Favorites and Sophia-isms

Sophia-isms!

"I want to be a Cooker and a Dentist when I grow into an adult. Did you hear me God?"

In conversation with her Papa:
"If I go pee in my bed, then I will go to your bed. If I go pee in your bed, then I will go sleep on the couch. If I go pee on the couch, then I will sleep on the rug. If I pee on the rug, then I will sleep on the floor....and then it will be EVERYWHERE! Oh, no that would be yucky! And a BIG mess!"

Getting ready for bedtime:
Sophia: " I need help with my brushing teeth time Papa. You do the toothpaste and I will do the water."
Papa: "Bring the stuff here and I will help" (Papa is laying on the leather couch)
Sophia: " Well... Papa if I do that it you might drip it on the couch. But, okay...."
Sophia: "Oh, and by the way the toothpaste is the same color as your shirt Papa"
Papa puts toothpaste on Sophia's toothbrush
Sophia: As she walks toward the bathroom to get water on her toothbrush. Encouraging herself: "Okay Sophie, don't drop on the rug....don't drop on the floor....don't drop..."

Mama: "Sophia You have the cutest sister!"
Sophia:" Yeah, Thank you!"
Mama: "Lydia has the cutest sister!"
Sophia: "Yeah, Um...Is I'm it?"

Favorites!
Both girls have the favorite thing that they cling to for bedtime, naps, comfort, play, checking the mail, etc. It is the American Express of their lives "Don't leave home without it!"
Sophia's favorite: Apple Dumpling. She received Apple when she was about 2 years of age from her Auntie Tif...and has loved on it, threw up on it (a mock velveteen rabbit), and has made Apple her very best friend. Apple is pretty much most events that involve Sophia. However, now that Sophia is a little older...Apple can manage to take a nap while she is at school. But, when it comes to bedtime or going out of town trips....Apple must be there!
Lydia's favorite: "Belle" a black dog. She received "Belle" from her Mimi and Poppie for her 1 year birthday. Belle, the black dog, resembles my parents,Mimi & Poppie's black lab dog named..."Belle" (Go figure). "Belle" was one of the very first words that Lydia spoke. I think she may have said Belle even before Mama! You can see priorities in her life! Lydia loves her toy Belle. She has to have Belle with her to do mail call with Papa...The cutest darn thing you'd evah seen....she carries that big black dog with her as she toddle runs down to the mailbox! And, of course, Lydia does not go to sleep unless Belle is in her presence. And, when she wakes up Belle must get out of the crib too.
Ah....girls and their favorites. You just have to wonder if their favorite is of any resemblance to their personality!?

All Giddy and Butterflies

Do you ever remember having butterflies in your stomach when you were about to go out on a big date? Well, it is still nice to have butterflies when I go out on a date with my man--after being married for 7 years and two children thus far....
I wake up happy in the morning of "date night" knowing that in the evening we are going to have time to just be with each other....
We started a ritual of "date nights" over a year or so ago and we have really been trying to keep it a consistent practice. For us "dating" helps to make our relationship a priority.
So....we get a babysitter...and voila we are the cute couple out on a date. Sometimes it's to a nice restaurant where macaroni and cheese is not on the menu and they don't hand out crayons when you walk in. However, there are times that going out is just not in the budget or somehow time constraints gets the better of us...but even if it means watching a favorite show in bed together or sharing cups of tea and reading books on the couch by the fireplace...we take the time to have a date night just to spend time with each other.
Not to mention that our oldest daughter Sophia begs us to go out on a date almost weekly, she loves to have that time with a babysitter. She loves the attention, movie and popcorn, treats, games, entertainment....she is in "Yes, my parents are out and I am lovin' life" heaven! We think it is rather odd (maybe perhaps I didn't really care for my babysitters growing up), but we are not complaining and we are thrilled that she is having a wonderful time too!

All this to say..... I had butterflies in my stomach tonight! Awww, yes, yes....it was a date night. I worked hard all day to get the house clean to impress our babysitter--- all to enjoy the immense bliss of a romantic evening with my husband!
I am sure many of you are wanting to know the fanfare news of what we did. After all this hype, it must be something extremely outrageously exciting.
Hmmm, well not exactly.
But, nonetheless, I had a great time. The time together was needed...not the genius world record of the Best Date Evah!
No...we just went out to Thai food at our favorite hole in the wall Thai Cafe Restaurant(No Mac & Cheese)! We had fun each choosing a different item off of the "Special" Menu and sharing each other's choices. Then it was off to Barnes and Nobles where we felt like college students again....except the part where we cruised through the children's section to point out books we wanted to read to the girls. "Oh, Lydia would love this puppy book"
"Oh, I want to read Little Women to Sophia...she would love it"
However, we were inspired by the home decorating books, the books on owning your own small business, how-to books, etc. And, of course, I could not resist to buy something ( I had a gift certificate from my birthday.) I found a small leather bound Bible. It is so pretty! I am so happy with my little purchase. It will fit perfect inside my purse...to carry with me everywhere!
Ah, yes we did have some Starbucks coffee....you just cannot pass up coffee when you are present at Barnes & Nobles. It would be a faux pa to not!
Well, now I am home snuggled into some pajamas and have the fireplace lit. The babysitter has left the building...and the kids are laying all snug in their beds while visions of sugarplums dance in their heads...and Ric? My date night partner? Well, he went to bed too. The perfect ending to a romantic night, eh? Well, reality checked in the doorway when we stepped into the premises of our home....we are parents. We are tired parents. So, duty calls Ric to sleep....
However ME, on the other hand....I am still calming down butterflies (actually, trying to pass away time from my caffeine high---Darn Starbucks coffee!) from a wonderful "date night"!

Changing Seasons of Life----Unchanging God!

God is good all the time! All the time God is good! God is unchanging!

Adversity is hard to endure, and can be even harder to understand.
As I look back at yesterday, last week, a month ago, a year ago, three years ago....I reflect on many times of struggle, strife, and adversity. As I look at yesterday, I stare at adversity straight in the face...but, when I look back on 3 years ago, I start to see a much greater picture and I can start to see this journey woven and guided by God's hands. Each season there is a change in my life...usually something drastic....that tends to draw me toward my unchanging, unshakable God.
In the moment, I am usually clueless as to why, what, where, how God? But, when I step out in faith and walk through the waters and fire with God as my leader and guide, I emerge through to the other side and those moments of adversity have been conquered and I am changed and brought to a new place in my journey. I am brought closer to God and all I can do is to Worship.
My only place of refuge, the only place of hope, was within the shadow of God's wings.
He is in the midst of my circumstances and He has everything under control. When things don't seem to be working out the way I think they should, I remember, God said in Isaiah 55:8-9, "My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than yours."
In Proverbs 3:5, I am to "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding." So, "Count it all joy when you fall into various trials knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing" (James 1:2-4)
God has got a plan and trusting Him is knowing that no matter what happens, He will bring good out of it. Romans 8:28 says, "God works all things together for the good of those who love him."
I cannot always choose the changes that come my way. But I can choose how to respond. And I always have access to a God who loves me and will carry me through.


God I take no thought for my life, I am anxious for nothing, and I am still, and know that You are God.

Stay tuned....

I have been delayed in writing for some while....at least 2 weeks...shame shame! I know, I know...many of you have got on me the past few days to post something new. (I am so glad I have a small list of fans---thank you for reading!)
I have been itching to get here and write, but you know the story. Mama. Sometimes my life as a Mama is just full to the brim, that the ever so needed time to escape and vent, vamp, and visualize my so-n-so's are merely impossible some days.
I have so many things to share....oh, oh where to begin! I want to tell you so many things going on in wee big brain! Outrageous adventures....exciting journeys.....fantastic follies.....I have got to slow down and breathe....take a little break.... and sort out all of these thoughts that have welt up in my mind.
So, I think that I shall savor some of my thoughts for future entries and for today...with some simplicity....share some pics of my lovely lil' daisies! (As requested by the ever so pertinent Grandma! {smile} ) Stay tuned....

Lydia with her favorite animals! "Belle" (black dog) and "Panda"
She has also learned how to say "CHEESE" when the camera points her way!

Lydia's Loves: Reading and her "Belle"

Lydia expressively reading to Belle

Sophia and neighbor Ethan made Kites on a windy day. And they worked!

Bath Time! The girls LUV their bath.... "Cheese"

Ladies & Gentlemen...Boyz & Girlz...INTRODUCING.....

TARGIRL!!!

Who? What? Ah, Yes. This is "TARGIRL"...you may know her "original name" as JANE, as in Tarzan & Jane?.... It is Tarzan's girl! Except, she is NOT Jane....She is TARGIRL! And, she will most astutely make you aware of this important notion. She is the one and only, TARGIRL...Tarzan's (our neighbor Ethan) drama queen! Isn't she lovely?



Note: As many of you know (Our daughter Sophia) for some reason does not always stick to her birth name....though, it means wisdom, and I believe she is living up to that name....In all her cleverness and wit, the name"Sophia" fades away for a time being....and a new name appears in its place. The challenge is to figure out who she is...but, no worries, Sophia, Ahem, I mean Fiona....will be sure to tell you her "pretend-real" name!
From Fiona...Princess Belle....Mannah...Sarah....Maid Marian....to TARGIRL!
You just never know who you are going to meet....You just never know who we really are..... Ah, the realm of "pretend" is so ever desirable...wouldn't you just love to be a Shirley or a Betty? Well... I sure love knowing TARGIRL....she is a jungle of fun!

Pizza Pizza --- Read all about it!

Our family has taken on a new favorite food....Pizza. I know what you are thinking, how could Pizza be a "new" favorite? Its just pizza, right?!
Well, then I should clarify more that it is homemade pizza! We started to make our own pizzas early last summer...we have slowly perfected our methods and we still have plenty of room for improvements...such as grilling the pizzas, that still needs some work.
Reasons we love homemade pizza??? Here are a few:

• It is easy and cheap!---We cheat and buy the pre-made dough from a local pizza place for only 98 cents! Can't beat that price. All we have to do is stretch the dough and pile on the toppings.

Roll Your Dough (Row, Row, Row Your Boat)
Roll, roll, roll your dough
smoothly as can be.
Roll it till it's big and round,then add some good toppings.

• It brings out our creativity--- We have fun choosing different sauces or toppings and mix and match items. Pizza art!

Pizza...
Piz-za, piz-za. Let's have piz-za!
Let's have piz-za with cheese on top!
Piz-za, piz-za. Let's have piz-za!
(Anyone's name) wants piz-za with (what ever topping they mention) on top!

• Great Family Time--- We all get involved. This has been a super fun way for Sophia to feel a part of cooking and it gets her involved and starts the passion for cooking at a young age. She loves it! Ric loves to throw the dough in the air! And, Lydia...well, she does great eating the toppings! She is our taste tester---quality control!

This is the way....
This is the way we roll the dough
roll the dough, roll the dough,
This is the way we roll the dough when we make a pizza.

Verses:
This is the way we grade the cheese.
This is the way we cut the veggies.
This is the way we bake the pizza.

Homemade pizza is AWESOME! Gather your family and friends today and make Pizza! Yum, Yum, Yummo! I promise it is worth it! Hmmm, maybe I will attach a recipe sometime soon...for y'all to try! Until then...

Pizza Song... (Twinkle, Twinkle)
Pizza, pizza it's a treat.
Pizza, pizza is fun to eat!
Ooey-gooey cheese so yummy.
Crunchy crust goes in my tummy.
Pizza, pizza it's great
Pizza, pizza is fun to make!

This and That

I have been wanting to blog these past few days --- but, it seems time keeps creeping up and swooshing by too quickly. Plus, I feel as I have had a frain breeze...I mean brain freeze!
There is plenty of happenings going on in my life right now but...somehow, I am having difficulty getting the words out.


So today's entry is just a few random thoughts squeezin' there way out.

• We are having Enchiladas tonight! It is my easy easy Enchiladas! I cheat...but, they taste great and it is so easy...so it is big thumbs up recipe that I came up with (at least I think I did). Buy frozen burritos or fresh. Put them in a pan with enchilada sauce. Top with cheese & olives & more enchilada sauce. Cook at 375 degrees for about 30 minutes (until cheese melted and cooked through). Then top with fresh diced tomatoes and chopped scallions! Eat eat eat, easy easy Enchiladas! Yummo!
  

• I like chic flics! Girlie movies are just too much fun. In fact, I think that I will watch Ever After w/ Drew Barrymore this evening. Ric is on a cleaning rampage in the garage. Since he is now off of work, projects are starting to become completed. It is great. It is fun for him to be able to work on these projects....a sense of accomplishment.

• Now....I am to have a restful evening on the couch with my weight watchers fudge bar and blanket to watch my girlie movie! My all time favorite chic flic is Anne of Green Gables. I think I will get a group of ladies together and have an evening of Anne! That would be fun. We could have cherry cordial! :-) Hmmmm....that has got me planning....
  

• Many of you know that I love to entertain. We tend to have a "party" of some sort at least once a month at our home. Well, my next adventure is our annual Valentines Day Couple Party. I think I should go into the party planning business. What do you think? All in all....at least I am learning and trying more and more to practice hospitatlity!

• Do you ever get the feeling when you speak that you sound just like the teacher on Charlie Brown (Wah, wah, wah, wah----wah, wah!) Well....that is me. I feel like I am just jibber jabbin' some sort of somethings that makes not a bit sense of nothin'---capeesh? Yeah, yeah....(wah, wah, wah!)

Okay....a big THANK YOU to those of you that stuck through this incredulous blog entry! Pray that my wits will return soon to bring you more intellectual witty thoughts.

AND...if you have any ideas of things I should chatter about or share with you...that would be more than welcomed. As...I would get some sort of comments to these ramblings!

Mr. Weather's Moody

Mr. Weather is a bit moody today in our neighborhood. He is confused as to what he should do/be!

Sprinkles of Rain---Sunny---Warm---Cool---Breezy----Downpour Rain---Hail---Cold---Sunny---Clear skies.

Makes me want one of these: A Peppermint Mocha

My Famous Family

I am so proud of my family!
To be proud is a strong emotion for me....but, I am proud of my family's accomplishments.

As I was putting away Christmas decorations, Ric put a podcast on our stereo speakers
----the podcast: The Bay Bridged
---the feature artist: Petracovich.
For those of you who do not know of Petracovich (she is my cousin in-law Jessica Peters--wife to my cousin Ryan Malmberg!)

This podcast was done a few months ago....however, Ric failed to tell me about. But, nonetheless, I was so excited to hear her in this big podcast interview. Go Jess!
Check out the podcast

Then, I noticed on the bay bridged webpage... my cousin Ryan also featured on their website:

The Bay Bridged Artist-in-Residence

This month we are privileged to showcase the work of Ryan Malmberg.

Ryan approached us about doing the site and we were thrilled. Not being experts in flash (or artists) we were amazed with what he came up with! You can see more of his great work over at Finch Design.

I have created links to my family titled "My Famous Family" on the left column. There you will find:
Petracovich -- Jess
Finch Design -- Ryan
Snowflower Music -- My Dad's recording studio productions
The Art of D. Marshall -- My brother' artwork
Broken Sky Films -- My cousins Anne & Gary Film production company

Princess of Excuses

Does anyone else have a four year old with impecible wit in creating excuses as to why she is unable to clean her room?
Ah, the saga has begun again with Sophia willingly trying to find any way she can to not clean or pick up toys.
Here are her latest:

After 5 minutes of "cleaning" (more likely standing there observing the mess): "Mama, I think I need some water because I am sweaty"

"I have a headache"

"I am tired"

"I have a Fever"

After another 5 minutes: "Papa, I forgot that I was suppose to clean." (she goes in her room and starts playing --forgetting that her real purpose is to clean. So, she claims she has forgotten)

30 seconds later, she skips back out: "Papa, will you cheer me up? I am having a hard time"

30 seconds later, she twirls back out: "Mama, I forgot again! I forgot to clean"

So... my only thoughts on motivation for her to get the job done: I put on Norah Jones song "Creepin' In". We change the words to "Clean on Up!" And, I put the song on repeat.

Creep on in (Clean on up)
Creep on in (Clean on up)
And once it has begun
Won't stop until it's done
Sneaking in

Besides the loooooong bathroom break in-between and asking three times for a "little break"...she slowly made progress in her room.
And, while she was in the bathroom for a second time, some unknown elf, came in and picked up that last few piles of stuff. The room was pretty much clean.
After Sophia's bathroom break. She runs out to say, " Okay, everyone I did it! I did it! I have a surprise for you. Close your eyes come see."
Sophia proceeds to lead us down the hallway to a closed door leading to her room. She opens the door proudly and says "Surprise ---Ta Da! I got it clean!"
I chose not to reveal the true clean-up elf....I just had to enjoy the immense self-appreciation and big smile upon my little girl's face --- the Princess of Excuses!

Auld Lang Syne---Welcome 2007

How was your New Years Eve celebrations?
Did you celebrate Auld Lang Syne and the beginnings of this New Year upon us? It is definitely a night where you experience the past, present, future...all at once. You take time to pause and remember "Auld Lang Syne" (good old days) and then we take time to look into the year ahead and all the "plans" we supposedly have marked on our calendars...A fresh new start! And, we presently do all of this while sipping champagne at midnight and kissing our loved ones while singing the oh, so familiar tune of Auld Lang Syne.

Hmmmm....ponderings worth pondering about!

Well, we had a nice relaxing evening doing just these ponderings....with our good friends and neighbors. We put the girls to bed about 8:00pm. We had our handy dandy baby monitor hooked up to next door and then we went over to watch UFC match that our neighbors bought via pay per view. Yes, we watched the UFC. I squirmed at the first couple punches and kicks and bloody dripples ....and then I was an amazement with myself to actually have a tad of testosterone pop forth among my bones and really get into the fighting match. I cheered, hooted, and hollared!
After the intense UFC match, we had sometime before midnight to play a little dice game called Zilch. I love games! Unfortunatley, I was with Zilch for about half the game! But, in a surprising feat, I came back strong! With some luck and skill, I came in third place! Whoot whoot!
Midnight snuck up on us in the middle of the game...we paused right at midnight and quickly had some champagne (which I am not too fond of---but, it was rather surprisingly sweet.) I kissed my favorite guy and then we finished our game (with my incredible come back)! Then it was off to bed.


Oh, you need to check out this Panorama!
It is amazing picture that was taken of Times Square New Years Eve celebration. Apparently, many people take these panoramic shots all over the world. They have done some panoramic shots of Times Square in past years. Pretty spectacular!


Hope you had a "ponderful" New Years---
For auld lang syne, my dear,
for auld lang syne,
we'll take a cup of kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.