Team Stowell

Build-a-Bear! We must be with Nana!!

2009-06-25T07:12:00.000-07:00

Our annual summer trip to the farm is always a hit with the girls. We get to see cousins, Nana & Papa, "silly Uncle Cordy" and go to Build-a-Bear!!

We stayed a few days in Park City where the outlet clerks got to know us on a first name basis. In an effort to ware out the kids we took them to Paint me Mine, a paint your own pottery studio. They had a huge selection that brought us back the next day begging for more!

(A sad attempt at cousin pictures... but we tried!)

Lauren zooming down down Nana & Papa's driveway...can you just imagine how fun this would be in a sled at Christmas time?!

by the end of our stay bravery won out trepidation and Lauren was coasting half way down the driveway...

...on the pink panther.

Taking over the Oval Office at Logan's American West Heritage Center. Everyone's personality shines through when in play... see here how Lauren is in charge and Savannah is the court jester?! True story.

Lilly, the belle of the ball.

oh, Paisley! Are you in trouble again?

And Meggy our little chalk dispenser...or chalk eater?

California Adventure!!

2009-05-27T06:43:00.001-07:00

Lauren driving already...time does fly.

We had a great time at Disneyland with Nick's side of the family (they're an adventure all by themselves!) L & S loved meeting the characters and their favorite ride was Nemo's Underwater Adventure in a submarine.

AHrrr, look at those scary pirates!

Grandma and Papas took the grandgirls to Chuck-E-Cheese. Savannah was really on a roll with the camera...

...little punk!!

Our favorite ride by far - the Papas!!

Nick and I spent a few days in Vegas while the girls played with family. I was completely overwhelmed by the serenity of it all. Nick splurged and got tickets to Cirque du Soleil --worth EVERY penny! But the highlight was having 72 hours of Nick all to myself!

Highlights from our recent history...

2009-05-14T09:52:00.000-07:00

Making slime with Brady & Drew

Cheesecake Factory with Papa and Kim

Visiting the "Papa bear" upstairs.

President's Day cupcakes

S's first day of Preschool with Ms. Ploy.

March in CA

2009-05-14T09:34:00.001-07:00

Rhonda organized a great family photo shoot. These are my favorites of the girls.

I had to step out of the way so that Nick could coerce a smile out of S. She just fussed at me :(
Lauren was the perfect model the entire shoot. She was all smiles and the camera loves her!!

January in Houston

2009-05-14T09:06:00.000-07:00

Singing to cousin Thomas...

In January we went to Houston to see Uncle Clint off. He's in the Marine Corps and is leaving for Afghanistan. We love him and will miss him so much!

The whole family with MawMaw.

Dixie (S's favorite dog), Julie, Thomas, Grandpa Burks,
L & S

S on Uncle Clint's drums. I can see a future in this...

Lauren was pumping out a good rhythm...

Family Zoo at the Houston Zoo.

Grinch in ICE

2008-12-22T20:08:00.000-08:00

This is our 2nd year visiting the Grinch in ICE at Opryland Resort. As they take your tickets, we each get a heavy "freezer" coat to add to our ensemble. Then they stand you in front of a green screen to take a group picture... the coat adds 5 lbs and the camera 10...

Hypothermia is slowly achieved but thoroughly effective in this winter wonderland of ice. The runny noses and blurred vision only enhance the vibrant colors and textures of the sculptures. EVERYTHING is made of ice, seriously. Even the Grinch's eyelashes.
The spirit of Christmas is never so well understood. Little ones come to appreciate their most basic blessings and imagine how it may have felt to be born out side and only have swaddling clothes to keep you warm.

...but see girls, bunk beds aren't so bad.

The biting temp keeps the walk through tour at a brisk pace. Our tickets were free from Vandy (see friends, come here!) so we didn't have to get our arm and legs worth. Anyhow it only cost us a few fingers and toes, but we'll have the memories forever.

2008-12-20T12:52:00.000-08:00

Okay. Not so photogenic.

but there is a point...

Just after Savannah was born I spent several weeks with my parents in Idaho while Nick did a 6 week rotation away from home. While shopping with my mom I found these amazing Ecco shoes. I even remember the price. Mom bought them for me saying you couldn't put a price on good shoes. ...well of course not.

These shoes have really taken me places. Today they bring gratitude to my heart for the many people I've met and the blessing of a loving and attentive family. Especially my mother who always knows the solution to every problem (even if just in theory).

Mom, I still think about you every time I put on these shoes. Really. You continue to teach me, inspiring me to better myself and to look for the beauty in everything. As a girl, when I clicked across the floor of our Teakwood home in your church shoes, I couldn't have imagined a better fairy tale childhood than what you made for me. Thank you for the blessing of perspective and down right overly creative imagination. I love you.

Christmas in the Barbie house!

2008-12-18T22:04:00.000-08:00

S likes to do her helmet haircut. After I spent the morning curling it she went into the bathroom, wet it down and combed it all out... this is the post nap-I-got-into-trouble picture.

Brady and Drew gave L lots of fun mini Christmas decorations for her Barbie house. They spent all morning organizing the trees, presents, string of lights and wreaths all over the Barbie mansion.

Dr. Hull, I can floss all by myself!

more cute-ness!!

Post wet-my-hair-down picture... found her hiding in the dryer. That's a first. At least she was smart enough to bring her own light.

Our home made gingerbread house! I spent 2 days baking gingerbread for our Christmas party. The idea was a big hit and I've got requests for bridges, ski lifts and steeples for next year.

We decorated this one at Nick's department party. I'm glad we had a little practice, those doctors aren't competitive or anything ;)

I ran out of steam after Nick made the "car port". All of the sudden we went from a vintage white Christmas to white-trash gingerbread yard...

Just wait until next year PG3!! I'm doing my research!!

J. Eyring

2008-12-16T08:31:00.000-08:00

Hey Janet, let me on your blog!! I'm teamstowell@yahoo.com I'm can't wait to see your cute Christmas cards this year!

FYI Janet is my old bud from Wymount!! And the amazing author of 101 More Things to do with a Slow Cooker - AMAZING recipes!!

Doll Party!

2008-12-12T08:35:00.000-08:00

Katherine and Sophia dive into the cupcakes...even the dolls had little taste!
The girls had fun making bracelets and putting them in their party favor boxes. Lauren and I had filled the boxes with mini gummy bears, tiny gum balls, stickers and anything else we could find in miniture doll sizes.

Macee having her doll's lemonade, yum!

Time to open presents...thanks for all the fun stuff!!

A before picture...

making bracelets for pretty girls and their dolls!

It never looks quite as cute in the picture, but I was so proud!!

...an after picture :)

Grandma & Pa Stowell come to town!

2008-12-12T08:23:00.001-08:00

We surprised Lauren on her birthday by making an quick trip to the airport...what could it be?

She was so excited to see Grandma and Grandpa Stowell she was SPEECHLESS! whoa!

Savannah says the surprises keep getting better and better!

The newest Tinkerbell fan! Thanks Grandma!

MAMMOTH vs mi-nute

2008-11-02T17:10:00.001-08:00

I spent a few extra minutes doing hair this morning, only to find Savannah brushing through it with her Barbie brush 2 minutes later. I made them these fat bows out of the ribbon from my bridesmaid dress that I wore at Rachel's wedding. What a deal!!
She's mad that I took away the Barbie brush.

Our Kodak printer is on the blink, but I really enjoyed hand writing these invitations. I love hand made stuff <3!!

We're having a doll party. I'm making miniature versions of everything! Mini pizzas, cupcakes, smoothies... The girls will make matching hair bows and bracelets for themselves and their dolls, have a tea party and who knows what else. If you have any ideas, let me know!!

Halloween Party at school

2008-11-02T16:58:00.000-08:00

One of the few parties I did NOT sign up to help with. On the floor: Lauren made spiders with her hand prints and decorated pumpkins. She didn't like the mess of bobbing for apples.
S playing with the trikes in the gym at La's preschool.

End of the school day with our pumpkin...

but the party is just getting started!

Dorothy and her arch nemesis, the 'Wicked Witch of the West' being true to character.

This was the end of our day and I was lucky to catch S with these small traces of green paint on her face. You can't see from the picture, but it's all over her hands and sleeves. I had to tell her I was 'wiping it off' when I was really putting it on. She was not pleased.

Gentry's Farm

2008-10-27T10:03:00.000-07:00

The girls and I were up early on Saturday to host our VHA trip to Gentry's Farm. We had a great turn out and enjoyed every minute...except the part where the camera battery died.

Can I just tell you all (again) how much I want a new camera, one that likes me.
Picking sunflowers! This field hadn't bloomed yet but S likes the "ugly" ones (aka: weeds)

Hay Maze after the hay wagon ride!!

Sunday with our pumpkin. We've lived in our home for almost 2 years and the ward has split twice now! We only have Sacrament Meeting for the next 2 Sundays which leaves a lot of free time!

Daddy's final creation! Sorry your missing S's sound effects!

"ooooohhhh oooooohhh!"

Papa comes to party

2008-10-27T09:52:00.000-07:00

Papa came to town and it was one big party! Lots of Princess stories,
parties at the park...

(dad even helped me clean up after the VHA event!)

Chick-fil-a for lunch, face painting for dessert...

and a moon walk if you'd like to see it all again!

shortcut haircut

2008-10-27T09:49:00.000-07:00

yep, did it myself! that curly hair sure is forgiving!

State Fair

2008-10-27T09:43:00.000-07:00

prizes,

lots of games,

feed the whole petting zoo,

'' Mom, I eat carrots too!"

Then take home our very own gold fish!

Thank goodness for daddy's skills. We just couldn't leave without a pet!

pretties

2008-09-18T09:35:00.000-07:00

Katie just brought us the disc of her session with the girls (beautifully packaged by the way). I have so many favorites!! I can see how she captured the essence of their personalities...

I really enjoyed watching her follow the girls around as they explored the Agriculture Center that's down the street from our neighborhood. Katie was so playful with them and I really enjoyed watching L and S from a little bit of a distance. I noticed all kinds of little things and have that afternoon filed away in my memory (and now my computer too).

MUST BE S. 3344, NOT JUST 1738!!

2008-09-15T19:38:00.000-07:00

Senate Bill 1738 is NOT enough. DON'T MAKE ME COME GET YOU, OPRAH FAN. Read your stuff and get familiar with what we are REALLY trying to accomplish!! Look at Senate Bill 3344. Contact your state senator and make your voice heard, NOW! (It's a bit of a read, but you should know this---read below)
I sent email, made phone calls and sent my demands to Senators Bob Corker and Lamar Alexander. For me, this is war. I will fight and fight and fight... What will YOU do?

WASHINGTON, D.C.) – U.S. Senator Tom Coburn, M.D. (R-OK), a practicing physician, today called on Senate leaders to end their obstruction of S. 3344, the “Protecting Children from Pornography and Internet Exploitation Act,” after Oprah Winfrey featured a major provision of the bill on her television show today.“Those who watched Oprah’s broadcast today deserve to know that Senate leaders have repeatedly objected to passing critical child protection legislation for partisan, political purposes."

"Congress has a nine percent approval rating because politicians in Washington refuse to set common sense priorities, refuse to make rational budget decisions, and refuse to work across the aisle when that requires sharing credit with the other party during election season. Victims of these horrible crimes don’t care whether Democrats or Republicans get the credit for protecting children,” Dr. Coburn said.

“Oprah’s viewers deserve to know that Senate leaders have twice objected to passage of the bill she supports. Senate leaders have insisted that S. 1738, authored by Senator Joe Biden (D-DE) and endorsed by Senator Barack Obama (D-IL), only pass if it is included in a package of unrelated bills that addresses less vital concerns such as the interstate commerce of non-human primates. When I proposed de-linking the causes of protecting children and chimpanzees, Senate leaders objected,” Dr. Coburn said.

“Because of these objections, I introduced S. 3344, a comprehensive child exploitation bill that pairs S. 1738 with the Securing Adolescents from Exploitation-Online (SAFE) Act of 2007, a measure strongly supported by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children which passed the House by a margin of 409-2. The Democrat leadership objected, however, apparently because they didn’t want to give the SAFE Act’s Senate author, Senator John McCain (R-AZ), credit for passing a complimentary bill,” Dr. Coburn said.

“Oprah’s viewers who want to support this noble cause should ask Senators to support S. 3344, a bill that includes the key provisions of S. 1738 as well as the SAFE Act. Viewers should then ask Congress to make tough choices and fund these vital programs with real money by spending less on special interest earmarks and other forms of wasteful Washington spending. Our economy is in trouble and our country is going bankrupt because politicians refuse to do what American families do every day and make tough choices between competing priorities,” Dr. Coburn said.

The SAFE Act would expand the requirements for electronic service providers (ESPs) to report online child pornography and help to root out people selling, trading, or displaying illegal pornographic images of children. (click here for NCMEC’s letter endorsing the SAFE Act)

“Finally, I’m concerned that Oprah’s program only highlighted one half of the solution – the half supported by the presidential ticket she has endorsed. While I support the right of celebrities to use their platforms to advance partisan goals, Oprah’s viewers deserve to know all of the facts. The American people have had enough of Washington’s false promises and partisan rhetoric that fails to acknowledge that all Americans, both Democrat and Republican, want to do their best to protect our children from internet predators,” Dr. Coburn said.

perfection

2008-09-14T21:32:00.000-07:00

delicious perfection! I must say my girls are as sweet as they come!! Katie posted a sneak peak of the girls photo shoot on her blog.....what are you waiting for?! Go see!!

coming soon

2008-09-11T07:26:00.000-07:00

Timing is everything. Katie Dunlap just took photos of the girls (for free!!) and the shoot just happened to coincide with S's 3rd birthday (lucky us!). Katie is my amazingly multi talented neighbor. Her husband just started the Green Hills Church and they do great service in the Nashville area. My girls love to play with their boys and I couldn't be more in love with the street where I live!!

don't be jealous

2008-09-11T06:54:00.000-07:00

It's only a dream. At some point all parents have to go through a Pottery Barn Kids phase, I just happen to be stuck in mine... and I have a bird fetish. I love the slightly vintage look of the fabric patterns and that the base color for the bedding is NOT pink. And I l-uh-ve the owls. I just can't help myself. And with my unique designing flare I would create the perfect welcoming balance of aesthetics and functionality to the girls room. I mean, don't bunk beds scream functionality?!

(let's all agree to just ignore the ridiculous bed skirt, what kind of excuse for a waste of fabric is that thing? it appears to be growing from the underside of the bed... <>)

jackpot

2008-09-06T18:00:00.000-07:00

S just got her first birthday card of the week from Great Grandma & Grandpa Stowell. She was so excited to get mail!! She stood on her tippy-toes and twirled around with her "sparkles" card. When she saw the treasure inside she knew just what to do with it...she is such a Stowell!!

Thank you note from Savannah:

gkrigmhlk bmif jfi ierkroitoykjmhkghi58473rnfkf8ue8tignmgitirjfig

Lauren got mail this week too! Aunt Ashley sent her the coveted Sketchers!! They went straight on her feet and...

stayed there....

...this is Lauren begging to wear them to bed. We compromised (after a few tears) and she got to keep them in her room on the floor.

I hung out at a bar, all by myself Wed. night (see what this Resident life is leading to)! Actually it was the Bogota Benefit for The Nabaima Project. Great artists and good fun, wink wink.

first

2008-09-04T08:09:00.000-07:00

Or Pre-K rather. Lauren's first day of Pre-K at Judson Baptist school was yesterday. I limited my intake of water for the past 48 hours hoping dehydration would prevent any emotional outburst.

"No tears, no tears, no tears... big mommies don't cry!!"

Can you see how I've been abandoned? My mother warned me that these would be the fruits of all my labors: I have a well adjusted child.

She smiles like nothing is happening! She's happy!! She has a back pack and shiny shoes and she doesn't need me anymore!!!
Brady, our best buddy makes tracks into the class room. He completely disappeared after this snap shot. Loyalty, ha!
"Pose, Lauren. Mommy isn't ready to say good bye yet"
It's an out of body experience...I see her enter the class room. I see the teacher. I see her not look back, following Ms. Jen's instructions to find her name and put it on the attendance wall. I see her smile, walk over to a friend out of view... then feel myself walking backwards, unable to halt this spinning wheel of time...

When I finally look down, Savannah shows me her 'I-miss-Lala' face. I can't erase the frozen smile and deer-in-headlights look off my face. When I get to the car I laugh; I look 10 years older.

BUT 3 HOURS LATER:
We're smiling again! Time to rescue my deserted child from the pits of preschool. I have Kleenex at hand as I countdown the seconds between me and her classroom's open door.
S and Drew, unscathed, play in the church gym while I chew my fingernails.
Smiling again?! The nerve! She didn't even miss me. Didn't I nurse you from my own body? Haven't I stayed awake countless nights cooling your fevered head?!
L talked and talked about all the fun she had. How she learned about TN and the Smokey Mountains and they're going to have a bear hunt tomorrow and she played at the playgrounds and had yummy snacks and her teacher loves her and so does Jesus....

At least she's safe with me now! We went back to Brady's house for lunch. Come to find out --only the neglected children who stay for "extended days" (12-2:15pm) eat lunch at the school.
By request, I used her lunch box from Nana and wrapped everything in waxed paper with ribbons. She got such a kick out of it.

How else was everyone going to know her mommy loved her the best?

devoted

2008-09-04T04:46:00.000-07:00

For more insight read Palin on the issues:

SOCIAL ISSUES – “I am pro-life and I believe that marriage should only be between and man and a woman.”

ECONOMY - "I have established an aggressive goal of reducing general fund spending by $150 million dollars. This takes tremendous effort by staff as well as the cooperation of the Legislature. On the savings side, by depositing our one-time surplus of $1.8 billion dollars, we'll build our savings account to nearly $4.3 billion dollars. It's a necessary step to ensure that we can fund essential services tomorrow; and avoid massive "single year" cuts down the road, if and when, faced with tougher times."

EDUCATION – Q: Will you support the right of parents to opt out their children from curricula, books, classes, or surveys, which parents consider privacy-invading or offensive to their religion or conscience?
A: Yes. Parents should have the ultimate control over what their children are taught.

ENVIRONMENT – “What the GOP has got to do, on a real practical level, between now and the election, is to convince Americans that it is our energy policy that is best for our nation and the nation's future, that if we are to become energy independent and if we are to become a more secure nation then we had better start supplying our very, very hungry markets across the nation with American supplies of energy. The GOP agenda to ramp up domestic supplies of energy is the only way that we are going to become energy independent, the only way that we are going to become a more secure nation.
And the GOP agenda is the right agenda in that respect, but the GOP is going to have to prove to Americans in following weeks that we can safely, responsibly and ethically develop these resources. That, of course, has been a problem for the GOP."

almost

2008-09-02T07:14:00.000-07:00

(S at 7 months)

So my little S is turning 3. In preparation for her big day I've been going over the inevitable dialogue, "how old are you...?"

Yesterday we were practicing again. She was so determined to get it right, hand sign and all. She just can't keep that pudgy little pinkie down with her thumb yet, so she says:

"see mom, I'm three" painfully manipulating the last digit into place with her free hand. When the pinkie revolts she gives up and says, "just don't look at that one." I can't believe that baby face is growing up! sniff sniff

We're doing like the Sanchez family and celebrating all week. Today S wants to do arts and crafts so we're off to Michael's for some supplies!

virtual freebie

2008-09-01T20:40:00.000-07:00

Rivka, I was perusing a lovely little blog and found this dashing little toaster for you. Something about it just said, "take me home to Rivka, she would appreciate me."

I'm sorry the Bulgatti Volo stainless steel toaster cost more than my car payment...although Sunday brunch would be worth it. When shall I come over?

Nikon [knowledge fund raiser]

2008-09-01T10:10:00.000-07:00

Nikon. Canon. They're just a words. How can a hand held gadget make so many people go crazy?!

Well have you seen what they can do?
It took me months to claim my seat in the blogging world, I hope it doesn't take years to get my hands on the camera of my dreams. I'm still in research phase, but I know you will offer your insight, tips and opinions to further my quest. So here I am, exposed. I need help. What is it that you use to take those amazing pictures? What kind of editing software do you love?
Let's share and make the world a better place...

...click "comments" please!!!

7:00 am ChARiSmA

2008-09-01T08:04:00.000-07:00

I woke up at 7 yesterday...wondering why the girls had not been in my room to rouse me yet? Sleeping in is unheard of in this family!

And look what I found...

ChARiSmA indeed, I just had to join in!!

The world of Barbie truly is a magical place.

I dropped a chunk-o-change for my new window treatments. I love the colors but I'm hoping to make my way to NYC's art show with my aunt in the spring. Then I'll head over to Haley's...before they make any big moves!!

My next projects include: sewing drapes for the girls room, painting a mirror royal purple (that should be interesting) and framing some close-ups of the kids. Busy busy!!

build-a-bear event

2008-08-24T19:44:00.000-07:00

Nana took all the grand kids to Build-a-Bear Workshop for some real fun! For me it was like something out of Ripley's Believe It or Not! but the kids loved it.

First you pick out the emaciated skins of the animal you intend to adopt, love and keep for future generations.

A kitty for Lauren...

a bunny for Lilly...

and a puppy for Savannah! Savannah had a hard time touching her puppy at first. Who can help but wonder why with it's lifeless body and voice box wrapped in polyester. (That's right you can pick a sound generator to put in your pet, Nick vetoed my dino roar for S's puppy)

more poachers.

Waiting our turn (never fun).

All smiles as Rodrigo puts the "guts" in our animals by inserting a steel rod into their backs as their loose limbs dangled.

Everybody gets to use the foot pedal to help push the stuffing into the limp carcasses.

Rodrigo made us all spin around, jump on one foot, kiss our... until we fell over. Some kind of good luck gesture that will keep us from loosing the expensive accessories we'll inevitably buy for these resurrected creatures. If we could get a place that does that for real pets...

Once lifelike, you can 'wash' your beloved new friend with an air hose and community brushes. Nothing says I love you like sharing germs.

But aren't the smiles all worth one little contaminated bed and runny nose?

Nana splurged and treated all the born-agains to new outfits. Lauren my dress up queen believes this is what Mohamed meant when you find inner peace.

General George Washington as pictured above may look indecent with his bum in the air, but I can assure you that he is the most mild mannered creature and only 'bites' at Savannah's request.

And so I owe my mom once again for another early bed time and 8 hour stretch. Thank you for making all the girls dreams come true. You are our bestest most funky-lovey Nana!

myrtle

2008-08-24T19:40:00.000-07:00

dino putt putt

2008-08-24T19:12:00.000-07:00

virtual freebie

2008-08-10T18:29:00.000-07:00

Deb, we share a green cause.

John, just wait...

Mom, ur the life of the party!

For the golfers. Thanks for the spa!

Sorry Ty, 3 days at the beach just won't do it. You and Lil can share this shirt ;)

Yes, Em this one iz 4 U

Aunt Kim - Jen and I will never be the same.

Cord Rocks

The YMCA changed my life...you go babe!

Just got back from the beach after a blissful week of family time... so I got a few gifts to commemorate the moments. Beach pictures coming soon!

started

2008-08-10T17:25:00.000-07:00

Jen recommended this book. I've actually given it away as a gift and never got past the first few chapters. So I got it to read at the beach and it got me to thinking...

How life is so sweet, how perspective really is everything.

How I love my family, friends and my faith.

Nick is my favorite person. He keeps life exciting and all my dreams in focus. I forget sometimes how well he knows me. I want to go draw on our bedroom walls now. Have you read this?

finished.

2008-08-10T17:19:00.000-07:00

Just finished Stephenie Meyer's last book in the Twilight series. hmmm.

Must say I was less than satisfied, but don't know what I would have changed?

oh, the conflict.

I think I should write my own book.

riiight. :::raspberries:::

so it begins

2008-07-24T14:30:00.000-07:00

Lauren is all signed up for Pre-K. As many of you know that in and of itself was a challenge. The very best programs here require ridiculously HUGE registration fees and mothers to line up the night before registration...

So everything is all set and I took Lauren to see the school on Tuesday. She put on a huge show of not wanting to go and even I teared up a little. School doesn't start until Sept. so I'm using this time to prep her. Like any other girl (in my family at least), back to school shopping is critical to school attendance. La isn't interested in anything but the shoes so I thought this would be easy. WRONG!!

My child wants only one type of shoe. She's been asking Nick for Skechers since she saw the commercial between Tom & Jerry reruns back in June. So I sat down with her today to figure out just what shoes she's obsessed with...the apple doesn't fall far from the tree.

Lauren wants "twinkle" shoes. They light up, cost $42 a pair and she wants a pair in white and one in brown. She seems to think it obvious that two pair is a must. I can not believe we are already having this conversation. I looked straight into those big brown eyes searching for some diversion when she said "...and mom, they don't sell these at Wal-Mart".

holy crow.

ode to twilight

2008-07-24T13:45:00.000-07:00

Twilight fever in our house.

philology.

2008-07-20T18:04:00.000-07:00

Or logolepsy if you prefer. True. I love words (and can't spell worth a darn). One of my latest reads has me hanging on every word, and skimming the dictionary for words like skirr, malaise and thebaine. I think my obsession started with my father, who as I've said before is a walking dictionary.

I've been eyeballing (how's that for eloquent?) this turn table game since last September. I was wondering why I hadn't made the purchase tonight when I suddenly had a hankering to play. So I'm putting this out there as birthday bait...but at least you don't have to guess!

Girls Camp

2008-07-13T16:36:00.000-07:00

The Ropes Course was a favorite of the girls. One girl is pulled up by the rest of her cabin and then dropped 30 feet on a swinging rope...so fun!!

zip line

Alma Delta Five cabin (Alma chapter 5). My friend Vanessa was the cutest cabin mom!

The entrance to Youth Inc. Camp...pool, canteen, mess hall, lake and much more!
"One Heart" shirts. I was in charge of registration. We had over 150 people at camp and I have to say every hour of prep time was worth it!!
We made lanyards for all the cabin moms, campers and leaders. Their names on the front and the daily schedules on the back.
Devotional hour.
All the cabins had a view of the lake. You can't see it very well in this picture (my camera battery died 2 hours into the first day). Such a beautiful place and everyone was so happy! We had the most amazing time!

So long Ken...Hello Ben!

2008-07-13T16:04:00.000-07:00

Lauren started swim lessons on Tuesday this week. She loves her instructor who she says looks like her Ken doll aka: "Prince Antonio" (from Barbie Island Princess)

She was a little too eager to practice jumping in....

Perfect form.

And lets do it again, Ben!

hardcore.

2008-07-06T15:05:00.000-07:00

Must, must read. Real live humans living a real life. In all my "emergency preparedness" dreams, I never hoped to find a book so inspiring...I had to stop in chapter 1 to blog:

Okay, I admit I have high hopes for this book. I love the humor and sarcasm of this author. It's so easy to get sucked in. I'm already trying to figure out where my water comes from, plotting out my garden and deliberating over free range chickens. Did you know that each food item in a typical US meal has traveled an average of 1,500 miles? Gross much.

So all I'm saying is, if you have the least bit of interest in educating your backwards, lazy consumer driven lives, we should sacrifice a few more thousand acres of forest lands and buy this paper back book...but be sure to walk to the book store.

Melissa you have to read this with me!!

"This is the story...of how our family was changed by our first year of deliberately eating food produced from the same place where we worked, went to school, loved our neighbors, drank the water, and breathed the air." ~Barbara Kingsolver

Heaven, I'm in heaven...

2008-06-22T16:26:00.001-07:00

Nana got us (yes, me too) a Barbie Dream House. I had one when I was little and it's the favorite memory of our Heatherwick house. Mom always had the best ideas for Barbie's excursions!

This "dream" house comes complete with third story media loft (we have ours on the floor for safety reasons), flushing toilet, door bell, stove and wait for it....

...spinning washer and dryer!!! Plus, with all the accessories Nana got, we all have scooter to ride, ponies and 18 pairs of shoes. Oh life is sweet!

Lauren wants her Aunt Ashley and Tiffany to come play, and bring all their Barbie stuff too!!
What about Caroline you ask? "She might make a mess" says Lauren. (Don't worry, La doesn't want to share with Savannah either)

And if Lauren does share, Savannah gets the 9 square inch detached media room---minus all the cute little accessories that might get chewed or lost. Sounds like preventative measures for a puppy.

Thanks for our Barbie house! You can come eat plastic eggs and bacon with us anytime!

The Best POP ever!!!

2008-06-22T16:20:00.000-07:00

It was a theme Father's Day... Pop culture, pop rocks, pop corn, pop (soda) and then we popped a million kisses on our best pop's face!

Always a family walk on Sunday...
After breakfast for our "pop" of course!

Complete with 12 second neck massage from S.

Pop culture? Sure, why not?

Yippy for J, E & C!!!

2008-06-22T16:14:00.000-07:00

We love you all so much!
An Eternal Family
June 21, 2008
Jeremiah, Erica and Caroline

Did you RSVP? Nana is in town!

2008-06-22T15:44:00.000-07:00

I'm sorry, we don't seem to have the accommodations for you...Did you RSVP? This is a members only club. Perhaps you'd like to check with the boys next door, they're not picky when it comes to party attire. Just be sure to bring your light-saber.

I suppose we could make an exception this one time. One of our alumni seems to have forgotten her panties, so you won't feel too out of place.

Next, on to the nail salon where the conversation is bright and so are the colors...I didn't know they still made green nail polish, charming.

Truly, we enjoy such intimacy with all the best society of the south. We always get the best tables and you should see the desserts! Thank heavens Nana was here, Lauren finally learned to cross at the ankle not the knees. Our parties last for hours, so comfort is of the utmost import.

We'll do our sea bathing in August. The joys of the YMCA are not to be overlooked. Where else can you get ice cream sandwiches for a quarter? We passed on the Bar-B-Cutie, but managed to pick up some Tiffany's. That is one classy Nana, who really knows how to cut loose!

We miss you this many!!!!!!!!!

My Retinue

2008-06-21T21:58:00.000-07:00

My sticky little entourage gets hosed down at the pool. Not the break I was expecting, apparently you still have to bathe them even after submersion in chlorine.

Nick came to the pool to help. That's right folks, its anesthesia this month. Office hours 10-2 (with a 2 hour lunch break), right Burke. Geeze, why couldn't life always be like this? The girls have their daddy and I've finally got my maid back. That laundry just doesn't do itself you know.

Besides, I have much more important work...like shaping the young minds of our future. Cheers, Nick. We'll have you thankful for 80 hour weeks in no time :)

Deemed Worthy

2008-06-19T06:49:00.000-07:00

Cherrybrook Kitchen is a new fav. We just had the fudge brownies and YUM! No allergies in this house, just aspiring vegans (make that vegan, as in one). Yes, that's right...more ammunition for Jen. I've been headed this way since childhood. Retreating from Nemo, Wilbur and Henny-Penny with upturned nose. I am the Anti high fructose corn-syrup, sugar free mommy every kid misunderstands. And yet mine are still happy. Treats are obviously still a part of our world. This has been a difficult transition in that I'm the Lone Ranger here, but Nick is being patient as I add meat to their dishes, cook with twice as many pans and introduce countless new foods. Rachel's yogurt will be my demise...always a work in progress.

You must try the cherry black currant flavor, it's like having dessert!

We love our Auntie Kim!!

2008-05-20T20:46:00.000-07:00

Savannah, as her usual charming self, made this memory. Lauren-laugh-a-lot is always ready for the camera. We spent the morning talking about everyone in our family; what they're doing, where they're going and when they're going to visit us!!
La & S co. wanted to send a post card to Auntie Kim who's not feeling well. So we did 3 of Kim's favorite things this morning. We took pictures, sang songs and painted our toenails.
As a kid I was lucky enough to live close to my cousins which made for some great adventures. One of my favorites happened during a black out in Houston in the middle of a scorching summer. Mom and Dad were out of town and Aunt Kim was in charge. Our strict bed time was ignored to take a trip to McDonald's (in our pjs) for ice cream cones. It's my first recollection of actually thinking a grown-up was "cool". Kim's spontaneity was always the highlight of absent parents...we have pictures of gift-wrapped walls to prove it.

i heart spring

2008-05-12T06:54:00.000-07:00

but don't we all. Upon completion of 4 super-loads of laundry (thank you Nick) I began the ritual of forced servitude on my children. They carried stacks of panties and piles of play clothes back to their dresser drawers under my watchful eye. The child laborers had barely completed when to my great delight I saw that we had washed only 2 pairs of socks...Eureka, it really is spring!!
The general scent of sunscreen wafting through my home is enough to make anyone scale the walls at the YMCA and beg for early entry. Oh the agony of waiting... guess we'll have to pull out the hose.

don't let it get me

2008-05-11T17:25:00.000-07:00

Between fishing stops we found a group of butterflies by the river, the girls were mesmerized.

Nick picked them up and tried to get the girls to play along, but they would have none of it.

Lauren freaked out and claimed sanctuary by Gramma. Savannah hovered for a bit, but wouldn't bite. She just couldn't understand how the fuzzy little caterpillars she and the Ormsby boys played with could have mutated into such disgusting winged things...."eewww!"

Don't let it get me!!

Even Papas tried to get them to warm up...this is our frozen-Savannah pose.

Savannah still wants to know where her caterpillars are. sad face huh?

4 states. 4 days.

2008-05-10T14:12:00.000-07:00

Chattanooga was fun. Bishop Oliva takes his family there every summer, so we were really excited to see what all the hype was about. And we were not disappointed. A total tourist-trap, but lots of fun for a little family.
The lift was our first order of the day...or was it the biscuits and gravy?
What a view!

Yep folks, that's right! We Residents really know how to make the most of our vacation. We like to get stabbed in the heart with a knife, just to get back to the ER.
That's right, Savannah found a toy knife (complete with retracting plastic blade). Needless to say we "lost" it the same day.

Nashville Country Music Marathon

2008-04-30T06:28:00.001-07:00

Okay, 1/2 marathon. That's 13.1 miles.... Yippy!

Haley flew in from Rochester, NY with her friend Jamie and what a team!! They've got my psyched to do another race already! When Haley arrived on Thursday, I'd already had a long week and lots of hip pain. I wasn't sure I'd be able to run, but couldn't tell myself no. So we carb-loaded Friday night before the race, thank you Cheesecake Factory. And Saturday came very early. Having never run a marathon before, I was surprised when Haley wanted to leave the house at 5:30am to get to the field that is only 20 minutes from my home (race starts at 7). Luckily she's had enough experience to save us from closed roads, crowds and limited parking. 32,000 people ran the Marathon and half marathon. Lesson 1: Keep your arms and legs inside your bubble for the first 7 miles.

I loved all the bands playing throughout the course and tons of neighbors and well-wishers cheered us from the sidelines for all 13 miles. Residents and local shops sliced fresh oranges and passed out little candies to runners. That tootsie-roll saved me on mile 11. (That's right mom, Tootsie rolls are now officially runner's food :)

Needless to say, I won't ever struggle to beat my first time, but I'm so glad I was able to finish!! I'm hoping Jen and Nick will run with me next year....

ER + stolen cell phone = crazed mommy

2008-04-21T08:20:00.001-07:00

Savannah woke up from her nap yesterday (Sunday) with a fever of 103.5. When I went for the Children's Tylenol in my bathroom I discovered the formerly new and unopened bottle empty on the floor...

I ran out to the living room to ask Savannah if she'd eaten them, to which she replied "yes because I was hungry". How fast is my math...? 30 fast melt tabs at 80mg each...

I called Poison Control, Nick, my neighbor and then was off to the hospital at 85 mph.

Nick who was on call at the VA raced to Vanderbilt Children's ER, registered Savannah before I even pulled up and we were seen within 60 seconds of our arrival. Less than 30 min. later we had the results back from S's blood and urine. The toxicity was low enough to not have to be treated (for 3 days of iv). So she didn't eat all 30 tabs...maybe flushed them? We were discharged and home by 10:30. I couldn't even think about resting till I finally caught my breath at 1am.

I am so grateful for the Lord's hand in preserving my child's life. I can not imagine life with out her, and apparently Tylenol overdose = liver failure = death. For right now I'm just counting my blessing and giving S all the attention and love I can. At 12:30 last night I took EVERY ounce of medicine in our house, put it in a adult-proof tackle box on the highest most-Everest-point of our closet shelves. Children's vitamins on top of fridge.

So somewhere between the car and ER my cell was stolen. Stolen because obviously the person making calls to Timbuktu doesn't want to answer it anymore. This has been an expensive night out and I'm pooped.

my train of thought...if you can follow.

2008-04-08T05:49:00.001-07:00

I'm busy, AND deeply happy.

I was inspired by a comment my mom made to Cordell (who was just in town) who in turn made it to me (in regards to my lifestyle). It went something like "Mom thinks you'll be crazy and stressed out, but that you'll have fun too." And it's true, I was stressed and crazed. But that moment hit me like a ton of bricks. My consistent lack of planning/time management was all that stood in the way of my happy-stress free smile.

So I got down to business right after he left town and spent 2 days in active-organization-mode to get my calendar, church callings, volunteer work, kid's lessons and husband's work schedule in harmony with one another. My family is my first priority: I'm a daughter of God, wife, mother, sister/daughter, friend...in that order.
This new focus has brought about some seriously happy changes: Scripture study has depth. My house stays clean. I'm not rushed when I'm getting out the door. I'm enjoying talking on the phone more. I'm looking forward to a few dinner dates next week and my kids seem more peaceful. And obviously, I have time to blog. I seriously want Rivka to see it all, she'd be so proud of me. (I've always admired her spirit of peace that is amazingly energizing and renewing...)
I'm only sorry it took me several years of motherhood to grow into this mind set. I think Heavenly Father has given me an added measure of energy and new perspective to help accomplish this organization of home and mind. As I unplugged the tv today I repeat to myself: "I contribute, not consume".

DAY 3,4 & 5 (MAN THAT WAS QUICK!)

2008-04-03T18:49:00.000-07:00

Everybody wants a piece!

I think this activity lasted longer than Cordy's triceps. What a work out!!

Breakfast at the Pancake Pantry...everybody loved his shirt.

"I think, therefore

I'm conservative."

Cord and I had the Paradise Pancakes (Keith Urban's favorite) and La and S shared "polka-dot" pancakes with m&m's......yummm!!!

S keeps telling me she loves "Unky Cody so much".

S and C pick out "big buks" (bugs) at Rainforest Cafe.

Then we all visit the hippo...

We'll miss you Cordell...come back soon so we can practice all our ninja stunts on you again!

DAY TWO with Uncle Cordell!

2008-04-03T18:40:00.001-07:00

I was babysitting on Monday so we took the whole gang to the Adventure Science Center!!

I think Cordell got more than he'd bargained for...

"Blood Pressure Rising" with Lauren

(he's such a good sport)

Laser tag with tots

Bringing all 4 kids was good birth control for this 16 year old stud.

"After we tour the brain, it's nap time guys" ~Cordy

Uncle Cordell is here!! DAY ONE

2008-04-03T18:34:00.001-07:00

Uncle Cordy is here and the weather is fine! Let's give him a tour!
It's so pretty out side...don't you just love the view Uncle Cordy?

I even wore my new dress for church...

And then we read scriptures for the rest of the day!

Easter Morning!

2008-04-03T18:27:00.001-07:00

Good Morning early birdies!! Go find your baskets...

The Easter bunny sure is getting clever...

"Mommy, the Easter bunny knew just what I wanted!!"

(Hannah Montana is our latest obsession)

S got Hannah Montana's best friend Lilly, but liked her Ariel panties the best.

This was the Saturday before Easter. The girls wanted to surprise daddy with blueberry muffins in bed.

Sailing to Hampton, Virginia

2008-03-22T06:49:00.000-07:00

I just took a great quiz (I found it on Amy & Chad's blog) that helps you find the ideal spot to live in the US. My ideal spots were:

Hampton, Virginia (on the Chesapeake!)

Greenville, South Carolina
Raleigh, North Carolina
Biloxi-Gulfport, Mississippi (I might have to research that a little bit)

Wilmington, North Carolina

St. George, Utah

I wanted an airport within driving distance, lakes/ocean, rolling hills...and a medium sized town. I don't know much about Hampton, Virginia...but we loved UVa and all the history of the area. I'm sure we just need to sail around the east coast to make up our minds...right honey?!

Taking my zoo to the Zoo!!

2008-03-20T11:58:00.000-07:00

Monday was beautiful and in anticipation of rainy days ahead, we went out for the morning.

It's spring break around here and the zoo was packed. The kid wanted to see "EVERYTHING" as usual so we ran from exhibit to exhibit. Great work out.

Savannah, what does a lizard say?

Little Wugzie just needs a few more inches...

We stopped by the elephants for a rest and snacks. I loved all the stares and even go a comment on what a nice figure I had for having 4 little ones. :)

If you're wondering how I did it all....this stroller is the answer. Truly the best investment I EVER made. Brady had Drew on his lap in front, and L & S were cheek to cheek in the back seat. Phil and Ted are my heros!! (I can't imagine trying to carry 4 tired children)

Thanks Queen M!!

2008-03-20T11:45:00.000-07:00

GOOD CLEAN FUN!!

Queen M sent the girls some bath time paints in the mail...and needless to say we had a great time. Lauren's favorite was the hot pink cotton candy scented one and Savannah loved the apple scent. I loved the rainbow ring around the tub when we were done....just evidence of a good time!

Easter all the way!!

2008-03-18T07:56:00.001-07:00

The Vanderbilt Housestaff Alliance hosted an Easter egg hunt at Percy Warner Park. We loved the quiet setting, complete with babbling brook. TN is so beautiful right now! All the trees, flowers and kids are blooming!!
Easter attire sponsored by Nana & Papa Inc.

(As a Stowell, we never pass up an opportunity to fish...)

This is the Man of the Year!!

(He's the only person who does more laundry, dishes and house work than me...and manages to work an 80 hour week on the side....and then tells me how appreciative he is of my hard work!!)

Oh look, the Easter Bunny's favorite kids!!!

Yay Jay!!!

2008-03-14T14:23:00.000-07:00

***** News Flash*****
Jason (my sister Rachel's husband) just passed his big Line-man test!!!
(I think this nap was before, not during the test)
Congratulations!!! We're all excited to see what happens at your interview on April 1st!! You guys rock!!!
(of course this means big pay-out for everyone...can't wait until Christmas!)

From Riv's blog

2008-03-14T08:21:00.000-07:00

Take the Quiz here!

Everybody gets a foo-foo dress!

2008-03-13T10:34:00.000-07:00

Lala Sis
Paisley aka:Pader-pot
Lil
Meg

Meeting Meg!!

2008-03-13T10:25:00.000-07:00

Poor Meg wasn't too sure about being held by a 4 year old...
...but was cooing and playing along once she got over the noise level.
sorry, Meggy...one more picture (poor kid is still seeing spots, no doubt)

Thick as Thieves!

2008-03-13T10:11:00.000-07:00

All the cousins together...to the theme song of "I smell T-R-O-U-B-L-E"
"hmmm...which wall should we color next?"
Little Paisley playing the big leagues.
The one pony ride that Papa didn't have to give.
Bath time was a messy business, but so much fun! Thanks for hosting Jen!!

Are you from INDIA or CROATIA...maybe CHILE?

2008-03-01T10:56:00.000-08:00

I don't want to be a statistic....I woke up this morning to post and found 80+ views on my blog (from places I would never venture to). It's not that I'm not open minded but I'd rather go base jumping than take chances on-line.

So, I'm joining the ranks of other paranoid agoraphobic cyber-space-hypochondriacs.

This presents quite the problem for me seeing as I don't have everyone's email address. I love this blog for staying in touch but don't want to endanger my family/children by being too well known. If you have any suggestions, I'm open to ideas. Otherwise, you can e-mail me at this temporary address: pancakepantryfan@yahoo.com with your email contact info so I can invite you into my soon-to-be private blog. If you're a war refuge looking for comfy digs in the states, we're an equal opportunity blog. Thanks y'all!

2008-03-01T10:44:00.000-08:00

We traveled to California last weekend for Grandma Alexander's funeral. After we'd made our way to the grave site and taken this picture, I was touched by the magnitude of the moment. She had left behind all of these beautiful spirits with her life long testimony that family truly was "the most important".

I do feel blessed being a member of this family, who love and look out for one another

ALL OF THE TIME.

We SCREAM!!! for ice cream!

2008-02-29T11:18:00.001-08:00

We're learning about water, ice and snow today...so it's only natural to make ice cream so we can see how things freeze! Everyone is eager for their turn to help!
"If I squeeze it...will it pop?!"

"It Pooted!"

Homemade ice cream for everyone...except Drew, who pushed his away...

...apparently there were not enough sprinkles on it. Help yourself wugzie!!

A Tennessee Snow Story

2008-02-13T06:44:00.000-08:00

It's snowing out side! Lets get our coats, gloves and hats on...and all the Kindermusic stuff!
Oh it's so fun! All 1/8 of an inch of it!

First snack of the day.

The sky is falling!!

Making daddy a treat for later...

"Mommy, it's frosting...I need sprinkles" says Savannah.

Savannah (-gloves) = disbelief that anything in TN could be this cold.

10 minutes after playing outside --she's camped out on the heating vent.

We're the official snow wimps of the season. March's trip to Idaho should be interesting.

Tennessee Tornado(s)

2008-02-09T11:16:00.000-08:00

Lauren behind the camera. This is her art project today.

Lauren up on my bed with the camera, I told her not to make me look fat...or old.

My brilliant catch as Lauren falls off the bed while taking my picture. I saved the camera, but La got a little bump.

Thank you so much to every one for the calls and emails!! We're just fine and really appreciate having you all to look out for us!! Thank you for making us feel so loved!

Nashville survived, but the people an hour North of us were not so lucky. The local news even reported a baby who had been thrown 400 feet and survived (who is now motherless). We are just so thankful for our blessings and the constant presence of the Lord in our lives.

We did a few fun things today. Lauren made some new art work for me and Savannah went potty for me. Nick took the kids this morning while I got a FREE hair cut at this amazing 5-star salon here and had a FREE make-over. I took a picture to prove it! The hair cut is by master stylist Elle Anderson (who I've made good friends with through church). She's got me hooked now. And the make over was by Therapeutic Systems (amazing skin care line). I don't think you can see the make up very well, but it was super fun!

These are my mornings.

2008-02-08T08:05:00.000-08:00

I get a gym work out before I even get to the gym. 7AM is official happy-hour in the Stowell house: complete with discount juice drinks, dancing and loud music. Mom, this is why we've gone "sugar free".

This morning made me remember all the fun times I had with my cousins in Houston and Idaho. I wish La and S were around their cousins more. It broke my heart every year to say goodbye to my cousin Nancy at the end of their Idaho vacation. I read through my old high school journal last week and found a bit about how Nancy was one of my 3 most favorite people...still true!! I just want La and S to have the same relationships...at least they have each other!

6:30 AM to 7 AM

2008-02-08T06:51:00.000-08:00

my numbers have changed

2008-02-04T18:33:00.000-08:00

It's not often a married girl can flaunt her digits with out getting into trouble, but I really must tell you all my good news. I went to see my PCP (about a recurring hip problem) and before I even saw him the nurse tagged me for a "runner".
I have to tell you, she did appear to be far sighted.
"Why would you say that?" I ask (she had not only seen me tip the scale but then chose to over look the pudgy digits).
She then tells me that my vitals gave it away. Yippy me, it really is the inside that counts!
My resting heart rate is now 60 and my blood pressure is 90/60 (it's always been 110/70). Only a twentysomething (who's in the shadow of her thirties) can appreciate this breif moment when all desperate thoughts of anorexia, lypo and HydroxiCut fade away to this one truth...the running works. However, the crunches are an entirely different matter.

My contribution to society (for today at least).

2008-01-26T10:15:00.001-08:00

"ink blots"

"helping" hands in the kitchen...

Savannah made art with sprinkles.

My dad can do anything. Jen and Rach would agree, as children we would have never thought dad was anything less than super-human. It was evident in the garden/lawn, early morning seminary lessons, corrected Algebra homework, neatly folded laundry (socks folded in perfect square pairs -still a signature trademark) and our numismatic negotiations. Debate was fruitless, but good practice.

As I've matured, I appreciate more his roll as one of the two defining male relationship of my life. His implacable integrity compels me to seek truth; to read, learn and serve. Cord told me last Christmas, "You wouldn't believe all the stuff he knows!" While dad would be the first to admit imperfections, he's backed by one of the most convincing and powerful women of our times (mom) who would say he's still a 20 on a 10 scale. And this man always tells me I'm doing the most important work...remarkable.

GET OUT OF MY BED!

2008-01-26T08:09:00.000-08:00

I just had to share. Sorry Julie, the absence of anything "gourmet" here may cause nausea.

Nick just got home from a 30 hour shift at the hospital. I was excited to hear about the big dinner he'd had with all the ENT Resident applicants last night (these are nice little parties, let me tell you). Being extreemly fatiqued however, he changed out of his scrubs, kissed us girls and went right to bed.

I came into snuggle for a minute and commented to Nick that his hair smelled like BBQ.

"Well, I didn't have barbeque last night," he tells me. THAT'S RIGHT FOLKS. My husband is working the burn unit this month...came home with out showering and got right into our clean bed...

You can all tell him that he deserved what he got... and I have a good mind to turn him over to his mother. EEEWWWW!!

Blame it on the Beans!

2008-01-24T17:45:00.000-08:00

I've never used the excuse like this before. But oh_my_heck, some thing crawled under my fridge and died...

Lets all remember that just 2 weeks ago I found a ferocious black plastic box in my attic (presumably filled with poison) with the bold font; RAT TRAP !

Granted, it was empty but the table had been set for disaster...

So back to the fridge. A few days after the attic incident we put the kids to bed for some alone time; just me, Nick, Ben&Jerry and the crew on HGTV's Divine Design. But upon opening the ice box our senses are overwhelmingly offended by the heinous odor that pours out of the refrigerator... complete with green fog and everything! For 2 weeks I searched on bended knee, masked by a BSA bandanna and hot orange dish gloves for the recently deceased. I cleaned every inch of our side-by-side. I pulled it out from the wall, checked the drip pan, flushed the hoses and ate every last left over just to be sure.

The odor filled our 1400 sq. foot home, hung in the air above me as I slept and followed me undefeated into the garage. I begged for help on the internet, at church and in play group...but not even the over night Tilex soaked sponge killed the fumes.

After talking to Haley today, I decided to give it one more go. It must have been her "good luck" that saved us (because arson is 5-10 yrs). I found it.

I promised everyone at play group a big fat rat (they will be so disappointed), but it was the only left overs that I'd missed. A little unassuming dish of black beans that had gassed up the container that exploded when I touched it. On cue: Nick said he knew those beans would give me gas one way or another. Thank you, dear.

Dear Nana, Grama & Great Grandma Stowell

2008-01-19T14:19:00.000-08:00

Dear Nana, Grama & Great Grandma Stowell,
I miss you all lots and lots. I love you so so so so so so much. I'm being nice today. I'm being kind to Savannah and playing Nutcracker with our Barbies. Savannah is a good Rat King. I am Claira because I wear the magic necklace.
Mommy is taking us to the children's hospital to have ice cream with daddy. If your house burns down you can live with us in the computer room and have ice cream too. I don't want to go to the gym tomorrow because it's Sunday. Mommy won't let daddy watch tv on Sunday. I'm a CTR now not a Sunbeam, so I can go to the bathroom by myself (*mommy insert: this really is not allowed!).
I drove the car yesterday in the parking lot. I pushed all the buttons and put my seat belt on.
I'm learning a new letter, S. (Lauren will now attempt to type the conclusion of this letter)
4449876tyujklp0mnnnnnnnnnbggggghjkdddd33333333333333333333333pr

(8She has just discovered what happens when you hold a key down and that if you press the p key twice it would "make pee-pee")

Love,
Lauren (she typed her name all by herself)

Global Warming

2008-01-08T10:32:00.001-08:00

It's January 8th and before breakfast we were all barefoot out on the deck. We set up the princess tent from cousin Caroline and had a little picnic.
That's right. It's a partly sunny 72 degrees here...and we're soaking it up!

Our "cat walk" on the deck. Savannah does have a model walk, turns on her heel and looks over her shoulder. We've just got to work on finding her an agent.

But who's hiring a plastic french fry eating, almost potty trained narcissist?

Tennessee Snow

2008-01-03T18:26:00.000-08:00

Our snow clothes (and accessories).

Snowball fight!

You want snow? I'll give you snow! We took the kids to the Adventure Science Center where we frolicked among the other locals in the fresh fallen plastic snow. Frosty has a shovel you put the snow into where it is sucked up a tube in the handle and spit into the air... festive, no?

Hill-Billy for President

2008-01-01T11:37:00.001-08:00

no thanks.

This is NOT sweet.

2008-01-01T09:34:00.000-08:00

So yesterday was our second day potty training Savannah and apparently a bit premature to be taking her to the grocery store:

We went to Harris Teeter to get a few things I can't find anywhere else and amidst the delicate pastries and fresh baguettes I spot Savannah clenching her knees together. The mommy panic button has been pushed - I have absolutely NO idea which direction to run to the bathroom.

In my paused pose, I notice S has her hands behind her pulling on her pants...and out drops a little tootsie roll.

No one had even noticed us until she announces, "Mommy, I pooped!" My mortification must have shown because Lauren didn't say a word as I scooped up the poop with her donated sock. I left the buggy and ran for the exit (shouldn't they have bright flashing signs above the restrooms too)??

Our second attempt took place at our Wal-Mart Neighborhood Grocery store. I didn't even blot up the pee that time. I just ran.

2008-01-01T09:27:00.000-08:00

Lauren is Savannah's biggest supporter. She cheers and does a victory dance every time S sits on the potty. I just love how they're "best fwinds for evew".

Okay, I have to say that the red towels are a mistake...but I don't have any pretty towels to hang in the guest bath room yet. I am open to ideas though. Anyone know where to find cute shower curtains?

She is just so proud of herself! Yippy, diaper free mommy!

Lights at the Gaylord Opryland

2007-12-30T20:46:00.001-08:00

Outside lights...

Savannah trying to sneak into the fountain...that kid will swim in anything.

Daddy and S enjoying the water show from a safer distance.

It's always the box...

2007-12-30T20:33:00.000-08:00

Mail from Santa...
Grand Total: $276.90 spent on postage for packages sent to our home.
Santa(s) were very generous this year.

And all they wanted was the peanuts.

We spent several hours opening presents and enjoying our Christmas stories on Christmas morning. The girls especially enjoyed our new tradition - there's no such thing as a mess on Christmas morning. We enjoyed every doll, book, yo-yo and card. Thank you for thinking of us and making this a very special season for the girls. We love our amazing family and friends!

The most beautiful Megan Whitney Merrill ever!

2007-12-25T18:35:00.001-08:00

My fabulous (never to be outdone) sister just delivered Megan Whitney Merrill, on the 20th and left the hospital 23 hours later, looking perfect for a red carpet runway. Then of course she managed to blog about it... Setting a new standard for perfect mothers all over the world. My hat off to you, that is what I call an overachiever.

(For those of you who have not met Jen, yes, she does look that beautiful all the time and so does anything she touches.)

Oh Man, that's just great!

2007-12-16T15:12:00.000-08:00

Lauren's new line. Used in a variety of situations, varied only by voice inflection. This kid can memorize anything. She frequently quotes movies (she might have a one up on Burke in the Disney department) and has an uncanny ability to pick up songs.

I think this is a sign = time for music lessons!

Can you see the love?

2007-12-16T14:59:00.000-08:00

I guess you can find love in the oddest places.

This would be in the midst of half a box of Life cereal on the floor. Apparently the pantry lock is no longer "child proof". When she came to get me she said "Mommy we need to vacuum", and she really did manage to keep it all on the rug....hhmmm.

When will you NOT be looking mom?

2007-12-13T06:26:00.000-08:00

Savannah asked "When will you not look mom?"

She wants to eat this house so badly...it doesn't matter that we've already eaten 2 others.

We made this Gingerbread house at Sophia's house. They have a party every year to share their German traditions and introduce ST. Nicholaus who leaves treats in your shoes. Sally makes the most amazing gingerbread, I've never tasted anything like it. I'm going to give the recipe a go next week...

My big helpers assisting in the completion of our holiday shopping.

Taking the zoo to the Zoo.

2007-12-13T06:13:00.000-08:00

Since we've been a few times now I wasn't rushed to race through the park. Our orienteering captain Brady led the way. Lauren's favorite animal is the meerkat. I still don't know how that fits in with the other favorites; Hannah Montana, purple, princess jewelry or barbies...?

We especially enjoyed the fish tanks, spiders, snakes and BATS!!! Everyone wanted to bring home a new pet.

Knife wielding children

2007-12-13T05:59:00.000-08:00

Pie-in-the-Sky Pizza has an amazing set up here, and killer bar-b-q pizza. I'd give it a 5-star Yum! They have a "Dough Bar" where the kids get to play with pizza dough and are encouraged to cut, tear and even toss handfuls of deliciously seasoned ready to bake pizza dough...
La was so proud of her culinary skills. She even pointed out that she was holding and cutting correctly. Smarty-pants.

My sticker guru

2007-12-12T22:13:00.000-08:00

Meditation was especially quiet this morning...I think it even startled me. I came out into the living room to witness Savannah apply the last of several sheets of stickers to our tv. In an effort to spare my second born's life, I only took a picture of her proud face. "See Mommy? Pretty for Daddy!"

I spent 3 hours and bottle of Goo-gone getting every last sticker off Nick's flat screen. I think I counted 76 stickers in all. Nick still doesn't know...yet.

"Leaf" it to us Mommy!

2007-12-12T22:02:00.000-08:00

Nick was up at first daylight attempting to free our grass from its canopy of leaves. By the time the girls woke up (6:30 am) the piles were ripe for parachuting. We have a picture of Nick and his dad doing the same chores when Nick was 2 yrs. old. What a moment to relive.

Happy Lala Day!!

2007-11-04T15:45:00.000-08:00

Fantastic fun at Chuck E. Cheese's...need I say more? Lauren has asked to have her party there for the last 4 months, so we choked down the pizza, forked out a pound of quarters and took a few tylenol to kill the buzz. I'd forgotten what a sensory overload that place is; perfect for the 4 year old mind. She's still talking about it today. (This is not of course the Wizard of Oz, turn our house into the Emrald City, home made meal and Todo cookies I'd envisioned...but then again it's not MY birthday.)

We took cupcakes to church today and her class had a picnic outside an sang the birthday song. Tomorrow we'll have pancakes with sprinkles and candles and an FHE all about the blessing of Lauren in our family. It's a week long celebration! This house is always having a party it seems...thank goodness for hard wood floors!!!

Happy Princess Halloween!

2007-11-02T09:37:00.000-07:00

Like a true surgeon, Nick carved every detail of our Princess Castle pumpkin with zeal. The girls were mesmerized and insisted on keeping it to show Santa. I can't begin to understand where they get all their crazy ideas.

We trick-or-treated with neighbors Ava and MaryScarlett. I really believe these are the best opportunities to get to know your 'real' neighbors. I was quite surprised and can't publish all my findings, but mostly gratified to see lots of families who love each other. We were quite the rat pack of princesses and fairies. The girls got at least 10 lbs of candy off just 3 streets and were ready for the bath tub pretty early. All that anticipation really wears ya out!

Who doesn't like Cold Stone??

2007-11-02T09:15:00.000-07:00

FHE is never so good as when it ends at Cold Stone. My kids love ice cream in a way that leaves nothing to the imagination. I am thankful though, because an ice cream really can fix anything. But what do you do when it's all gone?....
"Mine all gone!" There was no substituting the half melted, blue cotton candy with gummy bear ice cream for all the world.

This was also the same day that I heard Lauren praying in her room to find her baby doll. Those sweet moments make every noisy FHE, wiggly sacrament meeting and ornery moment worth it.

Nature Center with Sophia!

2007-11-02T09:11:00.000-07:00

Lauren and Sophia had a Halloween play date at the Nature center where they learned about bugs, spiders, bats and snakes. Then they made bats that could fly and spiders out of Oreo cookies. Savannah got to have an oreo too, but was a little young for the class. Age 3 is magical in so many ways...Savannah's countdown begins!

Biscuits and Bluegrass at Loveless Cafe

2007-11-02T08:51:00.000-07:00

Those of you unfamiliar with Tennessee traditions, Loveless Cafe has been serving their famous biscuits since 1951. Frequented by stars, tourists and locals, it's a favorite spot for our family too! Their annual "Biscuits and Bluegrass" is free for everyone and full of fun, local arts and crafts, moonwalk, horse rides, jewelry making for kids and those famous BISCUITS, what else!!

Another free treat, they always taste the best!

I cut my own bangs (obviously), after watching The Devil Wears Prada. 11:30 at night not the best time for making these decisions I've come to find. I've since grown them out but enjoyed that "I'm 20something trying to look like I'm 12" look for a while. No Rachel, not everyone looks better with bangs.

Look Danielle, come to Vandy!!

2007-11-02T08:03:00.000-07:00

Vanderbilt has a (very well funded) club called the Vanderbilt House Staff Alliance aka: VHA that I'm always talking about. It's for spouses/sig.others of doctors who come to Vandy. Jan Jacobson is one of the generous benefactors and had made VHA a life line for Resident families.

We have weekly playgroups, and monthly big events. There are lots of family activities, couple date nights (babysitting provided) and volunteer opportunities. With all the great examples of Copley Women to support me, I jumped right in and feel like we have a new family here.

Above, we're at Gentry Pumpkin Farm sponsored by VHA (so free snacks, drinks, and $15 admission). They have acre after beautiful acre of ponds, farm animals, tire swings, hay maze barn, chickens, bridges, boats, hay rides, grain play areas, pumpkin patches...

The girls loved playing in the outhouse next to the miniature log cabin. I can't quite see the appeal, but it did have a little crescent moon cut-out on the door...

Lauren in the hay maze going through the "mouse hole"

Over view of the hay maze. There were two slides, and tons to crawl through and over. Wow!

Playing in the grain.

Tire swings rock!

Savannah fell asleep for the first half of the trip, but helped pick out a pumpkin...

...She had to vacate her cozy ride to make room.

This was the VHA's September "Fall Fest" event at Granny White Park (one of my favorites). You can not go 4 miles in this town with out running into a park or family spot. I love it here.

Princess Crown! The balloon man was amazing. One kid was wearing the Eiffel tower.

Party favors of course. All the kids got flashlights, stickers, play dough, candy, Halloween cups and pumpkin straws. After the yummy lunch of course.

Lauren got her face painted (hello kitty, what else?) and the balloon guy you see behind her is the multi talented comedian who also does stand up on the weekends. He's so great with the kids and is a favorite at all the events.