Self Expression

Ivy has decided mommy isn't an expert in fashion anymore.  I can no longer convince, cajole, or sweet-talk her into any outfits of my choice.  I've decided to give her more freedom to choose what she wants to wear (unless it's inappropriate for the weather).  Some days she is looks perfectly put-together. Other days I wish I could glue a sign on her forehead citing: I DRESSED MYSELF TODAY!  If I force her to wear what I want or constantly critique her appearance I figure I'll just inhibit her confidence, independence, and creativity.  So bring on the clashing colors and patterns-  I'm raising a strong woman here!  Who's to say I know anything about style anyway...

She chose to accessorize with stickers today

Humble Beginnings

Tents in the desert, tiny log cabins, covered wagons crossing the plains, and how can I not include a manger in a humble stable.  Some of the most important, respected, and inspiring people I know spent much of their babyhood and childhood in not-so-luxurious accommodations.

This is Delia's "bedroom":

Delia's very own baby cave

Yep, right next to the shower and sink.  We don't have an actual room for her in our tiny house, so we had to be creative.  Luckily we have a good size, mostly unused guest bathroom.

 She doesn't have cute little decorations on the wall or beautiful, plush bed coverings like she deserves.  I have a feeling spending the first year of her life in a bathroom won't damage her future prospects, just like many of my heroes who didn't have much.

The Culprit

I just can't be mad at him...

With test after test, cranky professors, VERY little sleep, and rotations every other week taking him out of town for days and days of slave labor- I can't blame him for forgetting to tell me he took the camera to school.

Bryan's Oral Pathology Mentors at VCU

Oral Pathologists study diseases of the mouth through microscopes. 

These last few months of dental school have been stressful to the MAX.  Bryan is living off of adrenalin and Diet Wild Cherry Pepsi- I don't know how he's still standing, but he's excelling as always.  I'm so proud of him, but I wish me and the kids could spend more time with our favorite man!

Blogging Crisis

 I love to write in this online journal of mine.  I love expressing what's on my mind, funny things the kids say and do, and small, every day miracles and gifts.  I love including sweet little pictures and videos so we can see exactly what the kids look like in that moment.  Another reason I love it so much is if I don't record it, I forget it.  As a mother it surprises me how easily such perfect, priceless, and precious memories just get lost in the every day chaos of life. 

I haven't been able to post anything lately because I LOST MY CAMERA.  To some of you this statement might seem trivial, but many will understand my tragic loss- I might as well be saying:  I LOST MY RIGHT ARM (okay, maybe that's a little dramatic).  My camera is my constant companion, capturing moments that my brain forgets and I can't write a post without any pictures!

This is becoming a common problem at my house.  I'm the kind of person who can't survive with clutter.  I can't even think straight if the house is too messy.  I like to have a place for everything so everyone knows where to find it.  Well... with the accumulation of baby stuff, Hyrum's school papers and crafts, Ivy's elaborate girly toys and all the other junk we keep because we just can't get ourselves to throw it away, comes the problem of nowhere to put everything.  So I tend to just stick stuff wherever there's room.  I ALWAYS assume I'll remember and I ALWAYS forget where I hid the silly thing.  

So now my poor camera is stuck in some drawer or shelf or maybe even the freezer just waiting to be discovered and used again.  I'm so disappointed because I had such fun little posts coming up... one about Ivy refusing my help with fashion.... another about the surprising place Delia sleeps... and another just about our every day lives.  

So, I must say adieu to my blog until the camera is found, and off I go to look in more random hiding places in the house...

Books, Books, Books

In our home we love, love, love books.  Whether it's too cold, too rainy, or too hot to play outside, it's so nice to spend the day reading and laughing together. 

Here's only a few of our favorites:

(I've only included the books I don't mind reading again, and again, and again...)

In a world where quality is being replaced by quick, cheap, and cut-rate, it's such fun to be blown away at the beautiful, heartfelt, insightful, witty, and just plain delightful creations these artists invent for children.