get me out of the kitchen!

This has been a week of baking. Our church had our annual "cookie walk" today. I brought 21 dozen cookies, 3 different varieties, plus have another 3 dozen egg nog drops for our post-Christmas party. Isaac's school had a turkey dinner for the students on Friday - and the K students were delegated desserts. Another batch of cookies - this time we did multi color honey cut outs (red and green, of course). Then for the cookie walk bake table, I did a cherry pound cake and decorated cupcakes. We're doing a lunch after church this Sunday, so I did up cupcakes for the kids too. Plus, I'm bringing a big pot of soup for lunch after church too.

Cupcakes, anyone?

A little Christmas Cheer to share

http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1238076341

violating child labor laws?

Ruby woke up from her nap and wanted to join in on the tidying that Isaac and mom were doing. I guess letting her run the vacuum keeps her from being afraid of it.

random pics

Norah after ballet class. One of our many, many snowy days.

note the snow in the van, it didn't melt. You know it's cold when you can sweep the snow out of the van.








Reading together. Note the summery clothes. We're trying to hide the summer stuff, but they keep finding more. Parents are putting on sweaters, and kids run around in short sleeves. Makes no sense.








Storytime with Dad.











Mom's project for the front entrance. It holds at least 4 snowsuits and accessories.

In retrospect, buying it earlier in the year and starting the staining process before the temperatures dropped below 0 would have been a good idea. Hard to do a good job when you can't feel your fingers.

Christmas is on the horizon

so I changed up our look for the season. At least, it's wintery for now. More tweaking to come.

You may have noticed that there is, once again, a little wish list for the kids on the right hand side. You may find there isn't that much on it. After the last 2 birthdays, and subsequent gift piles, we're actually rather panicked - heart palpitations - about the idea of more toys in the house. All three children have lots of clothes (to the extreme) and we're not really needing anything right now for them. What a blessing that is! Between feeling as though we are living with great abundance, most things seem to be recalled these days. If it's made in China, it seems to contain lead paint, or be a choking hazard. Trying to actually come up with a wish list is hard work. The only 'big ticket' item that the kids could really use is a bigger playhouse for the yard, but that's for months (gasp! months!) from now.

not for the squeamish

there have been a few too many injuries here lately. In the space of a week, each child has had one major owie. Most involving profuse quantities of blood.

Last Tuesday, Ruby bit partway through her tongue. Lots of blood. All contained in bathtub, thankfully.

Saturday, Isaac fell in tub (hmm, trend?) and did some damage. He bit partially through his lip and has loosened his top two teeth. Trip to dentist to follow. As mom was out, dad dealt with the blood - not his strongest suit. Apparently the bathtub was reminiscent of a scene in Psycho. Ew.

Yesterday, Norah took a big fall while playing chase with Ruby. Massive goose egg on her forehead where she connected with a door frame.

This has not been a great week. AND it's been snowing almost non stop since Saturday.

Ruby's new expression

Generally said while on the change table....

"taller than you!"

She finds it very exciting to be taller than someone. The hard part of being the youngest must be always being the shortest.

yesterday's crafty activity

they were too busy painting to look at the camera. We were painting toilet paper rolls, Norah wanted to make a castle. Then they got bored and moved on. Anyone want some partially painted toilet paper rolls?

conversation tidbits

Norah "mom, when I grow up, I'm going to be a woman like your"
Mom "yes, sweetie, you will"
Norah "not like daddy. I don't want to be like daddy"
Mom "why not like daddy?"
Norah "I don't want to have a beard. I love daddy, but I don't want a beard"

fair enough.

winter's influence

it's only been snowy for a few days, and already we're climbing the walls.


Ok, it's really just Isaac who is climbing the walls. See?

and winter is here

It's pretty much official now. We have about 3 inches of snow outside, it's cold AND Rob got the snow tires put on his car today. The kids got to do some "snow angeling"...and they ate a lot of it too.

<<< "mom! the snow is blowing into our eyes!"







That's a better shot!

"Hey mom...

can we go snow angeling today??"

That was the first question after this first, early morning look out the windows.















Sure we can...and now mom and dad get to fit in some appointments to change over our vehicle tires from all season to snow. Makes us long for the days when the first snowfall was really exciting, instead of a reminder that winter is long.

goodbye...

Fall. Farewell for another year. It was lovely, but short. You came, you turned the leaves beautiful colours, then they dropped to the ground. Now winter has pushed it's way in early and rudely, and we will see you next year, Fall.

We broke out the winter coats and boots today. It's currently snowing.

pics of the girls from today

Ruby wore one of her new outfits today. She loved it...but didn't want her picture taken.


















She *really* didn't want her picture taken.












the cheesy grin

birthday fun!

the days around Ruby's birthday were busy this year. Playgroup, activities here and there, Halloween, and a visit from Nanny and Poppie!


all dressed for the playgroup party. Butterfly and Bug with princess Emma.








The ladybug cake was very well received. Once she figured out what it was, she was really excited. Blowing out the candle was a tough job.











We all enjoyed cake and ice cream...well, at least all of us who like ice cream.

ok, and to be honest, the kids really just like icing.








present time! Ruby modeling part of a new outfit. She got lots of great clothes, 'babies' and baby accessories to play with and books too. Luck little 2 year old.










Norah showing off her new princess accessories, including high heels, which she has almost mastered walking in. "Just not on the stairs, I don't wear them on the stairs"

something is in the fridge

it's Ruby's birthday cake! Not too bad looking for only the third cake mom has decorated, eh?

time goes so fast. Fall is here, mornings are chilly and frosty, afternoons are warm, but there is chill in the sunshine. We rush off to outings, school, playdates, dance class, church. We're making more 'comfort food' type meals, things that fit the fall weather better, stews, soups, fruit crisps.

Ruby is sleeping in her 'big girl' toddler bed, and is talking non-stop, wants to do everything Norah does, and is convinced the world's problems can be solved with a block of ice.

Norah has fully, finally embraced potty training - thank you Hello Kitty underwear. Honestly, it was like a switch was flipped, and what a change! We're not all the way yet, but we are so close. Apparently, she only likes pink and purple now. I asked when that happened, "yesterday, mom, yesterday".

Isaac is full of French words, makes all sorts of signs to post in his room, and likes to imitate his school's bell...much to the annoyance of his parents. He must be preparing for a growth spurt, because that boy can EAT these days.

Mom and Dad? We are busy all the time. Work, kids, ideas in the works for new things going on, planning and talking out ideas...all while running off to swimming or getting Isaac to and from school.

Fall is here, and all too soon it will be winter. Time with little children does go so fast.

Road trip - from the backseat

This is me. Mom and dad put me in the car really early one morning. This could be fun, I never ride in Dad's car. They gave me a muffin, which I shredded in anticipation of our day. Mom said that was gross.










They must have had coffee along the way, because they were in good moods. They talked a lot, that was boring.










I had to look out the window at stuff like this. It got boring, so I napped a bit. Sometimes though, there were birds. I like birds.









We drove, and drove, and drove. We finally stopped and went to a house with a little dog named Georgia. Mom and Dad visited with the dog's people, and I liked to try to kiss the dog. Mom said that was gross too. Then I fell asleep. The next morning, that cold, white stuff was all over the car. Dad scraped it while Mom said it was her turn to drive, then they got coffee. Again with the coffee - I much prefer apple juice.




At least the scenery was different today.













I tried to show Mom the mountains. Then I fell asleep.












Then we stopped so we could stretch our legs. There were dogs there, so I didn't have time to look at the camera. Dogs, people, dogs to look at!

We kept driving, and then I got carsick. Those mountains are twisty.



Then we finally stopped. We went to a place called a hotel. It had a couple of big beds to jump on and a 'wimming pool. There were also a couple of Mom and Dad's friends there. They played with me, but the tall one kept trying to take my shoes and saying they were his. I may not be quite 2, but I wasn't born yesterday, there is no way my shoes are his style. Dad left for a bit to go to a church, and then we went to meet him at a restaurant for something called a rehearsal dinner. I thought it would be boring, until I realized there was another girl there to play with!


She was 3 and really grown up, because she had a job called "flower girl". We played with stickers that mom brought, and then we colored, then we danced. Oh, and we also spilled a whole cup of apple juice, but then we cleaned it up ourselves. Mom said that could have been gross, but we were helpful.




The next day, I hardly saw Dad at all. Mom said he was busy being a "best man". I always think he's the best man, but whatever. Mom also said he was terribly handsome in his tuxedo. I was confused because we were in a church, but Dad wasn't doing the talking or wearing his usual clothes.

Mike and Martiza looked nice, and I though her dress would be fun for dressup time.



Then we had party time. I got to play with the little girl from yesterday again, and we ran and ran, and danced and danced, and I ate lots of ice cubes. We took off our shoes and put them on our hands, that was fun. The people Mom sat with were very nice, and I'm pretty sure that they fed me more treats than Mom knew about - there were m&m's on the table! Daddy was up front doing some talking. I was confused because I could hear him, but not see him, so I tried to yell for him, but Mom told me not to. So I ate more ice cubes.




Then I got to dance with Daddy. He said I made him dizzy because I ran around him in circles. Then my friend went home, and I was sad. Mom said I was tired and held me in her arms for a bit. I thought we were going to our room, but this photos says otherwise.














The next thing I know, I woke up in one of the big beds and it was morning. I know it was morning because it was light. Mom said that I slept in my dress and tights and that made me a real party girl. I don't know what that meant, but it was really confusing to still be in last night's clothes.

That was a fun trip, just me and Mom and Dad. We had another day to play at the hotel and go 'wimming. Then we got in the car and drove and drove again. They stopped and did some shopping, but that was boring. It was nice to get home again and get out of the car already. I liked riding in Daddy's car, but I don't think I want to go that far again. I was so happy to see Isaac and Norah, and Nanny too. I think if it weren't for the ice cubes, the 'wimming pool and the dogs I might have been jealous that Isaac and Norah got to stay with Nanny.

Toddlers don't accessorise well

The outfit itself isn't bad. It's the slippers that throw the whole balance off. Really, tutus and heavy knit slippers just aren't a balance of fabrics. *wink*

first day of ballet

She was SO excited to go. She looked so lovely in her black leotard, pale pink tights and pink ballet slippers. Once she realized that she had no way out of having her hair put up, she allowed a ponytail. Of course, she was the cutest one one in the class.

Miss Kate taught about 'pretty feet' and how to plie and saute, and even gave them scarves to dance with. Norah was in heaven. Isaac was wondering what his kindergarten teacher was doing teaching dance class. Must be a small town!











A rare ponytail that stayed in!

sisters

more birthday

today was rather anti-climactic after the party day. Dad and Isaac were out the door early for church, and "us girls" puttered about while getting ready for church in town. We let Norah open gifts from the family last night, and she was enjoying them this morning. The rest of the cake came with us to church and was polished off there.



opening gifts, and modeling the new tutu.
















the new bike, from Grandpa Tom. She was very excited, but it was cold out, so she hasn't ridden it yet - and we haven't found a helmet locally yet either.
She is very proud of it. Isaac is glad to share his bike riding tips with her.

the birthday party

Today was the big party for Norah. "Finding Nemo" themed, as per her request. Which was a good choice, given the large number of little boys in her circle of friends, who would probably not appreciate the pink princess theme we were expecting.

Plans were made, friends were invited. Wasn't expecting to hit the snag of not being able to find a Nemo cake in town. Thankfully, a friend in town with cake decorating skills responded to our "cake emergency" phone call and helped out.

The house was decorated, 'aquariums' were made with blue jello and gummy fish (ick!, but loved), the kid-sized tables were waiting and ready, lunch was made. The guests arrived, fun was had. We enjoyed a lunch of "octopus hot dogs", submarine sandwiches, goldfish crackers and the kids favorite party punch. All the invited guests had fun, although we missed one pair of sisters who couldn't make it because the weather was nice and their family was busy combining the land. A couple of sea-themed crafts were made, giggling was plentiful, and aggression was minimal.


It was lots of fun.
The cake, courtesy of Melissa's decorating skills, and mom's baking.









One of the doorways, transformed into ocean waves, complete with seaweed.













Norah being mobbed as she opens gifts. There was lots of gift opening "help".









Most of the guests. Really, you just can't get them all in one shot. When the average party guest age is 3....

On love seat: (l to r)
Ryker, Isaac, Norah, Keanen, Kevin

in front: Olivia and Ruby
Dreya is hiding behind mom's leg in the background, Isabell is exploring, and younger siblings Jorja, Tyler and Hailey are scattered in the room.

I am aware that Norah's dress matches her cake. Entirely coincidence. Really. It's just her most 'party' dress right now, that was weather appropriate. However, it does affirm her choice of themes. :)

took this picture the other day

Just after a rain storm breezed past us, I called the kids upstairs to see the rainbow(s). They were sufficiently impressed. This picture hardly does justice to how beautiful it was.

progress in French

Isaac can now count to 8 in French. Tells us that stories are shared on the 'tapis'. Calls his teacher "madame Kate". Is able to do "head, shoulders, knees and toes" almost completely correctly.

In Sunday School this week, he even wrote NOM:______ on his craft, then added in his name.

I don't think he even knows he's learning yet!

Norah's new obession

"hey mommy...I think that new magazine has some nice pictures in it. pictures of kid stuff. can I see? please, can I see the kid stuff in the magazine"

(not realizing the can of worms about to be opened) "sure, Norah"

"yay!"
which was soon followed by
"wow, I want this. And this. And this too. I really want this bouncy slide, maybe for my birthday, ok?"


A big sarcastic thank you to Sears and the ridiculously early release of the Wish Book, and big ol' BOO to me for leaving it on the kitchen table for a day. She's obsessed.

end of an era

the crib is down. Ruby had taken to jumping out, and climbing in on her own. It appeared to be time to dismantle the crib and 'upgrade' to the toddler bed.

We were not quite prepared for how hard it was going to be to take the crib down. It has been up almost constantly since Isaac was born, even if there wasn't always a baby using it (as opposed to bunking in with mom and dad). A slightly more emotional experience than we had counted on.

As the toddler bed got involved with our basement floods back in '05, the base of the bed is in need of sanding to fit the frame (again). We currently have the headboard up though, with part of the frame, so that it looks like more than just a mattress on the floor. I'm hoping to paint the toddler bed soon, and Norah's bed, so that they are the same colour of white. As the girls will probably be in these beds until we buy a bunk bed set, we're hoping to keep them looking nice for a few more years. The bedroom looks so much bigger without the crib, and we took the armchair out too. It's turning into a big girl room!

a summer of growth

goodness! With Norah's 3rd birthday around the corner (what? what?), I decided to update the kids' stats. It's pretty easy to do, given that they love measuring things and weighing themselves - especially in pairs.

Isaac is now 44 1/4 inches tall and 41 pounds
Norah is 40.5 inches tall and 36 pounds (same weight as she has been, just taller)
Ruby is 36 inches tall and 30 pounds

no wonder they all outgrew clothes this summer! Especially with Isaac being all limbs these days.