9.30.2008

Took it Like a Champ (her, not me)


Claire had her 4 month appt. this morning which meant a series of shots. She did great, I however, had to leave the room because I cannot stand to see her hurt. Wayne carried her out of the exam room, and there she was all bright eyed and quiet ... except I could see the tears that were on her cheeks. :(

She weighs 12 pounds 15 oz. (33rd percentile)
She is 23 1/2" long (25th percentile)
Her peanut head is 15 1/2" around (10th percentile)

Caeden got a flu shot and didn't even wince. Such a little man. Took him out to the dirt pile behind the house as a reward for being so brave.

9.28.2008

One Boy's Rocky Mountain


Caeden was overjoyed to see a Bobcat piling dirt up behind our house on Friday. He waited as patiently as any excited 3 1/2 year old can until the weekend when he could claim it for his own.

So far, we've been over there 4 times in 2 days and have just given up on hauling toys back and forth ... we just piled them up by the fence so they're ready to go when he is.

Some running commentary I overhead:

"Okay Bobcat. You are done with the dirt. You take a break while the cement truck has some fun."

"I am building a fireplace (rolling large rocks around the field into a pile). There! Now, none of you move!"

Claire 4 Months





Baby Claire,

You have the sweetest smile that lights up your eyes ... and an entire room.

You have a belly laugh that is so contagious that I will spent hours trying to make you do it just one more time.

You still are not rolling over, but love to play with your toes.

You discovered your hands and suck on them all day long.

You love to be cuddled, and I think that's why you will only sleep in your swing, car seat, or in bed with me (your crib being the goal ...)Your brother tries to pet you, kiss you, and love on you whenever he gets the chance.

You love bath time and look up at me with this amazing face when I wash your hair. Totally trusting that I won't get water in your eyes (talk to you brother about this one, I have traumatized him many times...)

Your skin is the softest thing I have ever felt and you smell like baby goodness.

You kick your legs and wave your arms in anticipation of being held.

You love when I sing to you. And, when fussing in the car, my John Mayer playlist puts you to sleep (and your father).

Your nickname is still Claire Bear.

We love you soooo much.

XoXo

Mommy

9.27.2008

Getting Ahead


Okay, I know this is a bit of a jump, but how cute are these new stockings at Pottery Barn Kids??

I am hosting Christmas this year, and short of redecorating the house, these might have to do.

You see the ornamental greenery above them? I learned a trick years ago ... just get a piece of MDF cut to the size of the top of your mantel. Place it up there and then staple real (mist with water daily) or faux greenery to the top of the MDF. Your mantle will look fabulous and the whole thing comes down after Christmas and you haven't hurt your mantle.

9.26.2008

One More Thing ... Nike Pants

I discovered a wonderful pair of Nike pants. Totally soft and flattering. I have black but am going back for all the colors. Perfect for Fall walks and the grocery store.

Day to Day


I am feeling quite Martha today. I rearranged my living room, scrubbed the hardwood floors, and made Cowboy Cookies.

Caeden has been "helping" me clean, and has been happy as a clam. It also might have something to do with the bribe/brilliant comment ... "How about Chuck E Cheese after quiet time?" Super casual. Didn't sound anything like a desperate plea for good behavior. I am getting the hang of this mothering thing.

Claire turns 4 months tomorrow. I am going to do a major photoshoot - I still have yet to get professional portraits done, but am waiting for her to sit up. However, I have some great ideas and hope the photos turn out. Stay tuned.

Thanks Sara, for the Home Depot shout-out. You were right. We found sheet metal and Wayne is going to work on the "Ta Da" project this weekend.

We are fortunate to live near Estes Park, CO. This time of year, the Elk come down into the town and hang out. They walk all over the place - crossing the street, wandering through public places without a care in the world...so we're headed up there this weekend (or next week if Wayne plays hooky) to check it all out.

I slipped into a pre-pregnancy pair of jeans yesterday. It's about time! I was feeling quite cocky, and proceeded to try on some of my other favorite pairs. Uh, no go. Apparently the ones that fit are my new favorites until my oatmeal/cheese/apple/crackers diet kicks in. Should be any moment. Really. Any time now.

Happy Weekend to All!

Ingredients for Cowboy Cookies

Makes about 5 dozen

  • Vegetable oil cooking spray
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 8 ounces (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup light-brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats
  • 6 ounces semisweet chocolate, cut into 1/4-inch chunks (1 cup)
  • 3 ounces (3/4 cup) pecan halves
  • 1/2 cup shredded unsweetened coconut

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Coat baking sheets with cooking spray, line with parchment, and spray parchment. Sift flour, baking soda, salt, and baking powder into a medium bowl.
  2. Beat butter and sugars with a mixer on medium-high until pale and creamy, about 3 minutes. Reduce speed to medium. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in vanilla.
  3. Reduce speed to low, and slowly add flour mixture, beating until just incorporated. Beat in oats, chocolate, pecans, and coconut until combined. (Dough can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.)
  4. Using a 1 1/2-inch ice cream scoop or a small spoon, drop dough onto baking sheets, spacing 3 inches apart.
  5. Bake until edges of cookies begin to brown, 11 to 13 minutes. Transfer baking sheets to wire rack, and let cool for 5 minutes. Transfer cookies to racks. Let cool. (Cookies can be stored up to 3 days.)

9.24.2008

I Still Do.


14 years ago today, I said, "I Do."

Today I say, "I Still Do. For Always."


14 years ago today, we had a very simple wedding and a very, very fun reception.

Today I know there are fancier weddings, better bridesmaid dresses, and details I would change. But I know the promise we made to each other hasn't changed. Hasn't wavered. And that is the part that transcends all the trends. The part that is important.


14 years ago today, I thought we were invincible, destined to be together forever.
Today I know that's true.

14 years ago today I started the best part of the rest of my life.
Today I am enjoying the journey.

I love you, Wayne. Happy Anniversary.

9.23.2008

Food


Has anyone had a Honey Crisp apple this season? They are soooo good - and are only "in season" for a few weeks. Grab a big bag if you see them.

Has anyone tried Papa Murphy's 100% Whole Wheat Crust? I ordered a light-on-the-cheese whole wheat pizza for dinner. Not sure it qualifies for diet food, but it's a step in the right direction, right?

Did you know Starbucks as hot oatmeal available? Even in the drive-thru. You get to pick your toppings - walnuts, brown sugar, or dried fruit.

9.22.2008

Front Page of MSNBC

Where we (Wayne for sure - me through association) are from. Home. It really is that beautiful.

Numbers






1252.5 .... The miles we drove to: Rapid then Mitchell then Rapid and home again.

124 ... The times Caeden drug Grandpa and Grandma around the house. "Come play with me!"

11 ... The number of (available) boxcars on the 1880 Train.

5 ... The number of family members at Grandpa and Grandma's house over the past week. A full on invasion!

4 ... Friends we ran into in Hill City. Sharon Labrune & Family (an old friend from Sioux Falls that now lives in Mississippi) was coming out of Alpine Inn as we were going in. What a small world!!

3 ... The number of times we ate at Stonewall's Kitchen (the best caramel rolls we've ever had)

2 ... Trees growing so fast. Planted when Caeden was born, and then Claire.

1 ... SUV full of people that were sad to leave but happy to come home.

9.14.2008

Goldie

Wayne's paternal grandmother, Goldie Koop, passed away 2 days ago. She lived a good, long life and her passing was not a surprise, however we are all so sad and sorry she is not with us anymore.

( I wish I had some pictures to share, unfortunately I keep getting errors when I try and upload them.)

I remember the first time I met her, she was standing in her kitchen making dinner when we arrived at her house. She looked me up and down, took me by the hand, and led me to the living room where she had pictures of her family displayed. She picked up a picture of her son, Vandy, and explained to me that he had passed away as a young man. It was the very first thing she said to me - the very first conversation we had, and I will always remember how touched I was that she would share that with me, that she was willing to be vulnerable to someone she had never met.

But, make no mistake, the woman was a spit-fire. Always laughing and always in a good mood. I never saw her without her makeup on, her jewerly in, and her hair "just so." She was a beautiful woman inside and out and it is very easy to see why her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and friends adored her.

We Love You, Goldie.

We are headed to South Dakota for the service and will be there all week.

More Things to Love


This is a Rouge Pot. You can use it as a cheek & lip stain. I just tried it yesterday at Nordies and had to get it. The color is very natural, but it stays put (unlike my Benetint that fades into nothingness). My skin is getting drier now that fall is here and the rouge pot is nice and creamy (light, but creamy).


Secondly, my sister was right! These crackers (Rosemary and Olive Oil) are the best ever. I picked some up today and have become completely addicted. There is a little recipe on the side:

Layer:
Cracker, light swiss cheese, sliver of pear, and a drizzle of honey.

Trust me.

Ta Da - Less

Okay people, where do you find sheets of sheet metal? Wayne went to the big box home stores with NO LUCK. Very strange.

My creative design (aka complete copy-cat) is on hold until a sheet metal spotting is made.

9.12.2008

Quote I Came Across


Author Anna Quindlen reminds us not to rush past the fleeting moments.

“The biggest mistake I made [as a parent] is the one that most of us make. . . . I did not live in the moment enough. This is particularly clear now that the moment is gone, captured only in photographs. There is one picture of [my three children] sitting in the grass on a quilt in the shadow of the swing set on a summer day, ages six, four, and one. And I wish I could remember what we ate, and what we talked about, and how they sounded, and how they looked when they slept that night. I wish I had not been in such a hurry to get on to the next thing: dinner, bath, book, bed. I wish I had treasured the doing a little more and the getting it done a little less”(Loud and Clear [2004], 10–11).




9.11.2008

Ta Da!

I have been trying to come up with a clever way to display Caeden's artwork that he brings home from school. I thought a large magnetic board (painted, embellished, and framed) would be just the thing, but I have yet to make it or find one that appeals to me.

I stumbled upon this: from here. I love the idea of the green background and the "Ta Da" up top. So perfect for artwork! I am going to super size this idea and mount it in Caeden's bedroom. I am thinking it needs to be HUGE to accommodate more than a couple of pieces of paper. It's going to be my weekend project. Stay tuned for pictures when I'm done.

9.10.2008

Random Encounter

I originally had a blurb about a grocery store encounter, but this one is better.

Tonight at Costco a woman wanted to stop and look at Claire. Here is the conversation:

"Oh, your baby is beautiful."

"Thank you."

"She is so tiny. It sure doesn't last long."

"No, it sure doesn't. It goes fast."

(Totally deadpan) -- "Thank God for that. If this phase lasted longer than a year, none of us would survive it."

It was so funny and so unexpected. I love candid people.

9.09.2008

Another Fall Recipe



PUMPKIN CHOCOLATE CHIP MUFFINS

1 c. flour
1 c. sugar
1 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
2 eggs, beaten
1 c. ground pumpkin (canned)
1/2 c. cooking oil
1/3 c. chocolate chips

Mix together. Fill muffin cups and bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes.

Yummy!

Something To Think About

To say I have a hard time surrendering control is an understatement. I thrive on list making, task prioritizing, schedules, and everything clean, orderly and in it's place. I need a plan every day. It's just the way I am.

When I have babies, I need to remember that MY schedule (sleeping at night), MY needs (a shower, clean teeth, some computer time while wearing a size 6 in clothing), MY wants (the gym, perfectly cooked healthy dinner, family time that does not include time-outs, melt downs, shaking sand out of bodily orifices) really doesn't matter.

I drive myself crazy second guessing why my life is chaos right now. I can't make plans because I have no idea what kind of day (or night) awaits me, making dinner is overwhelming (I cook once a week. Or, cook more often but don't want it once it is made), the house gets cleaned one-room-at-a-time/per day, folded laundry sits on the kitchen table ... awaiting the day I will finally get to putting it away. I haven't had a face-to-face conversation with a friend since we went to SD. I need a haircut/color so badly, but have no idea when to schedule it because just getting out of the house is a major miracle.

Claire sleeps in a swing or in my arms only. Caeden has quit taking naps but falls apart once 4 pm hits. I didn't get out of my pajama pants today but you better believe the kids looked like a million bucks. Nothing makes sense.

And then I talked to a friend who really helped me out. She reminded me that Claire is still itty bitty. It is OK to be in survival mode for at least another 3 months. It is OK that 'take out' is the only thing your son is eating (Well, mostly. He also eats Cheez-its. I make my guilt disappear by feeding him Juice Plus vitamins). It is OK that the house isn't picture perfect (although it is clean, I swear). It is all going to be OK. Can I just tell you that her saying that really, really, really helped me out of my tail spin?

And then I found this:

Thomas Moore :
To live ordinary life artfully is to have this sensibility about the things in daily life, to live more intuitively and to be willing to surrender a measure of our rationality and control in return for gifts of the soul.

In return for gifts of the soul. I have two beautiful children that fill me with so much happiness that there are not words for it. I have a husband who gets me - and is in the trenches with me. As long as I have them, I am willing to surrender a measure of rationality and control (in fact, I don't have any, so it is quite easy). They are all I need. And I need to think about that before I work myself up about all the things I didn't get to - about what is undone. I have them. And that overwhelming sense of love I feel for my family exists whether my to-do list is done or not.

Deep Breath. I just had another baby. She is my gift. And everything is going to be OK.

9.08.2008

Inspiration

This was found here. I love the idea of painting a kitchen cabinet (or the inside of one) with chalkboard paint, writing a favorite recipe, and then sealing it with a clear coat.

It also might be fun to paint the interior of Caeden's bedroom door with chalkboard paint and have a passage of his favorite book written on it...the key is to seal it so it doesn't smudge.

Fall Recipes


While we have a few more days of warm weather, for the most part, Fall has arrived. I changed the wreath on the front door, bought a new welcome mat (love the Smith & Hawken line at Target), and started to cook a little more "fall-ish." Thought I would share some current favorites.

Cheddar Corn Chowder**
Serves 10-12 (I recommend halving this recipe. It makes a lot.)

8 oz. bacon, chopped
¼ C. olive oil
6 C. chopped yellow onions (4 large onions)
4 TBSP unsalted butter
½ C flour
2 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
½ tsp ground turmeric
12 C chicken stock
6 C medium-diced white boiling potatoes, unpeeled (2 lbs)
3 pounds frozen corn kernels
2 C half and half
½ pd. Sharp white cheddar cheese, grated

In large stockpot on medium high heat, cook the bacon and olive oil until the bacon is crisp, about 5 minutes. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and reserve, Reduce the heat to medium, add the onions and butter to the fat, and cook for 10 minutes, until the onions are translucent.

Stir in the flour, salt, pepper, and turmeric and cook for 3 minutes. Add the chicken stock and potatoes; bring to a boil, and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes, until the potatoes are tender. Add the corn to the soup, and then add the cheddar and half and half. Cook for 5 more minutes, until the cheddar is melted. Season to taste. Serve hot with a garnish of bacon.


**Things I do differently: Omit bacon and just use olive oil to cook onions; Omit Cream completely; Use cheese as garnish - do not put in soup.
Corn is so yummy right now - use fresh if you can.

Oatmeal Applesauce Muffins

1 1/2 cups oatmeal, cover with water (not too watery, just so that all of the oats are wet), cook in microwave for 2 minutes.

Stir in 1 1/2 cups of applesauce - this process cools the oatmeal and breaks it up before adding it to your muffin mixture.

In mixer cream: 1 stick softenend butter
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar

Add: 4 large eggs
oatmeal/applesauce mixture

Dry ingredients: 2 C flour
2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/8 tsp ground cloves

Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients.

Fill each muffin tin 3/4 full. Bake at 350 degrees for about 20 minutes (til golden on top). Let cool before eating.

Cream Cheese Frosting (I never add it, but it is wonderful if you feel like indulging)

Mix together: 1 stick room temp. butter, 1 pkg room temp. cream cheese, and 1 cup brown sugar - spread over cooled muffins.

9.06.2008

Saturday with Mimi & Papa




Mom and Ken came over to the house this afternoon, bringing food (you know, the good 'only my Mom can cook like this' food) galore and wonderful conversation.

While we ate ham, cornbread, coleslaw, and the yummiest chocolate cake (the secret is Coke in the frosting and marshmallows in the cake batter), the easy conversation flowed.

Caeden didn't know what do to with himself. He was so happy to see Mimi and Papa. Of course, they had to see his arsenal of Bobcats, Cement Trucks, Monster Trucks, and his Sweeper Truck.

After dinner, Mom and I talked while the guys went outside. I don't know what they were doing out there, but I heard squeals of delight from Caeden. It must have involved rolling around in the grass, spinning, or playing chase. Whatever it was, he was loving it.

Later, it was our turn to go outside. Mom was looking at my rose bushes, hydrangeas, and tomato plants - making me feel like a million bucks. Any compliment from her (a master gardener) is huge. She picked a bunch of tomatoes to take home, and then played with Caeden in the grass. He was sooo happy.

Tonight before bed, he wanted to know what Mimi and Papa were doing. What were they going to do tomorrow? And then the final, "I sure do miss them."

Kansas

My favorite store in Kansas City is the Curious Sofa. Anyone who has sat on my sofas asks me where I got them. They are the most comfortable sofas ever. Down-filled cushions, super soft linen slips, and generous in size so that anyone can curl up for a nap.

But the store is much more than that. The best accessories, up to the minute lounge wear and body potions ... a girl's dream, really. And I really, really miss it.

I have yet to find a store in Denver to shop at for my home. Two years I've lived here and still don't have a "go to" place for fun stuff. And I LOVE to decorate. Poor me, right?

On that note, I'll leave you with a fun picture from their Halloween Bash.
Here's to still missing Kansas City. There's no place like home, right Toto?

What Matters Most

Fresh air. Time with Grandpa and Grandma. Feeding the goats. Everything easy and fun. I couldn't wish for more for Caeden. Spending time ... spending time.

It's truly what matters most.

9.04.2008

This One is for Grandpa and Grandma

"Mommy, take a picture to show Grandpa and Grandma how sad I am."

*Child in trouble due to jumping on the sofa.

A Girl Must Accessorize!







My beautiful and talented friend, Sara, sent Claire a surprise in the mail. I can't get over how adorable the headbands and bracelet are. Seriously addicting as I am hoping to talk her into letting me order all colors of the rainbow.

The feet have nothing to do with this post. I just think they are so yummy. ;)

Thank you so much, Sara. I just LOVE them!

9.03.2008

Back to Reality

We got back from SD last night. What a great time! It's always so relaxed when we go. Caeden played with Grandpa and Grandma non-stop and I bet they are worn out! Claire slept the entire way home (caught a cold) and all is well...

We went downtown on Thursday evening for "Summer Nights." Seventh street is blocked off and vendors were set up selling jewlery, food (the very best pies ever! -- Hi Vanessa!!), and live music was playin'. It was nice to have the entire family out and about. Caeden bounced in the bouncy room and went down the big, bouncy slide the entire night. He ate a cherry sno-cone and wore most of it home, of course.

But, I didn't take a picture the entire time we were there. Ooops.

Friday Dave and Wayne went to Deadwood. Dave won 250 bucks and Wayne lost that much. Isn't that how it goes?

Saturday we just hung out ...

Sunday we went to a BBQ. It was great to see so many old friends and catch up with them. The kids ran wild (and Rick and Vanessa were such good sports about the invasion!), people ate and drank and laughed. It was a perfect night. The kind of night that makes us revisit the idea of moving up there.

So, we made it home. If you have read through that boring list of things we did, thanks! :)

Woke up this morning with no food in the house. And it's Caeden's turn to bring snacks to school this week. Well, that's no problem-o as Costco just opened last week and it's right down the street. Hop in, troops. We're headed to suburban bliss-style shopping.

Ok. First of all, I totally got ripped off! I found individual packages of apple slices (8 packs for 6.99). I went to the grocery store this afternoon and found 6 packs for 2.89. Dang!

Second, I needed individual milk containers. Costco had 24 for 14.99. I only need 12, but whatever, right? The grocery store had them for a dollar each. Yes, if you need 24 it's better to go with Costco, but if you don't...?

So I leave Costco with my over-priced apples and waaaay too many milks, plus a bunch of things (in bulk) I had no business buying. That place is dangerous! I mean even if you do come out of there with 100 rolls of toilet paper, is the $400 tab* worth it?
* (example is slightly dramatized)

This just might be the most boring blog entry ever. I am totally rusty! Hang in there, tomorrow will be better, I promise.
 
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