I wouldn't want to give the impression that I ever thought any one thought of me as anything but a city girl (albeit small city), but I believe today I announced it loud and proud.
We, all of the Swans, loaded up our mini-van (clue #1), drove about 45 miles to a good nursery (clue #2) and bought....
weeds and poop!!! $75 worth of weeds and poop.
It's crazy really.
To top it off, said weeds were inspected to ensure the presence of wild butterfly eggs.
Now, I realize I'm country-enough to a) know which weed I need, b) know what the wild butterfly egg looks like, and c) can tell my 5 yr old "no, that's dirt" when egg hunting.
But still, asking if they carried weeds felt a bit awkward.
Yesterday I went to a city garden center and the very old lady working there (wouldn't you think a very old woman would know garden stuff???) was totally baffled by me asking for the Milkweed that came in. (I *KNOW* it came in, because the owner called to tell me it was!!!) And she couldn't find it. I should have known when I saw her perfect lipstick that she was a city-gardener.
Anyway...we now have Milkweed (complete with several Monarch eggs), *quality* manure (from only grass-eating animals), and some other stuff to make our veggies grow like....er, weeds.
I was reading on-line that some places won't carry Milkweed because it's a weed. Can you imagine anything more tragic than a bunch of monarchs in your yard??? Yeah, whatever. Now, my next "problem" is if I'm going to have enough Milkweed to feed my very hungry caterpillars!! I also need to figure out if my lizards are interested in my eggs?? Surely not.
I sound so outdoorsy don't I? In the interest of journalistic integrity I should reveal that I've never touched ANYTHING I've talked about except plants. But I look really closely at them. :)
Maybe we'll have pictures later of us planting everything. And likely, Sophie pulling everything up. *sigh*
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Thursday, April 23, 2009
When life is just too funny....
Sarah has been dying to sleep in Sophie's room. So finally we thought we'd let her set up a nest on the floor next to the crib and all would be groovy, yet giggly.
Well, that idea in no way flew with Sophie. If her hero was going to be on the floor, she was most certainly NOT going to be in her crib.
Plan B: move Sophie's crib mattress to the floor.
Certainly got better reviews than Plan A, but something about absolute freedom is just not good for our little Hurricane. And Sarah can't stop giggling.
It's pretty amusing to listen to through the monitor.
They do adore each other.
Well, it's time for me to go in and be the big bad wolf that gobbles up giggling children.
Then I have a feeling it will be time for Dad to come back and put cushions and mattresses back where they belong.
Will update later.
*** ok, that totally stupid idea can go down in the Guinness Book of Records as the Absolute DUMBEST Thing 2 Parents Could Agree To in history.
dumb, dumb, dumb.
If you happened to walk in our house right now you would think we just cut Puppy to threads. It's hysteria in there. This girl does not switch gears easily. Poor Daddy is in there trying to console the inconsolable.
Me thinks this is going to be a night that we regret for hours and hours.
But, on a side note....
You should have seen how adorably CUTE they were getting their nest all set up. Sophie was just beaming. Sarah, who detests sleeping alone, was in bed-buddy heaven! It was THE CUTEST THING EVER!! And to hear them giggling together...aaaawwwww.
It will be nice to hear that again....in a year or so.
*sigh*
Well, that idea in no way flew with Sophie. If her hero was going to be on the floor, she was most certainly NOT going to be in her crib.
Plan B: move Sophie's crib mattress to the floor.
Certainly got better reviews than Plan A, but something about absolute freedom is just not good for our little Hurricane. And Sarah can't stop giggling.
It's pretty amusing to listen to through the monitor.
They do adore each other.
Well, it's time for me to go in and be the big bad wolf that gobbles up giggling children.
Then I have a feeling it will be time for Dad to come back and put cushions and mattresses back where they belong.
Will update later.
*** ok, that totally stupid idea can go down in the Guinness Book of Records as the Absolute DUMBEST Thing 2 Parents Could Agree To in history.
dumb, dumb, dumb.
If you happened to walk in our house right now you would think we just cut Puppy to threads. It's hysteria in there. This girl does not switch gears easily. Poor Daddy is in there trying to console the inconsolable.
Me thinks this is going to be a night that we regret for hours and hours.
But, on a side note....
You should have seen how adorably CUTE they were getting their nest all set up. Sophie was just beaming. Sarah, who detests sleeping alone, was in bed-buddy heaven! It was THE CUTEST THING EVER!! And to hear them giggling together...aaaawwwww.
It will be nice to hear that again....in a year or so.
*sigh*
Friday, April 17, 2009
Days of Spring...
OK, on an editorial note I have to amend something said on my garden post. I told you, my trusting and adoring public, that I had already planted tomatoes and cucumbers.
Well, don't enter me in the county fair if it has anything to do with gardening. Upon inspection this morning I found that my "cucumbers" were actually....
Do you see 'em?? Strawberries. Good grief. And they are supposed to be strawberries I just forgot that I had already planted them and was waiting on more space for the cucumbers.
When I saw them this morning I thought "hmmmm. I don't remember budding cucumbers looking like that." And as I got closer I thought "they sure do look a lot like strawberries." DING DING DING!!!
Last year (or was it year before last?) we had a similar issue. Again, with cucumbers.
I kept getting these white looking cucumbers. I was just picking them off early and throwing them out. Wasn't even thinking much of it. But I sure was getting frustrated that I was getting all of these bad ones and no green ones yet. They had always been so easy to grow. Well, late June rolled around and the garden got neglected...so I wasn't able to pinch of the weird white cucumbers. When I finally checked on them, I found out.....they were cantaloupes. But I couldn't bring myself to eat them! In my head they were supposed to be cucumbers. I planted cucumbers and got this mutation. Even though I really did remember the cucumbers and cantaloupes were side by side at Home Depot and I do remember that the cup said cucumber, but clearly they were mislabeled.
So anyway, the moral of this story is not to trust me when you buy a puppy. :)
The girls had a fun day outside too.
First, I found this danger zone. Turns out Sarah was safe-guarding some frogs. Which is rich for her considering she's the one that shakes them to death to make them "hop funny". Don't worry, I explained brain injury to her.
Then I found them coloring the fence. Only 300.5 more feet to go!!!
Next, they were explorers on a hill. Here they are right after Sophie saw Sarah hang the moon. :)
The compass was the hot item today.
A little swing time. Sarah has so much strength in that skinny little body!
And finally, here is the fearless 2 yr old barking BACK at the really mad dog on the other side of the fence. *sigh* I wasn't sure who was more of an antagonist, Sophie or Katy (our dog). Either way...big, mean, neighbor dog was not happy.
Well, don't enter me in the county fair if it has anything to do with gardening. Upon inspection this morning I found that my "cucumbers" were actually....
Do you see 'em?? Strawberries. Good grief. And they are supposed to be strawberries I just forgot that I had already planted them and was waiting on more space for the cucumbers.
When I saw them this morning I thought "hmmmm. I don't remember budding cucumbers looking like that." And as I got closer I thought "they sure do look a lot like strawberries." DING DING DING!!!
Last year (or was it year before last?) we had a similar issue. Again, with cucumbers.
I kept getting these white looking cucumbers. I was just picking them off early and throwing them out. Wasn't even thinking much of it. But I sure was getting frustrated that I was getting all of these bad ones and no green ones yet. They had always been so easy to grow. Well, late June rolled around and the garden got neglected...so I wasn't able to pinch of the weird white cucumbers. When I finally checked on them, I found out.....they were cantaloupes. But I couldn't bring myself to eat them! In my head they were supposed to be cucumbers. I planted cucumbers and got this mutation. Even though I really did remember the cucumbers and cantaloupes were side by side at Home Depot and I do remember that the cup said cucumber, but clearly they were mislabeled.
So anyway, the moral of this story is not to trust me when you buy a puppy. :)
The girls had a fun day outside too.
First, I found this danger zone. Turns out Sarah was safe-guarding some frogs. Which is rich for her considering she's the one that shakes them to death to make them "hop funny". Don't worry, I explained brain injury to her.
Then I found them coloring the fence. Only 300.5 more feet to go!!!
Next, they were explorers on a hill. Here they are right after Sophie saw Sarah hang the moon. :)
The compass was the hot item today.
A little swing time. Sarah has so much strength in that skinny little body!
And finally, here is the fearless 2 yr old barking BACK at the really mad dog on the other side of the fence. *sigh* I wasn't sure who was more of an antagonist, Sophie or Katy (our dog). Either way...big, mean, neighbor dog was not happy.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Muffin Tin, er, Thursday...
Ok, so I don't have it together enough to have my themed tins ready on Monday, but I'm pretty sure I'm not alone. :)
Today we had yogurt with Grape Nuts, carrots and cauliflower with ranch, poor-mans trail mix (all I had was sunflower seeds and raisins), ham, cheese, and crackers. Yum yum. It's amazing how fast a lunch can go down when it's presented in muffin cups!
Then it was revelation time. Are you ready?? Paint is evil. I believe the anti-anxiety drug companies are absolutely behind the making of the stuff.
I tried to be cool, hip, laid-back, and all in the creative mode this morning when both girls were asking to paint. It was still a bit cold out, so I thought "I can do this. We can paint at the kitchen table."
oh. my. word.
I've prayed, admittedly, for the Rapture to descend immediately upon the earth many times since becoming a mom. Today, I was afraid to pray for that out of fear that the paint would show up in Heaven with me and my beloved artists.
As you can imagine, Sarah was mostly fine. I think she was so encouraged listening to Sophie drive me crazy.
We went from water colors, to tempera, to finger paint, to crayons.
In about 10 minutes.
Not that anything wasn't age appropriate. But somehow that doesn't seem to matter when you are watching paint splatter on the floor as the child looks around. Only to discover that she can actually paint her chair if she turns one way. Turn the other and she can paint the table. And "oh, looky there!! If I shake my paint brush over the floor it looks so cool!"
She did enjoy the fingerpaints a bit. It really irritated her that she wasn't liking the same thing that sister was doing. But the whole brush, water, paint thing got on her nerves. :) :)
Here they are at work.
I think tomorrow I'm pulling out some old socks and we're going to "skate" on a little vinegar and water solution. With our bike helmets on!!! In the kitchen.
Ok, and here is a cute "first" for Sophie. She broke out in her first identifiable song today (of course, Jesus Loves Me has been sung, but she cheats and uses sign language ;)). "Yours" by Steven Curtis Chapman. The part she was singing was "It awe yors Godt! It awe yors!". While making her puppy dance. Melt my heart. (Oh, translation: It's all Yours God! It's all Yours!".
Indeed, it is all His. (Except paints...the jury is still out on that one.)
Today we had yogurt with Grape Nuts, carrots and cauliflower with ranch, poor-mans trail mix (all I had was sunflower seeds and raisins), ham, cheese, and crackers. Yum yum. It's amazing how fast a lunch can go down when it's presented in muffin cups!
Then it was revelation time. Are you ready?? Paint is evil. I believe the anti-anxiety drug companies are absolutely behind the making of the stuff.
I tried to be cool, hip, laid-back, and all in the creative mode this morning when both girls were asking to paint. It was still a bit cold out, so I thought "I can do this. We can paint at the kitchen table."
oh. my. word.
I've prayed, admittedly, for the Rapture to descend immediately upon the earth many times since becoming a mom. Today, I was afraid to pray for that out of fear that the paint would show up in Heaven with me and my beloved artists.
As you can imagine, Sarah was mostly fine. I think she was so encouraged listening to Sophie drive me crazy.
We went from water colors, to tempera, to finger paint, to crayons.
In about 10 minutes.
Not that anything wasn't age appropriate. But somehow that doesn't seem to matter when you are watching paint splatter on the floor as the child looks around. Only to discover that she can actually paint her chair if she turns one way. Turn the other and she can paint the table. And "oh, looky there!! If I shake my paint brush over the floor it looks so cool!"
She did enjoy the fingerpaints a bit. It really irritated her that she wasn't liking the same thing that sister was doing. But the whole brush, water, paint thing got on her nerves. :) :)
Here they are at work.
I think tomorrow I'm pulling out some old socks and we're going to "skate" on a little vinegar and water solution. With our bike helmets on!!! In the kitchen.
Ok, and here is a cute "first" for Sophie. She broke out in her first identifiable song today (of course, Jesus Loves Me has been sung, but she cheats and uses sign language ;)). "Yours" by Steven Curtis Chapman. The part she was singing was "It awe yors Godt! It awe yors!". While making her puppy dance. Melt my heart. (Oh, translation: It's all Yours God! It's all Yours!".
Indeed, it is all His. (Except paints...the jury is still out on that one.)
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
How does YOUR garden grow???
I have big dreams of a Little House life here in the big city. I have no creek to wash my clothes in (thank goodness!!), and no wood burning fireplace to brew stew in.
But, I have a field (ok, a yard). Dirt is still dirt. Seeds? Still around. I can do this. Right?
O.k. First step, I bought Square Foot Gardening . Because I'm the kind of girl that needs a manual.
Next, Pa (I mean Glen, of course), built the garden. One we have left over from last year. It got some tomatoes and cucumbers again. Looking good, huh?
Then, seeds. I've always wanted to grow from seeds. Sadly, this picture is probably the last you'll see of them. As I tend to give them a good start in life and then forget about them usually. Sophie keeps calling them cookies. Whew...glad I planted veggie seeds. At least if she sneaks a "cookie" she'll get some healthy cookies. :)
But my favorite garden of all...my Sophie Garden. Just feed and water and look at the beautiful fruit!
p.s. This is from 2 years ago. It was a craft from Sarah's preschool. In it's day it was a nylon caterpillar with grass growing out of it. But, here at the Little House in the Big City...something went wrong. Very wrong. Worse yet, is that it's body cavity is still laying in the same pot 2 years later. *sigh*
But, I have a field (ok, a yard). Dirt is still dirt. Seeds? Still around. I can do this. Right?
O.k. First step, I bought Square Foot Gardening . Because I'm the kind of girl that needs a manual.
Next, Pa (I mean Glen, of course), built the garden. One we have left over from last year. It got some tomatoes and cucumbers again. Looking good, huh?
Then, seeds. I've always wanted to grow from seeds. Sadly, this picture is probably the last you'll see of them. As I tend to give them a good start in life and then forget about them usually. Sophie keeps calling them cookies. Whew...glad I planted veggie seeds. At least if she sneaks a "cookie" she'll get some healthy cookies. :)
But my favorite garden of all...my Sophie Garden. Just feed and water and look at the beautiful fruit!
p.s. This is from 2 years ago. It was a craft from Sarah's preschool. In it's day it was a nylon caterpillar with grass growing out of it. But, here at the Little House in the Big City...something went wrong. Very wrong. Worse yet, is that it's body cavity is still laying in the same pot 2 years later. *sigh*
Yummies for the tummy
Today at "Tot School" we did "imaginary play...restaurant style". The first day outside after a good rain is always food day. What girl doesn't want to make a mud pie, right?
With a little help from big sis, they brewed up these yummy sandwiches. I suggested they looked like soft tacos. Sarah was adamant that they were ham roll-ups. Back off mom! :) Either way, Sophie was willing to try a bite. That's my girl, right?!
So what did we learn today?
a) Mud is soooooo great.
b) Despite it's earthy organic-ness, not so much tasty.
c) When removing mud from one's hands, a textured material works best. Sophie's
shirt - too soft. Mommy's pants - better, but still too smooth.
Katy's towel - just right.
d) Sarah is capable of sharing.
e) God makes the coolest stuff!
With a little help from big sis, they brewed up these yummy sandwiches. I suggested they looked like soft tacos. Sarah was adamant that they were ham roll-ups. Back off mom! :) Either way, Sophie was willing to try a bite. That's my girl, right?!
So what did we learn today?
a) Mud is soooooo great.
b) Despite it's earthy organic-ness, not so much tasty.
c) When removing mud from one's hands, a textured material works best. Sophie's
shirt - too soft. Mommy's pants - better, but still too smooth.
Katy's towel - just right.
d) Sarah is capable of sharing.
e) God makes the coolest stuff!
Easter happenings
Whew! Easter came and went fast! There was so much I wanted to share with the girls about what a precious celebration it is, and I did share. But, the week leading up to it was so busy, I'm afraid some things didn't get the time they deserved. I'm thankful that my sweet Sarah is as literal as her mommy. "But He's alive forever now, right?"
"Yes, sweetie. Forever at the right hand of God."
"Good. Okay. Can we make the sheep now?"
I'm glad she was excited about my sheep craft. And I'm thankful she clarified the important things first. And I'm thankful for a slower week this week where we can worship Him, the God who understands life with a 5 and 2 yr old. (Almost 2)
We made 2 (yes TWO crafts this week!! yay me!) Both sheep. Hmmmm.... We had a lot of spare cotton balls to be honest. And truth be known, Sarah really only wanted to play in the glue.
On Saturday we loaded up and went to the Easter party at church. After Sophie's trembling encounter with Curious George, I wasn't sure how the Easter Bunny would go over. Thankfully, he wasn't around until the end! There were crafts first....
And then a little egg hunt. I didn't get any of Sarah hunting this time. She was in the "big kids" group and was not interested in a photo op with mom. Sophie had just had her first hunt a few days before so she was ready. I'm thinking of telling her next year that if she didn't stop and open each egg as she finds it, she gets more. But no matter, she scored some jelly beans and was in sugar heaven.
"Yes, sweetie. Forever at the right hand of God."
"Good. Okay. Can we make the sheep now?"
I'm glad she was excited about my sheep craft. And I'm thankful she clarified the important things first. And I'm thankful for a slower week this week where we can worship Him, the God who understands life with a 5 and 2 yr old. (Almost 2)
We made 2 (yes TWO crafts this week!! yay me!) Both sheep. Hmmmm.... We had a lot of spare cotton balls to be honest. And truth be known, Sarah really only wanted to play in the glue.
On Saturday we loaded up and went to the Easter party at church. After Sophie's trembling encounter with Curious George, I wasn't sure how the Easter Bunny would go over. Thankfully, he wasn't around until the end! There were crafts first....
And then a little egg hunt. I didn't get any of Sarah hunting this time. She was in the "big kids" group and was not interested in a photo op with mom. Sophie had just had her first hunt a few days before so she was ready. I'm thinking of telling her next year that if she didn't stop and open each egg as she finds it, she gets more. But no matter, she scored some jelly beans and was in sugar heaven.
Wednesday, April 08, 2009
I don't get "child-proofing"
I have no pictures. Sorry. "That" girl, you know the one... she is too fast for the camera these days. Or maybe I don't want to have pictures proving she's out-smarting me at every turn.
So... with Sarah, we never had to child-proof. She just wanted to be with us. As long as we stayed out of trouble, so did she pretty much. In comes Sophie. Like a lion. Let's face it, we all knew that she *might* be one to child-proof for. All those little gadgets that seemed weird to me 3 yrs ago, now seem lacking. But, hey, I'm no expert and assume all the "experts" must have had some clue when applying for their little patents.
You may remember that our beloved Pack-n-Play is now an amusing little piece of equipment used to enhance Sophie's gross motor skills. Suddenly my dependence on closed doors has increased 100%.
As you might imagine, door knobs are now the latest pieces of equipment for fine motor skills. She just walks right up to them and opens them like they were nothing. She's so unphased by her skill she doesn't even care if we're watching. *sigh*
Much to my dismay I pulled out the icky, yucky, door knob cover thingies. Put them on all the doors with my little storm watching. I was feeling pretty proud. I out-witted her. (It is a little sad that I, the mom, find so much satisfaction in out-witting a 2 year old.)
I walked back to the couch for a little breather.
My storm followed me...looking ever so sweet. Like *she* was even sort of proud of me.
I sat down.
She processed that I was done with my part of the game. And then she turned and walked straight to the doors (I was snickering under my breath)...
and opened all 3 "child-proofed" doors. THEN she looked at me as if to say "I don't get it Mama...what do they do??".
Good question. I'm not sure. But my head hurts too much to go take the worthless contraptions off.
She's clearly ahead in this game of Survivor.
On the heals of all this, God lovingly up'd Sophie's cute factor. She's now chatting up a storm and shows love in the most tender of ways. On Monday she will be 23 months old. And the days are fleeting. In the thick of the day it's hard to appreciate it. But at the end of the day, even before her head hits the pillow, I am so unbelievably grateful for the opportunity to be in the wake of her storm. So unbelievably humbled that God entrusted these precious spirts to us.
Sarah just knocked on my door. (Eh, don't be impressed. She tried to just come in, but it was locked.) She is one precious soul. She wanted to know if I was ok. I told her I had a headache. And she wanted to get me a Frosty Bear (which heals EVERYTHING in our house!). She's growing up so fast too. She pretty much makes her own breakfast now. She brings mail out to the mailbox all by herself...with no one watching! She is never without a friend...even when she doesn't know a soul in the room. She loves watching tv (oops). She loves to do her school work (but on her schedule). She loves to play outside. She hates for me to be with Sophie and not her. Actually, "hates" is putting it mildly.
But what really blew me away was last night when I had a friend over that Sarah didn't really know. I had the opportunity to watch this little 5 yr old just talk with all confidence to a grown woman in, what I thought, was a very mature way. I was so proud of her. Well, except that she kept coming to see me and my friend after I told her to stay in bed...but I digress.
She has strength in areas that I still wish I had. I still can't believe she loves me like she does.
So, tonight, I am one blessed Mommy. I'm tired. And I don't want to see them anymore tonight unless it's to gaze at them sound asleep in their beds. And honestly, I'd like to call in sick tomorrow. :) But blessed I am.
So... with Sarah, we never had to child-proof. She just wanted to be with us. As long as we stayed out of trouble, so did she pretty much. In comes Sophie. Like a lion. Let's face it, we all knew that she *might* be one to child-proof for. All those little gadgets that seemed weird to me 3 yrs ago, now seem lacking. But, hey, I'm no expert and assume all the "experts" must have had some clue when applying for their little patents.
You may remember that our beloved Pack-n-Play is now an amusing little piece of equipment used to enhance Sophie's gross motor skills. Suddenly my dependence on closed doors has increased 100%.
As you might imagine, door knobs are now the latest pieces of equipment for fine motor skills. She just walks right up to them and opens them like they were nothing. She's so unphased by her skill she doesn't even care if we're watching. *sigh*
Much to my dismay I pulled out the icky, yucky, door knob cover thingies. Put them on all the doors with my little storm watching. I was feeling pretty proud. I out-witted her. (It is a little sad that I, the mom, find so much satisfaction in out-witting a 2 year old.)
I walked back to the couch for a little breather.
My storm followed me...looking ever so sweet. Like *she* was even sort of proud of me.
I sat down.
She processed that I was done with my part of the game. And then she turned and walked straight to the doors (I was snickering under my breath)...
and opened all 3 "child-proofed" doors. THEN she looked at me as if to say "I don't get it Mama...what do they do??".
Good question. I'm not sure. But my head hurts too much to go take the worthless contraptions off.
She's clearly ahead in this game of Survivor.
On the heals of all this, God lovingly up'd Sophie's cute factor. She's now chatting up a storm and shows love in the most tender of ways. On Monday she will be 23 months old. And the days are fleeting. In the thick of the day it's hard to appreciate it. But at the end of the day, even before her head hits the pillow, I am so unbelievably grateful for the opportunity to be in the wake of her storm. So unbelievably humbled that God entrusted these precious spirts to us.
Sarah just knocked on my door. (Eh, don't be impressed. She tried to just come in, but it was locked.) She is one precious soul. She wanted to know if I was ok. I told her I had a headache. And she wanted to get me a Frosty Bear (which heals EVERYTHING in our house!). She's growing up so fast too. She pretty much makes her own breakfast now. She brings mail out to the mailbox all by herself...with no one watching! She is never without a friend...even when she doesn't know a soul in the room. She loves watching tv (oops). She loves to do her school work (but on her schedule). She loves to play outside. She hates for me to be with Sophie and not her. Actually, "hates" is putting it mildly.
But what really blew me away was last night when I had a friend over that Sarah didn't really know. I had the opportunity to watch this little 5 yr old just talk with all confidence to a grown woman in, what I thought, was a very mature way. I was so proud of her. Well, except that she kept coming to see me and my friend after I told her to stay in bed...but I digress.
She has strength in areas that I still wish I had. I still can't believe she loves me like she does.
So, tonight, I am one blessed Mommy. I'm tired. And I don't want to see them anymore tonight unless it's to gaze at them sound asleep in their beds. And honestly, I'd like to call in sick tomorrow. :) But blessed I am.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)