365 - Trying again

I actually took photos every day this week, but have discovered that the trick comes not just in remembering to pull out the camera but in taking a good photograph each day. So I can't say that I'm proud of each of these but it will prove again just how very ordinary our life is. Happy, but ordinary.

1.19.10

God helped me out a little here by providing a gorgeous rainbow right outside our kitchen window today.

1.18.10

Danny will try to tell you that this helicopter is for the kids, but I challenge you to ask him just how many times he's allowed them to fly it. Just look at that concentration! The ones of him "smiling" and flying at the same time were even worse =).

1.17.10

Oh how I wish I had a wider lens on my camera for this shot! I'm still getting used to my "nifty-fifty." This is Reagan's mama-I'm-jumping look.

1.16.10

Alyssa has begun a new love affair with Grape Nuts, and ever since I brought a box into our home she has been dying to make me the "par-fate" pictured on the back. When grandma stopped by this morning, Alyssa seized the opportunity and presented me with this lovely (and delicious) creation.

1.15.10

Another toy the very-handsome daddy enjoys every bit as much as the kids is a new Nemo PlayStation game borrowed from a generous co-worker (thanks Mary!).

1.14.10

Alyssa and Parker are nearly black belts after just two weeks of Karate - can't you tell?

1.13.10

Some of my favorite wedding gifts have been an assortment of Arthur Court bowls and platters. They're beautiful and impossible to break: perfect for taking cookies or a salad to a party, appropriate with my china and for everyday. So imagine my excitement when I found this beauty tucked back in a corner of a Bed Bath and Beyond clearance rack!

365 - Fail

**Updated with a link to the recipe for Malva pudding. I'm told it's not as good as "Aunt Judy's" recipe - the one Anita usually uses, but as you'll see it still disappeared. This link will try to discourage you from the full-fat version, but it really does need both the sauce and ice cream! **

So, as is the way with most new year's resolutions, my goal of taking at least one photo a day, every day for a year is already down the drain. I never even dreamed of posting every day as some of you hard-core bloggers out there are doing. I had just hoped to share my favorites through maybe a once-a-week post. Unfortunately, it's only day 12 of the new year and I only have 11 photos for you, taken on only 9 days. Oh well... I resolve to do better next week.

1.12.10

Tell me why it is so hard to get three children to sit down together and smile! And not one of the cheesy ones Alyssa and Reagan have begun manufacturing as of late.
1.12.10

This afternoon when I retrieved Reagan from her nap, I found her favorite forbidden pacifier on the bed beside her. Two key clues led me to believe that it had been in her mouth: (1) it was wet and (2) there was a pacifier-shaped indentation on her cheek, exactly lined up with where it would have pressed into her chub. Unfortunately for her, she still decided to lie about it. Who says we have no sin nature?!

1.9.10

One of Alyssa's favorite playthings, her bitty baby Morgan. Morgan gets a new outfit most every day thanks to the generosity of my mom's cousin Arleen, who decided to "adopt" Alyssa as the granddaughter she never had, and sent her boxes full of American Girl Doll stuff. Trust me, her parents aren't that nice!

1.8.10

And the other extreme: boys who love dirt. One of our dear friends was in the hospital last week, so we got to enjoy two of their kids for four days. Alyssa thoroughly enjoyed sleepovers with Ami, and Parker loved having Bradley to help him dig up worms.

1.7.10

When mama needed a little break from 5 kids, the TV was an amazing distraction.
1.6.10

Isn't Ami beautiful? She's sweet too.
1.6.10

Ring-around-the-rosy is way more fun with friends than an itty-bitty sister!
1.4.10

A non-photo of what feels like a very empty house now that the Christmas decorations are put away.
1.3.10

I think Parker may have inherited a little bit of his mama's neatness neurosis. This is his careful organization of his car collection.
1.2.10

My favorite South-African came for dinner and taught me how to make Malva pudding - the traditional dish Danny fell in love with when she served it to his mission team in Malawi. There's so much cream and butter that it couldn't help but be good! This is what was left over.

1.1.10

My old washing machine on it's way to a good home. It served me well, but I'm thrilled to be able to cut out at least a few loads a week thanks to the amazing capacity of my new one.

Christmas treasures

One evening back in October (October people! two full months before Christmas), Danny and the kids went on a little shopping expedition while I was off teaching my class. On the agenda: finding Christmas presents for mama. And what is the best venue for such an outing? The dollar store of course. Each of the children found treasures they were positive I couldn't live without.

Alyssa choose a lovely candle (it's pink and sparkly - what more can I say?).

Parker selected a refrigerator deodorizer (apparently his nose is more sensitive than mine!).

And Reagan came home with a wash bag for delicates/hat (a great accessory for my big new washing machine and my favorite baby girl!)

Am I a blessed mama or what?! Extra points for Daddy too!