8/31

I took a picture of yesterday's mail, in preparation for today's subject. I was getting ready to e-mail it to myself when I realized I didn't save it.

Since we don't get mail on Sundays, my e-mail will have to do.

I just spent about 10 minutes e-mailing all of the photos on my (flip) phone to my e-mail. As I finished the last one, LaVor said, "You know we have a cord that plugs into your phone and the computer so you don't have to do this, right?" Um, no. I didn't know that. But thanks.

I made the mistake of not saving my photos on my phone when The Lime was a baby and then I lost my phone when he was 10 months. To say I was upset is an understatement.

So my e-mail is full of photos from my phone, just waiting to be saved so I can treasure them forever.

It's blurry for safety reasons

8/30

The thought of a close up (today's subject) intimidates me, especially the older I'm getting.

More wrinkles are appearing, although I've noticed they're accentuated when I smile. Thus leading me to believe that they're a result of smiling and I guess having wrinkles because of smiling isn't that bad.

Like mentioned before, I'm trying to grow my bangs out, which exposes my receding hairline and huge forehead. Both are quite apparent in my close up.

But so are my sweet boys, and The Lime's darling smile, and Doodlebug's fuzzy hair, and how much fun the three of us have together.

8/29

I was telling the ladies at the park this morning that today's subject is something pink and with three boys in the house, pink is hard to come by. Especially since I already wrote a post about the blanket my mom made me with all of my Walk shirts.

So I started looking around the house and found the perfect thing.

The Lime and I were at Target not too long ago and we spotted this map in the $1 section. He has a puzzle of the United States but I thought it'd be nice to have something a little bigger.

He's always asking me where people live and where certain baseball teams are from. So one night, he and LaVor went through the teams and put them in their designated location.

California is lucky enough to have five MLB teams, more than any other state.

And it just so happened to be pink.

8/28

We went with LaVor to buy new work boots and The Lime just about died with the amount of boots they had.

It wasn't enough for LaVor to try them on, The Lime needed to check them out too.

The Lime didn't mind the orange (today's subject) but he would have preferred an aquamarine pair.

8/27

Today's subject: fruit.

The number one reason I love summer is because of the fruit we get to enjoy.

Going to the Farmer's Market every Saturday and getting the most AMAZING strawberries (seriously...I've never heard LaVor enjoy a piece of fruit as much as he does those berries), and the peaches and nectarines, and the plums. I could go on and on.

I know they'll be gone in a few weeks so I'm trying to enjoy every bite while I can.

8/26

At our wedding reception, 8 years ago today, LaVor and I wanted a way to incorporate our parents and grandparents, since not all of them were physically present.

So we gathered wedding photos from the six couples and placed them on the sign in table, next to a photo of us as newlyweds.

With all the grandparents getting married in the 40's and 50's, the photos were black and white (today's subject) which added to the character I wanted.

I love these photos and loved having a piece of how our separate families began on the day our little family was created.

8/25

Aside from church on Sunday, which is never fancy but more "nice", I can't remember the last time we dressed up (today's subject).

When I was still working, my Christmas party was always a fun reason to get a little dressy but we're done with that chapter of our lives.

LaVor's parents just got back from a cruise and it had me thinking of the cruise we went on 2.5 years ago.  We had the Awards Ceremony on formal night, and while we weren't as fancy as some, we were dressier than others.

Gosh, I love that skirt!

And aside from the pregnant woman, the only sober ones.

8/24

Today's subject is a mess.  I have so many messes to choose from, I couldn't pick just one.

1/2 of our family is sick with different things so we stayed home from church, as to not share our germs with others.  When we're all confined to the walls of our home, disaster strikes.

The Lime has turned our couch cushions into bales of hay, he turned a cardboard box into a fire truck, we have blankets strewn about, baseball hats everywhere, markers scattered on the floor, leftover Mac & cheese on the table, old cameras on the island, way too many dirty dishes in the sink, and everything imaginable on the floor.

Needless to say, Monday will be spent cleaning this mess.

8/23

When Doodlebug was brand new, we'd get so excited when he'd open his eyes, since it didn't happen very often. Every time he would, we'd yell, "Eyeballs!" Then we started calling him Eyeballs. Every once in a while it'll come out, but that name sort of fell by the wayside.

Now that he's awake about half the day, we get to enjoy his pretty eyes (today's subject) more often.

Do you see me in the reflection?

Both boys have been blessed with bright blue eyes. The Lime's are a bit lighter and Doodlebug's are more navy. Someone even described them as denim the other day.

I love when our eyes meet and Doodlebug squeals with excitement.

I could stare into those puppies and get sweet smiles back in return all day long.

8/22

I was supposed to take a picture of the sunset tonight but someone decided they needed to eat right away.  Thankfully I have a variety of sunset photos I've taken over the years.

Like this one I took last year. It had rained prior to the sun setting and it created an amazing scene. Sunsets always make me so grateful for all of the beautiful creations Heavenly Father has blessed us with.

8/21

Summertime is hot around here (and these temperatures are "cool").  It's hard to get out and do stuff when it's 90+ all day long, especially when I want to keep Doodlebug comfortable.

Unfortunately, both boys take after LaVor and are naturally warm all the time.  Add in the heat and they're little sweat machines.

Because of the drought, all of the water parks are closed.  The courtyard in front of City Hall has a water feature that kids are always playing in.  But when they post signs that say the water is reclaimed and not to drink it, I'm not willing to risk anything just to stay cool.

So we've spent ample time at the mall, the library, and plopped on our couch with the AC vent blowing directly on us.

8/20

We just went grocery shopping which means we have food, lots of food!

I have to make a list of dinners before we go shopping. It makes shopping less stressful and then I don't have to wonder what we're going to eat each night.

Tonight, we're eating wienerschnitzel, mashed potatoes, zucchini, and homemade pretzels.

Please don't confuse this wienerschnitzel with the hot dog Wienerschnitzel. Breaded pork that's pan fried is so much better.

8/19

Doodlebug and I were sitting in the living room today, rocking away, crossing our fingers a certain someone would go to sleep (he never did).  I was looking at the pictures on the wall and found my "something blue" for today's photo.

I can't believe it's been almost two years since I took this picture. Those were the days when The Lime would only wear his blue monster truck shirt and his cowboy hat everywhere! I've taken hundreds of pictures since then, and while I like to update my photos on the walls, I can't bring myself to take this one down. He's just so little and so stinkin' cute. And those blue eyes...melt my heart!

8/18

While we were out of town, I brought two pairs of shoes but ended up only wearing one of them.  Out of the gazillion pairs I have, I wore them again today.

LaVor gave these to me for Christmas several years ago and they're just about ready to retire.  Putting them to rest makes me super sad because they're comfortable and I wear them all the time.  But when the threading is coming undone, that's a sure sign that they've done their job and need replacing.

Doodlebug - Tally Mark 3

The nurse totally got his length wrong last month

-Rolled over from his back to tummy without getting his arm stuck yesterday (8/17).
-Would much rather talk than eat.
-Has had his left middle finger infected twice in the last month.
-Still sleeps well at night.
-Is becoming a happier baby each day.
-Loves kicking his legs and waving his arms.
-Is a drooling machine.
-Loves sucking on his hands.
-Likes being sung to.
-Still loves being outside.
-Loves warm baths.
-Sat up in the stroller for the first time a few weeks ago. Loved being able to look around.
-Had his first babysitter, Auntie Kari, on Saturday.
-Refused to drink from the bottles.
-Gets nappy knots in the back of his hair from rubbing it on his blankets.
-Is quite edible.

8/17

Today's subject: photo taken from a low angle

We just got back from a great weekend in the Bay Area.  A good friend of ours went through the temple for the first time and will be sealed to our sweet Jared next month.

I was reminded of my first time through the temple and how terrified I was.  I have never felt the influence of the adversary as strongly as I did during that time.  He really did not want me to be able to do something he couldn't.  But I knew it's what I needed, and deep down wanted, to do.

Eight years later and I'm always excited to go.  Especially when I'm taking family names through and seeing familiar faces.  That's one thing I love about attending the Oakland temple; I always recognize someone.  Like the girl that I've never met but have been reading her blog for months (and as inappropriate as the setting was, I had to introduce myself and congratulate her on her engagement) or the patients from the dental office I used to work for.  

Every time I visit, I feel like I get a glimpse of what heaven will be like...lots of reuniting, hugs and happiness.

8/16

Today's subject: photo taken from a high angle

When we bundle Doodlebug up for bed, we do the traditional burrito wrap.  I love seeing him snuggled up tight, and I especially love how sound it makes him sleep.

8/15

Since about 6th grade, my favorite color has been green.  I wanted a lime green VW bug growing up, my prom dress was green, I even went as far as painting my whole bedroom lime green.  At one point, most of my wardrobe was a spectrum of green.

I've toned down with the greeness over the years but was excited when I saw today's subject: green.

Last weeked, LaVor and The Lime spent some time at a lake and The Lime was introduced to sour cream & onion Pringles.  He fell in love, and who could blame him?

After work today, LaVor picked up another can (pictured above) and those suckers were consumed by the three of us in no time at all.  Their slogan is spot on; once you pop, you can't stop!

8/14

I kept my eyes open all day for clouds (the subject for today) but had to wait until about 7:30 before I saw any.

And of course, right after I loaded the photo onto the computer from my camera, I went back outside and the clouds were a lovely pink. Oh well.

8/13

Yesterday at Activity Days, the other leader and I somehow got on the topic of laundry and how we both hate to do it.  And how we both put the piles on our bed and postpone folding for as long as we can.

That, my friends, is one of my many bad habits (today's subject).

I don't know why I hate folding laundry so much but it ranks up there with grocery shopping. I attempt to break this habit but it rears its ugly head every time I wash a load.

8/12

Today's subject: from a distance

During the early evening, usually before LaVor gets home from work, the boys and I will hang out in the front yard. The Lime takes turns riding his bike, scooter, or drives his cars, and Doodlebug stares at anything and everything. We wave and smile to all the people coming home from work and anxiously await until we see LaVor's car at the stoplight around the corner.

While we wait, we look for the moon, admire the clouds, and look for airplanes. Last night, we spotted one taking off from the airport and making its way across the sky.

Do you see the little white speck in the middle?

We make guesses as to where they're headed (The Lime usually says Seattle) and The Lime always asks why the plane is so small. I tell him that from a distance, big things look small but the closer you get, the bigger they are. Then we pretend to squeeze the plane with our fingers.

8/11

When our friends got to California from Utah, over the 4th of July, they couldn't believe how dry the landscape (today's subject) was. Aside from the golf courses and our neighbor's yard, everything is pretty much golden.

Takes the name of "Golden State" to a whole new level, eh?

8/10

Each week, I'm able to fit into one more article of clothing (for my bottom half), post Doodlebug. I really didn't want to have to buy new clothes and it doesn't look like I'll have to.

LaVor bought me this skirt for Mother's Day last year and I've been itching to get back into it. I tried it on last night and my hips finally fit in it again...wo hoo!

I hate taking pictures by myself...so uncomfortable 

I have four plain white t-shirts but they get so dingy that I'm feeling the need for another one (after I get rid of some...clearly I don't need five!). I wore this one because it was one of the least dingy but I have to wear a tank top underneath and multiple layers is not conducive for nursing. I changed as soon as I got home from church.

My shoes...I love these shoes! I'd love them even more if they were a 1/2 size bigger but an 8.5 was all there was so I suck it up each time I wear them. And that's usually only to church, so I don't have to walk around in them too much. Or else my toes get scrunched and skin gets rubbed raw and then I can't wear them again until the toes heal. What a process.

Do you know how hard it is to take a timed photo of your outfit (today's subject) without someone running into the shot? And it wasn't just the 4 year old...

Oh yeah, I'm letting my bangs grow in anticipation of my hair falling out. Hoping to stay ahead of the game!

8/9

I didn't take a picture of my feet in them because my feet are huge and my ankles aren't.  I end up looking like a duck.

Today's subject: transportation.
 
My primary mode of transportation was being used by LaVor and The Lime today, for their special outing with LaVor's co-workers.  After I got my first load of laundry started, and Doodlebug was fed, I decided to utilize another form of transportation - my feet.

My feet have served me well in the 30 years I've had them.  They've walked marathons and touched down in different countries.  They may not be the cutest, but they're irreplaceable.

I've been wanting to get back into walking (mainly to lose these last 8 pounds) but it's been so gosh darn hot.  Today we experienced a significant cool down and so Doodlebug and I set out for a little walk.  I managed to pass an older gentleman, and then pass him again.  I also witnessed a city employee taking down yard sale signs (I knew there were laws about posting them but I didn't realize they were THAT serious about it).  I would have liked to walk longer but my hat was giving me a massive headache and Doodlebug didn't fall asleep like I was hoping.

This week is supposed to cool down even more so I'll have additional opportunities to take advantage of my second form of transportation.

8/8

Last Saturday night, we got to attend the River Cats game with LaVor's co-workers and their families.  It was the first baseball game we've been to this year and quite the exciting one.

We were sitting there, enjoying the game, I was nursing Doodlebug, when a foul ball all of a sudden came right at us.  Everyone ducked down, I rolled my body over the baby, and the ball hit the leg of the lady behind me.  Note: her right leg was broken and it hit her left leg.  Upon impact, she managed to throw her beer all over herself.  She went ballistic, blaming everyone around her for not catching the ball and letting it hit her.  The paramedic came to check her out and the waterworks started.  I'm pretty sure she was drunk and it was probably a good thing she didn't have her beer to drink anymore.  After her constant complaining, her daughter finally said, "Mom!  Shut up!  At least the ball didn't hit the baby!"  She didn't say much after that.

Today's subject is an activity I love.

I love going to and watching baseball games.  The game itself is enjoyable but there's always an interesting person that adds to the experience. 

8/7

Before Doodlebug was born, I found a really cute diaper bag that fit my style (and obsession with polka dots). It worked out fine but was a little cramped with all of his stuff and my purse items.

Then we went to the Mommy & Me Day and I couldn't bring the stroller. Since I'd have to carry Doodlebug in the Björn, I decided to transfer all the diaper bag items into a backpack, so all the weight would be evenly distributed and not resting on one shoulder.

That was several weeks ago and I still haven't switched back to the diaper bag. Hence why my picture for today (a photo of my bag) looks like this:

8/6

LaVor and I are approaching the 6th anniversary of our trip to Europe. My my, how time does fly!

While I loved a majority of our trip (far too quick and Frankfurt was a flop), one of my favorite places ended up being Berlin.

And that's the subject for today: a favorite place.

There were so many things to love about Berlin. The people were especially friendly, the city had a combination of old and new, there was tons to see, but I think what encompassed me the most was the fact that 20 years prior, it was a completely different city (and Germany a different country).

We followed what used to be the wall for a majority of the day. I kept trying to imagine what it would be like to be on the east side, so stinkin' close to freedom yet trapped by concrete and barbed wire. I remember my mom telling me a story of when she visited East Berlin and how she had never been as scared as she was crossing Checkpoint Charlie.

While we were never that scared, we did have our brief moments of uneasiness. But it wasn't enough to turn me off to such a great city. One full of history, that I'd love to visit again someday.

Dreams Come True

About a month ago, The Lime had asked me where all of the fire stations were in our city. We looked the map up online and in the process, came across the invitation to the open house of station 1. Station 1 is across the street from the post office so whenever we mail something, The Lime asks if we can drop in and say hi. We did back in December but haven't been back. I knew the open house would be a real treat for The Lime, especially since that's where one of the city's hook & ladders is (his favorite truck).

The Lime practically ran out of his bedroom Saturday morning, he was so excited. We got to the station a little after it started and The Lime was a bit reserved. We were welcomed by the chief and invited to take a look around.

Our first stop was the obstacle course out back. Kevin greeted us and asked if The Lime wanted a turn. He said no but I told him he was doing it, no matter what. Kevin offered to do it with The Lime, as long as he took his hands out of his pockets.

He got to run through some cones, drag a dummy across the ground, screw a hose together, lift some weights from the ground up, and finally put a pretend fire out with a hose (the best part!).

After that, The Lime wanted to check everything out. We left nothing untouched!

Jeff was a nice guy who was helping kids onto the truck, where the controls were for the ladder. The Lime went on this part a few times. The second turn, he asked Jeff what kind of car he drove when he left the station. "A truck," Jeff said. "What kind?" The Lime asked. Jeff got a smirk on his face and said, "This could be debatable...a Ford." "Alright!" exclaimed The Lime, while giving a thumbs up. It was hilarious.

A fireman overheard The Lime say he wanted to take a tour of the firehouse so he happily showed us around. The fireman emphasized how clean they have to keep their spaces and encouraged The Lime to keep his room clean.

We learned that this station is one of the few left with a pole, which they still use. I wanted to take a picture of The Lime with it but he got scared that we were going to make him slide down. LaVor had to hold his hand and the fireman blocked the doorway with his leg, then The Lime was confident he was safe. The fireman zipped down the pole and met us at the bottom (we took the stairs).

We ran into a fireman demonstrating the air tank to some boys and The Lime asked if he could try it on. That sucker was heavy and The Lime almost fell backward. The fireman said with all their gear on and the tank, they're carrying around at least 100 extra pounds. I told The Lime that's like me riding on his back and he better start working out. He thought that was silly.

We ran back into the chief and The Lime asked him what he drove. He took us out front to his Suburban and opened up the back, showing us all the cool stuff he gets to use.

The Lime asked the chief where the captain was and he directed us back to the hook & ladder. We had met the captain at our local fire station back in December when we dropped cookies off for them. The captain was manning the tiller, which The Lime could hardly wait to sit in. If there weren't other kids waiting, he would have stayed there the entire time.

We walked around the truck for the 100th time, only this time, The Lime wanted to try on the headphones. Nobody else was doing it so I wasn't sure we'd be allowed to. Before I knew it, The Lime was asking Jeff if he could get in the cab and put them on. He was so sweet to let him and it ended up being another highlight of the visit.

The open house was just about over, and we had seen everything imaginable. Before we left, The Lime had to do the obstacle course four more times. We finally had to tell him if he wanted to stay, he'd have to clean the floors and toilets. That was reason enough to leave but it wasn't without thanking everyone for the wonderful morning and allowing a little 4 year old to live out his dream.

8/5

I originally thought of posting a picture of my boys for today, since they're dang cute, but then I realized I have pictures from 4 months ago that I never posted.

Today's subject is something I made.

Come April, it's a given that I'm going to make my niece's birthday cake.  And I love it!  I love being able to contribute to her special day and bringing a smile to her face.

This year's theme was Tangled and my sister gave me a couple photos for inspiration but always lets me make the ultimate decision.  I was drawn to one in particular and decided to try my hand at recreating it.

I've determined noses and lips are not my strongpoint. I've never been good at drawing them and clearly that rolls over into cakes. And I need to ease up on the blush. I do love how the braid turned out, wrapped around the entire cake.

But my niece loved it and it tasted great. Just hoping I can redeem myself next year.