Pushing Pretzels

Superhero Squad

Hmmm

I think I'll probably stick to my basic browns, creams, and white theme, but I do like a cheery laundry room:)

Daddy Rocks

After bath time last night Bill gave Kate two stylin' little braids. He's got so many talents:)

Tea Towel

As far as I'm concerned, tea towels are one of life's little luxuries. Craft Warehouse sells the basic towels in neat little stacks of seven. Thanks to my Mom, this tea towel got decked out in glorious vintage reproduction fabric and rick rack! My Mom also found the adorable vintage styled iron-on patterns at a little shop in Prosser. Lucky for me, my Mom had the project all put together for my sisters and I! We sat around one afternoon chatting and embroidering these sweet little towels! And since my Mom is so thoughtful, she graciously made lunch, had essential oil foot baths ready for us (mmmm I had tangerine!) and made us fresh smoothies! What fun times we have!

"Mingo"

Great Aunt Kathy graciously gave Kate a "pet" flamingo. "Mingo" has gone everywhere with Kate since she got her hands on it. Mingo has gone on a walk, to Costco, been swimming, soaked in the bath, accompanied bed time, and went swinging! . . . And we've only had "Mingo" for a little over 24 hours:) It must be love! Thanks, Aunt Kathy!

Sweet Slumber

Visit from Grandma

My Mom came over and rocked sweet Noah to sleep:)

Kitty

Last night after putting Kate to bed Heidi hears Kate quizzing herself:
"Who's the President of the United States?"
"Obama."
"That's right!"
"Yay!" and of course she claps for herself!

¡Ayúdeme!

While stuck behind the couch I hear Kate call, "Ayudeme! Ayudeme!" Thank goodness for our Spanish nanny Dora!

Not Feeling Well

Kitty wasn't feeling well on Sunday so she sat on the step and watched the other kids play.

Black and White

Laundry Room Design

I am not really sure why, but most home designs squish the laundry room into the plans. Maybe people don't want to pay for the extra square footage. Whatever the reason, not all of us are blessed with large spaces. I for one fold my laundry on the bed or couch. Not exactly ideal for sure. It will be a while before this design becomes reality in our home considering my washer and dryer are both perfectly functional. So here is my design. Front loading washer and dryer. Counter space for folding above the washer and dryer. Fresh flowers . . . just because. Vintage cabinet. Vintage table. Lots of storage!

Mowing the Grass is Big Stuff

Ike is Five and Noah is Five Months

Every Time a Bell Rings . . .

Angels are hard to capture on camera!

This angel has a tipped halo!

The Well-Trained Mind

In case you have a first grader at your house, here's a great list of supplemental reading or books on cd that would be great for the summer (just in case you won't be able to get to it during the school year.) This list sounds like any little boy would hop, skip, and jump right to bed if he knew these adventures were awaiting him!

From The Well-Trained Mind:

Arabian Knights
A Christmas Carol
Greek Myths
The Jungle Book
King Arthur and his Knights
Rip Van Winkle/Gulliver's Travels
Shakespeare for Children
She and He: Adventures in Mythology
Sherlock Homes for Children
Tales from Cultures Far and Near
Tales from the Old Testament
Three Musketeers/Robin Hood

Little Love Update

Summer is splashing along here at the Parramore home. Not only do we have our own set of siblings for playmates, but a crew of cousins to bounce through summer with as well! The days here are packed with activities and boundless energy (at least for the kids.)



Tutoring and speech therapy have us jumping around from Monday to Thursday. Both the tutor and the therapist are seeing huge improvements for Ike. I am beginning to believe that this little guy gets easily lost in the crowd and thrives on one on one attention. Therapy and tutoring only take up a few hours of our week. The rest of the time Ike is running around with his buddy Wyatt and his cousin Alex. In the evenings and weekends, Ike is his Daddy's sidekick. I find them fixing sprinklers, mowing the grass, cleaning the garage, and eating popsicles and having manly chats on the tailgate of the truck. Ike is in "little boy heaven" as long as he is at Daddy's side. At bedtime we've taken to reading a story or two to send Ike off into an adventurous and peaceful dreamland. I'm so in love.



Kate has reached such an independent age. She's a careful observer and an imaginative little lady. Often times I find her hidden away in a corner of the playroom, content to be in charge of all her little toys. She sets her animals at her play table and chairs and serves them breakfast. She lovingly rocks her babies. And on several occasions, I've peeked in to see her patting her little brother's fuzzy head and telling him over and over, "Such a good boy!" She's an affectionate little being full of wonder and gentleness. In the evenings, you can find her curled up on Daddy's lap, happy to have him home. On a side note, she's recently learned the name of the President of the United States. If you ask her she'll answer, "Yeah! Obama!" with such animation. But she expects a fair amount of clapping and praise afterwards. And be prepared, she'll also quiz you on what the Presidents name is;) I am so in love.



Noah is a never ending sea of bliss and delight. His smiles are constant and his cries minimal. His favorite summer activities are neighborhood walks in the back seat of the stroller, wearing out swing batteries, and snuggled in Mommy's sling. He's a hefty little man, weighing in at 17/18 pounds. His chunky thighs make me deliriously happy. He's a giggly, peaceful, and joyous little package. And of course I can't help it, I'm so in love.

Noah

Little Bella

Flowers from my Jordi

Storyteller