Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Dusted off the camera...

A week or so ago on Todd's day off we made a little trip to Idaho Falls. We did some shopping, had a great lunch at Famous Daves, and went to the BODIES exhibit. Reese has been obsessed with skeletons lately. I kept debating whether or not it might freak a 3 year old out. We actually had decided earlier that day not to go, but when we were on our way to the restaurant for lunch we passed a big billboard display with a picture of the exhibit and Reese quickly remembered - so we ended up going because she was so excited. She ended up really liking it and asked A LOT of questions. Mostly "What's that?" The exhibit was really neat and there were a lot of people there. We weren't able to stop and read about every little thing since we had both kids with us. It was so interesting to see how complex the human body is. I would highly recommend this to anyone.
So the other day I was perusing the internet and I came across the Children's Book of the Month Club. I love childrens books, and I'd rather buy books that toys for my kids. So I took a chance on it and ordered some books. I ended up getting 20 brand new hardcover books for about $60-$65. About $3 per book. With their introductory offer you can get 6 books for $2 and 2 more for $4 a piece. When I chose my books I picked as many as I could find that came in sets of 2 or 3. So my introductory order I got 15 books total ($11 for the books at a whopping $20 for shipping [note that isn't the price for shipping every time just the intro order]). As part of the agreement you have to buy 2 more books within the next year. They had a buy 1 get 1 free sale with 2.49 shipping and I picked up my additional books then. So I fulfilled my agreement. Hopefully that all makes sense. I'm tempted to sign up under Todd's name now to get some more at a later time. Books are too fun - I could get carried away. So much more worth the money than buying toys - in my opinion.

So we're actually keeping these books stored in a box in our closet as a reward for Reese going #2 in the potty. She desperately wants Llama Llama Red Pajama - but she's not even allowed to touch it unless she poops in the potty. Potty training has to be the stupidest thing ever... Reese is awesome at going #1 in the potty but everyday she poops her pants and it's SO FRUSTRATING!! I know she knows that she has to go but runs and hides every time instead of going in the potty. We've been trying to stay positive but it's waring my patience very thin. So any magical advice someone has would be great. Note: none of the following works, giving her a diaper to poop in, cutting holes in diaper and having her sit on potty (she won't even go near diapers any more and insists that she is a big girl), sticker charts, treat rewards (any reward for that fact) --- blah! Help!! What would super nanny do?
The other day when we were in Jo-Ann's Reese found a magnifying glass in the dollar section. When we got home she found a "detective coat" and briefcase and went around the house looking for clues.
This last Sunday was March Birthday dinner time. We have 6 family birthday that fall in March. So we just combine them all into one get together. Reese was so excited to see all her cousins. She'd been talking about days before. On the way up she kept telling us how she loved Brookie (her cousin about 10 months older than her). They all had a blast! There are 8 grand kids between the ages of 6 and 3 months. So you can imagine the madness. Above: they each took turns being buried under couch pillows and then all the other grand kids would climb on top. Not quite sure how that might be fun, but they sure seemed to enjoy themselves.
Brooke and Boston.
Boston reaching for the grapes. I can't even tell you how much this kid eats. He probably ate a whole bag of grapes. Plus a handful of pickles, cucumbers, and then dinner on top of that.

Trouble makers.

Friday, March 18, 2011

Not much to post about...

Hey all... So not much has been going on around here lately. I know it's been a month since my last post but I don't think I've even taken one picture of the kids. Sad I know. It's starting to warm up a bit lately so maybe we'll actually head out doors soon and snap a few.
Lately I've been trying to justify the amount of television I watch at night by at least being productive during the shows. I made a blanket for my friends baby shower, a pillowcase for Reese's friend's birthday (the picture only shows it partially done - and yes I know it's kind of boyish - but they didn't have any girly Toy Story fabric - which she loves), and I made a skirt for Reese (I'll take a picture of that when Reese is wearing it). I slowly trying to improve my sewing skills. Pretty basic stuff - but it's kind of fun to work on. So if anyone knows of any cute (simple) sewing projects feel free to pass it along. I have a box full of fabric that needs to be used. I am such a sucker for cute fabric. I buy a yard here and there with no specific project in mind -- so I need to start using my stash -- so I'm not just a fabric hoarder. The next project I want to try is using a skip stitch blade for my rotary cutter. I already suggested Todd put one in my Easter basket. It's just a blade that makes little holes in your fleece so you can crochet around the edges. Another thing I need to work on - crocheting! My mother and grandmother have quite a knack for it - I on the other hand cannot hold the yarn right for the life of me. I end up holding it all screwy and get major cramps in my hand after 5 minutes - not to mention the inconsistency in my yarn tightness. So yeah that was kind of a boring post -- hopefully more excitement next time. Monday I want to go to the Museum in Idaho Falls to see the bodies exhibit. It looks kind of interesting -- and Reese thinks skeletons are kind of cool - weird child I know.