Deprived? or just creative?

Yesterday Emma had her first preschool field trip. They walked to Petco to pick out a class fish and a hermit crab. It was very exciting for Emma, especially since it was her special day to be the class helper so she got to be the first one to feed the fish.

When I went to pick her up, there was a list of all the kids on the door. Next to it, the teacher had written what pets they had at home. A few of the kids didn't have pets, but the majority had dogs, cats, fish, birds, etc. Under Emma's name was written "Box Elder bug". Now, I believe I have mentioned before about my kids love for anything creepy crawly. At any moment, there are about 5 cups on Abby's desk with some sort of spider living in them. Well, just yesterday morning Emma had been playing outside and had found a Box Elder bug that she had adopted. She made a habitat and even named it Bock (you know, short for Box). I was so glad that she remembered to tell her teachers that she did indeed have a pet. He drowned shortly after her return from preschool. But the great thing about Box Elder bugs is for every one that dies, there are about 10,000 more in the backyard.

If I Had My Child to Raise Over Again

If I Had My Child to Raise Over Again

If I had my child to raise all over again,

I'd finger-paint more, and point the finger less.

I'd do less correcting and more connecting.

I'd take my eyes off my watch and watch with my eyes.

I would care to know less and know to care more.

I'd take more hikes and fly more kites.

I'd stop playing serious and seriously play.

I'd run through more fields and gaze at more stars.

I'd do more hugging and less tugging.

I would be firm less often and affirm much more.

I'd build self esteem first and the house later.

I'd teach less about the love of power,

And more about the power of love.

-- Diane Loomis

Randomness

So it's been a while since I've posted. I'd like to say it's because I've been in the hospital having a baby but I can't . . . because I haven't. 3 weeks left to go until the due date. I don't remember being so uncomfortable and anxious when I was pregnant with the girls, but I've had some time for my memory to soften about pregnancy and childbirth.

In the meantime, we have been having a super busy month with school starting, doctor's appointments, soccer for Abby, ballet for Emma and lots of eye surgery for Justin. The girls are loving school and the highlight for Abby has been the Bean and Cheese Chalupa she had for school lunch yesterday. Apparently it was "awesome".

We had the best weekend ever with our dear friends the Akins and Chamberlains in town visiting. We got to get together with the Norths also, making 3 families we love from our San Francisco days. We played so hard all weekend that I'm sure it will take a long time to recover for all of us but it was so worth it. In fact, we had so much fun that I forgot to take any pictures. So, I'll just post some pics of the cutest girls I know. Hopefully soon, we'll have some pictures of the little man that will soon join our family. Until then . . .

Nesting . . .

I've definitely been nesting lately. After a long period of not being motivated to do much at all, except read (I'm always motivated to do that), I have been wanting to sew, paint and organize anything I can get my hands on. This baby better come soon or else it's going to quickly get out of hand. These are a few of my latest projects.

Embellishing old jeans and t-shirts for the girls

Baby shower gifts (how cute is that snail, I can't get over it

The Before Picture (thanks again Amanda for the dresser)

The After (the girl's dresser got moved to baby's room) I think this turned out pretty cute. I painted it and then covered the drawers with scrapbook paper and loads of mod podge. Have I mentioned on here before my complete and utter love of mod podge. If not, I have now gotten it out there.

There are some more projects in the works but they are secret Christmas presents so they will remain unpublished until a later date.