my little craft project

I threw together a bow holder for an enrichment activity and was a little disappointed how my originals turned out. I had bought a few extra supplies, and with that, I began tweaking it into something I really like. Ten holders later I am looking to start a little business (well or just sell a few on etsy). I am hoping to sell them at the Beehive Bazaar in Provo to see what the response is, but it might not happen.
Anyways, I thought I'd put it out there for some friendly feedback (since only dear friends and family read my blog). Feel free to anonymously answer what works or doesn't. (They are 5 x 7's mixed media--paper collage, paint on canvas or wood. )

never too young for a family work day

Josh has been Mr. Handyman the last few Saturdays. (light fixtures, fixing roof shingles, mowing leaves, christmas lights...about 4 strands) Josh always finds a way for Noah to help. Nothing makes Noah happier. When ever they finish a project they take a moment (or two) to admire their hard work. I don't know who feels more proud me, or them. Not to be left out Clara Jane helped fold clean clothes and was an excellent cheerleader for my mundane chores. Can't wait until it's Josh and I in the cheerleader rolls. At what age does that happen?

a santa dilema

Harmon's has been a safe grocery store...free cookies - no toys.That makes for happy, incident free shopping for Noah and mommy alike. This week they rolled out the special Christmas inventory and things changed. They had a huge stack of firetrucks and police cars (Noah's favorites) for double what they're worth (they cost$16.84) right near the register. After much negotiation, Noah tearfully handed over the car to the cashier for a sticker. She gave him helpful advice to write a letter to Santa and ask him for it. Noah was so excited with that prospect and did just that when we got home. Now with six weeks until Christmas I don't know if he (or I) can make it. Here is just a glimpse of (his side of the) conversation that has happened a hundred times the last few days.

"Santa come tonight"
"not yet"
"Christmas eve's tonight?"
"Santa bought my police car from Harmon's?"
"takes a long time?"
"not yet?"
"elf and Santa are wrapping my police car from Harmon's now?"
"Santa come in three minutes?"
"mom, call Santa, bring my police car from Harmon's, right now"
"please?"
"police car door not open, tell Santa"
"not yet?"
"in one minute?"

I brought out a calendar. Talked about what has to happen before then. Talked about how Santa gets choose what he brings and that the letter was just one idea. I want to keep the joy and magic burning in my sweet three year old's eyes. What's the next move?

me in a moment

I think it was C.S. Lewis who said, "we read to know we are not alone". I have felt that many times through books and now lately reading others blogs. I tend to not post unless I have some cute pictures of my kids or an activity. Today no picts, just me. I think my english professor would be proud, she always had us do these "stream of consciousness" writing activities. Here goes.
I am a toe tucker, my husband tolerates it, my sisters did not.
I sleep through most movies.
I would love to sleep more.
I miss sleep.
I have better intentions then follow through.
I was a much better friend before I was a mom.
I love being a mom.
I am a worried mom.
I am a worrier.
I don't think it keeps me from being brave.
I do hate confrontation.
I love food especially of the sweet, baked nature. When asking about a trip or date or sleep over. I would always ask what people ate first.
I like to cook, I love to bake, I read recipe books with no intention of cooking the meals.
I like feeling healthy.
I like being healthy.
I love a bargain.
I rarely pay full price.
I don't check phone messages enough.
I wish I could hid when I feel overwhelmed.
I love to just be with family.
I am happy.

Okay moment over/exercise over, thank you for humoring me. I do like writing lists so it may pop up every now and again.

boo!

The Halloween fun started on Thursday when we went to Josh's parents to carve pumpkins, and celebrate Liz's birthday. Noah was Lightening McQueen and Clara was Daisy Duck. Noah practiced trick or treating by knocking on Grandma Stika's door over and over. He was ready for Friday.
Halloween night Josh BBQed and Beck and I made carmel apples. It was nice to have Beck with us, she "man'd the door" so we could go out trick or treating together as a family. It began to rain so I changed Clara in to some sort of snuggly animal (she wore her snow outfit and I drew some whiskers). Noah was very eager, he said trick or treat as he was ringing the doorbell. We came home, passed out candy, Noah licked about 15 different pieces, we snuck a few and headed off to bed.

making discoveries

Ahh, my little scientists. Noah, Clara and I picked up Aunt Beck from the airport and then headed over to the Kids Discovery Museum. A few weeks ago I went on my own with the kids and it ended with me having some of the most memorable discoveries. I discovered what it felt like to be that mom that everyone is staring at, wondering what will she do? I discovered what it was like to have a three year old who is testing boundaries. I discovered never to walk through the gift shop at the museum. Let's just say I was carrying Clara in the bjorn, pushing the stroller with one hand and dragging a kicking/screaming/biting Noah out with the other hand. It was bad enough that another mom came to see if she could help me to my car. I needed to face the museum again but having Beck there for reinforcement made it less daunting.
This visit was pleasant start to finish. The discoveries were all left up to the kids. Noah is so curious, I just like to be his shadow and see where he goes. His favorites are putting balls in the tubes, filling the car with gas at the station, making and testing flying devices, and the construction area where you can build ( and even better) destroy. Clara's favorites are getting to touch anything and sneak it into her mouth. If you have seen how many kids are around it's a literal playground for germs so she doesn't get to her favorites too much. Hooray for happy discoveries!

super saturday

Saturday was great. We had one of those days where we were actually living the way Josh and I pictured us living before we had kids and learned that feeding, bathing, and cleaning up after kids can fill a whole day. Here are a few of the highlights:
8:00 Cleaned the church with are friends the Parkers.
(Clara was snug in the bjorn while I vacuumed, Noah made sure all the nursery toys were in good working order, and Josh covered the rest.)
10:00 Picked up pumpkins, squash, and yummy salsa at the last Farmers Market of the season in downtown SLC.
12:00 Both kids down for a nap at the same time(yippee!). Cleaned House.
3:00 Headed up to Snowbird to ride the tram with Liss, Mark, Carson and Summer. It was customer appreciation day so it was free with the donation of canned goods. Such perfect weather and were able to catch the last of the glorious fall colors.