{o christmas tree}

One of my favorite family traditions is cutting down our Christmas tree the day after Thanksgiving. For years we were in school, and it was both frugality and necessity that required an artificial tree. I was grateful and happy we had it, but I knew as soon as we could, we would have fresh ones. There is something so homey about the smell of fresh pine permeating your home--I love it!

The tree farm we like has a huge barn, filled with sample trees, saws for you to cut down your tree with, and beautiful green wreaths for sale. We always decide which type of tree we want (I like the softer, longer needles...my favorite is Concolor Fir, but since they didn't have them this year, we went with White Pine), then we hop on the hayride that takes us to that particular section of trees. Of course this is the kids favorite part, and they love that the tractor is so huge!
Now the hard part. I take forever to choose which tree I want, and Rick is very patient as he helps me go through the options. Tall and skinny? Short and plump? What's a girl to do?! In the end I always realize that imperfection is charming, and I find a tree that is just right for us.

This year we are going to be famous--as famous as being in our little town's paper gets you! We were approached by a young reporter as we arrived at the tree farm, and he said he was looking for a family to follow as they cut down their tree, then decorated it at home. He asked if we would be willing to be that family, and frankly, I couldn't think of a reason not to. If anything, it would be fun to have someone take a lot of pictures of our family (hopefully he'll give me the ones he doesn't use too), and document this tradition. We were supposed to act natural, but really, who can act totally natural when there is a camera two feet away snapping picture after picture? The girls were oblivious of course, and the rest of us just did our best. He will becoming to our house on Sunday afternoon for decorating the tree and making sugar cookies, and since we extended the invitation to his wife, hopefully she will come too. I hope he's ready!

{once there was a snowman}

{my sister}

We were riding home today from the Santa Parade (yes, before Thanksgiving), when I heard a little voice from the back say "my sister is asleep". Sure enough, I looked back and Emma was totally out. That might not seem like anything big, but it's the first time I heard Kate refer to Emma as her sister, and it was adorable.

Circumstances have thrown them together since birth, and since the beginning they have been on the same schedule--eating, sleeping, and playing. Clothes have been no exception--they have dressed exactly alike (including their hair) minus a very few occasions (due to sickness a couple times, and Halloween 2008). They are always together, and life as a twin is certainly not lonely. With a built in playmate, they have lived this life together at almost every moment.

There is nothing sweeter than hearing a little voice call out to her sister when she first wakes up, when she's hurt or sad, or when she doesn't see her in the room. If I give one a snack or treat, she automatically wants another one for her sister. Now of course, it's not smiles and sunshine ALL the time (shocking, I know). They can love with the best of them, but they definitely have their moments. Breaking up little squabbles is now a part of my life, but thankfully they are short-lived and they are soon on their way to loving each other again.

As their mom, I have realized that there are things I need to do that will not only cultivate their relationship, but the relationship I have with them together and separately: 1. buy everything in twos :); 2. encourage their differences, and celebrate their similarities; 3. spend time individually with them; 4. never compare one to the other; 5. love them each for who they are.

They are a delight, and I am so happy I get to see them grow up!

{the first step}

so, can you tell we've been potty training?

{I'll take what I can get}

Early Monday morning I was all snuggled up in bed, with a warm blanket that someone had just tucked all around me. I was curled up on my side (one of my favorite sleeping positions), and I was just so comfortable. Within one minute I had drifted off to sleep, there to stay for the next three hours. I hadn't felt this relaxed in a long time. When I woke up, someone was there to greet me, bring me some ice water, and ask me if I needed anything. It was heaven.

Okay, so I was in the hospital having a minor procedure done (outpatient), and received some anesthesia, but hey, I'll take what I can get!

{a first day of snow tradition}

A couple of months ago, I read about a family's tradition that I just loved. Each year, on the eve of the first snowfall, they would get together and make "snowflake doughnuts". What a yummy way to mark the beginning of our white and snowy winter, and a kickoff to the holiday season!
I let the kids know what the plan was, and although the girls had no idea what snow even was, they sure knew all about doughnuts! Ryan was especially looking forward to it, and Sunday morning, when we woke up and found a light sprinkling of snow on the ground, he declared it was the day!

It snowed off and on all day, and was the perfect backdrop to our doughnut-making festivities. I looked online for doughnut recipes, and found one that looked good, and relatively straight forward.

I had lots of help with the dough, and then after they were fried, we rolled some in powdered sugar (for the snowflake effect), and others in cinnamon & sugar (everyone's favorite). They were delightful--so warm, while crispy on the outside and soft in middle---yum! It was a wonderfully cozy day, and it will definitely be a tradition that we continue.

{overheard}

"Once upon a time, there were best friends named Debit and Credit, and they loved to swim in the LIFO pool. They were splashing, and splashing, and then Net Loss showed up. He wasn't very nice, because he liked to make big waves. They were joined by Cash Flow. He made nice, soft waves, and Debit and Credit liked to play with him. When they were finished, they got out and dried off with the Balance Sheet."

And that my friends, is a bedtime story CPA-style.

(Rick, telling Kate a story last night, trying to get her back to sleep. It worked.)

{curiosity killed the cat}

For a long time I could have any conversation I wanted to have, and not worry about little ears. Even when Ryan was out of the toddler stage, he couldn't have cared less about who I was talking to on the telephone, or what our conversation was about. As long as I didn't talk about S-a-n-t-a, I was safe.

Well, times have changed. I'm not sure when it all started, but in the last couple of months I have become increasingly aware of an ever-lingering presence. Ryan has developed a very keen curiosity for anything I am talking about, and with whom I'm talking to. It doesn't seem to matter if I'm on the phone, talking to a group of friends, or trying to have a conversation with Rick, I will inevitably hear, "what?", "who?", "what did you say?". Sometimes though, he doesn't always say anything. Instead, he uses his stealth-like-super-power-hearing to just listen.

To be fair, I remember perfectly wanting to know everything my mother said and did. When she tried to speak quietly or privately, it made me even more curious. Being a grown-up seemed so...I don't know, grown up! I was fascinated by that mysterious world, and just getting a glimpse of it was exciting to me.

I suppose it won't hurt to let him in on the conversation--sometimes. It's all just a sign that he's growing up, and I think that's the hardest part.

{it's that time}

As soon as November 1st hits, I'm all business. I love every aspect of the holidays, even the preparations. It wouldn't be the same without my lists, lists, and more lists. I look forward to carefully creating and choosing gifts for friends and family, making new Christmas decorations, enjoying traditions, and baking delicious holiday treats, but first comes the planning.

There is something so cozy about making homemade gifts and immersing myself in holiday projects. I have quite a few of them on my list this year, and I think they are the gifts I am most excited about.

So, what's on my list? Here are a few of my favorites.

-Rick is building the girls a kitchen, stove, and sink, and I am loving the design phase. I can already picture little stainless steel fixtures, sink, and knobs, a gingham curtain to hide the cupboards under the sink, and maybe even a french door style fridge. I found the most delicious vintage baby beds at a garage sale that I'm going to refinish, and then sew bedding for (with fabric that matches the curtains of the kitchen). I also decided to make ABC books for them, so I'm hunting down pictures for every letter of the alphabet--if you have any ideas, let me know!

-For secrecy's sake, I cannot divulge any family projects, but just know, they are going to be good! (this includes Ryan, since he can read.)

-There are always so many ideas floating around in my head for neighbor/friend gifts, that's it's usually a matter of whittling it down to one. Right now I'm vacillating between two of them, but either one will be yummy!

-Two years ago I decided to completely re-do my tree decorations (for the third time). Last year I had very good intentions to decide what I wanted to do, but having two BUSY one year olds didn't help my cause. In fact, we ended up with just lights on our tree, and even that was pushing it! So, this year I have big plans. I am going to have to add to the tree in phases, but there are a few things I'm working on for this year. I found these fantastic pieces of metal that had been cut into Christmas shapes at a nearby boutique, and immediately pictured them on my tree. I will be drilling holes into the top, and tying ribbon (cranberry reds and this really great green) through to make a loop. Apple slices will also be dried, with the same holes and ribbon. Berry garlands are on my list to be purchased (Target's Home brand has a 9 ft. berry garland--just the right size and color), and will add the final touch. I already have a large metal star for the top, and I can't wait to see how it all comes together.

-Oh, the baking. Really, is there anything that smells better than some delicious holiday treat baking in the oven? I look forward to both the tried and true traditional recipes, and also experimenting with new ones. I'm compiling a list...

I have discovered that when you really take joy in the planning and preparation, it makes the celebration that much sweeter.

{glad to be home}

After two days and nights in the hospital with Ryan, it is so wonderful to be home again, with him safe and sound.

He was pretty sick all through Sunday night, into Monday morning. For a kid who rarely throws up, he was certainly making up for lost time. Unfortunately, what probably would just have been a stomach virus to most of us, actually ended up being pretty serious for him.
When you are diabetic, being ill and losing fluids can result in Diabetic ketoacidosis, and that's exactly what happened with Ryan.

I took him into the ER on Monday afternoon, and he was admitted later that evening. I was really scared that first night, but thanks to a top-notch doctor, wonderful nurses, staff, and hospital, he is home and doing well. He is still being monitored very closely, and we will be continuing hourly blood sugar checks through the night, but it could have been so much worse.
Having a Nintendo 64, plenty of DVDs, and a well-stocked menu at his disposal almost (but not quite) made up for the dozens of pokes he got over his stay there. To be honest, he was extremely brave, and I am so proud of how he handled everything.

Despite the circumstances, we had some great moments together, and as a family. Playing Sorry and checkers, watching movies together in his bed (including the whole family one night, minus dad...he was on a chair next to us), and talking walks up and down the hall will remain some of my favorite memories ever.

-They take a picture of all the patients and their parent to keep in their chart during their stay, and this is ours. Poor Ryan--you can tell he doesn't feel good, and there I am, smiling away!

{trick-or-treat}

There were so many things we wanted to do yesterday, and I think we managed to fit almost all of them in! The day started out perfectly, when Rick was able to take the day off and spend it with us.

We sent Ryan off to school with his costume packed and ready to go, and then we got the girls dressed in their costumes. The library was having their annual Halloween Parade and festivities that morning, and it was our first stop of the day.

The parade!

Of course there are treats...doughnuts and milk.

Any time they can color, it's a great day!

That afternoon we headed to the school, to watch Ryan in the parade there. We stood in the gym, and cheered everyone on as they made their way through the parade route. He dressed up as a doctor, and felt very official with the borrowed medical name tag, stethescope, and lab coat. I thought he was adorable, of course, but had to tell him that he looked "cool". :)

We left Ryan at school to finish up the last part of the day, and we headed to pick up some pizza for an early dinner. We usually eat around 5pm, and so even though we would be eating later, we needed something to tide the kids over until then. We tried a new pizza place in town, and YUM--we will definitely go back.

After Ryan was home from school, we ate, got everyone into their costumes, and headed to our ward trunk-or-treat. What a great turnout! Lots of friends, candy, and fun.

.....

Ryan, M.D.

Kate, the cowgirl

Emma, the Native American princess

We are huge Pittsburgh Steelers fans, and so are our good friends, Justin & Erica. They dressed up as the players, and we came as their fans. :)

When the trunk-or-treat ended, we headed back to our neighborhood. With it being our first Halloween in our house, we really wanted to take the opportunity to meet more of our neighbors. I wasn't sure what to expect--since we live in the country, homes are pretty spread out, and I didn't know how many kids would actually be out trick-or-treating. Boy, was I surprised! It was like one huge party! All the houses are setback quite a ways, so most people had the portable firepits set up at the end of their driveways. They sat around the fires on campchairs, and passed out candy as kids went by. There were small tractors pulling flatbed wagons behind them, and they were carrying bunches of trick-or-treaters. We met almost every one of our new neighbors, and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.

We pulled the girls around in the wagon, and as you can tell, they were VERY focused on all the candy they were receiving!

After finishing up in our neighborhood, we headed over to a Halloween open house and dinner at the home of some our good friends. As soon as Ryan got out of the van, he was bombarded by boys that had been waiting and waiting for him to get there so they could do more trick-or-treating. He headed off with them, while we stayed to eat and chat with friends.

The "cool" cowgirl

When we headed home, we were tired, but glad for the really wonderful day we had--

Happy Halloween!!

{blessings}

Happy 100 posts to me! In honor of the occasion, I thought it would be most appropriate to name 100 of my many blessings. I have such a good life, and I want to recognize all the wonderful things that are a part of it.

1. My faith: It has shaped my life, and gives me a foundation for everything I do. I know who I am, where I came from, and my purpose in life, and that's worth everything.

2. Rick: He is incredibly supportive of everything I do, and is always willing to help in any way he can. Most recently he helped me cut and router over 350 pieces of wood for my craft day. :) He knew he was in for it though, because our very first date was a college Sadie Hawkins' dance that I was in charge of. I think we danced once, maybe twice, because I was so busy running around taking care of things! He is a wonderful father, and always puts our family first. He and our children are my life!

3. Ryan: What a good boy! He fills my heart with gladness that I am his mom. He is such a great helper with the girls, is funny, happy, active, and full of life.

4. Kate: She is my little helper! She loves being around me, helping with whatever I happen to be doing. She also inherited my sweet tooth, poor girl, and we love to eat candy together. :)

5. Emma: She always has a baby in her arms ("Sally"), and is extremely maternal. She loves to rock them, put them to sleep, and feed them dinner. She is also quite the fireball--

6. My parents: I was definitely blessed with wonderful parents, and now grandparents. I can't even tell you how many times they have sacrificed for us, to help us in any way then can.

7. My sister: She is one of my best friends, and I love her very much! We are very similar, yet very different, and I think we complement each other well. I hope someday we can live close.

8. My brothers: I have two brothers, both of which are big, tough, and full of heart. I love when we get together, because they always make me laugh.

9. Rick's family: They became my family when we got married, and I'm grateful that they are in my life!

10. Good friends: My life would not be the same without the influence of wonderful friends. Whether old or new, close or far away, I hold each of them dear.

11. Home: After 7 years of school and 12 years of marriage, we were more than ready for our first home! We love it here!

12. Health We are all healthy and happy, and even Ryan's diabetes is under control. This is a huge blessing, we know.

12. Great town & community: I cannot say enough good things about our small, family-friendly community. Tons of parks, gardens, city forests, cultural events, and programs that are geared towards children and family make this a great place to live.

13. Education: I think this one speaks for itself. How blessed are we, to have been able to receive good educations, and for Rick to support our family like he does! I love that it's always at our fingertips, and that we can always be learning and growing.

14. Medical Technology: Without a doubt, none of my three children would be alive without the miracles of modern medical technology. I am truly grateful.

15. Computers: Where would I be without my laptop? Seriously, everything I do (almost) revolves around the computer, and I depend on it way too much!

16. Modern appliances: Really, how it would be to wash your clothes by hand? I am very grateful for my washer, dryer, gas stove, dishwasher...

17. Service/Volunteer Work: Somehow the blessings always came back to us, because serving our community and those around us always strengthens us and our family. I love being able to help, in anyway I can. I have also been the recipient of such service, and I know how it feels to have someone care.

18. Good schools: Another wonderful part of our community is the fantastic schools. Our children are being given the gift of a good education, and an excellent beginning to the rest of their lives.

19. Nap time:I really think that's all that needs to be said. :)

20. Bedtime: Same as above. :)

21: Good books/Library: I LOVE to read. REALLY love to read. Since childhood, I have always had my head in a book, and it's definitely my favorite past time. Whenever we move somewhere new, I always check out the library first. It's the most important stop for me!

22. A reliable vehicle: I honestly never thought I would drive a van, but here I am, in all my soccer mom glory, and loving it!

23. Music: Music, and being able to play the piano literally shaped my life. It is an integral part of who I am, and I will forever be grateful to my mother, she started me in lessons at the age of 4-- and supported, encouraged (prodded), and gave me every opportunity. This ability supported us through school as I taught piano lessons (and still do!), and it continues to enrich my life today.

24. Digital cameras: Hooray for not developing a whole roll of film and getting one good picture! Yay for being able to see what you look like, and being able to delete it if necessary! :)

25. Blogging: I am not a great journal-writer, but having a blog gives me the opportunity to express myself, keep a family history, and talk about my favorite things in life--friends and family.

26. DVR: It's true, once you have it, you can never go back! The FF and pause buttons are forever a part of our household!

27. Sports: I have played sports my whole life, and have always loved them. They are a release for me, and I thoroughly enjoy working hard, getting all sweaty, and the competition. I have played on a competitive volleyball team for years, and I look forward to it every year. Rick and I play racquetball, run, go mountain biking, play basketball, soccer, and anything else we can be a part of!

28. Target: Enough said. :)

29. Family vacations: We love exploring the country together, and experiencing that together. We still talk about all of our trips, and we are always looking forward to more!

30. Hot water: After running out of hot water yesterday, and a child refusing to take a shower, this is on my mind!

31. Clearance sales: You know how many of our clothes I have purchased on clearance, or a really great sale? Let's just say it's a very high percentage! I love being able to get nice clothes for a great price.

32. Fall: What a fantastic time of year! It's my VERY favorite time, and I look forward to it all year long. The crisp air, gorgeous leaves changing color, all the smells of baking and cooking..I could go on and on!

33. Cider Mills & Pumpkin Patches: I consider these a separate blessing. :) You can't get much better than warm cider doughnuts, hayrides, hot chocolate, choosing your own pumpkin, and being bundled up in cozy sweaters.

34. Freedom: I believe this is something that is taken for granted way too often, and can even be abused. We are the most blessed nation in the world, and I am so grateful for our everyday freedoms, and those that defend them.

35. MOFia: I love you all!

36. Good movies: Love, love, love a good movie! I'm one that can watch my favorites over and over again, and I only buy a movie if I really love it. I have a top 10; I'll have to post it sometime!

37. Water: This is our most basic need, but it also is my beverage of choice. Add some lime, and I'm good to go!

38. The beach: The waves, the blue of the water, the smell in the air, good friends, warm sand, and yummy food...can't beat it!

39. Lotion: I am the lotion queen. I have it everywhere in my house, and I put it on at least 20 times a day. I would be lost without it! LOVE it!

40. Girls' Nights Out!: There is nothing better for a quick pick-me-up, than getting together with good friends for yummy food and lots of talking and laughter. SO fun!

41. Trick-or-treating: Dressing your kids up in cute costumes and watching their excitement, seeing neighbors and friends, and lots of chocolate? Winning combination!!

42. Telephones: In any form, they are my lifeline!

43. E-mail: I know that I am able to keep in contact with so many more people than I would without it.

44. Disposable diapers: Environmentally friendly or not, I can't imagine life without them, especially having two in them at a time!

45. Parks: We spend so much time at the park during the nice months of the year. We are lucky to have so many wonderful parks in our community to take advantage of.

46. Bike Trailers: I take my girls on bike rides often, even as a mode of transportation. They love the ride, and so do I

47. Running shoes: Good ones make all the difference!

48. Chocolate: I didn't even like chocolate (crazy, I know) until after Ryan was born. Now I crave it!

49. Warm sweaters: Give me a great cable-knit sweater, and I'm a happy girl!

50. Cozy fires: This is one of my favorite things in our new house. We have recently been able to have fires in the evening, since the weather has really cooled down, and I love it!!

51. Dora the Explorer: This show makes it possible for me to have at least 30 minutes to myself each day. :)

52. Tide with Downy: Soft, great-smelling laundry. Mmmmmmmm.

53. Fluffy towels: We got new towels a year or so ago, after the ones we got for our wedding finally wore out. Wow, what a difference!

54. Bleach: I am also the bleach queen. I love it in any form. I use it to clean bathrooms (Clorox Cleaner), add it to white loads, and love the Clorox Bleach Pen. I pour it down sinks, and to disinfect garbage cans. My life would not be the same without it.

55. Online banking: No more checks, envelopes, and stamps, hooray!

56. Food storage: What a good feeling, to see food lined up and ready? It's always a work in progress, but it's nice to know it's growing!

57. Health Insurance: This is an area where we are extremely blessed. Our insurance has incredible coverage, and with all of our health needs, we are truly thankful.

58. Babies: Chunky, squishy, sweet, soft, yummy-smelling babies!

59. Elections: As crazy as the coming election has gotten, I am still so thankful that we have the opportunity to vote, which hasn't always been the case. It drives me crazy that not every person in this nation is lined up to vote.

60. Green grass: After a summer with dirt for a yard, I'm especially grateful for the nice green lawn we have now!

61. Sprinkler systems: This one goes hand-in-hand with #60, but after my AWFUL experience this summer (remind me, and I'll tell you about it!), this is a big blessing for me!

62. Blow dryers: I am not a natural beauty, nor does my hair look good without blowing it out everyday. It's just curly enough to sabotage letting it air dry, and it's not curly enough to wear curly. I would look vastly different my friends, without my trusty blow dryer and round brush.

63. High thread-count sheets: I haven't always been so lucky to have them, but now that I do, they are fabulous!!

64. A playroom: After years of storing the toys behind our couch or big chair, it is heaven having a playroom, and a big closet to put all the toys.

65. Online shopping: I don't think Rick would name this as one of his blessings. :) I love being able to shop online, especially for my kids. It's easy, fast, and saves me time and usually money.

66. Homemade bread: Right out of the oven, with butter and homemade jam? YUM!

67. Crock pots: This is really on my mind lately, because once fall starts, I use it often, all throughout the winter. There is something so comforting about the yummy smell all day, plus it's wonderful to throw it in and forget about it!

68. Vinyl lettering: I've made some really cute things for my house using it, and it is LIGHT YEARS better than trying to hand paint or stencil (at least in my case!).

69. Black spray paint: I cannot tell you how many cans of black spray paint I have used, or how many items I have used it on. LOVE it!

70. Power tools: I love projects, and inevitably, I need a power tool in order to complete it.

71. A husband that is a talented woodworker: Rick is incredibly talented, and can make anything! He has made a lot of furniture in our home, and the best part is, I can design it anyway I want to!

72. Candles/warmers: I personally use a Scentsy warmer, and it is on everyday. A yummy-smelling house is the best!

73. Family Home Evening: Each Monday night is set aside as our family night, and we all look forward to it. A lesson, songs, games, treats = FUN!

74. Storage baskets/containers: I am kind of a freak about organization, and it's so fantastic to have so many things to help us keep our homes in order. I would a new basket everyday, if I could!

75. Winter: It's taken me a long time to say this, but I actually enjoy the winter now. Snowmen, cross-country skiing with kids in tow, sledding, tobogganing, hot chocolate, beautiful snowy days...it definitely has it's good points. :)

76. Thanksgiving: It's one of my favorite holidays! I love everything about it--the food, family, friends, playing football, and more!

77. Sewing machines: After years of apprehension, I finally caved in and bought a sewing machine. I have also actually sewed something. :) I have to admit that it's really nice to be able to hem Ryan's Halloween costume all on my own, and to even think about making a costume for the girls. I have a lot to learn, but I'm glad for the opportunity!

78. Christmas lights: How fun is it, to drive down the street and see all the houses lit up with lights? I'm so excited that we get to that this year too!

79. Christmas Eve: It's my favorite part of Christmas--acting out the Nativity, reading the Christmas story around the fire, opening that first traditional gift of pajamas, eating our favorite foods, driving around to see the lights, feeling the anticipation in the air---LOVE it!

80. Cutting down a Christmas tree each year: The day after Thanksgiving we head to our favorite tree farm, all bundled up. We take a hayride out to where the trees are, and then search and search for that perfect tree. After lots of discussion, we finally decide, and Daddy cuts it down with Ryan's help. It's the mark of the season for us, and we are already on the countdown!

81. A lit Christmas tree: One of the biggest reasons I have my tree up for so long, is that I love having the rest of the house dark, while the tree is lit. I look forward to each night, when we can sit and just enjoy the simple beauty of our lit tree.

82. Good doctors: We are so fortunate to have a really excellent physician--one who cares about us, and genuinely cares.

83. Football: We love both college (Michigan State) and NFL (Go Steelers!) football, and it wouldn't be fall without it.

84. Yummy restaurants: I love eating out--it's one of our indulgences. I'm looking forward to one of my favorite Mexican grill places coming soon--I can't wait!

85. Glad ware: What a great invention! It lasts forever, but it's not the end of the world if it's lost or ruined!

86. Real butter: No margarine for me--I'm a real butter girl. It makes everything better!

87. The school bus: After taking and picking up Ryan from school for 4 years (including when I had newborn twins), I ADORE the bus. Seriously, ADORE.

88. Good teachers: After Ryan's teacher just left for another position, I realized just how much of an impact they have on our children. They spend more of the day with them, than they do with us, and they have the potential to influence their entire lives. I am so grateful for all the wonderful teachers I have had, and that Ryan has had. I still keep in touch with my 8th grade English teacher (the one that taped my mouth :) ), and I will always remember what she did for me.

89. Cold cereal: I really should buy stock in General Mills, I eat so many Cheerios! I LOVE cold cereal, and eat it at least twice a day. When I was pregnant with Ryan, I went through a month or two where I couldn't stand the thought of it, and I was so worried that I would never like it again. Thankfully, it was only a phase. :0

90. A husband that irons: The only thing I've ever ironed is sheets, because my husband irons everything else! Yay!! I just lay out whatever I need ironed, and he does it along with his work clothes. I am truly a lucky girl.

91. Great neighborhood: It's so fun to have people wave as you're running by, or have kids stop over and see if your child can play. Everyone is so friendly, and it just makes it a really great place to live.

92. Leftovers: Anytime I don't have to make dinner, I consider it a blessing. :)

93. Fresh herbs: I am addicted to cilantro right now, and basil, oregano, dill, and flat-leaf parsley are right up there too. They really make the difference in any recipe.

94. Good examples: I am surrounded by very strong, talented women, and I benefit from them on a daily basis. I am challenged by them, learn from them, and I am constantly grateful for their influence in my life.

95. A garden: We have always enjoyed having a garden, and being able to grow our own vegetables. I have to admit though, that the thing I most enjoy is the fact that Rick likes to do it, since I don't. Just ask my dad. :)

96. Fresh flowers: Any kind will do--nothing gives your home, or a friend, more of a pick-me-up than a vase of fresh-cut flowers!

97. Country roads: Remember my previous post? LOVE them.

98. Soup on a cold day: It just makes everything right.

99. A happy home: I love my husband and children, and though we aren't perfect, we are doing the best we can.

100. And most of all...I am blessed to have enough.

{talks with poppy}

Poppy is my dad. We live far away from my parents, but we still manage to see them at least once (sometimes twice) a year. He is an amazing hands-on grandpa, and every one of my children love being around him and spending time with him. So much so, that they want to talk to him all.the.time.

At least once (sometimes more) a day, they will grab the phone and ask to "talk to Poppy". More often than not, it happens to be early in the morning there (we are 2 hours later), but they are absolutely insistent, and give no regard to the earliness of the morning (despite my best efforts--but trying to explain the merits of waiting until after 6:30am in the morning to a 2 year old really is futile). So, I dial the number, and let them put the phone up to their ear. What follows is simply priceless.

Sometimes they are quiet, and just want to listen to his voice, and other times he can't get a word in edgewise. Sometime I will hear a few yes's or no's, but most often it is rambling sentences of strung together mumblings that even I can't understand, but makes perfect sense to them. My dad is such a trooper, and I can hear him in the background asking them questions, and trying to figure out which one it is! But most of all, I know he loves it too.
I love that they can establish and maintain a relationship with a grandparent that lives far away, and that they each will have their own special way to keep in contact with him. They are only 2 years old, but they know that they are loved, and they know that they love Poppy too. I hope they will do this forever.

{"but mom, it's recyclable"}

Ryan came with me last night to watch my volleyball game. I always take a water bottle with me, and after the game when I went to toss it in the garbage, he stopped me and said, "but mom, it's recyclable"! So, he carted that water bottle all the way home, along with another bottle that he found in the bleachers.

Ryan has been a really good example to our family when it comes to recycling. You'd think it would be the opposite way around, but it's something he feels very strongly about. Last year for Scouts, Ryan visited the recycling center, and he soaked it all up. He knows that if it's #s 1, 2, or 5, it goes in the green recycling bin, and he keeps us all in line.

I'm learning to recycle, because it is important to me too. We have always (until now) lived in apartments or town homes, where they didn't come around and pick up recycling items along with the trash. Since we've moved into our home, I have been extra conscious about anything that can be recycled, and I've been surprised about how many things that actually is. I love knowing that they aren't headed to the landfill to just sit forever, but will actually be re-used into something useful. I have always been mindful of trying to re-use what I can around my home, or pass things on to those that might need them or can use them, and recycling is just another aspect of that.

I have a really good friend who is the recycling queen of America. This past garbage day, they only had one trash bag to take out (for a family of 8!), and the rest was recycled. After spending a lot of time in her home, I now think of her before I throw anything away!

There are many other ways that we can contribute to making our earth a better place to live, and if each of us does our part, even a small part, it will make a big difference!

{this is what happens...}

when I feel the need to have lotion available in every corner of the house. Poor thing. :(

P.S. This was all done with the very helpful assistance of her dear sister.