relishing my little pickle

2010-05-24T01:15:00.003-04:00

I'm taking a leap of faith. God has laid it on my heart to take a calling to the next level (see purpose statement in sidebar). The idea of FunMom, which is very much like what I have been doing for the past couple of months on this site, is something that has been on my mind for a while. It's kinda like www.relishingmylittlepickle.com, except that it's less about me, and more about you (other moms). More support. More ideas. More community.

Faith is a good thing, but it's also a little bit scary.

So, please join me on the journey!

http://www.funmomonline.com

Thanks for your support, you pickle lovers! :)

Leslie

Egg Carton Caterpillars

2010-05-21T05:00:00.003-04:00

Step 1: Read a caterpillar book...gotta love this one!

Step 2: Cut an egg carton in half lengthwise. We then cut that in half too, so that our caterpillar could move his "hips" a bit!

Step 3: Poke two small holes in sides of caterpillar's head. Thread a long twist tie (pipe cleaner would work too) through holes and curl up ends.

Step 4: If your caterpillar has two segments (like ours) poke one hole in each and attach with another twist tie. Leave about 1 1/2 inches of space between body segments so he has some "wiggle room".

Step 5: Decorate! We used crayons, google eyes, and rainbow pom poms (which meant we also used glue...Landon was a happy boy!).

Next week:

Move: Yard Games 2

Munch: Yummy Yogurt Pops

Make: Memory Coasters

Yard Games...sort of.

2010-05-20T00:00:00.003-04:00

Yard Games: "You do the Smokey Pokey"

We've had a really rainy week...so I had to cheat. These pictures were taken last week. But, I just thought that, after our incident a couple of weeks ago, I should probably prove to the world that we do in fact love our puppy, Smokey. "Even if he is a scoundrel," as Landon would say. And yes. Don't let that shaggy face fool you.

He's a scoundrel, allright.

Mid-Week Laugh

2010-05-19T09:38:00.010-04:00

So, Landon and I were driving around a few days ago singing that old Sunday School song,

Count your blessings,

Count them one by one.

Count your blessings,

see what God has done.

Afterwards, not wanting to miss a teachable moment, I turned the volume way down, anticipating a deep, thoughtful, God-honoring conversation with my little boy. Excited to hear his answer, I said, "Buddy, what kinds of blessings, or special things, has God given you?"

I admit that I expected to hear sweet, endearing things. A list that would maybe sound a little bit like, 'Mama (named first, of course), Daddy, Smokey, my yard, my friends, etc.' So, imagine my surprise when, with a completely straight face, and not a moment's hesitation, he said instead, very confidently, "Muscles."

Sheesh! It starts young!

Flying Coffee Filter Butterflies

2010-05-18T00:11:00.002-04:00

Of all of the springtime crafts that Landon and I have done recently, this one has been his favorite! I asked him why he loved this particular "special time" project so much.

Here were his answers:

1. He got to use markers.

Not crayons. Not colored pencils. He got to use his elusive, generally forbidden markers. Good start to any project, as far as Landon is concerned. Wet wipes were on hand...literally.

2. He got to use a spray bottle.

This reminded him of his water guns, but even better than those, this particular device allowed him to spray water inside the house! Wow! How much better does life really get when you're three-years-old?!?

3. The butterflies actually fly!

He thought that they were pretty when they were just hanging still. He thinks that they're AMAZING when they're flying over him during his afternoon nap.

Here's how your little one can make his or her own flying butterflies:

Step 1: Use markers to color a white coffee filter. Push down hard!

Step 2: Stand back and lightly spray the coffee filter with water. Not too much...the color will fade if too much water is used. You just want the colors to bleed into each other.

Step 3: After the coffee filter has dried, pinch the middle and clip it with a clothespin.

Step 4: Tie a fairly long piece of fishing line (ours are about 18 inches each) to each clothespin. Then, using a small piece of tape, secure the other end of the line to a fan blade (near the outside, just to be safe). Finally, turn the fan on low, and enjoy!

Happy Spring!

The Picky-Eater-Dipping-Party

2010-05-17T04:00:00.008-04:00

I'm blessed. My little boy will eat, don't hate me for this, just about anything that I put in front of him. I give credit to a pediatrician who encouraged me to basically skip the baby-food-stage, and instead just begin giving Landon small bites of whatever I had fixed for dinner. Maybe he would have been a great eater either way.

Who knows.

What I do know, however, is that very few of my friends have been so lucky when it comes to feeding their children. If you count yourself among those that dread the dining hours of the day, this may work for you. To be honest, I usually just resort to a "dipping party" meal, such as the one pictured above, simply because I am perpetually late, and it saves me 2.83 seconds if I don't have to actually put the peanut butter (or jelly) onto a piece of bread. It may be a bit pathetic, but my little boy certainly isn't complaining. In fact, he loves dipping party lunches. His favorite combo is what we coined the "muddy bear" (Cinnamon Teddy Graham dipped in peanut butter and raisins).

Here's to happier meals...feel free to insert your own, resounding, "Amen!"

More typical than you might think...

2010-05-14T04:35:00.004-04:00

Who needs a shirt when you have:

Fireman boots

Knee pads

Batting glove

Police belt

Superhero cape

Eye mask

Magic wand

Knight helmet

**Next Week's Relish:

Flying Coffee Filter Butterflies

Picky-Eater-Party

Egg Carton Caterpillars

Surprise Yard Games: 1

Milk Carton Birdhouse

2010-05-13T00:00:00.001-04:00

Okay. So it's not actually a milk carton. What can I say...we buy creamer in bulk. The birds don't care. In fact, they may actually be lured in by the lingering sweet smell of French Vanilla. Who knows? Either way, here's what you need for this project:

An Exacto Knife (or scissors)

A carton

A small stick

Paint

Paintbrushes

Paper plate (for easy paint clean-up)

Construction Paper

Hole puncher

Mod Podge (optional)

1. Cut a hole in the center of the carton (I used an Exacto Knife), and a smaller one right below (I used a hole puncher).

2. Help your little one paint the exterior of the carton.

3. While the paint is still wet, let your kiddo stick torn paper all over surface. It will stick without any extra adhesive.

4. Paint your stick.

5. Let dry (probably a couple of hours...my pickle tends to glob the paint on thick!).

5. Mama: When birdhouse is dry, apply Mod Podge to entire exterior. This will harden the surface and make the paper really adhere to the carton. It also will give it a more finished look.

6. Insert stick (perch).

6. Fill the bottom with birdseed and set under a covered porch or awning. We're waiting for a sunny day to find the perfect outdoor spot for ours...for now, it looks very festive on the kitchen counter!

Kid Tested, Mother Approved...Paint!!

2010-05-12T06:00:00.000-04:00

Let's face it. Paint and preschoolers don't always mix. Or maybe that's the problem...they mix TOO much! I have plenty of friends with paint-phobia, and it's a legitimate, real issue. But, your preschooler probably thinks that paint is even better than play-doh. What to do?!?!

Enter these!!! Landon's Aunt Poppy gave him these for his birthday last year, and we LOVE them. I know. I said WE....on purpose! These paint bottles "are little hand friendly and the applicators won't leak or drip (from website)." So, unlike some other bingo-type paints that we've tried, these really don't dispense any color until you're little one's paper is ready to be turned into a masterpiece. They are also...you may want to sit down for this one..."non-toxic, washable, and won't stain clothes."

So, paint-phoic mamas, you can cross one fear off your list.

We'll tackle paper-mache some other day (like as soon as I'm brave enough to try it...).

Preschool Chores

2010-05-10T15:48:00.005-04:00

Fun pictures

Colorful clothespins

Allowance ($1/week)

+____________

A very willing little helper!!

Hope this works for you too! :)

All-Star in the Making

2010-05-09T14:55:00.004-04:00

Our little boy doing what he loves most right now...hittin' the ball!

Be sure to turn up your volume and stay tuned until the end...there's a laugh there for ya!

That Jeremy James!

2010-05-05T06:00:00.000-04:00

Filthy puddle boots.

Skinned knees.

All boy.

True Story

2010-05-04T00:26:00.007-04:00

Monday, May 3, 2010

Vet: "Hello, Pleasant Valley Animal Clinic."

Me: "Hi. I just wanted to call y'all to make sure that my dog is okay. He, umm...well, he just ate a cigar. "

Vet: "Excuse me?"

Me: "A cigar. He ate it."

Pause.

Vet: "Ooookay. What size cigar was it?"

Me: "I don't know how to answer that...maybe a regular one?"

Vet: "A huh. And...did he eat all of it?"

Me: "Well, I caught him in the act, so he didn't quite get to finish off the plastic wrapper."

Vet: "So, he ate plastic too?!"

Me: "Well....some, yes."

Vet: "I'm gonna need to ask the doctor about this one. I've never known a dog to eat a cigar."

Me: "That would be great. Thank you."

Vet: "Okay. First, let's just pull up his records. What's his name?"

Pause.

Vet: "M'am. Are you there?"

Me: "Yes. I'm sorry. I'm here."

Vet: "And what did you say his name is?"

Me: "I didn't. Yet. His name is....(insert eye roll here).....Smokey."

Vet: "Smokey?!"

Me: "Yes, M'am. I know..."

Vet (insert suddenly extremely alarmed inflection): "The cigar wasn't lit was it?!?!?"

* No animals were harmed in the making of this phone call. Seemingly, Smokey actually enjoyed his afternoon treat (which, of course, was NOT lit). He tried to wash it down with a kitchen sponge several hours later.

falling star

2010-05-03T23:32:00.007-04:00

One of my favorite scripture passages is Philippians 2:14-16.

"Do everything without grumbling or complaining, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life."

It is for this reason that I'm NOT going to tell you about the last month that I've had. Let's just say that if I wasn't interested in being "blameless and pure," I'd tell you all about the rollercoaster of infertility, hard-hitting stomach bugs, moving my parents 1200 miles away, indefinite holding patterns, power outages, the eight conversations going on in my head regarding bi-racial adoption, the most stubborn sinus infection ever, unexpectedly getting yelled at/lectured (several times, actually), theological struggles, and endless to-do lists. IF I told you about my last month, you'd probably understand why I took a bit a of a hiatus from my blog. But, since I'm clearly trying to "shine like a star in the universe," I'll just leave it at...

Thanks for sticking with me. I'm back.

2010-04-04T12:00:00.001-04:00

For Poppy.

Happy very belated Birthday.

I love you tons!

~ Sister

"The Cottage at Owl Creek"

March 2010

Fabric Art

Rainy Day Fun Part 2

2010-03-31T05:11:00.001-04:00

Pasta Pictures:

Spirals make fun hairdos.
Spaghetti makes great houses.

Rigatoni makes terrific arms and legs.
Alphabet pasta makes for fun practice!

And, wheels (Landon's favorite)...well, they make perfect wheels, of course!

Rainy Day Fun Part 1

2010-03-29T05:38:00.000-04:00

Read.

This is a very sweet little book.

Make.

Frosting, 1 long Graham Cracker, Fruity Cheerios

Eat!

A simple, yummy little rainbow of my own.

2010-03-28T07:00:00.000-04:00

A pond. A little sunshine. A tub of worms....

three generations of happy boys.

Pap Pap. Daddy. Bubby.

Egg-actly What I Was Looking For!

2010-03-27T10:37:00.006-04:00

If my St. Patrick's Day activities didn't give it away...I love holidays! I love celebrating, and living up the mystery and wonder of special days with little ones around. It is most important to me though, of course, that my family knows the reasons for those seasons. If you are like me, and believe that egg hunts and an empty tomb can coexist on the same Sunday, this is a great book for your family! Michelle Medlock Adams does a wonderful job of engaging little ones, while she thoroughly covers that our Easter traditions (eggs, bunnies, pretty dresses) are all due to the resurrection of Jesus.

It's egg-actly what I was looking for!

(click to order)

2010-03-26T10:31:00.000-04:00

I love EVERYTHING about this announcement...

especially my sweet niece!

My Proudest Mama Moment So Far

2010-03-18T16:06:00.003-04:00

St. Patrick's Day Lessons

2010-03-18T15:46:00.005-04:00

1. Shamrock Shirt was super fun and easy to make! Landon was so, so proud of it! Note to self though...next year I should try to slow down enough to remember to wear green myself. Landon broke into tears in the middle of Chic-fil-a because he was so sad that someone might pinch me. He's a little tender-hearted...

2. Lucky Charms do not make good necklaces! One, I repeat, one of the 15 shapes that make up the cereal actually has a hole to string a piece of yarn through. AND, that one piece is not even a marshmallow. BUT, being that every shape is still packed with sugar, 3-year-old little boys are just as happy to just eat them out of a bowl.

3. Green Alfredo was a hit, though it looked a bit scary, and my husband and father-in-law were great sports! :)

Monday: St.Patrick's Day T-Shirt

2010-03-15T21:46:00.003-04:00

Step 1:

T-Shirt, Shamrock Foam Shapes, Green Fabric Paint

Step 2:

Paint foam shapes with fabric paint.

Place shamrock shape on T-shirt upside down. Press firmly.

Gently lift foam shape.

Step 3:

Smiles, definite!

Kisses optional.

A St. Patrick's Day Sneak Peek...

2010-03-14T16:16:00.009-04:00

I have no idea if we're Irish. Maybe. Maybe not. BUT, I love holidays, so this week we'll be doing a few things to celebrate St. Patrick's Day. I'll include pictures and details as we pull these things off (keeping my fingers crossed), but here's a sneak peek at what I've got planned. Please share what you'll be doing with your little ones!

Monday:

* Make Shamrock T-shirts. I found this idea here. We're going to do our own (probably somewhat Impressionistic) three-year-old version, but they should be fun to make and cute to wear on the big day.

Tuesday:

* Make Lucky Charms necklaces for breakfast. Yum!

Wednesday: The Big Day!

* Play Find the Shamrock game. I'm thinking of teaching Landon the old 'you're hot, you're cold' seeking approach. I'll probably either sew a small shamrock or make one out of cardstock for this game.

* Make green Jello Jigglers for afternoon snack.

* Green fettucini alfredo for dinner. I've never dyed alfredo before, so we'll see how it turns out. Thankfully, my husband is a good sport!

We-Gotta-Get-Outta-the-House Hopscotch

2010-03-11T23:46:00.006-05:00

A super fun way to learn those numbers that, as Landon says, are "a lil' bit tricky!"

Teachable Moments and People Puppy Chow

2010-03-10T07:42:00.007-05:00

On Monday afternoon I told Landon that he and I were going to be making People Puppy Chow for our neighbors (and a little for ourselves too, of course). My kiddo, who will usually eat just about anything, was skeptical...until he saw the ingredients displayed on the counter. That's all that it took to send him running to get his little stool and apron! We had such fun making this classic snack together (Landon was able to help with every step of the process), and even more fun taking baggies of it to several of our surprised neighbors. But, the best part? Snuggling on the couch sharing a little bowl of it before dinner. Sweet!

Grammy's Recipe for People Puppy Chow:

1 12 oz bag of chocolate chips
1 Cup Peanut Butter
1 stick of margarine
1 box of Crispix cereal
1 bag of powdered sugar

1. Melt first three ingredients in microwave. Stir.
Teachable Moment: pouring, number recognition on microwave.

2. Pour warm mixture over cereal. Stir gently! Repeat as necessary.
Teachable Moment: Gently....Gently....GENTLY!

Maybe this will come more naturally for your child!

3. Once cereal is well coated with mixture, scoop half of it into a doubled up plastic shopping bag. Generously pour powered sugar over the top of mixture.
Teachable Moment: Scoop. Can count number of scoops it takes to fill bag.

4. Tie up bag at top, hold the bottom, and...SHAKE!!
Teachable Moment (for Mama this time): You're never too old to have fun! Dance it up with your little one! Seeing me boogie was Landon's favorite part! :)

Coffee Can Bongo Drum

2010-03-05T08:41:00.006-05:00

This week's art project:

Fun to make. Fun to play.

Step 1: Materials

Step 2: Add the beans (or not).

Step 3: Paint

Step 4: Ready to play!

Indoor Hockey

2010-03-01T21:06:00.007-05:00

It's March. We still have over a foot of snow.

Desperate times call for desperate measures.

Introducing....Indoor Hockey.

Thank you to my sweet friend, Jamie, for this fun idea!

She understands desperation, as she also has a 3-year-old little boy...and a foot of snow.

Domestic Ease

2010-02-26T09:29:00.010-05:00

I have a friend whose dining room looks like this:

Incredible, right? Yeah, suffice it to say, I have a bit of a crush on her house. If you're feeling yourself getting a little bit weak in the knees right now as well...good news! She has just launched a gorgeous new website where you can get your fill of her domestic perfection!

Get ready to be inspired!

http://www.domesticease.com/

A Pirate's Map for Me...and You!

2010-02-25T06:00:00.007-05:00

I live in Pennsylvania. My nieces and nephews live in Texas. It's a little too far to attend birthday parties, so I made a decision a couple of years ago to send really fun, unique gifts to them by mail. This year I sent Grayson a pirate themed present. First, I raided the local party supply store for hats, eye patches, bandannas, and gold coins. My own little boy, by the way, thinks that this store must be what Heaven will look like someday. If you've got nothing to do this weekend...take your toddler to Party City. They'll be busy for an hour, easy, and taking home the item that they just cannot seem to part withwill probably cost you less than five bucks! Back to Grayson though....

So, I had all the"loot," but wanted to make him something special to add to the package. I then decided to raid my own basement (you never know what you'll find down there), and came back up with a broken window shade and some craft paints. A couple of fun-filled hours later (I do realize that not everyone would think this was fun, but I did!), I had a one-of-a-kind pirate treasure map. It was bright, glittery, and had a snappy roll to it (highly recommend the window shade idea), but something was missing. It needed an extra special personal touch.

To find this, I raided my sister's blog, which had absolutely NO helpful pictures for me at all, being that she has chronic camera/computer issues. So, I then raided my mom's blog, and found a funny little picture of Grayson with his brother and sister. I printed it out, made them into scurvy dogs, covered them with several layers of packaging tape, and added a velcro piece to their backs. A few other velcro pieces strategically placed where pirates would just have to visit, and Grayson's map was done.

Well worth the effort, for hours of happy Arrrgs!

One 'sweet little project' for one 'sweet little friend'

2010-02-24T23:00:00.000-05:00

Reba's pillow is done!

Happy Birthday, dear friend. I love you tons.

A Simple Little Pair of Wings

2010-02-23T06:00:00.001-05:00

A Simple Little Pair of Wings...

* will probably cost you nothing.

* will allow your little one to paint, color, and glue with no inhibitions.

* is a great opportunity to introduce your child to scissors.

* can give you quality one-on-one time with your little pickle.

* is super easy to make (see below)!

* will very likely become a precious keepsake (which you could store here).

* will allow you to end your day with that I-was-a-great-mom-today feeling.

* will provide your child with hours of entertainment...while using his imagination!

* is guaranteed to make both of you smile!

Directions for Mama: Cut out two wings (I used large scrapbooking paper). Set up a little supply station for your kiddo to decorate the wings (markers, scissors, scrap paper, stickers, glue, glitter, paint, etc). This is the best part...enjoy it! When it's gorgeous, put two holes in each wing with a hole puncher. These should be on the sides that will touch each other; one near the top of the wing, one near the bottom. Finally, thread a large piece of ribbon or string through the four holes, and tie the two ends together. This will make a large loop that your little one's arms can slip right into. Presto! Wings!

Discipline Decisions and Relieving Revelations

2010-02-22T06:00:00.000-05:00

Entry from my Journal: 9/2/09

"Lord, I want to genuinely enjoy my little boy! And, I want for him to enjoy every day that we spend together...because they are a gift, and they just go by way too fast to spend them any other way!

Discipline is necessary. And biblical. But, I am determined that it not become my life. Because, if it does, not only am I living a very sad day-t0-day existence, but so is my little man!

So, I will balance my discipline, of course with love, but also with silliness and fun, spontaneity and laughter. Rather than correcting for 100 different things in a day, I will remind my sweet little boy, 100 times if necessary, of our 3 simple rules. Then, I will discipline him fairly, consistently, and quickly when they are not followed. So much easier...for he and I both!

Help me train him up in the way he should go, Father. He is yours, and I know that you have amazing plans for him."

Report: Almost 6 months later, this is still working so well for us! Landon's rule sheet hangs on our fridge, and we often hear him singing the little song that I wrote to help him remember what is expected of him. Conclusion: At three-years-old, three broad can-apply-to-almost-anything-he-tries-to-pull rules seem to work well!

Mamaw's Tool Belt

2010-02-19T07:00:00.007-05:00

It's only about 6 weeks late, but here's what I made my mother-in-law for Christmas...it's a chickified tool belt! She's a handy sort-of gal, but I'm thinking of making myself one for my craft supplies. Can't you just picture paintbrushes sticking out of those pockets? Maybe a glue gun hanging from the front?

Anyway...back to Mamaw. She's already got the tools, and the DIY magazine.

Now it just needs a bow!

I found the idea here, and think that it's probably an easier project if you actually follow the pattern and instructions. I'm not always good about that. One of these days...

Portable Portfolio

2010-02-18T20:07:00.006-05:00

This one! I definitely want to keep this one!

Awww...and this one too! I have to save this one!

Solution: A simple, portable, cheap portfolio with just enough room to store a few of our favorite creations from each of his precious preschool years.

Bathtub Art: Good, Clean Fun!

2010-02-17T07:07:00.001-05:00

Off-brand shaving cream: $3

Paper cups: $1

Food Coloring: $2

Foam Paintbrushes: $1

This Smile: Priceless

Attack of the Winterwear

2010-02-16T08:41:00.002-05:00

I generally think of myself as a fairly organized person. The areas that can be seen in my house are always neat and tidy (though not necessarily clean). However, in my efforts to clean the seen, I tend to have to shove the stuff into hidden areas...such as closets.

February is my annual closet cleaning month. I give myself 28 days to sort, organize, and toss out what has been shoved in over the past 11 months. So far so good! I have to be honest though; the closet space is this house is seriously lacking, and for once, I'm actually kind-of happy about that!

Throughout the month I've tackled each of our bedroom closets, and have relished the long, proud 'ahhhhh' afterwards. One closet stayed closed and avoided though....until yesterday. Our hall closet seemed to be spewing winterwear. Gloves, hats, scarves, and earmuffs had formed a small, damp mountain on the shelf above the coats. Chances of finding a matching pair of gloves were slim...especially if you happened to care that they match each other, your coat, and were not half frozen. I was dreading the task...but, it is February.

So, I bought an over-the-door shoe organizer. And, viola! Why didn't I think of this before?

Winterwear, you've met your match.

Hall closet, Happy February.

Heart Art

2010-02-11T16:05:00.000-05:00

At least once a week I try to do a crafty little project with Landon. Paint is definitely his favorite medium...I'm sure you're surprised. :) If you're brave enough to pop those acrylic caps, here's a fun way to decorate your house with genuine love this Valentines Day.

Step 1:

We used red, brown, and white.

Helpful hint: Paper Plates make great paint trays (I even used them in my Art Teacher Days).

Step 2:

Trace various sizes of heart-shaped cookie cutters all over your child's painting.

The more mixed colors the better!

Step 3:

Cut out the hearts and find fun ways to display them around your house! Here's what we did with Landon's. He's very proud!

What we're Doing When we're Not Warming by the Fire...

2010-02-11T14:55:00.004-05:00

Hope you're staying warm

wherever you are!

Sweet Baby Jae!

2010-02-09T08:52:00.006-05:00

I'm one proud Aunt Nessie...again!

Welcome, Sweet Baby Jae! I already adore you!

Children's Museum

2010-01-30T06:00:00.000-05:00

I'm in between trips this week. I got home from Turks and Caicos on Sunday night, and leave this Saturday for Dallas to meet my sweet new niece, Jae Beth. Yes, there will be pictures, coming! Can't wait!

Though both trips are wonderful, it's quite a bit of time for my little pickle and I to be apart. We're typically somewhat joined at the hip. Literally. Which should cause you to raise your eyebrows at least a little bit, because he is not a light boy!! Anyway...

I decided we should do something extra special this week, and venture into the city for the day. Landon was squealing in the backseat as we pulled up to the Children's Museum of Pittsburgh. This could have been because of the unbelievably amazing outdoor jungle gym that he saw...he didn't, however, seem to notice (or care) that it was completely desolate and covered with snow. After explaining what Spring is, we headed inside...

Pittsburgh was Mr. Roger's home, and the bottom floor of the museum has been recreated to look like his infamous living room. His real shoes, piano, and even blue cardigan were all on display! Landon loved driving the life-size trolley, and climbing inside King Friday's castle. Upstairs we climbed rope ladders "high into the sky", created sparkly purple paper, painted a masterpiece, fished for magnetic octopuses, went down huge twirly slides, laughed as we tried to walk in sideways rooms, made virtual puppets, and shared a box of Swedish Fish.

Nothing like relishing my little boy for an afternoon!

PS. Check it out...even the website is really fun! http://www.pittsburghkids.org/

Answers to FAQ about Smokey

2010-01-28T06:00:00.002-05:00

1. He's a "Wire-Haired Pointing Griffin". Yeah. I know.

2. THIS is what he looks like (he's about 4 months old in this picture).

3. Dont' let his looks fool you! He's a scoundrel! But, no more so than your typical puppy.

4. No, he doesn't shed!! Hooray! This was high on our criteria list, and so far, my house has stayed hair free. Snow, water, dirt, however is a bit of a different story...

5. He should be about 50-60 pounds full grown. Not too big, not too small.

6. Yes, he is soft, despite the breeds name. He's just scruffy, which we think is pretty cute.

7. Yes, Griffins are hunting dogs. So far, he only "points" stray leaves in the yard and our terrified family cat.

8. His nickname (everyone that we love has a nickname)

is "Smokester."

9. Yes, we're VERY ready for him to not be a puppy anymore!! :)

Back from Paradise!

2010-01-26T18:03:00.004-05:00

Turks and Caicos

January 21-24, 2010

Enjoying what Landon called our "sweetheart vacation."

Ahhh...this was an AMAZING chair!

Enjoying the view.

Dressed up for one of our fantastic poolside Aflac dinners. Nice!

The water was gorgeous, but the grounds were unbelievable too!

Jer livin' it up...Sarah Palin and a cigar! :)

Our view...

...from one of these! Jer sailed. I just rode along.

We were so excited to head out to the beach on our first day in paradise!

Love this one! He looks good on a beach, doesn't he?

We decided that we could get used to this life, but were so excited to get home to Landon (Thank you, Grammy and Papa for loving him while we were gone!). It was sad to leave sunny skies, but it's always nice to come home. Course, we did discuss how fantastic it would be if home were paradise, but...well, Pittsburgh works for now! :)

Remembering 2009

2010-01-01T10:50:00.006-05:00

Here are a few of our favorite memories from a great year...

Our little family.

Two tired boys.

Jer and Landon relaxing in the front yard.

My first completed sewing project, a Thanksgiving table runner. The drawing sewn

on is what Landon was most thankful for this year....his moose, Bull, of course!

Pap Pap playing with Landon and my neice, Isabella.

Landon with his hero, Wild Thing (at our house he is lovingly referred to

as "Wild Monster"). He is the mascot for our local Minor League baseball team.

It's ours! :-)

My sister-in-law and I in NYC. This picture makes me laugh every time I see it...

the Statue of Liberty character was actually pretty creepy!

Love this pic! He's growing up too fast though!

Landon and his cousin, Gabriel. Sheer joy on those little faces!

We're looking forward to 2010!

Big Boy Britches!

2009-12-20T02:26:00.002-05:00

Yes, you saw correctly. Our little man is wearing big boy undies! And he's pretty proud of it too... if you can't tell! :-)

Nativity Gingerbread Cookies

2009-12-20T02:24:00.003-05:00

Just a "sweet" little reminder of the reason for the season.

For Poppy

2009-12-20T02:02:00.008-05:00

Dear Poppy,

Finallly, as promised...pictures of our house.

They're even better in person (hint, hint)!

Kitchen/Dining

Family Room

Upstairs Landing

Office

Master Bedroom

Guest Bedroom

Landon's "Campsite"

Love you,

"Sister"

It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas

2009-12-20T01:33:00.013-05:00

Last night at bedtime, Landon prayed for Jesus to "please give us a lot, lot, lot of snow so that we can make snow angels with huge wings."

God tells us to have faith like a child! This is what we woke up to!

So, this is how we spent our morning....

relishing my little pickle

Egg Carton Caterpillars

Yard Games...sort of.

Mid-Week Laugh

Flying Coffee Filter Butterflies

The Picky-Eater-Dipping-Party

More typical than you might think...

Milk Carton Birdhouse

Kid Tested, Mother Approved...Paint!!

Preschool Chores

All-Star in the Making

True Story

falling star

Rainy Day Fun Part 2

Rainy Day Fun Part 1

Egg-actly What I Was Looking For!

My Proudest Mama Moment So Far

St. Patrick's Day Lessons

Monday: St.Patrick's Day T-Shirt

A St. Patrick's Day Sneak Peek...

We-Gotta-Get-Outta-the-House Hopscotch

Teachable Moments and People Puppy Chow

Coffee Can Bongo Drum

Recommended Reading

Indoor Hockey

Domestic Ease

A Pirate's Map for Me...and You!

One 'sweet little project' for one 'sweet little friend'

A Simple Little Pair of Wings

Discipline Decisions and Relieving Revelations

Mamaw's Tool Belt

Portable Portfolio

Bathtub Art: Good, Clean Fun!

Attack of the Winterwear

Heart Art

What we're Doing When we're Not Warming by the Fire...

Sweet Baby Jae!

Children's Museum

Answers to FAQ about Smokey

Back from Paradise!

Remembering 2009

Big Boy Britches!

Nativity Gingerbread Cookies

For Poppy

It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas