Nutty Girls

These girls are nuts.  One of the first phrases we teach them as babies is "I AM A NUT!" becuase they are.  Here's a little of what they've been up to lately.

Sure, start with the nut-free picture.  I love moments like these when the girls just love each other and take care of each other so sweetly.  Keara is my little mommy and thankfully, Avery loves her too.

I tried, really, I tried to get a good picture.  But this shows their personalities way better.  Keara, my grown up girl.  Avery, my excited beauty.  And then, there's Taryn.  The nuttiest nut of the bunch!  She keeps us laughing and definitely on our toes!

Taryn has taken up drawing real things instead of just scribbling lately.  This was her first "family portrait".

My reader.  I just loved that she found a seat for herself and plopped down with a good book.  Too bad it was in the middle of the kitchen while I was making dinner, but it was so cute!  BTW, her seat is my scriptures!

The second nuttiest nut of the bunch.  Our girls are monkeys  by nature and love hanging on everything.  Avery has joined the circus and looks for anything she can hang on.  This day, she discovered the car handles worked pretty well.

We didn't plant a garden this year because the girls won't stay out of the garden pots.  I mean literally...

So we're not growing any veggies, but what we are growing sure seem to be doing well!

Braden Makes Springtime More Beautiful

Way back last fall, Taryn and Braden planted bulbs and we waited (a LONG time) to find out what kind of flowers they were!  Oddly, only half of them grew, but they were fun and different!

For Mother's Day, he ordered some flowers for me (thanks Living Social!) which started out a bit...white.  But ended up BEAUTIFUL!  Check out these lilies!

He also made a wonderful dinner for me and while he was cutting the broccoli, he had a flash of creative genius.  He got the girls together and helped them work on this before dinner craft.  What a great mother's day gift!  It was so fun! 

They painted cotton balls, stuck them on toothpicks and stuck the toothpicks in the broccoli stems.  Who would have thought?

My Latest Projects!

I have developed a new passion lately...making swimsuits!  This is SO fun.  I've made about 7 or 8 of them already, but today's was the best so far.  I absolutely love it.  I can't wait to get more fabric and make some more!

Earn a Trip to Grandma's House

The girls set a goal (well, I set it, they earned it) to improve in their bedtime routine with the reward of earning a trip to Grandma's house if they did it.  We worked for 8 weeks and in that time they (re)learned to sleep together, not have a potty in their room, not have sippy cups at bedtime, not call us, not cry or scream, not play, and go to sleep within 30 minutes of being put down for bed.  It was wonderful!  So in the middle of April, I took them down to Chicago to spend a few days with my parents and also my sister's family.  We had a blast!  Too bad I didn't take many pictures...


My parents' basement: complete with juke box, disco ball, checkered floor, and swings!  A favorite every time...



My mom is such an involved, active grandma and I love that.  She never tires of playing with her grandkids and I love that she is always willing to make things special for them.  I love her!

At the end of the week, we met up with Braden and my brother's family at Wisconsin Dells.  It was our first time and we had a great time!  The big girls especially loved the wave pool, while Avery preferred the wading pools. 

In fact, the wave pool was just too exhausting for her and she actually fell asleep!

Again...too bad I didn't take more pictures.  Believe me, though, it was fun!

Playing Catch Up

I have been SO busy and just haven't taken the time to update from the last couple months.  So lucky you...you get a summary in picture. 

Last year, at the end of April, our home and street looked like this.  It was STUNNING!

This year, spring decided to take its time, so we had 2 feet of snow covering the ground until the end of March, and then got hit with another 6 inches in the middle of April and a slight dusting on May 1st.  Boo.  At the end of April this year, our home looked like this:

Thankfully, it suddenly decided to warm up and May was STUNNING!  We now can spend all our time at the lake, the splash park, in the yard, at the playgrounds, on bike rides, and outdoor concerts!  It's also yard sale time and ice cream time!  We also get lots of thunder storms, which I love!  The girls get to play with the hose in the backyard and help daddy with the yard work at the same time.  Hooray for summer!

What Would You Think?

The other day, I took the girls to the lake to play in the sand.  Keara asked me to check what it was she was feeling under her hair, so I took a look.  What I found was a clump of dried blood.  Strange.  I looked at Avery and she had one too, in about the same spot.  Double strange.  Then I looked at Taryn and she had one too, but on her temple, under her hair.  Triple strange.

I didn't think too much of it until the next morning, when my sister in law came to pick up the girls for a play date and I noticed Avery was dripping blood all along her hairline on her neck, around her ears, and near her side burns.  What the heck!?

 It was SO bizarre.  I had no idea what could be suddenly causing all these sores, but I did know that 30 minutes before this, when she got out of the shower and I did her hair, none of these sores were there.  So what was happening?  What would you think?

I called the pediatrician later in the day because I thought maybe there was some sort of bug infestation going around that many parents were calling about.  Sure enough, there was.  GNATS.  Nasty gnats.  I never knew those little suckers (literally) could work this kind of damage this quickly.  But apparently, they bite and the bleeding starts immediately.  Once it bleeds out a little bit, it stops, clots, and dries.  End of story.  As long as the bites don't get infected, its no big deal.  None of the girls have complained about them itching or hurting and usually, they don't even realize they're there.  It just looks a lot worse than it really is.

I realized that the girls had been playing outside in the yard during those 30 minutes before my SIL picked them up, which would explain the sudden attacks.  I checked the other two girls and sure enough, they had dried blood all thru their hair too.  Avery's show the worst because of her blonde and short hair.  I've counted at least 25 bites.

This afternoon, as we sat down for lunch after the girls helped bring in the groceries, I noticed a gnat in Avery's hair.  I flicked it then squished it.  Blood spurted everywhere so I immediately checked her head.  Sure enough, a little bubble of blood started to appear right where the little bugger had been.

It's been 36 hours since they played in the yard and now Avery's sores look like tons of moles.  Just blood spots all over her head.  At least they aren't scabbing or raised or pussing.  And at least the gnats life cycle is SHORT!  We really want to get outside and play again. 

Taryn's Faux Paux

Last night, the girls were having a hard time settling down for bedtime.  Taryn especially.  But what's new with that child?  She is a spaz from sun up to sun down and usually for a couple hours after that.  Anyway, Keara's been complaining about a tummy ache thru the evening so I wasn't surprised when she had to come out of her room twice to go to the bathroom.  True to girl form, whenever Keara needs to go potty, it becomes a sisters' affair and suddenly "WE" have to go potty. 

The second time they came down, I asked Taryn what was going on.  She answered "Keara has to do diarrhea."  Okay, fine.  Then Taryn says, "I have to do diarrhea too."  Rrriiighhht...So she goes running to the kitchen and I say, "Hey Taryn, where are you going?" 

T: I'm going to do diarrhea! 
M: Yeah, but the bathroom's not that way.
T: (running to the bathroom) When is Keara going to do diarrhea?!
M: Taryn, come here...(she comes and sits on my lap)...Taryn, do you know what diarrhea is?
T: Yeah, it's a game.
M: Um...no...it's not...

After I explained what it really was, she decided she didn't want to do it anymore and went back to bed.

Deep Thoughts By Taryn

T:  Mom, what will you be when I'm a daddy?
M:  Oh Taryn, you won't be a daddy.  You get to be a mommy.
T: But I don't WANT to be a mommy.  I want to be a daddy.
M: I'm sorry Taryn.  But guess what?!  You get to have babies.  Daddies can't have babies.
T: Why? 
M: Because their bodies aren't made to have babies in their tummies.  But mommies can and you get to be a mommy!
T: I don't WANT to have a baby in my tummy.  I don't want to be SICK!  I want to be a daddy.
M:  Yeah, I can see how that would be a turn off...

Oh well, it was worth a shot.

Taryn's Great Ideas

Taryn is going thru a stage where she's full of great ideas and solutions to problems.  The other day, we were getting ready to go on a bike ride when I had to get our trailer tires filled up by our neighbor.  While I was over at his garage, our other neighbor came to our driveway to stand with the girls while they waited for me.  Taryn found her to be very kind and friendly.

The next day, we were on a family walk.  Taryn said, "Mom, I think I would like to live with that nice lady who came to talk to me in the driveway yesterday."  I replied that I would miss her and would be sad if she lived with someone else.  She told me I could visit her, but I told her I wanted her to live with us.  Then she said, "I have a great idea!  What if that lady feeds me and plays with me and then gives me back?!  She could just BORROW me!" 

Great idea, Taryn.

All About Avery

It's been a while since I've posted updates on each of the girls.  Since most of my pictures are of Avery, I guess we'll start with her. 

Avery is just over 20 months old.  She discovered her independence a couple months ago and has made it clear that she has a place in this family.  She is still the most easy going kid and plays happily for hours without needing assistance for anything.  She is daring, brave, mischievious, stubborn, and yet loving, snuggly, kind, and a total joy to b e with.  We still find her with a book most of the time.  She also loves to eat and raids the pantry as often as she can.  This is her first spring being able to walk so she has loved playing in the yard, digging in the dirt, and climbing at the park.  She is absolutely and completely delightful.

She's talking up a storm:

• want more
• all done
• all gone
• let's go
• I love you
• woof-woof
• doggie
• meow
• cat
• qack-qack
• duck
• hear you go
• pants
• shirt
• socks
• coat
• shoes
• water
• milk
• yeah
• no
• more
• please
• thank you
• bye bye
• hello
• hi
• night night
• me!
• amen
• Jesus
• mama
• dada
• Keara
• Taryn
• Avery
• okay
• color
• blue/green/yellow/purple
• a book!
• up
• help
• blankie
• bunny
• sippy
• clean up
• mine
• bed
• uh-oh
• nose
• eyes
• ears
• hair
• mouth
• teeth
• diaper
• stinky
• all clean
• I'm pretty!
• I did it!
• yum
• happy
• owie
• shower
• balloon
• Jo-Jo (cousin Joseph)
• Na-Na (cousin Nathan)
• Jontan (cousin Jonathan)
• church
• where'd it go?
• here it is!
• here you go!
• I don't know
• gentle
• woo-woo
• Opa!
• stuck
• it's locked
• open
• circle
• ball
• cracker
• cookie
• more

I'm sure there's a ton more, but that's what's on the list for now. 

Her hair has suddenly started growing and her curls have grown in.  She is so beautiful!  And it is fun to do her hair.  She loves to get dressed all by herself (though it is unsuccessful still).  The other day, she insisted on putting on three pairs of pants on top of each other.  She loves to put her shoes on or anyone's shoes on her feet for that matter.  Books and shoes...her favorite things. 

She loves water.  We recently went to Wisconsin Dells and she could not have been happier in the wading pools.  She loves taking baths, kicking her legs, floating, and putting her face in the water.  She also loves tilting her head under the faucet and taking showers.

I can't say enough about this kid!  Braden and I were just saying this morning how nice it is that we're not having a baby next week (which would be the normal pattern for us) because we're getting to fully experience one of our children at 20 1/2 months old.  Our others, we've been too busy with the new baby to really pay attention to all these fun things that are happening.  And let me tell you...it's fun! 

Here are some pics of Avery.

One day, Keara and Taryn put tape all over Avery...and she let them!  On her hands, feet, fingers, arms, legs, cheeks, forehead...and then her eyes!  She thought it was so fun.

Showing off her new spring dress.

Look at her curls!  Darling!

Avery discovered how much she loves corn on the cob.

Two Projects

I recently worked on two fun projects.  I love creating things! 

First, my sister commissioned me to make her friend a temple bag.  Of course, I had to experiment and mess up on one for myself first, so I ended up making two.  And true to form, the second one turned out WAY better and I really want to make myself another one now that I know a few tricks. 

I love the pattern of the fabric as well as the pattern for the bag.  I love how it folds up, how it has buckles, how it has straps.  Everything.  I love it.

Second, I made this adorable little dress set (dress, ruffle bum bloomers, and headband) for a friend's baby shower.  I love how it turned out!  I may start offering these sets on my etsy store.  What do you think?

Giveaway on Facebook!

I am participating in a big giveaway on Facebook!  (my first giveaway...a little nervous!)

Check out https://www.facebook.com/pages/Rumpsack-Diapers/255250188960 to see the sponsor list (I'm The Kitchen Sink Boutique...giving away a custom cloth swim diaper) and see what you'd like to win. There are over 50 sponsors with a ton of different products. 

This is cool!  The giveaway lasts for one week, starting today. 

Also, check out my page, whether or not you participate in my giveaway and "Like" my page! 

The Circus Came to Town

The other night, Avery pulled out this fake clown's nose that squeaks when you squeeze it. At first she was very afraid of it, but she quickly warmed up to it. I know these pics make her look really goofy, but she was so proud of herself and loved having her picture taken!

Keara's Birthday: Part I, but really Part II

I just finished Keara's birthday cake.  This child requested a three tiered, ICE CREAM cake this year.  And she was very specific that she wanted it patterned after Cinderella's cake from a book we have.  This is what that cake looks like. 

Of course, I told her we couldn't make it THAT big.  Nor could I feasibly do a very large tiered ICE CREAM cake.  I mean, a regular three tiered cake wouldn't be that big a deal.  But an ICE CREAM cake? 

Here's the deal.  The last ice cream cake I made was when she turned 2.  It turned out fine.  But we don't really like cake, so I decided to do smaller layers of cake which would make the whole thing smaller, which is fine by me because, like I said, we don't like cake. 

Second, I've never made frosting flowers before.  And I really don't know much about frosting tips to be able to do all those fancy things.  I needed a fairy godmother quick.

Instead, I just got my brain.  I read whatever I could online and one gal suggested that her favorite "frosting" for the cake was just ice cream whipped with whipped cream.  I tried that and while it worked well, it also melts quickly and regular buttercream doesn't stick well to it.  Oh well, there was no turning back.

I had to do one small step, put the cake in the freezer for 5 minutes, take it out again for another small step, and put it back in the freezer, over and over.  In the end, I wanted to just take a picture and be done with it, so it looks like it is melting in the picture.  Probably because it is.  But at least it's done. 

I'm tired.  It's been a long day.  I've made lasagna, cinnamon rolls, regular rolls, banana cream pie, served a crazy April Fool's meal to friends, listened to conference, and made an ice cream cake.  My house is a wreck and we have family coming over to eat this cake tomorrow, but I'm going to bed.

Goodnight cake.  Please don't fall apart before we can at least show you to Keara.

I Just Did Something Awesome!

And yet, there are no pictures to prove it.  Anyway, I was given a pressure cooker/canner a Christmas or two ago and have loved canning pinto, black, and white beans in it.  But I've never COOKED in it.  Mostly because I have been too scared to try it. 

But tonight, I suddenly felt to invite a friend for dinner, yet had no dinner planned.  I wracked my brain to figure out what to make in the next hour and a half with what I had on hand (had I just had potatoes, this wouldn't have been so difficult).  I suddenly thought of shredded beef tacos, which I need the meat for on Saturday for our traditional April Fool's Cafe.  Perfect.  Oh wait, I didn't have any shredded beef.

All I had were frozen chunks of beef roast.  There's no way to put that dinner together in an hour and a half.  Unless you use a pressure cooker!  So I read up on how to do it, mostly thawed my meat, tosssed it in and cooked it for 40 minutes.  When the pressure had dropped to zero, I opened the cooker up to find perfectly cooked, fall apart roast.  In FORTY MINUTES!  AHHH!!!

It revolutionized my life.  I can't wait to try other things in it.  No more forgetting to throw something in the CrockPot.  All I need is about an hour to have whatever I want!  This is so exciting!

So if you've been wanting to try pressure cooking, go for it!  I, for one, can vouch that it works!

It's Almost That Time of Year Again!!! (at least for the rest of you!)

Swimming season is almost upon us!  Well, at least here we thought it would be coming round the corner, but then yesterday we got hit with 6 inches of snow, so there went that idea.  But for most everyone else, spring is in the air and summer is around the corner.

Because of the response I got last year, I am offering my cloth swim diapers again this year.  They are AWESOME!  (thanks Pheobe!)  If you haven't tried them yet, you need to.  They are a lifesaver and the absolute best part of my children's wardrobe. 

You can buy them at http://www.kitchensinkboutique.etsy.com/.  If you want more than one, email me first (kitchensinkboutique(at)gmail(dot)com) and I'll give you a discount code for 2 or more :) 

I know these look boyish, but that's just what I had at the time.  I  have the colors above (blue, green, teal) as well as pink and yellow for the outside.  The insides I have magenta, purple, light pink, yellow, green, aqua, darker blue, and light blue.  Mix and match!

SUPPLIES!!

My hilarious friend, Lauren Merkley, once told this awesome joke.  My favorite (sorry, Lauren, if I've altered it a bit).  So, this CEO is conducting interviews for a high position job.  There are three candidates (sorry if this is racial): an American, a Russian, and a Japanese.  The American comes in, blows the interview out of the water, lands the job within the first 2 minutes.  He was a Harvard MBA graduate with a 4.0, plus 10 years corporate experience, so it was a no-brainer to hire him.  The CEO immediately sends him to get to work. 

But because there were two other men there to interview, he felt it his duty to at least see them.  First, the Russian comes into his office.  He is not as put together as the American, but the CEO can tell that he is doing his best to qualify for this job.  He has a Bachelor's degree, speaks good English, and has moderate experience.  The CEO is a good man and feels a desire to give this man a job, especially after learning about his wife and children.  So he creates a position in the Mail Room for this man and sends him to work.

Last comes in the Japanese man.  He is wearing torn and tattered clothes.  He doesn't hardly speak a lick of English.  He's never been to college, let alone High School, and has never worked in a corporate office a day in his life.  Thankfully, the CEO again takes compassion on this poor man and decides to create another position: Supply Room Manager.  He sends him to get to work.

A few days later, the CEO decides to check on his newly hired team.  First, he checks out the executive floor.  Everything is running like clockwork, with the American at the lead. The CEO is excited and impressed.  Next, he checks out the Mail Room.  There are a few hiccups and glitches, just like in the Russian's English, but overall, things are running well.  He tells the Russian to keep up the good work.

Finally, he makes his way down to the Supply Room.  He opens the door but the light is off and no one is to be found.  All there is are supplies.  "Hello!?," the CEO calls.  But there is no response.  As he wanders thru the room, suddenly the Japanese man jumps out and yells "SUPPLIES!!!"

What's the point of all that?  Besides a good joke, it's just what I think of everytime someone yells "SURPRISE!!"  This Friday, Braden and Shaun and Susan put together a surprise party for me.  I didn't suspect AT ALL!  I have never been the recipient of a surprise party, only the planner, so I was thoroughly amazed and touched.  In a matter of just 2 days, Susan was able to invite a whole bunch of people, decorate the house, and put on a beautiful spread of fresh fruits and other things to dip in a chocolate fountain.  About 20 people came, and no kids! 

It was so fun!  We played Wally Ball, which was what I had really wanted to do, played a game, ate good food, and enjoyed good company.  I came home glowing and couldn't help being in awe at the generosity and kindness I had received.  Thanks everyone who played a part and came!!

My nephew Nathan off course wanted to pretend he was drinking beer, rather than IBC Root Beer. 

Good thing I did my hair that day!

I love this boy

Three of my favorite men in the world

Thank you!!!  Happy Birthday to me!