Our Little Sweetheart!

We are so excited to announce the birth of:

Elizabeth Ann
Born: Saturday, April 18th
Weight: 8 pounds 14 ounces

More information and pictures to come!

Two Things to Love about March

#1--Kites

Recently, we were at the dollar store recently and found a kite for a dollar...then as we were checking out we found an even better deal. 2 for $1! We were so excited! We carefully put the kite together and waited until Greg got home to give it a go. The effort that ensued on Greg's part was totally endearing. Never has a Dad tried so hard...with such a crummy product! After running all over the nearby baseball field trying to have success...and thankfully, finally breaking the kite in the process... I decided we ought to "splurge" and head to Wal-Mart to get a "real kite".

Ten dollars and two evenings of fun later...we're so glad for a reason to be happy when it gets windy in March! (Although Joshua and I were smart enough to stay in the car at least part of the time this time...because it was 32 degrees and we were sure we could see snowflakes swirling in the wind.) So, don't be worried Joshua didn't have his chance to hold the kite. Some of us were just smart enough to choose otherwise. =)

#2--Basketball (See my other blog for the details.)
Playing with Preschoolers

Finished Quilt

I just need to sew the little pink bow on the turtle and this quilt is done! Kind of fun to have a "finished product"! Now I'm going to work on some matching burp cloths. Will post progress as it comes.

A Magical Moment

Learning to ride a bike did not come easy for me. I think I rode my "Big Wheel" until I was about 7 years old and then my parents got me a scooter to help me "transition". My memories of the the early moments of trying to learn on my banana-seat bike are of panicked screams for my dad not to let go of the back and lots of tears.

So on Sunday afternoon...when the day had turned beautiful...and Nathan asked Greg to take off his training wheels, I braced myself for what was to come. I looked out the window to see them out there doing one of those "picture perfect" moments of a dad holding onto the bike and a little boy trying very hard. The amazing thing was, by the time I dashed to grab our camera, that stage was passed! Nathan was riding on his own! He has done amazingly well...right from the start. (We think we owe some to scooter he got for Christmas that he's been riding around on in the Church gym through the winter.)

What a magical parenting moment to really see your boy "take off" on one of the great "firsts" of life!

The Mother I Wouldn't Be

My sister Carol is 4 1/2 years older than me. I feel so grateful that in each of life's steps..I've had her to follow. The example I'm most grateful she has given me is that of being a mother. I know that I would be a different kind of mother myself if I didn't have her ideas and influence in my life.

One of the things we enjoy doing together...although we live quite a distance apart...is generate ideas for fun things to do with our children. Sometimes we even follow through with them! =) Many of the creative "projects" I've posted on my blog are really ideas from her.

We've thought it would be fun to do a blog together...of creative ways to enrich the lives of preschoolers. Both to share ideas with others and, even more, to motivate ourselves to reinvest in our children's lives in the days ahead.

Here's the link:
www.playingwithpreschoolers.blogspot.com

Would love for your to check it out now...and in the days ahead...and give you comments!

Cowboys

Last night we had a chili cook-off ward party. We were supposed to go in "western attire". Nathan wore his boots and Joshua wore his leather vest. Greg was asked to read a western children's book as part of the program...and did a really cute job on "Widdermaker". A clever book about a cowboy taming "Widdermaker", a wild bull.

Baby Quilt in Progress

I went to the fabric store to find fabric for a baby quilt! I was so excited for my first chance to make something girly! Ironically, the fabric I loved best had turtles on it! I guess I will go girly in steps...maybe playful boy has just gotten too ingrained in me. =) But I think it's turning out kind of fun. This is going to be a "rag quilt" just big enough to go over a car seat. Will post a picture again when it's all done.

Quilt partially put together


My favorite quilt square--an applique turtle

Family Outings

Although we've had some pretty days, things have still been mostly plenty cold. Here are a few outings we've done to make some memories together and get a "change of scenery".

Fun at the Mall

We had often enjoyed the play place at our mall, but recently we found out about a place in the mall that is like a cheepo "Chucky Cheese". You can get in free to a spot where they have a large indoor playground and slides. There are arcades and other things. But Nathan's favorite part was the roller coaster that he and Greg got to ride for $1! (You can tell that just fitting in the roller coaster was excitement for Greg.)


The Humane Society

Greg has been having a real "hankering" for a dog. (I'm hoping having a baby will meet his need for something new in the "something/someone to take care of" department.) Recently when I mentioned to Joshua that maybe we could get him a bike for his birthday, he quickly told me that he doesn't want a bike...he wants a "husky". Greg has successfully gotten these thoughts on all of our minds. We were out running errands this morning and Greg just "happened" to know where the humane society was. We actually had a really fun time looking at dogs and cats and bunnies. (Believe it or not two huskies had just been delivered that morning. Greg hasn't been the same since.)

Time for Catching Up!

With a lost camera found and some beautiful Spring weather (granted that means we've occasionally been in the 40s), it's been fun to get back into pictures taking! Here are some random pictures of our last few days.

Playing in the "Yard"

The little space of grass between our townhome and where we park our car is priceless!





Picnic at the Park

In an effort to make the most of the "warmth" we decided to go on our first picnic of the year at the park.

Nathan's Birthday--Family Celebration

A few more pictures from our little family celebration.

One of the most fun gifts for Nathan's birthday...both in the opening and in the playing since...was a "dress-ups kit" for he and Joshua. Now they can instantly become:
Firemen

Pirates

Army Guys!

(I got almost everything from our local dollar store. Sewed vests from clearance Halloween fabric.)