Beginnings of Bedding

March 15th, Kent, Jackson, and I packed up the car and headed to Arizona.

Why you ask? To visit Nana and Pops of course.

Our second reason for visiting was to hunt down some cute fabric for Jack and Jill's room and to get started on the bedding. What you may not realize is how very hard it is to find coordinating fabric for boys and girls.

St. Patrick's Day was picked for operation fabric hunt down. Four fabric stores later we still hadn't found anything "eye catching" for the kids. We decided to head back to Nana's house to print off a coupon and check out some more fabric websites. Then, inspiration struck, I saw this invite to a bridal shower and I knew it was love at first sight! I had my color scheme.

green, brown, and hot pink (love it)

Now all I needed was fabric to match my inspiration. Back to hunting the racks... Four hours later and with the help of two impressive quilters here is the fabric that Nana and I picked out. I'm really proud of our finds.

Fabric for the kids' bedding...

...at last!

Thank you Nana for schlepping one unmistakably pregnant woman around all day to every fabric store in the greater Phoenix area. And thank you for offering to make the bedding for our brother sister combo. We know how very lucky we are to have you for our Nana.

(I'll post a picture of the bedding and kids' room after things are painted, made, and set up. Look for the post some time around the arrival of Jilley!)

Attack of the Body Snatchers

Has this ever happened to you or a loved one?
Its been happening more & more around our house.
Poor Kent. Poor Jack. Poor Mama.
Quick, create a diversion so we can all make it to MAY.

(Only 75 days to go...sigh)

Easter Story Cookies

*to be made the night before Easter*

Ingredients:

1 c. whole pecans

1 tsp. vinegar

3 egg whites

1 pinch salt

1 c. sugar

Zipper baggies

Wooden spoon

Tape

Bible

Preheat oven to 300 degrees. This is important- Don’t wait until you’re half done with the recipe!

Place the pecans in a zipper baggie and let children beat them with the wooden spoon to break into small pieces. Explain that after Jesus was arrested, He was beaten by the Roman soldiers. (Read John 19: 1-4)

Let each child smell the vinegar. Put 1 tsp. into the mixing bowl. Explain that when Jesus was thirsty on the cross He was given vinegar to drink. (Read John 19: 28-30)

Add the egg whites to the vinegar. Eggs represent life. Explain Jesus gave His life to give us life. (Read John 10: 10-11)

Sprinkle a little salt into each child’s hand. Let them taste it and brush the rest into the bowl. Explain that this represents the salty tears shed by Jesus’ followers, and the bitterness of our own sins. (Read Luke 23: 27)

So far the ingredients are not very appetizing.

Add 1 c. of sugar. Explain that the sweetest part of the story is that Jesus died because he loves us. He wants us to know and belong to him. (Read Psalms 34: 8 & John 3: 16)

Beat with a mixer on high speed for 12-15 minutes, until stiff peaks are formed. Explain that the color white represents the purity in God’s eyes for those whose sins have been cleansed by Jesus. (Read Isaiah 1: 18 & John 3: 1-3)

Fold in broken pecans. Drop by teaspoon onto a wax paper covered cookie sheet. Explain that each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus’ body was laid. (Read Matthew 27: 57-60)

Put the cookie sheet in the oven, close the door and turn the oven OFF. Give each child a piece of tape and seal the oven door. Explain that Jesus’ tomb was sealed. (Read Matthew 27: 65-66)

Go to bed! Explain that they may feel sad to leave the cookies in the oven over night. Jesus’ followers were in despair when the tomb was sealed. (Read John 16: 20 & 22)

On Easter morning, open the oven and give everyone a cookie. Notice the cracked surface and take a bite. The cookies are hollow! On the first Easter Jesus’ followers were amazed to find the tomb open and empty! (Read Matthew 28: 1-9)

Ingredients for a Good Boy

Jack and I have really been butting heads for months now. I want him to lay still while I change his diaper, he wants to run wild. I want him to eat his dinner, he wants to turn it into art. I want to wipe his face, he wants to leave it dirty. The list goes on and on. Needless to say, I've been searching for advice, wisdom, and techniques for months to ease our battle of the wills.

Recently I read this on a friends blog:
"I always say that having boys is a little like having dogs. They are totally well behaved as long as you take them out and run them . So, that being said, they needed to get out.."
After chuckling I thought, "What have I got to lose?" This last week I have meticulously followed this advice. Everyday Jack and I have gone some where and run until I know he's tired. The great thing is boys and dogs do behave better when they run! Thank you KH for your wise advice. Jack and I still battle over somethings, but this last week we have both been happier and Jack has been less mischievous. And with a little luck I'll continue to have the energy to chase after him.

Ingredients for a good boy:
One beautiful day at the beach.
***

Two parts happy family
***

Three treasures found
***

For at least an hour!
***



Oh and don't forget to run, run, run!
***

My Cool

Jackson loves sunglasses! He calls them "the cool." Anytime Kent or I wear anything over our eyes whether it be glasses or sunglasses Jack's got to try them out. Unfortunately he's not very gentle with "the cool." I've already had to replace my cool because of his little hands.

Anyway, the other day I got a really great idea, give Jack my goggles. Wow, instant hit! Now Jack has his own cool and Mom and Dad's cool are a little safer. Plus I got some embarrassing photos that I can pull out for when he's older.

He's still pretty cute, even donning "the cool."

Out with the bath water!

For weeks now our bathroom has been under construction. Eek! I won't scare you with too many before pictures, but I will mention that most everything in said bathroom was original from the birth our little townhouse in 1963. I must admit that I never ever bathed Jack in our tub. It just didn't meet my cleanliness standards.

Here is just a small sampling of what our "before" bathroom
looked like. Do you like the duct tape? I think it really
rounded out the hill billy vibe our bathroom was giving off. Gross!

Well I'm happy to report that after lots of construction, dirt, and side projects. Our bathroom is almost finished! We just need to paint and put up all the fun stuff (mirrors, hooks, pictures, etc.) I don't want to unveil the whole bathroom just yet, it will look perfect in a week or five, be patient!


I am happy to report that Jack is loving the new tub. Look at the joy on this boy's face. Goodbye showering with the folks, hello bubbles, toys, and splashing.

Good Night Jack

Jack is a great sleeper. That is one of the perks to having a son that is always on the move. It takes time to recharge! Last night was no exception... except that it was a little warmer than usual. Kent dressed Jack in a light pair of pjs and put him down for the night. Some time around 3am Jack woke up freezin'. He woke up, whined, and then let out a good cry to make sure we were quick on our feet. Kent was first to respond and that's when the following conversation happened-

(Kent rocking Jack gently in the rocking chair)

Kent: Jack are you tired?
Jack: Okay...
Kent: Jack are you ready to go back to bed?
Jack: Okay Dada...
Kent: Do you want me to put the big blanket on you?
Jack: Uh-huh...

With that Kent picked Jack up and deposited him back into his crib, big blanket and all. Jack happily put his fingers in his mouth and rolled over. Problem solved. Good night Jack.

I love this new phase of simple communication, sure beats the tears and crying. Plus, I just love to hear Jack's sweet little voice when he says "Uh-huh!"

This is one of my simple pleasures (of motherhood).

Goats or Apes?

HOW TO KNOW WHETHER OR NOT YOUR ARE READY TO HAVE KIDS:

(psst) I found this on the internet.
I've shortened it down to my top five. Hope you enjoy.

> >> >Mess Test-Smear peanut butter on the sofa and curtains. Place a fish stick behind the couch and leave it there all summer.

> >> >Toy Test-Obtain a 55 gallon box of Legos (or you may substitute roofing tacks). Have a friend spread them all over the house. Put on a blindfold. Try to walk to the bathroom or kitchen. Do not scream, you'll wake the baby.

> >> >Gorcery Store Test-Borrow one or two small animals (goats are best) and take them with you as you shop. Always keep them in sight and pay for anything they eat or damage. [I like this one, but to make it truly authentic to life make the animal an ape that flings ahh stuff. -Jodi]

> >> >Dressing Test-Obtain one large, unhappy, live octopus. Stuff into a small net bag making sure that all the arms stay inside.

> >> >Feeding Test-Obtain a large plastic milk jug. Fill halfway with water. Suspend from the ceiling with a cord. Start the jug swinging. Try to insert spoonfuls of soggy cereal into the mouth of the jug, while pretending to be an airplane. Now dump the contents of the jug on the floor.

If these tests don't strike a cord with you,
feel free to take Jack to the grocery store with you.
He's a total goat when it comes to shopping!

Thank You Valentine!

I've been eying this picture of the

for months and months now. I never really thought I'd get it (too pricey). But leave it to my Valentine to find a way (half price). Thank you Kent, I can't wait until it's hanging in our living room! What a great Valentine's surprise. If you'd like to look for your temple click here.

Daddy's Little Monster

Jack was Frankenstein for Halloween.We never posted pictures, just thought I'd share.