that's the end of that

This is the last photo taken with our camera (our shower curtain) before...Malachi dropped it on it's lens.
Yesterday I took this picture of Zoe at the library and it did not register as to why the picture turned out so white.
I didn't have a chance to even think about it cause something happened that needed my attention (can't remember what though). Then I took this picture today of Malachi outside of our new Costco (which I am so excited about!) and it all became so clear...in my mind that is. ;)

This camera was actually loaned, or rather given :), to us by my parents when I lost our other one. What a bummer to have to be in the market to get another one, especially considering we are also needing a new computer, after I dropped that!!

Shrove Tuesday

Tomorrow is Shrove Tuesday a.k.a. Mardi Gras, Fat Tuesday, Pancake Tuesday. It is the day before Ash Wednesday which marks the beginning of Lent. Obviously the season of Lent is much more important than the day-before celebration but I thought I would mention, for those that are interested, visit any IHOP and you can enjoy a free short stack of pancakes to commemorate the day.

a couple of cuties...they don't look sick...

not sure if they are still sick. they both threw up on saturday night and zoe did so again early this morning but they seem to be acting completely normal...we'll see.

another first...he's riding a bike now!

Malachi has enjoyed riding his tricycle for a while now but last weekend we made the transition to a bike. We'll let him get used to the bike and take the training wheels off when he seems ready. I am curious for those friends of mine who've been there done that, how old was your child when they learned to ride without the training wheels?

i love thrifting!

i have some new photos and some video to post but i don't have the time or patience to do that right now so i thought i would just update with a little something.

i love going to thrift stores. well, i love shopping for my kids clothes at thrift stores...not so much clothes for me since i have a freakish body shape/size ;) we have been blessed by friends to be able to borrow clothes which is wonderful (and free) but then i also am concerned about the clothes getting ruined. since i like to have a few clothes and let the kids wear them over and over again the clothes we have do tend to get worn looking. so i figure it best to move out of the borrowing only, to borrowing every now and then but getting our own at thrifts.

tonight i went to one thrift store and was amazed at the deals. i should take pictures but let's just say i get a giddy feeling when i find a nice brand-name (gap, gymboree, children's place), cute shirt, or rather and few of those, for 39 cents each!! for those that go to thrift stores, you know what i'm talking about. for those who like the mall...you should really try thrifting!

A Fun Activity

A few days ago Malachi and I made TWB (The World's Best) Play Dough. This recipe is from a book called The Incredible Secret Formula Book which has a number of fun things to do with kids. He had a blast molding and shaping the dough into many different things.

This morning he had fun making "snakes" and then I helped him spell out his name. I wrote his name, one letter on each paper, and then he laid the snakes on the letters. Just a fun way to review how to spell his name, shape the letters and order the letters in his name. I thought I would share. :)
(There are many different recipes for play dough out there but here is the one from the book)
TWB Play Dough
1 cup flour
1 cup water
1-2 drops food coloring
1/2 cup salt
1 Tablespoon oil
2 teaspoons cream of tartar

Directions:
1. Mix all ingredients together in a saucepan over medium heat until the mixture just starts to cook. Stir while it heats, when it is done it should form a ball and look like sticky play dough.
2. Dump the play dough onto a floured board and let it cool until you can handle safely. Knead it until you have a smooth dough.
3. Store in a resealable plastic bag.

The Oven Calls My Name

On rainy days like today I can't help but turn the oven on and start baking. Of course as I type right now it is crystal blue out and the sun is shining but it was raining earlier. :) Malachi, my wonderful helper, and I made a batch of these scones. I used a lemon from our tree and some dried blueberries for Lemon Blueberry Scones, yum! And as I type I can smell the two loaves of bread that are in the oven. I love days such as this!

And there she goes!

It was just over a week ago that Zoe took her first steps. She is amazing us with her determination to get this walking thing down. She has decided she needs to improve her skills quickly...to keep up with Malachi I'm sure...and walking everywhere.

Happy Birthday Grandpa!