Thursday, September 2, 2010

Number Five!

Sayla Marie,
I can hardly believe you turn 5 tomorrow! Or as you would say, you changed your number! Tonight I said 'Goodnight my five year old girl.' You beamed with pride, you LOVE birthdays and you LOVE being a big girl. Then you said 'You're going to cry tomorrow.' You're right! I love watching you get older but man this process of watching you become more and more independent is so tough. So tomorrow we'll celebrate you. You have brought to our lives joy, creativity and so much love!

This year you and your brother have bonded so much and it's been so fun to watch. You LOVE school, your friends, art, and daddy. You are so sensitive and so responsible that I forget how little you really are. Yesterday, you cried because your friend at school wasn't making good choices and you didn't know what you should do. I often have to tell you that God made mom's and dad's to take care of things and it's not your job to worry. You definitely have a style of your own influenced by no one but you and you alone. I love you my dear, and I couldn't be more proud!

Love,
Mommy

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Tuesday, August 24, 2010

My Baby

Tomorrow my boy you turn two and I can hardly believe it! When we found out we were having a little boy boy, daddy and I just looked at each other and thought what do we do with a boy? Well you have taught us well. You are such a little love who gives slobbery kisses and massive hugs. You have such BIG love for your sister,for your trains, for Dora, for the slide,and for hot dogs. You have such energy and such JOY and that makes my heart so happy!!

I pray you continue to live with that joy and your happy heart. You are the icing on the cake and we couldn't love you more!

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Thursday, July 29, 2010

Ain't No Reason

Sometimes it's easy to forget how big our world is.

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Another Pool Day!

I took a chance today and skipped Anders nap and we hit the pool instead. The kids love it and the mosquito's are so bad around town lately that the pool seems to be the only outdoor relief. Sayla is becoming a pro at the HUGE water slide and it's fun to see her become more confident in the water. Last time we went to the pool Sayla had a secret for me after she was all done with her sliding. She whispered in my ear, "I peed on the way down the slide." I was a really good example and couldn't stop laughing!

Sticking with the bathroom theme I've had lately, today as Anders and I were watching Sayla go down the slide, Anders grunted a few times, looked at me and shouted "I PEE PEED." Lord help me!

When we were about ready to leave, Anders fell and scraped up his elbow. He cried a little but was mostly unaware of his bleeding arm. Sayla on the other hand was very aware of her brothers ouchie. She couldn't get over it, she shed some tears and couldn't stop thinking about it (her words). When we talked about why she was so upset, her response was that she loved him and she didn't want him to be hurt. So sweet.


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Tuesday, July 27, 2010

It's a Pee Pee

Last night, Anders insisted that I take his diaper off. I obliged with caution and within minutes I felt a warm stream on my right foot. I thought, this is nuts, and tried to convince him that putting a diaper back on would be a better choice than peeing all over mom's foot. Well, it didn't work and he just kept point at his 'pee pee' and telling me 'it's a pee pee'.

me: "Yes Anders it's a pee pee."
Anders: "It's a pee pee."
me: "Yes, that's your pee pee."
Anders: "It's a pee pee."
me: "Wait, do you have to go pee pee?"

He shoots off for the bathroom and I plop him up on the toilet and guess what.....he did it!
He was SO excited! "I DID IT" he yelled. Sayla and I laughed and clapped and WOOHOOED! In all honesty, it probably won't happen again for quite a while, and I really have no desire to potty train a not even two year old. But we had a good laugh and I needed to document Anders first pee pee.

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Monday, July 26, 2010

I've Been a Really Bad Blogger...

Mostly because my computer isn't letting me upload pictures. I'm thinking It may be time for a new one!

Anyway, we've had a really fun summer and checking quite a bit off our to-do list. We spent a long weekend camping, went to the Blank Park Zoo, and have been to the pool a bazillion times. Currently we have a semi gutted kitchen but what is done looks really nice. Jeremy and I spent part of yesterday hanging some of the upper cabinets with only a few little bumps. I've also learned that I need to start working on my upper body strength!

It's been so fun to see Anders and Sayla finally start playing together. He adores her and loves, in his words, Sassy. Sayla of course is busy planning her birthday party but has also, very generously, given input into her brothers upcoming festivities. She knows how much Anders loves her and feels it would be appropriate for him to have a Sayla themed birthday. Um, sorry dear, I think we'll stick with trains.

I'll work on trying to find a way to upload some pictures because I know that's the only reason for reading my blog! Until next time....

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Saturday, May 22, 2010

Art

Feeling a little artsy today, but instead homework is calling my name.

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Monday, May 3, 2010

Stuff Sayla Says

Sayla:" Mom I don't like it when you drive."
Me: Why?
Sayla: "I get sick when you drive."
Me: "You get sick when I drive?"
Sayla: "Yes, you should drive steady."

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Thursday, April 29, 2010

Where We've Been in Pictures!

Coloring like crazy.
Sleeping in mom and dad's bed.
Movie night!
Counting sweethearts.

Getting Valentines.
Learning about frogs.
Riding bikes.
Jumping on the bed.
Coloring Easter eggs.
Looking pretty sassy.
Making a mess.

Hanging out with cousins.

Having a happy Easter.

Singing in programs!

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Wednesday, March 3, 2010

What We've Been Up To, With No Pictures

It's been awhile, so I'll write this like a Christmas Card.

Jeremy- Is still a very manly man who has been smoke free for one year. In addition to his TV station job, he now has a church job that he is enjoying. Jeremy is now texting quite a bit more than I'd approve of, but like he always says "I'm really important!" I appreciate how hard he has been working and how much he loves our family.

Sayla- Sayla introduced herself to her Sunday School class as "Sayla, The Superhero of Naughty" and required everyone to call her that.

She also has defined her style as a Rockin' Superhero (her words). Think more like a little grunge, a little artsy. I let her pick out her clothes in the morning with two conditions, it has to be clean and it has to be weather appropriate. Today at preschool she is wearing a white long sleeved shirt with a purple tye-dyed t-shirt, lime green leggings and purple suede boots. She is also wearing eyeshadow that she applied herself.

She is changing and growing up so fast. She wants to be just like her daddy and really loves her best friend at school. What has been so heartwarming about Sayla is how tenderhearted she is becoming despite her best efforts at becoming 'Sayla the Superhero of Naughty.'

Anders- Anders LOVES trains and trucks. His favorite things to say are hot dog and All-a-board. He's been having lots of fun playing with Sayla lately and he loves when she helps him. Several times a day we have to pretend he is on the phone. It's so cute to hear him pretend to talk. It sounds something like "HI!!! Ahh-white, yeah, yeah, daddy's truck, yeah, yeah, hot dog, bye." Jeremy says I must talk on the phone too much because he really has it down. To that I say, yes I do.

Anders is still a great napper, and is out for sometime 3 hours. It's such a treat to have a child that naps well! He is such a honey, such a stinker, and such a silly little boy!

Me-I've been spending my time, organizing, doing homework, hanging out with friends, watching the bachelor (waste of my time), normal stuff. Really though, I've decided to go through our house, one room a week and just get really organized. I've done two rooms and have removed 2 big bags for the goodwill and 2 1/2 bags of garbage. After all the organizing, we are either going to a) put an addition on our house or b)move. Right now we are leaning toward a). We had a someone come and give us an estimate as well as a virtual tour. It looks nice but I'm still a little scared. Whatever we choose, being super organized will help the process go a little smoother.

Have a happy March!


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Wednesday, January 6, 2010

A Mommy's Boy!

My boy. What a mommy's boy!

I know that this story makes me sound crazy, but when I was pregnant with Sayla, and we just finished her ultrasound, I turned to Jeremy in the car and said "Isn't she so funny." Jeremy looked at me with an expression like he was sitting next to a crazy person. I didn't really mind because I just had a feeling that she was a spirited, sassy, funny girl....I was right.

Our boy? During his ultrasound he was all curled into my placenta. I knew then that he was going to be a little love. He is, and I was right. He loves me, not nearly as much as I love him, but he does. He prefers that we be in the same room, and that I am at arms reach, that no one else touches me (poor Sayla) and once every few minutes we make eye contact and I say "Good job buddy." He's pretty particular about his needs, and I try to oblige. He gives me tons of big, wrap your little arms around my neck hugs and lots of open mouthed slobber kisses.
Such a honey! I really wouldn't have it any other way, most days.

I hope I always know my kids.

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Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Christmas 2009

Christmas '09 flew by! For the Elliott-Ott family it also looked a little different this year. We spent Christmas Eve and Christmas Day without extended family. It was so fun for us to wake up in our own home and have our kids find their gifts!

Christmas Eve was new as well because this is the first year Jeremy worked in his new position at Prairie Lakes Church. It was a little sad because we didn't really spend much time together, but I baked with the kids and got everything ready for Christmas Day. Jeremy worked at the T.V. station at 3 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. then headed over to the church for the four Christmas Eve services. The kids and I went to the 5:30 service and Jeremy was able to come home for supper between the 5:30 and 11:00 service. At the end of the night Jeremy had been working for 22 hours straight. CRAZY. What's even crazier it that this is not the first time he has done this.

As you would expect, Christmas Day Jeremy drifted in and out of consciousness. The kids had a blast, and I cooked and baked and snuggled the kids. Really we had a great Christmas. Here are some pictures to prove it!

Sayla got a new robe from Santa! Doesn't she look so old in her bath attire?

We got a chance to head outside during a brief window when Jeremy awoke. I thought for sure the fresh air would wake him up....it didn't.









My Little Drummer Boy!












LOTS OF DOLLS!!!















I hope everyone enjoyed their Christmas and we wish everyone a wonderful 2010!




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Monday, December 28, 2009

What To Do With Leftover Eggnog!

Make these cupcakes of course. I was browsing cupcake recipes the other day, and found one for cinnamon cupcakes. I modified it a little, added some stuff, omitted some stuff, but most importantly added the last 1/2 cup of eggnog. They turned out yummy. So if you are looking to
1.Make some super fattening treats
2.Carry on with your holiday baking
3.Empty out that last 1/2 cup of Eggnog.
Then these are the treats for you!




Cinnamon Eggnog Cupcakes
Ingredients:
For the cake:
1 cup all-purpose flour
¾ tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/8 tsp. salt
½ cup eggnog
4 tbsp. unsalted butter, at room temperature
2 large eggs
¾ cup plus 2 tbsp. sugar
For the frosting:
½ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
8 oz. cream cheese, at room temperature
2-3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
1 tsp. vanilla extract
2 tsp. ground cinnamon
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 350° F. Line a 12-cup cupcake pan with paper liners. Sift the flour, baking powder, cinnamon and salt in a small bowl. Stir eggnog and butter in a small saucepan over low heat just until butter melts; set aside.
In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat eggs and sugar until thick enough for the batter to fall in a heavy ribbon when the beater is lifted, about 5 minutes. Add the flour mixture; beat just until blended. Beat in the eggnog-butter mixture just until blended. Bake until a tester inserted in the center comes out clean, about 16-18 minutes. Allow to cool in pan for 5-10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack and allow to cool completely.
To make the frosting, cream the butter and the cream cheese in the bowl of a stand mixer until very smooth. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl to ensure even mixing. Add the vanilla extract and cinnamon and mix until incorporated. Slowly add the powdered sugar, and keep adding until you reach the desired consistency and sweetness. Frost cooled cupcakes.


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Thursday, December 3, 2009

It's Offical...

Winter is here!



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Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Thanksgiving Weekend!

Our Thanksgiving weekend started out with Sayla's program at school. It was so fun to watch her, and of course she did a great job. It is always a little shocking to see her lined up with her classmates, she looks so tiny. Although she is a year younger then some of her friends, it still surprises me!


At 6:30 that evening we headed north to Minnesota. I always joke when we cross the state line, "It feels good to be home." It may get a little old and really I'm only half joking. And in ten years I can just hear my kids mocking me from the back seat. Mock all you want kids, it feels good to be home in good ol' Minnesota, where we eat hot dishes, make Iowa jokes and ride our booats. I digress.


On Thanksgiving day I ate, but not as much as my dear husband. We had our meal with family at around 1:30 Thanksgiving afternoon. Jeremy didn't eat another meal until supper the next night. Next year we will all be practicing self control.

Friday morning a drug/dragged my sister to Walmart at 4:00 in the morning. I know right!!! We stood in line for a T.V. one for my family and one for my mom. There was no running through the door/pushing going on. Walmart had a very orderly system of waiting in line for the item, first come first serve. Then at 5:00 they handed them out in the order you waited in line. We got our T.V.'s, and some other little things. I love Black Friday which is nuts because I don't like crowds. I think I just like the tradition with other women, spending time together, and of course a deal. The 32" flat screen was $250.

This was the first television purchase Jeremy and I have made after 7 years of marriage and only the 2nd television I've purchased as an adult. The first one was a 13" my freshman year of college. Just some random facts for you.

My mom decorated the house with my kids on Friday night....after we napped and looked at Christmas lights.

Anders was REALLY helpful!







Sayla loves to decorate! She loves when I do something different in the house. She always comments, "This looks really great in here!" I can always count on my four year old for a self esteem boost!

Here is a Sayla holding a ornament with a picture of me from kindergarten. I love how my hairstyle was similar to the hairstyle both of my Grandma's had in their seventies and eighties. I think you can click on the picture to make it larger!





We had a fun Thanksgiving with so much to be thankful for. I love thanksgiving! The holiday's can become so overwhelming with buying the perfect gift. On thanksgiving we can take time to feel thankful for what we have already gotten. I really do feel blessed.
“Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.” Melody Beattie
p.s. Sorry there are no spaces between paragraphs, blogger won' let me.

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Tuesday, November 24, 2009

I Went a Little Crazy!


This is what my boy looked like yesterday. Before I went crazy. He needed a little trim in the back. I don't know what happened, but now, his hair is gone. Buzzed. Long on top and shaved on the sides. I haven't taken a picture yet, because it looks....pretty bad.


So for now, we will remember the way he used to look. Little, innocent, and then I went crazy.


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Monday, November 23, 2009

1st Annual Ornament Making Night!

Friday night we ordered a pizza, and spent the evening making Salt-Dough ornaments!



This boy...wasn't so helpful. Next year!









I love how imperfect and bright they turned out. I'm not planning on getting out most of our 'good' ornaments this year, so these will be great!



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Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Halloween, Sick, Wedding, Still Sick

Monday I got sick. Yucky, sniffy, snuffy sick. I've been fighting it for a couple weeks, and finally I had some time. It's weird how your body does that. Sunday night I finished a paper, had healthy kids and wham, it hit me.

Here are some pictures of our crazy couple weeks.

I love this face. She gives it to me often lately.


We somehow fit carving pumpkins in on Friday morning before Halloween. My mom stayed with the sick kids for the weekend while Jeremy headed up to a wedding he was in. Friday was a lot of fun for us, we sat in a coffee shop, just the two of us, that hasn't happened in a looooong time. I felt so cool.

Both kids were sick over Halloween. This picture of Anders breaks my heart. He had a ear infection, and the most horrible congestion/cold. He was miserable.





Good thing Super Sayla was there to save the day!




She rescued this baby duck!














Here is Jeremy looking all dapper. This is the only picture I took....what is wrong with me? Jeremy's good friend from high school got married. Behind Jeremy is his cousin Nick and on Jeremy left is his friend Lew. All four of these guys have been friends for a long time, and when they get together it's like there 15 again, bathroom humor and everything. I hate to admit that I get a good laugh every time!





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Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Art!

First, Sayla wants to say, "Thank you Aunt Wanda!" She has worn her Halloween outfit at least six times so far, and it was perfect for orange day at school! She did not want me to take her picture so this was the best I got!


Art, coloring, painting, coloring, cutting, pasting, all have occupied Sayla for hours every day! She will mostly be content with coloring, but when she wants to do projects, lately I can't think.


So one day I gave her some paper, scissors, tape and markers and she made her bat! I was really impressed and she was super proud of herself.

This project I discovered from Whatever, one of my favorite blogs to read. I thought this idea was so simple but it turns out so pretty. I might have to frame this one! It took quite a bit of restraint for me not to just take over this project myself.


Stay tuned for the "Super Sayla Saves the Duck" post!


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What You Will Find Here

This is a blog about me and my life. I write about the everything, and the nothing that consumes a stay-at-home mom of two. My monster is my one year old little boy, and his sister is my four year old daughter. You should know that I am not a writer, I'm not a speller, but I think I'm funny. I really get a kick out of myself sometimes. The truth is....I'm funnier in my head. So often, this blog is a bad attempt at humor and sarcasm, but mostly it's about the mundane, wonderful, boring, exciting, crabby, happy days we have together.


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