Good Morning!

Alison has entered an only wearing dresses for the rest of my life stage. Luckily, we have a lot of little dresses for her. She always asks, "Mommy, you make dis pwetty dwess fowr me?" Most of them I can honestly say yes. She repeats it back to me throughout the day. "Mommy, you make dis pwetty dwess fowr me." Today she is wearing this dress but wants me to, "make me a new dwess. Wif powlky dots."

Stuart also has some new mama-made things. Today he is wearing his new pants I finished last night for him. The waistband is lined in the material used to make his pillowcase. When I showed him this morning he got very worried, thinking I'd cut up his pillow, but then I pointed out that he was laying on his pillow. Now he loves them because they have monkeys and wions inside of them, plus, they have a special pocket just for his Thomas. These were repurposed from a pair of pants that Uncle Justin left at our house. (The pants had developed a hole while he was here for a conference--I don't routinely cut things up that people bring to my house, don't worry, come visit.)

When I got this yarn in the mail for a custom I wanted to lick it. Doesn't it look like all the best flavors of jellybeans?

My Favorites

Ryan found out yesterday that he needed to go to DC for the rest of the week. He flew out today but before he left I went to the market (all by myself, bliss) and bought my favorite foods. Comfort foods?

Reed's Raspberry Ginger Brew: If you are a ginger ale fan, I highly recommend this. It's tangy with a strong ginger bite. I love it.

Bran Muffins from Wild Oats: My Aunt Christy introduced me to these over a decade ago. They are still as yummy now as they were then (their corn muffins come in a close second).

The Greek God's Traditional Greek Yogurt, Honey: 47% saturated fat intake in a serving, need I say more. I acutally bought a non-fat greek yogurt today. I'll let you know how it compares. I have a feeling I like the fat part.

Pacific Natural Foods Organic Creamy Tomato Soup: Heat, add noodles if desired, sprinkle with coarse ground pepper and basil. DELICIOUS. We had this for lunch today. And yesterday.

Steel Cut Oats: Recent addition to my favorites.

Palm Springs, California

Ryan worked a pretty brutal January, so when our friends (thanks Josh and Caroline!) invited us to vacation with them in Palm Springs we said YES! To drive there you have two choices, either take the I-15 or go through the Middle of Nowhere. We chose the nowhere part. I love little isolated roads. They have the funniest places along them, and neat signs (we missed a few great ones), and forgotten towns. My dad used to work for the railroad and frequented these places a lot during his days there. When I got home, he told me some special stories that all took place in this little spot of the world.
This is the post office/general store in Cima. Ryan tried to buy a treat for the kids there--it was closed.

And then I bring you the very exciting town of Kelso. Across from this post office is a new museum (essential the only other building in the town). It was the old railroad depot that has since been renovated and opened. We didn't go in this trip, next time we will. My dad slept many nights in that old depot.
A great hike miles from the condo in Palm Springs--Indian Canyon. It costs a lot to get in because it is part of the reservation but it was well worth it. I've never hiked a palm oasis in the middle of a desert.

Checking out some hot springs.
Baby Jack (and Josh) showing off his tricks.

The best part of any hike is when they let us out to throw rocks in water.


Lunch break and more water.

We went to this desert zoo, which had desert animal, the biggest model train I've ever seen, petting zoo, and this cactus slide. It was a hit. I really think the kids could have stayed all day.

And that thing there. That is a warthog.

Each evening we let the kids go swimming. I couldn't believe how much they took to the water. As they grow their fish genes emerge. (Butikofer-the tubes were perfect!!! Thanks. I don't know what we would have done without them.)


We also hiked in Joshua Tree National Park. There wasn't water to throw rocks in and it was a bit cool so the kids weren't as impressed as we were.

Stuart checking out the map, looking for water to make better plans.
Road trips are so fun!
And to top off the trip, we saw a train while we were driving home. We had to stop for it and IT. HONKED. AT. STUART. It was the best moment in the whole world. That night, I asked him what he wanted to pray for. "A twain. Twain coming. Honk. Honked at Stuwey!"

Tempting offer, but I Think I'll Pass

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Stringing Beads

It is so fun to watch them learn to use their little fingers so well. They loved making bracelets and sweeping the beads that fell. I finished cleaning while they were napping and Alison woke up and told me, "Mommy. I want to make more mess!" Why, of course. We clearly didn't make enough mess today.

Give them an inch, they'll take a mile. She used to only have one pink buddy. Now there is barely room for her in her own bed.

Talk around the dinner table.

When we were in Vegas somebody asked about when (if) we were going to grow our family. I had this conversation with Alison to illustrate my point.

Mommy: Alison, do you want your Mommy to have a baby?

Alison: NO!

Mommy: What about a sister?

Alison: NO! No sisters!

Mommy: How about a baby brother?

Alison: No.



This week, we've had my sister visiting with Baby Martin, Stuart and Alison's two month old cousin. He's cute. He's cuddly. He's sweet. He smells good. Stuart is completely enamored with him. Except today when we were going to feed the ducks. Martin was starting to fuss in the car and Stuart told us, "Take baby home." Crying while going to feed ducks is unacceptable behavior. Everything else about baby is perfect. Tonight at dinner the conversation went like this.

Kelsie: Alison would you like a sister?

Alison: (for the first time in the affirmative, usually she adamantly says NO!) yes.

Kelsie: Stuart, do you want a brother?

Stuart thinking.

Mommy: Stuart, do you want Mommy to have a baby?

Stuart: Yes! (pauses) Two babies!

Mommy: This is the last time we're asking you about babies.

Dusting off

Today I got an email that made me laugh. It reads,


Aurelie-
Your blog is collecting dust, I just thought you'd want to know.


Thank you for reminding me. Noted.

Please stay tuned for more exciting adventures!