Steph's Random Life

this and that

2012-02-08T11:48:00.000-05:00

Emily as the Apple Store

2012-01-24T13:54:00.000-05:00

The funny thing is she had a hard time using these computers because she is used to touch screens.

Cute Kids

2012-01-15T12:19:00.000-05:00

Not much else to say here. We are getting back into the swing of things. Emily has a nasty cough but other then that is fine.

Christmas Bikes

2012-01-02T17:21:00.000-05:00

This year Santa brought both kids bikes for Christmas. For the most part all has gone well. Elijah has taken to gear shifting like a champ and Emily is loving pedaling.

We love the caption on the back of Emily's helmet.

These gloves really saved Elijah's hands on Christmas day when Emily ran out in front of him and he turned sharply to avoid hitting her causing himself to crash instead. Thankfully he was OK just a little shaken up more from the fear of "squishing his sister" then from the fall itself. He would have torn up his hands without them though.

He's also quite good at riding across the bridge now.

Emily's not so good at steering yet.

Neither of them could wait even a few minutes to try out the new bikes.

Merry Christmas

2011-12-25T16:33:00.000-05:00

and that's more like it.

Christmas Programs

2011-12-24T09:54:00.000-05:00

Truth be told I didn't get great pictures at any of the Christmas programs this year. I need to read the manual for the new camera and forgot it all together for Elijah's and had to use my phone. That said all three programs were very cute. Elijah's class did the second act of the Nutcracker with him as the prince. Emily's class did the first act and it was her day to be Marie. Emily also had her school program where they sang several songs her favorite of which was Away in a Manger complete with hand motions.

Oh Christmas Tree

2011-12-15T14:24:00.000-05:00

zoo magic

2011-12-07T18:00:00.000-05:00

pretty day

2011-11-17T08:39:00.000-05:00

Great Wolf Lodge

2011-11-12T12:50:00.000-05:00

We were at the Great Wolf Lodge over Halloween to celebrate Emily's Birthday. We all had a great time though we were absolutely exhausted by the end. Elijah was so tired I thought he was sick. Thankfully he was not and woke up just fine Tuesday. We are convinced that both of these kids were labs or at least some kind of water dog in a former life the way they respond to water.

Seriously, he does this on purpose again and again.

The also both love the obstacle course. Then complain bc their arms and tummies hurt.

Can't imagine why that happens?

I'm not sure if we'll go again for Elijah's birthday or do something else. Either way I'm sure we will go again. Right now I'm loving that my kids would rather go on a family trip then have a party.

Love This Picture

2011-11-05T14:05:00.000-04:00

Halloween part 1

2011-11-03T20:09:00.000-04:00

These are from trick or treating at Red Hat. I'll try to get the rest of the pictures up soon. Emily was her bunny Bun Bun and Elijah was Sonic the Hedgehog.

The Fair

2011-10-24T20:18:00.000-04:00

Saturday we went to the State Fair. We hadn't been since before Emily was born so it was time to make our return. These pictures are in reverse order so the children look more awake the farther down the list you go.

Elijah finished his experience with a fried apple pie.

Emily wanted a vanilla ice cream that was about her size.

The last ride we rode was the Ferris wheel. The line was really long but Emily had been asking about it since we got there.

It was worth the wait.

Both kids did pony rides. Now they both say they want to take lessons. Probably not going to happen.

Emily picked the wiggle worm and both of them enjoyed it despite how unsure Elijah looks in some of the pictures.

Emily also picked the carousel and Elijah picked the big slide. Emily was sad to be too little for the slide and Elijah declared himself too big for the carousel.

We got there at lunch time so responsible adult that I am I picked fried cookie dough for my lunch. good thing the kids helped me out with it.

Emily's Birthday

2011-10-18T20:17:00.000-04:00

A day at the Farm.

2011-10-02T17:01:00.000-04:00

Playing in the corn.

Doing the big mountain slide.

Emily was brave and went by herself. Really she was too young but just by a few weeks.

Hay ride with pumpkins.

Elijah wanted to get the biggest one he could find.

Emily wanted the cutest one.

They did the jumping pillow 4 times.

Gem mining

Hey jumping

Ducky races

Making corn angels.

Emily's Big Girl Birthday Wish List

2011-09-26T14:14:00.000-04:00

Hope you don't mind but I figured I'd take a minute to make a Birthday wish list for Emily. You see all of a sudden she is into big girl things and totally over little girl things. Here are some big girl things she likes though.

Puzzles, we like 24 to 48 piece puzzles. She has a few but she would love a few more.

Barbie things. I know some people don't do Barbie and I know they have good reasons but she is enthralled with the ones at her school and I'm just not going to fight it. I'll fight for her body image in other ways. She is going to earn her first real one here in a few days so while I'm sure more dolls would be great she would really like clothes and shoes.

Anything Strawberry short cake but espically dolls that come with clothes to change. Really anything with a change or two of clothes makes her happy.

Littlest pet shop things.

Hope that helps. As always no one has to buy her anything but I thought some ideas might be helpful.

Boating

2011-09-20T13:04:00.000-04:00

This past Sunday I went to a movie with a friend and Elijah went to youth group.

So Emily and Neil had some real alone time together and he promised to do whatever she wanted. Smooth move Daddy.

She wanted to go out in a boat so badly that she cried when he tried to talk her out of it.

Back to School

2011-09-14T12:03:00.000-04:00

Emily started preschool again after Labor Day.

She was so excited and ready to start back.

Her class this year is the apple class so we needed an apple dress.

I think Grandma bought this fabric at some point in the 90s. The salvage says 1991. I barely had enough though because I had used most of it to make teacher gifts a few years ago.

Xcaret

2011-09-03T16:27:00.000-04:00

3rd Grade

2011-09-01T14:06:00.000-04:00

Elijah started 3rd grade last Thursday. He seems to be adapting well. He was not ready for summer to end but he is glad to see his friends and even has one of his best Kindergarten friends is in his class this year.

Mahogany Bay

2011-08-26T13:53:00.000-04:00

Grand Cayman

2011-08-23T12:53:00.000-04:00

We're back. Technically we've been back since Sunday but I've been doing laundry and catching up on sleep. I've also been editing pictures. I didn't think we took all that many but there are still quite a few.

Getting Bigger

2011-07-24T09:06:00.000-04:00

Emily had Neil help her put together this little puzzle yesterday. It may be small but it had tiny little pieces. She will also only play with big kid legos now. I'm going to be getting all the duplo blocs packaged up soon to go to Angela. She also informed me yesterday that she is getting tall as she comes up to my hip now.

Elijah really is getting tall he is about 4ft 10in tall.

Swim Season

2011-07-20T08:23:00.000-04:00

Taking pictures at a swim meet is not really a productive experience but I promise these are all of Elijah.

Fun in FL

2011-07-11T15:40:00.000-04:00

Go Elijah Go

2011-06-22T11:55:00.000-04:00

Playing with Pictures

2011-06-19T09:38:00.000-04:00

Real Photos

2011-06-17T14:16:00.000-04:00

We had a session with our favorite photographer a few weeks ago. These are the images we selected which was so hard because they were all wonderful. Her name is Kimberlee Edwards, she is great to work with, and has done our family four times now. The only bad/hard part is at the end when we have to pick the pictures.

Little Big Girl

2011-06-02T13:09:00.000-04:00

Dancing and Running

2011-05-23T14:40:00.000-04:00

We're out of order but the big news here is that I ran my first half marathon this Sunday. I even got a medal since it was the North Carolina Roadrunners Club RRCA Southern Region Championship. The guy who run had made it to the cross back and back to me before I hit the 4 mile mark. Neil saw him finish and said he didn't even look tired.

The kids had their recital on Saturday. It was a ballet adaptation of The Wizard of Oz.

Elijah was the mayor of Oz and Emily was a munchkin.

Grandma flew up to see the recital and had a great time with the kids.

Good Zoo Day

2011-05-18T13:20:00.000-04:00

Catching up

2011-05-14T14:27:00.000-04:00

Neil got a new computer for work.

Emily has decided raw fava beans are a delicacy. We did not let her have a nice Chianti to go with though.

Its baby duck season at the pond and there seems to be a bit of Snow White in this one.

Defending the back yard from pirates and poopy diapers. At one point all the potty hummer would have bothered me. Lately I'm just glad they are playing together.

Elijah finished PCPW at church and was given his own Bible.

Easter

2011-04-28T12:52:00.000-04:00

Sleepover

2011-04-23T13:27:00.000-04:00

Elijah had his best friend Mitch over for a sleepover this week. We had a loud but very good time. The whole experience made me laugh. Many of the pictures reminded me of that game on Sesame Street. The 3 of these things belong together one. In this case 2 of these things belonged together and were kinda the same. One of these things just didn't belong here but was determined to be there just the same. Don't let the fluffy dresses fool you Emily is a tough cookie. She reminds me of sister bear in the Bairnstin Bears No Girls Aloud book. Sister ran after brother and his friends until she gets to be faster and better at some things then they are. Emily is not faster yet but the boys had better watch out bc she is gaining on them.

Oh and Mitch was a little gentleman all night.

An afternoon at the park

2011-04-20T14:02:00.000-04:00

Emily was feeling brave about the big slide.

Until she sat down. She never actually made it down the big one.

She did make it down the little one though.

Elijah of course did just fine on the big slide.

Emily was brave on the climber.

Yes they're cute

2011-04-16T15:51:00.000-04:00

and they know it too.

hocky and bookcases

2011-04-07T13:54:00.000-04:00

Neil and I went to Ikea while my parents were here to pick up bookcases. He has been slowly putting them together and Emily overheard me talk about loading them. This is what here little decorators eye thought was best. She stood there and really put thought into placement.

Elijah went to his first hockey game last night. The tickets were free as was the hat. The entire bag of cotton candy that Neil let him get was not but he really did enjoy it.

Gama and Gampa

2011-04-01T13:03:00.000-04:00

Grandma and Grandpa were here last week for Elijah's Birthday. They had a great time but were dead tired by the end. Neil and I even took a whole day to go off by ourselves. We went to Ikea then out to dinner.

Grandma enjoying her frappicino.

Great Wolf Weekend

2011-03-22T15:55:00.000-04:00

Elijah wanted to go to the Great Wolf Lodge for his birthday this year instead of having a friends party. We had a great and tiring time. We didn't really take pictures though we were having too much fun for that. Now Emily wants to go back for her birthday in October.

8 years

2011-03-18T14:17:00.000-04:00

Just Keep Swimming

2011-03-02T07:51:00.000-05:00

Or just keep moving in our case. We've been good but busy with our regular lives lately. So lots of days leave me thinking just keep moving and you can put on your pj's and set on the couch later.

Riding down the hill into the leaves. We did in fact clean up the leaves this fall but they blow from the woods and build up behind the house.

No it was not really warm enough for the sprinkler but they thought it was for about 15 minutes.

Elijah got himself a water rocket. I think this is what got the interested in the sprinkler.

Yes, that is a pink barbie driving a bulldozer.

Emily just finished one session of swim lessons but started another right away so it wasn't such a big deal.

Spring Fever and Other Things

2011-02-26T08:15:00.000-05:00

Elijah's stained glass window from art.

His new shoes. he is now a size 6.

Playing out side

Emily got a bob. It wasn't the original plan but she really needed the ends cut off and she has gotten taller as her hair has grown so it was still shoulder length but needed a cut. We like it though and it was funny to see her with all the clips in.

I don't have a great after shot but here she is with a milkshake. The line at chic filet was super long so i convinced her to go to subway instead as long as she could still get a milkshake.

Hanging out

2011-02-21T14:45:00.000-05:00

100th day

2011-02-11T11:53:00.000-05:00

We got a tiny bit of snow on Thursday but the kids still has school.

I made a practice shirt for Neil.

Emily stole my shoes.

Monday was Elijah's 100th day of school for the year.

Nails

2011-02-01T09:32:00.000-05:00

Don't worry mommy got her nails done too. No closeups of my feet though.

Kid Art

2011-01-27T20:33:00.000-05:00

Emily did ice painting in school in Thursday. I'm not sure how you ice paint but it looks pretty fun.

Elijah did several IB related projects earlier this week. This is his dragon for Chinese New Year.

These are his fireworks also for Chinese new year.

Little Flippers

2011-01-23T22:41:00.000-05:00

Emily got to use flippers at swimming this weekend.

Random Cuteness

2011-01-21T12:43:00.000-05:00

Cupcakes

2011-01-19T13:49:00.000-05:00

Ice

2011-01-15T08:44:00.000-05:00

The biggest thing here this week was the snow that was actually ice. We missed a full day of school on Tuesday and didn't even leave the house all day The kids actually did pretty well. Elijah showed Emily his marble track, we panted, played just dance, and watched Kim Possible.

Neil's Mr. Beer beer is now in bottles. So far it doesn't taste awful but the true test doesn't come for another week or so.

Homework Pass

2011-01-09T20:13:00.000-05:00

The big news of this week was that Elijah got enough golden tickets to earn a homework pass. They are allowed to save them but he used it the day he got it.

I also got my sewing blog going this week if you want to see what I make here it is.
http://ejegmama.blogspot.com/

Other then that we've been getting back to our routine after having a great 2 weeks off.

Old habits die hard

2011-01-02T20:18:00.001-05:00

Santa brought Elijah this crazy 400 piece marble track. Santa may have thought that it was one of those just pop it together however looks right kind. Santa was wrong. This was more the type of toy that comes to the houses of parents who made the naughty list. Not sure what Neil did to achieve this status but he spent several nights helping Elijah put it together. It is pretty cool now though.

We went to Skinny Dips yesterday and it was so crowded we had to use the counter. Emily got a big kick out of this.

5 bonus points for anyone who can tell me what song I had in my head when I wrote this title.

My Favorites

2011-01-01T13:20:00.000-05:00

Elijah and Emily sledding after Christmas. I love the look of pure joy on their faces.

This was the best/only pic of the two of them decorating the tree. There is something so fitting about it though. If I did Christmas cards which I don't if your wondering why you didn't get one this would have been the picture.

Emily drinking her hot coco. I just find it too funny that both my kids have Starbucks orders. Well except that now it takes more money then ever to go there.

The kids watching tv together. I remember thinking they were both so cute and quiet in this picture.

This one just makes me smile. As he's getting older its hard to catch him not paying attention.

While I'm sure I missed a few days I enjoyed this year a lot. I like how many random pictures I have of the family though it did make the photo books more expensive and I haven't even begun on the one for us yet. I learned how to use photo editing tools on flicker so I was able to make many pictures look better. I also never went 2 months without picking up the camera. I'm not trying for every day in 2011 I am going to do my best to do at least weekly updates with pictures and such. I'm also going to start a dedicated sewing blog I think here on blogger to do pattern reviews, sew alongs, and work on my sewing goals. I'll post it here when I get going though I'm not entirely sure any of you will want to come see it. I just would like for it to be separate as I know my friends and family really enjoy this format and I think it would get weird if they were all mixed together.

That's a wrap

2010-12-31T12:46:00.001-05:00

OK truth be told I didn't catch quite every day but I sure did catch a lot. Here we have Elijah's work in progress of a huge marble track, Emily building, and the kids on the front steps. Tomorrow I post my favorites of the year. I think for 2011 I'm just going to aim for weekly updates.

Snow + Grandparents

2010-12-30T13:23:00.000-05:00

I guess technically it was a white Christmas as the white did start falling before midnight but we were shocked to wake up to quite a bit of snow the day after Christmas. Amusingly my parents were driving up and made better time then usual despite the snow. The kids played in the snow for about an hour and were done. When Grandparents arrived we did another Christmas of sorts with Lee winning the prize for best Elijah reaction when the last gift he opened this year was a baybladde. All gifts have been well loved though. We've had a great break but busy so today we are resting as we will be for the next few days.

Christmas

2010-12-27T19:59:00.000-05:00

MICKEY MOUSE

2010-12-25T16:16:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas

2010-12-24T17:54:00.000-05:00

snow angel

2010-12-17T13:48:00.001-05:00

Not quite but Emily did make an angel craft at the Y and it did snow. Elijah opted not to go out bc it was raining and there really wasn't enough snow to do much with.

slacking off

2010-12-14T21:01:00.000-05:00

Elijah did his Nutcracker dance this week. He was great but I am amazed at the way some people let their children behave.

Happy Kids

2010-12-07T20:32:00.001-05:00

Emily's tangleded dress and Elijah's Peka Peka hoody.

looking a bit like Christmas

2010-12-06T20:07:00.001-05:00

We finally got the Christmas tree up this weekend. I'm not much into decorating for Christmas but the kids had fun decorating the tree and Emily wants us to turn it off any time she sees it off. Its getting a little more Charlie Brownish each year but in a strange way its grown on me. We bought it when Elijah was little and Martha Stewart had just gone to prison causing Kmart to put all of her products on sale.

The other picture is her finished Tangled dress. Haven't let her try it on yet so no action pictures.

sewing and glasses

2010-12-03T13:23:00.000-05:00

Neil got new glasses. He was due for new ones anyways but about a week ago he picked his up after a shower and the bridge snapped. He decided to try sturdier frames like Elijah and I this time.

I got Emily's Minnie dress and bathrobe finished. The little bugger won't wear the robe and isn't allowed to wear the dress till Disney. Its a little big but will have a shirt under it so should be fine and fit for a while.

A Christmas preview for Angela.

I took Emily to JoAnns with me this week. She asked me to make her a "tangleded" dress. Really how do you say no to a 3 year old holding a bolt of satin as big as they are. Plus I really liked the dress in the movie and sometimes is fun to be really creative. Hopefully I'll finish it tonight. I think she's going to wear it when we eat in the castle.

and that's what it came too

2010-11-26T19:50:00.001-05:00

Emily's Thanksgiving art.

We had a great Thanksgiving. Had an early meal then went to see Tangled in 3d. It was really good and the first movie Emily has seen since she got her glasses. The day ended with the kids eating the last of the pumpkin pie straight from the plate you can't see it in the picture but he spent most of the time trying to elbow her out of the way.

Emily talking to Grandma. She took my phone and ran all over the house telling Grandma about everything.

Finally checking the Minnie dress for fit.

Wish Lists

2010-11-25T12:19:00.000-05:00

So I've been putting this off bc really we have all we need and Thanksgiving seems like an odd day to do it but oh well here goes just the same.

Elijah has a Hex but and Emily will be getting one from Santa so they would love the hex but habitat and tracks. They also enjoy playing Just Dance on the WI and would like Just Dance 2 or Just Dance Kids.

Elijah is also getting a DSI and would be thrilled with games for it. We've gotten Mario and Louigi and a Pokemon game but there are many out there just be a bit careful of the age. We prefer games rated E for everyone. In addition his friend Maddie is really into these things called Bayblades causing him to really want some. They look interesting I guess but we won't be getting him any bc I've already done my shopping.

Emily pretty much likes all things girly. She particularly likes My Little Pony's. She has the convertable set, the cooking one, and stuffed pinkie pie but would really like some of the others. She would also enjoy some taking care of your baby type stuff. I found a cute set with a bed, bath, and carseat that Santa will be bringing. She'd also like princess dress up stuff or dolls. Her current favorite princess is Ariel but I already ordered her the costume.

Neil seriously in some ways your guess is as good if not better then mine here. He does like warm socks a lot though. He also likes fancy coffee. He's a fan of funny cotton knit boxers as well and they have been surprisingly hard to find lately. Oh and soft flannel shirts think lumberjack/redneck flannel not Gap flannel.

Stephanie again I'll say I need nothing. Winter running gear would be nice I've ordered some but you know how I feel about laundry. I too like warm socks. I also like cardigan a lot lately as the weather here has been all over the place lately. Gift cards can be nice too specifically itunes, anthropology, or elegant stitches would be exciting.

Glasses

2010-11-24T12:44:00.000-05:00

Well we certainly had a busy week or so though as you can see from the pictures the big news here is that Emily got glasses. She picked them her self, they are Lilly Pulitzer, and was quite insistant. Once she tried the ones she pick she wouldn't even try another pair. She is enjoying being able to see better and has become quite observant.

In other news Elijah is going t be the star student next month meaning his bio is featured on the bathroom door in his villa (trailer). So among other things we had to get a good head shot of him.

Emily had her last swim lesson on Saturday. She learned a lot though I wish we didn't always seem to end up with a kid or two who doesn't want to be there. After all they are 3 or 4 I do think learning to swim in manditory but not at that age.

Emily also had to get a splinter removed by the ped last week so by this Monday when I wanted to get her flu misted she through a royal fit. Apparently you she can only take so much and that was going too far.

Oh and last but not least Neil turned 36 on Sunday I do enjoy the time of year when he's 3 years older then me.

The Leaf Destroyer

2010-11-15T13:43:00.000-05:00

Emily stuck in the kitchen set at a friends house.

Both kids in their winter swim wear. Emily's is from a company called warm bellies.

Elijah with his very good friend Maddie.

Emily in her turkey outfit. She saw a similar one through the window at Pattywacks and there was no way I was spending that on something that she would wear 3 or 4 times so I made this instead.

Lots of playing outside. Its been beautiful here lately.

And the most important is Elijah pushing the leave destroyer.

5 more

2010-11-10T20:16:00.000-05:00

I'm behind again but here are the pictures from this past weekend and last week. I've got some from this week on the camera though truth be told I think I've missed a day or two. Oh well. I've still taken a lot of pictures this year so making the family Christmas books should be fun.

This is Halloween

2010-11-02T19:30:00.001-04:00

well Halloween and a whole lot more but the whole week I had that song from Nightmare Before Christmas stuck in my head.

Tuesday was dress snazzy day at Elijah's school and dress like a princess or something like that day for Emily at dance so she was Tinkerbell.

Wednesday we finally got Emily's new prescription filled. All I'm saying about that at the moment is stupid insurance company.

Thursday was trick or treat at Red Hat night. I took so many pictures but decided on the one of their candy for the moment.

Friday we went to Hillridge Farms. It was super crowded but also a lot of fun. Emily got to ride a pony named Daisy, we went on a hay ride, got our free pumpkins, saw bunnies and other animals, played in the hay, played in the corn fun house, went down the big slide, raced duckies, and panned for gems.

Saturday was Emily's first swim lesson. She was not scared at all and a little super star fishie.

Sunday was actual Halloween.

Monday swim team started and Emily learned to swim under water.

seriously busy

2010-10-26T21:15:00.000-04:00

Elijah brought home his first 4 star this week. From what I can tell grading varies from school to school but where he goes that is a huge deal.

Elijah also danced in fundraiser this weekend.

Grandma and Grandpa have learned to skype.

We took cup cakes to Emily's class this Thursday.

Post Birthday fun

2010-10-21T13:35:00.001-04:00

Emily modeling the tunic length jumper she got in the sewing mama's toddler swap.

Lunch Bunch at preschool.

and not one but two pictures of the kids that didn't require a wide angle lens. They really do love each other.

Emily's Birthday

2010-10-18T15:54:00.000-04:00

monkeys and frogs oh my

2010-10-15T12:48:00.000-04:00

Elijah was 3.5 when we moved into the house. He is now 7.5. I said I was going to do his bathroom with the lovely yellow tile in duckies when we moved in. I bought one little duckie toothbrush holder then nothing really. Also our towels many of which we've had since we got married 9.5 years ago are getting stinky. Oh and my parents are coming today. So with all that I decided today was get stuff for the bathroom day. Emily and I went to Kohls mostly bc she announced that she needed to potty and that was the closest store that I knew would have towels and an easy to find potty. Turned out great though. Emily and Elijah both love monkeys and frogs but I'd never seen them together in a set much less a set with yellow as a main color. I bought a bit more then planned but I think it looks good. Now we just need to pick a color and paint.

Neil took the kids to the library yesterday while I went to the grocery store. When they got back Elijah read Emily his pokemon book.

This other one goes with the last set. Its the Cinderella skirt I made her. Yes I'm one of those cray sewing mamas who is making her daughter a bunch of new clothes for Disney bc she really can't be not a princess at any moment while there right?

I know I know at least it hasn't been 6 months

2010-10-13T19:31:00.000-04:00

Yes Chrissie and Erin that title was for you two. I do wish you'd update.

As for us all is well here. I learned how to freezer paper stencil. Emily and Elijah both did some art in school. I also made Emily some cuddly new nighties. I owe her two more but nobody remind her ok. We've been playing outside including the lovely shot of Elijah pushing Emily with his butt. Oh and that is Emily in her dance gear picking dresses out of my heirloom sewing book. Elijah got his first note of sorts from a girl. He also got a pokimon hat. I'm sure there will be more when I get them all up so just make up your own caption. Feel free to share it for that matter. I still have more to come but they are on the camera

Not Happening

2010-10-05T21:27:00.000-04:00

Don't worry there are more coming but here are 3 cute ones.

Emily has been obsessed with bike riding lately and its finally cool enough to go out.

We went to the International Festival on Saturday and Elijah whose super power is getting randomly selected to do cool things got invited to assist our local news cooking lady during a demo. He was thrilled and did such a good job. The funniest part though was when she was talking about how cute he was and said she just might take him home with her. His responce "Um that is not going to be happening."

Emily trying to buy fabric at Elegant Stitches.

This that and the other thing

2010-09-30T15:37:00.001-04:00

Bitty's Back

2010-09-22T14:26:00.000-04:00

Bitty arrived home from the American Girl Doll Hospital yesterday. Emily is thrilled.

Elijah and Neil went to see the Myth Busters this weekend.

The new white geese and some other random bits from the week.

3 more

2010-09-15T13:48:00.001-04:00

T-shirt to a dress for my friend's dd who only likes dresses these days.

Emily at dance class. She hides from me and cries when its time to go.

Fluff ball

I little joy

2010-09-12T16:23:00.000-04:00

To put is simply life has been good lately but I think a lot of that has to do with the fact that all 4 of us would mostly rather enjoy ourselves.

Wed Emily and I went to see my friend Angela and her 6 week old. Emily had a good time but fell in love with the purple my little pony baby baby named starsong. It was actually a really cool toy that I was willing to buy her so of course target did not have her. They did have pinky pie who is in the picture but no where near as cool as it turns out. Oh well Emily maybe someone will get you starsong for your Birthday in the mean time pinky pie is getting a good bit of love.

Thursday Emily had school and brought home this cool art.

Friday I finally made Elijah the bacon and eggs pj bottoms and yellow fleece robe that I had promised him some time ago.

Saturday we went to the zoo. It rained on and off but lots of the animals were out and active. The otters were espically cool.

Pre School in purple

2010-09-10T14:06:00.000-04:00

Tuesday was Emily's first official day of preschool. After two practice days last week she was really ready to go stay her full 3 hours. She was also excited to wear her back to school dress that she picked out the fabric for. Its going well Emily is just worn out.

A little of this and that

2010-09-08T07:50:00.000-04:00

Lots of stuff here. I caught a stomach bug last week then picked up a cold bc well you know how germs like to kick you when your down. Life marched one while I felt yucky though.

Emily did her first preview day of school. She actually started yesterday but we haven't gotten the pictures off the camera just yet. Elijah got new shoes and we got triathalon laces for him so he doesn't have to tie them. Neil and I are messing out toys and the trains are going to my friend Julie from High School. Plus a bunch of other stuff. Hope you enjoy.

back

2010-08-30T12:54:00.001-04:00

Here's another random asortememt.

Elijah started 2nd grade last week.

Emily drew all over Bitty. Thankfully she is almost better. She will have to visit the American Girl hospital though to get her eye replaced as some of the stuff we used to get the ink off messed up her eye.

Emily got her hair cut.

beach

2010-08-28T13:13:00.001-04:00

This year I just didn't get as many beach pictures. Both kids took to the water with reckless abandon and our camera broke part way through. We ended up taking most of the pictures with Neil's droid. Elijah went to surf camp one morning, Emily actually did a little boogie boarding, and everyone got really really tired.

pre beach

2010-08-25T12:51:00.000-04:00

Ok ok I know I'm behind. We were at the beach last week and Elijah just started 2nd grade. I've got to get the beach pictures edited but these are the last few prebeach ones plus the on the way to the beach picture of us waiting for our tire to be replaced post blow out. Thankfully a nice biker pointed it out to us before it was a real disaster and only half of the tread was loose.

We also have...
.. the new lamp that I do not like which replaces the one we broke.
.. the CG live stage. Emily, Elijah, and I had fun.

and some other random shots. Hopefully I"ll get the beach edited in the next day or so.

flipping flicker

2010-08-09T12:09:00.000-04:00

This extended break was brought to you by flicker as they felt the need to change their setup making it harder or at least different to post pictures. Here are some highlights.

Summer swim season is over again. Elijah did well. He even won breast stroke at one meet. Oh and the Cary Y totally kicked butt and won the YMCA Triangle Area again this year.

I got myself a batbelt for running which Neil found so funny he needed to take a picture.

I finished Emily's purple back to school dress and her tinkerbell outfit. She is mad that she can't wear them yet.

Our kids passport paperwork has been turned in and no we are not going out of the country.

I've become obsesed with a pattern that is now out of print. The blue dresses is my first attempt and drafiting it. There will definatly be a second muslin but I'm pleased.

little miss thing

2010-07-31T21:09:00.000-04:00

Emily is independent. The phrase "no I do it" has become a constant in our lives. Here she is in a beautiful dress I made her that she rarely wears bc she does not care for it and standing on the potty so she can dry her hands without help. Oh well hope she is so strong minded when boys are trying to get her to do things she isn't sure of.

purple

2010-07-30T16:51:00.001-04:00

Mostly just this and that this week. Emily has however decided she is into purple big time. Her purple tinkerbell backpack for preschool arrived this week and she has been trying to get me to take her ever since. I also let her pick our polish color and we both have bright purple toenails at the moment. Her's also have yellow flowers and rinestones.

Busy busy busy

2010-07-24T13:05:00.000-04:00

For better or worse this summer is flying by. Here are the highlights from the photos.
Elijah had his first ever audition yesterday. It was at our studio and everyone get a part but we are hoping that he gets into the dance he liked the most.

Mitch was nice enough to give Emily the Charlie O Grill that he had decided he was too old for.

I made a muslin for myself and now need to getup the nerve to cut into the good fabric.

We had another swim meet actually 2 since I last posted.

Elijah, Emily, and Maeve got matching dino tats at dino days. Erin and I decided that it is too hot for outdoor events until further notice.

So in general time marches on.

Company

2010-07-15T11:03:00.001-04:00

Technically we still have one more full day of company as Neil parents decided to stay one more night. Between the two sets we have had company for almost 2 weeks strait. Don't get me started on what the house looks like at the moment. Its been fun though and I get to go to Chez Ami alone later today so life is good.

Now I bring you.

All of us having dinner together something that rarely happens. Thankfully my Dad is good at turning the charm on. Too bad he and I both saved up about 2 full hours of sarcasm that evening. Boy were we fun to watch tv with that night.

Emily had her first Town of Cary dance class this week. While I have friend who have had a positive experience ours was bad. If next week is not better we will be done. Either way I appreciate Ms April and Ms Judy at Graceful Expressions about a million times more and am so glad Emily will be back there in the fall.

Elijah got his molars sealed.

Emily stole Oma's hat and really didn't want to give it back.

Elijah's friend Maddie brought him a shards tooth necklace from the beach. He seems to have Sam's way with women but is going to need to narrow it down a bit as he gets older or boy is he going to be in trouble.

Oh and I got all my hair cut off. I love it. The pony tail is in a bag on my dresser and will either go to Locks of Love or Great Lengths depending on if its 10in. I think that it is but with everything else going on I haven't had time to deal with it just yet. I also found a stylist that I really like once she got of the initial omg she wants me to cut all her hair off.

MTWHFSS

2010-07-06T12:37:00.001-04:00

I know I know but I remember this time.
M as in last Monday was Emily's first day of swim lessions. Better known as our last every set of mommy and me swim lessions. Don't get me wrong I love spending time with her but she seems to do better when she doesn't have mommy right there.

T we worked on our t shirts some more.

W Remember Reaper. Talk about a great show that didn't make it. Anyways we went to Monkey Joes which embodies one of my favorite Reaper bits. That is places that seem like hell on earth turns out they actually are. Let's just say I bet some little vessile were delivered there on Wednesday.

H Emily has been wearing her fluffies all over town lately. Here she is at the dance studio.

F We went to Marbles. I thought it was going to be about as much fun as monkey joes but it turned out to be a lot of fun.

S Emily found my old dress in the back of her closet and despite it still being too big simply had to wear it.

S July 4th here are Neil and the kids checking out the riding mowers at Home Depot. I made Elijah's shirt but Emily's dress is a Beca hand me down.

M isn't up yet and will have to be in the next batch.

Left it for too long.

2010-06-28T14:25:00.000-04:00

In other words we actually did take a picture every day this week but a few of the droid photos were so bad that I have substituted some from different days to help out a bit. I also think I may have an extra or two so here we go in no particular order.

Angela's shower was Sunday. I ordered these corsages from etsy and think they are super cute. Beca's didn't do super well but I'm not sure anything of this nature would have done super well on a very excited 5yo.

There is new play equipment at the school.

Rompers for the baby shower.

A mamu dress for Emily. I shortened the straps but they are still a touch long. I think next time I will just do the sleeveless version.

Glue batiking. We are still working on finishing them but its been a fun process.

I have no idea what they are doing aside from making a mess.

You tell me.

2010-06-21T20:36:00.000-04:00

Seriously, its just been busy here. Good but busy so forgive the no specifics. maybe you can tell me what they are.

Weekend Roundup

2010-06-14T21:16:00.001-04:00

Its been a busy official beginning of summer but we made it through the weekend and I did finish blackout week. Technically I guess I'm still participating since I didn't grab anything black today though I did wear my gypsy skirt again today and I'm guessing most fashion bloggers don't repeat outfits so regularly.

Friday is Emily and I on the back porch. I like the outfit though both pieces are a bit fluffy so they do make me look bigger. They are both really light weight though and it is hot here.

Saturday is Emily and I at the park taken with Neil's Droid. You'll have to take my word on the outfit but the only other one was that same angle from behind and has been deleted. Gap shorts with a little washed out flower print that I just had to have and one of the tank tops I picked up that morning at $2 tank top day at old navy.

Sunday we have Emily spinning in her fluffy. I did wear a navy Loft dress all day that I adore but didn't end up taking a picture.

Today we have Emily thinking so hard that she is sticking her tongue out. I guess I need some more Elijah pictures. We'll see what the week brings.

award, last, more

2010-06-10T20:17:00.000-04:00

As always thanks to blogger this will be a bit of a matching game.

Today was the last day of school for the year so I snapped a not that great picture of Elijah leaving.

Yesterday was awards day and Elijah got the Principals award for his class. Not for going to the office the most but for behaving very well all year. I'm glad he's so good for them but sometimes I wish he were as nice to me as he is to his teachers.

Black out days 3 and 4.

Today's outfit is the gypsy skirt I made from my Amy Buttler Love fabric. Its pretty much my favorite set of prints ever and while you can't tell in the picture the skirt has corset ties on both sides that hang down. It also moves really well and I feel great in it. The shirt is a cheap Walmart find. I plan on making something better but this one is OK.

Yesterday, Old Navy navy flower cargo pants that are a size big but make me happy just the same. I liked them when I found them on the sale rack bc they looked camo at first but are actually flowers. Shirt is from H and M. I bought it on my first ever trip there and while the sleeves don't do my shoulders any favors I like its 80s vibe.

Shoes both days are my much sought after Jambu's the color is rasberry and they are from REI though if you want this color you will likely have to order them. I wear an 11 so I almost always have to order everything so no pity from me on that one.

black out days 1 and 2

2010-06-09T09:52:00.000-04:00

I decided to do the Already Pretty black out challenge. The goal is to take this week and not wear black clothing since well its summer and colors are cool. Day one is a Liberty of London for Target top and some Hue jeggings. Not sure if I love this look but I got lots of compliments and was comfy so I guess I didn't look awful. Day 2 is a set I made. Dh thought it would be funny to take a picture of me doing laundry and I figured it worked since this outfit feels very 50s housewife to me. Something about the print and shape. The shirt also looks better in real life then it does in the picture I promise.

Less Little

2010-06-07T20:07:00.000-04:00

Emily is really looking more like a little girl and less like a toddler lately. Here she is blowing on her toe nails which by the way she made me paint before my coffee this morning.

Sunday was a fun filled day of pure busyness but I didn't take the camera along so all you guys get is a picture of Emily playing with an old cell phone after dinner.

weekly update

2010-06-06T12:12:00.000-04:00

Still doing well with the picture taking but not as well with the blog updating so here we go in no particular order. Its a little like a matching game for you my readers.

Elijah had time trials for swim team yesterday. Because of where his birthday fall in regards to the cutoff he will be one of the youngest this season and it will likely be a character building experience. He sees ok with it though as he is still with his friends Jackson and Victor.

We bribed Emily through the potty training process by showing her the bitty babies online and telling her when she could put her poop and potty on the potty all the time we would get her one. It took about two days last week not even and then she had to wait almost a week for shipping.

On Thursday I didn't have a hot poker to stick into my eye so I thought I'd take both kids to the grocery store right before a storm instead. Fun was had by all.

Its been muddy a lot lately so we had to go mud stomping. Emily can't walk in her boots though so she work old sandles.

Emily also learned how to blow bubbles with the good bubble solution this week. More of the good stuff in on my Target list.

life happens

2010-05-29T21:13:00.000-04:00

So it seems like I have 1 extra image but I can't figure out what day the extra is so we will be keeping it. Life here has been exciting. Emily is potty trained which is the big news of this week espically since it only took about 1.5 days. I didn't take a picture of her poop though so be greatful for that bc pooping on the potty was quite exciting around here. Other highlights were swim team dry land practice, lots of rain, sushi for grown ups night, and leek soup night. Leek soup looks like snot but elijah who won't eat any other veggies loves it. On a down note Emily has a yucky fever sour throat virus so nothing exciting for memorial day weekend.

Prince Elijah

2010-05-23T20:14:00.001-04:00

Yesterday was Elijah's first dance recital. He did very well. Being the only boy he had a solo in the ballet that was mostly about all the little girls preforming for him so that he could pick his princess. I have some pictures of that but I'm not posting them since they have other peoples children in them. It was great though and Neil and I are very proud.

Emily

2010-05-22T08:30:00.001-04:00