From the Vault

Clara is really into pictures, particularly of herself but anyone she knows will also do, lately. Tonight we were perusing our iphoto collection and I decided to make a slideshow of silly pictures. Some may seem familiar, some not. Most of them are quite old, as there are quite a few baby pictures of Greta mixed in there.  The music is one of our favorite songs to dance to around here, "Really Nice Day" from the Madagascar movie -- of which Greta can be frequently heard quoting "Smile and wave boys".  This slideshow was just more of a practice to see what I could do/not do, etc. but I thought it turned out cute so that is why I am sharing it with you.  Enjoy.  

Slapshot and Popcorn!

We made an impromptu trip to Raleigh to watch the Hurricanes play on Saturday. It was not only a rarity for us -- wow, a nighttime activity that didn't even START until some people in this house go to bed! -- but we were so lucky to be given free tickets. We felt very special knowing our children's butts were gracing $100 a piece seat! (That is such a tacky sentence isn't it.)

It was both Greta and Clara's first hockey game, not counting the last one Clara attended in utero, and Greta really had no clue what we were even taking her to. Hockey just doesn't get the face time down here like up north. Don't even get me started on the obnoxiousness of basketball season....

The only downside, was that our seats were slightly apart, just by apart 3 rows up and a few over. We took turns, and even though we of course would've had more fun sitting together, ended up with a nice family outing and a great Saturday evening. The game in and of itself was nothing special, but that wasn't the point.

Greta was decked out in her Red Wings jersey, of which she noticed the number 14 on the back. We were so close to the Hurricanes players bench, that watching them was the highlight of the game, and Greta always had her eyes on the Hurricanes number 14 (Samsonov) immediately declaring him -- and eventually the rest of the team -- her very best friends.
She enjoyed me watching them during warmups, and we were right there where they came on and off the ice. The zambonis were naturally a big hit as well. During warmups she was very concerned as to why they all were not wearing helmets, and why some didn't have their helmets fastened. As well as why they were drinking out of their water bottles by squeezing them like that and then -- gasp -- why didn't they take their water with them, what if it got lost, etc. It was all a little much for one anal control freak to wrap her head around!
Clara did equally as well. Just like her sister, she got into the music, enjoyed watching the sights, and eventually became a clapping machine. She didn't fuss or get antsy once and really seemed to enjoy herself as well.
This was still pregame, but we were literally 3 rows up from the ice behind the Hurricanes bench between the red and blue line. The other two seats were just a few rows behind, and actually you could see the game so much better from those, but these seats had more action for Greta to take in. She was truly fascinated.

All in all, it was just a wonderful experience and I was very proud of not only how interested the kids were and how much fun they had, but that they maintained themselves the whole time even with it being waaaaaay past bedtime. The car ride home was very quiet while the backseat passengers snoozed away, and this morning Greta woke up still talking about her 'best friends' that she watched play hockey last night.

Jeopardy

And the CONDENSED version of the ANSWER would be:

Dog hair, hair bows/accessories, Cheerios, Lite Brite pieces, goldfish (crackers), single crayons, single socks for that matter too, sand, doll accessories, flavored lipgloss....

The Question is:

What are items that mysteriously separate themselves from their source and wind up strewn about my home making vacuuming, if not walking, the next Olympic sport?

Another Beauty

Are you sick of me talking about how splendid the weather has been lately? Be patient. Come June 1st you won't hear anything nice about the weather for the next 6 months. As of this moment, it is about 74, while the pollen count in the air is high, the pine trees haven't let loose their monstrous green pollen which coats everything for several weeks yet so the outside is especially lovely.

Spending some time waiting for daddy to come home.

In order to take this picture I had to 'paparazzi' it. Everytime

Clara looked at me, if it even looked like I was pointing the camera

in her direction she immediately turned away. This was a trick shot.

Checking the rain gauge.

For some reason, out of many pictures I took this day,

Greta just didn't have any that really wowed me, and I love

the outfit she is wearing. She has her hair back in a ponytail, but

for some reason looks a little Aunt Jemima or Rosy the Riveter

to me with the hair thing hanging the way it is....

And so, I leave you with the image of me clapping my hands and actually killing the mosquito I was aiming for -- and I don't even have bug goop on my hands. It was the perfect gentle force...just enough to watch him (her?) float lifelessly down between the g and t keys of the keyboard. So excuse me while I go wash my mosquito murdering hands and then fix myself a little snack.

"Weighty" issue

Well, I just had a checkup and all is looking good, but of course the doctor had to say "you've had quite a weight jump, but I guess that's okay for you". While it isn't bad or troublesome news, it's still not what anyone wants to hear. Yes, after I was sick for 5 days I really didn't eat anything and ended up losing 5 pounds. AND --just a half hour before -- had a REALLY big lunch -- large tuna sandwich, fries, pop yum, so I'm sure that contributed to it. So far, it looks like I'm at the 18 pound mark as far as weight gained this pregnancy. I guess it will be another 40 pounds like with Clara. Ho hum.

I am enjoying the third day into my 3 week break. I finished painting the trim in the spare bathroom as well as the door, so that room is officially complete! Hooray! Now I'm working on putting Clara's winter clothes away and sorting through some boxes I had been tossing some of her old clothing. I have to get it all ready for storage and pull out Greta's old clothes for spring. It's going to be mid-70's here today, so we definitely need spring outfits around, but 60 on Saturday will feel cool so sweatshirts and jeans will be needed as well. The Spring weather is glorious. And the pollen really hasn't begun to leave it's sticky green mark over everything yet, so I can have the windows and doors open while I work and am listening to some wonderful birds in the trees as I type.

But, it's time for my moment at the computer to come to an end as I head waist deep -- and it's a large waist at that! -- into toddler clothing and storage boxes and start sucking on a big bottle of water to keep me from thinking about what my next snack will be.

A beautiful day in the neighborhood...

Such glorious spring weather definitely called for a trip to the zoo.

Here's the beginning of the day....There were more oohs and ahhs over the girls standing there than the seals and sea lions they were watching.

It's a fuzzy picture, but at least it's one of her face. Evidently from the time I put the camera to my eyes and ask for a "cheese" there is only 1/1000 of a second that I have to actually take the picture before Clara leaves.
Still the middle of the day. So glorious. And hot!
Our family self portrait. I guess it's getting to be a tradition.

You could say we're getting better at it, but before we know it is going to be time to figure out how to fit another little face in there.
The end of the day, waiting for the bus back to the car. Greta asked

if she could take a picture.

What -- you expected animal photos?

Recalled Food

I am getting a zoo post all ready, but first I just wanted to mention that I have found what looks to be a good complete list of the HVP -- hydrolyzed vegetable protein -- foods that have been recalled due to salmonella contamination. I almost bought some of the T. Marzetti's Southwest Ranch dip (which is absolutely delicious by the way, highly recommend under other circumstances) and am so glad I did not! One of the first items on the list.

Just thought I'd share the info. Hope everyone is enjoying a Saturday with amazing weather like we are! Zoo post to follow soon.

A few pictures because it's been a while

I love this picture, not for its quality -- there is none -- but simply for its honesty.

Many times in the car the girls will sit this way, often at Clara's insistence.




All of today's pictures are off of my phone, so while the quality isn't quite there, I thought just sharing them with you would be just as special. Hopefully this weekend as it hits the 70 degree mark and we make an exciting trek to the zoo I will have more photos to share next week.

Some of you have seen this picture, but it just cracks me up because it is pure Clara. This shirt was too big, and it was the first time she wore it. I think she was probably trying to fix the sleeves and ended up with this instead. I didn't even notice until Greta called it to my attention because I was in the kitchen getting things ready for school. Notice the ever present babydoll, they are never far away from Clara.

An impromptu photo of Greta this morning, partly because I wanted to show off the new kitchen table. I absolutely love it. And while it was bitter sweet to say goodbye to an old friend, it was very necessary. I'll write more about that another time.

Happy St. Patrick's Day

Copying...the most sincerest form of flattery

I am a blog lurker. I regularly read people's blogs, and these people may -- or more likely may not -- know that I even exist. Some people knew me at one point in my life, but have no clue where life has taken me since, or maybe don't even care. I find it amazing that I can learn the innermost workings (or like to pretend that's what I'm reading about) of their lives, and these people don't even know if I am male or female. Of course, I'm sure occasionally that happens here as well. The blog world to me is another amazing level to our existence that technology has allowed us to create. And so, before I get too philosophical for you today, I will tell you the real post. I copied it. I don't even know the original creator, it's one of those cyberspace/Facebook/blog thingys that gets passed around. It's less gamey than some that are out there, and I find it intriguing, even motivating. So, here it is. And it just so happens to be in one of my most favorite forms of all: a list. The ones in bold are the ones I have done, I have made special notes by some others.

saw this on another blog and thought I would play along…
(the bold ones are the ones that I have done)
1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band (I'm including orchestra on this one)
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disney
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a thunder and lightning storm
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a marathon (out of everything on here I'll you right now, #26 is more likely than this one)
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied (depends, but there are times I have felt this way)
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David in person
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep-sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Been sky diving
66. Visited a Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been a passenger on a motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book (someday!!!!)
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Kissed a stranger at midnight on New Year’s Eve
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life (I don't know for sure, it was a stranger and the EMTs took over....)
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Got a tattoo
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee

I've been reading a lot of people's "Life Lists" recently -- sort of like Bucket Lists, but I don't like that term -- and have again been intrigued. I am not at all interested in a "Things to do Before I Die" list, or a "wish list", but the thought of having a realistically attainable list of goals does appeal to me. Naturally, goals could change in a moment depending on events life decides to throw our way. So, as I wax philosophic on some goals for my own life -- perhaps some things on the list above even -- I'll share these with you in upcoming posts. Whether you like it or not.

Please pass the

Pickles. PLEASE. And accompany them by some kind of deli-like sandwich. No pickles actually ON the sandwich, just that nice crispy cool dill one right on the side. PICKLES! From now on, that is how it must be said. It's not that PICKLES! have necessarily reached crazed craving proportion yet, not like the hot pretzel fiasco of '05 (Greta's incubation) or the fast food passion of '08 (Clara)...but almost there.

I've always enjoyed a good PICKLE!. Heavy emphasis on good. It seems like for a while now -- think years -- I've struggled to find just the right pickle to satisfy me. I've tried off brand, I've tried the state-brand, I've tried Vlasic, but none of them have that perfect deli crunch and seasoning I was looking for. I knew there's a brand I've been missing and I knew it sounds like "k". I have known that it's been out there the whole time, but after exhausting the supply of pickles the store carries, I was feeling heavy-hearted, but not to the point where I needed to do an all out, heavy-duty, crazed pregnant woman search -- until now.

HOWEVER...fast forward about 2 weeks ago, there I was amongst the hotdogs and various other sausage-like deli meats us pregnant women (as well as all children under 4) are supposed to avoid. As I grabbed a package of Bunsized and planning in my head the day we would all enjoy them, there I saw it. The glass glowing like a spotlight from heaven. Angels singing "Hallelujah". It was as if a giant "arrow of life" was pointing and flashing and hands were directing my head to the conquest: PICKLES!. The very brand that has thus far been eluding me. Why oh why, dear Claussen pickles, have you been hiding your jars of garlicky goodness so far from the competition? Why would you torture me for all of these years? Left to buy countless jars of subordinate brands only to leave the jar barely touched in the door of the refrigerator until I feel that it's jail time has been served and its briny contents may once again be free unto the sewers of the world. I don't need a lecture on economics or marketing or product placement, I understand that is what is going on here, but shouldn't you SOMEHOW have left a note, or a sign, or a message to remind me that you do exist and that, had I just divert from the condiment section where all other PICKLES! live , I should be reunited?

Thankfully, I have discovered this great mystery of life, and for the first time in as long as I can remember, not only do I have a nearly empty jar of PICKLES! in my refrigerator, but this empty jar will happen well before any kind of expiration date or good sense tells me that even PICKLES! can't last for years.

And so, now that my stomach is grumbling, and I can't wait to get home for a snack --of which, prepregancy PICKLES! never would've made the snack category by the way -- I hope it is thawing out wherever you are. We are warm, and though currently cloudy, I have to say I am enjoying the coat-free, sweet smelling air that has come our way. And now I am so hungry I am feeling a bit queasy, so let me go see what I can dig out of my purse to last me the half hour until I get home.... AHH!

**UPDATED: So, I'm reading the Claussen Pickles website (yes, I really was) and see that down at the bottom in not-so-fine print it says: FIND US IN THE REFRIGERATED SECTION. Well who knew.

Winter!

This photo book design created with Smilebox

What a pathetic excuse for a camera owner I am. This is pretty much the best of the bunch from the pitiful portion of pictures I have managed this season. I'm feeling inspired though, and the girls have the cutest matching yellow spring outfits I can't wait to start snapping pictures of. The weather is just about right, and now that I'm feeling better it won't be long. Stay tuned!

So, here it is

I know two people chomping at the bit to get some so far highly classified information from me. But, before I do the big reveal, let me tell you all

WELCOME!!!!!!

I am so sorry to have taken such a long hiatus. I know there are picture-thirsty grandparents, friends and relatives out there, I believe there might actually be a few people who come to read this every now and then, and of course the people who just happened here by accident. it's been a busy few months, and the past 5 days have found me sick and in bed. After finally begging for something to make me feel better because 4 days of feeling exactly the same if not worse was driving me crazy, I was finally given my first ever ZPac. Frankly I would've taken anything because I was just that miserable. Now I know why people choose Do Not Resuscitate when they are fatally ill. Who wants to be brought back to life and feel crappy? So, despite having abs of steel -- a joke obviously, unless you have no clue what's going on -- from all of this coughing, I have finally made it out of bed today and have eaten some real meals and plan to try my hand at work tomorrow before my students think they are rid of me forever.

BUT, you're not here to read about that now are you.

If you'd like to know....

then....

look right above this post. See where it says HOME and FINALE....well, choose that and a new post will pop up. Read it.

The Grand Finale

I do not have a face to see,
or put inside a frame,
You cannot stroke or kiss my cheek,
You have yet to know my name.
You cannot hold my tiny hands,
or count my little toes,
You can not tickle my belly,
or tweak my baby nose.
It's still too soon to sing to me,
or whisper in my ear,
or do the things you'd like to do
like hug and cuddle so near.
But all will change this July
That's when they say I'm due,
I'll be here in pearls and bows
And I can't wait to meet you!

Xoxo
Baby Noll





*mommy takes no credit for this poem, she found it on the internet and modified it slightly


Mommy writes:

So there you have it folks, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. Our third little princess is on the way! We are both doing well, and so far look at the anticipated due date as July, though with both of the other girls being 10 ten days early who knows. Basically it puts us at around Greta's first day of Kindergarten (since she's going to go to the year round school with me) which will be a bit melancholy as I was so excited to be there with her, but I suppose starting the year without me there might actually be a good thing. Give her the chance to make it her own, and not having to worry about me peeking in the window three times a day (at least!). I will link to this blog periodically from the original wearenoll page to keep you updated with mundane baby stuff that only certain people will be interested in reading. In the meantime, I am hoping to begin to keep up with the blog more regularly.

News to share!

Big announement coming to this blog on Monday evening, March 8th! Stay tuned