A Future Career Perhaps?

"Sit here, dah-ling. When I'm through with you, you'll look fab-u-lous!"
"Trust me, gorgeous!
We're almost done."

"Just a minute, I need to touch up mine."

"Okay, you look perfect! Come again soon!"

Almost Wordless Wednesday

Flashback!!
Boy were those the days . . .

Sometimes a Little Guy Just Needs . . .

. . . the cozy lap of a special big sister to lay on. I am constantly amazed at how patient and loving and tolerant Princess #3 can be with her little brother. She doesn't complain about being touched by him and will even encourage his hugs and kisses. Their love for one another is such a blessing.

"Hold me Lala (the Prince's name for Princess #3)."

"I'll give you kisses on your arm!"

"And get all cozy and think about a snooze."

Happiness Is . . .

. . . seeing your sister and brother become a family of three!!

Isn't my nephew the cutest EVER?!?!

Boy vs. Girl

His sisters used this for their baby dolls to take a nap.
The Prince however, has found an even more practical use.

"Got it into position, and gonna give it a test run."

"Hey, if I put my hands on the window, instead of the sill . . . "


"Yep, that did the trick. Now if I can get that second leg up and make the glass disappear, life will be sweet!!"

Wordless Wednesday

Balance

I struggle to achieve balance in my life. Clean house vs. Educated Kids, Knitting vs. Exercise, Playing outside vs. Starting dinner, this list could go on for ages. The tightrope walking of my life is spent in the net or re-climbing the ladder most days. Which is a frustration, but also a blessing, if that makes any sense!

A clean floor, counter, family room, kitchen has a shelf life at max of 12 hours here at the castle--and that's on a weird, blue-moon kind of day. So to honor the chaos that is my life, I give you my counter top in all it's glory!!

Almost Wordless Wednesday

I just learned last night that
the nephew of my heart
will be joining his forever family soon!
I'm so excited I could burst!!

Almost Wordless Wednesday

Great Grandpa holding the Prince--who was his very first grandson,
great or otherwise, for the first time.

What a blessing for my children to have a Great Grandpa
in their lives for however much longer
God chooses to keep him on earth.

Overheard from the Family Room . . .

. . . a future plan.

Princess #1: When I'm 18 I'm going to get my name tattooed on my back and then when I get married I will tattoo my husband's name on my back, and then my kids' names.

Princess #2: Why on earth would you do that??

Princess #1: So if I die and someone finds me they'll know who I am.

King: No, they'll just see a bunch of names on your back.

Princess #1: Heavy.sigh.

A Girl After My Own Heart

Princess #3: I really like these sandals Mama, they will be great for the beach!

Queen: Oh, yah, those will be perfect for the beach!

Princess #3: I'm gonna bring my crocs, my sneaks, and these shoes when we go. Wait. How many days are we going to be gone?

Queen: Seven whole days!! I can't wait!

Princess #3: Whew. I'm gonna have to bring more shoes!

Almost Wordless Wednesday

"Whatcha lookin' at, Willis?"

Happiness Is NOT . . .

. . . DST.

Enough said.

Almost Wordless Wednesday

Then . . .

Princess #3 circa 2007

And now . . .
Princess #3 2010

A Memo For The Prince

Just so you know for future reference:

Black socks with white legs is never a good look, son.ever.
And especially so with shorts.
So just don't even go there.
Of course, since your legs are chubby and adorable,
we'll over-look your fashion faux pas . . . for now.

True Dat

I love my children's wisdom. It is practical, logical, and it's depth always catches me by surprise.

A case in point from this week:

Princess #3: Sleeping Beauty wasn't very smart.

Queen: What makes you say that?

Princess #3: Because she married Prince Phillip!

Queen: You don't think she should have married him?

Princess #3: NO WAY!! All she knew about him was that his kisses wake you up! You need to be best friends first Mama, then get married!!

Queen: Preach it sistah!!

Gratuitous Knitting Post

Project: Itty Bitty Baby Cardigan
Pattern from Itty Bitty Nursery
For: Baby Girl Haase
Yarn: Cotton Stria from Manos Del Uruguay
Verdict: Adorable. Flower and vine make the cardy. :)

Project: Lucy Bag

Pattern by: Two Old Bags
For: Me
Yarn: Noro Kureyon-4 skeins (my b-day gift from my parents)
Verdict: Mindless knitting with totally wonderful end result= a keeper!

Project: Felicity
For: Me (modeled by Princess #1)
Yarn: "Old Sweater" by Jill Draper
Verdict: Lovely, slouchy style=virtually no hat-head
Gorgeous, soft, angora-merino blend hand-dyed, hand-spun yarn sets this simple pattern off! And finally some of Jill's yummy yarn for me!

Wordless Wednesday

Science Lesson

Princess #2 is taking an awesome class at our homeschool co-op called "God's Unique Creatures". She loves animals, and learning about unusual ones or unusual skills an animal may have rocks her world. Last week she learned all about the wonders of the earthworm, which she was eager to impart to her big sister who is completely grossed out by worms.

Princess #2: Hey Princess #1, I found a worm and it's breathing on me!! (said while shoving the palm of her hand with the worm into her sister's face)

Princess #1: That's disgusting! Put it down!

Princess #2: No really, you gotta feel it breathe on your skin.

Princess #1: What are you talking about?

Princess #2: Earthworms breathe through their skin. So it's breathing all up and down it's body right now. I think I feel it's hairs.

Princess #1: Worms don't have hair!! Put it down!! Moooooommmmm!!

Princess #2: They do too! The little hairs help them move. Isn't that cool?!? (now holding the worm up for closer inspection-while Princess #1 begins to gag)

Queen: Okay, time to put the worm back in his home. How about my garden by the porch?

Princess #2: Okay. Mama, did you ever think that I would know so much about worms when I was this age.

Queen: No, I can honestly say I really didn't.

Princess #1: Wash your hands, puh-leeese!!

Overheard from the Backseat

Princess #1: God doesn't care what we look like on the outside, He just cares about what we look like on the inside.

Princess #3: God cares about what our blood and guts look like???

Princess #1: No, I just mean that God wants our insides to be pretty, like a clean heart.

Princess #3: Well, I don't even know how to clean my heart. Do you do it when you shower Princess #1?

I'll leave off Princess #1's further explanation, which by the way was excellent and theologically sound, and ended with Princess #3 being exasperated, because her heart is already clean "that" way. She really just wanted to know if you could really clean your heart with soap and water. :)

Overheard from the Family Room . . .

Princess #2's Barbie: I have such a hard time finding a modest swimsuit. I don't want a bikini or a swim-dress. I just want a nice swimsuit.

Princess #1's Barbie: Oh I know! I have two children. Hell-o, I have a mama's stomach. I can't wear a bikini or even want to!!

Princess #2's Barbie: I guess we'll figure something out someday.

Note from the Queen: Good luck with that Princess #2's Barbie.

Problem Solved

We shop at Costco. Alot. I love Costco! However, one thing I detest are those individually wrapped rolls of T.P. Never fails that the end of the roll comes round on my trip and then I have to unwrap the new roll and, well, you get the idea. However, today in a moment of quietness, my problem was solved! Who knew being naughty would actually be a blessing for a mama?!

"Wow! This is strangely satisfying and oh so addicting!"

"Okay, two down, I wonder how many more I can tear into before someone notices?"

"The sound of ripping is like a drug."

"Wait! We're out. That can't be right, Mama shops at Costco!"

The end result: 7 freshly unwrapped rolls, just waiting to be used.
I call that a good day's work.

An interesting side note: Unrolling the T.P. did not seem to be of interest during this 15 minutes of fun, just taking off the "Kirkland" paper.
Of course, if it's a roll already on the dispenser, then my friends you got trouble.

Almost Wordless Wednesday

Will you be my Valentine??

(I know it's late, but that's what happens when you wait forever to upload your photos!)

Let Them Eat Cake

February is a big birthday month here at the castle. And what birthday would be complete without cake?? So without further ado, the cakes of February 2010!

As is our tradition for first birthday's, homemade angel food cake with coolwhip frosting!

Princess #3 wanted an "Atilla" cake for her 5th. Atilla is my parents' calico kitty.

Another tradition here at the castle is having your first friend party on your 5th birthday.
So Princess #3 and her friends celebrated with a pink poodle cake!

Happy Birthday Princess #3!!

Princess #3 turns five today. FIVE!! I can't really believe it myself.

Dear Princess #3-
You love to hear your birth story, so here it is, so you can read it one day.

Five years ago, I stopped Daddy from going to work, by telling him, "I think my water broke a few hours ago. The contractions aren't very strong though." Then I called Nanny and stopped her from going to work, so she could come over and watch your big sisters. Once she arrived around 7 or so, we drove over to the hospital. The contractions were getting stronger, and I was getting excited to meet you.

Once we got settled into triage, my mid-wife joined us and confirmed that yes indeed, you were on the way-even though you were 26 days early--no going home for us! Whoo-hoo! We moved down the hall to a *real* room and waited.

And waited. And paced. And waited. And talked. And joked about how this would be our last solo date for awhile. Then around 1 pm or so, the contractions started to pick up the pace and become harder and longer. We walked through them and then began to breathe through them. Finally at 6 pm, I couldn't walk through them any more-so I soaked in the tub through them, and they stopped. Not altogether, but enough to cause alarm for your mama, I was ready to meet you!!

After a lot of checking and turning, my mid-wife decided that you had turned face-up. She helped us get labor going again-yay! Then at 8:45 pm I was ready to push and half an hour later there you were. Crying, face-up, umbilical cord slung over your shoulder, BEAUTIFUL! My mid-wife's first words were, "Look at that cleft chin! She is gorgeous!"

I got to hold you all slippery and perfect. And saw that you had the deepest dimple in your left cheek and just the whisper of one in your right to go with that cleft chin! So cute! I nursed you and then let the nurse check you over. You needed a bit of oxygen, seeing as you came out upside down, but Daddy was right there with you. When you cried he talked to you, and I watched you turn your head towards his voice. You knew him already!

And now you are five and wonderful and wise, as only five year olds can be. We love you. Just the way you are. You are ours. God made you for us and us for you. What a blessing. We are excited to watch and help you grow to be more like Him every day.

Happy Birthday sweetheart.
Love-
Mama and Daddy

Almost Wordless Wednesday

Was it really five years ago
that this dimpled little doll-girl
joined our family?
Can't imagine living in the castle
without her to brighten our days!

1,824 Days Ago . . .

. . . I called a friend and told her, "I think I'm having regular contractions." She laughed (as only she can :) ) and agreed that I was probably in early labor, and said she knew that Princess #3 would come early! So I hurried to finish baby's blanket. Weaving in all the loose ends of yarn, and timing contractions. By the time the older kids got home from Awana, I had talked myself out of thinking "this was it". . . til 1 am when my water broke!

The Prince is One

Happy 1st Birthday Son!

2-11-09 the sun shone, a whole lot brighter
Than ever it had before, smiling down on me
At 1:26 PM both hands of time stopped turning,
And you came waltzing in to change my world for good

Suddenly living life meant so much more
On the day that you were born*

*Lyrics from Steven Curtis Chapman's song 11-6-64

Almost Wordless Wednesday

364 days ago, our eyes met for the first time.
Talk about love at first sight.

One Year Ago Today . . .

. . . I got the unbelievably great (and scary) okay that the Prince would be born that week! In fact in two days time. No more unproductive contractions, no more watching my belly grow by the hour, no more waiting!

I raced over to the hospital to do my pre-surgical "stuff", calling the King and the Queen Mother and Father as I went to tell them the exciting news! As I sat waiting for the blood draw, a nice older lady asked when I was due, and I told her Wednesday. And then it hit me. Reality that is. I'm going to have a baby. On Wednesday. Via c-section. Never done that before. And baby is a boy. Never done that before. On Wednesday I'll be a mom to four kids.

I put my head down by my knees as best I could. Wishing that my purse was a paper bag. Trying not to freak out as the awesomeness of what was about to happen in my life sunk in.

One year ago today.

Overheard from the Family Room . . .

. . . Princess #2 and Princess #3 were playing house when I happened upon this conversation:

Princess #3: I'm sorry to say that it's been a busy day, so we're going to have to eat a store bought lunch.

Princess #2: (with great distress) Oh no! It's so much healthier and cheaper to eat at home.

Princess #3: (heavy sigh) I know honey, but sometimes easier is better for your mama.


Do they know their mama's answers to both sides of this conversation or what??

Almost Wordless Wednesday

One year ago today, I had the King take this picture as we were headed in for yet another round of what would end up to be horrible pre-term labor, instead of meeting our little guy.again.
Seems like forever ago.

Happiness Is . . .

. . . having a mei tai for your unhappy, screaming, snotty-nosed (literally), 26 lb. prince to ride in on your back, so you can have hands free to try to whip the castle into company-worthy shape.

*I'd post a picture of him riding along, but am wearing horizontal stripes--oh so not flattering, hence photo deleted!!*

Already??

I hate to admit it, but the Prince had a mullet going on. A nice, lovely, long, hunk of hair right smack in the back with the top and sides growing in all nice and even . . . and short. So when the Princess' got their hair cut, I took the chance to have his first haircut er, um, mullet-removal rather.

And it's weird, but I think he looks older, more like a little boy somehow . . .

Happiness Is . . .

. . . a daughter who will act as your yarn swift, even though you have a perfectly fine one buried in the pantry (you're just too lazy to unearth it)!!

Should Have Known

I noticed Princess #3 wandering around with one sleeve of her dress dangling limply, her arm tucked inside, and when I asked her why, she replied with this little gem.

"The Prince kissed me and you know how wet his kisses are don't you? So I'm letting my dress dry off for awhile."

She speaks the truth.

Almost Wordless Wednesday

. . . and gratuitous knitting post in one handy package!

Meet Clive (the Prince's Easter basket stuffer) and Clive's little sister Jane (a gift for a friend).

Pattern: Funky Sock Monkey (Ravelry linky)
Yarn: Blue Moon Fiber Arts-Socks that Rock Heavyweight in Mr. Greenjeans and Lemongrass
Verdict: Great pattern, great finished product, highly addictive!!

Almost Wordless Wednesday

King of the Castle
and the young Royals

Happiness Is . . .

. . . getting yarn in the mail!

I think one of the many best things (there are so many) about Ravelry, is the opportunity to help out a fellow yarn-a-holic de-stash! It is an excellent win-win. Your fellow Raveler gets more room for stash enhancement, and you can get discontinued or hard to find or heavily discounted yarn for your own stash enhancement!!

Sometimes You Just Gotta Laugh

While taking a break from "Prince" duty, I had a chance to go over Thursday's school work. We've been working really hard with Princess #1 on writing answers in complete sentences. So I was pleased as I looked over her science worksheet to see her answers written correctly. Then I read them . . . and had to share (her answer is in bold).

Define the terms using complete sentences.

3.) cochlea The cochlea is a snail shaped thing filled with wet stuff.

4.) auditory nerve The auditory nerve is like a vessel leading up to the brain so you know what you heard.

Now we'll like work on writing good complete things. ;)

Gratuitous Knitting Post

2010 is shaping up to be a great knitting year!! Yay, for finished projects to post in just the second week of January!

Noro Stripey Scarf for me
Pattern: Noro Striped Scarf (ravelry link)
Yarn: Noro Silk Garden Lite-4 skeins of 2 different color-ways
Verdict: This scarf is crazy long-which I love. However, do not attempt this scarf with boring yarn as it is knit 1, purl 1 til you die by self-inflicted knitting needle wound. The Noro color-changes are the only saving grace with this one.

iPod Felted Pouch for Princess #1
Pattern: Beginner's Lucky Pouch (ravelry link)
(with heavy personal modifications)
Yarn: Noro Kureyon-1 skein
Verdict: She loves it! And there is room for all the cords & girly whatnot as well as her iPod.

Almost Wordless Wednesday

Future Baby-Wearing Mama
I love it!!

Eleven Months

He's one month away from the often over-rated 0-1, believe it or not! Here's what our sweet man is up to:

. . . wears 18-24 month clothes, size 4.5-5 shoes, and size 4 dipes.

. . . cruises along anything he can, avoiding crawling if at all possible.

. . . will stand by himself if he's holding an interesting toy.

. . . says no, shh, "ck" for yuck, ffff for "woof" when he sees the dogs.

. . . will do anything for his parade's attention (read: shriek, drop toys, and clap).

. . . is willing to try food with texture (hoo-rah).

. . . points, waves, claps, and can do the sign for touchdown!

. . . is everywhere and into everything all.the.time.

. . . has an uncanny 6th sense about the status of the baby gates (read: he knows when they are down and races to get through to the promised land).

. . . gives mama hugs and kisses prompted and unprompted (the best kind)!!

. . . love, love, LOVES his big sisters.

. . . love, love, LOVES his mama and dadda.

and they all love, love, LOVE him back!

Almost Wordless Wednesday

Meet Fergus aka Mr. F aka Fergie aka Fergalicious aka Princess #3's baby kitty.

Yep, we broke down and kept one. No willpower here at the castle.

She Said

I'm using this post to pass along a couple of recent Princess #3 "isms" that were just too cute to forget.

"It seems to me that it's time to watch a little t.v.", she casually says after dinner.

"Can you pass me the Prince's cell phone machine that he just got from Nora?"
(A bit of a generation gap there, seems to me! :-) )

"Mama, what do you call it when your tummy is rumbly? Oh yeah, hungry!"

Did you ever think there would come a day that you would see this gal in jeans. Denim.Jeans.
Will wonders ever cease?? :)
Of course, this has been a one-time sighting mind you!!

Patience Has Ceased to be a Virtue

Princess #3 is in full-on Christmas mode! She is loving all there is about Christmas in the castle, but in her mind (and limited grasp of time concepts), it is taking a very, long time to get to that big day!

Today I caught her under the tree inspecting presents because she thought she smelled peanut butter and was checking to see if any of her gifts was squishy, "like a sandwich, Mama".

And yesterday when informed by the countdown calendar that there were 10 whole days til Christmas, put her hands on her little hips and proclaimed with intense disgust, "Why couldn't Jesus have been born early, like I was???"

Why indeed sweet girl, why indeed.

10 Months with Our Boy

At 10 months old, our sweet Prince is quite the guy! We are enjoying seeing even more girl vs. boy differences in how he interacts with his world! It's fun!

So without further ado, at 10 months old the Prince . . .

. . . wears 18-24 month size clothes and size 4.5 shoes.

. . . has 8 teeth.

. . . can squat down to inspect something (while holding on to something)

. . . walks while pushing chairs, stools, trucks, etc.

. . . loves the pot drawer.

. . . has an unhealthy obsession with chewing on shoes.

. . . wears size 4 diapers.

. . . loves to feed himself.

. . . tolerates being spoon fed, some of the time.

. . . is a great kitten/cat catcher.

. . . loves his little daily routine.

. . . clicks his tongue when he sees you eating or is hungry.

. . . stills loves those squeaky toys and making sniffing sounds.

. . . likes to crawl around with a toy in his mouth or in his hand.

. . . loves Christmas lights!!

. . . love, love, LOVES his big sisters.

. . . love, love, LOVES his mama and daddy.

and they all love him back!!

Overheard from the Family Room . . .

. . . "No, no, I'm the mom! And that means I don't need any rest. I do everything that the family needs. I do NOT need to rest. I do NOT need to go to the doctor. OKAY??? I am the MOM!", Princess #3 says to "dad" aka Princess #1, who was also moonlighting as a doctor.



Is that really her perception of me? Me, the enforcer of the hated daily rest time. Explained to her daily, as "I know you don't need any rest, but Mama needs rest time, so choose to show Mama love by having a cheerful heart and being quiet!!!! Thank you in advance for your cooperation." Very interesting . . .

Potato, Potahto

On our way home in the dark early evening last night, I tried to engage Princess #3 in a little Christmas fun, spotting Christmas lights. Here is the result:

Queen: Princess #3!! Look at that huge tree covered in lights!! Wow, isn't it amazing??
(Now I shudder to think how much I must have sounded like my own mother did when she pointed out the Oregon Trail marks along Hwy 97 during every childhood trip to Bend, OR :)!!)

Princess #3 (in a completely disinterested voice): Oh, you mean that giant mushroom with Christmas lights?

Hey, in my defense, is it every day you get to see a giant lighted mushroom???

Ham Please

This face right here says it all. I love it a little more each day.

Little By Little

As most of you know, I am a Christmas junkie. I love this time of the year! Usually by now my decorations would be up, the tree up, cookies a-baking, but this year I am apparently taking the bit by bit approach to the holiday. Which is fine. It is allowing the girls to help decorate more (read that as: do the dusting-hee!) and have more say in what snowman goes where, and that is fun!

I'm loving how each daughter's personality is revealed by how she chooses how to decorate. Princess #1 is a traditionalist, this snowman goes there, because that's where he's been since I can remember. Princess #2 is a flyin'-by-the-seat-of-her-pants kind of gal, this snowman goes here because it looks fabulous (a Fancy Nancy reference there, in case you missed it!). While Princess #3 is all about staging (read that as: quantity, as in I want them all here!), she very carefully groups her decorations all in one location. The Prince obviously is a bit young to get in on the action, but does notice the different things popping up in his line of sight and is especially appreciative of any put in his reach.

So as December begins, I hope each of you is enjoying getting ready to celebrate the Christ-child's birth in your own special way. I know I am!