L is for...

...labels

(long overdue...)

I know you've missed me. I've missed you too. Lots has been going on here, and I'm sorry to admit that my blogging goals made the back burner.

In the last few weeks, we said goodbye to a very small family member we did not have the chance to meet. We made some goals, and some sacrifices. We prayed for healing. We prayed for phone calls. We worked hard. We celebrated a birthday. Twice. We loved our family and our friends. We were thankful for the life we have to live. We took on some projects. We forgot about others. We finished some we started months ago.

One of those was my dining room. It's not 100% but the east end is.

LuLu, the open shelving is for you. Amy, the labels for you.

Enjoy

::

::

::

:: above the fridge ::

love!

K is for...

...my krazy kids!

here are a few "kandids" for you to enjoy!

::

"Brotherly Love"
February 2009

Collin is already smiling as soon as the camera comes out!
love it!

Getting ready for pre-nap storytime together.

Collin with Nana at the Freepons' Seafood Bash
January 2009

Mason with a super-cool LED light of Uncle Dave's

Silly Side Smirk

"Cheese!"
Keelan & Mason at the Airport
with doughnuts before Keelan and his family flew home to Louisiana

::

love!

J is for...

...Jeannette

my sister-in-law

Some people have a real hard time with their in-laws. But not me! I probably have the best set around! When I transferred colleges from Pullman to Seattle, after Chris and I were engaged, Jeannette and I decided to be roommates. We had so much fun living together and I never realized I could have another friend so close as a sister!

We have some really fun memories of living with cousin Juliet... toenail polish, self tanner and too much underaged drinking.... I will always cherish those.

Maybe one of my favorite things about Jeannette is the way she embraces my sister as he own! She helped me organize a Bachelorette party for Jess a few summers back and has included her in her own Bachelorette party (Vegas this May~ stay tuned)! The three of us have such fun together. And I'm thankful for awesome sisters & sisters-in-law and friends in my life!

Nette & I out in Seattle for Jess's Bachelorette

July 2007

::

love!

J is for...

...Jess

my sister

It's funny the way sisters can be friends... when they want to be. Growing up, Jess and I are only two years apart... so some days were hairier than others. But in the last couple of years (especially since I've given her two of her four nephews), we've grown much closer. And I notice that the fights and yelling, kicking and screaming come less and less often. And we visit on the phone and make 'dates' to see each other and enjoy the time we have.

I treasure the friendship we have and am so thankful she's my sister!

If you don't understand how a woman could both love her sister dearly and want to wring her neck at the same time, then you were probably an only child. ~Linda Sunshine

Jess & I in a sweet little shop in Hawaii

September 2006

::

love!

PS: Did I mention, it's Double Shot Double Shot Thursday?
(97 Rock anyone?)

I is for...

...ish

A word I use a lot! Definately one of my favorites... I would say in my top 10 vocab words! You may laugh, but it's a multi-funtioning and multi-purpose word that helps describe a lot of things, people, events and places! "Oh you know, the blueish house at the end of the block" or "that shirt is a little two stripeish" or "it tastes good, but kind of garlicish." (That last one is a real quote from my Mason.)

It also happens to be one of our favorite books, by one of our favorite authors, Peter H Reynolds. In this sweet story, Raymond wants to draw, but all of his drawings aren't quite right, so they get thrown away. Meanwhile, his little sister takes them, and has a gallery of all his crumpled drawings hanging on her walls, explaining this one looks vaseish and that one looks treeish. He is inspired to make more ish art and even ish poems.

Very sweet. Check it out from your library or go buy it... you'll read it over and over again!

loveish!

H is for...

...hate

Such an ugly word! and one I've tried to eliminate completely from my vocabulary. Yet every once in a while it creeps up on me... in the grocery store, in a friend's post, in my son's preschool.

It's so awful and yet, I hear it from every kind of mouth! Not necessarily about a person or a group of people, but this brand of coffee or dishsoap or shoe, the way someone says or does something or the rule or law that doesn't suit everyone perfectly. Really? You hate it? Are you sure you don't just disagree with, dislike, strongly dislike, or don't love it?

We are not born knowing how to hate. It's a learned behavior and, frankly, one I hope not to pass down. Hate is a 'bad word' at our house and is not tolerated--even when used regarding brussel sprouts or beets. Mason knows that if he dislikes something, he "doesn't care for" it.

I stumbled across these images, well, image, a while back and saved it. Turns out, it illustrates my point for today. They're mirror images of each other. I believe your heart can only be full of one or the other. Which will you choose to share?

I choose love!

G is for...

...Godparents

I didn't have a set growing up, but my husband did. And when we decided to have each of our boys Christened in the Episcopal Church, part of that required Godparents. It wasn't a big deal to me. I wasn't baptized until I was old enough to remember it---my brother, sister and I were all baptized once we'd moved 'into town' and I think I was in the first or second (maybe even third!) grade. I remember the pastor asking of each of us and our parents if we would maintain the common life of worship and service that we would grow in grace and in the knowledge of love of God and of His Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Okay, maybe I don't remember the exact verbage, but I remember being up there is a mint green (it was the 90s ok?) dress with lace and frills. And it was a big deal. It cemented some of my small, young faith.

I pray that my boys will grow in their love for our Lord. They are still so young and have so much to learn. Last week, Mason came across the cross Collin was given at his Baptismal service we had back in November. Mason said "I will with God's help." I was so suprised that I think I just stood there and stared at him. "Mason, how did you remember that?" "Oh, you re-mem-ber, Mom! From Collin's Baptism!"

I will with God's help! Sometimes I'm amazed at what your kids can teach you.

Okay, back to godparents! Collin's are Chris's cousin Mike and his lovely wife, Janay. They have Penny who was born a few months before Collin last year and is an absolute doll! While we were in Seattle for our IKEA run, we made a point to stop in and see them for a couple hours. And here are the fun pictures we got of them playing together!

Cousin Mike and Penny "checking Collin out"

Jeannette (Chris's Sister, whom my kids call Czaczi [say "Chaw-chee"] Polish for Auntie) and Cousins Matt and Emilie who happened to be in town awaiting their return flight to Sweden

Penny sharing with Collin

Kisses!

Penny and Collin each looking at their dads

a nearly 7-month old and a nearly 11-month old's interpretation of "cheese"

Collin & Penny

My Sweet Boy

love!

F is for...

... Fun! Fantastic! Full!

(words to describe our Saturday)

Chris and I left Mason with Meme & Pepe to spend the day. And took Collin with us for a day trip to Seattle! We left at 7am to hit IKEA for some super special deals (they opened at 10). And afterward, picked up his sister for lunch. We found a cute Mediterranean Bistro: Garlic Crush and had gyros and hummus YUM!

We took Collin to see his Godparents, Mike and Janay, in North Seattle. He had a blast playing with Penny (his about 3 months older third cousin) and scored and got to see cousins Matt & Emilie before their flight was taking them back home to Sweden!

And while we were out galavanting across Washington State, Meme took Mason to what he thought was Disneyland! Playhouse Disney has been touring and Chris's mom bought Mason suprise tickets to the show. She packed him up for the 4:30 showing and wouldn't tell him where they were going! When they got to the parking lot, she handed him his ticket, so one final guess of "Are we going to the movies?" before they got inside and he saw all the booths selling Little Einsteins, Handy Manny, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and My Friends Tigger and Pooh stuff.

Meme called us in Seattle and this is the conversation:

Daddy: Hi Mason! How are you?
Mason: Daddy! You will never believe your eyes where I am right now!
Daddy: Where are you?
Mason: DISNEYLAND!
Daddy: You are?
Mason: YES! There's Mickey and Little 'Eimsteims' and Pooh and Tigger and 'Hanny' Manny!

Mind you, at this point, they've only just taken their seats! The show hadn't even started yet! At intermission, Meme bought a ring sucker and a Goofy hat and I think they had popcorn and cotton candy. Pretty sure it was one of the best days of his life!

Fun days had by all the Carlisles and still early in the weekend!

love!

E is for...

...Excited!

:: Excited that today is my birthday and I know my husband has some exciting things planned for this weekend!

:: Excited for presents!

:: Excited to be going shopping in Seattle tomorrow! (IKEA, Here I come!!!)

:: Excited to see my family & friends!

:: Excited that my hubby took the day off and made me breakfast and coffee while I cuddled with my little boys in bed this morning!

Hope your day is filled with excitement, too!

love!

D is for...

...Da Da

Last Wednesday, Collin said his first word! "Da Da" It was one of the sweetest words I've ever heard! Luckily, Chris (aka Da Da) was home to witness the first use of this word by our youngest son.

His pronunciation is great and is learning that we praise and reward "tricks" like saying Da Da quickly. If Chris starts "da da Da Da DA DA DAA DAA DAA" Collin will repeat him. And he's playing games, too. "Who's Da Da?" "Who's Collin?" He points to the right person about 70% of the time, which is great for a not-quite-7 month old!

A friend asked me on the phone today, how old he is now... I about fell over when I realized we're just a week away from hitting the 7 month mark! Time is sure flying! He sits up and reaches for toys and when he finds they're out of his reach, no worries! He rolls over until he can get to them. Oh! And we have teeth now, too. Two of them.

And who could resist posting pictures of this boy?

:: did you hear me? ::

:: sweetest silly face ::

love!

C is for...

...Cookies!

After a little inspiration from Cookie Monster this afternoon, I decided Mason and I could make some Valentine's Day cookies. And that cookies would be an acceptable blogging subject to fulfil my C obligation for today. And then I started thinking, oooh Cleaning or Clearing or Cookie Cutters or Cards.... Did I mention, sometimes I have a hard time with decision making?

I made some really cute lables for my open shelving (thanks for the ideas LuLu), and thought that Clean & Clear would make a cute C subject... but I didn't get as much of that project completed as I'd hoped to.

As I decided we'd for sure make the cookies, and maybe let the clean & clear idea piggy back, it was long after naptime. It took longer than I expected to get everything else in order before I could get to all the ingredients, call Amy and my sister to check for their recipes, clear the dining room table and gather an extra set of helping hands. Chris came thru the door a little past five and that's when we got started! Mason sat at the table addressing his Valentines for preschool tomorrow (as if we needed to start another project!) and I got out the ingredients...

The cookie dough got mixed up and is currently chilling in the refrigerator, but our heart shaped cookies will have to be finished tomorrow. Mason is having special time with Daddy now, and very soon it will be bedtime!

More projects started... but not completed... maybe I should have just focused on Completion... now there's a C for ya!

love!

B is for...

...Blogalicious

After my daily dose of Beth at Blogalicious this morning, she'd been giving a letter to begin 10 things she loves! I thought it would be fun... so I commented and she gave me the letter "B"... which is good and bad because I was sort of hoping to get out of my "alphablog" duty for the day... instead she assigned the very letter I was on!

So here are ten B things I love

:: 1 ::
Blue Eyed Boys in the Bath (or Shower) especially with Bubbles!

:: 2 ::
BBQ

All things BBQ! Food always seems to just taste better when it's been cooked outside. I can't explain it, but we love BBQing and it sounds great for tonight... I have some Ballpark franks... maybe with Baked Beans

:: 3 ::

Blogging
Although I'm not the best writer, and I'm not always punctual with my posts, I've been having a really fun time getting back to being creative again. I love going thru the day and thinking "oh! I can blog about that later." And I love that I can share our day to day ho hums with those who wish they were closer.

:: 4::

the Bears

For as long as I can remember, my grandparents have been "Grandma and Grandpa Bear." I am the oldest grandchild and so, as far as I'm concerned, they are my grandparents first, and granparents to the other 9 cousins next! As the story is told, while we were on the dance floor at Aunt Laurie & Uncle Rich's wedding back when I was about 3, a friend of theirs convinced me that Grandpa was a bear- jet black hair and full black beard- Well, it stuck! They even get mail addressed to The Bears.

:: 5 ::
Breastfeeding my Babies

It's funny the way a pregnancy (a mere 9 months) can feel like it's going to last a lifetime, and then once your baby arrives you can't get the minutes to slow down! I've been lucky enough to have great eaters in both my boys and breastfeeding is no exception. I love that it is something we can share right now, today, just the two of us. It's such a special bond we have now, and even though the time around us is flying, it feels like we can grasp onto those few moments and hold on tight before we're onto the next stage.

:: 6 ::
Vera Bradley Bags
My sister-in-laws have me hooked! I just adore these bags. Right now, I'm loving this pattern called Puccini.

I just love the design and can't seem to get enough... currently on my wishlist: diaper bag, luggage, duffle bags, tote bag, make up bag.... the list goes on!

:: 7 ::

Going Barefoot

I just love the way it feels to walk without socks and shoes on freshly vacuumed carpet, the beach, newly cut grass, the hot stones that lead the way to the pool in the backyard at my in-laws! I keep trying this at home... trying to lure out some warmer weather, but it seems that Spokane insists on keeping the thermometer below 32 degrees. I cannot wait for warmer weather!

:: 8::
Bunko Babes
Well, for starters, I love my Bunko Babes... but am also loving this book, Bunko Babes. Nichole, on of my Bunko Babes, bought this book and gave it as part of the prize when she hosted Favorites Bunko last December. It's a really neat because we're passing it along throughout our whole group. Who knew? Bunko Babes turned Book group!

:: 9 ::
Baskets

I love them! I love the way they look! And I love the purpose(s) they serve! I have them in my office, inside my closets, on the countertops and tables, up in shelves and down below and even in my car! They sort of keep me sane.

:: 10 ::
Watching Big Bang Theory & Burn Notice with my Beau

Cheesy? Perhaps. We are TV lovers at this household. It's just a fact, ok? Two of our favorites are:
the Big Bang Theory on CBS

and
Burn Notice on USA

It's our special time, after the kids are down and we cuddle.

So, that's the end... 10 B items I love.

love!

A is for...

...Amy

Since I'm supposed to be sharing more about myself.. what better way to start than to finally share my '25 things' that I keep getting tagged to do in notes on Facebook.

:: 1 ::

I have been with my husband for ten years this May, but we just celebrated our fourth wedding anniversary this past fall.

:: 2 ::

I have two sons and am not disappointed that I have "two of the same." (I can't understand why people would ask us if we were sad that our second wasn't a girl!) We don't think we're done... but currently, I'm pushing for 3; he's pushing for 4. We'll see~

:: 3 ::

I am very artistic, crafty and creative, but have found from experience that hair is not my medium.

:: 4 ::

I decorate my home for every season... Autumn, Christmas, Winter, Valentine's, Mardi Gras, Easter, St. Patrick's Day, Memorial & Labor Day (stays out all summer)... everything but Halloween.

:: 5 ::

I have a hard time making decisions. I can waiver between sides (which carseat to buy, what to ask for for my birthday, what to buy so-and-so for Christmas) for months!

:: 6 ::

In college, majors I declared included Pharmacy, Business Law and Interior Design. After 4 1/2 years, I finally made it out of three colleges with an Associates Degree.

:: 7 ::

I am very picky about my food- brands and preparation. My husband calls me a "food snob." But I say, "What's wrong with knowing what you like and how you like it prepared?"

:: 8 ::

I (am finding that I) love to cook and love sharing what I've made with my friends!

:: 9 ::

When people ask me about my siblings, I love responding with "one of each." My hubby gets to say the same thing about his.

:: 10 ::

I am still looking for my niche...

:: 11 ::

I secretly well, not so much anymore wish I wore glasses--and own a few pairs with non-prescription lenses that I wear when I want to.

:: 12 ::

I have only ever lived in Washington State.

:: 13 ::

I love my handwriting so much that it's become an unhealthy obsession. I write and rewrite lists, notes, cards, letters, signs and even checks until they're perfect. If anyone else writes on any of those things... off to start a new one!

:: 14 ::

My hero is my brother who is currently serving in the Marine Corps but I wish he was home more often and can't wait until he's out and back home safe and sound. Deep down, I wish he wasn't so brave, but my son looks up to him and it amazes me--the mind of a child and the special bond they share.

:: 15 ::

My best friend is my sister... who lives too far away (even though it's only a 2 hour drive). I wish she were closer for my kids' sake too... but love when Mason decides (on his plastic cell phone from the 'Doctor Kit') to call Aun' Jess.

:: 16 ::

I like to talk a lot but am really self-conscious about the way I sound to others.

:: 17 ::

I fall asleep with the TV on every night. Usually to my all time favorite Canadian sitcom, Corner Gas.

:: 18 ::

I am naturally blonde haired and blue eyed.

:: 19 ::

I am thankful for my parents who have been married for 27 years and serve as great friends, mentors, teacher and role models.

:: 20 ::

My pet peeve: negativity. I have enough in my life, so I try to surround my self with optimism and people who are optimistic.

:: 21 ::

I have always known that I would be and always wanted to be a mom. It's the hardest job I've ever had, but it's also the most rewarding and I love it.

:: 22 ::

Other jobs I've had include: Interior Design Assistant, Pharmacy Technician, Apartment Manager.

:: 23 ::

I judge [others] too quickly.

:: 24 ::

I have been to Europe, but never to Mexico (and have no desitre to).

:: 25 ::

I love stupid cartoon humor... Family Guy, American Dad, the Simpsons, Futurama, Home Movies.

:: 26 ::

I break the rules.

love!

Eh :: Bee :: Sea :: Dee

So I've been blogging regularly (I use the term loosely) for nearly a month now. So far, I am finding it's much easier to share about the easy things in life than it is the hard ones.

That... and... well, I procrastinate... but I'll tell you more about that later...

Before I run out of steam (and burn you all out of pasta recipes), I thought I'd try something new...

My goal is to blog everyday for the next 26 days... one letter at a time... and I hope I can share something a little more substantial more with you.

Bear with me... I think I'll start... tomorrow.

love!