My Shadow.

September 3, 2010 | Filed Under Eliza Dove, Love is..., Photos | 7 Comments

Eliza,

You are my heart. But you already knew that… I tell you all the time. Your chief concern in life is to be included in everything. It doesn’t matter what is going on, you’re there. In fact, you are playing at my feet as I write this.

It’s no wonder that you are an expert at applying make-up, you diligently study me as I apply mine. You lean over Judah’s shoulder during school – I think you may learn nearly everything by osmosis. If I’m dressing myself, styling my hair, throwing laundry in the washing machine, working in my garden… I can guarantee that if I take three steps backwards, I’ll trip over you.

Because not only are you my heart, you’re my shadow.

Last evening you helped me prepare our dinner of chicken nuggets, sweet potato biscuits, and sliced up tomatoes from the garden. You were happy, happy. You had woken up a wee bit grumpy from your nap but perked up with an offer to help me cook dinner.

This is your spot.

What am I going to do when you don’t have that soft belly anymore? My heart will break.

We started off by peeling a sweet potato. You wanted so badly to be good at peeling but… you’re just not there yet. Thankfully you have no qualms about asking for help. We put our hands together and peeled as a team. You smiled up at me and I was reminded of just how much I love you.

Next we broke up bread and placed in the food processor – your favorite part is pushing the buttons. Bravery was the name of your game; you didn’t even jump at the loud noise or put your hands over your ears though I badly wanted you to so I could take a photo of your chubby hands and facial expression.

While we were waiting on the bread crumbs to be chopped I asked you to smile for mama’s camera. For a second you did but there was a yawn that sneaked up on you. I admit, this was exceedingly more cute than your hands on your ears.

I did end up with a smile. I feel the need to capture as many squished up smiles as I can before grow out of them. Even a heart of stone cold ice would have to melt when you flash your smile.

I crept upstairs after you had gone to bed for just one more kiss. Sometimes I need one more. And you always humor me. Thanks for that.

Love you,
Mama.

Yesterday and Today.

August 31, 2010 | Filed Under Eliza Dove, Eve, Friends, Photos | 2 Comments

Yesterday the three kids and I made a vat of applesauce. And by “vat” I mean… A Vat.

We are great lovers of applesauce in our home. I am deep down thankful that all it took to make this applesauce was some elbow grease. I appreciated not having to pay a single dime for all of this deliciousness. And I’m thrilled at the prospect of being able to eat applesauce all winter long. The only thing standing between me and a cold winter morning eating a piping hot bowl of smooshed apples is the canning process. (Well, that and a few months.)

Yikes. I don’t have my mom here to help me out this year. I’m a teesy bit afraid that I’m going to mess up. Fingers crossed that I won’t!

Today was… today. I feel like I accomplished nothing of importance. I did manage to remind myself earlier this evening that I successfully cared for three children; I fed them, schooled them, they wore clean clothes, they laughed and played, they even brushed their teeth today.

Fairly successful though not enormously productive.

Tonight we went to a fun birthday party for one of our friend’s little boy. His name is Jack and he turned four today. I loved how excited he was for his birthday! His mom, Miss Jessie, handed out dinosaur masks for the kids to wear… what a hit!

Can you hear her roaring at you?! I have a feeling that by tomorrow night I may be a bit deaf from the roaring I’m going to hear all day from my three very cute dinosaurs.

Shhh… don’t anyone tell her that her mask is on upside down. It’s so much funnier this way.

Even though today was just today… I’m happy. And I get to wake up tomorrow with a brand new day to enjoy.

So chill.

August 29, 2010 | Filed Under Andrea, Crossfit, Daniel, Eliza Dove, Friends, It's What's For Dinner, Judah, Photos | 3 Comments

Sunday was fantastically chill. No drama, no huge tantrums from anyone – parents included. There was church in the morning and we were actually early – wonders never cease! After church everyone piled on mama and daddy’s big bed for loads of tickling and uproarious laughter. Following the tickle-fest of 2010 there was a lunch that everyone finished without the need for threats to life or limb, errands, nap time, dinner, and then our highly anticipated “dessert and drinks” with friends in the park.

Daniel was able to sneak away for a bit during nap time to check out a gorgeous 1966 Chevy truck. He’s in great need of a vehicle to drive to work both here, during the winter, and once we arrive in San Antonio. New Mexico is an ideal place to buy a classic vehicle due to the roads being salt-free in winter and the price being low as a reflection of volume in the market. Time will tell what he decides to do!

“Dessert and drinks” was a blast, as always. Gorgeous perfection in the weather department, zero flies (a terrible problem here), and plenty of amazing friends…

Gingersnaps disappeared in record time…

Gorgeous Abby was showered with love…

The swings were never empty…

What’s life worth without friendships? I never want to find out.

I rounded out the day with a back squat workout. I have a tender spot in my heart for back squats. I love them, I do. But last night… no love. The muscles across my shoulders were angry with me from the previous night’s sumo deadlifts and push jerks. Laying the heavy bar onto those sore muscles was no fun… no fun at all.

I set a personal record – which isn’t much so don’t get too excited – my body isn’t built for strength. I was happy nonetheless. I did get stuck once, thankfully Daniel saved me. The last time I dumped the weight while in a back squat I did it incorrectly and hurt my back, I had much trepidation about dropping the weight again. I’m grateful for my man who lifted the bar off my shoulders like it was a feather.

Before we headed to bed, Daniel and I watched a couple of episodes of “Friends.” I love ending the night in gales of laughter…

And now, a brand new week!

Saturday.

August 28, 2010 | Filed Under Andrea, Daniel, Eliza Dove, Eve, It's What's For Dinner, Photos | 6 Comments

I never really know how Saturday is going to play out. Sometimes Saturday is great. Sometimes Saturday just sucks.

Last Saturday… sucky.

This Saturday… great.

I think the problem lies in Saturday being a wild card day, and I just don’t deal well with that. I have the same basic structure every day of the week with the kids. Sure we change activities once in a while but each day is pretty much the same. Routine is good for the kids and good for me.

Weekends though… we flail.

I don’t like flailing.

Today I took the bull by the horns. I planned ahead and decided that I would keep the day as much like our regular week days as possible. You know what, it worked beautifully.

The only thing that changed was that we didn’t work on any school. Judah was sad and grumpy about that. I tried to appease him by telling him that we could work on a small school project but I just realized that I forgot to. I feel terrible! The boy loves school and I am stinkin’ thankful for that.

This morning and into the early afternoon all five of us worked on chores around the house. We cleaned and laundered and vacuumed and mopped; I even took the kitchen table out to the driveway and scrubbed the tar out of it. Sadly I think I may have scrubbed a little hard because I actually took the varnish off. Our poor little table looks awful now. I’m bummed!

Lunch time and nap time stayed the same, we played with friends afterward, and dinner was normal. Our day worked and I am happy.
Gosh, you know, as I write this I realize that at times I am a slow learner. I should have realized that the loss of routine was the problem way before now. I guess the saving grace is that at least I’m learning.

Daniel made sure to spend some time with each of the kids individually today. He’s been working long days and time at home has been somewhat limited. One of the characteristics my husband has that I appreciate is how he plays with the kids in the way that works for them. Today with Judah he built a high tech airplane out of legos; with Eliza he played house; with Eve he played monopoly.

Eve mopped the floor with her Daddy! And clearly, she felt terrible about it.

Daniel and Eve… two peas in a pod. Terrifically alike in every way.

Eliza and I spent some time beautifying ourselves this evening. The girl is crazy about nail polish; when she spied me painting my toes her main focus in life shifted from sucking her thumb to having her fingers and toes painted too.

The weather was pretty iffy which meant at one point we were polishing amidst sprinkles. But it was fun and she was happy as a clam. And if you’ve ever seen Eliza happy as a clam you know that there’s not much you wouldn’t do to make her be that way again. She’s delightful.

Dinner tonight was BLTs and if you know me at all you know that bacon is one of my love languages. I was a happy girl. I even had two sandwiches. I’ve cut bread out of my diet by about 95% so this was a big deal! I loved every bite.

I rounded the day out with an awesome (and hard!) CrossFit workout. I even learned a new movement – the “push jerk.” Learning it took me more than a few tries, but that was okay! I had ninety-three times to figure that bad boy out. From what Daniel, my coach, said – I got it. I’m pretty stoked about that!

I have to be honest here, I feel like I’m always saying that my day was great… Let me be clear on this, there are times in every single one of my days that are bad – maybe even awful. But when I stop in here at night to think on and write about my day, I can’t help but focus on the happy parts and thankfully, the terrible, horrible, very bad parts slip out of view.

So are we perfect here? No way! We’re just really good at forgetting the yuck.

A normal, every day, day.

August 26, 2010 | Filed Under Eliza Dove, Eve, Homeschool, Photos | 6 Comments

Today was a simple day of routine. The kids woke up happy and bouncy; the sun shone brightly without burning, the air was crisp in a New Mexico kind of way.

I liked today.

Sure, there were the usual accidental spills, and the bumps that make all children run for mama kisses; there was the typical bickering over a stupid toy. But there was camaraderie and hugs and “I love you’s.” And Eliza sported curls which always foretells of an especially good day.

Today was normal, every day, day.

School was accomplished; Eve was able to recite her entire poem and I videotaped it for posterity. Judah and Eliza recited theirs a few days ago:

Untitled from andrea hub on Vimeo.

Eliza’s poem from andrea hub on Vimeo.

But Eve’s was longer and required more hard work.

Untitled from andrea hub on Vimeo.

I love teaching them though I woudn’t mind a few more “productive” things to keep Eliza busy at the table. As much as I love her chubby little body, her constant plea to sit on my “yap” (lap) does tend to disrupt the flow. I always let her sit with me when we read, she likes to be the first to see the rare picture in our book. Today’s reading made me choke up but I hid it well… it’s just my mama heart that gets all emotional sometimes.

Eve had a great day, being that as soon as she finished school she shot out the door like a bullet and spent the entire afternoon playing with her friends; and then promptly headed off to hip hop class. A perfect day in her book. I did manage to wrangle her little body into stillness for a few moments so I could slip braids into her hair before class.

Post class Eve was wound for sound… I had her burn off some energy on the back porch. She played on the rings and swung and… did the jig, naturally.

I’ll be sad when Eve becomes self-conscious and holds herself back. I enjoy her zest and unshackled ability to be herself.

I didn’t get to accomplish much of anything for myself today. Partly, I’m sure, because I didn’t make a list. The other part, the main part, was because I was entirely present in everything we did. While I can’t do that every day… things do have to be accomplished, I enjoyed our day.

The greatest part, I confess, was that I kissed my husband this evening. After Daniel having a humdinger of a cold (his once a year bout of sickness) for the past week, I’ve missed his lips. Thank the Lord that although everyone else caught it – though much more mildly than Daniel – I was healthy and well and able to carry everyone through.

Eliza’s knitted backpack.

August 26, 2010 | Filed Under Eliza Dove, Photos | 9 Comments

It’s not very often that the kids receive mail. But when they do… Hold onto your horses!

Things get kinda crazy.

Today Eliza received a package from Nana. Her very own backpack.

A few years ago I stumbled across the pattern for the most adorable knitted backpacks; knowing I couldn’t make the backpacks, I asked my mother-in-law if she would make them. She generously did. The kids have dearly loved and used their backpacks for many adventures. Not only are they a great size, they are super cute; we’ve used them on the plane, for road trips, and for playtime around the house.

Lately Eliza had begun claiming Eve’s as her own. When I would tell her that while she can use it with Eve’s permission, it belonged to her sister. “Oh, aw-wight” she’d say, with a reluctant sigh. It finally occurred to me – sometimes the light bulbs take awhile to come on – that I could ask Conny to make Eliza her very own. Eliza agreed that this was a great idea; together we rang up Nana and asked!

Purple and orange were the requested colors. And boy, did Nana deliver!

I think my mother-in-law might have a soft spot for her youngest granddaughter because there was some major bling involved in Eliza’s backpack. And the girl loves it.

I am thankful that each of the kids have their own backpack now. It’s awesome to be able to tuck little toys and snacks into the bags for road trips, trips to the zoo, and the like.

You’ll have to excuse how messy her hair is – she had an awfully busy day of playing – but here, Nana… here’s Eliza’s big smile to show you how happy she is with her bag…

Thank you very much!

Into the make-up.

August 25, 2010 | Filed Under Eliza Dove, Photos | 13 Comments

Today was blessedly cold and rainy. What a glorious day! Rain also means that my kids are playing inside.

The truth is, I liked it.

I enjoy hearing what games my kids play, unless they’re fighting and then forget it. At one point this morning I was cutting up apples for applesauce when I realized that Eliza wasn’t downstairs with the other two kids. Normally where there is one (or two) there is the other. I never have to worry about one of my kids wandering off or getting into trouble. They equally as much love to be together as they love to tattle, so generally we’re good.

I questioned Judah about Eliza’s whereabouts and he offhandedly replied that, “Oh, she’s upstairs.”

“Doing what?” I asked.

“I think she’s mad or sum-fing” he said.

I hadn’t heard any fighting or screaming so I knew that wasn’t it. I figured she was either reading a book or getting into mischief.

A couple of minutes later Eliza sashayed into the kitchen… in full make-up. Eve flipped her wig because it was her make-up Eliza had experimented with. I encouraged Eve to keep her make-up higher and out of reach, then I laughed, took Eliza’s photo, and let her wear the make-up for the remainder of our day.

Miss Eliza,
I love that you got the blush in the general area it is suppose to go; I love that you put on purple eyeshadow; I love that you even put on lip gloss. I especially love that you can do all of this correctly at the age of two.

Baby girl, you are mama’s cheeseball and it is impossible for me to love you more.

A little cooperation between God and Judah’s Mama.

August 22, 2010 | Filed Under Eliza Dove, Judah, New Mexico, Photos, The garden | 5 Comments

This year in my garden I planted grape tomatoes for Judah. He was the sole reason I planted them.

My little guy has loved grape tomatoes since he was able to get them from his hot little hand into his mouth. I had to shut him down when he was a wee one because of the horrendous diaper rash he would get the day after. I hated doing that. I promised myself that when he was done with diapers I would never deny him grape tomatoes again. He could eat them by the fist full and I wouldn’t bat an eye.

Last summer he ate as many as I could get into the house. Farmer’s market to table to Judah’s happy mouth.

This summer, we have our own.

I was afraid that this day would never come; the first grape tomato plant that came up from the seeds I planted, died. I guess it couldn’t take my constant attention. Unfortunately I am a hover-er. I know my neighbors think I’m crazy because I am constantly checking on my garden.

The second little tomato plant that decided to give this life thing a whirl… lived! Flourished, even. I watered it, talked to it, cheered it on…

Fruition:

I was so excited for this day to come! I’ll admit to being a little nervous that Judah would mysteriously decide that he didn’t love grape tomatoes anymore, but my fears were put to rest.

I had one very happy boy with a handful of just picked grape tomatoes.

He even shared with his sister, though truthfully it was a bit begrudgingly. He’s got some stiff competition in the “oh-may-yo” lovin’ department from one Miss Eliza Dove.

Maybe next year I should plan for a “Judah” tomato plant and an “Eliza” tomato plant!

Eliza+zucchini=baby

July 16, 2010 | Filed Under Eliza Dove, Eve, Military Life, New Mexico, Photos | 21 Comments

Daniel has been working nights this week so our normal schedule has been a little more interesting. There’s been lots of whispering and walking like “tiny mice” and a few threats thrown in, naturally.

“If you wake your father up…. ”

And the very meaningful usage of entire names, in a very loud whisper, of course.

“Eve Shiphrah!!!”

It’s not been all whispers and tiptoes though. We have had a lot of fun at the library and the pool, playing at the park and chilling with our friends. And lots and lots of one on one time with mama.

That’d be me.

A couple of days ago we picked our first tomato from our little garden. We were so excited!

We chopped it up, added in some basil (also from the garden), along with a little bit of ham and made some delicious scrambled eggs for breakfast this morning.

Tonight the kids picked two zucchini from our monster zucchini plant.

Eliza immediately started mothering her zucchini. Apparently when she was walking around this morning with a ball under her dress saying she was pregnant, it was with a zucchini.

Great news! I’m a grandmother!

Of a zucchini.

We have all been itching to make some zucchini muffins (with chocolate!). So tonight we did! Working together was a lot of fun and everyone walked away with a sense of muffin ownership.

And bonus… They were delicious!

We are looking forward to having Daniel home but we’ve had a really nice week with lots of quality mama and kiddo time!

Anybody else have a garden this year? What are you picking right now?

I guess we are related after all!

July 15, 2010 | Filed Under Andrea, Eliza Dove, Eve, Judah | 26 Comments

Here’s the deal. I carried Eve in my belly for 9 months. I birthed her at home so I know there was no switching of babies. I did all of the hard, hard work and I swear, she looks nothing like me. She looks like Daniel, acts like Daniel, has the same taste buds as Daniel…

Last night I whipped out my camera at dinner. Because what’s better than capturing people mid-chew? Actually it was because Eliza was looking so cute sitting in Daddy’s chair; she loves to sit there whenever Daniel’s not home. Her greatest goal in life is to be just like the big kids, you know.

Anyway, Eve made this face:

Instantly my mind went to this photo of me:

I realize I’m scary looking. I apologize. It was post-Crossfit workout and I was bright red and sweaty, waiting for Daniel to finish rowing a 2k, and acting like a dork.

But look! We made the same face!

I’m grasping at straws here, but I feel validated. We really are related. And you know what, God bless her, she’s getting my freckles. I could not possibly be more tickled!

I love my people. And Crossfit.

July 11, 2010 | Filed Under Crossfit, Daniel, Eliza Dove, Judah, Love is..., Uncategorized | 6 Comments

(addendum) Looking back on these photos… this is definitely a “We do Crossfit” themed post!

Photoshoot at the laundromat.

July 6, 2010 | Filed Under Eliza Dove, Eve, Judah, New Mexico, Photos | 13 Comments

We drove by. I saw gorgeous natural light. I made Daniel go back. I shot photos. I was happy.

I would totally do a full on photoshoot in that laundromat. It’s funny how the places we often overlook because they are ordinary can be so interesting.

A Happy 4th of July brought to you by the grumpy children.

July 5, 2010 | Filed Under Eliza Dove, Eve, Holiday, Judah | 4 Comments

Happy Fourth of July, dangit.

Hope your day was wonderful and filled with exceptional company and food!

Rain=Love (and mosquitoes)

June 28, 2010 | Filed Under Eliza Dove, Life Stuff, Love is..., New Mexico, Photos | 8 Comments

I’m such an old lady. One of the things I love to do in the evening is sit on a chair in the front of my garage (this is only because I have a psuedo front porch) and watch the world go by.

I love it best when there’s a rainstorm. Watching the rain fall is calming to me and let me tell you, I need all the calming moments I can get. My life is nuts.

Last night we had one of those moments… a quiet rain, chairs in the garage, the kids were chill… it was nice.