Friday, February 25, 2011

Overheard at Our House

On my birthday Zella and Madeline were helping me make a cake.  I decided to use a bundt pan so it would look pretty.  Zella looked at Madeline and said, "Why are we using a BUTT PANT to make mama's cake??? That sounds gross!"

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Violet was coloring with markers with Travis.  She kept holding up markers and trying to name their color.  She picked up the brown marker and said, "POOP" instead of brown.  I have never laughed so hard in my life.

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Zella really misses my Grandpa Lester who passed away.  Every night she prays for Grandpa "LesTURD" in heaven.

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Violet adores kittens.  We were at Petco looking at cats and she kept yelling Titty! Titty! at the top of her lungs.  We got a few strange looks.  She also says "toot" instead of cute.

Thursday, February 24, 2011

FAQ About Having Another Baby

So.  We have been sharing our good news that we are adding to our family.  We have received a lot of congratulations, and also a lot of questions/comments.

I thought I'd clear a few things up.

Wow!   Don't you know how that (i.e. getting pregnant) happens?
Um, yes.  If you don't, go ask your mother.  I don't want to have to explain it to you!

You must be trying for that boy!
Sorry to disappoint, but no.  We just wanted to add to our family.  I think Travis and I both assume it is another girl, so if we have a boy we will be SHOCKED.  Seriously.  I would probably faint.  (I am very dramatic!)

Good for you.  You are a lot braver than I am.
This actually means they think we are crazy for having four children.  And it is a little crazy so I take no offense.

How are you ever going to leave the house with all these kids by yourself?
Honestly?  I'm not sure.  I will just do it.  The three we have are only getting older and more independent so that will help. 

Good think you bought the mommy mini-van!
EXACTLY.  I know you are probably being sarcastic, but I am NOT.  Whoever makes fun of mini-vans obviously does not have young kids close in age.  The van doors OPEN THEMSELVES.  I have remote start and a DVD player.  I don't care who makes fun of what I drive, I love my van!!!!!

You are going to have to move to a bigger house!
Listen, people.  Travis We are not finished remodeling this house in the first place.  Trav just finished his studio a couple months ago and we are not leaving this house yet.  Yes, I know we only have a half-story upstairs.  Yes, I am aware our bedrooms are small.  I shared a room until I was 16 and I don't think it's a big deal the girls share a room.  Violet and the baby will each have their own room.  We will survive.

You don't waste any time, do you.
This comment alludes to how close in age our children are.  Madeline and Zella are 19 months apart, Zella and Violet and 26 months apart, and Violet and the baby will be 2 1/2 years apart.  So you see, this is the furthest we've ever spaced it.  All I can say is, that is what happens when you wait 6 years into your marriage to have kids and you are 35.  (And you want to have a big family.)

You are going to have your hands full!
Why yes I am.  In a good way.  I love being a mom and feel very lucky we get to add to our family.

So now you know. 

Thanks for all the well wishes.  We are excited to meet our little one in September!

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Well, I Did It.

I turned 35.  How did that happen?????  The last ten years seems to have flown by.  Although, life has seemed to be on fast forward since I became a mother almost six years ago.  You always hear how they grow up in a blink of an eye, but it is TRUE.

I have to say....I think

image from one of my fav blogs, Whatever

I have a pretty sweet set-up in life.  I have a great hubby who I still think is cute and funny.  (Plus I've learned over our 11 year marriage that he is handy and VERY hard-working.  Total plus.)

I've got three hilarious, adorable daughters who make me laugh every single day.  (They also make me crazy sometimes but that is part of it, right?)

In about six months I get to have ANOTHER baby to complete our family.  (Did you hear that, Trav???? We are not having a 5th kid, okay????)

I get to stay at home with the kids (which I love).
I get to live in the same town as my parents and two of my sisters.  (Am still holding out hope my twin sis and my brother could end up here someday too.)

I am part of a great bible study that is changing me in some amazing ways. 

I am lucky to have some really great girlfriends who understand me, support me and love me for who I am.

So I ask you, how could 35 NOT be a great year?

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Thanks for all the birthday wishes.  Travis and the girls took me to a movie, shopping and out to eat.  The girls gave me jewelry from a local store that they each picked out themselves.  And I can honestly say I would have picked each piece out if I were choosing.  Bonus!  They were so excited and so sweet.  I am a lucky gal.

Thursday, February 17, 2011

A Case of Duh-Lori Strikes Again

So I decide to make homemade brownies cut into hearts for Valentine's Day.  Only I was a little pressed for time and the girls were all cranky/needy/whining so I was a little distracted.

I made the first batch with no problems and stuck them in the oven.  Realizing I needed another batch I got to work mixing the ingredients.  It came time to put the eggs in.  The carton had six eggs and I had already used two for the first batch.  I pick up an egg and crack it on the side of the bowl.  Only nothing happens.  The egg is cracked but nothing is coming out.

I was so confused. 

So I tried again and most of the shell slipped off.

Revealing a hard-boiled egg.

A hard-boiled egg? 

Apparently Travis had hard-boiled four eggs and didn't mark them or tell me so I thought they were raw.  I tried to substitute half and half for the eggs (which Google advised me to do) but the brownies were ruined.

Duh Lori!

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Miss Violet Turns Two

Goofball!
Two years ago my sweet Violet was born on Valentine's Day (best.valentine.ever.). Wow, that was quick. Two years of our funny, kind, stubborn baby girl.

Violet has brought a lot of joy and laughter into our family. She is a sweet, kind, hilarious, thoughtful and caring little girl. Unless you make her mad and then she is stubborn and very vocal about it! She is into everything, which means that I can't leave her alone for a moment.  She is very clever about getting into things she knows she is not supposed to.  She is sneaky and smart...a dangerous combination.

Madeline and Zella adore Violet and the feeling is mutual. Zella and Vi have become buddies the last couple months and they play well together (finally!). Violet is always asking for "Lella" and Zella loves it. Madeline and Violet are always snuggling and reading books. It is so fun to watch them together and see their relationships grow.

Violet loves to dance, sing, look at books and cuddle. She is especially fond of babies, markers and stampers.  She is a great sleeper thank goodness.  She sleeps about 12 hours a night and naps for an hour or two each day.  I totally lucked out.  Eating, on the other hand, has been a challenge.  She used to be a great eater, but lost interest about 8 months ago.  I guess she would rather be playing.

We are SO THANKFUL she is part of our family.  We couldn't imagine life without our little "cupcake". 

Violet was very excited for her birthday.  She kept saying "I'm two!", and "CUPCAKE!" on the day of her party.  It is so fun experiencing life with her.

Pics of her big day:
Papa and Violet

Cheese!

So serious!  Blowing out candles.

Cupcake!

Loving her ice cream.

Opening presents.

Loving her new doll.