Cyber Hibernation

So... I have still been keeping busy and doing lots of stuff but I have unfortunately been neglecting my blog for way too long. I had every intention of starting up again in January once the crazy busy holiday season was over, but alas it is mid February and I am just now posting for 2010. Well I think it is safe to say my season of cyber hibernation is over.

I have started doing school for Lyla in the mornings. She seemed to be getting bored with just random coloring and play-dough time. I wasn't sure where to start so I checked out some preschool curriculum books from the Library and WOW have they been helpful in planning out good activities. If you are looking to do the same I would recommend these books, I may end up buying a couple of them once my borrowing time has expired.

Here is a little post valentines math activity we did this morning. Graphing a random handful of sweethearts. It was a great exploration of colors, numbers, counting and learning about most and least. If you want this chart you can download it here.

of course we ate a few too! :)

This looks so cute! I guess it will be in theaters in April. I look forward to seeing it before baby girl number 2 arrives and crying because oddly enough I have become one of those woman who cries when she sees a baby.

Because we miss Bekka

I made a box of Poffertjes (dutch pancakes) that Bekka left behind. They were a lot more difficult to cook then I expected, Bekka made it look so easy to do, but oh man were they yummy! A mix between a pancake and a crepe. I made Grandma Jolmans blueberry sauce recipe to go on top of them, we used the blueberries we picked when we were in Michigan. Lyla had fun helping - and eating!

Grandma Jolman's blueberry sauce

Combine 2 Cup blueberries, 1/2 Cup sugar, 1 Tbsp cornstarch, 1 Cup water, 1/2 tsp vanilla. Bring to boil and cook until slightly thickened. Add 1 Tbsp lemon juice and serve!

Cow Appreciation Day

Lyla made a cow costume using an old pillow case and her handprints as the black spot's she looked so cute.  We love Chick-fil-a and all their promotions and their fresh squeezed lemonade. 

I entered Lyla in the Dress Like a Cow Photo contest, Go here and vote for her!  It's listed under Lyla.

4th of July and other stuff

Well we had a great 4th of July weekend (if you want to hear all the details go to my husband's blog - aka "the writer") I have pretty pictures from Lyla's friends birthday party. It was so cute and all the kids had a blast.

Also I finally got around to hanging up this beautiful art by our very talented friend John Lee - doesn't it look great! The very cool retro bread box was a gift from my friend Karry for my birthday and I use it to keep letters and cards in - it's so cute and one of my favorite home items for sure. I eventually want to take pictures of more of my house - but that requires cleaning and well... who wants to clean in there "free time."

We also painted the office and dragged all the furniture back into place - I of course made my first project the chalk board on the back of the desk. I love how it came out! Chalkboard paint is THE BEST! I needed a place to store the chalk so I recycled a frosting container I was saving (I have gazillions of old containers I save for reuse projects) put paper on it and nailed it to the desk. Perfection!

Happy 1st of July

Wow!  I can't believe it is july already - the summer is flying by!  I have been a little frustrated lately - still waiting for the wall to be finished in my office after the water damage from the bathroom pipe.  And so I am making due on the dining room table, but feeling a little creative block without being in a proper working space.  I will have some new projects to post soon - just need to take photo's and scan things in.  

Here are some recent photo's of me and Lyla that make me happy!  Eating ice cream - yummy!  Since starting south beach I tend to vicariously eat through Lyla!

I want to play around with taking photo's with sparklers!  Loving these one's and feeling inspired to do another crazy photo shoot soon - Tasha you need to come and be my muse and Bekka too!  

Will Vastine

Clane Gessel

Oh the messes we'll make!

I have to say I really love having a toddler. In a few months Lyla will be 2 and with each day she is more curious and excited about life and the world around her. Which in turn makes me curious and excited as well. Summer has officially come to florida and we are feeling the heat - so on days when we are not outside directly in water we will be doing some of these wonderful messy things! I spent some time scouring different mommy craft blogs and such and found some I really love. Here is a list of my faves:

crafty crow

tutus and turtles

dollar store crafts

plum pudding

filth wizardry

Also I can't wait to see this movie with Lyla! It was my brother David's favorite book! The preview makes me cry.