Strawberry Dresses

The strawberry dresses are one of my mom's best gifts to her little girls. She made them for Rachel and I when we were around Libby and Sarah's ages. I was so happy that they could wear them for Christmas this year.

I filtered the pictures with a 1974 filter using the program that Dave's company makes:

http://www.nevercenter.com/camerabag/

Check it out, it is awesome!

It Starts When...

You Sink in His Arms. And Ends With YOUR Arms in the Sink.
This is a plaque next to my grandmother's sink in Logan. I love it. I thought about it often yesterday after I went to run my fully loaded dishwasher and nothing happened. Nothing. I pushed every button multiple times. I flipped the breaker back and forth a few times. Nothing. It had been dying lately...not getting things very clean...Well, Merry Christmas we said to each other, and went dishwasher shopping. Guess my digital SLR will have to move down the list of things I am going to buy because a stainless steel interior amazing turbo jet dishwasher jumped right to the top. We are quite proud of ourselves because we actually shopped multiple stores before we made the purchase. Grandpa Dave would be proud (my mom told me) because we didn't buy a Kenmore. If I needed any affirmation that we did the right thing spending the money, it came as plunged my hands into the sink to wash all those dishes, since the dishwasher we wanted won't arrive on our door until the 31st. It will be a Happy New Year when I load that baby up!

Here she is: http://www.us-appliance.com/kuds30ivbl.html

AHHHH HAAAA!

Now I understand my mother's reluctance to let us make cut out cookies. But Santa is going to have a cookie feast at our house this year! Watch out reindeer, you are going to need some extra strength to pull Santa out of our house!

Libby Knows Best

Yesterday Libby said my favorite thing she has ever said. I had asked Derek to come and help me with something in the kitchen. He was in the family room watching tv. Libby was sitting at the table. She could see both of us (for those who don't know our floor plan). She looked at me for a minute, looked at Derek for a minute, then said, "DADDY, YOU COME HELP MOMMY, RIGHT NOW!"
What a champ!

Sarah also said my favorite thing yet. Besides "Iluvyou" which she says now. Libby started knocking on the door after her nap (a daily ritual, she knocks to let me know she is ready to get up). Sarah said, "IT'S LIBBY!" (sort of more like "ibby" but still!)

I love my smart girls.
Now if only Libby would go potty and learn her colors. Those are her new year's resolutions.

Sarah the Animal

Sarah makes the noises of several animals now. It is great.
Cow, chicken, kitty, duck (kind of), dog, horse, lion, and others.
She can do a fish mouth and a good snake tongue. She can say nose and point in the viscinity of her nose...usually. She also loves to read the 10 little lady bug book. (For those who don't know, every page a ladybug disappears until there is only one, then they all miraculously reappear in one place together.) Anyway, when you read it, every time you turn the page she yells, "FIVE"...instead of whatever number it is supposed to be. But hey, she is right once in 10. Not bad odds for a 14 month old.

Sisters

This picture reminded me of my favorite song from White Christmas. They even share their popsicles :)

Libby Quotes

Here are some of my favorite Libby quotes lately.

Mom: listening to ipod in the car, singing along with bodypump songs.
Libby: "Mom, DO NOT SING. JUST BE QUIET."

Mom: crying, while watching the memorial for the Lakewood PD officers.
Libby: "It's okay mommy. Give me a kiss." Then kisses mommy. She did this at least 5 times today. It was amazing.

Libby: "Silly, crazy mommy."

Libby: "Don't mess with the PO-LICE!"

Libby: while watching husky pre-game..."What's wrong with Jake?"
Mom: "Libby, do you like Jake Locker" (husky quarter back)
Libby: "I LOVE Jake Locker."

Libby's Wardrobe

Libby has started to get herself dressed, like after naps before she knocks to let us know she is awake. Check out this ensemble.
She is ready for the paparazzi!

Thanksgiving Traditions

I started what I hope will be a new tradition with the Barrett cousins this Thanksgiving. We had a sleepover the night before Thanksgiving. We made gingerbread houses and other neighborhood building (oh yeah, and they were graham cracker houses, but it is really about the candy right?) Then on Thanksgiving morning we walked around Greenlake. 3 miles is quite a long way for short legs, but we all made it. Then we had Thanksgiving at Aunt Maren's. It was a delicious day!






(Paige's is an ice rink, in case you can't tell.) Mine is the shopping center.

Happy Thanksgiving

This has been a month where it has been hard to be thankful. It seemed like everytime we turned around something else expensive would break. The short list of major things that went wrong this month started with the minor, but expensive accident that I got in. Then, the iPhone broke. Then the computer died. Then we had to get 2 new run-flat tires (and those babies don't come cheap)! Whew. But, when I go through and reflect on all those major things...there is something to be thankful for in each one. In the car accident, no one was hurt! We had $200 in deductible rewards, so that helped too. Allstate was very prompt and helpful and the van looks better than ever. We found a place to repair the iPhone for less than it would have been to trade it in to Apple (it did take longer, but we are thankful to be learning patience). The computer died, but the hard-drive was salvagable. And we were espeically thankful to my brother Dave who dedicated a day to the project of getting us back up and running on our old computer (which I think we will be using for awhile). Finally, we are thankful that the slow leak in our run-flat tire decided to become a fast leak while the tires were on sale for $50 off. We are also thankful to Shorewood Wrestling, Qwest field and major league soccer, Dick's Drive in, and Seattle City Light for providing Derek with PLENTY of off-duty work to help cover the expenses. It has been a cloudy month--but those clouds, on closer inspection, have had beautiful silver linings.

Bonding

It was so fun to have my siblings (minus Emily, who is in China) here with us for a couple of days. This is my favorite thing that I got on video. Brian got some other good ones that I hope he will share to put on the blog.

More Adorable Ladies

I admit it, this year I am SO excited for Christmas. I bought a whole bunch of Christmas decor on sale last year after Christmas and I can't wait to put it up. I also have Christmas dresses from both Grandmas for the girls to wear. I broke down and had the girls wear the ones from Grammy Norton to church today. I caught a few pics as we were rushing out the door. They are both laughing here (in case you couldn't tell). Libby LOVED this picture when I showed her.

My Little Ladies

We had a fun morning today. This was before Sarah managed to climb into the fireplace and get her new onsie all dirty. Libby is giving Sarah a "kissy."

Libby's New Hat

I asked Libby where she got her "hat".

"It's from Aunt Maren." She said.

Awesome. Thanks Aunt Maren. I didn't know you were into dirty washcloth hats :)

Bad Luck

We are just having a streak of bad luck. I have hit--not one but TWO parked cars in my van in the last 3 weeks. The first was a backing into scratch. The second one was pulling into a parking spot. (Notice I am using passive voice here to help me feel less responsible.) Anyway, check out the van's hot new look. Ouch! The hole in the bumper is where the warning sensor used to be--that was supposed to protect me. But I was going too fast. The sensor started beeping as I started hitting. Darn! At least the other cars in the incidents didn't need repair. I am now a proud Allstate Platnium member, meaning I pay a bit more so I can have accident forgiveness every time...since it seems there are going to be more times. Wow. This little repair is going to cost the around $1300. Thank goodness for insurance! (Derek's iPhone is also in for repairs. We just aren't having good tech luck.)

Got The Killer!

The SPD shooter has been captured (and shot) by SPD.http://blog.seattlepi.com/seattle911/archives/184612.asp
Check out the story. It is pretty interesting how they found him. They captured him about 15 minutes after the memorial service for Officer Brenton ended.

Uncle Budd's Bread

It is appropriate that the week I finally feel like I have figured out the way to make Uncle Budd's bread without a bread maker, and managed to type up my findings, is Veteran's Day week. What an amazing man Uncle Budd was. For readers who don't know, he was my grandmother's brother. He was a POW in WWII. His journals from that era are inspiring. He came home to raise a wonderful family and live a life of service. One of the things he did was make the bread for his ward to use in their sacrament service every week. His recipe is amazing. I hope you will try it and enjoy it--thinking about a man who knew the meaning of service and sacrifice.

Uncle Budd’s Bread Formula—all whole wheat
Without a Bread Maker
Modified by Tricia Randall Norton, great-niece

Ingredients:
2 cups warm water
2 Tbsp. yeast
4 Tbsp. sugar
2 Tbsp. butter
4 Tbsp. gluten flour*
½ tsp. salt
6 Tbsp. olive oil
½ cup honey
5-6 cups whole wheat flour
Additional flour for kneading, (can be white or wheat)

Directions:
1. In a 4-cup liquid measuring cup add 2 cups warm water, the sugar and yeast. Allow to rest for 5-10 minutes. The yeast should be bubbly before you proceed.
2. While waiting for the yeast, in a large mixing bowl add butter (softened), gluten flour, salt, and 2 cups of the flour.
3. When the yeast is ready, add olive oil and honey to the yeast mixture.
4. Then add the yeast mixture to the dry ingredients.
5. Stir in the remaining flour.
6. Turn out onto a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes. Add more flour as necessary to knead, but you will finish with a soft and sticky dough.
7. Wash your large mixing bowl, dry and grease with olive oil.
8. Put the dough back into the mixing bowl, turning once to cover with oil. Cover with a damp dishtowel and allow to rise around 60 minutes, until doubled. (Here in Seattle I have to turn the oven on under the mixing bowl or my bread never rises).
9. Punch down dough and let rest for 10 minutes. Then shape into 2 loaves.
10. Let rise 30 more minutes while the oven is preheating to 350.
11. Bake 25-30 minutes, until loaves are browned and it sounds hollow when you tap on the top. If loaves are browning too quickly, place a sheet of foil over the loaves.

*I found gluten flour by the cornmeal and other interesting flours in the health food section of my local grocery store.

Libby's Favorite Outfit, Animal, and Dance

Today I got some good footage of Libby doing "Bye-Um-Pum-Pum" while wearing her favorite outfit (a slip that was made for me--and the only thing she will wear in the house, in fact, she is sleeping in it right now, over her pajamas), and dancing with "Andrew" her favorite toy of the moment. In case you haven't seen the Happiest Millionaire, I included the actual dance for your viewing pleasure.

Sarah's Speaking!!!

Sarah has been mimicking sounds for awhile now, so it was hard to say when she said her first work. But now it is clear. She definitely says "Hi!" It is so fun to have her say it when you come into the room. She still does more high pitched screeching when she first sees me, but sometimes she says "Hi!" She can also say "Mmmm" for "Moo" when you ask what a cow says. She can sort of, sometimes, do the fish. She also growls sometimes for the lion.
She also has another horrific diaper rash. Oh potty training...please come quickly!

A Hard Day

http://blog.seattlepi.com/seattle911/archives/183801.asp

It has been a hard day for the Seattle Police Family.



Derek spent most of the night guarding the scene of this horrific crime. It really makes me appreciate the blessings that we have as an eternal family. It also reminds you to give everyone you love a hug today--because you never know.

Happy Halloween

We had a fun time this Halloween. The girls wore two different costumes each since they dressed up 4 times total. They were both witches and they were both princesses. I didn't think of it until now, but how appropriate for children this age. The costumes capture the two personalities that alternate in their little bodies :) Derek and I were Happy and Grumpy dwarf to go with the little Snow White. Libby loves Belle, but she kept trying to decide if she wanted to be Snow White, Ariel (look for this one next year) or Belle. I helped her decide on Belle. I made these collages of them in their cute costumes.

Hands On Farm Visit

One of the girls in our ward organized a fun outing to a "hands on" farm nearby. It was interesting to see what the girls were into, and what they didn't like. Check it out.

Sarah: Likes the rocks

Dislikes the actual animals

Libby: Likes the pumpkins

Also disliked the goat experience, but loved looking at the other animals. Especially the huge pigs, the turkey, and the "cow" which was actually a black and white chicken. Hilarious!

Libbyisms

Here are some of my favorite Libbyisms for today:
"I wanna watch Seven Brothers for Seven Brides."
"I want to watch Peter Pan, I thought."
"Mommy, sing "Ya Gotta Eat your Spinach--from Rebecca." "Sing LOUDER!" "SING LOUDER!" (From Rebecca of Sunnybrook farms, one of my favorite Shirley Temple movies. And she really makes me sing it LOUD!)

She said both of these over and over. So cute. Except for the fact that they revolved around her wanting to watch tv. Yikes. So much tv.

Now that the weather has turned and it isn't fun to go outside and play without any clothes on, she doesn't want to go out. What options does that leave? Have me read to her (which I love to do, but only so much) or watch a "show". Usually when I turn it on she watches for a few minutes then runs away and plays. But I hate turning it on so often. I hate listening to her whining, and I hate that I am giving in more than I should. Man, this parenting thing is hard.

I resolve to spend a few minutes at least playing outside with her so she can get used to leaving her clothes on and playing outside in the cold. Any other tips to get her used to playing outside again?

Fall in Seattle

Despite the rain, I love fall in Seattle.

Praying with Libby

I love listening to Libby talk. Here are some of my favorite things she has said lately...that we were watching "sleeping beautiful"; that the blow up lion is named "andrew" (where she got that?); that "Sarah is in the closet" (because she closed her in and now Sarah is crying).
Anyway, prayer with Libby is becoming so hilarious. I try not to laugh, honestly, but as my family can attest, I struggle not to laugh during prayer sometimes as it is.
Here are some of the things Libby has been praying for lately, and some of the interjections into her prayers:
Bless Jen (our good friend), and Skyler, and Jack (the boys I tutor), and Georgia, and Barbara (ladies from the childcare at where I work),
Thankful for daddy, and mommy, and sarah, and uncle davey, and mommy's hair, and daddy's hair,
"Go T-birds!" (The football team her uncle is helping to coach).
"Close your eyes...(to daddy...then she realized she could make it into a movie quote from Aladdin) AND JUMP!"
Anyway, it is so funny. She says things over and over in a loop, then finally throws in an amen. But she is learning to be thankful and prayerful. That is what counts, right?

OUCH!

Libby was standing in the pantry on Sunday when I was trying to get some washcloths out of the laundry bin I keep in there. I was pulling and wiggling the shelf. The 10 lb. bag of baking soda fell on her head, pushing her head into the library step stool (which has grooves on top to make it slip resistant.) The impact pushed her head so hard into the step stool that she has a grid line wound. On Sunday it was much worse, she actually had a giant goose egg and a second set of lines under this one. Good thing she is cheerful no matter what! (Derek is not strangling her in the pic btw, he was helping her hold her head still for the picture.)

Sunday Dresses

I snapped a couple of pictures before church this morning. Sarah is now walking all the time everywhere. It is so fun to see her. We only made it through the sacrament though, before we took Libby home. Her cold was much worse. She was coughing like crazy and wiping her nose all over the place. So Derek and I took turns at church since he is now teaching the priests.

Sarah's Stats

Sarah had her official one year well-baby check-up.
Here are her stats:

Weight: 21 lbs. 8 oz. 60 %
Height: 30" 75%
Head Circ.: 18" 70%

Libby also wanted to be weighed, she manages to stay ahead of Sarah:
23 lbs. 8 oz., but for her age, she is still 5% I think.

Happy Birthday Sarah

Today is Sarah's actual birthday. I finished putting together a photo book for her on Sunday. Here are some of my favorite pics.

Libby's Ark

Sarah got a cute Noah's Ark for her birthday. Libby has fallen in love with the box. She got this on her head all by herself and walked around for about 1/2 hour like this. It was great fun.

Libby LOVES Jumping!

Libby has some amazing hops! Check her out.

Sarah is ONE!!!

Well almost. But we had her party already since my parents were in town. I had two goals for the party (besides having fun)... 1. To take a picture with Sarah and each of her guests. (Didn't happen :() 2. To have everyone decorate a cute "scaredy cake" cupcake. That goal was fulfilled!
Anyway, whose birthday was it really? Libby had a hard time with this concept!

Libby looking jealously at the birthday hat and birthday girl.


Sarah after the cupcake eating with both grandmas. Notice that Sarah enjoyed the celery on her tray as much as the cake.


Sarah with Auntie Maren.

Libby's New Phase

Libby has entered the NAKED phase. She loves to be naked. Anytime I let her out of the house she is frolicing naked before I can even look out the window. I have decided to take a positive outlook. She is learning to take off her clothes (meaning she will eventually be able to remove them to go potty), and she is becoming more aware of when she goes potty since there isn't a diaper there. She really is a free spirit.

Sarah's First Tooth

Sarah has been such a good baby. She eats well, sleeps well, etc. But she has NOT been teething very well...at least in the sense that she seems to be majorly teething, but not getting any teeth. She turns 1 in less than a month, she is starting to walk, and still no teeth. Finally this week, in my frustration with her obvious teeth induced agitation, I (actually Derek did this first I think) turned my finger up on her gums. WHOA! There was already a tooth through the gums. We didn't notice because not only did she get a top tooth first, she got a side tooth first. I inclded the diagram so you could see, she got a lateral incisor as her first tooth. How bizarre! The next tooth that is putting real pressure is the central incisor next to it. I guess now I realize why she was grumpy. It was actually a legit tooth pushing through her little sensitive gums.

Parental Error

I feel like I could make a post daily about my parental errors. This week I made the biggest one I have made in awhile. I tried to move my girls into one room. It was inspired by many things:
1. My desire to have a guest room for my parents visit next week.
2. My desire to NOT buy a second diaper genie, since Libby is not yet potty trained and Sarah's diapers are stinky!
3. My realization that they have fun playing together now during the day, and hence my conclusion that they might not mind being in the same room at night.
4. The reality that they wear basically the same clothing size so why try to decide what to put in whose dresser...
Anyway, BOY WAS I WRONG. They were both totally freaked out by the concept. I tried, I really tried to help them get comfortable and used to the idea. We even had a family home evening on it before bed. Everything that could have gone wrong did. (And somet things that shouldn't have gone wrong, like how I accidentally removed the heat vent cover with the bed and Libby stepped into the hole, getting blood all over from a small but painful cut on the foot!) Finally at 2:15 am I woke Derek up (5 minutes before his alarm anyway) and had him move Libby's toddler bed back to her room. She was instantly asleep. Guess the girl needs her own space. I decided that it didn't matter. I will let them have their own rooms as long as I can. But I still haven't recovered from the lack of sleep. Why is my body's new response to being tired not being able to sleep?

Showtime Sarah!

Sarah is now walking...a few timid steps at a time. It is so cute. She is so excited to start running after Libby.

Sunday Morning

Today I caught my girls in their Sunday best...and the fly swatter too. Which Libby carries around and calls a mop. She has only been in time-out once for hitting Sarah with it. Amazing!

Home Grown Veggies

We did get a surprisingly good haul of tomatoes from our own plants this year. Sarah and Libby had fun playing with some of them. I am not sure how they got them since Libby isn't allowed into the garden---and she is always SO obedient.
This was also Sarah's first (or maybe second) unsupervised time outside with Libby. I did actually hear Libby saying, "No Sarah, don't eat that." a time or two. And Libby was right, she probably shouldn't have been eating what she was eating, as you can see from her face.