The Mr. Potatohead problem

For me being "crafty" is a talent that is definitely under construction. I'm a much better starter of projects then I am a finisher, but I keep working on it because I do enjoy the feeling of accomplishment that comes with the end result. Also, doing something that stays done is therapeutic. An added bonus for this project was a very inexpensive solution to a problem, the problem of keeping Mr. Potatohead from being everywhere and nowhere at the same time. I'm especially pleased that I manged to finish it within a week of buying the material, with no pattern, and only second-hand verbal instructions.

Gearing up for a baby brother

Getting ready to have two little ones I decided that something I would need was a double stroller. After reading a lot of reviews, comparing models, talking to other mothers of two(or more), and considering the many, many stroller options I decided on a Phil and Teds with a doubles kit. I love that it fits through doorways, in public restrooms, and around people on paths...

it folds flat without having to remove any wheels...

fits easily on the top shelf in the back of my car...

and its a great single stroller for times when I won't need a double.

The main seat also reclines completely flat and the second seat can be attached in front to accommodate a newborn and toddler.

Christmas in July?

This little snowman adorns our mantle all year round. Because he got missed when we were putting away the Christmas decorations? In our house, could be but no. We really love to snowboard? No again, neither of us have ever been snowboarding. Although I'd like to try someday when I'm not pregnant or recovering from being pregnant, or nursing a newborn. One of Jeff's younger brothers, Andrew was an avid snowboarder and we gave it to him as a Christmas present one year. Now it sits on the mantle as a reminder of Andrew. Andrew was killed in a motorcycle accident at the age of 25. He was headed north on I-5 when he ran into a pedestrian who was running from police and attempted to flee cross the freeway.

Early September we are expecting a baby boy who we plan to name Andrew Soule Fernandez. Soule is also my dad's middle name. His mother, Marian Soule Leonard was a direct descendant of Mayflower passenger George Soule.

Zoo

Earlier this month we went with our friends the Arnolds and Billy and Alisha and their boys to the zoo. Kara loves animals and animals names make up a big part of her vocabulary right now, so I was excited for her to get to see so many new real life animals. Not just the dogs, birds and ducks that we can see here in the city. We tried to explain to her where we were going and listed off many of the animals she would get to see. She smiled as we listed off animal names for her but it didn't really seem to be sinking in that she would actually get to SEE these animals. The first stop was the penguins, which she called ducks. Because all birds that swim are ducks, right? Still not grasping that we would be seeing many different animals, she cried when we moved on from the "ducks", but quickly perked up when she saw the next animal. After a couple times, moving on and seeing a new animal, she ran excitedly from spot to spot when we would say lets go see the next animal. The gorillas put on quite the show and seemed to be all the kids favorite. After 4 hours we decided to end our zoo trip with a ride on the carousel. We only saw about half the animals, but we were worn out!

portraits

End of January I had taken Kara to get pictures taken as her valentine present for her daddy, and I'm finally getting around to getting them posted(floral dress). The second set (gold and white dress) were taken at the end of May. I had decided to get her pictures taken again for two reasons. One, as I watched her play and then looked up at the pictures on the mantle she looked taller and her hair was much longer. Also, I wanted to get a picture in her gold dress so I could let her start wearing it without worrying about her getting anything on it. She loves to eat, play and even sleep in her dresses. Well I'm glad I decided to do it. She was in the best mood for pictures and I couldn't be happier with how well they turned out! I know I'm her mother and totally biased, but I love love LOVE the gold dress with her blond hair and blue eyes! What really shocked me was looking at the pictures side by side as I was changing the pictures in the frames and realizing how much she changed in only 4 months!

My favorite price

FREE!
We have been talking about getting Kara a play kitchen for her upcoming birthday and have been shopping around, trying to decide which one to get. There is such a wide range of styles and prices! Well earlier this week we were visiting our friends Sam and Sarah who had a SUPER cute play kitchen for her kiddos and when I asked her where she got it she asked if we wanted it because she's been trying to give it away for months. One problem, getting it home... It should fit in the CRV right? Well it would fit INSIDE, but not through the door (which is annoying since this is part of why we bought a "crossover" vehicle). No problem, my mom lives very close by and has a big truck. Well after trying to coordinate the schedules of 3 busy families for the pick up and drop Jeff, being the handyman that is, decided it would be much easier to just take it apart. So, a quick trip to ToyR'Us for some play food (gotta have play food in a play kitchen), some elbow grease and Voila!

I don't remember how many years...

this thing has been sitting in the closet since I made it, but It's finally mounted and hanging on the wall in my kitchen. Thank you Honey! ooxxooXoXXx