IF YOU ARE STILL IN THE PROCESS OF RAISING CHILDREN, BE AWARE. THE TINY FINGERPRINTS THAT SHOW UP ON ALMOST EVERY NEWLY CLEANED SURFACE, THE TOYS SCATTERED AROUND THE HOUSE, THE PILES AND PILES OF LAUNDRY LYING AROUND TO BE TACKLED, WILL DISAPPEAR ALL TOO SOON. AND, YOU WILL, TO YOUR SURPRISE, MISS THEM PROFOUNDLY. THOMAS S. MONSON

Friday, July 9, 2010

The Fruits of their Labor

I say “their”, because Joel and Nora have really been doing the work in the garden, and I would hate to steal their thunder. Now, I know that I posted a few weeks ago, about the disease that our garden contracted, so I am not sure that any of this stuff will be edible.  But, I am still excited to share the pictures with you. We are growing cherry tomatoes….

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Sugar Baby Watermelons: and can I just say how cute these little babies are! I love that the stripes look like stretch marks… I just want to rub body butter all over them, and bring them a diet coke, and tell them, that we will still love them after we eat them. DSC_5327 DSC_5331

Cucumbers:DSC_5328

I can’t seem to get pictures of our beans before Nora picks them and eats them… but its the only time I can get her to scarf her vegetables, so, I’m not going to complain. 

Tell me when it's too much!

I can't help it... he is at such a fun age! I can tell that it is going to be very soon, that I am not loving his "stage". He isn't quite moving around on his own... but when he is, I am going to be one anxious momma! Again he is naked... yes he wears clothes, they usually fit, but sometimes they look like a Richard Simmons costume... so take a look at my babbling bubby!

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Documented milestone

Just to say that I was a good mom... here is a milestone marker. Last week Smith started sitting up on his own. Today he does it for as long as I need him to. More importantly... the laundry basket that is about to be folded AND put away!

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Let's give em something to talk about...

I have an issue with always posting pictures where the house is clean, or, I have my hair done, or, the kids are dressed... well today, you would only love this video, if 1) you love my baby, or 2) you want something juicy to talk about!

Smith has been very clingy today, and has wanting me to snuggle him, and play with him anytime I am not. I have to admit that I love it, but once again, my laundry is not done, and I have been really trying to keep up with it. So, while we were playing, I reached over to grab the recorder. Keep in mind, that yes, I am aware of the dress up closet in the back ground, and I am aware it is a wreck. Also keep in mind that we just finished dinner, and I do believe that there is spaghetti sauce on my chin. And because he has been DROOLING all day, I took Smiths soaking wet clothes off. Also, no, you aren't hearing the garbage disposal... that is me grunting... I just think it is too real, and too adorable to leave on the camera... I had to post it. So there is a whole list of things to use, the next time you want to talk about me!

Sunday, July 4, 2010

Happy Birthday to ME!

It was the most amazing day I have had in a very long time. I usually get so excited about my birthday, and then it usually turns out to be a disappointment. Mostly because I have unclear, and ridiculous expectations… so this year, I decided… it will just be another day, and if anything fun and exciting happens, then it will be an added bonus. I did make a recommendation, (maybe I am slightly OCD…) and that was to attend the opening of the butterfly house, at the Norfolk Botanical Gardens, (My new favorite place in Hampton Roads!) Joel went above and beyond the call of Birthday Girls Husband. He invited the Siweks, and planned a picnic at the gardens too. Really, he even brought food, and silverware, and drinks… ok, so he forgot napkins… but he thought of everything else. Impressive!

Smith enjoyed his first ever pickle… and we were all able to enjoy the smell of it the rest of the day. DSC_5066I thought these cookies were ridiculously cute! And they were equally delicious… DSC_5086  The magnolias were absolutely beautiful. I just wanted to steal them! Hah… sometimes… I crack myself up… did anybody else get that? Anyways… I would have stolen the magnolias… but they were bigger than Nora’s head, so I’m pretty sure, I wouldn’t have gotten away with it. Aren’t they amazing? DSC_5121When we arrived at the Butterfly house, I said, “My birthday would be absolutely perfect, if a butterfly landed on one of us.” No pressure… but we all wanted Kirstynn to have a “Perfect birthday”… right? I was so impressed with the amazing creatures in the house. It had me dreaming of all the photography equipment I will someday have. (I allow myself to fall into the “it’s all about me” rut… maybe once a year… so kill me!) But look at these amazing, colorful, and kinda freaky bugs… DSC_5129 DSC_5130 DSC_5134

This one just mesmerized me… it is a Caterpillar with what looks like lady bugs all over it! They double in size, EVERYDAY! It was crazy… I want to go back tomorrow, just to see how huge it will be!  DSC_5152And then…  

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I got my birthday wish! She was so still, and so in tune with this beauty. She even said, “bonjour butterfly”, which is what “Fancy Nancy” says, whenever she meets a butterfly. Notice her dress?

We then went on to the new Exhibit, The Enchanted Storybook Forest. I guarantee, you will be seeing and hearing more about this place, as the summer goes on. I was very impressed with the exhibit, and Nora was equally impressed. It is displays of different children's stories.

Alice and Wonderland:DSC_5185

The Old Woman that lived in a shoe… and had so many children, she didn’t know what to do… that’s me… 

DSC_5240 They also have, The Three Little Pigs, Old Mac Donald, and lots more! Plus, they have these little “Roaming Gnomes”. That must be what makes it “Enchanted”. DSC_5192 DSC_5208

This was Smith for 95% of the day! He was so great, and so was daddy! They are BY FAR… my favorite men in my life! DSC_5168 DSC_5170But when our lil’ Bubs woke up… we HAD to have him pose for a picture. DSC_5260 

The day was so amazing! I am so excited to go into my 32nd year. If I could only get a bottle of whatever Nora has been taking… I think I would have her energy Happy 4th of July!