Let the countdown begin

We had great fun making a paper chain the other day! Karlie loves taking a chain off each day and counting the days. We are so excited for our trip. California here we come! (in 22 days)

Can't wait

Oh, how I have missed Dunder Mifflin! I can't wait to watch The Office tonight!

A great day

While in the kitchen some evenings, I tune into Dr. Laura. I think she's great! (I have picked up many traits from my Mom throughout the years.) I was lucky enough to hear her read this e-mail she received.

**Staying At Home In Southern California
I heard a call from a woman who said she just cannot see how it is possible to stay at home with her children. I only caught the end of the conversation so I don't know all the details but she ended her call with "But I live in Southern California." Her excuse is what has prompted me to write.

I am a 27 year old stay at home mom who also lives in southern California. October 5th of this year will be my 5 year anniversary of being an at home mom. My eyes began to tear and a lump grew in my throat as I typed those words. Five years. Five years of firsts, enjoyed by me first. Five years of hugs and kisses whenever I or they needed them. Five years of bandaging boo-boos, picking them up when they have fallen, teaching and encouraging them every second of the day. I wouldn't trade the last five years for anything. I wouldn't trade them for all the manicures and pedicures I could have afforded if I went to work too. I wouldn't trade them for a trip to the salon because I earn enough to reward my self. I also wouldn't trade the last five years for a bigger house, a nicer car, expensive vacations every year, designer clothes or shoes, a gym membership or any amount of money. Not even the largest amount you could fathom. My time with my children while they are still little is priceless. It cannot be bought. But it is worked hard for. I work harder as an at home mom than I would any where else. I am not talking about the normal responsibilities of a parent. I am talking about what it takes to scrimp and save and budget creatively. My husband makes a very modest income for a family of five in Southern California but it has never stopped us from researching and asking questions and following through with what ever it takes to keep me at home. I urge your listeners to stop using the excuse of "But I live in southern California." I am tired of hearing it because our family wakes up everyday and proves them wrong. It is not easy, but who said it would be? Fight hard for what is right because everyone else in the world seems to be standing up for what is wrong. Thanks for the positive message you send over the air waves everyday Dr. Laura. Candice in SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA!**

Last Night when Dustin got home I told him what a great day I had! "What did you do? he asked. Then I proceeded to tell him about our day. I took Karlie to gymnastics. Fed the ducks. Grabbed some Taco Time for the ride home. Art work with Karlie. Laundry. Showed Karlie how my sewing machine works. Played outside. 10 underdogies. Dinner.

As I listed off all that we did, it seemed like a pretty simple, average day. Then why did I feel like it was so great? These two are why!

I had a great day because I was spent my day with them! I love being home with my girls. I wouldn't trade my last five wonderful years for anything!

Out of the box

Look Mom, my sewing machine finally made it out of the box! I received it from my Mom last Christmas. Yes, 9 months ago! Now that I have the space to sew, I figured I would give it a shot. Now I know what a bobbin is and I even got the thing thread myself! I am well on my way! I have a few projects lined up to work on. I'm just a bit worried to see how they turn out. So far I sew like a drunken sailor!!

Two little piggies

A girls first pigtails is a special event!

D Day

Before we even moved to our new place, Karlie was asked to join a playschool group. I was so excited! A few of the neighbor kids gets together once a week at each others homes. Each week they talk about a different letter of the alphabet. Yesterday was our turn to host. I love that I get to be involved too! Our letter was D. We had so much fun! Karlie loved helping me plan the activities and get things ready. Here are some of the fun things we did.


Colored a D picture


Drew our bodies with chalk



Ate D jello in Dora bowls and Diego fruit snacks



Sang five little Ducks

We also played Doll house, Dress up, and Duck Duck goose.

We had such a great time. I can't wait until it is our turn again!

Celebrate Autumn

Oh, how I would love to deliver a delicious loaf of bread to my new neighbors in this Pumpkin Harvest Loaf Pan!

Swarmed

This is my favorite time of year to feed the ducks! There is no need to throw the food too far.





Karlie likes to dump a little pile of cereal to attract a crowd. They are easier to pet that way!

Time to rest. Feeding the ducks is hard work! Just watch where you sit!

Movie Swap

I recently participated in a Movie Swap hosted by Erica. (Thanks Erica!) What is a swap you might ask? Well, you sign up, get a partner and send them a fun themed package in the mail. So fun right?! When I first found about about the blogging world swaps I knew they were for me! I just love sending (and receiving) packages in the mail! Meeting new people is fun too. I forgot to take a picture of everything before I wrapped it all. But this is what it looked like.



This is what was sent
*Little Women
*Milo and Otis
*Soundtrack Mix CD (compiled by moi)
*Stephen's Chocolate Raspberry hot cocoa
*Popcorn
*Red vines
*Swedish Fish
*Sour patch kids

And this is what I got.

Didn't she wrap it all up so cute!? I loved it all!! Especially the cozy blanket and slippers. A must for any movie night. What a great idea! Thanks a ton Mauri!

Swaps are so fun! I can't wait for the next one. Make sure you join in on the fun next time!

What do you like to do?

Karlie came up to me the other day holding her notepad and pencil. (which she often has) She asked me what I like to do. As I listed off the things, she squiggled them down. She then wanted me to ask her. These were her answers.
Play with mommy
Go to a lot of places
Go to Disneyland
Go to grandma Piggott's house
I like everything I do