Super Hero

Meet Super Hero.

Identity hidden? check. Hmmm, something is missing....

Yes, that's it. A cape. But what extra super powers can a cape possess?

One can JUMP HIGHER!!

RUN...

And RUN FASTER!!!

FLY at break-neck speeds...

With the breeze flowing through her hair.

Gives enough "cred" for a trusty side-kick.

And who is this masked SUPER HERO?

Alas, her secret identity is revealed.

Mural. Hannah Style.

Shower time. It's my 10 minutes (if I am lucky) of uninterrupted sanity. In order to keep it uninterrupted, I lock the bathroom door. Yes, I lock my two year old out. Judge me if you must. I can handle the all the knocking and screaming that comes from the other side of the door, without even batting an eye. Every once in awhile I peek out from behind the shower curtain and see little fingers poking through the bottom crack of the door. Does this bother me? Not the least bit. What I can't handle is having to share my shower, my precious hot water with my two year old. Then there's the having to reassure her that I will help her get whatever her little mind is set on at the moment AS. SOON. AS. I. AM. FINISHED. See, with the door securely closed, er I mean "sound barrier", I can't hear the whiney details, which means it requires no response. This lock process has worked great up until this happened:

The "other" side of the sound barrier.

(the close-up)

Notice how high her Masterpiece is? One might wonder how she so carelessly drew at such a height.

Ahhh - Just follow evidence.
Oh, and her favorite color of the day is "Ga-rheeeem".

Arts and Crafts

So I didn't nest when I was pregnant with Luke. In fact, I hated cleaning and organizing even more than usual (it might have had something to do with the whole painful uterus thing...). I don't enjoy housework. Who does? Instead of nesting, I go all out in the arts and crafts department.

And the evidence shows:

Exhibit A - Hooded Towel for sweet boy. I got one of these from a friend when Aleana was born, and I loved it. So I manage to make them for friends having babies, as well as my babies. Super easy, it takes about 20 minutes from start to finish(bath towel, 1/2 a hand towel or washcloth, and ribbon if you want to be creative). Total cost: $11

Exhibit B - Hooter Hider. So I brought one of these when Hannah was born ($35!), and I really liked it even though it had a few design flaws. I didn't think it was long enough or wide enough. I think it needed to be longer, so I could tuck the bottom edge under the baby to prevent baby from kicking the cover off and me from flashing poor unsuspecting victims. I wished it was a little wider, so I could drape it over my shoulder and the side where my shirt was lifted up - that way my "fluffiness" wouldn't be out there for all mankind to see. So I decided to make my own with said improvements, and this is the result. I must say, I love, love, LOVE the fabric - got it at Joann's with a 50% off coupon. Also needed corset boning, old washcloth and a buckle. Total cost: $8

Exhibit C - This is actually a "4-leaf clover" blanket. I should have gotten a better picture, but this will have to do. It's in the shape of a clover and is designed to fit in the infant car seat. There is holes cut out for the buckles, that way you can bundle your baby after you buckle and not have to worry about the blanket falling off. It has really come handy. I got the fabric, which was already cut out, serged and hemstitched from www.hemstitcher.com. This website is awesome and literally has 100's of different flannel prints to choose from. All I did was crochet the edge (filigree stitch) - which was time consuming enough. Total cost: $35

Exhibit D - A nice cozy quilt for sweet boy. I had set out to do a piece work quilt, when I happened to come across some fabric that was already pieced for me (great pieces with different textured fabrics). It was expensive ($17.99 a yard), but luckily I had my trusty %50 off coupon. And normally I don't do appliques, but I really liked this dog. I thought it would be way too cute for a little boy. The colors of the fabric match Luke's bedding colors which meant I was in love and I had to have it. I used low-loft polyester batting, and cotton backing try to keep it cozy, but not too hot. Then I tied it while watching some good ol' TV. Not too shabby. The initial pinning and sewing took about 1 1/2 hours (including interruptions from a 2 years old), and the tying took a night of watching TV. The quilt size is 1 1/2 yards. I know it seems big for newborns, but it grows with them. In fact Trent and Hannah both still use the ones I made for them when they were babies. The total cost: $27

Exhibit E - I wished I had remembered to take a "before" picture. We have 2 chairs like this that we use in the living room. They are hand-me-downs from someone else. The wood is in great condition. The upholstery however, was looking pretty sad (imagine holes and foam poking out everywhere). I went to the local home fabric shop that has awesome prices on upholstery fabric (which means it was not Joann's, as their upholstery fabrics are way too expensive). Then I went to work with my friend, the staple gun. Although I think it could have been a better friend by being an automatic, because man, my hands were burning. I think it turned out pretty darn good.

Exhibit F - When we moved from Colorado to Idaho, the movers managed to lose a couch cushion. How they managed to lose just one back couch cushion - from a shrink-wrapped couch, I will never know. I promised Tracy that I would find a cushion to complete the couch before Luke was born. I had been putting it off, partly because I wasn't sure where to start, and partly because I just didn't feel like it. First I called the place where the couch was purchased from to see if the company still made that couch. Maybe I could order another cushion. Um, ya - the lady just laughed at me. I really wanted to match the couch, but when she laughed, I figured that wasn't going to happen. So, off to the cheap upholstery fabric store I go. I talked to the lady there, and she recommended I find someone who does upholstery work. Once I did that, and after I picked out my fabric (I took a risk and decided to go bold), I took it to the upholstery guys and they made me some new back cushions for the couch (they provided the foam). I would have just done it myself, but my sewing machine was in no way strong enough for the fabric I picked out. The whole ordeal cost me $80 bucks! (highway robbery) But now I have a couch that you can rest your back on. And I got that done just in time. Luke was born the next day.
Oh, and notice the pillows? I made those to tie everything in. It brings the rust cushions and off-white couch together, and the green in the fabric matches the newly covered chairs.

Exhibit G - Another quilt for sweet boy. After using the above nice and cozy quilt, it became clear to me that it was still a little too warm for Luke (next winter it will be perfect). He likes to be cuddled and swaddled, but doesn't appreciate getting too warm. So, back to the fabric store I go (Joann's is making a small fortune off of me...). I found this fabric on sale. It's a simple quilt, which in my experience, the kids tend to like the best. I also like it. That way, when it gets stained or dragged though the dirt, I won't feel so angry because it took me a whole 1 1/2 hours to make instead of days.

Exhibit H - Super Hero Cape. I made this on a whim to surprise Hannah. She has been on a super hero kick lately. And me, trying to be industrious, used some old scrap fabric and ribbon to get the job done. I obviously didn't have a pattern, so I just winged it. Hannah loves it. Total cost: Free. Well not free, because I had to buy the stuff at some point, but free as in, I didn't have to buy more stuff and could use old stuff that was just collecting dust. Besides, who doesn't want a super hero cape with hearts on it? :)

In Buzz's Lightyear's words...

It was one of those times when at the end of the day I thought to myself, "Man, what a great day. Life is good". I love those kind of days. I wish they happened more often. Saturday was great. It was filled with beautiful weather, yard work, and Costco shopping. (Which by the way, I would not recommended going to on a Saturday - waaayyy too many people!!! And yes, I was screaming inside my head for the whole time I was there, wading through endless crowds of people who were getting their "all important free samples", when all I was trying to do - is get the 3 things I needed....Grrr. Stupid samples.) Then there was bread-making, kids running through the sprinklers, Trace trying to fix said sprinklers, bbq, S'MORES, and star-gazing.

Since Toy Story has become a staple in our house once again (...well that and Ponyo - Hannah has to get her fix for at least 20 minutes a day), I have a hard time calling 'em s'mores anymore...

Buzz Lightyear: Don't worry, Woody. In just a few hours you'll be sitting around a campfire with Andy making delicious hot schmoes!
Woody: They're called S'mores, Buzz.

We tried something new to change things up...graham cracker, hershey's chocolate bar, roasted marshmallow, STRAWBERRY slice, BANANA slice, dab of strawberry FREEZER JAM, and graham cracker. Holy cow, they are tasty! Tastes kind of like a banana split. And just in case you are wondering about my "no chocolate" clause - I have had to make two exceptions...chocolate chip cookies (the homemade kind, not the store-bought crap) and s'mores. There are just some things that make it too hard. Hey, I'm being realistic..at least if I keep telling myself that, maybe I will believe it...eventually. :)

Introducing Buzz SCHMOES (not be confused with the Joe Schmoes out there):

Trent finally running out of steam, after a very long day...

Aleana getting a perfect golden brown marshmallow...as for me, I prefer them burnt. And yes, we were too lazy to set up the fire pit. The grill did the job just fine. :)

I am thankful for my family, beautiful weather, and a backyard.

Mama's Day

I had a great Mother's Day. In fact, it was the best one yet.

Technically, my Mother's Day started the day before. Trace took the kids to the mall on Saturday evening to go shopping. Not only did he take them shopping, he fed them McD's and got Trent's hair cut (bonus points for that one!). They were gone for about THREE hours. So for 3 whole hours, it was just me. And Luke. And Peace and Quiet. Hallelujah!

When they got home, Hannah came running up to me screaming something, while Trace and the kids were mysteriously hiding my present. I thought she was saying that she had fell, so I was looking for bumps or bruises. But, that wasn't the case. What she really said was "Flower" (in 2-year-old-jibberish, it sounded the same to me). Trace had tried to distract her, so she wouldn't spill the beans, but it didn't work. She wanted that flower. Once the secret was out, the kids decided to give me some of my mama day loot a day early - starting out with a single red rose that Hannah handed to me, then promptly took back because it smelled, as she put it, "nummie". :)

I also got this card. Hilarious. And the kids were so proud. They picked it out, because they knew it would make me laugh. And it will for a long time.

Front:

Inside:

Awesome.

Luke and I were the first ones up, so breakfast in bed was not an option. As I was feeding Luke, the kids and Trace quietly buzzed around, making me a feast. (Notice the rose? Hannah was nice enough to let me have it for a little bit. Oh, and check out the chocolate syrup. They thought since I like chocolate and french toast must have syrup, that this would be the perfect match. Luckily they didn't pay much attention to my lack of syrup usage.)

Hannah was my food quality tester.

I also got homemade cards with poems from Trent and Aleana.

Trent's:

It reads: A wiggle and a jiggle, I love you so much, I just have to giggle.

(but all I did was cry)

Aleana's:

Inside it reads:

"Well I know I say it everyday

But I'll say it anyway

There simple, it's true

I love you, yes I do!

Mom, you're one of the best people I know

Because in my eyes, you sparkle and shine and glow.

I'm glad you sealed our whole family together,

so we could live together forever and ever.

You'll help me when I'm sick, you'll find the right cure.

And you're an example to me, since you're so pure.

The challenges in life, I know you'll help me face them.

And with the tests of life, I know you'll help me ace them.

I know you love me so much

you'd die for me.

And as much as you may love me, I will always love you more,

as you can soon see.

Every gift I give shows you

once more that I love you.

But mommy

mommy

I love you!

Yes, I do!"

(and Miss Mae - how I love you, yes I do. The card has the "water" marks to prove it. And just to brag, she wrote this, at home, by herself, without any help.)

And if all of this wasn't enough, there was still one more present, which I absolutely adore. It's beautiful and so very thoughtful. And I know, one shouldn't care too much about the "stuff", but I have to say, this is something I will treasure for the years to come.

The top of the jewelry box is engraved. It says, "We Love You Aleana Trent Hannah Luke" And, I officially have a "Mom" necklace.

Man I love my kids, and hubby too.

Gifts and good times aside, I am grateful.

Park

Tracy's parents were able to come up and visit for the weekend when we blessed Luke. That Saturday we had planned to go the downtown market or maybe go sight-seeing at Shoshone Falls...but the weather did not want to cooperate. Ultimately we decided to stay a little closer to home and take a trip to the park. We stopped by this awesome Drive-In and got us some good food (sweet potato fries included) and drove on to the park with the intention of having a nice picnic. By the time we got the park, it was cold and threatening to rain. We found a picnic bench, broke out the blankets for added warmth and had ourselves a picnic anyway (cold sweet potato fries still taste good). After filling our tummies with some tasty treats, Terry and I hung back with Luke and visited, while Mike and Tracy took the kids on an adventure. The kids had a great time, and came back fully drained and ready for a nap.

Hannah getting her share of dessert.

Tasty Treat - Ice cream Idaho potato style...

Trent's natural habitat :)

Aleana should know by now, anytime Trent has a stick - especially a big one - that she should run. Far, far away.

Pretty, pretty Aleana

More natural habitat pics.

Luke's Blessing

On May 2nd, and just a day shy of turning 3 months, Luke was given his name and a blessing by his Dad. Having a baby is always such a special part of life, and having him blessed marks another one of those special moments. This time we did it a little bit differently. We blessed Luke at the house, instead of the church, as it was stake conference weekend (both us and the bishop failed to realize that scheduling error soon enough). And although I missed being able to share this occasion with more of our friends, I have to say I really enjoyed having it at the house. The blessing was sweet and inspired, and I find it hard to share my tender feelings about it. What I will say is I am grateful for this gospel that we have and the knowledge that comes with it, for the priesthood, a worthy husband, an amazing sweet little boy, and family and friends to share it with.

After the blessing we had a little BBQ and enjoyed the company. We were able to get some pictures, some right after the blessing and some after the guests left. There were so many cute pictures, that I had a hard time choosing. I have to thank my mom (we really missed you guys, but I am glad Dad is doing better) for getting Luke's blessing outfit. I absolutely love it, and I think it fit him perfectly! And I have to thank my Grandma Baker for making the blanket. It is beautiful - the color scheme turned out really nice.

I love it when he smiles with those big chubby cheeks of his. I must admit, they are very kissable and find hard to resist, however I have never ever been tempted to pinch them. As a fellow chubby-cheek wearer, I cannot allow such harassment to occur in my home. If I catch you trying to pinch those adorable cheeks...well let's just say - you've been warned! *grin*

I actually like this picture of me (shocker!) and Luke. He was just talking up a storm to me. Love it!

This picture of Trace and Luke cracks me up. I think we need to find Luke a matching t-shirt - as I think it applies to him more than it does to Trace. The t-shirt reads: "My lay-around-the-house-and-do-absolutely-nothing shirt".

Luke's "I. Am. Done." look. He had enough thank you very much. But that didn't bother his proud big sister one bit.

This is probably one of my favorite pictures out of the whole bunch. Trent has a hard time sitting still at any given time, especially when it is time to take pictures. He then finds it hard to smile "naturally". He hates getting his picture taken. So you can imagine my surprise when he asked us if he could take a picture with Luke. And the outcome? Two very handsome boys.

Sami and Luke. She used to babysit our older two kids when we lived in Colorado. But now her and her family have moved and live about 10 minutes away from us (it's a small world)...and she is now in college. My how time flies...

So I had to stick this picture in here. Trace is always giving me a hard time on how I never include any pictures of me on the blog. And I tell him it is because none of them turn out good enough. He thinks I am being too picky, but it's true - me and cameras don't like each other. But now the tables are turned. I think this picture of me is just fine, but he doesn't think it is a good one of him. Trace - you're just being too picky. tee-hee-hee.

Grandpa Giles and Luke

Grandma and Grandpa Giles and Luke

Grandma Giles and Luke

Our attempt to get a picture of the kids with their grandparents. However, Hannah was a little busy being hypnotized.