Sunday, April 27, 2008

Peanut butter...

makes a tasty cookie and truly does get gum out of hair. We have now tried this twice in our home and it works wonders. Thank goodness.

Monday, April 21, 2008

Old pictures I came across...

that I always thought were interesting.


Does this nativity scene look off to you?



These pictures were from the Christmas of 2006. Matthew was almost five years old when he decided to mix Star Wars with this little nativity set. I didn't catch him in the act, but discovered it sitting just this way sometime later. I love having kids around the house. They are always entertaining.

~There is a section of woods near our house that the boys enjoy exploring. Last February, Jacob discovered this little prize. I thought when we looked it up last year we were able to conclude exactly what it was, but I can't recall. Upon looking at pictures tonight all I can conclude is that it is salamander larva. Pretty interesting, wouldn't you say?

Having fun with photos

I used the kids' kaleidoscope toy for these first two pictures.



And this picture is taken through the viewfinder of another camera. I came across some pictures labeled TTV (through the viewfinder) on etsy and was curious. I thought it was kind of cool looking. I'd like to experiment with it some more.

Thursday, April 17, 2008

Happy Birthday,

Jacob! This sweet Gardner boy is now eleven. I cannot believe it. I remember when Gabe was eleven he started claiming 'preteen' status (I had to explain to Gabe that technically it wasn't until 12 years old and if he would be able to claim it so would his younger brothers, then ages 8 and 3). I wonder if Jacob will have the same inclination. He doesn't seem to be in any big hurry to be a teenager, so I think I'm safe. I look forward to another year with a boy that can be so funny, caring, and affectionate.




Always adventuresome (that's what I call it to keep myself sane).

Always smiling.


Always himself.

Thursday, April 10, 2008

I'm Back


Hello, all. It has been a while since I posted anything. Little Chloe now has 6 teeth!

And Matthew has lost two teeth. So many changes in their little lives.


Chloe and her sleep habits have become a major focus in my life. For most of her eleven months she has slept with me and relied on me to get her to sleep (and to keep her there). Well, I'm done. While I enjoy my little girl and our quiet moments together, I have begun to suffer mentally from no alone time. So, for the last week we have been making great progress and I am excited to finally enjoy some breathing room. The first few nights of Chloe getting to sleep on her own have been interesting. She has taken to sleeping sitting up. Yes, sitting up.
Proof:

And even with the flash she did not wake up. Last night was the first night that I did not have to lay her down after she fell asleep. And she slept 8 1/2 hours straight. Major milestone here. Tonight it did take her awhile to fall asleep, but she will now stay in her crib quietly until she does. We are making progress and I am excited, it will be good for both of us.
And though I do complain about the sleep stuff, I do adore her and am so grateful for the smiles she brings into our home.