tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61577781688370326662012-01-03T06:36:46.025-07:00marymaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08348610804363906463noreply@blogger.comBlogger1941100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6157778168837032666.post-9053997741707554142011-12-18T23:09:00.000-07:002011-12-18T23:28:45.668-07:00

-Tonight on our drive home from grandpa's house (which, coincidentally, really is over the river and through the woods), Adam said, "Dad, if we get in a car crash -- I'm saying if we get in a car crash, I'm not saying I want us to -- I'm just saying, if we get in a car crash, can we put it on mama's blog?" -Yesterday Peter wore his shirt of tandem-cycling Captain Ahab and Moby Dick, so there

marymaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08348610804363906463noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6157778168837032666.post-41976857794687233302011-11-26T22:59:00.000-07:002011-11-26T23:42:33.418-07:00

We made an advent calendar to send to Grandma Kathe. I had Jane and Zuzu create the artwork. I think the everyone-facing-forward-and-floating-in-space technique came about because I recently had them draw and paint a whole set of nativity blocks and, being burned out on the art-slave gig, they just redrew on the fabric the figures they drew for the blocks. Despite the unfortunate effect

marymaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08348610804363906463noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6157778168837032666.post-11201094158216281502011-10-31T23:12:00.000-06:002011-11-01T10:53:17.307-06:00

The group front porch shot seems to have become an annual tradition. Cookie Monster is one of Aunt Suzy's famed masterpieces and Jane was excited to be the right size to borrow it this year: With her twin pumpkin: When Zuzu's Primary (like Sunday School) teacher at church -- we'll call her Michelle, since, uh, that is her name -- brought a traditional Indian outfit to show

marymaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08348610804363906463noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6157778168837032666.post-67099019503260758372011-05-21T20:53:00.000-06:002011-05-21T20:53:06.934-06:00

OK, after my comments about black and orange in my last post, I had to laugh when I clicked through to see it on the blog and saw . . . my blog header.

marymaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08348610804363906463noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6157778168837032666.post-84268691284368710252011-05-21T20:41:00.004-06:002011-05-21T20:56:35.729-06:00

Jane was of the opinion that she needed a Camp Half-Blood shirt, à la Percy Jackson and the Olympians. I said I'd make her one because I've been wanting to try cutting a freezer paper stencil with my Cricut electronic cutter ever since I got it for Christmas. Also because I pretty much do whatever Jane tells me. Like last month when she said, "I need you to come to school tomorrow at 11:00 to

marymaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08348610804363906463noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6157778168837032666.post-74116515498811576992011-05-12T10:53:00.000-06:002011-05-13T14:35:14.883-06:00

Just now when I was picking laundry off the floor of my girls' chronically disheveled room, mentally giving the lecture about how their room could be clean all the time if they would simply put each thing back where it goes instead of dropping it on the floor, I had a sudden flashback that made me chuckle. I was at an overnight birthday party of a newish girl in our neighborhood. Her mother

marymaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08348610804363906463noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6157778168837032666.post-47833345369849226662011-04-20T22:34:00.001-06:002011-04-20T22:37:58.963-06:00

We went back and forth quite a bit this year on what we should do with the kids' Spring Break. It was a tough choice between the family ski trip to France and a week in St George. In the end, St George won out, so we packed our things for a We drove down on Monday, played at "the twirly park" and settled in while the kids played in the pool. If it had been up to the kids, they would have played

marymaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18382571077565577764noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6157778168837032666.post-2506132134136963352011-04-06T22:23:00.007-06:002011-04-06T22:30:16.816-06:00

When Jane and I got in the car to run an errand tonight, some very odd techno/classical/jazz (?) was on the radio. I tuned it to the classical station. Jane said, "We could turn the radio off and listen to the beautiful music of  [makes her two hands into little mouths facing each other]  . . .  chit-chat!" On the way home, she said, "Mom, tell me the funniest thing I don't already know." And

marymaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08348610804363906463noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6157778168837032666.post-87448052696730935922011-04-01T14:42:00.000-06:002011-04-01T14:42:12.755-06:00

Adam loves to cuddle and snuggle with me, and his affectionate embraces are usually accompanied by his original expression, delivered in baby-talk accent, "No more den love." I've asked him what exactly "no more than love" means, and he says, "It means I love you more than anyone." "More than you love anyone else or more than anyone else loves me?" "It means both." My brother and his girlfriend

marymaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08348610804363906463noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6157778168837032666.post-54432423633005831122011-03-28T16:03:00.001-06:002011-03-28T16:04:59.364-06:00

Adam: Can I use the web site? Me: The web site? Adam: Yeah. I need to show my friend what bounty hunter he's being. We're playing Star Wars. Can you type in "Star Wars guys with white helmets?"

marymaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08348610804363906463noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6157778168837032666.post-77131231561941885902011-03-28T12:43:00.002-06:002011-03-28T12:52:30.758-06:00

We're getting ready for a road trip that will require two days of driving each way. Our kids have been remarkable car travelers so far, but I'm scared we might be pushing our luck with this one. Although I have some snacks, activities, and media options planned, any advice will be appreciated. So far today I: Booked the hotel room. (A suite with two separate bedrooms! Suite!) Started a packing

marymaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18382571077565577764noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6157778168837032666.post-35757277666672949592011-03-06T22:22:00.000-07:002011-03-06T22:22:02.930-07:00

I find I rarely blog about the things I care most about because I feel I lack the time to figure out how to adequately express them. Yesterday and its events were wonderful -- just wonderful -- and my heart is very full. Tonight I don't have time to express all I'm thinking and feeling about my sweet Zuzu and her baptism and confirmation yesterday, but the pictures (perhaps with a few brief

marymaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18382571077565577764noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6157778168837032666.post-75688057766687933572011-03-04T22:44:00.000-07:002011-03-04T22:44:50.244-07:00

Clearly Jane inherited her spelling skills from Mary and not from me.  Not only does she spell the words correctly, she finishes in time to add illustrations.

Peterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14341189896811262823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6157778168837032666.post-58536747206509178222011-02-23T23:10:00.004-07:002011-02-23T23:18:30.429-07:00

I'm not talking about texting while driving. I'm talking about Ellen saying, "Mom, can I have an egg?" and me saying "Yeah. Just a minute," and then forgetting about it until I smell smoke. One of Adam's and Ellen's favorite snacks is an egg cooked in a bowl in the microwave. A few weeks ago I showed them how to do it themselves. They've gotten pretty good at cracking the eggs, but they've

marymaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18382571077565577764noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6157778168837032666.post-31089763647070479182011-02-21T15:52:00.002-07:002011-02-21T16:17:45.085-07:00

Jane is in the ensemble of her school play, Oliver! (Although she is excited about this, the exclamation point there is part of the official title of the show. I think I could maybe get sued or something for typing the title without the exclamation point.) This is the second year they've done a musical at her school. We were out of town for last year's, but other parents have told me that the

marymaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18382571077565577764noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6157778168837032666.post-31120388474192507202011-02-17T11:09:00.000-07:002011-02-17T11:09:57.067-07:00

Me: Do you want to call Uncle Andy? Adam: Yeah. Why? Me: It's his birthday! Adam: How far away is he? Me: California. Adam: Oh, that's too far. Me: Yeah, but we can call. Adam: No, I mean . . . the phone. Me: We can call to California on the phone. The phone can call that far. Adam: No. It can't. It's too far. (Later.) Adam: Mom, I just thought it was too far away, but then I thought of Nauvoo,

marymaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08348610804363906463noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6157778168837032666.post-30873786992609624612011-02-16T08:12:00.000-07:002011-02-16T08:12:13.391-07:00

"Mom, I picked my clothes for school tomorrow." She wore these with her purple shoes.

marymaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18382571077565577764noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6157778168837032666.post-30095671092849520652011-02-14T23:01:00.027-07:002011-02-14T23:13:39.178-07:00

Saw these at Target's Dollar Spot: Immediately two things came to mind: 1. These animal valentines I made for Jane to give to her playgroup friends in 2002. (She was 8 months old at the time. Ha ha ha ha ha ha! First child.) Of course each one contains a dumb pun. It is a cherished tradition. Please pardon the circa 2001 photography skillz. 2. Design Mom's 2010 wild animal valentines. Design

marymaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18382571077565577764noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6157778168837032666.post-72781107330970121012011-02-13T08:39:00.000-07:002011-02-13T08:39:20.086-07:00

Adam: You're so squishy, that's why I like to hug you, whereas Dad is kind of hard.

marymaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18382571077565577764noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6157778168837032666.post-76258157733207471062011-02-11T14:32:00.004-07:002011-02-11T15:18:47.520-07:00

1. One day last month (well, the eleventh, in fact) I sat down at the computer and discovered I'd missed a little instant message from Peter that said, "Happy 1-11-11!" Then I glanced at the clock in the upper corner of the screen and saw that it was, at that moment, 11:11 a.m., though he'd sent the message about a half an hour earlier.2. Yesterday I walked into the kitchen to see what time it

marymaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18382571077565577764noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6157778168837032666.post-63252538017500647972010-12-19T16:50:00.000-07:002010-12-19T16:51:27.258-07:00

Adam has recently developed a real interest in drawing. Last week he started drawing step by step "how to draw" illustrations for such important items as cars and the Abominable Snowman from Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer:(Adam's instructions break with convention by starting in the lower left corner.)Here are a couple of drawings he did yesterday:Asher in the Half PipeA few weeks ago we

marymaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08348610804363906463noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6157778168837032666.post-31360351580436831742010-11-27T23:12:00.008-07:002010-11-28T23:12:52.486-07:00

Among other festivities, there was some business with cupcakes.There were some cousins over to play, and some target practice.Adam's aim improved later, after he learned that you have to scrunch up your face.There was a birthday dinner, with Adam's requested menu: artichokes, roasted vegetables (brussels sprouts, carrots, potatoes, and mushrooms), and Kraft Macaroni and Cheese. And chocolate

marymaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18382571077565577764noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6157778168837032666.post-24712941505722808202010-11-14T08:00:00.000-07:002010-11-14T08:00:01.152-07:00

Green preschool T-shirt, pink floral capris, purple sequined vest (another birthday gift from Grandma Kathe), and two-tone purple patent leather Mary Janes. It took a while to get that shoe buckled. Green marker on her cheek to match the shirt.She latched onto those purple shoes at Old Navy a couple of weeks ago and followed me all around the store begging for me to buy them. I kept telling her

marymaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08348610804363906463noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6157778168837032666.post-11733287670537565492010-11-13T19:02:00.002-07:002010-11-13T19:36:13.551-07:00

For my cousin's baby. I thrifted an old suede jacket on 99 cent tag day a long time ago, with projects like baby shoes in mind. It was too thin a suede to use without a lining, otherwise this project would have been easier. It was especially fiddly since you can't really pin leather and it could have used some pinning. The pattern is from this Japanese craft book. Looks like it's out of print now

marymaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08348610804363906463noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6157778168837032666.post-45295760008406119932010-11-08T14:59:00.004-07:002010-11-08T15:16:23.406-07:00

In our 2004 family newsletter, we reported: "Zuzu has developed her native climbing skill impressively over the course of the year, learning to get into and out of her highchair without help at 14 months, out of her crib or playpen at 18 months, and out of any shopping cart, even if buckled in. With the help of a bar stool, even the top of the fridge is not out of her reach."I thought I'd give

marymaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18382571077565577764noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6157778168837032666.post-64627009733493772452010-10-30T22:58:00.003-06:002010-10-30T23:30:48.020-06:00

Jane handed me a list a few weeks ago titled "Candy Corn Witch costume," with exact specifications. Her starting point was the candy corn tights I got her from an after-Halloween clearance sale a couple of years ago. All I did was put the appliqué on the shirt and the ruffle band on the hat (exactly according to Jane's instructions, of course).Zuzu's piratess costume is from our costume box.

marymaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18382571077565577764noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6157778168837032666.post-44659249678512207342010-09-16T15:12:00.002-06:002010-09-16T15:59:20.666-06:00

After trying to salvage what was left after some neighbor boys knocked most of our nectarines off the tree, I had a box of fruit on the counter for several days. Do you know what happens when you have a box of fruit on your kitchen counter for several days?Fruit flies happen.After a bit of research on the marvelous interwebs, I had come across three different suggestions for a homemade fruit fly

marymaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08348610804363906463noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6157778168837032666.post-46300388942620033032010-08-18T19:56:00.002-06:002010-08-19T08:44:01.380-06:00

Look at the beautiful flowers Peter gave me for our anniversary:

marymaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08348610804363906463noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6157778168837032666.post-36985312498531746172010-06-21T21:50:00.005-06:002010-06-21T22:46:59.552-06:00

I didn't want to do it.I really didn't want to do it.But the time has come to turn on word verification, because the Chinese porno comment spamming has gotten out of control.You'll keep leaving comments, right? You don't mind typing 5-10 extra keystrokes, do you?Thanks. You're the best.

marymaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08348610804363906463noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6157778168837032666.post-13997571966397554362010-06-21T16:42:00.003-06:002010-06-21T16:50:22.894-06:00

I took four kids to 9:00 a.m. swim lessons, including the parent and child class with Ellen. I supervised after swim showers. I pulled Adam away screaming from the showers because no matter how long I let him linger, it will never be long enough in the warm water for him. I spent 5 minutes coaxing Ellen into her carseat. I explained, for the 6th time in a week, amid crying and whining, why we

marymaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18382571077565577764noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6157778168837032666.post-22649975304115020672010-06-16T21:19:00.005-06:002010-06-16T22:17:07.817-06:00

You know how at Merriam Webster Online clicking on the little speaker icon next to a word lets you hear how it's pronounced (like this)? 10 years or so ago, I discovered that if you change the word at the end of the pronunciation pop-up box's URL, the link would then display your word of choice along with the original audio.Recently I remembered about my little trick and was pleased to find that

marymaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08348610804363906463noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6157778168837032666.post-14934845080622421562010-05-19T20:00:00.001-06:002010-05-19T20:00:00.396-06:00

Ellen (who lives for anything with sugar in it): I want some medicine.Me: You don't need medicine. You're perfectly well.Ellen: Yeah I do! I hurt, because I need medicine.Me, to Ellen, every morning: Would you like some breakfast?Ellen, every morning: No. I want some candy.Me: You smell like maple syrup. Your face looks sticky. Were you drinking syrup?Ellen: Yeah. In a cup I was!Adam, saying

marymaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18382571077565577764noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6157778168837032666.post-77545628139777528612010-05-18T08:00:00.006-06:002010-05-18T08:45:59.379-06:00

Another "diaper cake" centerpiece. There's a little baby boom going on in my neighborhood. Lots of baby showers.Blankets for boy & girl twins whose nursery is brown & green:I put crochet thread in the bobbin and button thread in the top before I stitched around the edge. I like how well-defined it came out:Some things for a baby girl born a few months ago:Boy's onesie set. There were pants

marymaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08348610804363906463noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6157778168837032666.post-74719546168741976552010-05-17T22:10:00.005-06:002010-05-17T23:45:39.249-06:00

For example: I could never have put this outfit together and I honestly love it.(Later.)Me: What are you doing?Ellen: I'm changing my skirt.Me: Why?Ellen: Because the other one was on backwards. Well, the blue is lovely too.And here's a little something Adam picked out for himself one day:

marymaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08348610804363906463noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6157778168837032666.post-6802901183685135972010-04-19T22:51:00.007-06:002010-04-19T23:04:49.617-06:00

As I've mentioned before, I sing with this phenomenal choir. Just doing a little publicity for our concert this Saturday, since it's always nicer to sing to a full house. Admission is free!Deseret Chamber Singers Spring ConcertSaturday, April 24th, 7:00pm - 8:00pm First Baptist Church of Salt Lake City777 S 1300 East, Salt Lake CityClick here for a map. (Enter your own address to get directions.)

marymaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08348610804363906463noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6157778168837032666.post-53240359105752358252010-04-15T08:15:00.004-06:002011-11-09T14:58:16.238-07:00

Proud preschooler: What I found on the computer screen a few weeks ago after Adam had called out to me, "Mom? How do you spell 'the?'" (Guess he didn't hear the 'T.'): His internet searching skills are improving, even if he still couldn't find what he was looking for.

marymaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18382571077565577764noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6157778168837032666.post-45088160502657965222010-04-14T08:53:00.000-06:002010-04-14T08:53:53.431-06:00

Much to Ellen's dismay.If you've been to many baby showers, you've probably seen these clever centerpieces made of diapers that the mom can use later. The first I heard of them was the time I was helping out with a shower several years ago and my friend was telling me excitedly about the "diaper cake" she was making for the event. The more she tried to explain, the more confused I became, and

marymaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08348610804363906463noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6157778168837032666.post-45525614391058617572010-04-13T12:53:00.002-06:002010-04-13T12:59:26.850-06:00

It must be spring. My blog seems to be all about the weather again.

marymaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08348610804363906463noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6157778168837032666.post-40715626624989977392010-04-12T11:21:00.005-06:002010-04-12T12:42:31.238-06:00

I did it! I got a couple of dresses made in time for Easter baskets last week. My bed missed me.Before I had a chance to make Ellen's, I came across this beautiful little dress: Incredibly well made and 70% off. I wanted to make one for her too, and I have yards and yards of the other eyelet left, just not TIME. I can't compete with the third world seamstresses.The whole crew:Hurray for warm

marymaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18382571077565577764noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6157778168837032666.post-2177010559015356162010-04-06T08:02:00.002-06:002011-11-09T15:03:45.490-07:00

Peter took me on a wonderful trip to the Needles District of Canyonlands the last weekend in March. What an amazing part of the planet. Some of the places we saw are new entries on my list of all-time favorites. I ♥ the Colorado Plateau, I ♥ my camping partner, and I ♥ exploring a new-to-me place, so what was not to love? Some might answer: the sleet, snow, wind, hail and unseasonable cold that

marymaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18382571077565577764noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6157778168837032666.post-51169728934644047792010-04-05T22:17:00.001-06:002010-04-05T22:18:26.792-06:00

I believe that googly eyes are one of mankind's great inventions. I submit the following as evidence:

marymaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08348610804363906463noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6157778168837032666.post-35045426087409331972010-04-04T16:44:00.004-06:002010-04-04T17:37:37.832-06:00

The other day I told Peter that I'm tempted sometimes to buy those chocolate Easter bunnies for my kids' baskets, just because when I was a kid they were something my friends got that I never did. And so it came to be that I woke up to find this 15-inch monstrosity in a basket for me:Diva Da' Bunny! My kids were so excited. They couldn't stand how long I waited to open it. I was giving out

marymaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18382571077565577764noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6157778168837032666.post-53435687814557662042010-03-30T22:45:00.000-06:002010-03-30T23:08:14.731-06:00

Ellen, to Peter, when we're all in the car: Next time I want to drive.Peter: You'll be old enough to drive when you're 16.Ellen: No, I can drive. 'Cause I have my princess keys.Ellen, to Zuzu's 7 year-old friend: Where's your cell phone?Zuzu's friend: I don't have a cell phone. I have to be 16. And I have to buy it with my own money.Ellen: I have a cell phone.Adam: Winnie the pooh.Ellen: We need

marymaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18382571077565577764noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6157778168837032666.post-28734704115297547452010-03-30T22:08:00.003-06:002010-03-30T22:27:00.865-06:00

I'm going to start doing some posts based on random photos.*I made this dress for Ellen for Halloween/Fall 2008, and I was so pleased that it still fit, once I loosened the sleeve elastic, the next year. *Considering recent trends, maybe I shouldn't start any sentence with a statement so bold as "I'm going to start doing some posts. . . "

marymaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08348610804363906463noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6157778168837032666.post-29282477319002009832010-03-06T14:04:00.000-07:002010-03-06T14:05:55.451-07:00

marymaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18382571077565577764noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6157778168837032666.post-68941261116480397822010-03-04T21:33:00.004-07:002010-03-04T22:39:41.705-07:00

I can hear Jane & Zuzu at the end of the hall lying in their bunk beds. Zuzu wants to go to sleep, but Jane is in a chatty mood.*Jane: Would you, could you, in a box?Zuzu: Would you, could you, please be quiet?Jane: I don't know; I've never tried it.*Jane has always needed less sleep than Zuzu, so Zuzu is frequently sleep deprived as a consequence of sharing a room with her.

marymaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18382571077565577764noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6157778168837032666.post-4627107732118615562010-03-04T16:17:00.008-07:002011-11-09T15:07:11.174-07:00

Zuzu's class had a valentine box decorating contest. She wanted to make a circus tent box. Here's her original design drawing: (I love, love, love that elephant drawing.) And here's the finished box: Better show you the other sides too: Peter helped her build the box lid (It's hinged. I'm not kidding.) and I helped her with the decoration. My sister Suzy generously let the cousins come

marymaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18382571077565577764noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6157778168837032666.post-86372667615048833732010-01-29T22:20:00.001-07:002010-03-04T17:00:30.147-07:00

Yesterday, I went up into the mountains for an outing, by myself, on an ordinary weekday, while Peter was at work. That has not happened since before I birthed my firstborn.I have a couple of things to say about trading babysitting with neighbors: Hallelujah, Amen! The last two weeks I had too much to do so I didn't do anything fun on my free morning. Yesterday, again, I had too much to do. So I

marymaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08348610804363906463noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6157778168837032666.post-3709203474143183072010-01-17T22:46:00.001-07:002010-01-17T22:48:19.825-07:00

marymaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08348610804363906463noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6157778168837032666.post-23944117250839723452010-01-08T09:45:00.002-07:002010-01-08T10:13:05.380-07:00

Tuesday night my dad babysat so Peter and I could go to the temple. Today when I gave Ellen a hug and said, "I love you," she pointed her finger at me and sang, "And I love YOU, a bushel and a peck!"Ellen: Gampa Tacy sang dat to me. He sang dat to me when I was in my bed.Me: Aww. You know he used to sing that song to me when I was a little girl?Ellen: No, he sang that to me when I was a

marymaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18382571077565577764noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6157778168837032666.post-29555694680087463782010-01-08T09:02:00.005-07:002010-01-08T09:39:14.437-07:00

Children are good at pointing out to you things you may say all the time without realizing it. For example, I never noticed how often I said "Oh dear," until a sing-songy "Ah dee" popped up as a staple of Jane's just-over-a-year-old vocabulary.The other day after Adam got dressed, he came and found me, put his hands on his hips, and queried, "Do I look like a million bucks?" And this morning

marymaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18382571077565577764noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6157778168837032666.post-15645544763721216462010-01-01T14:24:00.001-07:002010-01-01T15:24:25.300-07:00

marymaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18382571077565577764noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6157778168837032666.post-42637383653882796472009-12-30T14:25:00.003-07:002009-12-30T14:40:36.860-07:00

The snow has been piling up here since yesterday morning and I've been wishing I was out in it. Here's a conversation from this morning.Me: I want to go skiing. I think I'll leave Ellen to babysit you kids. What do you think?Jane (8 years old): I will babysit!Me: Hmm. I'm not sure you're quite old enough yet. Ellen, would you take care of these kids for me? Do you think you could babysit them?

marymaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08348610804363906463noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6157778168837032666.post-39268011767389513182009-12-21T14:42:00.004-07:002009-12-21T15:24:20.562-07:00

I called my neighbor after church on Sunday to meet us outside and take our picture as a family, since we were all dressed up already. No one else shared my enthusiasm for the idea, but family pictures are important, so I was willing to be the bad guy for now and let everyone thank me later. Once I'd gotten Ellen out of the high chair, made Peter abandon his industrious efforts to get lunch for

marymaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18382571077565577764noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6157778168837032666.post-75023032074662187532009-12-18T22:12:00.000-07:002009-12-18T23:14:43.076-07:00

There are no gloves for children younger than 4 that will keep their hands warm and dry enough while simultaneously allowing them the use of their fingers. It is contrary to the laws of physics. If you put mittens or thick gloves on your younger-than-four year old, she will take them off so she can use her fingers. If you put thin gloves on, she may leave them on, but the gloves will quickly be

marymaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08348610804363906463noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6157778168837032666.post-44616244632068821582009-11-26T20:46:00.005-07:002009-11-26T21:12:47.126-07:00

marymaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08348610804363906463noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6157778168837032666.post-26333811571714683502009-11-23T13:48:00.003-07:002009-11-23T13:54:34.598-07:00

Last week in the mail: a brochure advertising Similac's new line of maternity clothes. This week: two complimentary cans of baby formula. Why, oh why? Do they know something I don't? Then again, the formula claims to have "EarlyShield® for immune support." If I drink it, will it give my immune system the boost it needs to get me get over this blasted viral infection that I don't have time

marymaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08348610804363906463noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6157778168837032666.post-54297658837215047312009-11-11T09:20:00.006-07:002009-11-11T09:36:33.799-07:00

If it makes you feel any better -- I know it does me -- the increased traffic did not come from keyword searches. It was from my sisters and brothers reposting the original post via their blogs, Google Reader, and facebook. Never underestimate the power of having eight siblings.

marymaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08348610804363906463noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6157778168837032666.post-61911714878069957372009-11-09T17:10:00.001-07:002009-11-09T17:11:23.562-07:00

I dislike the whole "rinse the meat, pat it dry with paper towels" thing. Do you think I could just put it in my salad spinner?

marymaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18382571077565577764noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6157778168837032666.post-55667691173415974182009-11-09T08:48:00.003-07:002009-11-09T08:57:39.714-07:00

So, the day after I mentioned Jane's continuing love of exotic, self-styled hairdos, she got up and did this to her hair for school. At first it included several more flowers clipped onto the pieces of hair framing her face, but she took those out. Not because of any aesthetic idea of them being "too much," mind you, just that they were tending to slip out and to hit her in the face.

marymaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08348610804363906463noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6157778168837032666.post-8838658576605825172009-11-08T21:04:00.002-07:002009-11-08T21:10:25.429-07:00

Found this in Jane's backpack last week.I would have died before handing this sentence in to a teacher when I was in 3rd grade.I don't know if that says more about the difference between me and Jane or the difference between my generation and hers.

marymaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08348610804363906463noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6157778168837032666.post-11668738368087728652009-11-07T21:17:00.003-07:002009-11-07T21:49:50.160-07:00

It's Saturday, early November, and everyone has important work to do. Here's Peter, raking,mulching,and setting out to mow the lawn, with Adam strapped into the pack for old times' sake.And here are the kids hard at work.My laborious task was the photographic documentation.By the way, if you're backing up to get a better camera angle on your daughter in a pile of leaves, and you suddenly find

marymaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18382571077565577764noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6157778168837032666.post-39406364985777736162009-11-03T15:06:00.004-07:002009-11-03T15:41:41.123-07:00

More costume-wishes granted by Grandma Kathe (Peter's mom): One set of Gryffindor robes (originally for Jane's 1st Harry Potter party) and one made-to-order "Belle dress." Adam reprised the flying monkey costume. Jane's intention was to be Ginny Weasley, however the mousse that was supposed to make her hair red was very . . . subtle. Hey, at least she didn't wind up with pink hair for a month

marymaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18382571077565577764noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6157778168837032666.post-78392910812719100092009-11-02T10:24:00.004-07:002009-11-02T10:41:23.326-07:00

While I was sending Peter a message about how Adam locked us in his bedroom this morning, Ellen made a mess with toilet bowl cleaner in the bathroom. While I was cleaning that up, she ripped up a book. While I was gluing the book back together, she took off her diaper and wet her bedroom floor. My tip-off to that one was her running past, naked, to the garbage, holding a wad of wipes.Me:

marymaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18382571077565577764noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6157778168837032666.post-88904461105282045462009-11-01T21:17:00.007-07:002009-11-01T22:58:10.038-07:00

Since I want to remain in denial about it being NOVEMBER and about the likelihood that the next time I go shopping there may be CHRISTMAS MUSIC playing, I'm going to linger here at Halloween for a while. You're welcome to join me.The only Halloween costume pictures I could find from 2006 were these of Princess Jane in one of her dress-ups, which I'm guessing means that we did the sane thing and

marymaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18382571077565577764noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6157778168837032666.post-8086751450509221572009-10-30T08:44:00.016-06:002009-11-26T10:48:31.181-07:00

Many years ago, I heard from Japanese friends that there was a O-Bon Matsuri in Salt Lake City* every summer. In 2005, I finally found out when it was being held and planned to take my family. I pictured street vendors selling yakisoba and taiyaki, and everyone coming out in their festive yukata, like at the festivals in Japan. I made yukata for Jane and Zuzu to wear and was excited for them

marymaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18382571077565577764noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6157778168837032666.post-52840721426737416652009-10-26T21:35:00.006-06:002009-10-26T22:10:03.836-06:00

The Littles: Red Riding Hood & Bo PeepWe didn't get good pictures of Jane's and Zuzu's costumes on Halloween that year, so we dressed them up again and tried for a photo shoot in December. They were far too entertained by their hilarious joke of throwing down Bo Peep's staff to hold still, so eventually Peter gave up and resorted to video. We recycled Jane's Goldilocks dress from the year before

marymaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08348610804363906463noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6157778168837032666.post-74380071367990186512009-10-25T21:18:00.004-06:002009-10-25T21:27:35.711-06:00

Baby Bear Zuzu, Papa Bear Peter, Goldilocks Jane, and Mama Bear Me

marymaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08348610804363906463noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6157778168837032666.post-35021164591194719332009-10-24T23:17:00.007-06:002009-10-25T21:27:53.504-06:00

Speaking of when we went as Wizard of Oz characters, click on the picture below to see an album of the EIGHT costumes I made that year. It still kills me that after all that work, the only documentation I have are these half-decent snapshots.Wizard of Oz Halloween Costumes 2002*For some unexplicable reason, if you're using Firefox as your web browser, some of the pictures might show up as blank

marymaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18382571077565577764noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6157778168837032666.post-6066975722932765542009-10-24T22:06:00.011-06:002009-11-03T15:49:28.313-07:00

Ewok sighted in my backyard yesterday morning:Luke Skywalker was there too. Leia and her friend the giant turtle were off at school.Did you know that Luke's eyelashes are amazing in real life?Durn it, I already redid the ears once and they're still too big. When my sister's family and mine went as characters from the Wizard of Oz for Halloween 7 years ago, this fur suit was 15-month-old Molly's

marymaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18382571077565577764noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6157778168837032666.post-41070247328520438472009-10-12T16:53:00.003-06:002009-10-25T21:28:49.352-06:00

I'm still here, I'm just taking the day off from blogging because it's Columbus Day.

marymaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08348610804363906463noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6157778168837032666.post-89711759297629482252009-09-29T14:47:00.002-06:002009-10-25T21:29:00.956-06:00

Zuzu: Jane, did you know Han Solo is Indiana Jones!?Jane: Oh yeah, yeah. It's the same guy.Zuzu: Only when he's Indiana Jones he's not as cheeky as when he's Han Solo. But he's really good at being cheeky when he's Han Solo.Jane: I think I'd be good at that too. I can be really cheeky.Zuzu: Yeah, you're good at being cheeky too.

marymaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18382571077565577764noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6157778168837032666.post-66686229581560416272009-09-25T09:11:00.005-06:002009-10-25T21:29:15.715-06:00

Jane: That hairspray doesn't smell delightful.Me: It's pretty stinky stuff, isn't it?Jane: It's stinky dot com. Did you buy it from Amazon dot stink?

marymaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18382571077565577764noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6157778168837032666.post-24074852356329381142009-09-22T21:42:00.015-06:002009-10-25T21:28:24.942-06:00

Today was the birthday of a little neighbor friend, so I made her a little shoulder bag during Ellen's nap. I thought she would like something frilly and girly, and she did.Most of the time when I get to sew now, it's a bit of a mad dash. Today was no exception. I put Ellen down, stuck Adam in front of Star Wars, raced downstairs, cut it out as fast as I could, rushed through each step,

marymaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18382571077565577764noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6157778168837032666.post-66172575615947125952009-09-19T21:18:00.004-06:002009-09-19T21:53:56.828-06:00

This little guy was discovered last Monday crawling across our neighbor's front yard. Let me tell you, nothing this exciting has ever happened in our cul-de-sac before. From the urgency of the knock of Jane's neighbor friend on our front door to alert us to the turtle's arrival, I was sure I'd be opening the door to news of a dire emergency.He turned out to be an escapee from a pond at a house

marymaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08348610804363906463noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6157778168837032666.post-24112616211931390102009-09-12T08:39:00.005-06:002009-09-23T08:39:03.571-06:00

Today Adam is marching around the house playing The Imperial March, on kazoo.By the way, that tune was the first one that Ellen ever sang recognizably. I should try to get that on video.

marymaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18382571077565577764noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6157778168837032666.post-69366554277842072272009-09-05T16:09:00.006-06:002009-09-19T21:55:04.361-06:00

"I am a genius at drawing!"-Adam to Ellen while they colored with crayons"I am so. dang. good at this."-Adam, spoken quietly to himself while blowing bubbles

marymaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08348610804363906463noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6157778168837032666.post-47807126935777731662009-09-05T08:00:00.002-06:002009-09-19T21:55:15.951-06:00

"This is the ocean, mama," he insisted. "It is the ocean. It has waves. See those waves?" He really believed it.However, when he told me next, "And there are crocodiles in there, mama. Really. There really are," he had his tell-tale grin and a glint in his eye. He likes to try to trick me.

marymaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18382571077565577764noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6157778168837032666.post-79030801749931121892009-09-02T21:37:00.004-06:002009-09-23T08:38:44.309-06:00

As you may know, I hate to see things go to waste. You know how sometimes the little tab gets ripped off an otherwise perfectly good diaper? I hate that. But when it happened today, a thought popped into my head: I mended a disposable diaper. Laugh if you must. But let's do some calculations. I saved $ .25 (the cost of the diaper) in 30 seconds of my time. If I could save $ .25 for every 30-

marymaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08348610804363906463noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6157778168837032666.post-23987791546046206862009-08-29T08:58:00.006-06:002009-08-29T09:29:38.863-06:00

Utah Valley Locals: The last of Deseret Chamber Singers' summer concerts is tomorrow, Sunday, August 30. We'll be singing at the Springville Art Museum at 5:00 p.m. If you like choral music, you'll love this concert. Same program as our previous concerts at the Assembly Hall and the Cathedral of the Madeleine, including David Zabriskie's stunning "Lux Aeterna," works from Palestrina, Brahms,

marymaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08348610804363906463noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6157778168837032666.post-8501622949844363492009-08-28T22:43:00.005-06:002009-08-29T09:24:07.948-06:00

The struggle began at floor level, then moved up onto the table. When I went for my camera, Ellen was standing on tiptoe, but by the time I got back, she had shifted to this seated position.You can't see it well in the picture, but Jane's outfit features a belt she made from cutting up an old men's tie (one left over from the Easter egg project), fastened with a safety pin. There was much crying

marymaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18382571077565577764noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6157778168837032666.post-83704108051452654512009-08-24T22:55:00.004-06:002009-08-29T09:23:30.079-06:00

Dearest Ellen,I came in from helping Adam outside to discover you filling paper cups with small servings of Frosted Mini Wheats. The count of filled cups was already up to 15. I wish I could know whether to you this was just a creative activity to pass the time or part of a larger plan.Anyway, you crack me up. And I think you're ready for chores.

marymaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08348610804363906463noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6157778168837032666.post-26559679515198894172009-08-23T21:47:00.005-06:002009-09-09T14:00:21.473-06:00

Here's a little bead lacing toy I put together for Ellen:All I did was buy some large wooden beads and some shoelaces and make a little bag to keep them in. I thought I'd post it as a cheap & simple gift idea. Tie a bead onto the end of each lace to keep the others from sliding off.Of course, these beads would be too small for a baby still in the choking hazard stage. And of course any toy with

marymaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18382571077565577764noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6157778168837032666.post-36969826362463400372009-08-21T13:48:00.005-06:002009-08-29T09:30:59.112-06:00

Peter's mom brought to my attention that a picture of Peter and me and Tiny Ellen is on the main page of the Timpanogos Storytelling Festival site. It's the third photo that auto-loads in the main box -- or if you're too excited to wait that long, you can see it immediately by clicking on the second thumbnail from the left. It must've been taken at the City Volunteer Appreciation Evening in 2007

marymaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18382571077565577764noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6157778168837032666.post-466217891031132812009-08-21T13:07:00.004-06:002009-08-21T13:18:22.795-06:00

At Adam's preschool open house this morning:Adam's teacher to Ellen: And what's your name, Little One?Ellen: Princess Leia.Princess Leia insisted on wearing all of her birthday bracelets today.

marymaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08348610804363906463noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6157778168837032666.post-16687793442169663492009-08-19T11:56:00.002-06:002009-08-19T11:57:52.947-06:00

Small children believe that Band-Aids have pain relieving properties.

marymaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08348610804363906463noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6157778168837032666.post-26922434764560884382009-08-18T23:01:00.009-06:002009-08-29T09:31:52.969-06:00

Happy Eleventh Anniversary, Love. It is good. Yes, it is good.Sorry for giving you your card online. And at 11:01 p.m.I love you more.*Peter gave me the most fabulous gift: a backpacking trip to the Uintas. He did all the planning, shopping, most of the packing, arranged for babysitting, and only let me carry my own clothes, bedding, and water. I know, I'm the luckiest girl in the world.

marymaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18382571077565577764noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6157778168837032666.post-73529473638779089322009-08-11T23:52:00.008-06:002009-09-09T14:00:56.337-06:00

Even though it was past my bedtime already, I stayed up even later last night to make a cute banner. I have wanted to make a cute birthday banner for years. I couldn't bear to let one more birthday celebration come and go with no cute banner.Ellen doesn't care much about cake. Ellen is an ice cream girl. So we had an ice cream brownie sundae bar. She helped herself to a ground-fall apple from

marymaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18382571077565577764noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6157778168837032666.post-45023294722593454102009-08-05T07:26:00.000-06:002009-08-05T07:27:03.446-06:00

Whereas the proprietress of How Does My Garden Grow is away and has no portal to the interweb; and whereas, I have been left behind with my interweb shunt in place and find myself with access to the publishing controls of this weblog; and whereas many of you were surely wondering how you would survive a week without cute tales of our children; I feel obliged to take the matter of a post in

marymaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18382571077565577764noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6157778168837032666.post-7547915959447890672009-08-02T22:04:00.004-06:002011-11-09T15:22:11.389-07:00

I'm leaving on a week-long trip in the morning. So last night, as I was lying in bed, exhausted and wishing I could sleep after running errands and packing all day, I got to thinking about the coloring books I had picked up for the kids for the ride, and I was tormented with images of crayons stuck into every crevice of the car, hundreds of broken crayon bits underfoot, melted crayons on the

marymaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08348610804363906463noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6157778168837032666.post-5897049458314076462009-07-31T12:48:00.005-06:002010-04-27T21:48:36.684-06:00

Just a simple summer top, but it fits. I wish I had more time to sew for myself, because it's hard to find ready-to-wear tops that fit well when your shoulders and hips are size large, your bust and ribcage are size medium, and your upper arms are size Hulk Hogan.Fabric is a cotton gauze from the WalMart $1/yard table several years back. Pattern is Simplicity 3835. I modified the neck band to

marymaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08348610804363906463noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6157778168837032666.post-70303685290383482632009-07-31T10:36:00.001-06:002009-09-09T14:01:31.088-06:00

At first there was only one large L-shaped rip in the shade, but after I bought the fabric to redo it, I came out one day to find the girls and their friends ripping it to shreds.Me: What are you doing?!Jane: Well, you're going to sew a new one, right?Originally I thought I'd paint it either yellow or a leafy green, but when we went shopping for outdoor fabric, Jane & Zuzu formed an exceedingly

marymaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18382571077565577764noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6157778168837032666.post-63632563080072978792009-07-30T10:32:00.000-06:002009-09-09T14:01:53.559-06:00

In May, my friend Michelle's son turned 13 and became a Bar Mitzvah. A couple of days ago I finally got around to getting a card made* and in the mail.While I wrote the address on the envelope from memory, I remembered the letters I sent to that address years ago -- more often than not months after I'd written it, when I'd found it in a pile somewhere. I could usually count on getting an

marymaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18382571077565577764noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6157778168837032666.post-16923937253234745942009-07-29T09:58:00.004-06:002009-07-29T10:50:46.185-06:00

Allow me to introduce the group I sing with. Blogland, meet the Deseret Chamber Singers:Thank heaven I'm nearly too small to be seen in this picture, because the humidity was most unkind to my hairstyle that evening.I've sung a variety of music in a variety of settings, but to me there's something uniquely sublime about singing with a really fine choir. I love what happens synergistically when

marymaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08348610804363906463noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6157778168837032666.post-90236055890528328492009-07-28T22:45:00.001-06:002009-07-29T00:06:55.661-06:00

This morning, from another room, I overheard Adam say, "Here's just what we need, Ellen."This sort of statement merits parental investigation. And sometimes, photo documentation.

marymaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08348610804363906463noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6157778168837032666.post-43428031313163009272009-07-27T09:40:00.002-06:002009-07-27T09:42:22.075-06:00

Front View: Back View:

marymaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08348610804363906463noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6157778168837032666.post-90691401042714086992009-07-17T10:52:00.005-06:002009-07-17T11:42:36.891-06:00

Adam was done eating and wanted me to get him out of his booster seat. When I went over to unbuckle him, he said, "Give me liberty, or give me death!"Me (very impressed): Where did you learn that?Adam: From Calvin and Hobbes.I'm so glad his older sisters are sharing the important parts of their education with him.Wow. Two pictures in less than a week of one of my children with a finger in the

marymaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08348610804363906463noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6157778168837032666.post-42192393821953794322009-07-11T22:00:00.006-06:002009-07-12T00:31:40.379-06:00

I'm seeing a trend here: short, infrequent posts. Apparently that's what summer does to my blog.But as long as I'm on here, I ought to mention that Jane was baptized today and my heart is so full. Seeing my little girl go down into the water with her daddy made the lifetime highlights short list for sure. I love the ordinance of baptism, so full of symbolism, so beautiful, yet also so

marymaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18382571077565577764noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6157778168837032666.post-11958918529530317532009-07-11T21:17:00.004-06:002009-07-11T21:21:21.852-06:00

Me: Jane, please don't pull on that curtain rod. It could come off and pull the screws out of the wall and leave holes and we'd have no way to put it back up.Jane: Hey mom, ever heard of duct tape?

marymaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18382571077565577764noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6157778168837032666.post-76962076787360590032009-07-07T13:05:00.001-06:002009-07-07T13:06:21.951-06:00

There's a circle of hell where the punishment is to gather big, full skirts onto tiny bodices for eternity. And every time you're almost done pulling up the gathers, the thread snags and breaks.

marymaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18382571077565577764noreply@blogger.com14