So What Your Saying Is....

I need to go to the store...again. 

One Dollar Dress

My kiddos love when I sew for them.  I really can't keep up with their demands.  Kennedy is always asking if what I am sewing is a skirt or dress for her.  I really need to sew more dresses and skirts for Taylin.  Her side of the closet is lacking, especially compared to Kennedy's. 

Kennedy had a two time hand-me-down shirt.  It was cute, but a slight stain. It was also a little awkward by itself.  Vests aren't in style.  I guess if Phoenix allowed for layering, I could have come up with something.  Well, it isn't.  So, sew!

I picked up a few pillowcases at the dollar store a few months ago with intentions of using them for some sewing project. I know the quality isn't top, but sometimes a quick project and a smile on my daughter's face makes a dollar fabric go a long way. So this is what I did for a dollar and odds & ends I had around the house.

Naughty or Nice

I know I shouldn't, but I do use Santa's Naughty and Nice list this time of the year for behavior.  It is a little too convenient and it puts fear in my kids.  One day, Cohen was having a rough morning.  David was out doing some Christmas shopping, so I "threatened" to text David and let him know Cohen was not behaving and that would affect his list.  Cohen didn't improve and had quite the scowl on his face.  I went low and mentioned he would just get a lump of coal in his stocking.  I cringed...poor kid, I love him too much to leave him with nothing.  He went to his room to cool off for a bit. 

He came out and was doing better.  Then he was mad at me and said, "I am going to put a chunk of ice in your stocking."  I tried not to laugh.  Then we laughed together.

This conversation seemed to make an impact on Kennedy.  The other day I upset her.  I am so mean.  I think I said she couldn't do something or she had to take a nap.  Awful!  Well, she respond with a few tears and frustrated comments.  Then she gave me the ultimatum, "I am going to put ice cream in your stocking!"

I smiled and said, "MMM, that would be wonderful!"  Then we laughed.  I love how they pick up on things.  I am sad it started with coal, but turned into laughter and a stocking full of ice cream.  We are enjoying our holidays.  The season of charity and generosity has been working in our home.  More love and generous bouts of laughter. 

Happy Halloween 2011

Cohen asked, "Will we always have Halloween?"  We hope so!  Any excuse to dress up, play games and get candy.  Worth keeping around. 

The Littles

Little Miss Turned 4!

 This year was a friend party for Kennedy, 4 years old!  She wasn't particular on theme.  It started with a sun and grew from there.  We were able to do a little celebrating before David went to work.  For some reason we only have pictures of her on the morning of her birthday.  The party was full of fun and busy-ness that there wasn't very many pictures taken :(

 Kennedy is obsessed with Orbit gum and coloring.  I loved these beads when I saw them and thought of her.  They are fantastic.  We sit around and create and recreate for hours.  I highly recommend this for 4-8 year old girls.  Or even 30 something year old girls. 

Our Dear Cadi

David makes me laugh and all we can do is laugh.  The week before his vacation, he was supposed to have half a day Wednesday, a normal (9-5) day Thursday, and half a day Friday.  He is on an elective month to give a slight break between busy ones.  Well, I have noticed, David is slightly unlucky when it comes to getting a break. 

Wednesday just happened to be the one Wednesday a month the doctor was in, so he had a full day.  Earlier in the week David had impressed one of the dermatology doctors.  We both got a kick out of it because one: he is not a derm fan...might even use the hate word; two: the doctor was impressed by the way David described lesions.  Hilarious!  This pioneering pediatric dermatologist asked that David be his assistant on Thursday for surgeries.  David was less than thrilled and slightly nervous.  This is not his strong field and the doctor wasn't the easiest person to work with.  He also had to go in an hour earlier than normal.  He says he faked it well and had a good day.  Honestly, I am sure David is an impressive doctor and won't admit it.  He knows his stuff.  If he doesn't, he knows where to find the answers. 

David's Week of Staycation

David had a week off this past week.  Unfortunately the rest of us were still in full swing.  Some of this week's happenings (no particular order and not all desired moments...just some of our daily adventures that were not such a big deal, because we had two parents to face the challenge and time ;) ):

•  David went to lunch and recess with Taylin and Cohen.  Right now the kids just love it and are far from embarrassed.   He gets all kinds of insight from their classmates.  He quickly finds out who the best buddies are, who is a little rowdy, etc.  He really enjoys recess with the kiddos.  He is a big kid out there (not that much bigger ;) ).  Their friends think he is cool.  David noticed a few of the boys  from Taylin's class were always by his side.  The two of them had Dad's that were far away.  David enjoyed being their pal for the moment.  They both seemed to think so too. 
• Car oil changes, turned into even more "routine" maintenance.  It was nice to have him here to do the drop offs and not worry about if the kids were asleep or not.  Our wallet didn't appreciate it, but we feel comfortable in our well functioning vehicles.
• Date night to improv and Gelato Spot.  I surprised David.
• Mowed lawn.
• Temple trip
• I went to the grocery store and Jo Ann's solo.
• David completed a case report that he hopes to be published soon.
• We went running together with the two little ones in the jogging stroller.  We saw some fun Halloween decor along the route.
• Dinners were less stressful and all together at a decent hour.
• Movies watched.
• David was able to play basketball this week.  By Friday he was a bit sore after all the exercise and physical activity.
• Missionaries over for dinner
• 1/4 of a tube of toothpaste smeared and tasted by two year old who was thought to be sleeping.

The Candy Man or the Prophet

A little background:

  

Growing up I remember a few candy men at church.  One ward was so crowded, I never knew who placed the cinnamon candy in my hand. 

I am sure I eventually figured it out.  This isn't something we are comfortable with today--taking candy from strangers.  I am sure we were a little leery until my parents knew who it was and said it was okay to eat the candies.  We were trusting as we were at church. 
 

Taylin's Sweet Notes

Taylin never ceases to amaze us with her compassionate heart.  Recently her teacher was out for a week.  The students learned a little each day throughout the week went on as to the reason for her absence.  Her teacher's mother was killed in a car accident.  Just heartbreaking!  The kids were so sweet and worried about her.  They made her cards for when she returned.  Taylin wrote in her card that her teacher was, "{Their} Owl of Wisdom."  She makes me smile and I am sure she made her teacher smile too.

Wet N Wild

We received tickets through David's work to go to Wet N Wild.  It was a day we had a few things going in the late afternoon/evening, but we had enough time to go for a few hours.  Four and a half hours was enough for us to enjoy the time and not too long that we were completely wiped out.  We really weren't sure what to expect or how the kids would react.  When you walk in they give the kids wrist bands with the color according to their height.  The rides were also color coded for which rides the kids were tall enough for.  Genius! 

We had one in each category.  Teague didn't fit a tag.  Then each of the other children were in each category.  Teague could do things with a life jacket and a parent.  We, the couple that is height challenged, had a child that was tall enough for all the rides.  We weren't sure how daring Taylin would be to try them, but we would find out soon enough. 

Named

...not maimed, named.  After throwing a few name ideas around, I finally came up with a name for a label/tag and maybe future business.   I am excited about it!  Drum roll, please.....

A. Oh Caye

I am currently working on the label design with a talented friend and then I will send it in to get woven.  This reality is making me a little hesitant.  I am mixed with excitement and nervousness.  I did register on Etsy.  As far as the shop opening...that might take a little bit longer.  I am coming up with inventory ideas and will start sewing soon.  I have Halloween costumes, baby dresses and Christmas projects running for my family and gifts.  I might be able to work on a few things here and there.  I am starting small.  I also have some old patterns I will be posting to start some revenue.  I will need that to purchase the tags.  So no labels on the first few items. 

I am just sooo excited about a name.  It had me stumped for quite some time.  I loved other crafter's catchy names and wanted something catchy, but with a bit of me.  I decided to go with my name and get clever.  David and I threw names back and forth.  Think like A. Caye G, A. Caye Eh (a.k.a.) ...I didn't want to sound like an armed weapon or a pirate or Canadian (nothing against Canadians, but it isn't fitting to my Texan roots).  Then, A. Oh Caye...popped!  My first initial and middle name with an "Oh" stashed in the middle.  I won't go on how I feel it fits or how "Oh" is expressed.  It makes me smile and fits my work.  At least that is what I think.  I will post when I have something to share on Etsy.  For now, I have a docket of projects waiting for me.  Thanks for all your support and confidence in me.  You all motivate and inspire me!

Just Gotta Laugh

There is never a dull moment.  Instead of getting frustrated and to keep from going insane, we just laugh it off. 

The kids often have the giggles at dinner time or scripture study before bed.  I try not to get bothered by it, because they are enjoying each other's company.  Sometimes it is a distraction and I have to redirect their focus.  Sometimes it is funny and I have to laugh along. 

Last night we were reading the scriptures and Teague had a Ken doll in his possession.  We had to stop him from making all the sounds of this dolls actions.  Cohen was distracted and laughing at Teague.  Teague thinks he is pretty funny and will only go for more silly once he has a fan.  We had to redirect Cohen so he wouldn't encourage sillies.  Cohen sat down by David to read.  He started reading and was focused.  David saw Teague and smirked.  I was trying not to laugh.  Then piped, "He (as in the Ken doll) has red panties with lace.  I can't help but laugh."  We all died laughing and laughed even harder at everyone laughing.  The hysteria broke the mood and purpose, but we sure were enjoying the moment.  So funny!

Today, I had to use the same antidote to get me through.  Just had to laugh it off. 

Summer Fun

The summer came and went. I enjoyed having the kids home. We had hoped we would make it to Texas to visit, but we decided to repair David's car with a new ac air compressor. We did some summer projects here and there and swimming once a week, at least. We had a sister I visit taught offer to have us swim at their condo pool followed by snow cones. It was nice to get to know her better. She is very sweet. The snow cones helped to coax the kiddos out of the pool when the sunblock was wearing off.

Birthday Boy

Cohen turned six just a few days before his first day of First Grade.

Cohen has grown so much since we moved to Phoenix, in height, knowledge and spiritually.  We have enjoyed his growing questions and great determination.  He learned to ride his bike most recently (I tried posting a video...will try again another time).  He must have been ready.  He was just waiting on us to teach him. 

We started the morning with doughnuts.  I was able to sneak out and get them before they all woke up.  The sun rises early in the summer and so do they.

Name that Tag

Sew...soooo. 

Here goes...I go back and forth as to go private or public or private or public.  We did private for a few months.  I felt like it was less convenient for those who I really wanted to be able to peek into our lives and adventures away from home.  I also found some features that would protect us a little longer.  I go back and forth between: I have nothing to hide and that is too much information for all to know. 

I am currently feeling like an open book, I guess.  Today I post for your reading and help.  A little piece of my mind for ya...as many of you know, I enjoy sewing.  More than anything, creating.  I have attempted to avoid overwhelming our family blog with sewing posts of projects and such.  I barely get the projects done at my desired timeline, so posting about them becomes difficult or less desireable, anyways.  I get a lot of my ideas from other fabulous crafters that share on their blogs and window shopping...online window shopping.  Someday I might add to the inspiration.  I do post my crafts via facebook.  Through that I have received undeserving compliments and it has been suggested to go "Etsy."  What...business?

New Feature..."Read More"

Just a heads up.  I have slowly been fixing up the blog while ocassionally posting new posts.  I add the "Read More" feature.  This allows the blog to be a little easier to read. 

"With Jump Breaks you can show just a snippet of your post on your blog's index page. Blogger will insert a 'Read more' link to the full post page where your readers can keep reading."

That way you won't have to scroll as much to get to the next post.  You can also just read a snipet; read on if it is interesting by clicking or sounds like a duller moment in our life, scroll on past.

I hope this feature makes catching glimpses into our lives more enjoyable and less time consuming.  We all know how blog reading can eat up time real fast! 

A Buggy Friend

Kennedy caught a bug.  She wanted to keep it in a container.  I didn't have anything with a lid I wanted to punch holes in.  Plus I didn't know how attached she would be.  She put the bug in the container.  She called it the bug's "crib."  It was time for her to take a nap, so she put it by her bed.  Creepy to me!  I was a little uncomfortable with the idea, but also knew it was a tiny harmless bug. 

Where is Teague?

Somewhere behind massive quantities of hair:

Date with Dad

We try do our best at going out with the kids for some one-on-one time.  The kids look forward to it!  We especially try to take them when we notice a change in their behavior. When the kids don't get to see David after a few days, it wears on them...okay all of us ;) 

"C" is for Cowboy

The end of the year was busy with all of the end of the year activities.  Taylin and Cohen had various fun activities the last couple of weeks.  I had to stay on my toes to keep up and maybe one step ahead.  It has been a slight challenge this year with Cohen following only one year behind Taylin.  He is a competitive little guy.  He wanted to do everything Taylin was doing.  Taylin would remember what she did in kindergarten and let Cohen know if he was doing it correctly or not.  Homework was a different experience as well.  I am not sure if Cohen had more, or it was more work for me to keep him motivated.  I imagine it was a little bit of both.  They are both great kids and do things a little differently.  They also are great buddies.  It was cute to see how quickly Taylin's friends became Cohen's friends. 

A Little Bubbly

Sorry for the wait.  My last post was the disturbing fancy pants picture. 

This is what I imagined when I saw those pants:

(She was not so willing for this photo shoot. She does love her skirt.)

Do you see what I see?

Our Relief Society had a clothing swap.  Whatever wasn't picked up, was donated to Deseret Industries.  I took the opportunity to pick through and see what I could find.  I found some pieces that would work as they were.  I also found many articles of clothing that needed a makeover.  This is an item that has a different future than meets the eye:

David's Prescription

...laughter!  I know he is working really hard to be the best doctor he can be, but he is great at making us all at home feel better. 

We thought it would be cold since it is cold at most of the places he interviewed most of the year.  David didn't have a coat to keep him warm in some of the temperatures we were reading.  The Wilsons kindly let him hibernate in their's for a while.  Luckily he didn't have to pay for an extra bag to carry it.  The days he travelled were in the 50-60s.  He had jackets to keep him warm for those digits

.

David has always enjoyed making others laugh.  I have to say, I think most of the recipients enjoy it too.  He doesn't have to try very hard.  He is a natural.  There are moments that replay in my head that I will just bust out laughing.  They truly help me get through some moments.  Recent activities have played through my head.  I wish I had caught him on camera for these two incidents.  One of which, I wasn't there.  If you have ever heard David retell an incident, he is pretty detailed oriented and good at that as well.  He does have a picture of his entertaining trip to Chicago for an interview.  It is on his phone.  I will post...maybe.  If he were typing this, it would be very clear and a picture would not be necessary.  I hope I can do these moments justice.

Through Cohen's Eyes

I had a special afternoon with Cohen in his classroom.  The kids and their teacher, Mrs. Marcus, celebrated mothers with Mother's Day Tea.  They had tablecloths spread across the tables, sweet creations at their seats and plates for treats.  They sang a sweet song for us and then shared their creations.  He made a clay face of himself.  I loved his details.  He pointed to the cheeks and said, "Look, I made dimples."  He hasn't always been so proud to share a smile to show them off.  I think he has started to realize they are a part of who he is and is willing to share a grin with accents.  I also loved the book he wrote (fill in the blank).  Through his eyes, here is his story, "My Mother":

What is our ethnicity?

I don't get too much credit for the children looking like me.  They all look just like David.  Yesterday I took the girls to the salon for haircuts.  Today I took the younger two with me in a stroller for my haircut.  As we were paying, the hairstylist said, "Is their dad Asian?"

Closed Quote

Today Cohen and Taylin were having a disagreement.  The conversation was calm.  Cohen made a comment.  Taylin made her rebuttal followed by, "end of comment."  I couldn't help but chuckle a little.  I asked her later where she got that from.  She said she got it from General Conference.  Oh!  She had asked David why the speaker would say quote and closed quote in their talks.  David explained the speakers were giving the person who originally shared the thought credit and when they ended their comment, they would say close quote.  Taylin was done and didn't want the argument to go any farther.  She was not only closing her comment, but end of conversation.  Case closed.  Cohen seemed ok with that.  Argument was over. 

Taylin's Play

We went to our favorite museum over Spring Break.  The exhibit was Fables and Fairy Tales.  The kids loved dressing up and all the different activities offered.  They discussed their future careers on the way home.  Taylin wants to be a scientist and a veternarian so she can figure out something (I didn't catch.) about birds.  Cohen felt the same way.  A week later he decided he just wanted to be a scientist, because he didn't want to see the blood and broken bones.  I still think he will be an engineer. 

Love Notes and Sidewalk Chalk

Overall today was a good day.  Cohen and I were having a great afternoon.  He even compromised on some things.  I did as well.  The weather has been beautiful.  With the breeze flowing through the house with open windows and doors, I highly encouraged the kids to play outside.  This is where I try to let Cohen be adventurous.  I have to keep a close eye on him (I try to catch it before his sisters come to tell me...which they will.)  We haven't invested in any playground equipment, because we aren't interested in hauling it or paying for it and leaving it.  The kids used to have a sand box until the cats decided to take over it.  The kids have to be a little creative...which they don't lack.  Cohen was being mischievous

David's Future Fellowship

David started interviewing in February for a GI Fellowship that will begin June 2012.  That is over a year away, but that means more time to plan or have anxiety as to how cold it could be.  Most of the the places actually see snow that stays on the ground.  At this point (and the snows around the country this winter) that could be anywhere, except Phoenix.  David just finished his fourth interview.  This means he is more than half way over.  He heard back from all the places he applied, and he only received one no.  He declined interviews from three after being confident in other programs he had heard from.  We were completely okay with that and are confident in what options we have.  I will list them in the order they are scheduled (and list adventures he had with each that we will have to elaborate on later):

On the Bright Side

This has been one of "those" months.  It is one of the hardest months ever...I do believe, ever.  The kids and I are somewhat accustomed to it and know what to do to make it work.  However, when you are tired, you are tired!  I am tired.  On top of that, four of the five of us at home had a fever.  The worst hit Kennedy and Cohen.  Cohen is still recovering with gaining appetite and such back.  David has been interviewing since February and will continue through the end of April.  David is Q4 (call every fourth night) March and April.  He also has three interviews in March and two in April.  The three in March are three weeks in a row and the last two are almost back to back.  I know this is torturous to read.  Basically if he isn't working nights, he is flying to or from an interview (they take up two days).  We have seen him about one night a week.  So a couple of hours for the whole week.  I see him a little more and hear him in the mornings while he gets ready to go to work while the sun is getting up to brighten our day.  Today is near the end.  Thursday night we will sit down for a meal with a family of six...two adults at the table! 

BRRRRR....Cold!

We are spoiled by warm/hot weather.  As everyone else has been dealing with cold weather and cold, wet weather.  We have been comfy in the 70's...until this week.  We are used to a cold temp at night, but are cuddled in our blankets and fast asleep.  This week we heard the cold front blow in Tuesday night.  Wednesday wasn't any higher than 34 degrees and some bitter winds.  I would have loved to stay inside and drink hot cocoa, play games and do those things, but we had no excuse to stay in or home from school. Not many bad weather days here.  It was still sunny and beautiful.  Not a bit of precipitation.  Due to our lack of experience and preparedness (a.k.a. clothing), we are wimpy in this cold weather.

Teague

Teague fits right in with his siblings, yet he has his own way of doing some tasks.  He doesn't eat his crust on his sandwiches.  Sounds normal.  He won't let me cut the crust off.  He will refuse the sandwich if I do.  He prefers to take care of it himself.  Teague will do a better job of getting most of the sandwich than if I cut it off myself.  I am not sure what it is.  You would think there was a perforated line he was following.

October: Daddy Daughter Camp Out

I love this tradition: the Daddy/Daughter Camp out.  The girls look forward to it.  Last year David was certain all they needed was sheets.  You can tell how the experience went last year by the layers of bedding here.  I sent them with layers of clothes for pajamas.  They warmed up quickly during the day.

Flashback to Halloween

I sent a witch and Batman to school.

 I enjoyed the classroom parties.

Cohen the Planner

Day dreaming and planning the future.  Taking life all in.

While you wait...

I started working on October posts. While you wait for those to arrive here is our recent photo attempt for Grandma.

two cooperating kiddos and one escape artist

 all in the photo..."Teague, go stand by Cohen."

Where have we been?

So it has been a while and I am loving all the new stuff Blogger has added.  A new motivation to get me back up again. 

Where have we been?  All is well and staying healthy and happy.  My free moments (usually means sacrificing sleep or while the kids are napping) to blog have been dedicated to two things: one reading.  The second one answered by Cohen's comment today: "Mom, why are you always sewing?" 

It is my hobby, my release!