Here we are Sunday morning at Grandma Nonnie's house. Liam and Isla discovered the Easter Bunny had visited over there as well as the Olsen's. They were spoiled sweetly and proved difficult to photograph. Here are my (well, Uncle John's) attempts.
Monday, March 24, 2008
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
For Ang
Ang and I both have picky eaters. She requested a list of what he eats in a day, so here Ang, hope this helps!
Breakfast:
Usually a Ziplock baggie (Liam's tote of choice) of assorted cereals, crackers, raisins, and sometimes a few marshmallows to entice the kid.
Snack: We have all-day snack time at our house because A. Liam is anti-meal and B. I prefer to graze continuously as well. It works for our casual attitude we like to keep around here. So here it is, in no particular order. And do not be fooled, he does not eat all of these things every day, and some days refuses each and every one.
-Sippy cup of: Juice, Milk, Choc milk
-Fruit: apple, pear, orange and seasonal fruits like watermelon, strawberries, etc. He usually never says no to fruit.
-Crackers: Preferably cheese, no Teddy Grahams, no Wheat Thins aka Shannon crackers, and maybe Pretzels if I am lucky
-String Cheese
-Jello or Yogurt
-French fries if we are out and about--he NEVER says no to french fries and ketchup
--Every now and then I can get him to eat a few bites of PB &J sandwich or buttered toast. This is rare.
Dinner: I use to make Liam his own tray of lunch meat, tomatoes, other veges, etc. Now I only feed him what I am serving. I break it up in clearly organized piles and do not serve anything with "mixed" food groups such as casseroles or spaghetti. He is seriously turned off by complicated colors, textures, and tastes. He pretty much refuses to eat dinner, but I figure he won't starve and will eventually learn to join the club and enjoy food. For now he is just really hungry when he wakes up. I've been doing this for a couple of weeks and he hasn't passed out from hunger yet, so I'm hoping . . . it works?
MISC: Liam will at any time except candy, chocolate, and Popsicles. Slurpees too. I try to keep this to a minimum, I really do. It is hard though, considering how much junk I eat myself. I really am not a good role model when it comes to this. Whoops.
Breakfast:
Usually a Ziplock baggie (Liam's tote of choice) of assorted cereals, crackers, raisins, and sometimes a few marshmallows to entice the kid.
Snack: We have all-day snack time at our house because A. Liam is anti-meal and B. I prefer to graze continuously as well. It works for our casual attitude we like to keep around here. So here it is, in no particular order. And do not be fooled, he does not eat all of these things every day, and some days refuses each and every one.
-Sippy cup of: Juice, Milk, Choc milk
-Fruit: apple, pear, orange and seasonal fruits like watermelon, strawberries, etc. He usually never says no to fruit.
-Crackers: Preferably cheese, no Teddy Grahams, no Wheat Thins aka Shannon crackers, and maybe Pretzels if I am lucky
-String Cheese
-Jello or Yogurt
-French fries if we are out and about--he NEVER says no to french fries and ketchup
--Every now and then I can get him to eat a few bites of PB &J sandwich or buttered toast. This is rare.
Dinner: I use to make Liam his own tray of lunch meat, tomatoes, other veges, etc. Now I only feed him what I am serving. I break it up in clearly organized piles and do not serve anything with "mixed" food groups such as casseroles or spaghetti. He is seriously turned off by complicated colors, textures, and tastes. He pretty much refuses to eat dinner, but I figure he won't starve and will eventually learn to join the club and enjoy food. For now he is just really hungry when he wakes up. I've been doing this for a couple of weeks and he hasn't passed out from hunger yet, so I'm hoping . . . it works?
MISC: Liam will at any time except candy, chocolate, and Popsicles. Slurpees too. I try to keep this to a minimum, I really do. It is hard though, considering how much junk I eat myself. I really am not a good role model when it comes to this. Whoops.
Easter Pictures--Kind Of
Today Jessica and I took the kids (yes, we like pretending we're an alternative lesbian couple) to Picture People for Easter pictures. After all of the pomp and circumstance of driving, unloading, dressing, and prepping, Isla decided to have a complete breakdown. The "photo shoot", if you will, did not last more than 3 minutes and 5 shots. The photographer, bless her heart, tried her best. The pictures are cute, but not as cute as they could have been with some momma milk and a nap. Next time I will plan better! For what its worth, here are the photos with a nice printed "ZAZZLE" .
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Monday, March 17, 2008
Travelzoo Top 20
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Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Sweet Message
The president of my church, my prophet, Gordon B. Hinckley passed away about a month ago. Here is what he says the focus of our faith should be:
"23 For we labor diligently to write, to apersuade our children, and also our brethren, to believe in Christ, and to be reconciled to God; for we know that it is by bgrace that we are saved, after all we can cdo . . . .
"We know not all that lies ahead of us. We live in a world of uncertainty. For some, there will be great accomplishment. For others, disappointment. For some, much of rejoicing and gladness, good health, and gracious living. For others, perhaps sickness and a measure of sorrow. We do not know. But one thing we do know. Like the Polar Star in the heavens, regardless of what the future holds, there stands the Redeemer of the world, the Son of God, certain and sure as the anchor of our immortal lives. He is the rock of our salvation, our strength, our comfort, the very focus of our faith.
In sunshine and in shadow we look to Him, and He is there to assure and smile upon us."
Gordon B. Hinckley
This is just so sweet, I had to share it.
Here is my favorite scripture:"23 For we labor diligently to write, to apersuade our children, and also our brethren, to believe in Christ, and to be reconciled to God; for we know that it is by bgrace that we are saved, after all we can cdo . . . .
I love you guys :)
Monday, March 10, 2008
Quick Liam Anecdotes
1. The computer is in the room next to Liam's. He goes to sleep with the door open while I sit and do my thing. Every couple of minutes he says "Mommy on Pooter?" and I say "Yes, Liam, close your eyes and go to sleep." This goes on for 10 minutes or so before he finally falls asleep.
Tonight, however, he is really hanging on. I can hear him fidgeting, and singing songs to himself. Just a little bit ago he started to whine, then cry, and begging to get out of his bed. Finally, he called out to me. "Momma!"
"Yes, Liam?"
"Dis is not a good idea."
For some reason, that really made me laugh.
2. Earlier today I laid Isla down for her nap on my bed. As I was walking out the door, she woke up. So... I spent about 5 minutes in my room putting her back to bed. Liam was out and about, doing his own thing. Usually this means making a huge mess, which is okay, because it stimulates his brain and he is entertained. However, today I walked out of my room and saw him sitting on the ground with a REALLY guilty look on his face. He looked straight at me and said "I don't know what I'm doing."
"Liam . . . what are you doing?" The only thing I could possibly say.
"I don't know..."
I looked around him. I noticed my Clorox hard surface cleaner and a sippy cup.
"Dis taste gross." He said, pointing to the cleaner.
YEAH.
Turns out Liam dumped some of it into a sippy cup, put the lid back on, and took a swig. When I asked him if he drank a little bit or a lot he said "A WATT. Dis much" and demonstrated a cupful with his hands.
I know, it serves me right for leaving an almost three-year-old to roam. The poison control center wasn't worried, thank goodness, but still! The kid is crazy.
3. Another ongoing anecdote: Liam's new phrase is "Mommy, talk about it!". He asks me questions all day long. "Momma, where is Costco?" "Mommy, why not I have ice cream?" "Mommy, Why is Bob a boy?" and when I only provide a should-be sufficient one sentence answer he loudly begs "No, Mommy, TALK ABOUT IT." I then basically elaborate and expand as much as sanely possible, hoping to satisfy his curiosity. This behavior reminds me of my little sister Annelisa, but that was when she was about nine or so. Annelisa, do you remember that?
Anyhow, he is darling. I love the little guy. Hope you enjoy.
Tonight, however, he is really hanging on. I can hear him fidgeting, and singing songs to himself. Just a little bit ago he started to whine, then cry, and begging to get out of his bed. Finally, he called out to me. "Momma!"
"Yes, Liam?"
"Dis is not a good idea."
For some reason, that really made me laugh.
2. Earlier today I laid Isla down for her nap on my bed. As I was walking out the door, she woke up. So... I spent about 5 minutes in my room putting her back to bed. Liam was out and about, doing his own thing. Usually this means making a huge mess, which is okay, because it stimulates his brain and he is entertained. However, today I walked out of my room and saw him sitting on the ground with a REALLY guilty look on his face. He looked straight at me and said "I don't know what I'm doing."
"Liam . . . what are you doing?" The only thing I could possibly say.
"I don't know..."
I looked around him. I noticed my Clorox hard surface cleaner and a sippy cup.
"Dis taste gross." He said, pointing to the cleaner.
YEAH.
Turns out Liam dumped some of it into a sippy cup, put the lid back on, and took a swig. When I asked him if he drank a little bit or a lot he said "A WATT. Dis much" and demonstrated a cupful with his hands.
I know, it serves me right for leaving an almost three-year-old to roam. The poison control center wasn't worried, thank goodness, but still! The kid is crazy.
3. Another ongoing anecdote: Liam's new phrase is "Mommy, talk about it!". He asks me questions all day long. "Momma, where is Costco?" "Mommy, why not I have ice cream?" "Mommy, Why is Bob a boy?" and when I only provide a should-be sufficient one sentence answer he loudly begs "No, Mommy, TALK ABOUT IT." I then basically elaborate and expand as much as sanely possible, hoping to satisfy his curiosity. This behavior reminds me of my little sister Annelisa, but that was when she was about nine or so. Annelisa, do you remember that?
Anyhow, he is darling. I love the little guy. Hope you enjoy.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Happy Love Day
Five years ago today Billy asked me to marry him under a bright, Mexican moon. He made me stand up in the sand so he could look up at me from his loving, kneeling position. I couldn't bear to be so far away from him (what is it, like two feet?), so I only stood during the official, life altering question. We sat on the beach for the rest of the night, talking and crying. Well, he talked and I cried.
Now five years, two kids, and one heck of a train ride later, we're still here and hanging. It is fun having him here. My life is full of a lot of hugs and kisses and a punch every now and then. I would say it is me doing the punching, but I am pretty sure you all know that already.
So, our Valentine's Day tradition around here is one dessert worth making. Trust me on this. Charlotte introduced the recipe to me, so I give her credit for years of Cherry Berries on a Cloud and thousands of calorie intake.
Go to the link, print the recipe, and make it*. YOU WILL REGRET IT IF YOU DON'T. It is on the Heaven entrance exam. Charlotte told me.
Now five years, two kids, and one heck of a train ride later, we're still here and hanging. It is fun having him here. My life is full of a lot of hugs and kisses and a punch every now and then. I would say it is me doing the punching, but I am pretty sure you all know that already.
So, our Valentine's Day tradition around here is one dessert worth making. Trust me on this. Charlotte introduced the recipe to me, so I give her credit for years of Cherry Berries on a Cloud and thousands of calorie intake.
Go to the link, print the recipe, and make it*. YOU WILL REGRET IT IF YOU DON'T. It is on the Heaven entrance exam. Charlotte told me.
In case you can't tell, it is in the shape of a heart.
*You must bake it on a paper bag. That is KEY.
*You must bake it on a paper bag. That is KEY.
Thursday, February 07, 2008
Update
Firstly: In response to Ang: yes, we are still alive.
Two weeks ago we hosted my yummy friend from Utah, Miss Morgan, and it was an enormous privilege. The kids and I took her to two of our favorite Portland restaurants, St. Cupcake and Elephants Deli. Billy and I took her on a date to see Juno. As a family we all went to the coast and spent the night at my parent's beach house. I tried my best to feed her well with my "famous" (har har har) clam chowder and chili. They are actually my mom's famous recipes but Morgan doesn't know that so shhhhh.... It was wonderful having her here and Liam now calls "The Book of Mormon" the "Book of Morgan" which is sure to get a laugh in nursery.
Last week Billy went to Utah for his cousin's wedding, and then traveled south to Las Vegas for a business trip. I didn't like the idea of spending five full days at home without him to entertain me, so I decided to take the kids to Gramma and Bampa Osnin's for a long weekend. Not much to report there. It was fun and comfortable to be with my parent's and siblings (hi Shannon! your sweatshirt is on Annelisa's bed), and I am always happy to spend time with them.
Liam finally admits that he is a "big boy." He is potty trained, falls asleep by himself in his own room at a consistent bedtime (8 pm), and refuses to nap. His language is now sophisticated enough to allow us a clearer glimpse into his thoughts, and it is truly a spunky combination of Billy's genes and mine. He likes to tease me by calling me a boy, or "Daddy", and the worst: that I am not his best friend. He thinks it is so funny and will laugh all by himself while I fake a cry. Yesterday he told me he wanted a new mommy, because I was old. When I vehemently denied the accusation he said "no Mom, see, you have a mode", and pointed to the mole on my neck. Today he told me he and Daddy had peepees, but that I had two butts. He thought that was funny too.
Isla is growing, of course. She was 20 lbs 6 oz. at her six month checkup a month ago. Her hair is turning lightish brown and is growing along with her body. The old ladies at church like to comment on her cute ponytails, her big blue eyes, her outfits, etc. Isla clearly loves the admiration and coos the whole time. She is a big fan of her Daddy, and I am not just saying that because I am suppose to. She truthfully adores him. As he does her. When dating Billy I remember thinking he would be a sweet dad to a daughter, and it is so squishy to see it come to fruition.
I am currently obsessing over my sewing projects and reading. Nothing else really exists (except family time) as far as I am concerned. I may post some pictures of a few dresses if I can remember.
I love you all! I check all of your blogs all of the time. Sorry I do not always leave comments...
Two weeks ago we hosted my yummy friend from Utah, Miss Morgan, and it was an enormous privilege. The kids and I took her to two of our favorite Portland restaurants, St. Cupcake and Elephants Deli. Billy and I took her on a date to see Juno. As a family we all went to the coast and spent the night at my parent's beach house. I tried my best to feed her well with my "famous" (har har har) clam chowder and chili. They are actually my mom's famous recipes but Morgan doesn't know that so shhhhh.... It was wonderful having her here and Liam now calls "The Book of Mormon" the "Book of Morgan" which is sure to get a laugh in nursery.
Last week Billy went to Utah for his cousin's wedding, and then traveled south to Las Vegas for a business trip. I didn't like the idea of spending five full days at home without him to entertain me, so I decided to take the kids to Gramma and Bampa Osnin's for a long weekend. Not much to report there. It was fun and comfortable to be with my parent's and siblings (hi Shannon! your sweatshirt is on Annelisa's bed), and I am always happy to spend time with them.
Liam finally admits that he is a "big boy." He is potty trained, falls asleep by himself in his own room at a consistent bedtime (8 pm), and refuses to nap. His language is now sophisticated enough to allow us a clearer glimpse into his thoughts, and it is truly a spunky combination of Billy's genes and mine. He likes to tease me by calling me a boy, or "Daddy", and the worst: that I am not his best friend. He thinks it is so funny and will laugh all by himself while I fake a cry. Yesterday he told me he wanted a new mommy, because I was old. When I vehemently denied the accusation he said "no Mom, see, you have a mode", and pointed to the mole on my neck. Today he told me he and Daddy had peepees, but that I had two butts. He thought that was funny too.
Isla is growing, of course. She was 20 lbs 6 oz. at her six month checkup a month ago. Her hair is turning lightish brown and is growing along with her body. The old ladies at church like to comment on her cute ponytails, her big blue eyes, her outfits, etc. Isla clearly loves the admiration and coos the whole time. She is a big fan of her Daddy, and I am not just saying that because I am suppose to. She truthfully adores him. As he does her. When dating Billy I remember thinking he would be a sweet dad to a daughter, and it is so squishy to see it come to fruition.
I am currently obsessing over my sewing projects and reading. Nothing else really exists (except family time) as far as I am concerned. I may post some pictures of a few dresses if I can remember.
I love you all! I check all of your blogs all of the time. Sorry I do not always leave comments...
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Monday, January 14, 2008
My Christmas Present
I love Billy for many reasons, and to try to elaborate on the subject in this blog would be the wrong forum for the wrong audience.* But I will share with you one secret to our relationship: Billy gives very thoughtful gifts. This Christmas his gift to me made me fall in love with him all over again.
In an effort to save money, we decided to make each other a present with a $5 limit. I sewed him a carpenter's apron. It was cute and functional, but nothing I want to take a picture of. Billy made me a radio. It has a futuristic retro look I love, and is permanently tuned to 1190 AM (a station that keeps me company during long sewing sessions). Every little detail was made by him, for me, and so sweetly unique and unexpected.
Like a child's drawings on the fridge, this radio makes my love for Billy tangible, and I just can't help but show it off.
Forgive me.
*This is not to say I look down on anyone who writes about their cute husbands and their marital love in this blogosphere. I love to hear about it, and I know many others do too. I am just afraid my prose would prove inadequate and that would make me sad.
In an effort to save money, we decided to make each other a present with a $5 limit. I sewed him a carpenter's apron. It was cute and functional, but nothing I want to take a picture of. Billy made me a radio. It has a futuristic retro look I love, and is permanently tuned to 1190 AM (a station that keeps me company during long sewing sessions). Every little detail was made by him, for me, and so sweetly unique and unexpected.
Like a child's drawings on the fridge, this radio makes my love for Billy tangible, and I just can't help but show it off.
Forgive me.
*This is not to say I look down on anyone who writes about their cute husbands and their marital love in this blogosphere. I love to hear about it, and I know many others do too. I am just afraid my prose would prove inadequate and that would make me sad.
Saturday, January 05, 2008
Crying
Isla is not crying because she has a monstrous snot bubble. She is not crying because baby food is smeared all over her pretty face. She is crying because I am not feeding her quick enough. As one sweet, dying Winnie Maud said to me, she is "too gosh dang anxious".
Thursday, January 03, 2008
Kitchen Remodel and a QUESTION!
The kitchen remodel is coming along quite well, but has missed the Christmas deadline. I like to have Billy do things like watch Jeopardy with me, enjoy the kids while I take a break, and put Isla to sleep for her nighttime nap and bedtime. Liam likes him to do things like take him to Home Depot and ride the tractors for an hour and then come home and play legos for another hour. And then Billy has his demanding work and church stuff. And I am completely incompetent and do nothing for the project but say "are we there yet?" in a really whiny voice.
So, yeah, it is no wonder the kitchen isn't finished. We are close though. Very close. Even though I still cannot imagine what it will be like when it is DONE. What will we do on Saturdays? What will we spend every last fluid cent on? What will the very purpose of our lives be???
I do have a question though. What should we paint the walls? The cabinets are brown/black and the counter top is a greenish corian. The floor is caramel colored wood but will be sanded and stained a light grayish color (I think). We will do a tile back splash, but still need to chose a color for that as well. So...help us color illiterates. What color of tile and wall??
Thanks. Please respond, we beg of you.
Christmas In General
This Christmas was by far my favorite Christmas ever. It was even more exciting then the year Santa brought me a doll house. Making it our mission to bring the joy of Christmas, combined with the true Spirit of Christmas into our home was very rewarding to Billy and I. I am sure all of you are saying "well duh, Rebecca", but this was the first year we really got into it, you know, and it felt so peaceful and happy. I hope I can find small reasons to do stuff like this year round.
Liam was very, very involved in the whole Santa Claus concept. He was convinced Santa would bring him four big tractors, but wasn't disappointed when he found only one under the tree. He had many more presents to distract him. The best ones were by far given by his Grandmas, of course.
Isla's First Christmas
Christmas came and went, and my little girl experienced her first candy cane, traditional Olsen pullah bread, and the tearing of wrapping paper. The latter was most poignantly proven by a big piece of red wrapping paper found in her diaper. Fully intact.
She is now six months and regularly calling me "Mommamommamomma". She likes to take a brief nap in the evening, around 7 or 8 pm, and then stay up 'til 1 am. It is hard to begrudge her of the late nights because she just coos and giggles the whole time. She likes to smile and play with people and gets her feelings hurt if you ignore her. Last Sunday a group of people walked by her while Billy was sitting in the hallway and she tracked them with her eyes the whole way. When they they turned the corner, and it was pretty evident they were not going to stop and smile at her, she let out a series of angry cries.
We love our little Isla Q, can you tell? She has so completely integrated herself into our family and hearts that I do not know how we were ever happy without her.
She is now six months and regularly calling me "Mommamommamomma". She likes to take a brief nap in the evening, around 7 or 8 pm, and then stay up 'til 1 am. It is hard to begrudge her of the late nights because she just coos and giggles the whole time. She likes to smile and play with people and gets her feelings hurt if you ignore her. Last Sunday a group of people walked by her while Billy was sitting in the hallway and she tracked them with her eyes the whole way. When they they turned the corner, and it was pretty evident they were not going to stop and smile at her, she let out a series of angry cries.
We love our little Isla Q, can you tell? She has so completely integrated herself into our family and hearts that I do not know how we were ever happy without her.
Monday, December 24, 2007
The Christmas Post
This is my favorite Christmas song, even if it isn't a Christmas song.The lyrics are below, and really are a must read. I've highlighted my favorite parts. This song really encompasses my testimony of the Savior, and how can I not think of Him during this glorious season?
Come, Thou Fount of every blessing,
Tune my heart to sing Thy grace;
Streams of mercy, never ceasing,
Call for songs of loudest praise.
Teach me some melodious sonnet,
Sung by flaming tongues above.
Praise the mount! I’m fixed upon it,
Mount of Thy redeeming love.
Here I raise my Ebenezer;
Here by Thy great help I’ve come;
And I hope, by Thy good pleasure,
Safely to arrive at home.
Jesus sought me when a stranger,
Wandering from the fold of God;
He, to rescue me from danger,
Interposed His precious blood.
O to grace how great a debtor
Daily I’m constrained to be!
Let Thy goodness, like a fetter,
Bind my wandering heart to Thee.
Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it,
Prone to leave the God I love;
Here’s my heart, O take and seal it,
Seal it for Thy courts above.
O that day when freed from sinning,
I shall see Thy lovely face;
Clothed then in blood washed linen
How I’ll sing Thy sovereign grace;
Come, my Lord, no longer tarry,
Take my ransomed soul away;
Send thine angels now to carry
Come, Thou Fount of every blessing,
Tune my heart to sing Thy grace;
Streams of mercy, never ceasing,
Call for songs of loudest praise.
Teach me some melodious sonnet,
Sung by flaming tongues above.
Praise the mount! I’m fixed upon it,
Mount of Thy redeeming love.
Here I raise my Ebenezer;
Here by Thy great help I’ve come;
And I hope, by Thy good pleasure,
Safely to arrive at home.
Jesus sought me when a stranger,
Wandering from the fold of God;
He, to rescue me from danger,
Interposed His precious blood.
O to grace how great a debtor
Daily I’m constrained to be!
Let Thy goodness, like a fetter,
Bind my wandering heart to Thee.
Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it,
Prone to leave the God I love;
Here’s my heart, O take and seal it,
Seal it for Thy courts above.
O that day when freed from sinning,
I shall see Thy lovely face;
Clothed then in blood washed linen
How I’ll sing Thy sovereign grace;
Come, my Lord, no longer tarry,
Take my ransomed soul away;
Send thine angels now to carry
Me to realms of endless day.
Monday, December 17, 2007
Thank You!
Thank you all for your opinions and tree philosophies. It is good to know my good friends are like-minded, because as much as I love our Christmas tree it feels like something is missing. I think it might need some more noise and mess to truly look like a Rebecca family tree. Next year here we come!
Saturday, December 08, 2007
Rocking Around the Christmas Tree
As a kid our Christmas tree was very reflective of our family and home environment. It was big and tall, cut down from a muddy tree farm behind our house. The ornaments were loud and uncoordinated and unevenly dispersed. Every year my mom would get each kid a new ornament. Some years they were from a sale at Meier & Frank (a red and green cloth doll for me, a glittered planet orb for Scott, etc . . .) and some years they were souvenirs from a trip abroad (paper doll ornaments from England, tribal giraffes from Kenya . . . ). And inevitably we kids added our own home/church/school made versions. My favorite was a bright yellow clay angel made in preschool until one year the ornament unveiling revealed a toilet paper wad cradling three broken pieces of angel. We also hung dozens of candy canes. I took pride in finding the best hidden spot on the tree for my favorite flavors. I am pretty sure Annelisa did this too. Maybe we all did because by the time Christmas arrived only the boring flavored candy canes (ie peppermint) were left.
Our green puffy tree was swaddled in layers of colored lights and sprinkled with years of ornament accumulation. As friends came over and look at the tall, towering Douglas Fir my chest swelled with pride. I just knew our tree was the biggest and brightest. It is this bright colorful mess that is quite possibly the very image of childhood Christmas memories imprinted on my heart.
It was not until the first year of my marriage that I realized my family tree was maybe not what others considered ideal. Our landlord's tree in Utah was big and tall, but strangely color-coordinated with pretty reds and golds. My in-laws had two trees. A smaller one adorned with musical ornaments for their musical family, and a big one decorated with soothing whites and silvers. The feeling and ambiance of their trees were not better, but definitely different than my family's. Never before did I realize a Christmas tree could be calming and peaceful, sort of like watching the boisterous Northern Lights but not hearing a sound.
Now that I share my house with Billy, and we have the fun chance to turn it into a home, I feel torn between the two kinds of Christmas trees. One is big, bushy, and messy in a good way. The other is an attempt at a Martha Stewart Christmas tree; a tree that is festive in a quiet sort of way. Both reflect love and prettiness, just more or less of each.
So which one do you think I should chose? Which one would you chose?
Well, I have already chosen. This year are tree is a simple Noble from a local tree farm. It is strung with white lights and decorated with shades of white, silver, and a touch of blue. It is pretty. I would post a picture if I had a working camera with a computer connection (long story). Hopefully a picture will come soon.
But I still want to know your opinions. What kind of tree philosophy do you have?
Our green puffy tree was swaddled in layers of colored lights and sprinkled with years of ornament accumulation. As friends came over and look at the tall, towering Douglas Fir my chest swelled with pride. I just knew our tree was the biggest and brightest. It is this bright colorful mess that is quite possibly the very image of childhood Christmas memories imprinted on my heart.
It was not until the first year of my marriage that I realized my family tree was maybe not what others considered ideal. Our landlord's tree in Utah was big and tall, but strangely color-coordinated with pretty reds and golds. My in-laws had two trees. A smaller one adorned with musical ornaments for their musical family, and a big one decorated with soothing whites and silvers. The feeling and ambiance of their trees were not better, but definitely different than my family's. Never before did I realize a Christmas tree could be calming and peaceful, sort of like watching the boisterous Northern Lights but not hearing a sound.
Now that I share my house with Billy, and we have the fun chance to turn it into a home, I feel torn between the two kinds of Christmas trees. One is big, bushy, and messy in a good way. The other is an attempt at a Martha Stewart Christmas tree; a tree that is festive in a quiet sort of way. Both reflect love and prettiness, just more or less of each.
So which one do you think I should chose? Which one would you chose?
Well, I have already chosen. This year are tree is a simple Noble from a local tree farm. It is strung with white lights and decorated with shades of white, silver, and a touch of blue. It is pretty. I would post a picture if I had a working camera with a computer connection (long story). Hopefully a picture will come soon.
But I still want to know your opinions. What kind of tree philosophy do you have?
Tuesday, December 04, 2007
Matt's Pictures
Here are some of the pictures my bro-in-law took over Thanksgiving. Who needs a camera when you have these blokes?
Isla's onesie is from Aunt Shannon. It says "Nobody Puts Baby in the Corner"
Kaisa and I were the cooks of the day. Looks like I am swearing in this picture, but I am really saying "I love you brother Derek, you look exceptionally handsome in your all black ensemble."
Liam, Paige, and Aerlind. They were all very chummy and happy together. It was so cute.
Aerlind in Grandpa's library. One of my favorite pictures of all time.
Here is the oldest of the cousins: Katia Ann. This is my second favorite pictures of all time. Isn't she just gorgeous? And sweet as a bunny too.
Isla's onesie is from Aunt Shannon. It says "Nobody Puts Baby in the Corner"
Kaisa and I were the cooks of the day. Looks like I am swearing in this picture, but I am really saying "I love you brother Derek, you look exceptionally handsome in your all black ensemble."
Liam, Paige, and Aerlind. They were all very chummy and happy together. It was so cute.
Aerlind in Grandpa's library. One of my favorite pictures of all time.
Here is the oldest of the cousins: Katia Ann. This is my second favorite pictures of all time. Isn't she just gorgeous? And sweet as a bunny too.
Thank Goodness for Bro-in-laws
Well, now my camera is not only on the fritz, it is also missing. It is a good thing we spend every extra penny on the kitchen remodel or I'd be out buying a new one "for Billy". So I am increasingly thankful to my photography-inclined bro-in-laws who take pictures of my kids. Here are a few Dan took over Thanksgiving break:
Saturday, December 01, 2007
Liam's House
Liam is leaning up against what he calls "Mommy and Daddy's bed"
Liam told me the pillow under the green chair is his bed. The church hymnal is there because he was singing bedtime songs while trying to put Billy to bed.
Liam told me this shoe was his baby and the silver soap holder underneath was the baby's bed.
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