Monday, December 24, 2012

Thursday, December 13, 2012

Under the tree

Olivia is analyzing the presents that appeared under the tree while she was at school. So far she has guessed a box of marbles, a box of beads, and an empty box. Also a book except she doesn't know the title. The anticipation of Christmas morning is building around here...



Monday, November 26, 2012

Friday, November 23, 2012

Early Christmas presents...

Alaina and Corinne were getting too big for the toddler bed and crib so it was time to make the big girl bed transition. They are going to share a room for the first time since a failed attempt about a year ago. Fingers crossed that the girls will love their new beds and go right to sleep tonight ;-)





Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Go, Dog, Go

Olivia reading to Corinne tonight... It made my heart happy ❤



Thursday, November 1, 2012

Trick or Treat


 
 
 





The girls went as a Corpse Bride, Little Mermaid, and Ladybug.  It was Alaina and Corinne's first real experience with trick or treating and they loved going up to collect the candy.  Everyone is the neighborhood is so nice, it really makes for a fabulous Trick or treat around the 'hood. 

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

My Grandma

     
         While I'm posting about people I love who have gone on I thought it fitting to include my Grandma.  She passed in July of this year and we miss her everyday.  She was the one and only Grandma I ever had and was the epitome of a loving grandmother.   Vacations with her and my Grandpa are some of my best memories.  Camping, hiking, or just hanging out listening to everyone talk meant so much to me.   I love that she loved my little ones too.  Olivia adored her and they would go put on make up and perfume together.  Very special for a little girl to share those experiences with her great grandmother.   Hugs from us Grandma!

And a cute little Gwen photo as a bonus!

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

1st Wiggly Tooth

All those baby teeth I've cared for with such love are starting to fall out. She's super proud though :-)

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

In Honor of My Father

My father passed away recently.  I didn't meet him until later in life, but he was a good man and I'm glad I did get to meet him.  He always had wonderful words of wisdom and positivity for me.  This picture is from when he visited our family last year.  He hung out with me during the day while I had the two little kids.  It was so nice to finally spend time with him.  He even went to Brian's soccer game to cheer him on and that made Brian's day.  I'm just really, really sad right now.

Thursday, September 27, 2012

Saturday, September 22, 2012

Happy Birthday Corinne!

Today is Corinne Autumn's 2nd birthday. It's also the autumn equinox.
In honor of her birthday I am posting some facts about Corinne...

Favorite food: cheese

Favorite color: purple

Favorite book: Brown Bear, Brown Bear

Favorite toy: bitty baby

Good friends: Abby, Becca, and Oliver

Frequently heard saying: shtop it!

Love you Corinne!

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Alaina's 1st Horse Ride

Alaina recently started hippotherapy. I can't describe so your welcome to google for an explanation. Alaina's job was to give the horse commands as she rode with people on each side of her and one leading the horse. She LOVED it once she got comfortable with it. So happy for her!

Monday, September 10, 2012

Following in sister's steps...

Our house is going to be very messy with 3 little girls who love to draw and paint :-)

Saturday, September 8, 2012

Soccer

Olivia at her first soccer game with her friend/classmate/neighbor/soccer rival Jackson.

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Snuggling

It's what we are doing with our days now that everyone has left us...

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

My laundry solution

Because of Olivia's eczema I have always been searching for a gentle laundry detergent that doesn't aggravate her skin. I never did find it. I did find a recipe for laundry soap that in my opinion has been the best for her skin and allergies.

Laundry Soap:

1 bar Castile soap
1 cup Borax
1 cup Washing Soda

I first grate the soap with a cheese grater than mix everything in the food processor. I use about 2 tablespoons per load. Some people add essential oils to the soap to give it a pretty smell, I don't.

If I'm washing kids clothes or otherwise extra dirty clothes I add 2 tablespoons of Oxygen Bleach directly in with the clothes. It's the same stuff as Oxy Clean without the yucky smell.

Next, I use vinegar instead of the laundry softener at the store. It's super cheap and does just as good of a job.

I've been using this method for a few months now and I think it works great!

Anyone want to share additional laundry or cleaning tips?

Monday, August 27, 2012

Different than I expected

      I was excited for Alaina to go to school.  I didn't realize how hard it would be for both Corinne and I.  When Olivia started kindergarden it was a little emotional, but mostly it was a positive experience.  Her teacher was lovely, she made friends, and she loved riding the bus with the neighbor kids.  I still had two little ones at home to take care of so there just wasn't much time to miss her.

     With Alaina it's different.  First thing, she is only three and second, she can't talk well yet so I can't hear about her day.  Everyone there seemed super nice and I don't doubt that Alaina had a fairly good day.  I would just like to know what's going on in that little head of hers when she has to take a nap for the first time in her life away from her bed and Mom.  I hope as time goes on I don't feel so sad about all this.  It doesn't help that Corinne is constantly reminding me that Alaina is gone and she misses Alaina :-(

1st Day in Pictures

Sunday, August 26, 2012

School Starts Tomorrow

I can't believe the day is almost here! Alaina is starting preschool tomorrow. Her school day will be 9-3:30, Monday thru Friday. I really like her teacher and the rest of the staff at the school. Despite that, there are feelings of sadness that our days will be a different without her. Her and Corinne are very attached and I'm not quite sure what we are going to do with both Olivia and Alaina gone. At the same time I'm really happy for Alaina because she will get new opportunities to learn and grow. Look out for a 1st day of school post tomorrow!

Saturday, August 11, 2012

4th of July Pics







These pictures are thanks to Brian's coworker Anjali and her friend Nitin who was the photographer.  A nice camera and someone who knows how to use it make for beautiful pictures.  Brian's work is located right next to the amphitheater where the Town of Cary holds their annual fireworks so we had first class seats to the festivities without having to sit in the grass and fight the crowds.  Very nice way to celebrate the 4th!