Today ...

Claire holding on for dear life as she tries out the Bumbo seat. She's blowing raspberries (I LOVE that she can mimic - it's so fun!)

Caeden is addicted to YouTube. He watches Monster Truck crashes. I find it a bit appauling that I let him do this, yet it makes getting dinner ready so much easier...

Etiquette

This is what you do when you eat (most) of the piece of cake you bring home for your husband. Yes, I really did leave him this note in the fridge. If I hadn't, he would have found me greedy and insensitive. Now he just thinks I'm cute and lack self-control.

Halloween Stuff

The black pumpkins are fun. I just painted (some faux pumpkins I got from the craft store) black with acrylic paint. Once it dried, I used white, opaque pens to doodle on them.

Caeden has one just for listing his Halloween costumes each year...each season we add the date and what he was and then sit it in his room. Super cute.

The sparkle pumpkin is just the modge podge and glass glitter. I have brown, orange, and yellow ones scattered throughout the house. I keep them out all Fall long.

Register to Vote

Watch the entire thing. For some entertainment. To be informed. Please. This is a big deal. Voting is a huge deal. Vote.

Tighter, Tighter

I am loving the new Kohl's commercial. It's the one with the song, "Tighter, Tighter."

Something like, "C'mon hold me a little bit tighter, baby..."

I did a wiki search and found Holly Conlan sings it (the original is by Alive n' Kickin) but that it is not available.

Not available? In this day and age when you can find pretty much anything??!

I want it so I can make a movie of the kids' pictures. I am off to search the bowels of the internet, illegal or otherwise, until I come back victorious.

(If you don't hear of this post again, it's because I was not victorious, but we won't mention that now will we?)

Is Anyone Watching Lipstick Jungle?

I am loving this show. It's sort of my new stand in for "Sex and the City." And, as a person who hardly watches TV, I make sure I'm free on Wednesday nights to watch -- even if I'm Tivo-ing it.

What is everyone else watching this Fall?

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.

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

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.

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.)

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.

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.

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.

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.