That's What She Said.

I can't believe tomorrow is December 1st. I'm seriously in shock. Not that I mind... I mean, December is a FABULOUS month. But how did it get here so quickly?

We had a lovely Thanksgiving. We spent our holiday with our good friends in Santa Barbara where we lounged around, played on the beach, and ate entirely too much fantastic food. We had a great time! I pretty much left the picture-taking up to my friend since, you know, her camera actually works, so you don't get to see any photos until she finds the time to send them to me. I know, you're waiting with baited breath...

Since today is the last day of November, I figured I'd write one more "grateful post." This is so NOT meaningful, but I am thankful for the Internet. I say it all the time, but I seriously don't know how I lived without it. I use it all the time! Not only for blogging/facebooking/keeping up with friends and family, but for finding information that I wouldn't know where to get elsewhere. Just today I searched for and ordered a cute Christmas present for my mama, researched the efficacy of St. John's Wort, put two new books on hold at the library, found a recipe for zucchini bread, read the consumer reviews on the camera I'm interested in, made a baby shower invitation, discovered that Gerard Butler is indeed Scottish (not Irish), scheduled a play date with my buddy, and read up on wood stain. Plus, several people emailed me who would have called me had I not had the Internet and since we all know how I hate talking on the phone, the Internet saved me from having to answer a multitude of calls. It just simplifies my life and brings so much useful information to me whenever I need it. So, I am thankful for the Internet.

There you have it. Happy December...

Health and Friends.

So, I haven't been very good about the whole "grateful post" idea. I had planned on writing lots of posts throughout the month of November on things I am grateful for, but well, that didn't happen. Doesn't mean I wasn't thinking of things though. :) A couple things in particular just kept coming back to me and I figured I better write them down...

1) I am so grateful that my daughter is healthy. KNOCK ON WOOD, besides the occasional stuffy nose, she has had no medical problems at all in her three and a half years of life. She has no congenital defects. She has no learning disabilities. She doesn't even have any allergies. Of course, one never knows what tomorrow might bring, but I am so very grateful that my baby girl has a strong, healthy body to take her through life. I can't imagine the pain of watching my child suffer through a serious illness and I am so grateful that for now, I don't have to.

2) I am grateful for friends. I'm not really a social person. I had a big group of friends that I hung out with all through high school, but I've always been more of a one-on-one type. I've had the same best friend since I was ten, and even though we haven't lived in the same state since 2004, I still consider her my best friend because she knows everything about me, and well, because it's just too much work to go out and make new friends. Plus, I really like her.

But a few months ago, I was feeling the need to make a few new friends. Sonnet was getting to the point where I could tell that she would enjoy regular play dates and a little more social connection than what she regularly gets at say, the park. And for some reason, I was just feeling like I needed someone to talk to... someone nearby who I could just hang out with once in a while.

It's so out of character for me, but I actually prayed for friends. I wasn't trying to become the life of the party of anything, I just needed the courage to put myself out there a little to find friends for Sonnet and to find a buddy who actually does live in the same state as me for me to spend some time with.

Low and behold, a few weeks later, a girl that I love and adore suggested a playgroup once a week for her kid, my kid, and a couple other kids that we go to church with. It's a pretty informal thing, but all the kids get together every Wednesday for 2 hours and have a ball. I LOVE that Sonnet has got to meet and play with other kids her age and that I have gotten to know the other moms better. It's been a blessing to us.

At the same time, I happened to meet a girl who lives literally around the corner from me. I don't even remember why she came over, but from the second we started talking, I just really liked her. You know how some people you just "click" with? She is one of those people for me. I'd say we're pretty different (hello, she exercises for fun and she's a fantastic singer), but for some reason, I just feel a connection with her. She's gorgeous and fun and brave... she says whatever she wants...she's way more social than me and way more exciting, but she's kind and strong and real and she didn't run away when I let myself lose on her. And our husbands like each other. And our kids get along. And did I mention she's right down the street? And that I can totally just show up and hang out on her couch and she doesn't think I'm nuts?

Total blessing.

And I'm very thankful.

O Christmas Tree!

Every year since we got married, I've done a "themed" Christmas tree. I've done a wedding tree, a pregnancy tree, a pink Sonnet tree, a JOY tree, and a fire fighter tree. If you feel like indulging me, you can see pictures of the first 4 trees here and pictures of the fire fighter tree from last year here. I think that one has been my favorite so far. :)

This year, I did a repeat and made myself another crazy, happy JOY tree. I kinda wanted to do something really random and funky-- like blue with peacock feathers, no joke-- but then I decided I'd spend my money on clothes instead.

So, I pulled all my storage bins out of the garage, tried to turn on "White Christmas" (but my DVD is so scratched up it won't play) so I settled for "The Forgotten Carols" instead, and went to town. I only bought three new ornaments this year (the green balls that say JOY on them... thank you Target).

I know, we haven't had Thanksgiving yet, but we're going to be gone all this week and well, I couldn't wait.

But I promise I will thoroughly enjoy my turkey and pumpkin cheesecake and spending a few days in gorgeous Santa Barbara with my best friend. (Hi JJ!) That thought makes me JOYful for sure. :)

Just Call Me Tiger Woods.

We went miniature golfing today. The weather was lovely and I kicked Nate's trash. The end.

Version 3.5

Sonnet is officially three and a half today.

She's 41 inches tall and she weighs 31 pounds. She wears size 3T clothes and we have yet to find any undies that actually fit her little bum. They're either way too saggy or they give her wedgies.

Sonnet is a chatterbox! She talks ALL the time. She talks even when no one is listening and if you don't answer her questions right away, she'll just keep asking them over and over until she gets a response. It's sort of like Chinese water torture... but in a cute way :)

She is very imaginative. She's really into "pretend play." She's always talking to an "audience"... I'll hear her in her bathroom brushing her teeth and she'll be explaining to the mirror exactly what she's doing. She just thinks out loud and has to say everything that comes into her mind.

I've always tried to use the "Love and Logic" approach with Sonnet where you present the kid with 2 or 3 choices (all of which are acceptable to you) and then you let them make their own decision. By narrowing down their choices, it makes it easier for them to focus and for you to maintain control, but it also gives them a sense of independence because you do what they choose. It's just habit for me to say: "Do you want the blue cup or the green cup? Do you want to go to the park or ride your bike around the neighborhood? Do you want to put your laundry away first or clean up your toys?" I think it's a good system. Lately, Sonnet has been doing the same thing to Nate and me. She'll decide on a couple things that she can live with and she'll give us a choice. "Mom, do you want to take me to get ice cream or take me to Gavin's house? Do you want to read me 2 books right now or 3 books?" It cracks us up and I actually think it's pretty smart.

Sonnet is definitely a smarty-pants. She knows all her letters and sounds. She can write her name and several other words. She can recognize a few words by sight and she's got the hang of sounding things out. I swear she'll be reading before I know it. Everything I teach her just sticks in her little brain and she picks things up really fast. We just memorized all the states of the United States in alphabetical order. If she can ever learn to sit still, school will be a breeze for her. :)

She loves to play soccer and dig holes in our backyard. We're going to the beach next week and all she's talked about for ages is how much she loves to build sandcastles. She loves to go to the library and pick out books. She loves to do puzzles and play with her baby dolls. She adores Blaze and still tortures him/dresses him up/lays on top of him/laughs her head off at his craziness on a regular basis. One of her chores is to feed him twice a day and she takes it very seriously. :)

Sonnet loves to play with other kids, but she's also kind of in her own little world. We call her "Squirrel." On that movie "Up" all the dogs get distracted when someone says the word squirrel. That's how Sonnet is... she's just excited about life. She's really good at doing what she's told and getting things accomplished, but she is easily distracted and before we know what's happened her little brain has moved onto something else.

She also has her "serious moments." She can be a little stubborn when she just doesn't want to do something. She'll give me this look like: That is so not amusing, Mom. Last week in nursery the singing teacher came in for music time and Sonnet just sat in the chair and stared at her. She was not into jumping around or belting out the tunes that day. She was partly tired (stinking 8am church) and partly just being a brat. I sorta find it funny because I know she gets that from me. I'm a tough crowd.

Sonnet still stays up late. She sleeps from about 12-9 every night. (I know, get over it). And we're hanging onto her nap as long as possible. I've considered giving it up a few times, but she gets real sleepy around 3pm so I figure it's better to let her have a nap and stay up late then to be dragging and grouchy all evening. She usually naps for 2 hours.

Sonnet is very much a free spirit-- and I let her get away with a lot-- but she's also very kind and considerate. She'll come and apologize right away if she ever does something wrong. She has really good manners and she pretty much never throws a tantrum. She's not a whiner or a crier and we've never had to do time outs or anything. She's full of energy, but she's a really good kid and I know she makes my job easy.

She's still a really picky eater. For breakfast she'll eat waffles, cereal, toast with only butter, or bagels. She likes strawberries, blueberries, and apples. Once in a while she'll eat some yogurt. For lunch and dinner she'll eat cheese quesadillas, cheese pizza, noodles with no sauce, chicken nuggets, or macaroni and cheese. That's it. I don't even bother trying to get her to branch out anymore. (Pick your battles and all). She's addicted to ice cream and the breadsticks at Fazolis. The only vegetable I can get her to eat is green beans. She drinks a ton of milk and she loves when Daddy goes out for a Dr. Pepper because she gets to get a Sprite too. :)

Sonnet is totally my little artist. She would spend all day painting, drawing, gluing, and cutting if I let her. We're constantly making new "masterpieces" and she loves to hang them up on her huge cork board in her room. She drew a monster eating a cheeseburger the other day and that's exactly what it looked like! Nate and I laughed our heads off when she showed it to us and told us what it was.

Sonnet is still obsessed with dogs and we take one of her stuffed puppies with us everywhere we go. She sleeps with them and even makes me buckle them in the car before we go anywhere.

I LOVE having a three year old. LOVE it! I'm so glad that I don't have another baby right now and that I get to spend all my time just enjoying Sonnet. (I'm not a multi-tasker, people.) Pre-school age is my favorite and I don't want to miss a thing. Sonnet surprises me all the time! She makes me laugh and she's totally my little buddy. I seriously enjoy hanging out with her. I'm so proud of her and I'm so glad that this crazy little Squirrel is mine. :)

Christmas Tunes.

I don't have a ton of Christmas music. I pretty much listen to the same few songs by the same few artists over and over again. I'm just real traditional and I don't branch out much. I'm so attached to my specific songs, that I don't need anything else to get me in the spirit.

Last night, Nate and I were talking about our favorite Christmas songs.

Hands down, mine is "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day."

I'll always remember the first time I heard it and how the words just touched me. I was at church on Christmas Day in a little LDS chapel in Idyllwild, California with my family. It was snowing outside and this song was the closing hymn. I think I was like 14 or 15 years old. I noticed that the song was actually a poem written by Longfellow, which fascinated me because I had just started to become obessesed with poetry. I just remember feeling surprised when we got to the last verse. I mean, the song is a little morose-- and I totally identify with how the speaker is feeling-- it's Christmas and the bells are ringing and you should feel joy, but instead, the bad stuff you've seen in the world starts getting you down and you just don't feel like those bells have much power anymore. But then the bells come back "loud and deep" and remind you that God isn't dead, He isn't asleep, and that right will prevail. It's like this beautiful way of saying, "Buck up. Have hope. God's got a plan. It started on Christmas Day 2000 years ago, and I know things are tough, but there is going to be a great ending."

I think Sarah McLachlan's version is just gorgeous. I love how simple it is and that her voice is so unique. I could listen to it a hundred times a day and still feel the way I did the first time I heard the song.

A very close runner up for my favorite Christmas song is "O Holy Night." This one is Nate's all time favorite. Again, I think I love it because it's all about hope... about how that first "holy night" changed the world. Colin Raye's version is my favorite. He just belts it out and the ending is so powerful!

Of course, White Christmas by Bing Crosby is a classic. I know he orignally sang it on "Holiday Inn," but I associate it with the movie "White Christmas," which I watch at least 3 times every December (and I bawl my head off every time). This song just epitomizes Christmas for me.

I also love the songs from the Forgotten Carols. I haven't been to see the show in a few years, but it used to be one of my favorite Christmas traditions. I think the music is fabulous! I love the song called "Handel's Dream" (because I totally understand the little angel who gets kicked out of the choir-- that was so me), but I think "He Was Here" is my favorite. Even though I wasn't there in Bethlehem to witness the birth of Christ, I can have faith that He did come. And that He will come again.

And finally, "The Christmas Guest" is one of my most favorite poems ever. Like, EVER. It's just got such a great message. I like this version of the reading by Andy Griffith (cause his voice reminds me of my grandpa). Oh, totally warms my heart. :)

What are your favorite Christmas tunes?

On Breathing.

One of the goals I set for myself in 2010 is to "live in the moment."

I've explained before how I am a "planner." I don't really worry or stress-out about things, but I am constantly thinking about what's next. I just feel like I have to have all my ducks in a row all the time.

And while I believe that having foresight and being prepared are very good qualities, I sometimes feel that I spend so much time thinking about the future that I don't enjoy the present. I know I miss out on sweet moments and special opportunities because I don't "go with the flow" or focus on the "here and now."

How's that for a bunch of cliches? :)

One of the reasons I love yoga so much is because at the beginning and end of every practice, it's customary to do some meditation. You spend a few moments clearing your mind, listening to your body, regulating your breathing, dedicating your practice, and just being very... aware. Aware of your thoughts and feelings... aware of the oxygen coming in through your nose, filling your lungs, and traveling throughout your blood supply... aware of this moment only.

I thrive on that. It's amazing how just a few minutes of basically trying to do nothing but breathe and "just be" can bring perspective and calm and strength to my life.

One of the things that I do when I'm feeling overwhelmed, grouchy, or when I realize that I'm not "living in the moment" is to say to myself: "Right now in this very moment, the only thing I am doing is ______." Even if what I'm doing isn't very fun, I find that it really calms me to focus only on the task at hand...at doing it well and then moving on. If what I am doing in that moment is fun, then saying that little phrase helps me to put everything else out of my mind and suck every ounce of goodness that I can out of what's happening.

This especially helps me at night. I've always had a hard time falling asleep. I'm a bit of an insomniac and I have a really hard time "shutting down my brain." I plan and think and worry and rehash and pretty soon I get so agitated that I just get out of bed and give up. So, instead, I think: "Right now in this very moment all I have to do is rest." It's like I give myself permission to do only the one thing that matters most and let everything else go. It really helps.

Lately I've been in this weird "funk." I've talked before about how I have 3 or 4 days every month when I am just really...off. It's hormonal and I usually just hibernate and eventually it goes away and I don't think about it again until one day next month when I wake up feeling weird again. But this funk has been different. I've been grouchy and frustrated and not very patient. The problem is that it's been a very busy couple of weeks and I haven't really been able to hibernate. I've had to deal with lots of other people and I know I haven't done a very nice job of it.

{I'm over-sharing, I know.}

Anyways, I've just been feeling weird and overwhelmed. And then I got sick (which never happens to me-- I have a superhuman immune system). And I've been almost boycotting the holidays because I'm sad my grandpa isn't here to celebrate with me (that's another story for another day-- I just really miss him). And then I felt all guilty because before I know it, it will be January and I will have missed the holidays all because I couldn't let go and enjoy the moment.

So tonight, there was finally a break in the action. All three of us were home and we put on our jammies and turned on some Christmas music and made hot chocolate. Sonnet was playing with her dolls on the floor and I sat on Nate's lap, just snuggling with him and listening to him sing along. It's really sad, but I can't tell you the last time I just sat still and let Nate hold me.

Part of me started feeling guilty that I wasn't putting laundry away or crossing things off my to do list. And then my thought came to me: "Right now in this very moment, I am just sitting with my husband listening to Christmas music. That's all. Just enjoy it."

So I did. I sat there for 30 minutes and soaked it up. I let myself rest. I took some deep breaths. I focused on the warmth of Nate's arms and the way he smells and the things that Sonnet was saying to her dolls.

And that was all. And it was exactly what I needed. I feel restored.

I'm so glad I made such a "short-sighted" goal for this year. I know that purposely trying to focus only on the here and now may come across as strange or wrong to some people, but it has helped me immensely to enjoy the "routine" moments that make up my life and to just let everything else go. Stopping to take a breath makes it easier to breathe.

And now I've got a hankering to put up my Christmas tree...

Sonnet lately.

Reading bedtime stories with Daddy. It just melts my heart.

Feeding the ducks and the {hateful/evil/pushy} geese at Sunset Park. Sonnet thought it was hilarious when one bit me. Then another one pushed her over and stole the bread right out of her hand (no joke) and she didn't think it was so fun anymore. She let out a pretty good screech and we ran the other way.

Sonnet is currently obsessed with this bathing suit. Never mind that cold weather finally decided to come to Vegas, she wears this thing EVERY day. I have to wash it when she's asleep because it's the only time I can pry it away from her body. Little kids are weird.

Fish face. Her idea.

Playing with her cousin Baron {while I snuggled Adri's newborn}. Aw.

The end.

What I Wore Wednesday.

Linking up with The Pleated Poppy again for my weekly "accountability group" to get me out of my pajamas... haha! :)

White tee: Down East
Striped shirt: Kohls
Jeans: Ross
Black clogs: Marshalls

Blue tee: Down East
Plaid shirt: Marshalls
Jeans: Walmart
Brown clogs: Target

Black tee: Target
Blue cardigan: Marshalls
Gray pants: Kohls
Black clogs: Marshalls
Polka dot scarf: Target

Red thermal tee: Walmart
Plaid vest: Walmart (I've decided I don't like it. I think it makes me look fat. Anyone want a new vest?)
Jeans: Walmart
Black clogs: Marshalls

Black tee: Target
Gray jacket: Gap
Jeans: Walmart
Black clogs: Marshalls
Yellow scarf: Target
Black hat: Target

Dress: Fashion Q
Purple cardigan: Target
Black socks: Target
Black booties: Target
(I think I like the knee socks fad!)

An Excuse to Make Stuff.

I just signed up for the handmade gift exchange over at Craftaholics Anonymous. I think it sounds fun! And who doesn't like getting mail? Especially when it's a surprise handmade gift? Go check it out. Maybe you wanna sign up too. :)

Sonnet's Book List.

I wrote about my Top 10 Favorite Books a few months ago, and I keep a list of all the books I read each year on the side of this blog. But I'm not the only reader in the house. Just because Nate only reads books when I read them out loud to him on road trips, doesn't mean that my Girlie didn't inherit my love of the written word. I mean, her name is Sonnet and all.

Sonnet loves to go to the library and pick out "a whole stack" of books each week. We have fun reading them together... especially now that she's got the patience to sit still through books with more than 10 words. :) It's interesting to see which ones she really gets attached to and to hear her talk about them long after they've been returned to the library.

At playgroup today, all the kids were asked to bring their favorite books and they read them as a group. Seeing as how she's only three, Sonnet's favorites change on a regular basis. She took "Tinka Bakes a Cake" with her today, but there are lots of books that she loves. Here are some of the books that seem to stand the test of time around here... books that are special to her (and to me).

Tinka Bakes a Cake

This is her current favorite. We read it a hundred times a day and she's pretty much got it memorized. It was my book when I was a kid and the graphics are really odd--- like a really old computer game--- but the story is cute, it's a quick read, and the names are funny.

If I Were a Lion

The little girl in this book cracks me up. She's kind of a stinker, but in a cute, precocious way. She sorta reminds me of Sonnet. :) Her mom told her she was wild and the book is all about her explaining why she's not. I think it's probably similar to the dialogue that goes on in Sonnet's head, so it makes me laugh. :)

I'm Gonna Like Me

My best friend gave me this book when we were in high school and I love the message. It's all about feeling good about yourself no matter what... it says that it's OK to be different and to love yourself because you're unique. My friend gave Sonnet a couple other books written by Jamie Lee Curtis and they are all adorable. HIGHLY recommend.

A Girl and Her Gator

This one is just fun and silly, but it also has a good message about being yourself. And the gator's name is Pierre. I love that. :)

The Digginest Dog

This book was mine when I was a kid. I must have made my parents read it a zillion times, and now Sonnet is returning the favor. Of course, she's obsessed with anything to do with dogs, and this book has a great story about a dog who doesn't know how to dig, and then he learns and goes a little bit overboard, and then his friends help him out... it's just entertaining and sweet.

Fancy Nancy

Fancy Nancy is so over-the-top, but we just adore her. Sonnet has started asking me what the "fancy" word is for everything. I totally understand Nancy... everything does sound better in french and life is much more exciting when you accessorize everything. :) I love her flair and creativity and that she does it to make herself happy, not because other people tell her to.

Good Night Moon

Good Night Moon is just one of those classic books that should be a part of every kid's childhood. I wrote about Sonnet and our love for this book here.

If You Give a Mouse a Cookie

Who hasn't read this book? There's a reason it's so popular. The illustrations are so cute and the story is just so engaging. I think it appeals to kids because they think like the mouse... you give them one thing and then they need something else... their little brains are always moving and they're so curious about everything... and it could be annoying, but for the most part, it's just fun. :)

The Giving Tree

I just think this is such a special book. My friend Dain gave it to me for my 18th birthday because I'd been talking about how much I liked it and how I remembered reading it with my mom. (BTW, my books that were gifts, especially when the giver wrote a note in the front, are some of my most prized possessions). The story is so meaningful... it's about giving everything you have in service of someone you love... and the illustrations are simple enough that the message shines through.

Tiki Tiki Tembo

I love this book because it's different. It's from Chinese folklore and the way it's told gives it that old/passed-down-through-generations feel. The character's name is funny and it kinda rolls off the tongue so it entertains kids and gives them some culture at the same time. :)

Anyways, there you have it. If you need something new to read with your toddlers, check these out next time you're at the library. What are your favorite children's stories?

Blessed.

What I Wore Wednesday.

I was sorta boring this week. haha. :)
Linking up with The Pleated Poppy!

Plaid shirt: Target
Jeans: Ross
Brown clogs: Target

(Sonnet wanted in on the photo- haha)
White tee: Down East
Flower tee: Sassy Bags (it's in Beaver)
Gray jeans: Walmart
Black Converse: Converse outlet
Lisa Leonard Heartstrings Necklace

Yellow shirt: TJ Maxx

Black leggings: Ross

Houndstooth booties: Kohls

Black flower ring: it was a present?
Black and white bracelet: Sioux Design (It's new and I LOVE it!)

Striped shirt: Target

Black leggings: Ross

Gray boots: Rack Room Shoes

Silver cuff watch: Sioux Design

Black earrings: Sioux Design (also new and also LOVED)

Huge black and silver ring: New York and Co.