Tippy Toes

 He did it!  

Cutie E has discovered that standing on his tippy toes can get him what he wants when it is just out of reach.  His favorite things to grab are cell phones and tv remotes.  Nothing is Safe!

Cooking is one of our favorite things to do together.  If Cutie E hears the mixer he starts jabbering and comes right to the kitchen.  He knows Grammy is going to make something yummy.  Actually I don't think he cares about the food, he likes to watch the mixer go.

While making cookies I grabbed a kitchen chair for him to stand on.  He is getting too heavy to hold for very long and he's too squirmy to sit on the counter.  I put him in front of the mixer so he could watch.  Apparently he has been watching me push buttons and rotate dials.  Every time I turned on the mixer he would adjust the dial so it would go faster.  Then he would stand on his tippy toes to watch the dough mix.  

Today he stood on his tippy toes, climbed on a kitchen chair and stood on his toes again to be closer to the action.  His dad was removing wallpaper.

Now I am shopping for a child safe stool.

Collecting Sticks

Cutie E is walking!

Oh my, I have forgotten how cute it is to watch little dudes figure out how to walk.  That cute toddle sway with hands positioned just right so they don't fall.  Or the balancing they must do to navigate the dangers of carpet, hardwood floor, scattered toys and dogs.

He has mastered the dangers pretty well, inside.  Try to put him down on grass or the sidewalk and you'd think we were dropping him off at a strangers house.

To get him more comfortable on outside surfaces we started taking little walks together.  We'd walk down the driveway, across the front of the house and around the cul-de-sac.  He had a tight grip on my finger, but he navigated each surface like a pro.  

It didn't take him long to notice all the sticks on the ground.  The first stick happened to be a branch that broke off the previous day in a wind storm.  It was much too big for him, but he happily settled for a smaller piece of the branch.  He carried this stick on the entire walk.

Over the last few walks he has let go of my hand and ventured out on his own.  He has places to go and things he wants to see.

At first I didn't want him to let go.  It started out as my concern for his safety, but really it was that I love holding his little hand.  I didn't want him to let go.  His little life has already cruised by so quickly.  Holding my hand a little longer means time slows a little bit.

He let go and I released his little hand.  Its his turn to explore, discover and gain confidence.  As soon as he was free he plopped down on the side walk to touch the pavement, the grass and collect sticks.  He popped up when he was ready to toddle down the sidewalk.  There were a few trips and spills, but each time he got up and found a new stick to carry.  

Each walk is filled with new discoveries for him.  I love being his shadow.  Our walks are the best part of the day.;

Everyday Little Things

Some of my favorite moments are in the simple daily tasks.  Yard work, folding clothes and even grocery shopping was fun because we did it together.  Today was one of those days.

We are still working on routines and who does what, but every time I need to go grocery shopping Holly and Cutie E come with me.  I love it.  Holly and I enjoy mother daughter time.  Some trips include a special treat like a Frappuccino or if we are feeling nostalgic we will pick up a Happy Meal.  This was a rare treat when errands took us past lunchtime.  Both of us enjoyed these lunch dates.

Now I am building special moments with Cutie E.  He won't remember our grocery store trips, but I will.  I will remember when he discovered how to purposefully push drool out of his mouth and into the grocery bag.  I will remember him grabbing everything in reach and tossing it out of the basked.  I will remember holding his hand, walking an isle or two as I grabbed the needed items.  I will remember him stretching out his little leg in the cart looking very relaxed and happy.  

I have missed having the kids with me at the grocery store.  I'm sure there are many mom's out there that prefer to go grocery shopping without their kids.  I loved taking my three.  Once Harrison was strong enough to lift a gallon of milk he would load all 5 gallons onto the bottom rack of the cart.  Holly and Riss would unload the cart while I bagged the groceries.    We had fun together trying to knock out the shopping as quickly as possible.  I have missed those days.  Trekking up and down the isles alone isn't that much fun.

Soon Little O will get to join us on our grocery store treks.  I can't wait to see what element of fun he brings to our trips to run errands.

DC Cherry Blossom Adventure

 

Washington Monument 

Spring is finally here and I have a list at least a mile long of all the things I want to do.  If you live or have visited the DC area you know what I mean.  There is so much to do and definitely not enough time.  I love visiting my favorites and can't wait to take the grands, but we are trying to get out and explore areas that are off the tourist beaten path.  With that said if you are here during the spring you have to see the Cherry Blossoms.

I have only seen them in bloom once and that was on a student led trip.  We walked the Tidal Basin and some of the branches were so heavy with blooms that they were hovering just above the water.  My mom was on the trip with me and fell in love with the trees and flowers.

This year I became one of those people that listened to every weather report to get an update on when the trees would pop.  Its so hard to predict Mother Nature.  The national park experts predicted March 17, a bit early for average, but luckily we were going to be in town.

Despite a cloudy morning forecast Sean and I got up before dawn, trekked in to the city ahead of the morning traffic so we could capture the blossoms as the sun rose behind the Jefferson Memorial.  A spectacular spot.

It was still dark when we arrived at the MLK Memorial.  Those who were crazy enough to be up and out were either runners and those cleaning the memorial.  We walked along the Tidal Basin to find just the right spot.  My photographer has an eye for location.  He set up his tripod, got the camera ready and I paced to keep warm.  As the next hour passed more and more on lookers, photographers, runners and tourists began to fill the walkways and park around the basin.

The morning was cloudy, but we got lucky.  A break in the clouds allowed the sun to peak through giving us a beautiful view of the sunrise, Jefferson Memorial and the Cherry Blossoms.

The Yoshino is the first tree to bloom.  It has a light pink to almost white flower.  We planted two of these trees along our fence in Oregon.  I love how fluffy they look.  

We didn't get to enjoy this adventure with the grands.  It was too early in the morning and they got to enjoy them with their other grandparents a few days ahead of us.

Just before peek bloom

Taking a trip to DC to experience our nations history is something we should all do at least once in our lives.  Doing it during the peak of the cherry blossoms blooming is priceless.

On another note.  I've had family and friends ask lots of questions about traveling to Washington DC.  Below is some specific information about cherry blossom viewing.  I hope it helps if you are thinking of coming next spring.

History in DC

There is a long and rich history with the Japanese cherry trees.  The National Park Service gives a detailed history of getting these beautiful trees to Washington DC.  While we were finishing up our visit a few weeks ago we stopped to see the  Japanese Stone Lantern.  It was given to the Unite States by the Tokyo government in 1954 as a symbol of understanding between the governments.  It was carved in 1651 in Tokyo to honor the dead warlord Tokugawa Iemitsu.  There is a twin lantern on the grounds of a temple in Ueno Park, Tokyo.

Viewing the Cherry Trees

The most popular place to see the cherry blossoms is along the Tidal Basin.  This is the pool area that includes the Jefferson Memorial, George Mason Memorial, FDR Memorial, and MLK Memorial.  There are a lot More Places to View the Cherry Blossoms.  We will be checking out some of these areas next year.

Best Time to View

Knowing that student travel season is ramping up in March I would suggest viewing bright and early in the morning.  You will miss all the student led groups and their tour busses.  That not to say you won't run into a few.

Our daughter and her family saw the trees a couple of days before us and loved it.  It was a bit crowded, but it was our first warm, sunny Saturday in months.

The blossoms can last a couple of weeks depending on the weather.  It is best to view them at the beginning of their bloom to ensure you get to enjoy the flowers.

Taking Kiddos

Be sure to plan your trip well.  The pathways around the Tidal Basin are narrow, so pushing a double wide stroller can be a challenge.  Watch them closely as most of the area does not have a barrier to the water.  Try to pick a week day in the morning to avoid the big crowds and allow your kiddo's to explore.  Hopefully they will nap on the way home or to the hotel.

While our son in-laws parents were visiting they headed to the National Mall and Tidal Basin just as the blossoms were about to open.  So the kids and grand kids experienced the them just before they really popped.

Living Here

Living in DC is something Sean and I had been talking about doing for a few years.  We love the history here and all that is available to see, do and explore.  We didn't commit to moving because I was teaching and our business was mostly on the west coast.  Honestly I didn't think I could leave home.  Oregon was the place we raised our family.  It is where 41 years of memories are.  I couldn't leave that.  If it hadn't been for the kids, I don't think we would have ever moved across the country.  We are so happy we did.

Talking to Grammy

Our little Dude is growing so fast.  I have the experience of raising my own kiddo's to help me do and be better with my grands.  Since I live with them and am the CES of Household Affairs (haha) I want to make sure I slow down, enjoy, take in each moment and don't allow the daily demands take me away from being present and Grammy.

This last week Little Dude has started smiling and cooing.  He has a beautiful, soft, sweet voice.  I don't want to forget his first voice sounds.  As soon as I pick him up and we get face to face he smiles and begins to talk.  His whole body gears up to tell me some fantastic stories.  I adore this time we have together.  I can not wait to hear these stories once he has the words to tell me.

So, if you are in the midst of raising your babies and are the CEO of Household Affairs listen to this Grammy who wishes she had known the following 27 years ago.  

You don't have to do it all today!  

There isn't a prize for the cleanest house, best folded laundry or a meal with the most veggies.  

The laundry can wait.  The dishes can stack up and its ok to have cereal for breakfast.  

One day the kids will be grown, off making their dreams come true and you will miss the messy finger prints on the glass, the piles of laundry and even the toys scattered all over the floor.

Slow down, get on the floor and enjoy time with your babies.  The bonds created during this time will link you together no matter where the future takes you and the memories will fill you heart when you miss them the most.

Solar Eclipse

August 21, 20217

On August 21, 2017, equipped with ISO rated glasses, beach towels to sit on, our cell phones and popcorn cake we were ready to view the solar eclipse.  Since we were just north of 100% totality we enjoyed 97% which gave us a dark afternoon and an eerie silence as the birds stopped singing.  

My parents instilled in us an appreciation for nature.  Spending summers in the Redwoods becoming junior rangers, jumping off cliffs into the river, searching the stars for the ones we knew helped me fall in love with all that nature offers.  Usually we traveled to take in the big displays of nature, but this time we were in Forest Grove, Oregon watching the solar eclipse on the roof, being amazed by the incredible display of nature.

Lets get the eclipse started

Now I'm in DC sitting on our back deck watching another solar eclipse.  I never imagined being able to experience two so close together.   

As I was getting my ISO glasses out this morning I have a glimpse of a memory pop up.  As a young elementary kiddo I remember being told to not look at the sun as I walked home from school.  I didn't remember when this took place till I looked it up today.  My first solar eclipse was in 1979, I was a first grader.  We didn't have fancy glasses then to view the sun and all I remember from that day is walking home staring at the sidewalk so I wouldn't look up.

Watching from the back deck

This afternoon the shadows slowly grew longer, there seemed to be a darkened haze in the sky, the temperature dropped, neighbors came out and the middle school near by erupted in teenage shouts. We had entered our 87% totality.  Watching the moon slowly cover the sun and then slip away is a bit magical. 

I got it!

I am in awe that I got to experience my third solar eclipse today.  Hopefully I can catch the next one in 2045 and spend an hour or so gazing up at the sun.

Breathtaking

Cutie E and Little Dude are getting to experience their first eclipse.  While they won't remember today, we will.  We get to carry the memories for them.  It was a wonderful day to observe nature at its best.

Its more fun to take the glasses off

USA Today 2024 Solar Eclipse Path

Baby Choices

Look at those cute plates

 Whether you were a mom raising babies years ago, in the midst of raising them now or a grandma  who is around her grands often, then you know there is nothing like a hungry toddler.  

I'm sure you have heard the term "hangry" or seen the commercials for Snickers showing how angry a person can be when they are starving.  When discussing or showing someone hangry, why aren't they showing a hungry toddler screaming in the highchair while a parent is trying to prepare their meal or in their carseat screaming while mom is speeding home to get lunch or when dad is trying to prepare a bottle at lightening speed as the high pitched scream frightens the dogs.

None of us are quite sane when we are hungry, but a hungry toddler is a whole new level of HANGRY! 

I have been reminded of this phenomenon as Cutie E has transitioned from puree's to solid people food.  It takes a little bit longer to prepare his meals, especially if it is what we are eating as well.

One afternoon I was trying to get his lunch ready when the hangry screams began.  I tried his favorites, cheerios, sliced bananas, he was not having it.  To distract him I pulled out two plates for his lunch and asked him to choose.  He stopped screaming at me, stared at the Pluto and Donald plates.  A smile spread across his face as he leaned forward to grab the Pluto plate.  The Pluto plate had the honor of holding his lunch.

We have some pretty fun plates to choose from. Disney characters, Smurfs (an original from the '80's) and plates from when my kids grew up.  Who wouldn't want to pick their own plate to eat from.

What is so amazing is that before he was a year old he was choosing his own plate for lunch.  We now give him two choices at every meal.  I love that his little brain is already making choices for himself.  

Just wait till I break out the placemats.

Easter Week

 A few years ago I wanted to elevate our celebration of Easter.  I purchased the book Celebrating A Christ Centered Easter by Emily Belle Freeman.  This book centers on the people close to the Savior during His last week of life.  Sean and I enjoyed the deeper connection to Christ as we got to know these individuals.

A year or so later I found a Christ Centered Easter Creche that accompanied the book.  I loved that I could elevate not just our worship on Easter, but also have a daily reminder weeks before the holiday of how important His act of sacrifice was and is.  

This year I wanted to continue to enrich our focus, but I wanted activities we could do with Cutie E now and in the years to come.   With inspiration from the scriptures, friends, church and Pinterest I put together a weeks worth of daily activities.

I shared it with all of our children, my sister and her family and my dad.  My hope is that each family can take this framework and add to it each year.  The idea is to grow closer to Christ and deepen our testimonies of Him.

Here is a little of what our week looked like in words and pictures:

Palm Sunday we read about Christ's joyful entrance into Jerusalem and made a family palm frond.

Cleansing Monday was the day to ponder how we can cleanse our hearts and minds to better hear Jesus's teachings.  Symbolically I cleaned out my closet and as a family we built a temple out of blocks.

Teaching Tuesday shows that Christ took every opportunity to teach of a loving God.  We purchased an Easter Lily and placed it in the family room so we could be reminded of His purity and the hope He offers.

Serving Wednesday was an opportunity to serve others and let them know they are never alone.  We are not alone in Christ, He is always with us. We delivered a sweet treat to someone that serves us often.

Last Supper Thursday gave us time to focus on the importance of the sacrament. Individually we pondered ways we could remember Him daily and show love to others.

Good Friday reminds us that Jesus Christ was the ultimate example of forgiveness.  President Russel M. Nelson invited us in April 2022 to to end conflict in our lives by forgiving and seeking forgiveness.  We spent part of our evening at the temple.  It was a peaceful evening to reflect on our blessings and the joy Christ brings to our lives.

Holy Saturday gives us hope.  On this day the world awaited the fulfillment of Jesus' promise of His resurrection, they had hope it would happen.  Coloring eggs on the day before Easter has been a tradition in my family for as long as I can remember.  This year we got to color with our grandsons.  

Easter Sunday.  He is RISEN!

Easter is more than bunnies and chicks or chocolate and eggs, it is about our Savior and I wanted Him to be our focus.  It was a joyful week spent focusing on Him who made it possible for us to return to our Heavenly Father.

I hope your Easter was a special day for you and your family.

Additional Resources I used to help me prepare for Easter: 

Come Unto Christ, Holy Week, 
Easter Card Set