It's 4:00...do you know where your cup is?

At 3:22 this morning, we woke up to a huge crash of thunder and a pretty impressive lightning show. Of course, we're used to getting up at 4, so we were wide awake (poor James--it'll be a long day for him!). After a drink of water and an unsuccessful attempt to go back to sleep, we decided to suck it up and be up. So we started watching a movie on the laptop. At 4:00 on the dot, we heard two little feet hit the floor next door...and then quiet for about 30 seconds. Then our door opened, and in walked Bubby with his cup (that we fill with water and leave on the table in case he wakes crying in the night and we need it in a hurry). He walked right in, held up his cup and said, "unh unh!" (The sound the cars on his cup make, of course). We were pretty impressed that he'd helped himself. Silver lining, silver lining...

Timeline

The first graders at Kayci's school were assigned a project: create a timeline of your life. We handed it over to Kayci and let her lead the way in choosing events, pictures, writing the accompanying sentences...you name it, she did it. And she did a darn good job. Now, others may have been fancier and more perfectly in alignment. But Kayci did it all--and she is so proud of herself. She got in the car today and told me how only a couple of the projects look like the kid did it (she brought it up, not me!). I was shocked, but then I remembered, it's Kayci. She notices everything!

Daddy and I were surprised at what she included (and what she left out), but here are the events that made the final cut:

2003: birth :)

2005: Dora birthday party

2008: Noble being born the same place she was

2008: starting Kindergarten

2009: visiting the Liberty Bell (God help us, she picked the picture where it looks like she's LICKING the Liberty Bell...great)

2009: the day she lost her first tooth

I could NOT be more proud of this kid. She amazes me every day with her insight and her heart. Of course, most days she also frustrates the heck out of me because we're so alike...but it all evens out to one awesome kid!

Fresh Broccoli

In early September we planted a small garden in our back yard that consisted of broccoli and cabbage (and some sunflowers that died almost immediately). According to the card that came with each kind of plant, the broccoli would be ready in October and the cabbage would be ready in November. It wasn't.



On Thursday evening, some of the broccoli was finally ready to cut. So Kayci and I went out in the garden and cut three bunches of broccoli to cook.







We put it in a stir-fry with some other kinds of vegetables, and it made a great dinner. It's the first time I've ever had broccoli that fresh, and I think you could really taste the difference.







Now, if only the cabbage would get ready in time for New Years dinner. Oh, wait...

Career Day

So...Career Day is coming up at Kayci's school. They sent home a letter today asking for volunteers. I asked Kayci if she wanted either Daddy or me to volunteer and she looked at me sadly and said, "um, NO, Mommy--neither of you has a job first graders would want to know about." I guess I shouldn't be too offended, as this came from the child who's going to Career Day dressed as a pop singer. Geez.

Bedazzled!

Guess what Noble got Kayci got for Christmas? :)

Be afraid, Daddy's stuff--be very afraid.

Because Noble knows how to use it, too!

Done!

As of 4:15, our office/playroom is officially inhabitable again! I know it's ony been week and a half since inspiration struck, but it's been a lonnnnng week and a half of clutter in odd places. I don't do well with clutter. But I'm grateful that we bit the bullet...it started a process of purging, cleaning & organizing that's been a long time coming. :)

Before you look at the pictures, know that nobody but me could possibly be excited by this. It's okay.




The view from the kitchen




A cozy, carpeted corner for Bubby




His big toys are on the floor, and all of the low tubs & toys are Noble-friendly :)




Kristi heaven!




Daddy still has his corner back there. It's not mine to show...but it's cool!




Kids's easel & desks




We put paper & markers & crayons on Noble's desk-he loves to sit there!




It's not attractive, but it's functional! And yes, it's time to recycle...




Look what we dug up! He loves being able to turn lights off and on. And it beats him dragging that stool everywhere.




Last but not least, here's the first public view of my work closet. Again, it's not pretty...but I couldn't do what I do without a space to hold all my STUFF! Usually I can't open thd door without an avalanche...this is huge progress!




Now I just need a home for all of my bags...
- Posted from my iPhone