Simple Things Sunday

One word...or maybe two...

Yes I made those, and yes I ate one (maybe one and a half).  Today is one of those days where it just needed to happen.  It was a good day, but still - a cinnamon roll day.  This is what we mean by the simple things!

We had a great week this week.  For some reason it seemed crazier than usual, but we made it out alive!  Just in time too, Halloween is here!  To be honest, neither Andy or I are really into Halloween.  If you remember last year I didn't even dress Noah up!  We tried a little harder this year and even put Clare in a costume....this was last night at our Church Trunk or Treat - can you tell what they are??



Cutest fireman and dalmatian around (if I do say so myself)!  I am pretty sure Noah doesn't realize or understand just what Halloween is all about, but he definitely wasn't complaining as people handed him free candy!  We had a great time, and look forward to taking them out again tomorrow night.  BTW, no Clare didn't trick or treat.  That's the last thing I need!

Having kids definitely makes these sorts of things a lot more enjoyable, but I still don't think you'll see Andy and I wearing costumes any time soon.

Happy Halloween to all of you out there, I'll try to get my act together and blog a little more this week!  Until then, don't get sick from eating all your kids candy! ha.

Simple Things Sunday

This has been a fairly busy week.  I was thinking the other day about back when I use to work outside of the home (before I had kids).  I had a lot of really great work experiences before Andy and I were married, and there are a lot of things I miss about them (dressing up for one).  I will say though that being a mom, for me, is the most difficult (physically, emotionally, mentally) job that I have ever had.  It is also the most rewarding job. I am not going to to pretend that there aren't days I want a break (just ask Andy) or maybe even a breakdown - but the blessings outweigh those moments a million to one.

Here are some of those rewards (and the simple things) I noticed this week...

I have been taking Noah with me to craft stores since he was born.  Especially while Andy was deployed.  I'd tell Andy that Noah was chilling with my mom and I at the craft store.  He would always joke that when he got home from his deployment he would take Noah out for some 'red meat and football'.  ha.  Well, Noah still loves the craft store...and even in a store where there is only one 'toy' isle - he still manages to sniff it out.  We found these awesome caps (if you can even call them that) and Noah wore this shark one around JoAnn's the whole time we were there.  I kept asking him if he wanted to take it off and he would simply reply - No.  I love this age. 

I also love the stage Clare is in.  I wish I could freeze her like this (just for a little while longer).  Every time she has a bath we put her onesie on her head and call her the puppy dog.  Silly, I know...but I can't get over how adorable she looks...would you beg to differ? 

Lastly, Noah - my little helper.  Anytime I am doing something at the kitchen counter (especially if it involves baking something) he comes up and says, "Help me Mommy, Help me,"  which means he wants to help me with whatever I am doing.  He will often (at random moments) ask if he can have cake, usually when we haven't had it in months.  So when I asked him to help me make cupcakes this week he was, of course, right on board.    His favorite part?  Why, licking the bowl.  I did it as a kid, so I figured I had to give Noah the same perks I had.  He licked it clean, and even licked a little off his sleeve too. 

6 Months, Already?!

Clare actually hit the 6 month mark at the beginning of the month, but we didn't have her baby well check until today.  She is growing so fast, and yet I feel like she is so much younger than Noah was at this age.

Clare's Six (and a half) Month Stats:
17lbs 3oz
27 1/2 inches tall

Here are some things Clare loves: 

Mommy
Being held (by anyone really, but especially Mommy or Daddy)
Long Naps
Eating
Playing with her feet
Being Sung to (especially this song, seriously)
Watching Noah Dance
Putting things in her Mouth
Rolling around (but hates being on her belly for more than 10 seconds)
Bath Time
Toys

I also like to refer to Clare as a 'closet thumb sucker' - she loves her thumb and although I find it completely adorable, I try my hardest to keep the bink in and the thumb out.   She has the cutest personality and is also known to the family as Baby Clare.  We are so lucky to have her as a part of our family and can't wait to see her continue to grow and learn.  

Just for fun, you can go here to see what Noah's stats were at 6 months.  There's quite a difference between the two.  He sure is a cute little guy!  

The Simple Things

I was reading this blog post, and felt like it would be the perfect addition to our blog.  Looking for the simple things in life...and trying to capture them - and enjoy them.  Sometimes I get so wrapped up in doing the laundry, cleaning my house, feeding my family and all the other responsibilities I have, that I miss the most important moments of the day.  Moments like these...

My sweet Clare has been sitting up lately.  I can't believe how big she is getting (much too quickly if you ask me).  One of my favorite things is how excited she gets when you go get her from her nap.  She has the sweetest little personality and smile.  She brings so much happiness to our home.

I don't think it would be much of a stretch for me to say that Noah's cars are some of his most prized possessions (at his old age of two and a half).   Whenever we talk to Grandma and Grandpa or any family on the phone, his cars are the first thing he mentions....followed by fire truck, big big trucks and so on.  He could spend countless hours playing with cars.  He talks about cars at friends house that he once played with, he talks about cars he saw on the road weeks ago.  Yes, Noah loves his cars....but as long as he loves his mom just a wee bit more, I don't mind.  

I hope to post the Simple Things on Sundays...but since I failed to get this up yesterday - here it is today.  If you decide to participate yourself, please leave a comment - I'd love to see.  

Opportunities To do Good

Remember when Andy was in Afghanistan, I was asked to speak in church about service...I posted here and asked for you help.  You shared so many wonderful experiences with me that brought a strong spirit to my talk.  Well, I am seeking you help (and stories) once again.  This month I have the opportunity to teach in Relief Society on a talk given by President Henry B. Eyring on seeking out Opportunities to do good.   Watch the video below and if you feel so inspired I would love to hear your experiences of serving others in need, or being the recipient of service.  It doesn't have to be a life changing experience...just one that blessed your life.  It can be anything.  I know I can always use a reminder to take more opportunities to good.

Paradise

Check out the new Coldplay song (if you haven't already).  Plus, I moved my music playlist.  Just click on the 'My Music Playlist' tab above.

Whole Lotta Hodgepodge

I feel like my blogging record has taken a hit. I haven't been as motivated as usual to update the blog...but I am making a comeback. I'm pretty sure, I think. Yes, yes. We have actually been fairly busy doing fun things in the Washington rain. I am beginning to realize what people around here say when they tell you that you'll learn to appreciate the different types of rain.  Drizzle, sprinkle, downpour, steady rain.  I am sure there are many others...I will be learned before our time here is through.

So enough with my ramblings, here's what you really want - Pictures!

I forgot to share these in my previous post, so I thought I would include them here.  The Boise airport is the only airport I have been in thus far (or at least seen) that has had a little play area for children.  Noah was in heaven, and so was I!  I didn't have to worry about keeping him corralled because he didn't want to leave!  It was genius.  Props to Idaho, once again.

And just for your entertainment, and mine for that matter, here is a little preview of what Halloween has in store for Noah.

I don't know, I think Noah may have found his calling in life - what do you think?!  My mom made this adorable costume for my nephew Aleks and we were fortunate enough to get it.  My Halloween woes just got 50% easier.

The day after we got home Andy had a four day weekend.  We hardly ever go out to eat breakfast, but since we had absolutely NO food in our entire house, we decided to seize the moment and treat ourselves.  Downtown Olympia didn't disappoint (jam packed with your fair share of homeless folks too).  This little hole in the wall was pretty darned good, we would go back for sure.

Yes it's called the New Moon Cafe, and No I don't believe it is in any way referencing the book.  In case you wondered.   We also walked around the little city and caught this lovely view.  Pretty ain't it?

Now that we are semi caught up, lets talk about the first weekend of October (yes, friends, it's October).  Sheesh.   We had a really fun opportunity to go out and support some of our friends in the annual Down Syndrome Buddy Walk.  It was a great event!  Fabulous food (Costco muffins, you know what I'm sayin), magic show, face painting, give aways and the company was especially great.  We didn't win any thing, but you better believe we made up for it with the free muffins.

Here is Noah, getting all cozy before the walk!

And here are the Stockton Superstars! We are a might fine bunch if you ask me!!
 (PS. I stole this picture from my friend Rachel's facebook page)  Thanks Rachel! 

I can't go without showing Noah's pride and joy from the event, the SNAKE that we had painted on his face.  At least that's what it was supposed to be, he kept moving.

Whoo!  We are getting there!!
So many of you know that I am addicted to Pinterest.  Openly, admittedly addicted.  I often say that the beautiful thing about Pinterest is that it makes me feel crafty without me actually having to be crafty.  If that's possible.  I recently attempted to make something that I first saw on Pinterest and I am pretty happy with the end result.

You can find a walk through on how to make your own here.
Noah insisted on painting as well, since I was painting of course.  Here is his masterpiece, painted while watching Mickey Mouse Clubhouse.  Thankfully his paints were washable (this was after he had poured out almost 3 bottles of my acrylic paint, but that's another story).  

Lastly, I have been preparing all week for a little party I had on Friday night.  A Favorite Things party.  If you aren't sure of the details that's ok, just know that it's a party where you bring and share some of your favorite things.  It was especially nice to get to know these ladies better, I had a great time.

Well friends, that concludes all the hodgepodge.  Sad.  I am mostly sad because I don't have another excuse to use the word hodgepodge...but I'll get over it.

If you didn't have a chance to hear it (or even if you know nothing about it), our church and their semiannual General Conference this past weekend as well.  Soooo, if you need a little uplifting you can click here, here, here or here to read/listen to a some of my favorites.  Trust me, you won't be disappointed!!!