Sunday, January 25, 2009

Lean, Green, Painting Machines...

Painting away on a Sunday afternoon.  Daddy's gone and we're feeling crafty.  All we had was green paint, so we did lots of grass, beanstalks and green roses.
D's beautiful green rose.
Sory's beanstalk.
The best part of all was smooshing green paint between our fingers and then making a green swamp in the bathroom sink.  The boys are missing their Daddy as he has been in Orlando on business all weekend.  We hope our green works of art make him smile when he comes home tonight!

Monday, January 19, 2009

Nudists, Nice Weather, New Babies (not in that order ;-))

I realized I haven't written a real post in awhile, so here's a little update.  The last three days have been marvelous as we have been able to get out of town each day and head to warm weather.  A hike with friends Friday, the Valley on Saturday (I was actually a little hot and it felt great :-)), and another hike Sunday with Grandma Ann and Grandpa Ran.  On our Sunday hike we happened upon a few little nudist families... lucky for us just the kids ;-)  The boys were a little curious for maybe a second, but never said "hey, why are they all naked??  can we get naked??"  which, is good because I would have said no!  I'm just not that free when it comes to being in the nake. There are some strange people out there... you just never know.  Today is a holiday, so no school and I think D may be fighting a little cold, so he's wrapped up on the couch right now watching "Go Diego Go" and of course, little brother is right by his side.  When D is home they are inseparable.  I hope it lasts when the baby comes.  I am going to need those breaks!  Speaking of baby, we just put curtains up in her room.  It's finally coming together and starting to look more complete.   Sometimes I walk by and just want to sit in there and stare at the pinkness!  I love it.  It's been so much fun decorating for a girl.  So much of it is stuff I'd pick for myself.  I really feel like our family is complete now that we have a girl coming... it just seems more balanced.  
I'll post more pics. again soon! 

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Sugarboo Designs

sugarboo
These frames are way too beautiful.  I want them all SO bad and they are SO expensive!  Go to sugarboodesigns.com to view the entire collection.  I may have to splurge... I'm not sure I can hold back.  I want this one in cream for my bedroom.  The internet is such a dangerous place!

Wednesday, January 7, 2009

Desiderata

Desiderata used to hang in our house growing up and it has always been one of my favorite writings of all time.  I've been looking for years for a pretty antiqued wooden plaque with these words or maybe a large tile.  Anyone know where I could find such a thing??  I wonder if one of those vinyl lettering places could put it on a wooden plaque or tile for me.
Here it is for anyone who hasn't read it:

Desiderata
By Max Ehrmann

Go Placidly amid the noise and the haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible without surrender
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons,
they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain and bitter;
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.

Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs;
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals;
and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself.
Especially, do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love;
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment
it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.

You are a child of the universe,
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore, be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be,
and whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace with your soul.

With all it sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.


Sunday, January 4, 2009

Easy Chicken Noodle Soup

Remember how I said I'd post recipes?  Well, this is what I made last night and it's pretty much "no fail".

1 whole chicken (organic if you can)
2 boxes "Imagine" organic chicken broth (the right broth really makes the soup)
1-2 cups chopped carrots
1-2 cups chopped celery
1 pkg. egg noodles (I like the noodles I find here that look homemade)

Start by cooking your whole chicken in the broth for a couple hrs. with the lid on.  Once it's cooked through, take it out of the broth and pull off all of the meat and put it (the meat) back into the pot.  Add your veggies and simmer until veggies are soft.  The noodles only take about 10-15 min., so add those at the end.  Depending on the size of your bird and how many noodles you added and how "brothy" you like your soup, you may want to add some water and a little chicken boullion.  Maybe some salt and pepper to taste.  That's it!  Your kids will love it.  We give our boys straws for the broth and then they eat the rest with a fork.  Enjoy on a cold day :-)

Red Rocks

One nice thing about the winters here is the easy escape to the beautiful Red Rock Country.  Whenever you're just about to die of cabin fever, there's a warm sunny hike waiting for you less than an hour away.  Here's little Soren taking a breather.  It looks like he just put his pack down to rest, but actually Daddy put Soren AND the pack down and is probably hiding somewhere.
D the tree climbing expert.  Nothing could make me happier than to see my guys just exploring, being kids and enjoying the outdoors.  I feel really fortunate to live in such beauty.  Michael and I always wonder if our kids will appreciate it... growing up in it their whole lives.  Maybe when they're older :-)
I, almost 7 mos. pregnant, was "bear crawling" and huffing and puffing up these rocks.  Michael, who was miles ahead with a 3 yr. old on his back and keeping up with a wild almost 6 yr. old, was not even out of breath...  I can't wait to get back into shape (one of my resolutions)!
Happy New Year everyone!