Celebrating the 4th

This year we spent the 4th of July at home. Really we didn't need to go anywhere, since our neighbors put on a great fireworks show. Huge, spectacular fireworks. We just pulled up some chairs at the end of the driveway and enjoyed.

The only meltdown that was had was when Talya's above pictured balloon floated away. Luckily she recovered quickly and watched the colorful explosions. Anyone who knows Talya would say that it is no surprise that her favorites were the pink ones.

Happenings

To be honest, I am a bit reluctant to post on this blog due to the inherent obligation I will feel to maintain it. Especially since I am not sure I can live up to the obligation. There are so many great happenings in our lives right now that I just can't keep the stories and pictures to myself. Plus it will make my mommy happy and that is always worth the risk. :)

Since I have too much to share for just one post, I will leave you with some photos of my littles. They just don't stop getting cuter!

(Keep your fingers crossed that another year doesn't pass before the next post. So I don't have to wither in shame...)

Sweet voice in the morning

I am posting this mini-video so you can hear Talya's sweet little voice. Not because I want you to see what I look like before 7am. Definitely not that.

Its pretty shaky because I was taping myself. At the end, when you are seeing the floor, Talya was holding the camera up to her ear like a phone.

Egg-citing Easter

Easter 2010 was quite lovely. Carlos' mom Marianne has been in town so we were able to share the day with her. Portland has been very rainy, windy, and cold as of late, so early Easter morning we decided to take advantage of the fact that it was dry outside and have our egg hunt.

Natalya took Matthew's cues and frantically raced around the front yard in search of hidden eggs. She did awesome, finding three eggs. She would find an egg, exclaim "a chicken," put it in her basket, then take it out to re-find it. It was pretty cute.

Matthew did a good job of letting Talya find the obvious eggs and really had to search for the rest. He was climbing trees, sliding under cars, and generally dashing around like a lunatic. In the end of it all, both Matty and Talya had fun and were delighted with the loot.

The rest of the day was spent relaxing, enjoying each others' company, and preparing and eating a delicious meal. He had a spiral ham, mashed sweet potatoes, and grilled asparagus. Yummy. After we stuffed ourselves, we watched "Sherlock Holmes" and snuggled on the couch. Talk about the perfect day.

Splashing in the Sprinkler

Yes, they really did run through the sprinklers when it was only 68 degrees outside. I should add that it was a gorgeous 68.

I love the firsts of spring/summer. The first time Carlos has to mow the lawn. The first time I can wear a dress or skirt without tights. The first flowers blooming. And, naturally, the first tromp through the sprinklers. (Not to mention the gorgeous photos made possible by better and more natural light.)

To my fellow bloggers reading this, I have to tell you about Picnik, the web-based application that I used to create this collage. I heard about it during an e-course that I took recently and this was my first time using it. And boy was it EASY, FAST and FREE. I created my account, uploaded these photos, and created the collage in under 15 minutes. I will definitely be using Picnik over Picasa from now on. Check it out.

Please note, that I used the free version but there is an upgrade available, for $24.95 per year. I am considering upgrading because I think the price is reasonable and I've heard great things about it.

They're crafty

I love watching Matthew and Talya create. Children are spontaneous and free in their art, something that adult artists have to strive for. It is obvious that the process is more important to them than the product. I try to steer clear of my adult programming while they are crafting, not allowing myself to worry about the mess I'll have to clean up. Yes, even when Talya is clapping her paint-covered hands together, splashing paint in places yet to be discovered.

Often I wish I could ask her what she is thinking. A part of her personality it very intense and contemplative. It is curious to watch and daydream about what she is focusing on and what she thinks about. I also wonder how much she will reveal once she is able to communicate freely. I see her maintaining a degree of mystery and reserve throughout her life.

Writing this makes me question my idiosyncrasies as a child, what traits my mom identified in me when I was young and how she thought they would translate as I grew into adulthood.

I was recently reading about a father who keeps what he calls a "Legacy Letter." Daily, he writes a quick something regarding whatever is on his mind or currently going on in their lives. What prompted him to start the log was the fact that his parents didn't remember specifics when he became interested in knowing what life was like, and what he was like, when he was a child. The log was his solution to the possibility that he may forget the details eventually.

What a brilliant (and dedicated) idea. And what a treasure it will be to that kid, when he receives it.

rock star

First Signs of Spring

The kids enjoyed the sunny weather we had recently. I got them outside in hopes that the sunshine would dispel their cabin-fever.

I have been making some formatting changes to this blog, so if the layout looks wonky it is because I am making some adjustments. Hoping to beautify my bloggy blog a bit!

Perideau Designs

Lucky me! I won a personalized canvas print by Perideau Designs from a giveaway I entered on Bliss, authored by the delightful Mrs. French.

Bridgett, of Perideau Designs, has been so gracious during the personalization process and I am just delighted to be the winner. I requested mine in the color "Pool" which is a dazzling pale teal, with Natalya's name on it. Won't it look delicious in her room!?! Me thinks so.

Please visit her blog and etsy shop to check out all the lovelies she has to offer and please let her know that I sent you. Her stationary is gorgeous. On my wish list, the "A New Key" moving announcements, since we are moving soon. Details on that to come...

My days are bright because I have her

Christmas 2009 continued

Truly, this was one of the best Christmas' I have ever had. Surrounded by family and love. There is no better a gift.

Warmest Holiday Wishes

I was so blessed to be surrounded with loved family during Christmas. It was beyond special. More photos and their stories soon....

Few Things Better

When I was pregnant with Natalya, Matthew's day care provider said one of the greatest joys of being a parent of two children is witnessing the love they have for each other. I was touched by the sincerity of her words, feeling their truth, believing with certainty. Now I know from experience that there are few things better.

Pour it all in

Carlos: How much bubble bath did you use?

Me: The rest of the bottle.

Carlos: Why?

Me: Look at them smiling.

Carlos: {unconvinced expression}

Me: Sometimes you gotta pour it all in.

Did this happen a month ago? Really?

This year for Halloween I had Ben 10 (a cartoon network character) and Wondergirl. Matthew just loves Halloween. We decorated the house at the beginning of October and counted down to the day. Talya wasn't happy unless she had her foot inside the plastic pumpkin and once we took pictures of her in her costume she started tugging at it, saying, "All done." It goes without saying that she wasn't nearly as enthusiastic.

My 2nd Birthday, by Talya

My second birthday. I love anything that starts with "my" but an entire day in my honor really takes the cake. I even had a pin that said "Birthday Princess." And a princess I was. My Great Grandma Sam, Gramma Mo, and Auntie Jenni were there, along with my mommy, dad, and brother of course.

First, I opened my presents. There were so many; it was a bit overwhelming. I hardly knew where to look or what to grab.

I got a book that was so cool I stopped unwrapping to read it. I showed everyone all the cool pictures and let them hear all the words I know. And I know a lot of words. I'm two now... remember!?!

Daddy and Matthew started helping me open presents. I guess they wanted to speed things up. I didn't care because I was checking out my new sneakers. I am a shoe girl after all. (hint, hint, Santa. size 6)

The cards I got were just as interesting as the presents. They are like mini books. Even my brother Matthew gave me a card that he signed himself. He wrote, "I love sister," too.

Soon I was covered in presents. Fabulous things that everyone put so much thought into.

Lastly, they sang me Happy Birthday and we had cake. And boy was it yummy. I got quite a sugar high because my mommy doesn't let me have many sweets. Don't tell, but my brother and I kept putting our fingers in the frosting when we thought no one was looking. :)

And when all of the festivities were over, I sat in that same chair for over an hour checking out all of my cool stuff. Thanks to everyone who helped me celebrate my 2nd birthday. By the looks of my smile, you can see it was perfect.

high entertainment value

As her Nana says, Talya has high entertainment value. :)

laurelhurst park

a few weekends ago we went to laurelhurst park. it is a ginormous, and beautiful park. really, we couldn't get over how big is it. despite the flurry of activity going on in all the park's nooks and crannies, the sense of calm was undeniable. we spent four hours there, playing on the play structures, feeding the ducks, watching a juggling class. as you can see from the photo, matthew accidentally kicked his shoes into the pond. we had to wait for it to float downstream before i could grab it out. i've washed that shoe twice already and still every time he wears it his feet smell like pond scum at the end of the day. (yuck!)

i find that it is so easy to fall into routine in life. the same parks. same restaurants. same everything. i have to admit that there is still so much of portland that we haven't explored. yet when we do try new places, break through habit and routine, it is so rewarding. so here's to uncharted territory and new adventures.

sissy. a list.

Talya:

1. Loves trying new words. She mimics everything Carlos, Matthew, or I say. Sometimes it is understandable. Other times, not so much. But I love that she tries.
2. Is a great dancer. She hears a beat and immediately goes to the living room to do her bob-and-turn dancing. It's adorable.
3. Cries every night before bed. Its the way she winds down. I would be worried if she fell asleep any other way.
4. Has just started wearing 2T clothing. I call her my "2T guppy."
5. Has a starfish shaped belly button. She loves grabbing peoples fingers and rubbing them on her starfish.
6. Is very independent and doesn't like toys. She would much rather putter around the house, investigating and playing with household things like paperwork, jewelry, and toothbrushes.
7. Randomly sings the "Bob, the Builder" theme song. Her favorite part is "yes we can."
8. Does not like people who violate her personal space. Matthew is the biggest culprit. She responds with violence.
9. Is a really happy girl. I am so lucky that both of my kids are the happy kind. Natalya has high entertainment value.
10. Loves telling Matthew to watch out. She says it so clearly. And then laughs.