I have almost replaced myself.

The other day I was finishing up school with Samuel. Abby decided she would surprise me and make lunch for everybody. After several minutes of quiet (which in our house is almost never a good thing) I decided I needed to check on Claire. I then heard Abby upstairs talking to Claire. I quietly walked up the stairs to find Claire standing on a chair, with Abby, helping her make sandwiches. It was hilarious to hear Abby as she, in her most mother-like tone, instructed Claire. It has now become a daily event. Abby can't make a sandwich without Claire climbing up to help her. I figure in about 5 years I can retire and let Abby run everything. (it's what she really wants to do anyway!!!!) In the meantime, if you need any help I will rent out Abby for $10.00 an hour. (unless you're family, then it is just $5.)

Claire's new fascination

It's where she does her best thinking. (though nothing of significance has happened while perched atop the potty----yet!)

Claire-ology

Claire is picking up new words everyday. Though she is very quiet when we are out and around other people, at home she is a chatter box. She is over 30 words. She has just now figured out a way to say all her siblings names. So here is dictionary for you so you can understand her when you come visit. (that is if she will talk while you are here.)

"no"- means no! and she means it!!!
"daddy"- she would rather see him than anybody!
"abby"- her next favorite person
"petsels"-pretzels- her favorite snack
"snaaa"- granola bars (I think she is trying to say snack)
"dink"- drink
"shoe"- her favorite thing to put on! And she wears everyone's shoes but her own. She takes those off as fast as I can put them on.

And my favorite words:

"ababell", "bisabell", "bababell"- Isabelle. It comes out in one of these forms.
"no no"- Samuel. (not sure if it is because his name is hard to say, or because this is what he usually says to Claire.)

The kids have picked up a new love for playing cards.

Brian enlisted the help of Isabelle and Claire to try and beat Samuel and Abby at Uno. After playing cards with my grandma in July they have become experts!! (and yes, a cowboy hat is a requirement for true professional card players.)


Claire decides to teach Brian how to play.

What do you get when......

you mix a climber, a stripper, and a card player?

Making a pizza, well, kind of......

First you start with the crust. (aka-rice krispy treats on a pizza pan.)



Next, spread the sauce. (aka-strawberry jelly)

Then the cheese. (aka frosting tinted yellow.)

Add some pepperoni (aka fruit roll-ups cut into circles).

Then you bake it. (aka-put it on the table)

*before you nominate me for the most creative mom of the year award, this was not an original idea. www.ricekrispies.com

Claire's 18 month check-up

For those interested:
20 lbs
28 inches
5th percentile


Yes, she is still tiny! (But I can put her hair in pigtails now!)

Claire's learning to use a spoon

"Would you look at how many calories and how much sugar is in this stuff!! Mom, I can't believe you would feed this to me."


When in doubt, just drink it!

Isabelle has a new swimsuit

After Isabelle had her tubes replaced in her ears, Grandma and Great Grandma brought her a new swimsuit. Princess of course!

Me, my mom, my girls, and my grandma

We have been able to spend the past couple of weeks with my grandmother. Since she lives in Minnesota and is 95, this kind of time doesn't happen often. She LOVES playing cards, so we have spent many hours playing Uno, and some new card games. The kids have loved having her around and we will miss her now that she is getting ready to head back north. We love you Great Grandma White!!!