Itsy Bisty over and over

I caught a cute few minutes between the kids. Adam is really into "Itsy Bitsy Spider" right now. I love that he tries to sing along and do the motions.

I need to learn to keep my thumb off of the microphone.

Pelican

When we lived in San Diego, I discovered that I really like pelicans. I know they don't have the majestic image of an eagle or falcon, or cuteness of a penguin, or make pretty music like a songbird. But its very impressive to watch a flock of pelicans glide just over the tops of the ocean waves. They are so big and graceful in the air. And their pouch is just hilarious. Anyway, when I saw a super cheap pelican toy holder at IKEA, I decided I needed it.

Happy Birthday to me. I'm using it to hold mittens and hats for the kids since they can't reach the baskets I was using.

He even has a tongue. (Yes, real pelicans have tongues, I checked.)

He makes me smile when I look in that corner of the room. Now I need a name!

Sleepy kitty

Laura's dress

I finished Laura's dress. It turned out even better than I had hoped.

It is supposed to have a shirt under it, but she wasn't interested in that this time.

We had a heck of a time agreeing on buttons, but I think we are both happy with these. They are fun, but don't take over the whole dress.

I think she likes it too.

Hardworking Woman

We went to St Paul's Home and Patio Show this weekend to get some ideas for our deck remodel this summer. Between Home Depot's kid project and the guy selling playgrounds, I think Laura enjoyed the day the most.

Adam got an apron too...

Double fisted

suspicious characters

Grillin' in February

What, besides the fuzzy snowflake window sticker, catches your eye in this photo?

Here's what I see:

The thermometer reads 50 degrees.

Man in short sleeves and no coat.

Small child with no hat.

BBQ grill is uncovered and about to cook a feast of steak, grilled carrots (don't knock it till you've tried it) and grilled pineapple. Also on the menu, potato salad! In February!

That is what I see when I look at this picture. The mounds of snow and leafless trees in the background are irrelevant when you can cook your food on the grill.

Hungry month

I read something about February being the "hungry month" for people living off the land, past and present.

Well, we're far from living off the land, but I've made more of an effort this year than ever before. I'm starting to understand the term "hungry month".

I'm raiding the freezer for frozen berries that we picked this summer.

I'm running out of applesauce from the tree in our neighbor's yard.

I recently used my last onion and garlic head from the farmers market last summer.

And I'm losing interest in buying seasonally.

Guess I'm ready for spring.

Come on asparagus and rhubarb and sugar snap peas.

More snow pictures

Remember the drift on the BBQ grill?

Well, it lost some of its umph in the sun.

I love that it looks like an ocean wave. I'm imagining I'm back in San Diego, it's sunny and 75...

And check out the snow slipping off our neighbor's roof. It looks like a solid curtain draping downward.

My man

He makes it look easy:

It should be noted that he was actually cleaning up my mess from when I shoveled last. Guess I'm just not good at shoveling. Darn.

WInter morning

Last Saturday was one of those mornings that every single branch and twig was covered in ice. It was so beautiful. When I see trees like this, I always imagine trying to recreate this effect by hand. It would be impossible to cover every single little twig and bump with a layer of ice. I just love that there are still so many things man (or woman) can't do alone.

As I drove down the road, I kept seeing beautiful forests here and there. I ended up snapping a shot of a tree in a Walgreens parking lot. But it was as pretty as the ones in the forest, I promise! My camera phone doesn't do it justice.