictures to the computer, they'll be fresh in my memory and I can add some quotes really quick in PhotoShop. This is way better than trying to remember to write them down on a piece of paper and have those scattered through the wind. Plus, I can find pics that fit her expression as she says them.
I have found now that Gwen is almost 3 that those things in the moment that I think, "I'll never forget this..." seem to get forgotten! Activities, toys, phrases, routines that are done or said over and over only last for so long. Other mothers with younger kids will ask me, "did Gwen ever do that?" Oh ya! How could I forget that? It used to be every single day! My, how they change so quickly. How they grow up so fast before our very eyes. Hopefully this will help me to remember those melt-my-heart moments that I want to hold onto forever.
I have found now that Gwen is almost 3 that those things in the moment that I think, "I'll never forget this..." seem to get forgotten! Activities, toys, phrases, routines that are done or said over and over only last for so long. Other mothers with younger kids will ask me, "did Gwen ever do that?" Oh ya! How could I forget that? It used to be every single day! My, how they change so quickly. How they grow up so fast before our very eyes. Hopefully this will help me to remember those melt-my-heart moments that I want to hold onto forever.
Monday, March 18, 2013
Thankful, Hopeful.
Life is a struggle. I know that. Things are not easy. We cannot plan everything out. We don't know, understand, or always agree with God's plan. But I try to trust in it. He has not let me down yet and I know He won't.
The Lord has blessed us. Gwen has my heart. I remember sitting in church one Sunday, years ago. The moment is burned into my memory. We were sitting towards the back of the sanctuary listening to the choir sing. A few rows in front of my sat a mother. Her son, around 7 or 8 years old at the time, hugged her arm and laid his head on her shoulder. I couldn't fight back a tear. We had been struggling with infertility for awhile at that time and as the tear fell as I asked God yet again if I would be given the chance to be a mother. I wanted to be a shoulder for my child to lean on. I wanted a child.
He blessed us!! I prayed over and over back then - I pleaded. I thought if we could have a child, I would be content. The empty feeling would go away. And it did! Gwen has filled my heart.
But after she was 6 months old, we started trying for another. As I plan for her third birthday, my heart hurts. Why does it hurt so much again? Am I ungrateful? I must be the most selfish person in the world. I try to tell myself it's not right for me to pray for another. He answered my prayers. I'm content. So why does it hurt so much? Why do I have that hollow feeling again anytime someone tells me they or someone close to them is expecting? Why do I get a lump in my throat, that weight on my chest when I see a baby bump? I really must be a selfish person. Even when I'm thrilled for the person - when it's someone I love, I'm beyond thrilled that they get the experience. But I can't help that it's an in-my-face reminder that they are. I'm not. I hate that I'm this way. This inner battle of happy to sad is really getting old. Two announcements in one day last week has really done a number on my heart. Especially after losing number five just a couple days before.
On Sunday at church, my beautiful blessing was sitting next to me. The choir was singing. She snuggled up to me, and laid her head down on my arm. I couldn't fight back a tear.
As thankful as I am, Lord, I do still pray every day. If it is your will, I pray that Gwen get to experience being a big sister. I have now said goodbye to 5 pregnancies. They're so painful, both physically and emotionally. I pray that I don't experience any more of those. Time is not as on my side as it once was. We're at a point where we either need to try harder, do more tests and medicines and procedures. Or I need to get back on the pill to ensure I just don't get pregnant anymore.
I pray for a healthy baby. I pray for a successful, full-term pregnancy. I pray for peace and to feel myself again. And I thank you for the people in my life who remind me that they're praying for me. Some are going through the same struggles. I pray for them too. I pray for all who face infertility of any kind. It hurts.
The Lord has blessed us. Gwen has my heart. I remember sitting in church one Sunday, years ago. The moment is burned into my memory. We were sitting towards the back of the sanctuary listening to the choir sing. A few rows in front of my sat a mother. Her son, around 7 or 8 years old at the time, hugged her arm and laid his head on her shoulder. I couldn't fight back a tear. We had been struggling with infertility for awhile at that time and as the tear fell as I asked God yet again if I would be given the chance to be a mother. I wanted to be a shoulder for my child to lean on. I wanted a child.
He blessed us!! I prayed over and over back then - I pleaded. I thought if we could have a child, I would be content. The empty feeling would go away. And it did! Gwen has filled my heart.
But after she was 6 months old, we started trying for another. As I plan for her third birthday, my heart hurts. Why does it hurt so much again? Am I ungrateful? I must be the most selfish person in the world. I try to tell myself it's not right for me to pray for another. He answered my prayers. I'm content. So why does it hurt so much? Why do I have that hollow feeling again anytime someone tells me they or someone close to them is expecting? Why do I get a lump in my throat, that weight on my chest when I see a baby bump? I really must be a selfish person. Even when I'm thrilled for the person - when it's someone I love, I'm beyond thrilled that they get the experience. But I can't help that it's an in-my-face reminder that they are. I'm not. I hate that I'm this way. This inner battle of happy to sad is really getting old. Two announcements in one day last week has really done a number on my heart. Especially after losing number five just a couple days before.
On Sunday at church, my beautiful blessing was sitting next to me. The choir was singing. She snuggled up to me, and laid her head down on my arm. I couldn't fight back a tear.
As thankful as I am, Lord, I do still pray every day. If it is your will, I pray that Gwen get to experience being a big sister. I have now said goodbye to 5 pregnancies. They're so painful, both physically and emotionally. I pray that I don't experience any more of those. Time is not as on my side as it once was. We're at a point where we either need to try harder, do more tests and medicines and procedures. Or I need to get back on the pill to ensure I just don't get pregnant anymore.
I pray for a healthy baby. I pray for a successful, full-term pregnancy. I pray for peace and to feel myself again. And I thank you for the people in my life who remind me that they're praying for me. Some are going through the same struggles. I pray for them too. I pray for all who face infertility of any kind. It hurts.
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