12of12 | April

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01. It's her ritual to wake up every morning and head straight for the fridge. Problem is she stands there, for who knows how long, trying to decide what to have for breakfast.

02. Sweet Lola was not feeling well today and slept from 9pm-12:30pm, but once she was awake she did not stop.

03. I had this weird moment while at Target when I found this cute shirt (i mostly just loved the colors) and realized it was really something I should be buying for Bella and not me. Now that I have a teenager who fits in the junior section where I am suppose to shop??

04. Tess and her friends blowing bubbles. Something Lola couldn't get enough of.

05. I was in my car a lot today. My usual target/costco run, plus many others.

06. I've just started reading this book, The Fire Starter Sessions by Danielle LaPorte. My friend Gerri told me about it and I looking forward to it kicking me in the butt.

07. While we sat and ate pizza I couldn't help, but notice his cute springy striped socks.

08. When there is a party with face painting Megan is the first one in line. She is determined to keep it on for her first soccer game tomorrow too.

09. Adam and I ventured out for a walk with the puppy. Truth be told we weren't able to get as far as we wanted, but we went farther than we ever had. Maybe a mile round trip?? The puppy is not a walker.

10. Finding signs spring along the way.

11. Bella and a few of her girlfriends enjoying the sunset.

12. Family movie night in bed. We didn't fit very well, but I sure enjoyed listening to them laugh.

I can't believe we are already four months into 2013. I must admit, it is nice having the winter, sort of, behind us. I'm ready for the change.

Hope it was another fantastic day. Happy Weekend!!

light | 04/52

I watch this little guy on Tuesdays and must say, his sweet calming spirit has the ability to add so much light, not only to my day, but to the girls as well.

We've loved having him around.

the party

We wanted Bella to have a party she wouldn't soon forget so we decided to have Adam create one of his elaborate scavenger hunts. He does this on a whim all the time for our girls, creating demanding clues (he desperately wants them think), which usually includes the feelings fear, humor, and fun. He was excited for the challenge. It took way more work than I ever thought (he got so into it making a map, clues, getting neighbors involved, etc.), but as we soon found out it was well worth it.





He had the girls trekking around the neighborhood, entering backyards looking for clues (we talked to all of our neighbors ahead of time, but they didn't know that), big dogs to create fear, mazes, deciphering riddles and even french.



He had them calling grandparents, looking for clues online, using a compass, climbing trees, working through mathematical equations, and sabotaging innocent candies with sour. I think that was his favorite part and too bad he didn't get to see their reaction -- not even I got the full reaction, but heard afterward how disgusting it was.




Of course it all ended with a treasure box full of girly treasures they had to unearth.



She said it was her best birthday yet -- somehow i don't doubt it.

It's sure is good to be twelve!

twelve

sweet bella. we love you and know that if you stay the way you are, you'll always find what you're looking for.

happy birthday!

12of12 | March

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01. I love the quality of light in the mornings.
02. Yes, she is always this excited to head off to school -- and by school I mean being with friends.
03. A month or so ago Megan did a FHE lesson on what makes your heart happy. We each had to draw it on a paper heart and when we had finished and shared with each other she promptly taped them on the wall. I look at our collection of hearts several times a day and each time I can't help, but smile.
04. Monday = laundry
05. While walking out from the grocery store I noticed this very loud distinct sound of fabric flapping in the breeze. I love our flag, especially on a windy day when it's begging to be noticed.
06. Working on Bella's birthday party invites. Took me twice as long since my printer decided today of all days to stop working. bleh!
07. I asked her to try on this new dress. I shouldn't have been surprised when she pulled out her itouch and took a photo. When I asked her what she was doing she said, "I'm trying to decided if I want to wear it with a black t-shirt or cardigan."
08. Every Monday I add more socks to the I-don't-have-a-match-pile.
09. Megan had a dentist appointment right after school. NO cavities!
10. I took a little stroll moments before the girls came home from school. Sadly everything is still pretty brown -- don't know why a few days of good weather would change that. However, this little patch of yellow caught my eye on my way back. Spring is bound to come.
11. The weather has been so good the girls haven't wanted to do anything else, but be out in it. Megan was biking while Tess continued to master her rollerblades.
12. Lara and I met up tonight for dinner, frozen custard, and good conversation. I always love catching up with her in person. She didn't mind the back road route and the deer saying hello either. :)

Would you believe I almost forgot? It wasn't until 8am, minutes before the girls left that I remembered. I wonder how far into the day I would have gone before realizing. Certainly wouldn't have been the first time. Have you ever forgotten?

I hope you all had a fabulous day!

everydayness | february part one

The girls made good use of their time as we made our way to the UC -- megan slept (that would be my choice),


and enjoyed a beautiful moon on the way home.


We helped each other with homework projects (tess book report),


and made sweet chocolatey treats with friends.


We had several beautiful sunny spring like days,


and plenty of snow days too.


Megan requested a photos with her "lamby" -- glasses were her idea,


and insisted, to my delight, on making her own valentines (tess too).


We continued with our regular routines,


and had plenty of days where we strayed (afternoon lunch with Adam).

meet Bella Michaels

She's 41 years old, married to Nick Michaels (a pharmacist), with three children (2 daughters Kate and Marshall, and a son Ryan). They live in Portland, Oregon where she teaches the third grade and violin on the side. They have a beach house on the Oregon coast, Canon Beach, where they frequent often. She won the National Teacher Award and was able to meet the President of the USA, and started an organization with her husband Nick called Plant Us Hope that's all about taking care of the earth.


[in the scrapbook you needed photos so she used this target ad for her "husband" page. Instead of cropping out the girl I helped her put her face on it. He's cute, no?]

In the 6th grade the kids are given an assignment to create a scrapbook of what their life will be like in 30 years. Will they be married? Children? Pets? What is their profession? Where will they live? Education? Etc. The assignment was due on Halloween so instead of dressing up traditionally in scary costumes etc., the kids come dressed as their profession. So that day instead of having a Halloween party they had a 30 year reunion, complete with a theme (Moon and Stars) catered food, games, and a photo booth.

I loved sitting back and watching Bella's future world unfold. It seemed from the very beginning she knew exactly what she wanted to be, where she wanted to live, and that she wanted to be married and have 3 children. Part of the assignment was making sure to get all the dates right so she was busy researching how long it took to get a teacher/pharmacist degree, when would she meet Nick, how long would they date, fitting in study abroad to London, figuring out the best time to get married and have her 3 kids, and when to move to Portland. I never realized how intense it could be to create a life timeline.

I love that she was given this assignment and that it gave her a chance to really think about what she wants down the road. Although none of us can really guarantee what our life will be like in 30 years, it sure doesn't hurt to have your major goals in mind so you know where you're going. When I look at the next 30 years of my life I have a clear picture of what I want it to be, and know, the only way to get it is to be working/moving towards it now.

As her mom, what a weird feeling it was to look through her finished scrapbook and wonder, what, if any of these scenarios, would come true? I know one thing for sure, if she comes home with a boy named Nick I'll probably start panicking.

everydayness | october

We found time, just the two of us,


and time at home, together.


We looked for witches at Gardner Village,


and revived game night.


We spent ample time outdoors enjoying the fall,


and equal time indoors getting ready for the season.


Tess finished up her soccer season,


and Megan too.


Bella enjoyed her 30 year reunion (more to come) while Megan continues to learn what a ront de jambe is,


All of us working, we brought our busy life together.


We baked fall goods,


and trick-or-treated for some too. (52 photoproject week 28 | trick or treat)

the power of one

This afternoon I had the opportunity to go to our school's patriot assembly. Bella informed me yesterday that the poem she wrote about The Power Of One was chosen, which meant she was going to read it in front of the school (a student from each of the 4th-6th grade classes are chosen to recite their essays/poems at the assembly).

It's an assembly they've had since Bella started attending, but I've never actually been before. I had only intended on staying until Bella read her poem, which was about half way, but enjoyed it so much I decided to stay for the full hour. Each time the kids would sing tears swelled up in my eyes and I'd get all choked up. And forget about the Pledge of Allegiance, I was a mess. With all the talk that's been on the news lately it gave me goosebumps to hear the children recite it. It was very powerful and inspirational and I left with an overwhelming feeling of hopefulness. These children are our future--everything will be just fine.

A hero's like a lion,
Bold and fast and free.
A heart full of confidence,
That decides what it will be.

When people picture heroes,
They think of strength and power,
But sometimes heroes can even be,
The one who cares of others each hour.

A hero's a beacon that guides the pack,
A lantern in the night,
A lighthouse in a violent storm,
An angel who brings light.

There are simple children,
Who share their laughter and fun.
They can make the biggest difference,
And that's the power of one.

Since then...

Tess brought her friend Buddy to life and has thus far been enjoying trimming his locks and keeping him alive.


the girls have enjoyed endless play dates together,


and evenings at the park.


we've watched countless sunsets,


and have continued to spend time writing in our journals, well at least they have. I haven't been as good as I'd hoped.


we've caught a Bees game,


and had a bbq in the lovely outdoors with our friends at their cabin.


the girls had the chance to dress up like pioneers for our annual church meeting at This Is The Place bowery,


and learned to play the game of life, they love it.


we've enjoyed probably too many nights at Nielsen's Frozen Custard. mmmmm delicious!


Bella's been doing a bit of babysitting, at home, with the ween little ones,


and thankfully Adam has been helping me get ready for our primary parade this weekend. thanks love.


Happy Monday!

everydayness | may

this is why we all make our own pizzas--lot of eating, lot of finger licking


turkey burgers--thanks for the idea meili


remember this game?


time with my lovely friends


miss meg the ballerina--taken the night of her recital


delightful morning view


like mother, like daughter


always a good time with this girl, well, except when you're exhausted.