some old, some new

It's the middle of February.  Spring will be here before we know it. Oh, let's hope so. I am getting a serious case of cabin fever. 

Case in point: my photos. Not exciting. Not even a little bit. I don't require the outside world to take an exciting photo, but goodness, it sure does help. I am tired of flash. I am tired of my house as a backdrop. My kids are tired of me placing them in front of a window to take their picture. That's why - in case you are wondering - all my pictures seem to take place in my kitchen.  It's some of the best light in the house - and most of the time, I don't need to use a flash - which I avoid at all costs. The other place is Paige's room. Big window. And on sunny days, it's the warmest room in the house.

Now that I have gotten that off my chest - this week Emily is off of school ALL WEEK. I am failing miserably at trying to think of things to do to keep her busy. We may actually venture out to the library tomorrow. My friend Ginger would be so proud to come home from her vacation and find out that I have FINALLY gotten a library card. It's a crime that I don't have one. I know.

Anyway - pictures from the last few days...ho hum.......
See - even Paige looks bored......
Emily ate her Fun Dip after lunch today - this is what she looked like:
And for fun -this was one year ago:

And for even more fun - three years ago.  Goodness, she was a little thing.....
Have an EXCITING week!!

catching up

So, I have been sick. I have been achy, stuffy, feverish, headachy, nauseous, don't-wanna-get-out-of-bed-much-less-take-care-of-my-kids ish....in other words, not feeling so hot.  But life around here is seeming to go on, and I am feeling a wee bit better this afternoon.  I am upright, typing this blog entry, so that's progress, right?

As seen in the above photo, Emily's 100th day of school was this week - Wednesday to be exact. She had a very fun day making a necklace out of Froot Loops, a 100 crown, doing a parade for the rest of the school - showcasing what each student brought in - which in Emily's case was a baggie of 100 mini marshmallows.  She had a great day, and is still talking about it.

Paige has been keeping herself clean - which is good.  She loves her bath time.  She especially loves to make a mess of the bathroom by splashing her bath water all over the floor.

She also still loves to put on any items of clothing that are just laying around.  I did tie the scarf for her, but only because she asked me to.

Eric helped me out big time yesterday by taking my place as a volunteer for Emily's Valentine party at her school yesterday.  I was very sick, and not able to make it.  She had a very good time making a Valentine tree, decorating a cookie and making a very cool book for all her valentine cards - which I have to say is much better than keeping them in a box.
I got Emily the cutest Valentine shirt at Target, along with heart tights. My Mom came over yesterday to help out and did Emily's hair for me as well. What a group effort.
Hope you all have a very SWEET Valentine's Day!!

melting

On Saturday the temperatures reached about 50 degrees - which was a celebration for us. Emily was only too happy to go out and frolic in the melting snow. Unfortunately, her rain boots do not offer a lot of protection when you are stomping around in a few feet of snow. She came inside with very wet jeans, socks and very COLD feet. She was not happy when I told her she needed to stay inside and warm up.
On Sunday, the warm temperatures stuck around, as did the sun, so Emily managed to get in a little bike riding and roller skating.
After all that activity, she needed a snack - which she shared with her sister.  Fruit by the foot, in case you are wondering. It's like a fruit roll up, just skinnier and longer.
This is from yesterday.  She made art with her lunch.  She did have a cream cheese sandwich, but she already ate that. I think she has found a new medium.
Have a good week!

just another day

Okay, I know the last few posts have been a little Paige centered - but she's just around me so much more.  Emily is always off somewhere, not present when I take out the camera. Not that Paige is all about having her picture taken. But she's getting better.
This is Emily's bus stop - solid ice.  Hopefully it will be all gone after this weekend.
She thinks she's all that.  And you know...she kind of is.....
Check her out with the cool designer bag.  Shes got taste that one.  Uh-oh.
Have a great weekend!!

ponytail girls

I decided that it would be fun to try and put ponytails in Paige's hair this morning. I know you can only see one in this picture, but I assure you, there are two.  Emily thought it looked like so much fun, she wanted them as well.

henry ford museum

As most of you know, it has been a really hard winter up here in the fine state of Michigan.  And thanks to the wonderful insight of the groundhog - we are in for at least six more weeks.  We have a serious case of cabin fever going on around here.  Unfortunately, there's not a whole lot of things to do here in the winter time - especially things that are good for a family with a six year old and a one year old.

On Sunday we decided that it would be a change of pace to go the Henry Ford Museum.  I knew that it would not be all that interesting for Paige - but she enjoyed getting out of the house and the change of scenery.  I thought Emily would be more into it with all the trains and really cool looking stuff, but she wasn't interested.  Her favorite part - the gift shop.  Oh well.  Eric and I liked it.  I haven't been there since I was eight years old, so it was all pretty new to me.
I had no idea that they had quite a few of the presidential limos there - and especially this one that belonged to President Kennedy - the very last one he rode in.  Very moving.
Of course, Eric liked all the race cars.
And the big steam trains.
Eric and Emily even got to help build an old Ford.  They put on right bumper.  Emily got to use tools - and the lady that was working with them was quite impressed with her skills.  That's our girl.  She's apparently got a future in classic car repair.
The Rosa Parks bus.  We even got to go in and sit in her seat.  Pretty moving - especially given our current events.  My favorite exhibit.
And this child - from Monday - who loves to wear hats.  She is so funny.  Her new word this week is "Yeah".  She says it instead of "yes".  Ohmygodijustwanttosqueezeher!!!!

awwww - ain't she cute?

She NEVER sits still. Unless she's sleeping.  And even then, she tosses and turns like crazy. But today, she posed for me. I asked her to sit, she did, and I took this picture. Miracles will never cease.