Neve's 4 Season

Still enjoying our quiet weekend. I finished Neve's first sweater, which is from a pattern called 4 season. It's kind of big right now, I made the 3-6 month size. I wished I would have been more patient to get some grey wool that I was imagining, but I like it. It's got more interesting color in it when seen up close than just the dark green you see in the pictures. And, its such an easy, quick knit that I might just make another one. When I was trying to get her attention, she started smiling for me! I've been able to get her to smile a few times and it makes me fall in love with her even more. It was hard to get a good picture, with all the effort it took on my part to get her to smile! If she saw the camera, she wouldn't smile. But, I was so happy to finally capture some of her first smiles.

And then, she'd had enough of the crazy lady in her face!

Me & Neve

Neve and I seem to get lots of one on one time, seeing as I'm her only food supply. The other 2 however, love to be off with Dad. Lanelle is especially enjoying this new way of dividing up. She used to hate to miss out going with Daddy and Kellen when they would go off to do errands in the city. This weekend the big kids and Dad are off to the farm for curling and cousin time. I was prepared for some busy crafting and organizing time. I started by tackling the junk drawers (that was a serious job after 2.5 years of unlimited collection). As that wrapped up, Neve got into some serious evening fussing time. Now, 2.5 hours later and most of the evening gone, I wonder what I was thinking. Umm, just because there is no one else speaking English in the house for the weekend, does not mean it will be quiet! Maybe I'll revamp my plans though and put cuddling Neve a little higher on my list, 'cause she is pretty special. my view of beautiful Neve sleeping on me, cuddled in the sling

Loving the Little Moments

Kids always take great delight in little things. Something I think adults could learn from. Nothing more special on a cold afternoon than to love each other during a frothy milk making and snack adventure.

And laughing together

and feeding someone when they don't want to quit making frothy milk.

I can't make everyday as perfect as I would like it to be. But I can find the perfect little moments that I want to always remember!

Recipe: Chocolate Chip Cookies

Kellen helped make chocolate chip cookies for his pre-K fun night snack potluck. He was such a good helper. So, I got him to help make them for his friends at his birthday party. And, after a thoughtful boy shared them with his mother, I was asked to share the recipe, so here it is:

1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup margarine, softened
2 eggs
1.5 tsp vanilla
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
3 cups flour
1.5 cups chocolate chips

Beat together sugars, marg, eggs, and vanilla. Add soda, salt, and flour. Mix. Add choc chips. Bake at 375 for 10 minutes.

Okay, I know these are not healthy at all. But they are delicious and simple. Sometimes though I wish I had never found the recipe. Tastebuds may love them, but probably not any other part of the body! (Oh, the original came in the recipe book with my Kitchen Aid, so if you have one, you may have already discovered these.)

Cousin Fun

Having some cousins for a weekend made for tons of excitement around here. We are so glad Jeff, Jenn, Kayla, Nolan, and Ayden came to hang out with us. It wasn't long enough of course.

Everyone played together so nicely. Lanelle thought Kayla was just the best! She had fun playing dress up and tea party with her. Yea, for big cousins. Even the boys got into the costumes and put on a "play" for us. There wasn't much of a story line, but it was entertaining anyhow. Way to be a good sport, Uncle Jeffery the Caterpillar!

This was the transformer play as they "rolled out!"

Transformer attack!

It was so sad when they left, lucky we had a supper invite with the Koops' to help stop the tears!

Kellen is 5!

Dear Kellen,
You are 5 already! You are growing so quickly it is hard for me to believe. You have waited impatiently for this birthday. You've been asking about it and planning for it since your last birthday. I offered that we could invite cousin Nolan for your birthday weekend instead of a birthday party. Somehow we have ended up having both for you!! You don't forget about things that you really want!

You are interested in most things that Dad is. You talk lots about hunting, bows, guns. You also are obsessed with transformers and Star Wars lego. Your friends are very important to you and you always insist that you need a playmate. You do play really well with your sister also. Lanelle listens to you when you tell her what to do when playing transformers or guns - she loves you so much! You are sweet with her when she gets hurt and give her hugs and kisses.

Sometimes you don't listen well. I guess its hard when you have so many of your own ideas, which you always seem to be full of! But, when it comes down to it, you are really good and listen quite well (even though some incentives have to be stated - like no bedtime stories or no computer time!) You are learning to think of others and their feelings more often, but sometimes it takes lots of direction. I love when I see you be kind to someone else!

I made your favorite breakfast, pumpkin pancakes, for your birthday! You said it was the best birthday ever. Having your cousins was super exciting!

The day after your birthday, you had your friends over for a party. You had said you wanted a firetruck cake - again! But, you were easily persuaded otherwise when I suggested a moose! Luckily Auntie Jenn gave you an animal cookie cutter set, which included a moose and squirrel, so my job was made a lot easier!

Kyle, Carsen, Ben, Ivan, Jake and Logan!! You were so excited for your friends to come and you all played so nicely! I was glad you liked my games and thought it was fun you had some of your own ideas about the party. You suggested the "Who Am I" game and you wanted to play spin the bottle to decide whose present you would open.

What a great birthday you had! We love you so much!

i like friends.

I usually try to keep just family pics up here. I feel like I don't have permission to put others pictures and stories out there, but I was struck again by this moment when I was sorting pictures and can't resist sharing.

I love good friends. Where would I be without? I would hate to imagine. I love people who think of others. I was thrilled when a wonderful friend brought over her children and some "jewels" (frozen ice cubes with food coloring) to have a backyard jewel hunt with my kids. It was great for them to get outside and have playmates. It was great for me to know we were thought of during this time of adjustment. I know how great acts of kindness feel when they come our way. I would like to be more thoughtful (and creative) in showing acts of kindness to friends. Thanks Holly!