Our life and stuff

Appreciation

on Saturday it was beautiful . too bad I felt awful

 

I was awoken invited (shhh, don't tell her that the phone woke me up - I already pretended it didn't.) to go see some quilts with my Mother.

I don't feel good... 

I've got this, that and the other thing to do...

I just woke up and plan on staying in my PJ's all day...

I have the two kids with me...   

She wasn't buying any of my excuses.  Begrudgingly I got ready, made beds, fed the kids - grabbed camera, stroller and snacks and we finally left.  On the way to pick up my Mom, Luke warned me for the third time that he didn't like shopping.  

'Not to worry my dear.  These quilts are on display with awards so we're not really shopping.'

This was a small scale quilt show, in the gym of a local university.  These women were so sweet and friendly.  They approached us and told the kids pleasant stories behind their beautiful projects.

 

 

We voted for a few BEST OF SHOW pieces.

Each of us took a turn at writing our name with a long-arm quilting machine. 

 

So many different styles and interpretations.

This is the first year that I saw bedazzled quilts with crystals.

They were machine quilted and hand quilted

To see them up close and think of the YEARS that they took to make... it was worth it.
 

 (Standing right up close - it took the quilter's description to notice the black netting that she pieced to create the illusion of smoke from her never-ending candles.)

 

 

 
  

• Mom always walks away inspired.  She is a truly a dedicated fan of the Arts.    
• Luke gained a new understanding for the amount of thought, effort and love that goes into every project. 
• Sydney appreciated all the candy that the vendors were passing out - so perfectly timed following Halloween.
• I like to see the quilts, believe me.  But the neatest thing was just being there and sharing this experience with my Mom.  I know how much she loves it.  A long time ago she taught me so patiently and I watched her do that today with my kids.  Something I don't do enough of. 

 

 

Thank you Mom.

We had SEW much fun.

     

Lunch date

 

I picked up Syd from school today and decided that the girls needed to go out to lunch. 

I knew exactly where to go and I knew exactly what we would order. 

On the drive there all I could do was think about THAT meal.  It's like you can almost smell it and taste it and you can't get there fast enough (can you tell I was starving). 

 

We pull up and as soon as we enter the driveway I notice the neon OPEN sign is dim.

Getting closer, I see the butcher paper covering all the windows.

No way.  This is not happening.

 

Closer now and I read the sign.

CLOSED FOR REMODELING  (reopening in about 2 months)

Suddenly I don't care where we go because nothing else will taste as good.

 

We settle on Rubio's.  Because it is close.

I ordered a Healthtex chicken burrito (or something like that) and it was gross. 

Even starving, I couldn't finish 1/2 of it.

 

Sydney LOVED her taquitos and rice. 

She finished every bite.

 

 

I had no intention of taking pictures at lunch.  I did it totally as a coverup. 

You see...

As were eating our lunch, a 'person' was at the salsa bar next to us carrying their tray.  Before they proceeded to the table behind us, they passed right by our table. 

At that exact moment Sydney asks...

'Is that a boy or a girl?'

 

Instantly I look up, I felt bad but I don't think they heard. 

Then, I pulled out my camera and had Syd pose with her lunch.  

 

I said- 'Sydney smile' and proceeded to zoom clear over her head and focus in on the table behind us -

 

( in Sydney's defense - she really couldn't tell ) 

USC sidelines

This summer Luke went up to USC with some friends to watch their football practice.  They were up close and personal while they ran scrimmage plays. 

After a LONG - HOT practice the players hung around to take pictures.  They got one with Taylor Mays, Pete Caroll and of course... 

Mr. Matt (I'm so cute) Barkley

Thanks Chris & Cori for taking the kids and taking pictures!

I love them~

[ at the park - oct 09 ]
   

Tired Babies

Tonight, Luke was sleeping before 8pm. 

THAT.NEVER.HAPPENS

Little Syd had a long night on Friday.  Up several times, unable to sleep and stuffed up.  All day, the cough got worse and she lazed around.  Daddy ran out to buy Snow White & Pinnochio for her watch in a pile of pillows.  

By dinner she had a fever of 102 with no appetite. 

She ate a few bites of white rice but lost all that an hour or so later. 

Poor baby

 

 

We put her back in her room with Kleenex, a water bottle and bowl (just in case). I hope they both get a good night's rest and wake up feeling better. 

p.s.  Do you see Luke's room?  We finally re-did it.  I'll post better pictures soon.

Big Smiles

This week ...

WE WENT TO THE PARK

 

and

WE WENT TO THE DENTIST

 

And guess what??

She had more fun at the dentist...

 

'Mom, where's Luke?'

 

'Luuuuuuke!'

 

(next door)

'geez, she's so embarrassing.'

 

She was annoyed at how long she had to sit and wait (get used to it). 

She asked if she got to keep the paper necklace.  

She touched EVERYTHING. 

 

I didn't stop her or tell her to be quiet because the sooner they see us, the sooner that annoying 4 year old will leave their office.  Right? 

 

'I know what they'll do with that, they'll bright it on my teeth', as she pointed to the swing-arm light. 

'What else Syd?  What is going to happen at the dentist?'

 

(I'll let her answer)

 

 

Then, just like always, it turned into a webisode of iSydney iCarly...

 

 

This was her first REAL visit with x-rays, a cleaning and all.  They counted and she has 20 teeth.  She is right on target for her age and had no cavities.

Luke did great also- he needs an old filling replaced but no new ones.  Lots of reasons to smile this week.  

 

p.s. this is the 'Shooter' that 'shotted' her

  

First day back-

It was back to school today (finally) for Miss Syd.

'I can't wait to see Grace!', as she tried to tie her shoes.

 

I finally had to break it to her...

'Baby I signed you up with a new teacher and she's awesome, just like Mrs. B'.

We walked in and she scanned the room, looking around everyone to see all the kids.  She wouldn't sit on the rug squares- next to all those unfamiliar faces.  Instead she gripped my arm and was practically in my lap as I filled out the contact forms. 

'I don't see Grace Mom and I think everyone speaks Spanish'.

'Mrs. K has all new kids and new friends for you to meet. And they all speak English'.

She took it well and wandered over to the kitchen play station where she stayed until I left.

(12:06 in the parking lot)

'So how was it?'

'It was FANTASTIC'.

We drove home and she talked the whole way about school.  How Mrs. K does all the same stuff as Mrs. B.  How she made new friends and sits next to a girl named Chloe.  How she didn't finish her Cheez-its and shared chips with her new friends even though Mrs. K told them not to share food. 

I unlock the door and she says...

'Ahhh, home sweet home'.

(She's back ~ with fluffy hair, sand in her shoes and THE STAMP)

My Music Man

A few weeks ago the flyer came home. 

He had to choose- Strings or Band.

'The trumpet Mom.  I pick trumpet.'

(really?) 'ok'.

I let a few more weeks go by...

'Mom, can we get my instrument today?  Everybody has them already.'

(really??) 'ok, we'll go tonight'.

The deed is done, because... I couldn't put it off any longer. 

I won't lie, that 20 min. of daily practice is going to kill me.

      

Good Morning Sunshine

This is how she walks out to me: 

missing a shirt, sleepy face, messy hair and those 'crossed arms' just like her brother.

Speaking of her brother- it's almost 10am and he is still sleeping.  He had a rare allergy attack last night. I've never heard someone sneeze SO.MANY.TIMES in a row.  

But sleeping = no Sneezing.  (sweet dreams)

     

Swimming '09

 

 

 Luke finished LEVEL 4 : Fabulous Fish

[ Perfecting: Breaststroke, Front/Back crawl, Sidestroke, Rotary breathing etc ]

 

 

Sydney still working on Level 2 : Super Star Fish

[ Practicing: Flutter kicks, Holding breath, Unsupported float etc ]

But their favorite 5 minutes were on (or rather jumping off) the diving board.

~July 2009