25/365 (2010)

>> Sunday, February 28, 2010

Turtle

This is the turtle that lives by our dilapidated dock. We are getting it fixed this year b/c a big wind came and tore our very old dock apart. It's always something isn't it? He is pretty big, check out the shells next to him. Our girls think he is very cool :)

They try

>> Saturday, February 27, 2010

I guess. Yesterday I was on a high that my girls decided to have a Pretend Birthday for ME. That's right, not Matt but me. Daddy was out of town but I am sure they still would have chosen me as the birthday girl even if he was here.

So, back to being high (lol). They got their dolls all dressed for the occasion and in doing so there were doll clothes from one end of their room to the other. I gave them a by and told them they could wait and clean their room this morning. They did and it looked so good. Beds were made, new sheets put on, everything in it's place. Until I asked them to rest. They didn't actually rest. Nope, they took all the things from both beds and piled it on Violet's ~~bed~~ car and headed to Hotlanta for the day.

I promise you I am not a neat person but when things are actually put away I like them to stay that way for more than an hour. They're killing me!

Sigh. What to do? Head outside and wear off some energy. Ruby walked in her walker, Piper played hopscotch, and Violet shopped with her baby & buggy. What did I do? Cleaned out our little veggie garden area to plant some seeds this week. While clearing the area out I came across a brown snake (please oh please be brown and not a copperhead). I am sure the neighbors knew from me bolting away what I had just encountered. It was a babe but I don't like snakes. Anyway, this will be my first time attempting a cool garden - I need luck. Hopefully we will get a few carrots and maybe a few potatoes out of it b/c the girls are pretty psyched right now to plant stuff.

24/365 (2010)

Ruby

I just want to hug her all the time :)

Allorahandmade Party Sunny Necklace GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

*sigh*
Allorahandmade Party Sunny Necklace GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

Happy (pretend) Birthday!

>> Friday, February 26, 2010

Woot - lucky me it is my pretend birthday! Violet decided while Piper was at preschool to plan the whole thing. I forgot to take a picture of the amazing present she put together for me. It was all the small part toys that I adore so much put lovingly in a knitted bag. Let's party girls!

First up - tea.

Next - mandatory group photo but no one wanted it taken so it was quick and poor Ruby is out of focus :(

Ahh, Chicken Enchilada Soup and Stella. As you can see since it was my birthday and all I added extra chips & cheese.

to finish our meal we had mini banana chocolate chip muffins that I made today - Yum!

What a fun day!

23/365 (2010)

I guess she liked them

Violet decided that today is my "pretend" birthday so I made banana muffins. Piper finished her muffin and went for the wrapper immediately. The act of licking the wrapper, bowl, or plate would be learned from her father :)

22/365 (2010)

>> Thursday, February 25, 2010

Feel Dog

Last year there were the feel frogs which she still loves but for her birthday this year she received a feel dog (squishy dog) with a Barbie. Little does she know that this is a peeing dog that you feed with a bottle. She will never know the truth.

21/365 (2010)

Tease

Ruby couldn't figure out how to get to Piper. It was cute :)

Look into my eyes...

you are getting sleeepy. Has that ever worked? It doesn't work for me either. Not only does Ruby not really enjoy taking naps but as I have blogged MANY times before she doesn't really sleep well at night. Matt has said time and again "Hey, if I could just wake up and take a quick bite of a Big Mac anytime I wanted and go back to sleep I would". I am guilty of allowing this but I can't wean her at night yet, she isn't even a year old. So, my very smart friend Leslie suggested giving little Ruby a pacifier. Up until now she hasn't been interested in them but we shall see. A few years ago I was on a mom board and reviewed some toys for ebeanstalk and as luck would have it they sent me an email asking for families to do a pacifier study. What are the odds? So a few days ago the Fed Ex man pulled into our driveway with what might be the answer to my sleep deprived prayers.

How is it going? Well, she will take it on occasion during the day but when night time comes she wants absolutely no part of it. Will I give up? Nah, I will keep trying to give it to her. I have broke 2 kids from the paci and it wasn't the worst thing in the world so I can do it again if I need to :)

For taking the time to try out the pacifiers they included a toy for our little Ruby to play with. What a fun day it was for Piper and Violet who hovered over the table while I was trying to get it out of it's packaging. Seriously, do companies need to wire baby toys down? It looks like a cool toy and I am sure our baby will love it!

Wordful Wednesday - Growing Up

>> Wednesday, February 24, 2010

I can't even begin to tell you how bummed out I am that Piper didn't get into the charter school that we LOVED next year. I am by no means bashing the schools in our district but I just loved everything about that school. From how they taught, to discipline, and most of all the parental involvement. Over 570 families applied for 23 kindergarten spots - the lucky zoo clan was #532. I will admit it, I cried. I cried for a few hours and then cried again the next day. Sigh. I just really thought that this was where we belonged but maybe we have a different path. A friend of mine told me how fab our elementary school was and when I saw the class schedule "Yoga & Rest" had it's own time spot. When did school start teaching yoga? Last night I tried to convince Piper to let me homeschool her while we ate dinner.

"Piper, why don't you let mommy teach you next year"
"Will Violet be here too?"
"She will be in preschool a few days a week but otherwise yes"
"Will my friends be here?"
"We will find you friends that also get taught from their home"
"Well...I like being with my friends"
"But Piper, we will meet new friends and you will have Violet here most days. Mommy taught you last year, remember?"
"Well...Mrs. Fleming teaches me better"
"She does huh?"
"You cook really good though mama"

It looks like yoga, buses, & public school here we come!

More WW @

I have a giveaway for a Melissa & Doug calendar happening (my first!!) - have you entered? All you have to do is leave a comment on the giveaway post! Ends on Tuesday!

20/365 (2010)

>> Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Concentration

She was mending a book that our little Ruby got in to. I could have done it but our girls love it when I let them use the tape lol :)

A Fairy House

After we went to the Fairy Festival the girls haven't been able to stop talking about the little fairy houses. Piper asks if we have fairies and why don't they have houses. Today we rendered that. We scavenged our yard and both of our neighbors yards so we would have enough to make the house. Seems as if everyone is keeping their yards REALLY picked up this time of year, twigs and bark were hard to come by :)

Here it is. Not as pretty as the ones at the nature preserve but they had better stuff to work with, just wait until you see the one we will build for our fairy's summer house. Crafty in a sort of outdoorsy kind of way :)

While looking for the twigs and bark we came across a turtle near our dock. It was a big one. I didn't have my camera back there so it is only in our memory. The girls thought it was pretty cool. I am sure Piper will tell her teacher about it tomorrow b/c they are studying turtles this week in school.

There were 2 girls that made that house but one of them had a red mark on her foot and had to go in the house. Yet she thinks that she wants to go camping lol :)

19/365 (2010)

>> Monday, February 22, 2010

One guess :)

I am a terrible mama :)

I heart faces - Fun With Beads

Maybe I am to blame for the girls wearing necklaces so early b/c I do give them large beaded necklaces to play with when they are infants. For Piper I got a kukui nut necklace that she wore for years until a few of them broke and I tossed it. Last year I got a bunch of funky necklaces from a thrift store and they have been playing with them. Ruby is fascinated by the pink glitter bead necklace. I plan on making it into bracelets but for now it is hers.

Week 8 Challenge - Hands on Fun

Ruby ♥'s jewelry!

Check out more at

I also have a giveaway for a Melissa & Doug Calendar if you are interested. Ends March 2. Good Luck!

18/365 (2010)

>> Sunday, February 21, 2010

For the love of everything stuffed :)

It is crazy how many stuffed animals we have. Where did they all come from? I know we didn't buy them but for the life of me I can't remember getting a lot of them as gifts either. Maybe they are reproducing somehow lol :) Our girls sure do love them though so at least they all have a good home.

17/365 (2010)

The Magnet

It was probably 50 degrees yesterday when I took this photo. Violet found the only snow that was left at the college - it was in the shade. We have a bit left at our house too. It is a kid's magnet :)

I Love A Good Contest!

Who doesn't love winning stuff? I enter contests all the time b/c I want my name picked :) Through entering these contest I have found a lot of the blogs that I read today. Now I get to have a giveaway on my little blog - yay! CSN Stores has graciously donated a prize for me to give to a lucky someone. They have everything from kids bedding to wall art. You can find great deals on fabulous shoes (on Piper's wish list are these little red cuties) or if you were in the market waterbeds. Did you know they still made waterbeds?

My very first giveaway is for a Melissa and Doug Magnetic Calendar. We love planning activities and parties on our own paper calendar but it would be so much more fun to have all the magnets that are included for holidays, special events, and even the weather. The girls would love to be able to pick out the magnet for St Patrick's Day rather than me writing it in b/c they can't read yet. The calendar is an educational toy that I think would be fun in every home.

If you would like a chance to win the Melissa and Doug calendar leave me a comment telling me you want to win. That is all! I would love to know if you read my blog by following but it is not necessary. If you are not a blogger please leave me an email address (ex. name[at]whatever[dot]com) so that I can contact you. This giveaway will end on March 2. Open to US and Canadian residents. Good Luck!

Brown Toilet Paper?

>> Saturday, February 20, 2010

I know that sounds gross right?

Yesterday afternoon we were at Harris Teeter doing a little bit of grocery shopping. Harris Teeter has their "Super Doubles" right now and will double a coupon up to $1.98. Normally we only buy meat and Silk Soy milk from HT b/c their prices are quite high on groceries but when they run super doubles or triples I make a list and stock up on some things I would otherwise never buy.

Our household doesn't buy paper towel. Years ago we switched to using rags rather than paper. My husband wishes we would have paper towel but he doesn't grocery shop. seventh Generation is now sold almost everywhere. I bought some dishwashing powder the other day at Target. They had a coupon for $1 off their paper products (available by visiting their webside) and since a roll of paper towel was on special for $1.99 with my coupon it was free at HT.

I put 2 rolls in our buggy and Piper said
"Mama, why are you buying brown toilet paper?"
"It's paper towel not toilet paper."
"What is paper towel?"

I think she knows what it is but maybe not the name? I explained but it is still sort of weird to have brown paper towel. Anyway, there is my funny Piper story for today :)

16/365 (2010)

The girls and I

Yesterday was BEAUTIFUL! We were playing outside all afternoon. We've got the best hill driveway to ride down - but as you see you must wear a helmet :)

15/365 (2010)

>> Thursday, February 18, 2010

Girlfriends

13/365 & 14/365 (2010)

>> Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Waiting patiently

Piper brought the mask with her today at school and insisted on wearing it still this afternoon. She had a very fun time last night. This was taken as she was waiting by the window for the kids I babysit for to arrive. She was so excited to show them the Mardi Gras mask that she made.

Laissez les bon temps rouler!

Wordful Wednesday - Headband Girl

Violet loves bows! Like most 3 year olds the bigger, the more purple and/or pink, the frillier, the better. Now our Piper is opposite as she is more of a headband girl. Lately Violet has been pulling out Piper's headbands to wear around the house. A few weeks ago she asked me if I would buy her one. Of course I will! We sat down and decided on colors and then placed our order. But every headband has to still have a bow, flower, or clippie attached - she is so funny!

If you like the set Violet got we purchased it at Hedgehogs-n-Hairbows. We ♥ that shop :)

More Wordful Wednesdays at...

Fat Tuesday

>> Tuesday, February 16, 2010

It is our 1st Annual Mardi Gras party here at the zoo. We LOVE parties so why not make today another one? On the menu is red beans & rice and of course a king cake. The girls have a special treat hiding inside of the cake though - it's actually a tiny Ariel b/c I had to improvise when I didn't find the baby in their playroom. We decorated masks and even made a shoe box float to use as a centerpiece. Stitch is rocking out and even has some groupies b/c he is just that cool. It was a fun day getting ready.

and after Daddy got home

Laissez les bon temps rouler!

12/365 (2010)

>> Monday, February 15, 2010

Leftovers

I looked at the clock and it was after 4pm and I said "I didn't take a picture of anything today" and started to freak out. Then the baby woke up and there was supper to make so I forgot about it again. Supper is now cooking and I looked for my camera and when it wasn't where it belonged I remembered that I took a few pictures of the girls at lunch today. Why? Who knows but I am glad I did. This is a hard project and I am sure there will be tons of pictures I post that normally I would have deleted :) Anyway, today Violet and I ate the leftover crab soup and each of us got a hunk of rice krispie treat - yum! In case someone wouldn't believe that story thankfully there is proof forever here on the old blog :)

I heart faces - I Wanna Twirl

What do you do when it is cold outside and everyone is bored of the games, puzzles, and books that we have in the house? Hit shuffle on the computer and get your groove on! Ruby even tried to get in on the action after a few minutes. Our girls have some moves - just ask them :)

"Mama, watch my move"
"That is very nice Violet"
"But Mama, watch my move"
"That is awesome Piper, where did you come up with that?"
It can go on and on and on:)

Week 7 Challenge - I Wanna Dance!

This was taken yesterday. They had such a fun time with our own little dance party. You should see these girls with the Just Dance game we have for the Wii - so cute!

They ♥ twirling :)

That has a whitewash texture & a carnival action applied. I kept switching back and forth and I decided to go with the "played with" picture.

Check out more at

I heart my family

>> Sunday, February 14, 2010

So it is Valentine's Day. Matt had to go in to work this morning so we didn't get to have the big family breakfast that I had planned but I did manage to cook up some heart shaped chocolate chip pancakes for the girls and I. We thought that maybe he would be home for lunch but that was a no go too so we had quesadillas, rice, & beans. The girls and I cranked up our iTunes and danced around the living room all morning. There is a dancing theme at i♥faces this week :) With my 365 challenge AND my normal blogging they are so done with the camera. I have to start taking pictures of other things lol :)

I got a video of Ruby walking finally. Just 4 of so steps but it is the first time she did it with my Flip out.

What's for supper on this most special of special days? My husband's favorite, Crab Soup. The girls worked very hard on our table decorations for our "party". Dessert is another zoo favorite, rice krispie treats. Bet you want to live here :)

Happy Valentine's Day!

11/365 (2010)

Watching the snow melt :)

Little Snow Fairies

>> Saturday, February 13, 2010

I will start this post by saying brrr!!! Yesterday we got about 3 inches of snow so I was CERTAIN that the fairy festival at a local nature center would be postponed. Nope. I thought it was going to be canceled last year for rain and when it wasn't and I heard how much fun everyone had regretted my decision to stay home. This year we were going darn it all. I got out the snow pants, boots, heavy jackets, hats, & mittens. The girls made their wings yesterday so we were set. When we got there I swear we were the only ones besides the volunteers who were even prepared for the cold. Not really knocking other parents but how can you have fun when you are cold, and it was cold! I saw skirts (aww, cute little fairy skirts) but come on people it is 36 degrees outside. So we weren't there to enter and win the cutest fairy of the day pageant (lol) but were there to have fun, and fun we had! The girls helped to make a fairy crown, they decorated cookies, they heard a fun fairy story, and they got their face painted. Then they told me they were cold and so we went and played in the snow a little bit by the van. Angels were made and a few snow balls were thrown. I stripped them down and called it a day. I wish they would have this in March or April, my gosh it was cold - did I mention we were all cold? My blood must be thinning in my old age :)

10/365 (2010)

Snow Fairy

Gaze At Me

>> Friday, February 12, 2010

I love gazing balls. Always have always will. My husband doesn't like gazing balls. Never has never will. That is why it resides on top of the armoire you see behind me and not in our front yard for the world to see. Compromise. I got it down to dust it today (my once yearly dusting ritual) and thought it would be fun to take pictures with it. It was. I just love this shot b/c Ruby is going for the ball and Piper knows it is made of glass.
"Mama, Ruby is going to get the ball!"
"It's OK Piper, I've got it."
Thankfully I am still quicker than my baby but if you look at Piper's expression she does not have that same confidence in her mama :) I just love this picture. I wonder if this is what a fisheye would be like, hmmm.....

I have another gazing ball shot on the 365 blog. Same concept but different shot. These were my 2 favorite today :)

9/365 (2010)

Gazing Ball

8/365 (2010)

>> Thursday, February 11, 2010

Tongue

The girls thought it was so funny that Ruby stuck out her tongue at us all morning so I thought it would be a good shot for this blog.

Sushi Anyone?

I am not sure how I found out about Weelicious but I am so glad that I did! The other day I saw her post about Sushi Sandwiches. Wow. It was like a light bulb went off in my head. The girls will eat a California Roll when we get them but other than that they won't go near our sushi but they want to, I can see it in their eyes! Last night it was an all girl's supper b/c daddy was working so I decided to try out the "sushi" only instead of tuna I made chicken salad. Piper was sure she didn't like mayo so I went light with it.

I told them they only had to eat 3 of the 4 rolls but they each ended up getting the 4th roll out of the bowl. They loved the entire supper! Next time I am going to add more veggies to the "roll". I didn't want to freak them out on the first time b/c then they may not ever try it again. I made a 1/2 bag of edamame and they ate most of it themselves! It is always nice for me when the kiddos eat all their food. It makes me feel like I succeeded, for that meal anyway. Bonus was we ate while there was still daylight left :)

I have been needing something different for lunches b/c I am sick of making pb&j 4 of 7 days a week. They wouldn't try chicken salad before today so this was a huge thing for me. We have issues getting them to eat anything new lately. I can't wait to set some time aside and find more recipes to test out :)

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