2008 Trick or Treat

Rethinking Christmas | a community of advent conspirers

Was introduced to a great project that you can check out above. I would encourage you to watch the video...it's right on! I think it's a great perspective for all of us.

Rethinking Christmas | a community of advent conspirers

Busy Season

It's been a busy but fun season for us right now. Riley's in San Francisco this week but he'll be home in about a week. Don't know what he's doing but we've been able to talk almost daily. He did call to say he was gonna pick up "I heart SF" t-shirts for the girls...he thought that would be funny given his job.

Riley's been gone a lot since Saedi was born, and I think he and I share the common fear that Saedi won't connect with him as her Daddy. God has amazed us, though, and it's never been an issue. She has this Daddy Doll (a stuffed pillow-doll with Riley's picture on it...check out www.daddydolls.com) that she adores. Everytime Ellie and I give it to her Saedi laughs, kicks her feet and says, "A-Da, A-Da" (Da-da backwards). Modern technology is on our side as well. Just last night Saedi was going crazy talking with Riley on the web cam, and I included a picture of her chatting and waving hi.

The girls and I have been staying busy with various fall parties with friends, the battalion, Mom's Club, and church. Just today we went to a retirement home with the girls dressed in their costumes. Saedi had a blast with the people, but Ellie was way more interested in who had candy to give to her. lol

I guess the latest news is again about Saedi. She's officially had her first tantrum. Wouldn't you know it was over oatmeal and butternut squash! She refused to eat (which she never does), shoved her face to the side and WAILED. "When she's good she's good, but when she's bad she's very very bad." Someone asked me if I won. No. I gave in and sent her to bed. I guess the babe was just tired. :)

The Deck is Finished

So, Riley finished the deck over a week ago, but I keep forgetting to announce it. The deck is finished! and it looks amazing. I've becoming increasingly impressed with Riley's carpentry skills and my mind is constantly spinning now with thoughts of new projects: wooden blocks, closet shelves, bookcases...what has he gotten himself into. As you can see, Ellie and the handsome Toth boys, Caleb & Joshua, were having a nice time on the new addition.

Ellie and Emmy

Ellie has been spending a lot of time with her friend Emery (Emmy) and here are some nice photos of them together: first at the pumpkin patch on Wednesday and then today eating snacks...thanks for watching Ellie this morning, Jen!

Lake Barkley

We spent Columbus Day hanging out at Lake Barkley. We mainly spent the day treking around the lake exploring with they eyes of a two-year old. Ellie pointed out that Daddy forgot to bring a fishing pole, so the two of them rigged something up with a stick, line, and bobbers they found. The bait was imaginary...so were the fish. Ellie had a blast, though. She even realized the pole didn't have a reel, so she invented one with more sticks. It's been awesome watching her creative side develop more each day. The beach area was closed for the season, but Riley still took the girls swimming off shore anyway. We ended the day with a nice picnic lunch & then ice cream at the Dairy Dip. It was wonderful spending a holiday with Riley home.

Apartment Therapy ohdeedoh | How To: Amuse Toddlers

Check out this practical article I read this morning! This one is worthy of being passed along to all of you who interact with toddlers...what great ideas...some old and some new. (Be sure to click on the link "How to Amuse Toddlers Instructable" within the article below)

Apartment Therapy ohdeedoh | How To: Amuse Toddlers

I have three fun childhood play memories that I'll share.
1. Traveling the World: filling up a small bag with food (whatever I could pack myself- graham crackers are the only food I remember) for my journey & then traveling around the perimeter of my yard (I grew up on 5 acres...so it took awhile to travel the world)observing and playing as I traveled.
2. Stair Airplane: lining up all my stuffed animals and baby dolls on either side of the stairs as airplane passengers. Since I was the pilot (of course) I would sit at the bottom of the stairs steering the legs of a flipped over chair. Mid-way through the flight I became the flight attendant and would serve snacks to the passengers. Towards the end of the journey I would shake baby powder in the air as smoke or as an air freshener...why did I do that? Who knows...the idea is to be creative.
3. Couch Driving: sitting on the back of the couch with my feet dangling over the back, driving an imaginary whatever (car, fire engine, school bus, etc). Sound crazy, but it pacified me!

Please share your ideas too...What are your favorite play memories as a child or what are some creative ways to play that you've discovered?