Santa: Caught in the Act

We had a lovely Christmas. Here is a photo I snagged of Santa in our house filling up the stockings, and leaving Kate some presents.

Ward Christmas Breakfast

We have two favorite events around Christmas time-The Relief Society Christmas Dinner and the Ward Christmas Breakfast. This year neither disappointed. Here are some pictures from the Ward Christmas Breakfast.

I love that Kate is old enough to love Santa and not cry on his lap. First, she gave him a big hug...

Her nod of assent that she had been a good girl followed with Santa's second, and more favored question, "What would you like Santa to bring you this year?" Kate grinned and whispered, "Tiana Dress up."

Of course, in childlike fashion, Kate told me yesterday, after Tiana dress up being the thing she wanted for a month, that she wanted Santa to bring a bike-you know the one at Costco that they leave out for all the kids to try out in the toy section. I told her that she already asked Santa for the dress up and she said that he could bring her both. Right. Santa might disappoint this year because I already know he isn't buying her a bike.

Kate, still star-struck from seeing and sitting on Santa, went into breakfast and afterwards performed in the nativity with all the other children. She was one of the angels. Suddenly a man, dressed in all white steps up to the microphone. Kate pointing, whispers audibly, "Is that Santa?" I motioned her to come to me and whispered back that he was playing the role of the Angel Gabriel.

Maybe she has a good memory. This year's Angel Gabriel played Santa at last year's Christmas Breakfast. That is the same wig and beard.

More of the nativity.

These kids were so reverent. At the end of the program someone had to tell them to go ahead and be noisy children again. I really enjoyed having a child old enough to really participate. Kate is singing all the songs and making everything quite merry over here.

I quizzed her last week at bedtime, not knowing what to expect. She was talking about gifts and I asked her what the real gift of Christmas is. She said, "Jesus!" I thought it was a fluke so I asked her who gave us Jesus as a gift and she said, "He-men-ly Fah-ver!" {That's 'Heavenly Father' for those who don't understand Kateese} We were on a role so I thought I would just try for one more and asked, What did Jesus do for us?" And she exclaimed, "He died on the cross and was resurrected!" {surprisingly she says resurrected perfectly-go figure} Good job, Kate, That's 100% on your Christmas pop quiz!

She's also been receiving special gifts from a secret Santa. Santa comes pretty much everyday, night or morning, and rings the door and magically disappears. So far, Kate's received a pre-lit, three-foot tree, ornaments, Santa socks, a Christmassy headband, window stickers, a snow globe, and a few other things. I have my suspicions as to who Santa is-but I could be wrong. So whoever Santa is, thank you for making this a really special Christmas.

A Little Mishap in the Tub

Well, it all started with the popcorn bowl that Kate dumped on her head leaving a greasy, kernally mess in her hair. So of course, she had to have a bath. After getting her started in the tub, I proceeded to sweep and mop the bathroom, kitchen, hall, and entryway and mistakenly thought, "Surely, if I can hear her jabbering away, there is no need to sit in the bathroom because she is clearly not drowning." Well, was I ever in for a surprise when I found the tub full of an entire magazine, ripped up.

Remember: She's not naughty-She's just being "creative"


After laughing a lot - mostly to myself but a tiny bit out loud. And telling Kate she was a silly munchkin. And asking her what on earth she was thinking. I scooped all the big pieces up and dumped them in the trash. And cleaned and removed Kate from the mess.

What I couldn't pick up to put in the trash, I hoped would go easily down the drain.

It didn't.

I hauled out the plunger and did some plunging action over the drain for a bit.

That helped.

I also used some Plumber-grade, drain-clogging crystals. I think the combination of the crystals and the plunging motions did the trick and the water started moving freely.

The tub had a tremendous black ring from the top to the bottom with swirly colorful stains on the bottom. I managed to remove it all with my Magic Eraser sponge (smart move buying that last week!).

Scott removed the rest of the magazines from inside the drain when he came home from work. He just laughed when he heard what Kate did.

I'd like to think that I've learned my lesson, but I don't think I have. Plus, this was such a fun "science experiment" for Kate so I'm glad I didn't deprive her of it by hovering over her.

Kate's Preschool Program

Here's Kate doing the actions for "I'm a Little Teapot"And "There's a Great Big Turkey on my Grandpa's Farm" Song

Here's Kate with Keldon (Her "boyfriend")

Kate and Aunt Jeni (Jeni took a couple days off work before the Thanksgiving holiday so she was able to come to the program) Thanks for coming Aunt Jeni!

Scott was able to come too and Kate just beamed to have a few people in her corner cheering her on. I love Kate going to preschool. What a fun stage! She comes home with all sorts of new stuff in her head and I love to watch her use it.

Pink Christmas Tree

I started Kate's Christmas celebrations with an 18 inch, pink, decorative Christmas Tree for her bedroom. We decorated it with a few ornaments.
Do you love it?

The Big Red Shirt & a Few Other Updates

Scott and I had a little romantic getaway this weekend. Scott brought me flowers even. We went to Providence Inn, a quaint little B&B near Logan. My Mom & Dad watched Kate. I missed home and Kate so much. I could barely sleep. Scott laughed when I told him at 10:00 am that I was ready to go home. He decided we need to get away more. But what a great weekend it was! Kate had fun in her favorite shirt. Kate likes to pick out Scott's clothes for him when he is heading to the shower after work and she always picks this shirt and if he puts it on when she hasn't helped him pick out his clothes she is so surprised and chirps, "Daddy you're wearing my favorite shirt!"

Kate LOVES her Da-da. She races for the door after Scott's lunch break and begs three or four hugs and kisses. After four hugs, he'll close the door and head to his van and she will cry, real tears even, that she wanted "One more hug!" And I will race out the door with her so she can grab that one last hug from her Da-da. I love to see her little hands curled around Scott's. Even though she is getting bigger, Scott is still monster-huge to her. He's her very own giant.

I enjoyed hosting Jill and yet another new boyfriend. He came with his two adorable little boys (5 and 3). I have absolutely nothing negative to say about him. I can't imagine anyone better suited for Jill. Chris and Michelle haven't met him yet but everyone else in the family thinks he is pretty perfect for Jill. And she is all but taken by him. I'm not saying anything is for sure. They've dated three weeks so far and anything is possible at this point but the good news of it all is that we have learned it is possible to please Jill and have the majority of the family pleased with the match as well-a very important development.

I'm really enjoying my Jane Austen Book Club. So far we've read and discussed Northanger Abbey and Pride and Prejudice. Right now we are reading Mansfield Park. If anyone is interested, we have an opening in the club. I kicked my sister out-a touch of mercy on my part, to be sure. Even though she didn't say it, she is grateful, I promise. With only four people in the club and six intended, we would enjoy a couple more. But if not, no bother, even if it's a club of one, I'm going to read these books regardless-they are some of my favorites.

I'm no good at facebook these days. I never know what to say. If anyone has any good methods of making facebook work for them, do pass them on. I'm at a loss.

Kate Pledges "Ah-wee-gence"...

Happy Veterans Day Everyone!

Halloween and A Little More

A few pictures from October 24 - November 10:

Kate and me at the Pumpkin Patch wandering the hay maze. She hugs! But not for long...
Scott and Kate - I love this patch in Farmington. It feels like we're in the middle of nowhere!

Here are the three pumpkins we selected!

But Kate's still my favorite little pumpkin-her cheeks are so squeezy.

We had a Halloween movie night with Bret, our neighbor and we watched Young Frankenstein. Bret agreed to bring the dessert, homemade brownie cheesecake-YUM! I had to get a photo of the delicious masterpiece and its creator. Thanks Bret!

We did a family record-breaking journey on Halloween. We visited all of our living Grandparents (my one Grandmother on my Dad's side, Scott's one Grandpa on his Mom's side, and his one Grandma on his Dad's side). Then we stopped at Scott's parents house and then we stayed for dinner at my parent's house. We only went to about eight houses for actual trick-or-treating and only two of the houses were in our neighborhood. However, all the family visiting made the holiday much more meaningful for us and we really don't need the candy. We left two heaping candy bowls unattended on our front porch so we could escape doorbell duty for the night. I missed seeing the trick-or-treaters. I feel like I cheated them. We'll have to figure out a way to make next year fulfill both our need for visiting and being a family and my need to make sure the trick-or-treaters are covered.

Kate at Grandma & Grandpa B's.

Jeni and Michelle were the only women who participated with the dressing up on my side of the family. Jill, my mom, and I didn't represent. Here's Michelle & Presley.

The cousins: Brooke (Queen Amidala), Taylor (Butterfly), Kate (wicked witch), James (Ninja), Presley (witch-not as wicked), Sam (a spelling Bee).

My crazy brother, Chris. He always surprises us on Halloween. We should've measured this Afro of his. What do you think, three feet? Jill is just Jill - I think? Maybe she was New York Chic or something. I'll have to ask.

I recently experimented with Kate's hair using a curling iron and then again with these curlers. I can't figure out how mom's do girl's hair. I think I need to use more product because no matter what I do to her hair it looks flat or wavy an hour later. Sam pointed out some of the reasons my attempts have failed so I'll try to work on it some more.

The other day Kate just fell asleep during her movie time after we ran errands. She slept in the chair like this for at least 20 minutes. She left a fairly good sized drool spot and everything. So cute. I love when sleep just overcomes a kid at random.

Phew! I Survived - Thanks for Pulling Me Out!

I didn't think I would even survive the day but somewhere around 3:00 pm I was magically transformed. POOF! From that moment on, the rest of the day combined to pull me out of my hole. What a gift. I can't say how much it helps to have people around me who know just what to say. The comments I received from my last post removed the sting and gave me courage to talk to several other moms since, without feeling the earlier shame.

It's all really silly now, when I think about how upsetting that was. I can remember a moment when Kate saw me crying and said, "Mommy, now we're both crying." I love having such a sweet girl who expresses herself so well. I think the magic poof was Kate asking me, "Are you sorry now, Mommy?" I was. I always ask her if she can forgive me when I mess up and I love that instead of saying , "Yeah, sure." She says, "Yes, Mommy, I forgive you. I love you, Mommy." With hugs that follow.

I can't think of a thing in the world as delicious as the words, "I forgive you" and "I love you." I would almost go through an emotionally horrible day like that again (I'm sure I will) just for the comfort of knowing that even in my darkest moments, my family will forgive me and love me again.

Sorry - The Rant Continues

I really had planned to post something uplifting. Something with a lot of pictures and few words. Maybe even some cute halloween something or other. I'm sorry to say, I don't have it in me. If I could pull it off, I would, believe me. But I am just so ashamed of myself. I'm angry even! I wish I could run away.

I can't believe I have allowed myself to become so selfish. I have put my passion for my projects above my little girl and I'm sick about it. How could I do this? How do I get back to where I should be?

Kate refused to go to preschool today. I had plans. I was going to go for a brisk walk to help win the war of fitting in my clothes and because I really am grouchy if I don't do something active at least for 30 minutes. After that, I was going to continue my work on Scott's Grandma's scrapbook and blurb book. I really want to get that done so I can start on my other Grandma's book to give to my mom for Christmas. If I had any time after that I was going to work on the collage that my neighbor commissioned me to do-already 1/3 complete.

With Kate's refusal to go to preschool I actually cried! I shed tears because her staying home meant I couldn't do anything I wanted to do! What a horrible mother I have become! I am so ashamed. Well, what's worse is I actually put her in bed for a nap thinking it would give me that time I wanted so desperately--She isn't actually going to sleep--it's really just buying me fifteen quiet minutes. But now all I can do is cry and I don't even have any joy left to do any of the things I wanted to do. And now I'm just blubbering on and I don't love that! I don't even deserve to be a mother!

Oh, look, here she is right now. Grinning at me. What am I going to do with her for five or six more hours until Scott can come and rescue me? And to think I only have one! No, it's because I have only one-that is the whole problem. If I had three or so, I wouldn't have any "me" time and I wouldn't even start projects.

Please forgive me for being such a horrible person. I don't even deserve to have a friend in the world.

Plan B, a Horrid Mommy, and other Musings

Okay, I'm not as tangled. Scott and I have a plan. I like the idea of choosing a path and going for it for a while.

So we begin Plan B...
We cancelled a surgery last month that the doctor said would give us a 50/50 chance of correcting an obvious problem (obvious meaning we might have other issues that we are still unaware). I realized after Scott cancelled the surgery that even though I thought the surgery wouldn't help our fertility, I still think we need to do it because I'm afraid I will always wonder What if? It's always better to try all your options, right? Scott agreed. So that is back on the schedule for the end of November.

I have an appointment with my OBGYN just to see if there is anything else we can check on my end. The last time I saw him, he, along with my GP, oversimplified the whole conception process and supposed that since I already have a child with my husband, clearly things will work again. I'm not sure he has much more to offer me. If he doesn't give me anything substantial, I can head to a specialist.

So, with Plan B in place. I'm relaxed. After Scott's surgery, we have three months to wait before we know if the surgery made a difference. So, it's a process. I already have my doubts that I even have the energy to make it to Plan C if the need arises. Plan B is good for now.

When in Doubt Clean Something...
I cleaned out a drawer, shelf, and closet today so I am in very good spirits. I also worked on an art project and that was rejuvenating. I've separated myself from my art for a few months working on other projects so it was nice to get working again. I'm doing a commissioned project for a neighbor of the Golden Gate Bridge. And I'm using the self-cleaning feature on my oven for the first time ever. I usually use the oven spray. I don't love the smell of the self-cleaning feature, reminiscent of fire. But I'm curious to see if my oven really can get the baked on pizza sauce and cheese off all by itself.

I Agree, I can be Horrid...
Yesterday, Kate told me, "Mommy, you are horrid!"
We had an already challenging day. Kate was bouncing off the walls and being moderately defiant most of the day. We were in the garage ready to take Kate to my sister so I could go help with the Young Women activity at church and Kate noticed the door Scott left leaning on a shelf in the garage. He was trying to repair it earlier and hadn't hung it in the house yet. Kate pushed it or touched it and it fell with dramatic sound effects onto the car and left a six inch white streak. I was so startled by the noise and then saw the mark on the car and I was in a hurry so I scolded Kate for messing with the door. She really might've been hurt badly.

I wasn't meaner than ever or anything. I had an ugly expression on my face, I know that. And I snapped at her to get in the car. Oh-Katie-what-were-you-thinking kind of talk, I'm sure. And then she told me I was horrid. Poor girl. I often tell her stories of the girl with the curl, right in the middle of her forehead. You know, "when she was good, she was really, really good. And when she was bad, she was horrid." I begin the story with that whole bit and then I tell her a scenario of the girl being good and I ask her if the girl was good or horrid and Kate has to decide. I usually tell it a few times, good and bad. Well, I was horrid.

I told her I was sorry for being horrid. I asked her forgiveness and told her what a rotten day this must have been for her and that tomorrow would be a better day. She was very forgiving. My goal has always been to not sweat stuff like this. People are more important than things. That has always been my motto, the one my mom taught me. For the most part I do okay. But that moment, I forgot my motto. I really should have been mad at Scott for leaving the door about where it could be dangerous for Kate.

But the Sun Was Shining Today...
We had a phenomenally better day today. When Kate and I were reading library books on the couch, Sam walked in from school and had a few things to say. I listened until Kate pointed to the picture book, on the title page, that we were about to begin when Sam came in. I decided I couldn't keep Kate waiting any longer. I read the name of the author and illustrator before, as I usually do (because secretly I'm the "Story Time Lady"). This time the illustrator's name was Patience. Kate chimed in, "Patience, that's just like I'm being patient." So cute. This buoyed me up. Sometimes I get frustrated with all the questions Kate throws at me all day. But when I get to watch her grasp a concept she has asked me about earlier, it's all worth it. It reminds me what I'm really doing here all day.

Tick, Tock...
I'm grateful that we live with time. Time is a biggie and you love it and hate it all at once but it is such a blessing. I love that we wake up to a fresh, new day and we can start over and make the day better than yesterday. I love that we can apologize and be forgiven for our mess-ups. I love that we can learn from our mistakes and make daily improvements to our character so all is never lost. Each moment is just another brushstroke. If it's the wrong color or out of place, just paint over it.

Could Someone Untangle Me?

I'm feeling befuddled. Life is awkward right now and I just can't explain it. I'm not depressed. But I am desperately searching for something that I can't find. I'm wandering and lost. My aim is a deeper meaning, or purpose, and it eludes me.


In my search I have taken to stretching myself with new ideas, hobbies, service, and I've never been less idle. But I'm still missing something.

Do you ever feel like there is something you should be doing with your life and you just haven't figured it out yet? Like you aren't really living, yet? I always felt that before Kate came and then once she came everything made so much sense. I felt like I had this huge purpose and that I was something special, her mom. But she's getting bigger. She does so much all on her own and she really barely needs me now.


For a few years I've had this sure knowledge that I wasn't going to get pregnant again. Scott always brushed it off and still to this day has all the hope in the world that we will have more children. "Just have more faith," he says. I struggle with his sure knowledge because I also have a sure knowledge but it is opposite. What does that mean? How could we both have a clear answer that is so different? Last week I was all set to sell the baby stuff on KSL and make room for reality. I thought we could use the money. But I've been squirming ever since I made my plan to sell it all.

Everyone acts like I'm going to have more children, like in casual conversation things come up like, "Well, when you have more children you will..."

And what I think of is that part in the scriptures when Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego tell the King that if the King casts them into the fiery furnace, God will deliver them, but if not, we will serve God (not the idol Gods that the King wanted them to worship).


but if not

I still remember hearing that talk by Elder Simmons, "But If Not". I reread it just barely and it touches on the things that are weighing on me right now.

Here's a quote from the talk by Elder Simmons, "The Lord has given us agency, the right and the responsibility to decide. He tests us by allowing us to be challenged. He assures us that He will not suffer us to be tempted beyond our ability to withstand. But we must understand that great challenges make great men. We don’t seek tribulation, but if we respond in faith, the Lord strengthens us. The but if nots can become remarkable blessings."


Simmons later in the talk stated, "Our scriptures and our history are replete with accounts of God’s great men and women who believed that He would deliver them, but if not, they demonstrated that they would trust and be true. He has the power, but it’s our test... we will have faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, knowing that if we do all we can do, we will, in His time and in His way, be delivered and receive all that He has."

I have so much to be grateful for and I know that. Hurray! I'm married to a great guy. Wahoo! We have one child who is a blast and I am so grateful and in no way do I want to diminish the miracle that she is for us. What I am so upset about is, what am I supposed to do with what I have? Some people go and they fight for what they want. They improtune to God and then they go to doctors, take pills, use modern science and make God do what they want or maybe all that is what He wants. Some get huge loans and adopt children. Some already have tons of money and use it to adopt children. And others foster to adopt through DCFS (which Scott swears he will never do). And that's fine for all of them. But what is right for me? How far do I go? What road am I supposed to walk? Is it time for a detour? Have I hit a dead end? See, I told you, I'm lost.

To read the whole But If Not article--LDS.org - Liahona Article - But If Not …

Hello to Fall

We have been spending some time welcoming fall into our lives lately. We had some rain. We enjoyed the fall colors, and I think I'm almost ready to get the house decorated for Halloween. Cup of hot apple cider anyone? Scott took a day off work and we went in to Salt Lake for the Circus. Before the Circus started we walked around Temple Square with Kate. She had to touch every bit of water and for those who have been to the Square, there is a lot of water! I love this picture with the temple in the background. What a beautiful place to be and a wonderful spirit.

Kate with her Circus ticket. Every kid has to go to the circus at least once in their childhood. Scott doesn't remember ever going so it was fun for us to enjoy this together. I could tell Kate knew this was a special date to be at Temple Square and the circus. Now she wants to go to Disney Princess on Ice in November.

I think it was the next Sunday that we went up to the cabin to see the leaves. We just spent the evening, had dinner up there, and then jetted home. Scott had a fireside he needed to attend. But the leaves were MUCH more brilliant than I remember them.

We had three days straight of rain and I didn't mind one bit. It was refreshing and beautiful. Kate got her snow boots on and had some splashing to do.

Good Action Shot.

I had a pedicure, compliments of my mother-in-law (thank you tons!). I hadn't had one in forever and my feet feel fantastic!

Scott just got home for lunch and I think he wants me to make him a grilled tuna sandwich. I don't know why he thinks he can't make one himself. Somehow he thinks mine taste better. I guess I'll go serve the poor helpless creature and send him on his way. It's the least I can do right? I mean I live such a treasured life at home, doing as I please, while he goes out into the world and makes a living for us all to enjoy. It's a big thing he does. So big, that I will gladly make the sandwich. Here I go with a smile.

Correction: So, I went upstairs to help. I just started seasoning the tuna he had out and putting it on the bread and he said, "No, I'm gonna brown both sides first."

So, I guess I don't make them the best anymore. I've been demoted. Now what do I do? I can't even make grilled tuna. Well, thanks for being a good provider anyway honey. Since I can't show you my love, I just tell you...Love you tons!

More of the Same

I feel the need to apologize for being so boring. I feel like all my pictures and posts are the same: Kate doing dress-up; Kate doing dress-up with a friend; Kate doing something silly; Kate at a local attraction like a museum; Blah, Blah, Blah. So to mix it up, I have Kate doing something silly in the lazy Susan, Kate dressing up as wedding girl, and Kate at the zoo-Whoopee! I don't know what to say. How can I spice my life up? Any ideas?

Exciting Photo # 1

Kate snuck into the lazy Susan yesterday. She had the door shut when I found her. What a crack up. I don't know what goes through her mind sometimes. She's my feral child.

Exciting Photo # 2: Wedding Girls

It seems like I have a lot of photos just like this. Kate talks about her wedding a lot. Whenever she sees beautiful jewelry, flowers, or if she sees me in a dress she likes she says, "You can give this to me at my wedding."

Exciting Photo #3: Dress-up

Grandma M gave Kate this beautiful dress-up dress out of the blue. She also gave her the matching crown and wand but Kate was wearing this other crown because she just got it as a party favor from a birthday party she went to.

We went to the ZOO!

Exciting Photo #4: The Baby Elephant

My good friend got us into the zoo for free! We saw all the zoo babies that everyone has been raving about - fun!

Exciting Photo # (what am I on now, 5?) Kate & Elle

Exciting Photo # 6: Kate & Mr. Rhino

Exciting Photo #7: Us on the Carousel (Kate riding a Panda)

Exciting Photo # 8: Elisa and her two cuties

Exciting Photo # 9: More of the Feral Child

So, Kate and Elle ran off ahead of us and we found them on these statues. I'm pretty sure Kate shoved these kids out of the way and I'm almost positive their moms were trying to take pictures when Kate pushed them out of the way. SORRY.

Exciting Photo # 10

We took our pictures and quickly got out of the way.

On other news, Scott and I were recently released from our church calling with the Young Single Adults. We were surprised by the change and have been adequately bummed out about it. We will like not being away from Kate so much because we did have a lot of activities that we needed to find a babysitter for Kate and that was tricky but we LOVED serving in a calling together and being with the YSA. We've built friendships that we want to maintain and that has been fun.

Scott was called to be the Assistant Scout Master. He was just in a calling with the young men before our YSA calling as Second Counselor in the Young Men's Presidency so it's funny to have him right back there with a slightly different role.

So far, no calling for me. With each passing day of not having a calling I become more and more nervous that I'm not got going to like my next calling right at first. I'm hoping to be a teacher in the primary or something fun like that. We'll see.

And, I did end up moving the playroom upstairs. I would post before and after pictures but it's really nothing special. I didn't paint the walls a fun color or do anything special. But it has been nice to have toys upstairs and to have a purpose for the room. Now the empty room is downstairs and it doesn't bother me as much. Someday it can be a guest room or something.

A Plant, A Helmet, & Two Fawns

We were given a plant to babysit while some basement renters from next door vacation and look for another place. They asked me to watch their corn leaf palm for a month or so. And this is so rude but I hope they don't come back to claim it because I adore having their plant here. Kate and I need to come up with a name for it, don't you think? Any suggestions? We finally bought Kate a helmet. I figured it was time to teach safety-actually long overdue. We go to the cabin so much and ride four-wheelers and NEVER use any kind of protective head gear. That's irresponsible enough and we've been putting Kate at risk and she's too little and innocent to know better. So, breathe easy mom, her head is now protected (Have I ever mentioned that my mom is a CPS worker?). I should probably get one made just for ATV's. And I plan on it. But this is as far as we've gotten. The ATV helmets are not cheap so I'll buy one next spring since heads grow and we probably won't do much more four-wheeling this year as fall and winter approach. Now it's time for Scott and I to get some helmets so we can be better examples.

Oh, and I love the tap shoes. My sister, Jeni, found them (or maybe it was Sami) at the DI (local thrift store) and Kate loves them.

Kate spotted two fawns across the street from our house. They were eating the neighbor's flowers. We see a lot of wildlife in our neighborhood and it makes it fun.

Today, I'm trying to decide whether to move Kate's playroom upstairs into the empty room that Kate began calling "the rocking chair room." We've had a little TV in there that only plays VHS and Kate uses it in the morning to watch a movie while I get ready. Later in the day we use the rocking chair to read stories. But the rocking chair is getting uncomfortable, mainly because Kate is getting too big and the rocking chair is busting from all the abuse. The last week we've sat in the living room to read stories. If I get brave and dismantle the playroom, I'll post some before and after shots. I should just do it. We'll see.

Playdates & Preschool

Kate started Preschool last week! This has been wonderful for both of us so far! I love having the break to pursue hobbies and Kate comes back full of good stuff. I LOVE asking her questions about what she's learning. She gives me on-the-level answers even. Yesterday I asked her what Miss Connie (her teacher) does when she or other kids in the class are too noisy. Kate used her sing-song voice to say, "Zip up you lips everybody." and then she did the little zipping motion with her fingers on her lips. Too CUTE!
Last night, Kate had a playdate with a neighbor-friend, Cali. Since Kate is an only child, I am trying to hold more regular playdates with girls her age.

I love Kate's over-the-top poses she does. She can't just smile-she's in character. Oh, and these are the free-for-all roses that I set-aside as "fair game" for picking.

P.S. The other day Kate found a couple crowns of broccoli awaiting rinsing and chopping. Before I could say bobshrackle Kate was marching around the house with her "bouquet" of broccoli, humming the wedding march. What do boys do with broccoli crowns, I wonder?