Fences Make Good Neighbors

I know it doesn't seem exciting, but, completing our fence is probably one of most exciting things that has happened on our house this summer! Before the fence, we have basically been living in a fish bowl- everyone could see everything and everyone in our house at all hours of the day. Now, we have an enclosed place for the kids to play and can enjoy some seperation from our neighbors.

The guy we hired is wonderful. If you need a fence, please call me. His professionalism/workmanship and prices were top notch.

The fence quickly getting done throughout the day:

Our beloved back fence:

From the pic, it doesn't seem that great, but it is a 180 change from what we had before.

We are excited to get some sprinkers in, finally plant some shrubbery and enjoy the American Dream. ;)

Why haven't I been to a wedding like this?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-94JhLEiN0&feature=related

Project #1

I mentioned earlier this week that I was going to work on some projects. One project is to dust off the cobwebs off my website, and breath some life into some photos I've been wanting to do in a long time.

I headed to the art store and fooled around with some backgrounds today that I think turned out pretty well. So far, my favorite is the orange above. But, I also like the yellow and blue. I'll have to think about clothes that will compliment the backgrounds- probably opposite in the color wheel would be cool...

Baby Food in its many forms

I bought baby food for Maddie. I didn't even think about making it. Why? It's just easier, right? I'm not sure why I want to make it this time around to be honest. It's the same nutritional value, right? I guess the only argument I can give is that there is more variety in your babies diet if you make it. And, you can give yourself a pat on the back for all that hard work.

Today, I made a lot of baby food. I tried to do it two ways.

1) I poured the mixtures in normal ice cube trays and will pop them out of the trays and put them in zip locks to be taken out and used when I need them.

2) Bought these super cute containers to store them in and feed directly.

Not sure which way I prefer yet.

I must say that my recipe of butternut squash, and a yellow squash and zucchini from our garden was such a hit with Emilie today.

You wouldn't think that it matters, but it really does.

When I try to feed Emilie this:

(these are just regular green beans)

she screams, yells, arches her back to get out of her seat, refuses to eat, gets grouchy, makes life very very difficult. It is a snowball that you don't want to face.

So, it kind of does make a difference! All of that hard work paid off!

Moxie

Recently, I feel like I have been slightly overwhelmed with parenthood. These feelings are probably magnified because of sickness and no husband for a while, so I should give myself a break. But, it is one of the hardest things that I have yet to do in this life.

When I say hard, I don't mean that it isn't completely worthwhile, but if you want to be a good parent, it's a full time, round the clock, selfless job. I would be lying if I said that I don't miss putting on my clean cut suit, taking a shower in the morning at my own speed, looking somewhat put together, going into the office and being "on."

With the multitasking of being a mom, I haven't felt myself "on" for a while. By "on," I mean, having my brain focused and firing at its full potential. I know this kind of sounds sadistic, but I loved studying for the bar (the law exam every lawyer has to take.) I love the feeling of studying and studying until one day, it all makes sense. It has clicked. The lightbulb is on and you are ready to tackle any problem in front of you.

That said, I have to 100% agree with the cliches that - I wouldn't trade being a mom for anything, their childhood goes too fast, and I don't want to miss it.

So after thinking for a while, I've decided the solution is some Moxie. I haven't thought about this word for a while, but it is exactly what I need. Some Chuutzpah, spirit, fortitude, determination. And, to direct this new found Moxie into some new projects. I'm still mulling on which projects are deserving of this new found energy, but it's coming soon. They are brewing...

Training Wheels

A while ago, my BOB stroller (yes, expensive) was stollen outside our house. Not cool. Last week, Maddie's little bike was taken at the park (again, not cool). I guess I'm not used to guarding my stuff all the time, but I think I've learned my lesson.

Anyway- on the upside, we decided to replace her "baby" bike, with a real bike- training wheels and all ;)

Here is Steve putting it together with the ever anxious Maddie to get on it.

The girls waiting for it to be assembled.

A short pose before her first pushes.

And off she went.

And went. Kind of too fast for my own opinion and shock, but we went out and bought her some knee and elbow pads after this first ride.

Little Emi is next...

A memorable weekend

My great friend A got married tonight. This was a big occasion for us not only because we were so excited for the wedding, but because Maddie was the ring bearer. I know it's not that big of a deal, but to a 2 1/2 year old, it is a HUGE deal. We watched U tube videos, practiced walking through the house, went to the wedding rehearsal, and were just hoping that she 1) didn't fall or 2) get too scared to walk.

We are happy to report that she was stupendous! She made us both very proud :)

On a disturbing note- my camera is DEAD. Yes, DEAD. I am really upset about it, because it's one of my appendages, and a pretty expensive appendage that I need to fix pretty darn soon... so, we took the photos from our old old camera.

This is the couple after they danced the most amazing opening dance I've ever seen. They started with the typical (and shall we say somewhat boring wedding music?), and then broke out in this amazing swing/salsa choreographed performance. It made me want to take lessons with Steve.

The wedding was in Nestldown- a secret treasure on highway 17 to Santa Cruz. Aside from being gorgeous with ponds, gigantic redwoods, and flowers everywhere, it has a little train(?), little house (pictured above) that can only be described of as Snow White's house, enchanted sculptures everywhere, an enormous tree house... it is a pretty unique place.

I didn't have my camera when Maddie was walking down the aisle because we were trying to keep everything together, but this is Maddie afterwards. She was pretty happy.

(BTW- I had to make sure that Maddie stayed sitting for 1 hour, which was a huge challenge. POPROCKS saved our lives. She's never had them before, and was mesmorized at how they were popping in her mouth. They basically kept her entertained the entire time)

Dancing the night away.

We had a great time.

CONGRATULATIONS A AND D!