SNOW

We have 5-8 inches!!! Christopher woke up at 5:40am. So, we get to see all the snow before any of the kids destroy it. :)

*Church is postponed an hour to let the city plow a couple roads...campus maintenance already plowed our circle...but it's snowed a couple inches since then! I am not prepared to go to church in this weather! I think maybe I'll be buying a warm/long skirt over the holidays! Maybe Christopher will wear his snowsuit over his clothes...

**ETA: We now have about a foot!!!

Celebrating

Today we will have the official "facing front" ceremony...and turn Christopher's car seat around!!! We went for his 12 month check-up today...and he weighs 20 lbs. 12 oz. YAHOO!! We were praying he would be big enough to turn around...and he is! I have a feeling he will enjoy this. :) And it should make that drive from Medford to Gaston a bit easier on the not-so-little boy.

*We also had his photo taken at JC Penney this morning...so be expecting some new photos after Christmas. I should have the link to look at them soon.

Only a Few Days Left!

We're going home in less than a week! I'm so happy. It will be so nice to see my family and have some time away from Ann Arbor. (Don't get me wrong: We love Ann Arbor!) A break would just be nice.

Steve's first final is tonight and he has one more to finish before Monday. Tonight Christopher and I will enjoy a Wacky Wednesday...something my Mom started when we were little and Dad was out of town. Not really sure how we'll do this as he's only one! Guess we'll snuggle and listen to some music...no pizza and movies for such a little boy! Someday we'll have a proper Wacky Wednesday.

We do need to finish making cookies for all our friends and neighbors. Maybe Mommy will be generous and give him one! ;)

*Good news: Diane and OJ are having a boy!

Laundry, but Not Mine

Well, I did get the rest of ours done this morning before Christopher got up. (There are MAJOR benefits to getting up early!)

After church yesterday the Elders asked if they could do some laundry at our house today. Sure! (Apparently their apartment does not have a washer and dryer...only coin operated.) We don't pay extra for water or electricity (or for the washer/dryer) so it's virtually free for everyone to do laundry at our house. Obviously the Elders aren't more than 5 or so years younger than we are, so it's like having two little brothers to take care of (although they're more than capable)! They were so polite and appreciative. (Must have great moms!) Really, it's kind of nice to have something to do for someone else! And I certainly don't mind transferring their stuff to the dryer. So simple! And yet, I can't even tell you how many times they thanked me. It's nice to be appreciated.

Piles

I've become a person who lives with piles...piles of clean and folded laundry, piles of do lists, piles of photos, piles of stuffed animals, piles of papers, piles of dishes (not really!)...etc. It's more of a love/hate relationship. I pile things so I "know" where things are and I let things pile up that I don't want to deal with. Right now there is a pile of dirty laundry waiting for me to take to the basement, a pile of dirty dishes in the sink (I just did the dishes yesterday and the pile is already HUGE!), a pile of Christmas cards that need addresses/to be sent out, a pile of Christopher's winter clothes on the floor (there's still snow...so going outside to check the mail requires hats and mittens), a pile of projects that need to be photographed, and finally, a pile of finished assignments that have been turned in. I think that last pile is my favorite. LOVE getting something done!

Thursday's To-Do List:

convince Christopher to nap
wash the dishes
do some serious laundry
vacuum the stairs and upstairs rugs
get stamps at the post office
order more prints at Walgreens
read something more mature than "Jungle Colors"
take Christopher for a walk (seriously takes more time to get ready than go on the walk!)
make lasagne with Steve

Happy Birthday, Grandpa!

Birthday

I was a very pathetic mom on Christopher's birthday. I did manage to get a little video of him playing...but no photos! We baked the cake and didn't decorate it. We didn't even eat it. So, we have an octopus cake in the kitchen that is mostly whole. I guess it just had something to do with the fact that Steve's been really busy in the lab this week and that we haven't been getting a lot of sleep. I just wasn't too motivated to do much! Pathetic. He did get a new toy. And at Thanksgiving we had pumpkin pie with a candle in it...does that count?

**Photos are backwards in time...obviously! Not sure where his pants went...must have been covered in pumpkin pie...he loved that a little too much!

Christopher's First Birthday

...is today! Sang "Happy Birthday" to him this morning when he woke up. Not sure what else we're going to do today. We'll bake that octopus cake tonight when Daddy gets home. Christopher doesn't have his 12 month appointment until December 13th, so I can't give you any stats just yet. I'll be sure to take lots of photos today.

SNOW!!!! (this time it's sticking!!!)

It's dark and snowing...so naturally we bundled up and went out. :)

Thanksgiving Eve

Tonight I am thankful for a dry/warm place to live. And for Mexican food. And for Katelyn's pie expertise...she's going to make the pies!

Making Use of Naptime

Today I find myself rather limited in free time. Katelyn comes today (which is an incredible and wonderful thing) and the house is a "mess". I seem to be able to live in a "spot-cleaned" home, but I don't feel guests should have to. So today I am on a mission to deep clean this place to the best of my ability. Here comes the glitch: I don't want to spend the whole day cleaning! (Don't forget I have a very cranky/upset nearly-one-year old boy who seems to "need" me in his sight at all times.) The solution? Use that 2-3 hour (yes, he actually naps now!) block of time when he doesn't need me and use it wisely. So I will write my little list of things to get done today in columns, one "bad" and one good.

clean oven _____________catch up on Fiskateer messages
clean bathroom floor ______workout
clean bathtub___________ fold laundry
call maintenance_________return library books
homework_____________ pick up Katelyn at the airport
do the dishes___________ read for book group
clean kichen floor________ work on various projects

Obviously those on the left are things I don't want to do and those on the right are things that appeal to me today. For every thing I get done on the left, I allow myself one thing that would take the same amount of time. I'm off to tackle the oven...

U of M ER and Atul Gawande

Last night (this morning) at 2am we took Christopher to the ER because he's been sick with a fever of 102 degrees on and off and woke up screaming (for the second time that day) and couldn't be comforted. Naturally he quit crying when we walked into the triage reception area. The plus side to taking your child to the ER is that they try much harder than the pediatrician's office to actually come up with a solution and probable cause. We had taken him into Primary Ped's earlier in the day and they decided nothing was wrong with him at all. The ER doctor came in twice to see him and proposed a temporary solution (Motrin for any pain) and probable cause. She is quite certain he was merely having trouble with his bowels, possibly some telescoping. No hernia and no strep. While the ER doctor told us he was in perfect health, she also sent us home with instructions and things to look for in case he really does have some bowel issues. And she even told us to ask for her if we have to check in at the ER again and she would personally do the ultrasound. Phew. A nice doctor! Now don't get me wrong, we love our pediatrician...but because we had a sick visit, we didn't actually see his pediatrician earlier that day. Anyway, he's doing just fine today. We're all a little tired, but just fine.

We are reading "Better" by Atul Gawande for book group this month. While the book is fascinating, it made me just slightly more paranoid about hand washing and I couldn't help but watch all the nurses in the ER to see if they were obeying the signs above the sinks/near the light switches to use the anti-bacterial gel before examining each patient. To my relief, they were. If you ever want to read more about the medical world, read this book!

*The Wolverines lost to the Buckeyes 14-3 this afternoon. Pretty sure we don't want to go out now...too much rain and too many angry football fans!

Loud Noises

You would think that not having tv would diminish the weird thoughts that pop into my head when I'm alarmed. Not so. There was a huge car accident just outside our apartment. I heard the collision over the running water in the kitchen (which is quite a feat given that I usually can't hear Christopher crying upstairs when the water is running) and though we were being bombed. Seriously that was my first thought. And then naturally I thought about a car accident. While I'm glad it wasn't a bomb, I feel terrible for those people! One car is completely wrecked and two more are rather smooshed. And it's started snowing...and it's dark. If Steve were home I'd let them sit in our living room while they wait for the police. It would seem no one is hurt, so maybe I won't worry too much. There's something about being a mother that makes you incredibly concerned for complete strangers long after you witness an accident.

SNOW!!!!

We are enjoying a soft and light flurry of snow. So pretty! I am glad it's not sticking, though. Not sure I'm mentally prepared for that. Another photo of Christopher as requested. More of SA later...internet isn't cooperating!

Home from San Antonio

And I'm still recovering. I got home Sunday night and still haven't unpacked. There's way too much stuff!!! I can't even believe how much Fiskars put into our weekend and how much stuff/training they sent us home with. Wow. I am floored. We took classes with Cherly, Holly, Stephenie, Heidi Grace, and Nancy from Cloud 9. I learned SO MUCH. Fiskars is doing some amazing things and there's even a village named Fiskars in Finland where artists live and work. We even took a little field trip to the Alamo! There is no way any of the Nifty Fifty will be able to thank them. So, here's a HUGE thanks to all my fellow Fiskateers for making the weekend such a wonderful experience, to the lead Fiskateers for teaching us, to Heidi Grace, to Nancy from Cloud 9, to Suzanne Walker and team, and to Brains on Fire.

*We wore these orange hats all over San Antonio. Christopher loves it!

Texas

I leave today for the BIG weekend in Texas. I'm excited, but nervous. I had no idea leaving Steve and Christopher alone for 2+ days would be so hard! Hope they do well, stay safe, get some sleep (that means no screaming, Christopher!), have good weather for taking walks, and find new boardbooks at the library (we've checked them all out at least once).

Chicken Little and Some Friends

Pumpkin Hunting and Party

Obviously Christopher is Chicken Little this year. His friend Caitlin is a bumblebee. Caitlin and her mom, Alexis, came over for a little Halloween celebration Saturday afternoon. The babies kept pulling on eachother's hoods. Pretty funny to watch them crawl around and chase eachother in silly costumes.


Saturday evening we headed out past Dixboro in search of the perfect pumpkin. We decided against the fancy nursery and purchased our perfect pumpkins from a very nice farmer who had spent the entire rainy/cold day hoping to sell some and give hay rides. The hay was rather damp...so we passed on the ride this year. Christopher found his baby pumpkin very quickly. (It has since been eaten by Gerald the Goundhog because Mommy forgot to spray it with hairspray before leaving it outside.) The two larger pumpkins we bought have character. One is warty with a a curved stem and the other is perfectly round and is a deep orange, almost red.

Our Dear Friend

Staci (Cflattop) lost her husband Friday night. If you are a fellow Tally or even just admire her work, please check out her blog and maybe make a donation to help their family. Staci, I realize you probably won't see this, but we all love you and want you to know that the entire Tally Family is here for you! (Especially those of us in Michigan!)

Randazzo's/Aldi's

This morning we slept in...again! I think it has something to do with the fact that we haven't changed our clocks yet. And I don't really appreciate that. It's weird to see the sun until 8am. Anyway, about 10 minutes after we all showered and Christopher got up, Samantha called and wanted to head to Aldi's and Randazzo's...and wondered if we wanted anything/to go. (Samantha is in our ward/lives close, her son has the same birthday as Christopher, and her husband is also in a PhD. program.) So today we bought German chocolate for Steve, green peppers, yucca, sweet potatoes for Christopher, red potatoes for a roast, baby carrots, pears (can't ever find them here...), apples (10 lbs. to make applesauce), and some green beans. Did I mention I only paid $10 for all that?! You have to love Randazzo's for all their glorious fruits and veggies!

Last night I managed to find some enthusiasm for enrichment activities and went to the sewing group...and now I'm hooked! As soon as I finish this Halloween costume I fully intend to make PJs for Christopher, a really puffy quilt, and a wall hanging of the Nativity. Our craft group is making these adorable turkey headbands for Thanksgiving. (Katelyn, beware, you may be asked to wear one for a photo op!) We're also planning to make this for Christmas...well, at least start on them together and work on them for next year! I can guarantee we are entirely too ambitious.

Dear Aunt Anna

I am very sorry you have had such a terrible time with your host mom! I miss you and can't wait to see you in December. I promise to sing to you, give you sticky kisses, and hug you super tight! Oh, and I have lots of new skills to show you. Your Favorite Nephew, Christopher

Finally Fall

On Monday the high was around 90 degrees. This morning (at 8am) it is only 47 degrees! We are finally beginning to experience some real fall weather. Christopher even had to wear a hat yesterday when we checked the mail.

Happy Birthday Great-Grandma Shirley!

We love you, Grandma! Sara, Steve, Christopher

The Leaves Have Turned

Apple Picking

Quick Announcement

Found out yesterday that I made the Tally Scrapper design team! :)

Nearly Perfect Saturday

This morning we all slept in until 8am. (Nevermind the fact that Christopher woke up at 3am for a snack and Tylenol.) We took a walk to the church to get it cleaned up for Sunday. However, the other ward had a HUGE scout activity...so it didn't get cleaned. Steve and Christopher shopped at Kroger while I got some exercise. We then enjoyed a little browsing at the library...we've enjoyed checking out kids' movies lately. (Most days we'd rather watch something simple and silly rather than a car chase/crime drama.) We had breakfast for lunch. (eggs, Morning Star sausages) After lunch we took the car to get an oil change and new windshield wipers. And then we headed to the mall for today's highlight: the Borders tent sale! Managed to get some seriously good deals on Shakespeare, Laura Ingalls Wilder, an illustrated French cookbook, Jane Austen, and Peter Pan. Christopher was the most patient angel. I cannot believe how well he put up with our book browsing! While at the mall we took some more photobooth photos...this time with Christopher. Hilarious! I think he was just a tad confused as we closed the curtains. (Mom, we also stopped at Williams-Sonoma and got that octopus cake pan for Christopher's birthday.) Steve is now at the church hoping he only has to clean the glass doors...cross your fingers that the scouts picked up after themselves! Tonight I'm making Pad Thai for dinner and hoping to get some time to scrap...too many deadlines and too little naptime!

Today

...I baked an apple pie for the new member dinner tonight. I let Christopher have a bath in the middle of the afternoon (mostly because he was covered in Turkey Rice Dinner). I read a good deal of "Drowned Wednesday". (Becca, I am trying my best to get through this one. For some reason it's just harder to read than the first two.) I slept in until 7:45am. I received an e-mail from Memory Makers Magazine asking for permission to use one of my layouts on their online idea gallery feature page. (I will be sending them my supply list tonight and will be sure to let you know when my page is featured.) I videoed Christopher's discovery that the train whistle makes noise when you put your whole mouth over it and hyperventilate. (Very funny to watch!)

It's been a busy and fun day...and it's not over yet! Hope your weekend is fabulous. Also, failed to wish little Lindsay a Happy Birthday yesterday!

Disappearing Act

This is what Christopher does when he's bored...it's his cupboard after all...filled with Tupperware just for moments like this. Cute.

San Antonio

In just a few weeks I'll be on a plane to San Antonio to be officially trained in the Fiskars way. I can't believe how lucky I was/am to be chosen as one of the first 50 Fiskateers to be trained! Wow. Still in shock...it was a bit unnerving to get an e-mail from May (Fiskateer Ambassador) asking for my phone number so she could call me about something "big". HUGE! I'm thrilled to be a part of this first Fiskateer Round Up!

Birthday Package from France

Got a package from Aurore today. Our birthdays are about two weeks apart (in July)...so most years we swap gifts. This year she sent me a special baking pan for canneles (can't get accents to work today...), a CD for Christopher of some traditional French children's songs, and a CD she made for me with some French pop. Aside from the fact that we're now both 25 years old, opening the package was a bit like being 16 again. The summer we turned 16 she came to stay with us for a couple weeks. Wow, that was a long time ago! We used to make tapes for each other...cheesy...and so much fun! I still have the ones she made for me...complete with her recorded comments on each track. I guess I'm feeling a bit sentimental today. Maybe I should go ahead and dig out the photos? And maybe I'll be baking.

In Other News

Christopher can whistle. Really. It's so strange! He did it a couple times last Friday and I was shocked. He's doing it again...and when he notices he's doing it, he giggles. Very funny.

Today's Public Service Announcement

USE YOUR TURN SIGNALS!!!!!!!!

Not Just Another Monday

Today Mom left. Christopher and I drove her to the train station and waited for the Wolverine (to Chicago) to come in. I was looking forward to seeing his reaction to the noisy arrival, but he barely blinked! And I'm fairly certain he didn't really know we would be leaving Grandma there...he seemed a bit bored hanging out with just Mom this afternoon. Thank heavens Steve was able to make it home before 6pm! He's currently screaming in his crib...but we KNOW he's exhausted. Sigh. I'll be glad when these rediculous teeth actually show up!

Today I am grateful for the library, Christopher's smile, silly little conductor's caps from the Target dollar section, Steve's flexible lab schedule, and leftovers! Also for friends that call at 4:30pm and suggest we join them at the dairy for ice cream.

September 1st-15th

Photos from the last couple weeks! Kerrytown Farmer's Market, groundhog eating acorns in our yard, making apple cider at Aunt Beth's house.
*ETA: first photo is of Christopher and I waiting for Daddy to get off the bus...Katelyn, now do you remember what I look like? :)

6 Years Later

This morning in thinking about 9/11/2001, I realized just how much my own life has changed since then. Six years ago I had known Steve for all of 3 weeks. I wasn't married. I wasn't a mother. I had just started my Freshman year at BYU and had only been living in Provo for 3 weeks. I was not as conscious of others as I am now. Maybe it's a little selfish to think about 9/11 as more of a time marker than a national tragedy, but it's difficult to spend my mental energy thinking of all the pain and sadness that has been caused by the events surrounding 9/11. I am sorry for those that lost family members and friends that day. I am sorry for those that live each day emotionally and physically wounded because of the war. Today I am praying for my friend Lisa and her husband Matt. Matt is in Iraq right now. For the second time. I pray that their little family is strong and safe and that each one is blessed for their sacrifices.

Grandma

...will be here in 10 hours!!!! We're excited. :)

Ground Hogs

We've been seeing a lot more lately. Katelyn, I finally got a photo last week. Just a minute or so ago we heard a scratching at the back patio...turned out it was a ground hog scratching on the screen door! They are really odd animals...who knew their tails were long...I certainly grew up thinking they had short tails like a rabbit. Guess not.

*Two days until Grandma comes!!! We're excited. Christopher has so many new "tricks" to share! In the last day or so he's decided it's okay to stand anywhere (not just his crib) as long as there's something to hold on to. This includes my leg/pants while I'm doing dishes. And he's extremely interested in the stairs...

**Got my latest "secret" project mostly finished...although it's not due for another month. Think Halloween!

9 months old

I had my check-up this week. I am 27 1/2 inches tall and 17 lbs 6 oz. I'm getting so big! I like to stand up in my crib and throw my binkies on the floor. I also like to steal popsicles from my Daddy.

Lost and Found

We found the GPS...well, Steve found the GPS. Argh. Can't believe it was in the glove box after all that searching!!! We even looked there at least 4 times. Weird. We are now the proud owners of 2 GPS handheld units. Wanna go geocaching? Don't have a GPS? No problem!

Cousins

Photos from last weekend...Christopher and Lindsay at Grandma and Grandpa's house

Thunder Storms and "Earthquakes"

This morning we woke up to a rather loud bit of thunder that shook the building. We actually thought we had an earthquake! After the rain stopped, it turned out to be a really hot and sunny day. But last night was scary!
Christopher took two naps today...which was so nice! Steve and I both napped during that time. We're a bit sick. Well, maybe more than a bit. I've had a headache for almost a week, had a fever Sunday night, and a sore throat since Tuesday. Steve woke up with it today. And Christopher had a fever for a couple hours and is perfectly happy. Thank heavens!

*Funny moment of the week: Sunday night/Monday morning I woke up at 2am with a fever and was burning up in bed. My first thought was "Oh no! I'm turning into a werewolf! This is so inconvenient. Steve is not going to like this." I've been reading Stephanie Meyer's books. I had just gotten into 'Eclipse'....hence the werewolf thought. So weird. It's funny what good books will do.

Baby Signs

Today Christopher showed us that he does in fact know the sign for 'milk'. Yay!!! We're so proud. We've been working on the sign for 'nursing', but he usually just waves his arms instead of pulling on his shirt. Sigh. He'll get it someday. At least he can ask for milk/tell us he's hungry...and then we can decide for him whether he'll get a bottle or get to nurse.

Wednesday

Today Christopher slept in until 9:40am. I didn't have the heart or guts to wake him up earlier! Steve left early...so I had about an hour to myself before the day even started! Christopher was awake until 11:30am and has been napping for nearly an hour and a half. Wow. I'm listening to a book on CD and trying to get a few things cleaned up. Laundry is in the washer. Most of the dishes are clean. Several projects are finished. Scriptures are read. Hair is done. I just need to pick up some photos at Walgreens and get in some exercise before dinner. The Mullens are coming over for a little BBQ. Their son is about 10 days older than Christopher. (Actually there are 5 little boys his age in our ward...nursery should be CRAZY next summer!)

Yesterday Katelyn e-mailed to ask if she could visit us for Thanksgiving. YES!!! We were planning to invite her anyway...just hadn't called her yet. Wonder if Garrett wants to come...

President James E. Faust

President Faust passed away this morning. It's hard not to cry.

Quizzes

Sara posted the results of several random (and silly) quizzes. I thought I would share mine. Some are "serious" and most are complete hogwash! :) I hope to make it beyong age 85. And I don't really care for the name "Valentine"! And I like my blue eyes just fine. Not sure how I feel about Miss Piggy...

You Will Die at Age 85

Congratulations! You take good care of yourself. You're poised to live a long, healthy life.

Your French Name is:

Valentine Riel

You Are 4: The Individualist You are sensitive and intuitive, with others and yourself.
You are creative and dreamy... plus dramatic and unpredictable.

You're emotionally honest, real, and easily hurt.
Totally expressive, others always know exactly how you feel.

At Your Best: You are inspired, artistic, and introspective. You know what you're thinking, and you can communicate it well.

At Your Worst: You are melancholy, alienated, and withdrawn.

Your Fixation: Envy

Your Primary Fear: To have no identity

Your Primary Desire: To find yourself

Other Number 4's: Alanis Morisette, Johnny Depp, J.D. Salinger, Jim Morrison, and Anne Rice.

Your Eyes Should Be Brown

Your eyes reflect: Depth and wisdom What's hidden behind your eyes: A tender heart

You Are Sunset Even though you still may be young, you already feel like you've accomplished a lot in life.
And you feel free to pave your own path now, and you're not even sure where it will take you.
Maybe you'll pursue higher education in a subject you enjoy - or travel the world for a few years.
Either way, you approach life with a relaxed, open attitude. And that will take you far!

You Are Miss Piggy A total princess and diva, you're totally in charge - even if people don't know it.
You want to be loved, adored, and worshiped. And you won't settle for anything less.
You're going to be a total star, and you won't let any of the "little people" get in your way.
Just remember, piggy, never eat more than you can lift!

You Are A Lily You are a nurturer and all around natural therapist.
People see you as their rock. And they are able to depend on you.
You are a soothing influence. You can make people feel better with a few words.
Your caring has more of an impact than even you realize.