The Babies Are Here!

Last fall we had a friendly lady praying mantis hanging around our front window by the front door.  One day I saw this very disgusting glob of white stuff on the window frame and I guessed it was a praying mantis egg sack - I googled it and confirmed my suspicions.  Days later the praying mantis was lying on the ground dead under the window.  

This is not our praying mantis or her egg sack but I thought I'd get you a decent picture since I don't have one.  I read this on wikipedia about the praying mantis: "The female then lays between 10 and 400 eggs, depending on the species.  Eggs are typically deposited in a frothy mass that is produced by glands in the abdomen.  This froth then hardens, creating a protective capsule with a further protective coat, and the egg mass is called an ootheca."  So, I also found out these 10 to 400 (!) eggs would hatch in spring.  I've been waiting and waiting with no results and thought maybe something had happened to them.  Recently I noticed there was a sort of web around the egg sack and there were lots of little bugs caught in the web.  I just assumed they were gnats or something and didn't even think of looking closer.  Upon closer examination I discovered they were actually little baby praying mantises (manti ?).  There were probably 30 or so caught in the web:

There were others all around the window and ground as well, so hopefully (?) some of them will make it!  I'm not sure if their life cycle is only one season, but I would imagine (let's google that on our own - shall we?).  I'll keep you posted if I notice any big guys around this summer. 

It sort of reminds me of Charlotte's Web when her babies hatch and never get to know their mama.  Perhaps I should go out and tell the babies all about their mama and give them obnoxious names - better yet, the cat can do it through the window where he sits. 

Score!

I have been looking for an inexpensive (okay - I mean CHEAP) bookshelf to put in my severely under-furnished front room.  One day while picking up a few things at Wal-Mart I found a 3 shelf bookcase for only $19 - score!  Of course assembly was required, but that's not a problem, this lady knows her way around the workbench.  I think because this one was so cheap, it required extra assembly and of course there was not the correct number of hardware, but luckily they put in more than I needed.  

Hunter took some pictures while I was working, I think he has an artistic eye:

I didn't find all of my books right away to put on the shelf - but I got the important ones on there immediately!
I still need Twilight and New Moon to complete the series.  I also still need more furniture for the front room, so let me know if you just want to give me a couch or something!

Copycat

Remember I loved THIS etsy shop and personalized family tree art?  I decided to copycat the project and this is my result.  I made mine bigger (10x13) and used burlap for the tree also (not sure if that's what the other person used or not, but I liked the look).  I also just wrote our last name directly on the burlap rather than on other fabric.  

It has already been pointed out that I have a lot of leaves, but that does not indicate how many kids I want to add to the family - just needed a full tree, ya know?

Graduation, Part 2

I had given Hunter the choice to stay home with Dad and Calvin, or to come with me on a long car ride.  He chose to come with me, but I guess I forgot to mention the part of sitting through a really long and boring graduation ceremony because not 10 minutes into it Hunter was crying and wanting to go to Grammy's house (where Calvin was spending the night).  My dad had to take Hunter for a walk, then Hunter was taking pictures to help pass the time.  He ended up doing great - better than you can expect from a lot of 3 year olds!

Hunter sitting on Nana's lap, nearly sleeping

After the ceremony we met Adam outside and headed to another building for a small reception and then we did some family pictures.  We walked all over the place which was great for Hunter to release some energy.

Adam, Dad and Clela

He's smarter than he looks - ha ha

Hunter with Uncle Burbs

Adam, Mom and Gary

Me, Burbs and Gidge

He didn't sleep the whole way up - the way home was a different story

Hunter and Mackenzie sharing the iPod

Congratulations to my brother - we're so proud of you and know you'll accomplish wonderful things!

Adam's Graduation, Part 1

Friday, May 15th Hunter and I packed up in my mom's car with her, Gary and Mackenzie and spent a good portion of the day driving to Clarkston, WA where we stayed in a motel the night before my brother Adam's graduation.  It was at dinner that night, after driving around Clarkston and Lewiston, ID looking for the perfect place for dinner, that the significance of Clarkston and Lewiston occurred to me.  I'm pretty sure it must have looked like a light went off because everyone turned to me wondering what was going on.  Of course my mom and Gary thought I was slow...but I can always count on my sister to be right there with me (no offense, sis) - she hadn't gotten it yet, either.  Do you get it?  If I put it in the order Lewiston and Clarkston, does that help?  No?  Okay LEWISton AND CLARKston - does that clear things up?

Hunter took this picture of Mackenzie taking his picture

Hunter trying out the nice motel bed!

Hunter took this not so fabulous picture of me

I took this one of Mackenzie who was doing a photo shoot of some sort of Hunter.

Hunter sound asleep in the morning.  He always ends up with the most bed when sharing with 2 adults - how does that happen?

Mother's Day

Please forgive me as I try to play catch up with my posts!  I know it's maybe weird that I'd go back (and so far), but just in case any family or friends want to see pictures from certain times I am going back...and you can't stop me!  ha ha

Mother's Day this year was like many other holidays in our family.  We debated who to spend the time with (it's always hard worrying about who may or may not get offended if we don't spend time with them).   

Before leaving the house, I decided to give Calvin his first haircut.  It was getting long and nearly hanging in his eyes.  I didn't really do the best of jobs cutting it, it ended up a little 'square' but oh well.

Before

He made this face with each cut

Showing (with his eyes?) brother his new 'do

First we stopped by my mom's house to deliver her flower and card then we ended up going to Travis' brother's (Matt) house for dinner since their Grandma Helen was in town for the week.  Matt did all of the cooking and it was great.  After leaving there we stopped by my Grandma and Grandpa Broadie's house to deliver her flower and card (and also one for Clela since she and my dad were there) and also it was my Grandpa's Birthday that day so we had a card for him as well.  

My boys and I - 

it's hard to get a good picture of both of them, 

so here's a good one of each of them:

Hunter's buddy Hudson and Hudson's dad Nate came to Matt's while we were there.  Hunter and Hudson had a great time playing, despite the fact they hadn't seen each other in a long time.  This picture of Hunter cracks me up, and Hudson wore his shades the WHOLE time he was there.
It may have been Grandpa Wes' Birthday, but Hunter is the one who got spoiled.  In case you can't tell, he has a package of candy in each pocket, plus the one in his hand.

Ahoy, maties!

I have a couple of pictures to share that are from TWO weeks ago! 

We had some family come into town and the first picture is of Calvin while we were visiting at my Grandma and Grandpa Broadie's.  The weather was beautiful so we spent time outside and got some sunburns (Hunter and I on our arms - Calvin was kept in the shade).  Later that evening was a Birthday party for Tanner (Travis' step sister Ashleigh's boyfriend Matt's son - do you follow?).  It was a pirate theme so here is a picture of my cute little pirate family:

Calvin didn't go to the party because we'd already had a very long day...I'm sure he would have made a very cute pirate though, don't you?

Family Tree Wall Art

Check out THIS Etsy shop!

Don't you just adore the Personalized Fabric Family Tree Wall Art?

Where Did You Go?

Wow, I just noticed I haven't posted in nearly a month! I guess because I've been working 4 days/week I don't have as much time. I'm only work 4 hours at a time, but still I don't have time. The mornings consist of me getting ready while helping the kids get their morning business taken care of (breakfast, diaper, cartoons, etc) and then once I get home I have to usually either feed Calvin again or get him to take a nap which is sometimes quite the chore. Anyway, I do have lots to post - many pictures, Birthday parties, Easter, baths and many more. Some of my family came into town this weekend and I didn't get to spend nearly as much time with them as I would have liked - there were several things planned and I had to choose what we wanted to do - but hopefully we'll get to visit a bit tomorrow before they leave. Also, hopefully tomorrow afternoon will allow me to make another post or two, but it may be really nice weather and I may feel more like being outside, we'll see.

Cannot Wait!

Going for a Stroll and More Girl Projects

Today was a beautiful weather day.  The temperature reached somewhere between 70 and 74 depending on which thermometer you were looking at.  The boys and I had ventured out to Nampa for a few errands and once we got home and got Calvin fed we decided we'd go outside and take a little 'stroll' and bike ride around 5:30.  This was Calvin's first time in the stroller outside - he got to use the small stroller last weekend when we went to the bookstore, but he liked his experience today better.  

Hunter led the way and would turn around to say hi to Calvin
my blue-eyed baby
my sweet boys

Calvin really was more excited than he looks in this picture, I swear

This evening Travis went to visit some friends, the boys went to sleep at decent times and I finished a couple more projects for Sara's baby shower tomorrow.  My first project was this applique-like ladybug in a frame.  I wanted a way to use leftover quilt fabric, I had the idea in my head of what I wanted it to look like, and while I'm not quite sure this is it, I still like it.  I hope she does too!  The ladybug is sandwiched between 2 pieces of glass, so the wall shows through on the back (hard to tell in this picture).  I couldn't decide if I should leave  it that way, add it to another piece of fabric, or what.  What do you think?

Next I worked on a butterfly appliqued onesie.  I bought a plain white onesie (size 12 months) that is really nice and thick - good quality - and I used some more of my leftover fabric from the quilt for these butterflies.  

So much fun to work on girl projects, but I imagine I could make some just as adorable for my (and others') boys!

Hunter at the Doctor and Girl Projects!

Hunter had his doctor appointment for a check up on Monday.  I took him in because Calvin was sleeping so Travis and he stayed behind.  Hunter weighed in at 42 pounds (100th percentile) and is 39 inches (80th percentile).  He was a little nervous, I think, because the last few times he has been to the doctor with Calvin he now associates the doctor with shots (I don't think he can remember actually getting shots himself - but maybe).  Luckily for him - and me - he didn't have to have shots this year, but will next year (they do their 'Kindergarten' shots at 4 now I guess).  He also had an eye exam and has 20/20 vision.  It was kind of cute because the nurse showed him some cards with the objects from the chart on them and the one that looked like: ⇧ he called an arrow (when most kids call it a house).  And the one that looked like: ◯ he called an 'o' when most kids say circle.  There was another one that had the outline of what was supposed to be an apple, and he called it a heart (it was pretty close to heart-shaped).  Here's the picture of him being embarrassed by the eye patch:

This is the first place I've known about that they have the kids change into a gown for their checkup.  I tried to upload last year's picture as well, but it wouldn't work for some reason, so here's this year's:

After his appointment we went to the new JoAnn's for fabric.  I'm not finishing my knitted blanket on time for Saturday's baby shower - so I decided I'd whip up another frayed edge quilt for my friend's baby girl.  We picked up some cute fabric and I splurged a little and got a rotary blade and mat because I did not want to trace squares anymore!

Isn't this fabric I picked up so cute?  

That night I got all of my squares cut out:

I love my new fabric cutting tools - can you believe when I made Hunter's blanket I traced and cut (with scissors) all 144+ squares?  Where have you been all my life Mr. Rotary Blade?

The next day I completed the blanket - it was a quick project and I had so much fun making something for a GIRL!  I'll have to do more, especially since I know of 2 other new baby girls!

The blanket all sewn up and ready to cut!

The finished product after a cycle through the washer and dryer - I love the way it frayed!

Close of of the monogramed details - personally my favorite, it adds a special touch!

Weekend Recap

Okay, so first off the Scentsy party/Ladies Night did not turn out the way I had planned.  I spent the ENTIRE day on Saturday cleaning.  I had overestimated my abilities.  Usually I can run through and get the house looking good between the time that I wake up the day of an event until the event itself.  I need to stop doing this, I know.  Last time it resulted in a broken leg, and this time - with a broken leg - it was WAY too much to handle.  By the time Scentsy party time rolled around, I was done!  I had been on my feet all day, my 'good' foot hurt (note to self - get new shoes) and my 'bad' foot - and entire leg - was super swollen.  I managed to get a shower in, but didn't even put on a hint of makeup, I just didn't care anymore!  

The Scentsy part of the night was fun, thanks to all of you who came and also sorry for not being more exciting.  Maybe some of it had to do with the fact that I kept getting people canceling on me all day, so it wasn't turning out to be what I had anticipated (I hate that I had certain expectations and was mildly upset about it not being the way I wanted - how selfish of me).  Afterward I was hoping that everyone would want to hang out and have a few drinks and then the guys could come over, the kids could be here, we could hang out and us girls could go somewhere and have a drink or two (I was looking forward to getting out somewhere).  Needless to say, I was not feeling up to leaving at all (as evidenced by no makeup, my jeans, tennis shoes and t-shirt).  The 'party girl' deep inside of me really wanted to just do it, but luckily the 'smart girl' in me punched 'party girl' in the face (or kicked her in her broken ankle) and told her to keep her ass home!  Though I am a little sad because the girls who did go out went somewhere I've never been and I know I would have had a great time, 'smart girl' doesn't always win, and she can have this one - gladly.  

So, here's what DID happen (and I don't have pictures because my camera battery was dead).  Travis, Hunter, Kerri (Matt's roommate), Becky and Brooklyn Lanningham and I hung out here and had an enjoyable time.  Becky and Brooklyn went to pick up the rest of their crew (as well as their neighbor and his son) from the Roadster Show.  In the meantime Matt and his friend Jennifer came over for a bit, then the Lanninghams decided they'd come back before heading home.  Shortly after Matt, Jennifer and Kerri left for the evening.  The kids all played until midnight when the Lanninghams went home.  It was a fun evening involving the kids (like most of our hanging out lately has been - which is great!) and by the time everyone left I was well past tired.  Hunter stayed up with us until 1am!  You may have been wondering about Calvin - luckily he had spent the night with my mom because he couldn't have slept through all that went on with the other 5 kids running around here.  (Side note: Hunter has not spent the night with anyone since Calvin was born - he's tried, but it hasn't worked out.  Anyone have ideas on what to do about that?).  

Sunday was another craft day and guess what?!  There were only 2 of us - again.  I keep telling myself this great idea we had will take off someday and we'll have 8 or more ladies who come routinely and we'll have the best crafting time ever at least twice a month.  All in good time, I'm sure.  This time we made our own laundry soap and it was so cool!  Annie got all of the ingredients (I'll do so next batch) and they say this recipe, which makes 5 gallons (!), costs around $2.50 to make.  It was SUPER easy and though I haven't tried it yet I am sure it works well.  I'll let you know when I use it for the first time!

Grated soap (not cheese) melting in water

Hunter doing the mixing for us

Annie pouring the soap into containers

The assortment of containers we had

And, what was still left in the bucket

We took the opportunity to work on our own projects a little.  

I only got like a row and a half done

(but not because my yarn wouldn't cooperate - 

because I didn't have much motivation)

Annie got one pair of jeans cut into circles

The soap making was productive, but that's about all I can say.  I'm going to start planning our next craft day so if you're interested let me know.  It's going to be a 'featured project day' so if you have any good ideas for a project most would enjoy working on (all skill levels will be there) let me know.  

I know for certain I won't have my knitting project done in time (next weekend), but I'm still going to work on it AND finish it.  In the meantime, I have materials for the replacement project and will post about that tomorrow!

Blogging

Check out the post on this blog!

I love it!

Today I have to finish cleaning my house for my girls night tomorrow.  I have A TON to do to get the house in shape for company - wish me luck!  No - I will NOT be mopping, I'll ask that the hubby do that tonight.  

I'm so excited about tomorrow.  It all starts with a Scentsy party - I am so addicted to this stuff!  Afterward the girls are hanging out and having fun.  I hope to get some fun pictures and post them.  We are all looking forward to this a lot.  On Sunday, we're going to try and do a craft day complete with making your own laundry detergent and my goal is to work more on my blanket.  I have come to terms with the fact that I won't be finishing the blanket on time...but I still need to work hard on it.

Come back later for pictures of the weekend!

Back in the 'Saddle'

This morning was my second day of physical therapy.  Of course today is Travis' day off, but my appointment was at 9:30 and I didn't want to have to get the kids put together and haul them over there and back to pick me up.  So, I did it, I decided to drive myself!  

I asked my doctor at my last visit if I could drive and he said yes, just to wear a regular shoe and not the boot (liability issues if it got stuck or whatever) but then to take the boot for when I got to my destination.  So, I loosened up (a lot) my right shoe (after Travis located it - only my left shoes are out right now) and slipped it on.  It felt so very weird!  I decided not to even take my boot because I'd be taking it off for PT anyway.  

I went out and started the car, it took for-ev-er to defrost and I'm not used to that anymore.  I have not driven since 12-24-08, that's 75 days!  My first step was to drive around the neighborhood to make sure I'd be okay.  I wasn't concerned with being able to push on the pedals because I have been bearing full weight for awhile now, but I was more worried about the position of foot because I cannot flex/extend it very much at all.  I felt free, and pain-free, so I called Travis and said I'd be fine to drive myself there (he was on stand-by just in case I had any issues he would have gladly taken me).  

PT went great, I did some new stretches/exercises and didn't endure much pain at all.  I was a little tired after warming up for 10 minutes on the bike, it's so amazing how quickly you lose strength and endurance when you haven't been able to do much physically.  My favorite part so far has been the compression ice machine (also used on my first visit - and I hope all of the future sessions).  I've put many of these on patients after surgery, but I NEVER knew how amazing they are.  They are cuffs for various joints that inflate like a blood pressure cuff would, but with COLD water.  While I had this on for around 10-15 minutes, the foot of the table was elevated so my leg was up.  Afterward, my leg looked like normal size - it doesn't last too long though.  Apparently I still should be icing it if it's below my heart for 'any length of time' - hello!  Can you say ALL DAY?!  I stopped icing it when it didn't hurt, but I should have known better.

When I called Travis after I was done around 10:45 he said the boys had just woken up about 1/2 hour prior.  WOW - of course they'd sleep in on a day I have to be up and out of the house fairly early.  I don't know if the daylight savings thing screwed them up or what because they didn't go to be incredibly late or anything.  I don't see why, because wouldn't it have had the opposite effect since we sprang forward?  Anyway, when I got home Calvin stayed awake for awhile, but he's pretty used to taking a nap no too long after waking up.  I think he fell asleep around noon and at about 3 Travis and I started talking about how he had eaten around 10 and not since then!  The boy must be growing I guess because he NEVER takes a 3 hour nap.  Luckily it didn't effect him much this evening, he was asleep at normal time so that's good, I was worried.

I don't have any new pictures to post - there are some on the camera, but haven't transferred them yet.  So, I'll post some soon, including what I have done of my blanket.  It likely won't be done on time, but I'm not too upset about it since it's my first project and I had NO idea what it would take.  

I had great plans of getting my house all clean for next Saturday's Scentsy party/ladies night over this weekend, but I didn't get much done at all.  I don't want to (can't) have it all to do on Saturday, so I HAVE to do it over the week any chance I get.  

It's weird to post without a picture, so in case you have forgotten, or have just 'tuned in' here's my post-op X-ray: