A Taste of Spring

This past week was mid-winter break, not to be confused with Spring Break which will take place in just six weeks. It may sound strange, but I love having days off of school. The girls haven’t reached the stage yet where I have to find things to keep them busy with by planning little field trips and outings. We were able to spend most of the week taking it easy at home. I’m a home-body anyhow so I loved it. It was a great week and although it wasn’t our “spring break” it sure felt like it. The weather has been wonderful. Once again the girls are playing outside – eating otter-pops and writing with sidewalk chalk. There’s been bike rides, long walks, and playing with friends. Justin and I joke around that there aren’t too many places in the world that you don’t see your neighbors for 8 months out of the year. We certainly feel that way here. During the summer we visit with our neighbors nearly every day. Yesterday they were shocked to see how much Jason has grown since they last saw him (as a newborn). I’m sure we’ll see plenty more rainy days before spring really does come, but we’re certainly enjoying our little taste of spring while it lasts.

Poor Jason isn’t quite old enough to play outside with the big kids, but he definitely enjoyed watching them.

My Style?

During a conversation with some friends yesterday we were discussing paint colors and one friend expressed that she’s a cool colored person. She pointed out a few of the rooms in her house that clearly fit her “style”. I knew immediately I don’t know what my style is. Our first few paint jobs didn’t exactly turn out like we’d hoped. When Abigail was an infant we tried painting her room a soft pale yellow (perfect for any baby’s room)… the result was a bright summer sunshine yellow. Sadly, the yellow room is still there today. Since then we’ve tried to play it safer, in fact my house is painted the exact same color that the majority of my friend’s house is painted and I like it, it’s safe.

Last spring I began searching for new bedding. We bought our current duvet cover on clearance when we got married. I didn’t love it then and certainly don’t love it now. It’s been pointed out countless number of times, I don’t make decisions very easily, especially decisions based on style, a style I certainly don’t have figured out.

Here’s what we know. We don’t like our light “natural” colored maple cabinets and wood floors. We prefer dark wood. I love, love, love our new bed… it’s a deep, dark, beautiful wood that will never go out of style (I hope).

Anything we own needs to be washable and durable. Although beautiful and elegant, a light colored silk duvet cover isn’t going to cut it.

Justin says he wants color, but I doubt he’d be happy with this. After a few days, I don’t think I would be either.

This on the other hand is bright, but not as overwhelming. It looks like a nice piece of patterned paper I would buy. But do you want a huge 108” x 92” piece of patterned paper dominating your bedroom? I don’t know... you tell me. Too juvenile?

Maybe I need to go with a smaller design… a little more classic. Am I classic?

Is it possible that after 9 months of looking that a duvet cover in my “style” has yet to be created? Would something ever really jump out at me as the “one?” I have my doubts. Any thoughts and opinions would be appreciated. Just look at the color of my walls… I’m easily influenced (thanks Tara).

One more

Jen, is this the one you just bought?

"Tagged"

My friend Chrystie “tagged” me on her blog. This is my first time being tagged so I certainly can’t refuse. Here goes:

Two names you've gone by: 1) Hippo (a nickname given to me by my neighbor Colby in 3rd grade – it stuck with me all through high school) 2) Holl (used by my tagger, Chrystie or “Chrys”)

Two things I’m wearing right now: 1) Jeans 2) an oversized T-Mobile t-shirt (I have way too many free t-shirts & I wear them far too often)

Two things I want (or have) in a relationship: unconditional love and 100% forgiving (I’ve been trying to get with Jason to sleep through the night & even when he’s cried for nearly an hour, he still gives me a big smile in the morning… that’s love!)

Two of my favorite things to do: 1) sleep and 2) eat

Two things you did last night: 1) met my in-laws at Red Robin and had a yummy (and free) meal 2) played Princess UNO with Justin and the girls (we love this version)

Two people you last talked to: Abigail and Carly (if they don’t count then it was Jackie and Justin)

Two things you’re doing tomorrow: 1) one of the few things I can guarantee is that I’ll be getting out of bed (we have a commitment free day tomorrow) 2) going to the gym - that’s being optimistic ;)

Two longest car rides: I hate driving long distances!! 1) most recently was our drive to Utah for Christmas 2) as a child we had a few family reunions in Minnesota… six kids and a three day drive… not fun!

Two favorite holidays: 1) Christmas 2) Halloween (love chocolate candy!) – Valentines Day is also becoming a favorite, I’m so looking forward to having a fabulous fondue lunch with friends!

Two favorite drinks: 1) fruit smoothies 2) ice-cream shakes (runner-ups: orange juice, chocolate milk, and eggnog)

Two things about me you may not have known: 1) I rarely wear jewelry (including my wedding ring) 2) I would like to learn how to cut and put up crown molding

Two jobs I’ve had in my life: 1) McDonald’s (worked my way up the ladder to a “crew trainer” in high school) 2) I spent a week cleaning water coolers (it was disgusting and you wouldn’t believe how many little parts they have)

Two movies I would watch over and over: 1) Bed of Roses 2)Some Kind of Wonderful

Two favorite foods: Does dessert count? If not then, 1) potatoes 2) warm bread with real butter

Two places I’d rather be right now: 1) somewhere tropical and warm 2) asleep

Two people I tag: 1) Tami B. 2) Carrie A. (and of course anyone else willing to play)

Sitting Up!

Important to note:

1. Jason can not get into this position on his own
2. Jason can not get out of this position on his own (without head injuries)
   

But that fact that he’s gaining some balance is definitely post-worthy.

Half Year Stats

Jason went to the pediatrician yesterday for his six month checkup. He weighed in at a healthy 19 pounds, 8.2 ounces and he’s 27 ¾ inches long. Both measurements put him in the 80-90th percentiles. His head is of course off the charts (smart little guy!) The nurse commented that it’s hard to believe we ever had concerns about his weight.

Growing Up

It’s been almost four years since we brought Carly home from the hospital. She was my smallest baby, just over 7 pounds (two pounds smaller than both Abigail and Jason). She seemed so fragile.

I took this picture a few weeks ago when Carly thought it would be funny to sit in Jason’s car seat (also her old car seat). What happened to my tiny little baby?

Carly is a great helper. She loves doing laundry with me… she hangs up clothes, sorts socks, moves the clothes from the washer to the dryer, folds towels, etc… Carly’s favorite cleaning product is Clorox wipes - she’ll clean off the kitchen table, wipe the toilet seat, and clean the bathroom sinks. Of course she needs a new wipe every 30 seconds, but she’s cleaning so that’s okay. She also loves to help take care of Jason. She loves to be involved whether she’s getting me a diaper, giving Jason his binkie, or helping him take a bath.

(I know... he's getting way to big to still be taking baths in the kitchen sink)

On a rainy Saturday afternoon last month, Justin asked Carly if she wanted to help him deliver something to a friend about a mile away. Abigail had just walked over to a friend’s house to play wearing her rainboots and umbrella. Carly really wanted to use this as an opportunity to get all her raingear on too. So off she went while Justin drove slowly behind. I think he only let her go a few blocks before making her get in the van, but she was determined enough to go all the way.

We love our Carly!