My Beautiful Zoo

Letters to to Mr Claus

2011-12-17T14:10:00.000-08:00

Dear Santa,

How many reindeer do you have, and what are their names? Are the reindeer are feeling fine? How is Mrs. Claus? Is she feeling good, and how are you doing?Please write back!

For Christmas I would like a Belledoll with her royal horse, a bay hay and feed horse shirt, (my size is womensmall) a mirror, maple candy, a candy necklace,twix bar, a gel pen, bubbles, and Cars 2 movie, build your own house Legos. Thank you Santa.

Sincerely,

Anya Anunson

  - As dictated to mommy, with a lot of wiggling and some
dancing....

Dear Santa,

How areyour reindeer, are they well, do they have enough food? Is Mrs. Claus well, are you having partieswith the elves? I’ve been decorating ourhouse with Christmas decorations.

   Deck the halls with balls of lally, fa, la, la,la, la, la, la, la, la! (sung with gusto)

I went to the Nutcracker and I saw clara, I havebeen baking cookies with grandma, I hope you like them.
   Whathave you been up to with the elves and Mrs. Clause and what is your favoritecolor?
   Ifyou are wondering what I want for Christmas, I would like a Snow White dollwith her horse, a riding doll with her hat and boots so that my doll Rebecca hasa friend to play with. I would like aset of hair rollers to make my hair curly.

I wish Mrs.Clause, the reindeer, elves, and everyone who lives at the North Pole a veryMerry, Jolly, Happy Christmas!

Love, Lila

----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----

Dear Santa,

What is Mrs. Claus doing for yourparty? Are you having a party with yourreindeer and elves?
I would like a Winnie the Pooh movie, anEyore doll, Cinderella with her royal horse, and a new doll for Violet to havea friend. I like strawberry candy and chocolate. Do you like chocolate or cookies with frostingand sparkles? P.S. My sister wants chocolate covered marshmallowsand so do I.

I love youand want you to come here when I’m sleeping.

Annette

The Charge

2011-08-27T22:53:00.000-07:00

I wrote this as a devotional for a friends baby shower. My mother said you should blog this, so I did.

Deuteronomy 6

I know Stephanie that this baby shower devotion is meant for you. However, as I was writing this I found that it could easily be for each one of us in this room. Hilary Rodham Clinton, a modern bastion of the feminist movement, had this to say on raising children; ‘It takes a village”. This was immediately pounced upon and used to encourage the institutionalization of children to be taught according to humanistic beliefs.

However in some way she was correct if the message hadn’t been misused and corrupted. It does in fact take a village; it was how children were raised since families began. Back when our great grandparents and in some cases our grandparents were young, families lived together, elders helping raise children and guiding parents. The community around the child; neighbors, church and schools were also instrumental in teaching the same basic messages.

Today this is often no longer the case for most families. We are spread apart; mothers and families are left adrift. We are told that life outside the home has more importance than the role of mother, saying that motherhood is trivial, and a waste of our skills. We are said to be moldering at home, and our roles are downplayed. The fact is there is no greater job you have been given than the charge of a child to raise. You are the protector, teacher, and comforter. You are the shield against the world, and the first vision of their future. When a child is young, an infant’s first vision or impression of God is through the actions of the mother, later it is the father that forms their impressions of the heavenly father. For many people their beliefs on the character of God are based on these first impressions. And that makes sense as we are to be the reflection of the Father on earth as we live our lives.

SO, what is the charge, what is a mother to do, especially as a mother of daughters? You are not just raising Riley and Gracie, two little girls; but two little mothers, Grandmothers, and Mentors. Your influence will stretch beyond the temporal boundaries of today and these children will reach into the future teaching what you have taught, to your grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Teach them to Love God first, serve and glorify God in all that they do, and to pass it on. Those girls are just the start of your mission.

It’s a scary thought, so much responsibility; however we just have to take it one diaper at a time, forming, teaching, loving, cuddling, and disciplining. We don’t have to do it alone, as Christian women we have the greatest resources, God has given us his word to be a lamp unto our feet. When you are in the sometimes dark tunnels of motherhood with no end in sight and the job seems too hard, (and every mother has been there) there is God’s word to comfort and guide. I have found that it will come when you least expect in and most need it. With my own children I have been very literally (and often in front of my children) on my knees crying out for help, and He has been there, sometimes a still small voice saying “I am here,” other times as a verse shooting through a tense spot, often as another dear Christian woman reaching out and teaching me giving me encouragement and advice. Letting me know she was there, she knew.

That’s where the village comes in. We are your village. Doubtless you have others as well, but we all have a lesson to teach, encouragement to give, a shoulder to bear a burden and love to be given. We are your sisters, your family. We love those little girls and share the same goals for them as for our own. This job you have been given is the most important one in front of you. It’s time sensitive, precious, and given to you by God. You are raising the future.

A Ducky Time in Three Parts (Or Our Adventure With Papa on Ride a Duck)

2011-05-05T18:16:00.000-07:00

Quack!

2011-05-05T18:06:00.000-07:00

Ride a Duck 3

2011-05-05T18:05:00.000-07:00

Arrival of the Ice Cream Lady

2011-05-04T17:07:00.000-07:00

Today was a beautiful, sparkly kind of day. Prompted by the sun gracing the Northwest, we decided to go to the park for some vitamin D. After walking uphill to the park, playing hard, being frightened by a snake and checking out the local pea patch we decided to head for home. Our day was only made better by the melodic sounds of the Ice Cream Lady's truck. Lila, in a massive display of determination, decided we COULD make it home before the truck got there. Considering that we had just started for home I thought this was very optimistic of her. The pictures below speak for themselves.

Sun and Dancing

2011-05-03T22:21:00.000-07:00

Papa's Birthday Weekend

2011-05-03T22:18:00.000-07:00

Egg Hunt 2011

2011-04-24T21:01:00.000-07:00

2011-04-24T21:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter

2011-04-22T13:09:00.001-07:00

Easter Eggs

2011-04-22T13:09:00.000-07:00

Winter Zoo Life

2011-01-13T21:39:00.000-08:00

Our most recent snow, and the gals snow woman

Yes, we always clean wearing helmets and tutus.

You never know cleaning can be dangerous, best not to take any chances.

St. Lucia Delivering rolls to Mama and Papa.

Cell phone walkie-talkie, hit present of Christmas.

Our St. Lucia bringing rolls to Mommy and Daddy.

My bathing beauties.

Dreaming of Violets

2011-01-04T12:59:00.000-08:00

It's not often that you can see dreams unfold before your eyes and when they do you really need to cheer, take a moment and acknowledge it. This is one of those times.

Growing up in the beach community of Sandy Hook I had a friend, we played, rode our bikes, swam, tried to beat each other in tennis, planned and talked about life, she was pretty sure even then of what she wanted to do and accomplish in her life. She wanted to be her senior class president, and had her campaign well planned out even then, to be the next big tennis player with a grand slam under her belt. To be a writer. Not stopping there she self published a local newspaper that was, as I remember it, eagerly anticipated and enjoyed by all those in the community. I remember being recruited to help with it once and what fun I had.

Many of us dream, few of us follow our dreams with determination to see it through, however my friend and author Sarah Jio has done just that, writing a book that I am so looking forward to reading I will share now before it's even out. This is a trailer for her book THE VIOLETS OF MARCH that is coming out April 26th, check it out and think about what dreams you have yet to tackle, it's a new year, what a great time to start!

For more info go to http://www.sarahjio.com/.

O Night Divine

2010-12-19T21:39:00.000-08:00

I love singing Christmas carols and always look forward to them in church during the holiday season. We sing with our church to the shut ins, bringing fruit baskets and cheer every year. I hear them on the radio in the car, and in the stores as we Christmas shop, on commercials, and TV specials. This time of year we are surrounded with the songs of the holidays. I sing them as on automatic pilot, enjoying, but not always thinking beyond my voice while I sing. One of the girls was caroling today singing: "Mark the Harold angel sings, glory to the newborn king"

In came O HOLY NIGHT, knocking at my door. It's always been a favorite Christmas song, the commercial I'll turn up to hear, heard often enough to almost make it trite. However it was one of the songs chosen to sing in our choir this year and sing, and sing, and sing. And every time I sang there was a phrase whispering to me, 'pay attention'. Here is the the first part of the song:

O Holy Night

O holy Night the stars are brightly shining,

It is the night of the dear Savior's birth.

Long lay the world in sin and error pining,

Till he appeared and the soul felt its worth.

A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,

For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.

Fall on your knees. Oh, hear the angels voices!

O night divine, O night when Christ was born!

O holy night, O night divine.

Never before had those words revealed themselves in such a way. The whole reason for that first Christmas was us, the world in sin and error pining, heavy and tired with the hopelessness of our own sin .

Worthless, and out of hope.

Till he appeared and the soul felt its worth. Worth, what a word, has your soul felt its worth? "For God so loved the world that he gave his only son", what a price was paid. God gave his only son to pay the ransom for our soul. Until recently, not really noticing before and having just sung the song thoughtlessly, I thought the world was the big blue ball we live on, not really the humanity, us, Me, that the song refers to.

Wow, Alisha in sin and error pining, till He appeared and my soul felt its worth. A thrill of hope the weary Alisha rejoices, for yonder breaks a new and glorious morn. Fall on your knees! Oh hear the angel voices, O night divine when Christ my savior was born!

My soul feels its worth, I am a Child of the King, Savior of the world. O Holy Night!

All I want for Christmas is...

2010-12-14T10:08:00.000-08:00

As written by Anya:

Dear Santa,

How are you and Mrs. Claus doing? I hope you guys are good. How are your reindeer doing? Say hello to Mrs. Claus please. Thank you so much for the toys you gave me last time Santa. Me and my sisters are doing good today. I like you guys!

What I want for Christmas this year is a little Mermaid doll, some bubble gum, a candy necklace and a my little pony, tinker bell figurines set, lip sparkler celestial strawberry, some caramel candy, fairy and a fairy acorn house, chocolate marshmallow Santa, Beauty and the Beast movie, Belle doll and some twister color crayons, a princess and the frog doll and a Tinker Bell and the Great Fairy Rescue movie.
Are you allergic to nuts, or other things?

Love, Anya

As Dictated by Lila,

Dear Santa,

How is Mrs Claus doing and the reindeer? How are the elves? How do your reindeer feel? Can you send me a picture sometime? I would like to see how big you are. Do you always eat cookies, or do you eat healthy stuff, what do you eat?
Can I have some Tangled figurines, a fairy log house with fairies, the Great Fairy Rescue movie, and a set of old fashioned cars? But most of all I would like to have Aunt Cheryl for Christmas and snow.

I love you, Lila

And by Annette (exactly):

Dear Santa,

I love you so much and I love Mrs Claus, I love the elves, and love cookies. I love to eat them with Santa and Mrs. Claus too. I love Daddy and Mommy, and Lila and Anya and Santa and Mrs. Claus. I love to get pictures with you. I love Santa, I love Mrs. Claus! I love Grandma Ahmi, and Mama Teri!
I would like a John Smith doll, a pink marshmallow (Mushroom) fairy house with a pink roof.
I would like some toy cars to play with Justin. I love Justin I want to marry him when I grow up, and I would like a picture of Justin and me. I would like an elephant family, a mommy, a daddy, and brother and sister.

Love Annette.

Six in the blink of an eye.

2010-08-31T17:26:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Baby girl!

July: Water and Babies

2010-07-30T11:25:00.000-07:00

Heritage Camp

2010-06-28T23:25:00.000-07:00

The sidewalk chalk picture is of Roald Amundsen at the South Pole, by Anya his great, great, great, great niece. This past week we had heritage camp at the Son's of Norway in Poulsbo here is a sampling of our week learning more about our past, and enjoying our friends.

Move Over Mr. Darcy

2010-06-15T22:54:00.000-07:00

Thank you Tess! I have just finished watching North & South, by Elizabeth Gaskell, I think it's just replaced Pride and Prejudice as my new favorite Um, yep pretty sure it has. WOW what a great movie.

Swimming Laps Around Mother

2010-06-08T17:54:00.000-07:00

I could use a nap, I'll bet if you are a mother reading this you could use one too.  My kids on the other hand are tough, they have the stamina of an Olympic athlete.
Recently the girls started swimming lessons and I told Lila if she just listened to her teacher and did exactly what Miss Kerri said she could win a metal at the next summer Olympics.  I wasn't kidding she could!   The energy alone would win the race, and could easily power our house if I was smart enough to find a way to hook her up to treadmill, I know she could exhaust Michael Phelps. (Bless her swimming instructor, she is teaching the kid that when asked to do something and gives me a look that is pure Clint Eastwood and says "Make my day.")

Annette was so excited about swim lessons she had her goggles, new suite and a 'lets get this show on the road' attitude to get her started, and everything was going well until that little boy let go of the side when the teacher wasn't looking.   He survived but between his mother's reaction and his screams (Evidently this was not his first "attempt" at swimming lessons his mother later told the teacher.)  Netta took one look at what was unfolding around her and started crying herself, refusing to re-enter the pool.   We, another instructor and I, talked her down and she finished the lesson. The next lesson she wouldn't even sit on the stairs until I took away her goggles, she had to show Mommy she would swim if she wanted them back. Boy did she, with steely determination she plunged into the pool, floated on her back and blew some bubbles in the water just to prove her point. She had her goggles back!

Lila Says

2010-06-08T17:06:00.000-07:00

Lila can't wait for the 22ndeth of June, she says it's her favorite day in the whole world, and her favorite fruit is camel-lope. I could hardly believe it myself when she told me.

Something Pretty to Share

2010-05-02T21:56:00.000-07:00

I found this and had to share, it's an ad for John Lewis department store in London. I can imagine each one of my girls in this and need a tissue. We went to a wedding recently and they had the same song with pictures of the bride growing up, the photos were so similar to our girls pictures now. At the time all I could think was 'I want to hit the pause button, I can't keep up life's going too fast, I just want a moment to breathe and watch before its over.' This ad sums it up nicely and reminds me again to breathe and be in the moment with these gals before I have to watch their videos and wonder were the time went.

Beautiful Bluebells

2010-04-26T09:08:00.000-07:00

Lovely bluebells
and friends,
here are some photos of both.

Belles and Bluebells

2010-04-24T21:06:00.000-07:00

This week we were invited to a garden party by our dear friends Mr. and Mrs "H" to pick bluebells for spring. We had no idea that when we went through their gate a fairyland was waiting on the other side. The girls were joined by friends and armed with scissors to pick to their hearts content in this magical back yard, filled with lilac, tulips, stepping stones, flowering trees, a little bench under the lilacs and of course bluebells. To refresh the ladies after all their hard work, a tray containing little glasses of pink lemonade, another of cookies; pink iced sugar, lacy oatmeal, and pink sandwich. And to top it all off and to the delight of all the little girls present, a pretty bowl filled with pink marshmallows. It was a beautiful day.

Good Reading

2010-03-25T21:09:00.000-07:00

This is a great article for all you book lovers: Helen Simonson's: Three Stories of Gossip Not Even Austen Could Resist.

Funny Girl

2010-03-22T20:50:00.000-07:00

Tonight at dinner Lila said: "Daddy I am going to save all of my money and pennies and buy Mama Teri a wheel chair to take to Disneyland when she is super old, we will just pop her in and go!" Well that is planing ahead.

Also said today by the very same girl: "I am going to be an Uncle when I grow up. Anya can have kids, but I don't want to, they can be crazy and drive my mind crazy." Well she should know!

Laughter Is The Best Medicine

2010-03-17T12:27:00.000-07:00

Playing Whack-A-Mole

2010-03-14T20:24:00.000-07:00

What's going on here?

I have been neglecting this site, however my reason is good as I've been holding very still and recovering from an exhausting and painful game of whack-a-mole. Which is BORING!!!! I have never wanted to scrub toilets or load a dishwasher more.

A couple of weeks ago I went to the dermatologist for my annual mole check. Do you do that? If not make your appointment today!

I started my mole checks after my Dad had some melanoma removed, it runs in the family. So for the past few years I've made the annual trek to one of my favorite doctors. (really she is brilliant, and the mother of three gals as well) My usual visits include a check for abnormal spots, my questions answered and if there are any renegade moles she takes a picture them. (If there is any concern it is nice to have a baseline to compare to.) With this visit I had what my doctor called an active mole, with several things going for it. SO it was better off me than on, and a biopsy would tell us what we need to know.

If you want more information: http://www.cancer.org/docroot/PED/content/ped_7_1_What_You_Need_To_Know_About_Skin_Cancer.asp
Skin cancer is no joke however if it's caught early enough it's very treatable, annual check ups are an important part of prevention, and treatments.
Have you made that appointment yet? Go ahead do it right now, I'll wait for you...

So I made the appointment and had it removed, and because my doc rocks it was completely removed just in case the biopsy tells us it's more than a mole trying to stand out from the crowd. For now it hurts and for two weeks I can't pick up ANYTHING, moving my back is not allowed. My folks, bless their hearts are retaining order and peace at my house while Paul is at work and then go back home at the end of the day to fall asleep in their soup.

All this because someone called me pastie back in school. I tell you what, if there is one great thing that the vampire genre of books has done that would be to bring good old fashioned pale back, no longer are we called pastie and told to go get a "healthy" glow. The only true glow comes from clean living, a healthy conscious and happy heart. Instead of a tan, for instance, consider a liver cleanse.

All this week I've been looking for something to do from my chair. I've taken advantage of the time catching up on my reading and surfing the Internet. (Sounds more active)
This is what I have been reading, check it out for a quick smile. Also this, this and that.

Enjoy.

Book Love

2010-03-02T22:12:00.000-08:00

There are some books that when they first come out I say to myself: this looks good I need to read it now! The reality hits when I sign up for the book at the library and find that I'm 198th in line to receive it. You might ask yourself, why not just buy the book?

This is a fair question, most people do just that. However I love books too much, I read them fast and often, then if I have bought the book or if it was given to me (one of my favorite gifts to get) I can not will myself to ever give it up. So shortly before I turned thirty I stopped buying books unless I know I will want to read them again and again, or possibly need to reference them at three o'clock in the morning when the Library is not open.

This happens.

You never know when the urge to dig into P. G. Wodehouse will strike or the need to make sure Mr. Rochester and Jane are still doing well will arise. There are just times you need to exercise your little grey cells with Poirot, and cry with Anne as all hope is lost as she sees Captain Wentworth again for the first time. (There are too many reasons to really list them all here.) I digress.

I have to remind myself, when I see a shiny new to world to open, or a lovingly used tome to explore, that it comes down to too many books not enough space. So now I check them out of the Library first, buy them later. At least, most of the time I do just that.
Everyone has their kryptonite.

So the whole reason for this ramble about books is to sing the praises of, one I think I'll buy: The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, by Mary and Shaffer and Annie Barrows.

This is a book I first found out about through a newspaper review and immediately signed up for at the library only to be away when my turn came. Some time has passed and I was reminded again to read it this time!!! I have it in hand and now have fallen in love with the characters, and their stories. All this to say: it's beautiful, give yourself a little slice of the pie and try this book.

A Sparkling Good Time

2010-02-19T00:00:00.001-08:00

Looking forward to spring, I have given up hope for any snow after a day like today, it was beautiful, sunny and warm. We threw open the windows to let in all that beautiful fresh warm air, it felt good and then...

I noticed my windows needed cleaning ( the downside of sun) when it's dark I can ignore that my windows need help, but today was not that day. And then like in the book When You Give A Mouse A Cookie... noticed that the cupboard needed organizing and while organizing the cupboards I noticed the floors needed cleaning...etc, it went on like that until the kitchen sparkled and I just have to say I LOVE SPRING CLEANING! It's better than any other kind of cleaning there is.

Cleaning Never Hurt Anyone... YET.

2010-02-16T22:25:00.000-08:00

I'm feeling the spring clean coming on, so far I have attacked the playroom, made a start at the yard and have my sights on the kitchen.

The kids room scares me. Unfortunately the kids play and deconstruct with gold medal winning skill, really they are amazing in their tenacity and skill. I clean the room (with their "help") but somehow it only lasts for a hour or so. I went through last week and started weeding through their stuff and have removed quite a bit, but I know I can do more. I'm pretty sure the toys and socks breed while I'm not looking and I need Olympian determination if I ever want to win the war of the girls room. It fights back and it fights dirty.

What's a mommy to do, call for backup? Grandma? No, she's too smart, she will cheer from the sidelines and give advice as the veteran of many wars, but get directly involved? "NO WAY, NOT ON YOUR LIFE!" And who can blame her, children's rooms have been known to make even the strongest mother weep in fear, terror and exhaustion. Daddy? No, you need help not a partner in crime.

It comes down to this (at least for me) use Daddy or Grandma, let them take the little mess makers for a while and dig in while they're out. Play some loud music, keep the chocolate at the ready and FIGHT, Fight, Fight!

Pray for me, I think I'll tackle the laundry room tomorrow.

Mossy Monday

2010-02-15T20:11:00.001-08:00

I'm a Northwest girl. I love moss, all the green beauty and the sheer fuzziness, which is really a good thing as this has been such a warm winter. It seems like the green stuff is taking over at our house. We were outside this afternoon doing yard work and there was moss everywhere I looked on trees, rocks, roof and driveway, luckily the kids were moving fast, no moss on them!

For those of you without your very own (I'm thinking of all you Arizona folks) here are some pictures of mine. We may not have snow but WE HAVE MOSS!!!

All Hail the Queen

2010-02-12T16:09:00.000-08:00

Annette is sick this week, we are knee deep in the 'flu' that I had hoped to avoid with all the shots we had this fall. This will be a light blogging week but here are some things said by the same little gal.

I was helping Annette the other day she told me to do something. TOLD me.
My response was "You aren't the queen, you ask mommy and say please." to which she said. Yes I am. I'm the baby queen!"

While putting her to bed last night she asked for another book, I said "Sure, but just one." holding up one finger to show her I meant one book. She got really excited and said "hey I have one too!" she held up one finger and said, very proud of herself, : "See I have one and you have one, we can read two stories."

Yep, she just may be the baby queen.

Love

2010-02-03T22:03:00.000-08:00

February is Love One Another Month at our church.

This is a great time for us, it helps to refocus our line of thought off our hectic schedules and onto the people around us, to know better all those people we say 'hi' to, but not much more. This an exciting time.

Wouldn't it be fun if it spread, to all the people we come into contact with?

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not boast, it is not proud.

It is not rude , it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.

Love does not delight in evil but rejoices in the truth.

It always protects, always trusts always hopes, always perseveres.

Love never fails."

I Corinthians 13:4-8

Emma II

2010-02-03T21:48:00.000-08:00

I finally had the chance to watch the latest installment of Emma on Masterpiece Theater, and I have to say it's growing on me. I could be just getting caught up in the story, then again it also might be getting better as the movie goes on. Hmmm.

The costumes are lovely (I wish we could dress like that and so do my gals) , the ball had some of the most realistic and beautiful dancing, even Jonny Lee Miller as Mr. Knightly is winning me over, although with such a wonderful character to play how could he not.

Frippery

2010-01-29T17:31:00.000-08:00

The gals are going to a birthday party tomorrow. A Fancy Nancy party!!!!

We're all excited and preparations for fanciness have started. I made headbands and hair bows and the girls are planing their outfits as I write this, so far I have seen at least five variations on their party gear already.
Here are some of the things I made this morning and there will be pictures of the girls all dolled up to follow soon. ( You can tell who loves to have her picture taken, what a ham!)

That's My Baby: Anya

2010-01-28T21:56:00.001-08:00

Emma

2010-01-28T21:11:00.000-08:00

Are you watching the newest Emma on Masterpiece Theater? I did, and while I enjoyed the first episode I'm not yet sure it's my favorite, and that really surprises me. Up until this version all the most recently made Austins have been excellent, surpasing the older movies in doing real justice to the books and with Emma I'm just not sure.

I wonder if the problem is my expectation in representing the book, perhaps it's just difficult to capture the essence of Emma and round out the details in movie form.

With this Austin book I find fault the in movies there is always something I would change. In the 1996 Emma, with Gwyneth Paltrow, detail was lost. It was a beautiful movie and my favorite, but where for instance was Donwell Abby? Kate Beckinsale's movie that same year was better with detail, but not nearly as charming, way to stiff, and Mr. Knightly was a disappointment. Romola Garai has the lead in this new adaptation along with Jonny Lee Miller as Mr. Knightly (interesting choice) and Michael Gambon playing her worrying father, the cast is good but have they added too much?

I will be watching, I hope you will too, and let me know what you think.

Oh,That's My Baby: Lila

2010-01-25T20:31:00.000-08:00

Beautiful Smiles

2010-01-22T22:00:00.000-08:00

While rummaging through our pictures I found some of Paul's Grandma Myrtle as a young girl, they reminded me of photos of my own girls, who like to hear stories of little girls past and what life was like. These pictures tell the story of how some things stay the same, little girls and their smiles, the special way they look at life and how they enhance ours for knowing them.

Friends, They'll Break Your Heart

2010-01-21T21:41:00.000-08:00

I helped a friend today taking care of her little guy, he is very sweet and plays well with my kids. We all love him and have fun every time we get together to visit. Annette especially has a fondness for him, he is her BEST friend, and he was here to play for the whole day!

At Sunday school last year he referred to her as my little raccoon, and would pat her on the head, (he likes raccoons and that summer had a raccoon story every time we saw him.)

Everything was going smoothly today, there were no little squabbles to interfere with their fun, until this afternoon when before naps, (by all accounts a tricky time of day for most) a little disagreement took place. Annette insisted too strongly about something and was pushed. No big deal, sorries were said, tears were dried and the playing went on. (this was the ONLY disagreement between any of them the entire day.)

I thought nothing of it until about an hour later when getting Annette (she's three years old) ready for her nap she said: 'J___ pushed me, he doesn't love me any more!' to which I replied: 'you two are friends, sometimes you push or make each other sad, but you are still friends and love each other.' I thought this was a pretty good response and that would cover it. Boy was I wrong! She looked at me and sorrowfully said: 'J__ pushed me and broke my heart, he broke my heart into a thousand tiny little pieces!'

The little drama queen!

Back to You

2010-01-14T15:30:00.001-08:00

I watch the Today show just about every morning. However after this afternoon I might be rethinking that or signing Lila up for junior journalism classes.

I usually record the show and then watch it a couple of hours after it starts, picking and choosing what I want to see. The kids know who Matt and Meredith are and notice when Al or Anne aren't there. Lila in particular asks me where they are, and what they're doing.

Like I would know, because we're all the best of friends.

Today we spent the day today at Papa and Mama's house, escaping the rain at our house in exchange for the blustery rain at theirs. The weather was worse but the company much more fun than just ourselves. We had cabin fever, and needed a change!

After lunch and chasing Papa around for an hour or so , Anya challenged Papa to a game of checkers while Lila found a magnifying glass that looks (to a five year old) like a microphone and started some reporting. It was going for at least twenty minutes when I heard snatches of 'hundreds of tigers were found in the park today in the port city of Baal...back to you Meredith,' and 'there was a fire today in the town of ___ and no one died, however the firemen did not make it... , there were killer caterpillars, what do you think Al?...'

In fact she is still at it now, while I type this, although I have now started to block it out a bit. Her imagination is on full blast and then she is interviewing the family as if they were at the scene.

You just never know what a rainy day might bring.

Knock, Knock, Knock

2010-01-12T17:58:00.000-08:00

Ugh! I hate door to door salesmen, they always come when the big guy is out. I have a No Solicitation sign and never answer my door to people I don't know, and yet they come at all hours of the day. Although their favorite is nap time, just as I'm putting Annette to sleep and feeling drowsy and cozy they start to knock, and ring the doorbell. So my adrenaline and I jump up and there goes that warm afternoon feeling all in one swoop.

There I had to get that out.

Once when Paul was out late there was a knock on the door, at 10:30 at night! I was in the middle of watching Heroes (not the best thing to see by yourself at night if you are as jumpy as I am.) when I heard a knock, knock at the door. I immediately called Paul, who was near by, while peeling myself off the ceiling and looking out the up stairs window. Paul started for home as I called the police, describing the man who had come, my situation (three small kids at home and one scared mama) and that the door knocking fiend was now at the neighbors!

I love 911! They calmed me right down and stayed on the line, and after some quick investigation found that it was a Policeman checking out a noise complaint next door. Our very nice neighborhood policeman came back over and while I still on with 911 he introduced himself, asked if I was OK and apologized for scaring me. He also said that I had absolutely done the right thing and if it were to happen again to follow the same protocol. Even as an adult woman not opening the door and reporting it immediately is the right thing to do, they want us to. You never know if it is a real officer and calling it in will let you know. Better safe than sorry.

I felt like a ninny, but a safer one for knowing what to do.

Hello

2010-01-11T20:53:00.000-08:00

I have just finished watching the new Masterpiece Theater's Return to Cranford, it was so very good, always leaving me with the desire to see more. Romance, babies, elegant economies, death, good guys, bad guys, drama and once again a cow in long johns.

I LOVE IT, and so do my kids.

Lila in particular has a real fondness for period drama, funny for a five year old, she once tried to talk the babysitter into watching Jane Eyre, she was also the only three year old I knew that like to watch anything Jane Austin. I love that too. They all like to watch with me and giggle when Mr. Darcy, is on screen. Well it is Mr. Darcy after all.

Crazy Friday

2010-01-08T22:14:00.000-08:00

Oldies but goodies, here are some funny pictures of the gals. Fridays are days we unwind and get ready for the weekend, movies, pizza, looking at old pictures and games are what we like best. So Fridays at the zoo are crazy in the very best way, full of fun and laughter, I hope these make you laugh too.

2010-01-07T23:04:00.000-08:00

Fuzzy, but check out Netta's moves at the end. My in laws gave the girls ukuleles and one day the kids did this little number that they had been working on, it always cracks me up.

Little Helpers

2010-01-06T22:24:00.000-08:00

I was refilling the sugar canisters after a trip to Costco this week, and putting away all our other purchases when Lila asked to help, put a way the "donuts". I knew she meant the bagels and told her sure, but to wait for mommy to finish her job first.

She went on talking about how she was going to help and leave some in the bag for the downstairs freezer, and put some away in the kitchen. "OK, sure" I replied, distracted by work, which might have been a mistake You know it's always a good idea to keep track of busy five year olds.

She didn't wait.

"Mommy look, I helped put away the donuts" she very proudly told me.

Here are some other helping moments in the life of the zoo.

Anya as a baby "helping" Mommy with her hair.

Helping bring in the loot, from our last big pirate raid.

Helping keep a little sister busy while another sister's hair is being done.

And finally Annette's cookie after "Helping".

Can you find the cookie under there?

The Siren Song Of The Baby's Call

2010-01-06T00:08:00.001-08:00

Paul handles bedtime, he's good at it, recently however Annette has had a little trouble. They rock and read stories and just when she is ready to to be put in her bed she asks for Mommy, and when Paul says no she starts to cry. After trying to calm her down he lays her down and she cries for a little while and he goes in to rock her again and she goes right to sleep if she hasn't already. Tonight I thought I'd help.

As it turns out she calmed down very quickly but I was a doubtful as to why so I thought I'd check to see if she had climbed out of her bed and started to play. When I went to the door and held very still to listen for playing I heard it, The Siren Call, it was faint but Annette was softly singing "I love mommy, I need my mommy, I love mommy, I need my mommy..." Could you resist?

I went right in.

I'm sure you would too, it was such a sweet song and it pulled me in as siren songs do. I rocked her to sleep, her breath was on my chest and her lashes brushed my collarbone in a sleepy blink signaling sleep.

I was in heaven, yes she could have fallen asleep by herself, she is three now, (although I think babies are babies until they turn five, this is a personal opinion) but I would have not been able to gather and store that memory away with the deepest hope that I have enough to last me through the winter of my life when there is no baby breath to warm my neck.

Odds and Ends but Mostly Odds

2010-01-05T20:06:00.000-08:00

Paul was making coffee today when Lila crept up from behind startling him, when he asked "Lila where did you come from?" she replied "my mommy's tummy."

This is a picture of Lila after she finished her first puzzle without sibling help or interference. She was pretty happy and proud of herself.

Anya making egg salad sandwiches (one of her favorites) for the first time.

Annette thought it would be fun to go back in time, her sisters had a great time playing baby with her.

These are here just because I like them, and to show the result of living in a house of girls,

my brave man.

Happy New Year!

2010-01-01T15:07:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year from the crew at the Zoo

Happy New Year's Eve

2009-12-31T10:52:00.000-08:00

Life is quiet here in the zoo, we are all recovering from the whirl wind that was the month before Christmas and the marathon of Christmas week. Its been pajamas day every day this week, the girls love it and have been playing wii and with their My Little Ponies like crazy, they only change into clean pj's and dress up dresses when they are asked or as the occasion demands.

Personally I have been living in Cranford, my new book and the PBS Masterpiece Theater movie, and I love it. If you are not familiar with the series or more importantly the book RUN, don't walk, to your nearest bookstore and buy this book (It's a keeper) by Elizabeth Gaskell! Its all about the small town of Cranford and the ladies that inhabit it.

Cranford is such a good book of true feminism done right, the women are strong, opinionated, kind, soft, loving, and hilarious. I am charmed by it. Almost as good is the PBS series staring Dame Judy Dench, love her, just be warned you will cry just as much as you laugh. Just wait until you see the cow in pj's, or Miss Matty's romance. If you want to see it full episodes are on the PBS web site, it is really too good to miss!

Have a very Happy New Year's Eve and stay safe tonight, personally we will be staying in, eating egg rolls and toasting the New Year in with our little darlings. I can't think of a better way to celebrate.

Gingerbread Birthday

2009-12-18T22:58:00.001-08:00

Annette's Birthday was definitely holiday themed this year (a break from fairies and princesses) and it was so much fun, several of her friends came over to help make gingerbread houses and celebrate her third year.

I made the little houses the day before using gram crackers that I hot glued together, it worked well, we had nice sturdy little houses to decorate, much better than real gingerbread although not if you were to eat it, but who really gets past the candy to eat the stale cookies anyway?

It's hard to know where all that candy and frosting went in the end, the houses or the kids, but it was a lovely day spent with friends and loved ones. Here are a few pictures of the sugar infused day.
new doll

waiting for friends!

Daddy's girl!

candy!

hard at work.

Mama Teri

Annette's house

cupcake #1

Cupcake #2 (later that night)

Dear Santa

2009-12-16T23:06:00.000-08:00

My kids wrote to Santa Claus this past week. Please indulge me while I share, the letters always crack me up, I hope they bring a smile in the midst of the hectic Christmas Season.

Anya's letter as written:

Dear Santa,
My year was fun, just like last year. How are Mrs. Santa, the reindeer, and the elves doing? Thank you for last years light board, and my little pony. I liked playing with them. Do you have any allergies that we should know about? We don't want you to get sick from foods we give you. Please may I have a back scratcher because my back is always itchy, an Etch a Sketch, a toy horse, a maple candy, a candy necklace, twix, a fruit candy cane and some bubble gum.

I hope you have a good trip through the snow. Love from, Anya

Lila dictated to mom while dancing around and twirling:

Dear Santa,
How is Mrs. Santa Claus I hope she is not sick, I love her and want to see her but never get to see her and your wonderful house. I will leave you some carrots for Rudolf. I hope you like the cookies I made. For Christmas I would like a my little pony Rainbow dash, a tea set, Mulan doll, bubble gum, and a lollipop ring. I would really like to see your house, reindeer and sled. I would like to live there with you. Love, Lila

Annette with help from her sisters:

Dear Santa,
How you day? I would like an ostrich, my own magna doodle, and pink or green doggy, Tinkerbell lost treasure movie, a little princess doll Aurora or Snow white. Some chocolate. Annette

Our Visit with Old St. Nick

2009-12-16T22:30:00.000-08:00

Santa is big at our house, of course I realize he is big everywhere, I mean no one could eat that many cookies and get away with it to even St Nick, just think of his tailoring bill in January.

Our Santa sighting began on Thanksgiving with the Macy's parade, Annette just stared at the TV she couldn't believe her eyes, all the while her sisters were running in circles yelling its "Christmas time, Santa Claus is coming to town!"

A week or so later in the middle of Anya's Norwegian dance class one of the mothers ran in to tell us Santa was upstairs and to come quickly. As I went up the stairs holding Annette she was vibrating with excitement and whispering "Santa, Santa, Santa" After that in the car her favorite song became " You better watch out you better watch out, Santa Claus is coming to town!" (her version)

Last week we went to see him and get the girls picture with the big guy, although I'm not sure who was most excited, the girls or Grandpa, we had to drag him away after Santa gave him his candy cane. Here are some pictures of the event.

God Jul! Let Christmas begin!

2009-12-14T12:59:00.001-08:00

We like to pass down some of our cultural heritage to to the little ones, and part of that is Norwegian folk dance the whole family is involved one way or another. The photos are from the St. Lucia program that is also the dance group's Christmas party, we dress up, perform and then everyone joins us to sing and dance around the Christmas tree, this is a tradition that the kids and I LOVE , Annette was beside herself with the fun of it. We are in our Bunads, Norwegian folk dress, next year the plan is to have Paul in one as well!

Our favorite time of Year

2009-11-30T10:29:00.000-08:00

Excited doesn't quite describe life here at the zoo, our Christmas tree is up! The tree only has it's lights and one little bird, but the girls are getting ready to change that soon, Christmas music has been playing since Halloween around here, we are baking and little secrets are swirling around. I LOVE this time of year, it just sparkles with the little girls, you can see the sugar plums dancing in their eyes.

Here are some of last years pictures to kick off the season on the blog, hopefully we will have better luck with Santa this year, but the picture is classic.

Happy Reformation Day or Halloween!

2009-11-08T15:33:00.000-08:00

October was fun but fast, as usual, I think kids might have something to do with that. We visited with family, dressed up some and ate a TON of candy the two little ones got hair cuts (well, at the end of September). Now that I've had time to scrap the kids off the ceiling, were they landed after all the sweet stuff, I have time for a quick post.

We had fun for Halloween Anya was a Faerie of course, Lila wanted to be a "white bird" and Annette said "I want to be a Chipmunk!". I made the little gals costumes out of hoodie sweatshirts to wear over their clothes to stay toasty for our downtown trick or treating. I love how Lila's turned out.

Paul was Martin Luther for the reformation party. I had him carry a dish of gummy worms, so he could be Martin Luther and the Diet of Worms. For those not familiar with reformation history, he was tried at the Diet of Worms for posting his 95 thesis against the Catholic Church. Very cool history, I recomend looking into it.

Isn't October Fun?

2009-10-03T18:11:00.000-07:00

Cousin Camp!

2009-09-20T20:13:00.000-07:00

The summer was winding down, what better way to send off the hazy lazy days than by celebrating with cousin camp! Lead by my fearless aunt this was the first year of what we all hope to be an annual event. Our fabulous camp leaders not only opened their beautiful lodge for all of the little campers, but held contests, games and provided the campers with a water park and, wild wood bear hunt! If that was not enough the food would bring you back for more! A five star chef provided BBQ and the peach pie was out of this world. Each camper walked away wanting more and confident in their new found skills and friendships strengthened though their experience. In other words a wonderful time was had by all!

Our Favorite Books To Read On A Fall Day

2009-09-18T20:42:00.000-07:00

We LOVE read at our house. The girls think books are the best way to to cuddle up and spend an afternoon. I love all books, however children's books have always held a special place in my heart. Here are just some of our favorites:

Frances, books by Russell Hoban and Illustrated by Lillian Hoban. (The language and turn of phrase makes the stories a favorite of kids and parents alike. Paul and I have these at the top of our list!)

Arthur, books by Lillian Hoban. (These are great, I Can Read Books, for beginners)

Little Bear, by Else Holmelund Minarik, Pictures by Maurice Sendak. (A series of gentle and charming stories illustrated by Maurice Sendak, need I say more?)

Amelia Bedelia, by Peggy Parrish. (This is another great series that the kids find quite funny.)

Frog and Toad Are Friends, by Arnold Lobel.

Hot Potato Mealtime Rhymes, by Neil Philip. (A new favorite.)

The Little House Series, by Laura Ingalls Wilder. (We read these again and again and even listen to them in the car; they are much beloved. The girls like to call themselves Mary, Laura and Baby Carrie and my, how those personalities match up!)

All books by Laura Numeroff, If You Give a Pig a Pancake, is my favorite.

Fancy Nancy, by Jane O'Connor, written by a mother of all boys! (These are books that scream: Wear a tutu while you read me! My girls LOVE them.)

How I Became a Pirate, by Melinda Long. (Almost all pirate books are welcome in our house, this one is extra good.)

Happy Birthday My Little Pirate!

2009-09-14T10:58:00.000-07:00

Lila celebrated her birthday pirate style! Friends and family joined our crew as we claimed Grandma and Grandpa"s Sandbar as our own pirate island to hunt for real buried treasure and some serious sword fights! Lila was Captain Jack Sparrow, Anya was Elizabeth Swan and Annette was Baby Jones of Baby Jones locker. Although her sisters wanted to dress her up as the kracken. She said "NO! I Baby Jones!" hence her take on the infamous Davey Jones and his locker. And let me tell you she was one tough pirate!

A Summers Worth of Pictures

2009-09-14T09:47:00.000-07:00

Here are some of our favorite summer moments, we had a great time swimming, playing with cousins, uncles, aunts, grandmas, and grandpas.

One memorable trip was to Hurricane Ridge for the girls first hike. After FOUR trips to the bathroom, and a picnic lunch followed by another bathroom trip we made the hike. And it was great fun! There were deer, chipmunks, and grouse to be seen and chocolate in our pockets to keep us going, we couldn't have asked for better. We even made it back in time for another bathroom break. It was evidently the girls favorite spot, although Paul and I preferred the views.

As always the summer went way too fast, and we didn't get everything in but it gives us something to look forward to next year.

My Eyes

2009-07-23T21:27:00.000-07:00

Hello there. Its been awhile however I have a good reason this time: I couldn't see!

In May I came down with Irititus Uvitis, a fun name to say less fun to have happen to you. The cells in my eyes were inflamed and while I could see somewhat it was like having lotion in my eyes or living in a smokey world. To top it off the treatments were steroid drops, not a problem, and keeping my eyes dilated 24/7 with drops, not as easy, and some herbs that taste, I swear, just like dirt. All of a sudden I couldn't focus or go out into the light without sunglasses and guaranteed headache. My kids faces were blurs, I couldn't see to take care of injuries or read to them, and cooking became extra fun. (Are those carrots I'm chopping? How hot is the oven?) Reading wasn't possible except for the hour before my next round of drops and if I tried really hard. I did find the joys of large print and have a whole new appreciation for the elderly and their sight issues. My mother bless her became my driver, and Dad the babysitter for my numerous doctor visits.

I am happy to say as of this week I now have a clean bill of health and only have to see the eye doctor if this pops up again or for a normal checkup. I started going to our local Acupuncture and wellness clinic for Chinese medicine and herbal treatments the day after my diagnosis and that's an interesting experience unto itself, I know it's been helpful, even my eye doctor and his family go to the same place! So going through one of my worst fears (losing my eyesight) it took a small army to help me, but God is good and life is back on track. Bring on the books, and let the adventures begin!

Quick, quick before April is really over: A little news from the zoo

2009-04-29T15:49:00.000-07:00

I have been a bit remiss about posting lately, The blog has been still, but the zoo is a busy little place. The weather here has been fine and we have started back with our walks to the park to air out. The girls are excited to be back and not to bundle up for a day out, and I loved how worn out we all are after our outings.

March brought many fun moments and seemed to fly because of it. Anya's Birthday was a fun day, we went to the Dancing Brush Art Studio to paint teacups with our friends and Grandpa took some great photos I will post soon. There was also a kite making party at church, followed by a kite flying picnic, I missed the picnic because Annette was under the weather, but I hear that the gals were in their element running around like crazies trying to get their kites to fly. Again Papa has pictures, they will be up soon.

As April dashed in we celebrated Easter and Lila accepted the Lord into her heart in Sunday school, I am her teacher and it was very special to help her as she came to an understanding of God's great gift to us, His Son. We rounded out our day with an Easter egg hunt and party at Grandma Teri and Papa Mark's house. Annette is just sure that chocolate should be the main staple in her diet, she can't help it's in her blood.

Lila asked the other day if broccoli was good for her she said: "It's full of vitamin seeds isn't it mom?
Also said by Lila: "You know God, and Jesus and the Holy spirit?... They're just really great guys."

Also, I almost forgot, Annette is daytime diaper free!!! This is a great day for me, and we're all doing the happy dance at the zoo. That kid will do anything for chocolate!

Happy Birthday Anya!

2009-03-16T12:24:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday, my big seven year old!

Daddy and I are so proud of you and all your adventures. You make us smile, laugh, always keep us on our toes and are the helper we could not do without. You ask the funniest questions sometimes, Daddy is still trying to explain to you what air quotes are.

We love you more than you know.

On Babies and Chocolate

2009-03-10T12:22:00.001-07:00

I was rocking my youngest little one to sleep last night, thinking of everything that needed to be accomplished before my day was over, and the new book that was waiting for me; when it hit me that of all the times in my life this was one that I needed to 'be in the moment' for. There she was all snuggled in asking me to sing to her, just wanting to be with her mommy for a little bit before her day was done, and I was only thinking of what lay on the other side of the door.

Life had been busier than usual for the past couple of weeks, and I was still in high gear. My only thought was get this kid to bed so I can have a little peace. Sometimes we mommies do need that and just getting through the day is running a never ending marathon of diapers, dishes, school work and balancing all those little personalities, it can be a wonderful thing to let Daddy take over. But the reality was last night that Annette needed me a little longer and it had been a quiet day, in comparison to the past week, I just really wanted to get to other things.

Thinking about it again makes me feel rotten. Why was I in such a hurry??? I know how fast kids grow. After all it was shocking just a month ago that Anya had lost her two front teeth and would be turning seven soon. When did that little girl get so big? Anya was just the one I was singing to and rocking to sleep. Too soon that would be Lila so big, then Annette, what was I doing? The house was a mess sure, but that's often the case with kids and it would be there waiting for me. (when do messy houses disappear?) The book is good, but is it as nice as a warm baby playing with your hair?

At least I can say that this story has a warm and fuzzy ending. Instead of ignoring the transient babyhood that lay in my arms I was reawaken in that moment to the opportunity at hand. There was a bit a babyhood still left in Annette and I would take full advantage of it! It only took a few minutes of rocking and singing before she was sound asleep, very happy and peaceful, and I still had most of my night left, and my priorities right.

Holding her reminded me that babies are like the very best kind of chocolate, the kind you would love to just gobble up and gorge yourself on, but that are really best enjoyed slowly, one at a time making the experience last as long as possible, the dark chocolate truffle moments of life. A clean house is great and a good book is even better, more like a Hershey's bars moment, absolutely yummy in their own right but always available and cheap to get. Babies however are luxuries not to be taken lightly.

I am grateful for the time I am given to spend with these beautiful girls, and how each stage is its own treasure. My house will be clean when I'm old and the books will still be there waiting for me. But I know that the memories of snuggles on a cold night, babies round bottoms , warm breath, sticky hands and time well spent with little ones will still be savored.

From Hospitality to Hospitalization in 24 hours

2009-03-04T13:16:00.000-08:00

In my last post I was talking about hospitality being followed by hospitalization in the dictionary, and that I don't like to mix the two in real life but that is just what happened last weekend. Now before you leap to conclusions I did not do anything to my guests that required them to need medical treatment, as far as I know they are all in robust health and are just as well as when we broke bread with them.

The same can not be said for my husband Paul. Two weeks before our dinner party he noticed something wasn't quite right and mentioned to me that his abdomen "felt squishy and what did a hernia look like?". Now I have plenty of experience with squishy tummies, three big babies have a tendency to make mommy a 'bit soft' and not just in the head, but a hernia???
This was definitely new ground for us both, I had him call his doctor who he visited a week later and found that it was indeed a hernia, and because Paul thought the other side "felt funny too" it could possible be a double H.

Now I know that this isn't a major medical situation and that it's easily fixed, but when there is something wrong with Daddy our world grinds to a halt. Paul owns his own business and is the whole show right now so if he isn't working there goes our income. Also we have three young girls that like to be held and wrestle with their daddy.

A hernia ???

This was going to be a challenge. Thankfully we have a heavenly Father up to that challenge and we prayed and so did our family and friends.

Paul's surgery was scheduled for the following Monday (After our Love One Another night) and it went really well. As it turns out he had two really big hernias and it was a good thing he went in, he is recovering now and with the help of my 'always there and will drop anything to help you brother Paul' he is back at work just 48 hours later just a little sore, but getting better. No more squishy tummy.
P. S. The word that directly follows herniate in the dictionary? It's: Hero, go figure.

A Hospitable Moment

2009-03-01T22:02:00.000-08:00

"Hospitality: the cordial and generous reception of guests. "

In the Dictionary this word is followed by "Hospitalization: The act of putting a person in a hospital as a patient." It's really funny the way words work sometimes, those words were just placed together because of alphabetical order, but for some of us it seems as if it might be telling us more. A warning perhaps.

My goal is to avoid putting them together myself.

I enjoy having people to my home, really I do. I also stress out for a week or so before, clean like a mad woman and dream possible entertaining scenarios in my head (good and bad), clean some more, obsess over what to serve to my guests and most likely involve my mother and most recently my Aunt.

OK, the cleaning is going to happen no matter what. I have three busy, creative, imaginative, fast little gals at home, all the time, and one husband. They can all be a trifle messy and it really adds up fast. Rooms can be clean one minute and faster than I would have ever thought humanly possible there is a mess a again. (I tell myself its a cleaner mess, please don't argue with me here, it's all I've got.) I will say that although they make bigger messes the older they get they can also kind of clean them up too, if it is brought to their attention.

The food can also be fun if you like to think of your guests as guinea pigs, however that is rarely a good idea if you like the people coming over, and want to see them again. I do, so I try to serve something I know well and have practiced before or am familiar with. Again trying not to bring hospitality and hospitalization together. My Uncle, whenever he is in town, makes these really wonderful green chili enchiladas that are dreamt about while he is away. This is what I attempted to make this weekend , or rather a version of them, for my guests, and after a call to my afore mentioned aunt while in the midst of frying the tortillas, they turned out well. Not as good and Uncle Greg and Aunt Cheryl's but they were a tasty representation of the real thing.

All this comes to the blog because we have had Love One Another month at our church. It was a month to focus on getting to know the unfamilar faces around us and to find ways of showing love to all those around us. To finish the month we had a satellite supper where host families invite those in the church they don't know well into their homes in an effort to get to know each other over dinner; after which we all meet at the church for pie and to further mix and meet.
This was a GREAT idea and TONS of fun, we spent time with folks we normally just say "Hi" to on our way to the cookie table and the people we know well. I went out on a limb and signed up to host. It was a lot of work for an initially shy person like myself (My family members are laughing at me now saying Alisha shy?? Keep in mind I have ALWAYS known you.) and it was good to stretch out of my comfort zone. My family feels a sense of accomplishment and there are now new friends and good memories with older ones. I was taught as a child to be a servant of others, to put their needs ahead of my own, and only sometimes succeed in that, but being a servant to all is the key to loving one another isn't it? That is the essence of Hospitality.

"Dear friends let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whosoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through Him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins." I John 4:7-10

A Fine Arrangement

2009-02-21T14:46:00.000-08:00

Hello my name is Alisha and I am addicted to rearranging furniture.

I am an addict. Its true, and I am really not ashamed of it, but there it is: I'm an addict, I love moving furniture around trying new things and then sometimes moving them right back again.

I do come by this naturally, and I blame my mother primarily, however there are others who share in the blame as well. To make matters worse I'm passing this (some say sickness, yes Paul I am talking to you) down to my daughter who shows signs of greatness at an early age, rearranging her room before she was two.

My mother loves furniture and decorating, it's one of the things that just makes her tick and she's good at it; the first thing she sees in a room is placement of furniture and all the other ways it could be arranged. Some people look for emergency exits my mother looks at the arrangement of the room. She could get trapped during an earthquake, but would give at least three alternate room designs while waiting to be rescued. It's not the quality or style of the furniture that she is looking for because she sees the potential for everything and has a great imagination, but the arrangement of the room is what counts. It's no wonder I grew up thinking like that as well: rooms were made to change.

It always started with a simple request and we would be off and decorating. Mom would say: "Honey could you help me move this sofa? Oh and we will need your brother too, we need to get this done before Daddy gets home." I remember after helping her drag chairs and straighten rugs, add lamps and fluff pillows I would go to my own room and start moving things around, and now my daughter is in on the act as well.

When Anya was two and a half and I was as big as a cruise ship and due at any minute to have our second baby I attempted to move the living room furniture around. It seemed like an good plan at the time, and there was no way I was waiting for Paul to come home to talk him into his least favorite activity.
All I remember is crying because the sofa wouldn't budge and calling out, "Anya help mommy, I can't move the couch." and then after trying in vain to move the thing we gave up on the room to watch Winnie the pooh curled up on a crooked sofa in the middle of the room. But that was all it took and she was hooked, Anya felt like she was part of the team. When rearranging the furniture several years later she came up with her own floor plan carefully drawn out for me to follow, (Something I never, do but her Grandma Teri has been known to hanker after graph paper.) and proceeded to direct her father in moving things around.

She is a natural, just like her grandmother.

As for her sisters they show potential, just the other day Lila said "Mommy its time to move, I'm bored with this house." And so it begins.

Teething Pains

2009-02-07T23:22:00.000-08:00

Anya lost her two front teeth. It was a very exciting event and they were also the first teeth that came out with out hysterical crying from Anya after it was over. Yeah!!! Although I almost lost it.

Anya calmly took out the first front tooth with a little help and everything was going well, the tooth fairy came, we struck our usual deal, (She leaves the teeth for Mommy but rewards Anya for her hard work.) and went about as normal. But then the second tooth became dangerously loose, there was concern that if we left if hanging around in that condition Anya may never eat again! So Anya worked at it and in the end had Mommy do the dirty work and we removed the tooth. Team work, Anya was happy and for a minute so was I.
Then it came to me that was THE TOOTH, the tooth that took my sweet gummy baby into a smiler with the pearly whites.
All of a sudden I was back to that moment, the very moment that it occurred to Paul and I our tiny baby was teething, her gums hurt sure, but it was a reminder that time moves on whether or not you are ready for it. I had loved that gummy toothless smile, it was the cutest thing you have ever seen, and now it was changing, and it gave me an odd ache. The same ache that I felt when, I packed away her newborn clothes while crying that she wouldn't wear that very onsie again. I know to some of you that might seem silly and I know that I can be a bit, OK at times quite, emotional. However I would think that most of you moms out there know what I'm talking about in some way, perhaps you handle it with more grace. I cry over the milestones, happy to see progress but sad to let some thing go. ( I even cried over Anya's last diaper) Anyway there I was again crying (in my heart, not wanting to freak Anya out) about a tooth, the tooth that started it all, when I remembered a poem that I'm sure some of you know that tells us to stop and smell the baby lotion, savor the loose teeth and all those little finger prints. I'm putting it on the blog and writing about all of this to remind all of us busy mommies caught in our days to stop what your doing, and give a cuddle, listen to a story, take a mental picture for tomorrow, :
Cleaning and scrubbing can wait 'till tomorrow for children grow we've learned to our sorrow. So quiet down cobwebs... dust go to sleep. I'm rocking my baby and babies don't keep.

I have come to terms that her smile is changing and am so excited by the new things that come around, like reading to her sisters, riding a two wheeler, and trying to tell jokes, motherhood is never boring that's for sure. I just might need a box of tissues that's all.

On Birthdays and Bowling

2009-01-19T20:51:00.000-08:00

Here are a few pictures of my birthday, it started with a trip to the bowling alley with our church for our annual bowling party. It was a great day and all the girls had fun, Annette even had a tiny pair of bowling shoes to wear, Lila bowling was a constant source of laughter as her ball would meander down the lane taking, I kid you not, a full minute to go down the lane. It even stopped once and came back at us for a lack of any real momentum. It was a great time spent with friends that feel more like family. And to wrap it up with a trip to McDonald's with pastor Andy and his wife 'miss' Nancy. It was then time for naps to party hard at Mamma Teri and Pappa Mark's house for a birthday party. Mom made a yummy whip cream cake with cherries and it was gobbled up with glee by her granddaughters and all the rest. Birthdays are great especially when you have people you love to spend it with.

Fred the Cat: Post Script

2009-01-19T19:22:00.000-08:00

Another cat story, I promise the last one for awhile, its really about some of the people in my life but without the cat there would be no story.

After church on Sunday we came home to beautiful weather and after putting the two youngest girls to bed for naps, Anya and Paul decided to go on a bike ride. Great, thought I this is my moment for a little quiet time and proceeded to enjoy my day. Little did I know the drama to come my way.

There I was sitting quietly on the sofa when in comes Anya agitated and distraught and Paul was close behind feeling about the same way. Well it turns out that while on the bike ride they were enjoying they saw a sign looking for a lost cat. Anya and Paul told me it has a stripey tail and it looks just like Fred. I thought that sounded great we could help Fred find his home. But they were both upset and didn't really want to lose the cat, but agree calling the owner was the right thing to do. Then it was time to get everyone ready for evening church and I didn't give it another thought in the hubbub of herding our family. Paul however was still thinking about losing Fred and on the way to church took a detour and brought me to the sign in a neighboring street

So while my family sat waiting for me to give the verdict, was it Fred , I went to look at the sign. When I returned to the car I found them all (OK Annette had no idea what was going on) holding their collective breaths: I announced OK folks its not Fred unless Fred was covered in stripes from head to tail and I missed something that was definitely not him.

I haven't seen Paul that relieved in a long time, he still had his cat.

Fred the Cat

2009-01-17T16:07:00.000-08:00

We have a cat, or really there is a cat that has us. We were chosen. This December during the big freeze of 2008 a cat appeared at our door looking sad and pitiful without a collar in the 19 degree weather. You try ignoring a cat when it is freezing outside, I am not a cat person I really like dogs better on the whole, but even I was taken by this little furball. I mean it was COLD outside and there Fred was, yes I named it Fred, looking up at us shivering. Well OK not shivering more purring like crazy and waiting for us to do something, and we did! A bed was found, cream was poured and the cat pronounced ours by the little girls. We explained to the gals that the cat was most likely lost or just visiting, and that we were just helping take care of one of God's little creatures. Fred stayed with us on the front porch for several days, until the neighbor girl came for her cat. Yeah! We now knew that Fred had a family and we didn't have to worry.

And then Fred came back looking for company and food. Everyday when the family next door goes off to their jobs and school Fred comes over and stares at us through the glass keeping up with what the family is up to, and begging for food. ( he now has his own dish and still has the bed we set up for him on that first cold day.) And sometime at night he goes home to his real family. Still no collar but we're pretty sure we know he belongs over there.

Its great the girls have a cat to pet and talk to, and he goes home at night. He even hunts and that is great for us ( see post Mouse: Friend or Foe?) the best kind of pet for us right now.

Hello New Year!

2009-01-06T17:01:00.000-08:00

I'll start by saying Happy New Year, and no I have not made any resolutions. Not that I am not striving everyday to improve myself, because most days I am trying, but that just keeping up with my kids really keeps me busy enough and being a mother of young active children is really like being in a refiners fire on most days. And I love every minute, even the hard ones.
One thing I am doing as a continuation of last year is to work on frugality and becoming more aware of what we use and how it affects our live health and budget. Really we are just trying to go back to the way things used to be done, things that were good for us, healthy and productive. With Paul's business we have become more environmentally friendly with the products he uses and that has happened for the past few years into our home use as well. I have come to think that one of the best things in the world is baking soda, is there anything it can't clean? Probably, but I haven't found it yet! (If any of you have any great "green" and cost saving cleaning tips let me know I'm always looking for more. And if you are interested in what I am doing and have tried let me know.) I have once again embraced baking into my life and enjoying making bread and all sorts of different things from scratch. (Any great bean recipes out there??)
No resolutions this year but plenty of goals old and new to fulfill, children to chase after, and dreams to follow.

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-28T15:36:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas! I hope this finds you well and happy, as we are this holiday.

Our Christmas started with a bang of the door and Anya running in to announce that Christmas had arrived and Santa had come! She was so excited, and quickly her sisters followed behind to wake up the house and rip open their gifts. The gals were also happy that my brother Paul spent the night to experience the Christmas spirit with the girls, it was a pretty busy, fun morning for all. After all that we still were to head over the river and through the woods to Grandmothers house for 2nd Christmas. We had and will have four Christmases total when Paul's folks returned home from their Arizona Christmas, and when my Aunt Cheryl and Uncle Greg come to their Washington beach home for the holiday and to bring tamale Christmas, the girls like all these parties and they think this should happen every day. So the Christmas party goes on and the spirit remains, but I think it might be time for a nap.

Happy Birthday Annette

2008-12-18T14:08:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday little one whose favorite color is: yellow. Hard to believe two years have gone by , you've grown teeth and wings, through the house and up those stairs you can fly, and you're talking all the time. What a busy girl God has blessed us with and we thank him everyday. We love you very much Annette June!

Disneyland Pictures at Last!

2008-12-18T12:44:00.000-08:00

Here it is December and snowing and I am just posting our vacation pictures now, however keep in mind that I live in a ZOO. Our trip was fun and warm! We left our home on a cold morning and arrived in California's 80 degree sunshine just in time for my baby brothers wedding rehearsal. We had a great time the girls were very fine "Wedding Girls" and the bride was beautiful, it was quite a party! After partying their little hearts out at Uncle Tristan and Aunt Brittney's nuptials the girls were ready for: DISNEYLAND.

DISNEYLAND!!!! is really how the words appeared in my mind as we drove up to the Disneyland hotel, entered the park and even now as I sit in 26 degree weather watching the snow coming down. It's my favorite place to go and I know the girls, and my Aunt Patty agree: It's fun fun fun. Lila loves rides that are fast and wet is even better, she even went up to meet the pirate Captain Jack Sparrow after he followed her around! Anya preferred the more mellow rides this year although splash mountain and the Grizzly river ride were favorites for both. Annette of course loved Winnie the Pooh and the Carousel. The girls went to the Princess lunch and brought along Mamma and Papa and their parents. It was a highlight for them to visit with all the Princesses and wear their princess dresses. In the end it was hard to leave, as Anya told us crying in the bath the night before departure, and plans are already in the works for the next trip to the "Happiest Place on Earth".

What Happened??? or Time Flies When You're Having Fun

2008-10-18T19:39:00.000-07:00

It was the start of September and everything was going well, things were on track. Come to think of it that should have been my first warning that storms of activities were approaching fast. Here I am in the middle of October and getting ready to head down to my baby brother's wedding and Disneyland; and I keep thinking that the past month has zoomed by. My kids are thrilled, I mean Disneyland can't come soon enough and Brittany, my brother Tristan's bride, asked them to be flower girls. ( They call themselves the wedding girls) So the little ladies are over the moon as you can imagine. As fast as this month and a half passed life did happen and here is what we have been up to at the Anunson Zoo.

Tristan and Brittany came for a visit and we all went to Camano for my cousins wedding, Norwegian dance started for Anya and I'm helping teach this year, Dad came over with a builder and helped take care of some much needed repairs and improvements to our house, and installed our new windows for us. THANKS DAD!!!! Shopping for the trip and a big project for me: making princess dresses for the girls to wear to the princess lunch, loads of pink tulle, organza and Tylenol. (Check in later for pictures and stories.) That last one I finished just in time to send the dresses down to California with my folks as they are taking all the bags down early on the train with them. Big relief to have the dresses and the packing done. One of the fun things things were my Aunts coming to visit they came at different times and it was so fun to see each one and their hubbies that came too! Two are coming on the trip with us which should be lots of fun. Aunt Patty is as excited as the girls and me about Disneyland, and that is really saying something as we can hardly sleep for the excitement of it.
There were a bunch of other things that happened as well in between but I'll stop with that. My computer is running slow today but I will try to add some pictures later, until then keep reading!

Next Up: Our Grand California Adventure

First Day Of School

2008-09-04T12:11:00.000-07:00

Our first day of school is now under our belts and this year is off to a great start! Anya jumped right in, with Lila following right behind and, bless her, Annette was coloring her little heart out trying to keep up with her big sisters. I love the smell of newly sharpened pencils and the sound of little brains spinning with work. Fall is my favorite time of year!

Happy Birthday Lila!

2008-09-02T16:16:00.000-07:00

Just a few picures of the birthday girl. We Love You Lila!

Mouse: Friend or FOE

2008-08-20T21:00:00.000-07:00

I have a mouse in my house. It sound like the first line in a great children's book right? Unfortunately for me it is true. I awoke around 4:30 yesterday morning to the sound of gnawing coming through my ceiling and the pitter patter of little feet. (Oh how I wish they had come from one of the kids.) After waking Paul from a sound sleep to confirm my fears and telling him to call Marty our nice exterminator friend. We lay there trying to block out the thought of a mouse above our heads, and I started thinking about the story of "Pa" in Little Town on the Prairie dreaming of getting his hair cut, only to find out a mouse was shearing away, creating a bald spot. Not a good place to go. So I started thinking of our upcoming trip to Disneyland home of the most famous mouse on the planet. It occurred to me then that old Donald had gotten kind of a raw deal. I mean what would you rather have in your home, Mickey and Minnie making a nest in your walls filling them with baby mice, or a cute duck padding around quacking. Donald should have better publicists. Of course I then started thinking (as can only happen in the wee smalls) about the other popular Disney characters staying in your home:

Cinderella : A princess who no longer does floors, helps mice escape, invites them to stay and makes clothes for them. Sorry princess you will have to stay with someone else.

Snow White: Same deal only she also invites questionable strangers into your house when you turn your back.

Sleeping Beauty: Name says it all : the gal who naps all day, harmless but really no help.

Tinker Bell: Often cranky she flies around spreading dust. I have enough of that already thank you very much!

I'm sure I could think of more, but you get the idea. Despite it all they are still my favorite characters, and I kind of prefer them to Donald, only because he was given a difficult roll to play opposite a really lucky mouse.

A Smattering of Summer

2008-08-18T15:21:00.000-07:00

Just a few pictures this time, we are trying to squeeze in all the fun summer activities when the sun is out. Its been a little wet and dark this year so as soon as the sun shines we drag out the pool or head to Grandma's. We had our cousin Jessica with us for a little bit and the girls think that she has hung the moon! As you can see they want to do everything she does. Jess had three shadows anytime we were around.

What, its the end of July already???

2008-07-30T14:44:00.000-07:00

I can hardly believe July is almost over. I remember the "lazy days of summer" when I was little the summers lasted forever, now it seems like a blip on the radar. This entry is going to be a bit a mish-mash of July, I had trouble downloading photos before and it delayed things a bit. July started well with our 8th anniversary, we had a rare date night going to dinner at Elliot's Oyster House in Seattle. Yummy, and no we didn't have the oysters, but Paul ordered a choppino that was as beautiful as it tasted. I had wild mushroom ravioli with dungeness crab and asparagus, in a cream sauce, my favorite however was our starter of steamed clams sauted with chorizo and bathed in a buttery, brothy, cream sauce. I could have had that and been perfectly happy. Unfortunately no pictures as it was devoured before the camera could go off.

We had fireworks at our church party that the kids thoroughly enjoyed, and the 4th of July parade and Tiny Town in Kingston. The Pictures above are some from Tiny Town, pony rides face painting, arts and crafts, bouncy rides and go carts all part of the fun that day. We Had Fun! To top it all off we had a Lemonade stand at Grandma Teri's that day and our Cousins were with us to to celebrate that night. Too fun, and that was just how the month started with a bang!

Hanging on in the midst of a whirl wind summer!

Alisha

Ice Cream Dreamin'

2008-07-08T17:04:00.001-07:00

My gals spend the summer months straining to hear the sweet sound that one only hears from May to September: The twinkling song of the Ice Cream Lady. No other song stirs them so well, makes their little hearts swell than the strains of "Here we go round the mulberry bush" emanating from the little jeep running through the neighborhood. And to be truthful they come by is quite honestly, their parents run to meet her as well. Of course that is the most exciting form of ice cream: the stuff that come right to your house when you least expect it. The gals also go gaga for the hunt. "I see ice cream!" we hear it in every town we go through every visit to grandma's house, Costco, or as they go rummaging through the freezer. When in doubt with what to eat they suggest very coyly "Ice cream is aways good. They're right it is always good.

Lemonade Anyone?

2008-06-23T14:28:00.000-07:00

SUMMER IS HERE!

We celebrated the first day of summer by having lemonade stand! It all started with Anya's desire to have her own lemonade stand to raise money for our upcoming trip to Disneyland to buy souvenirs. I thought that, while this was a great idea, she could donate some of her earnings to the local food bank: Fishline. Then Daddy found in the paper one day that Crayons Lemonade was giving away stands and lemonade to 1,000 kids across the nation, with all the proceeds from the stands to go to the charity of the child's choice. So we signed up and received our lemonade and stand and we were off! Instead if making money for herself she donated to Fishline and had a great time doing it. Even Lila got into the act calling out "Fresh Lemonade, nice and tasty." when it was her turn at the stand. We will still let her have a stand for Disneyland, but I think this was a great way to kick off Anya's entrepreneurial career. The kids also had a great time that day 'helping' at our church's car wash for and upcoming missions trip. All in all it was a full but fun way for our family to celebrate Midsommer.

Snow In June

2008-06-11T16:56:00.000-07:00

My Children.

You would never know by looking at them, that these sweet little things could cause such havoc, and bring a chill down the spine of their mother. Yes, kids are known to create the occasional messes here and there, to be picked up quickly before naps and bedtime. But what I'm talking about is the atomic bomb kind of mess that happens fast, and when you're least expecting it.

It all started when I decided to clean out our laundry room. Nothing had really happened to organize this space since we moved in, besides the quick clean for sanitary purposes we had been giving it. This was our least remembered room, and in a fit of desperation for space and organization to bring peace and clarity to my laundry time, I dug in. Little did I know so did the kids. All three of them playing for all they were worth, and never once looking back, or putting anything away. The little darlings had a really good time. Well, I did get the laundry room clean and much more functional; now all I have to do is plan my strategy well and hope I can finish the playroom by morning. My mother has a plaque on her wall the says: "Cleaning the house while children are growing, is like shoveling the walk while its still snowing." In my case it can feel like a blizzard, but that's OK, because I know when I was a little girl there was nothing better than the occasional snow storm. Just like clean is good for the soul, a little mess is good for the spirit.

I'll be back, but for now I have to find the baby.

Alisha

And A Good Time Was Had By All

2008-06-09T11:15:00.000-07:00

Ah, Spring! Time to start enjoying all the outdoors has to offer, the kids clamor to get out of the house and the beach calls our name. SO we go, Paul and I bundle up the kids , grab extra towels, clothes, jackets and of course ski hats, jump in the zoo mobile and head for our favorite spot:

Fort Warden beach.

A quick trip to the store for sandwiches, and we are off for a glorious day at the beach. After a lunch hastily eaten, the girls made a beeline for the water, as only northwest kids do. Who cares if it is only around 50 degrees outside and the sun isn't out, we are at the beach!!! Thank goodness for rubber boots, and polar fleece.

Alisha

Changing the World, One Diaper at a Time

2008-06-06T11:38:00.000-07:00

Hello, I have a new way to find my blog @ mybeautifulzoo.com. Paul, my husband and head Lion at the zoo, made the link with the intent to add it to his business web site: http://shinebydesign.com/.

A little info about my zoo: We are a family of five. Dad is as mentioned before the lion of the family, I am head zoo keeper, and all that entails. We have three beautiful little girls, Anya a giraffe, Lila the monkey, and our little koala bear Annette, all sweet, funny and very busy. Ages six, three, and 18 months.
This past year has been a fun one. I am a teacher who "retired" to start a family, and just downsize to a smaller class size of diverse age, and needs. My class goes everywhere with me. I mean that quite literally as most mothers can attest, how many of us have had an interrupted shower or bathroom break? We have classes in everything: from the basic three R's, to cooking classes for all ages, car detailing, art, gardening, child care, decorating, religion and politics. You get the idea. Our kids are our life, teaching them is what we do, with some very funny results... After talking about the stars one day, how to find the big dipper etc. Lila our three year old said: "Look mommy, I see the big diaper!".
It is so exciting to see them learn; I had a thrill when Anya read her first book to me, and with Lila learning her letter sounds we are well on our way to another reader. I look forward to the day they join me in our own Jane Austin book club. I already have them hooked on the movies.

More to come later, but the zoo calls.

Alisha

Hello

2008-06-04T16:41:00.000-07:00

Today I find myself doing something a bit out of character for someone that never kept a journal, or even checks her email. I have started a blog. Deciding to step out of my comfort zone, like starting at the gym, and taking kickboxing class, I am once again starting something new this year, and must be crazy. Three kids, a house to remodel, homeschooling, potty training, a husband with his own business that is expanding, and trying to go even "greener". I am crazy, but stepping out of your box can be fun.

Speaking of potty training I have just discovered a new method: "The Dolly In A Box". My three year old Lila, the monkey in my zoo, has found herself too distracted with playing to stop and take the refreshing break so needed to keeping pants dry. Ah, motivation is needed and as princesses are beloved around here, we bought her a sleeping beauty doll. The closest thing to barbie these girls will ever have. It worked, after some tweaking, she will drop anything to visit the bathroom for her "dolly in a box". I love that little doll.

Crazy or not here I go,

The Zoo Master: Alisha