[C] Orange Scavenger

I have just discovered a new artistic outlet. And a fun way to spend a day or two. And an excuse to use my camera's macro function. In any event, it's a current favorite activity for me and E. We've been on a scavenger hunt for colors lately, searching for images to add to a photo collage. I got this idea from my friend J, whose Greenday provided the original inspiration. In honor of H's upcoming visit we chose orange, her signature color, for our first foray. This is a great exercise in observation and awareness, whether you're two or thirty-something... amazing what you see when you really start looking. Most of these pictures were taken right inside our apartment. What color should we try next?

[C] Winter of Discontent

Our poor blog, so neglected, so forgotten, so overgrown with weeds. I blame winter. Not because there's any particular correlation, but because I am in the habit of blaming winter for all manner of ills lately. This has felt like the longest cold season ever, and I am altogether sick of it - literally. I learned recently that every ten miles further north is supposed to mean a day more of winter. It certainly makes sense... and makes me ask again WHY we live in Canada?! Oh yeah, employment, and thank god for it (see Massive Earth-wide Economic Meltdown). Of course, I wonder how much global warming has messed up the meteorological formula. At least we're finally approaching astronomical spring, if nothing else. Hang in there, E, we shouldn't be under house arrest for too much longer...!

[W] Frick

We are almost a month into the offical big kid bed transition, and it SUCKS. An ex-boyfriend of mine, who I (reluctantly) befriended on Facebook, said he loved big kid beds and that his children now sleep more than they ever did. I am beginning to wonder if the fact that we ended badly all those years ago led him to tell me this colossal lie knowing what hell big kid beds would bring to my life. I cannot begin to express to you how desperately I wish we had left the wee hooligans in their cribs until they reached... ohhhhh... I dunno... TWELVE??? Cripes.

[C] For Future Reference

I wish I had the artistic talent to animate the series of moments that comprise toddlerhood, flashing by in fits and bursts like the choppy frames of an old motion picture. Luckily someone has done it for me. I came across these two films by Jeff Scher, which capture perfectly the fleeting impressions a parent experiences as days turn into months and years. But almost more apt is how he describes "the omnivorous now in parenting, and the constantly shifting challenges and demands of the moment, that creates a kind of rolling amnesia for everything yesterday." It is a relief to know that I'm not the only one who can't remember exactly what happened when, even milestones that seemed so unforgettable at the time. In some cases, this is a good thing. Who wants to relive a trip to the emergency room, for example? But in most instances, I feel it simply justifies the ridiculous number of photos that I take - almost ten THOUSAND pictures (and counting) will sure as heck make for a pretty good archive someday...

- C

[W] Amen, Amen, AMEN!I

Oh, Dear God. The main reporter on ABC is wearing the WORST dress. It's like the fashion department head went to her and said, "No, I'm serious! Shoulder pads and velvet are TOTALLY IN!" and the poor reporter fell for it and here we are. Yikes.

It has been an auspicious day for our country and not just because I went to the gym. Oh no. Auspicious because the handsome and INTELLIGENT Barack Obama took the oath of office. I feel the need to point out that a major difference between W and Obama is that Obama uses big words AND knows how to pronounce them. Man, oh man, I ADORE Barack.

Now who will John Stewart make fun of??? Go #44!!!!!!!!

P.S. I would like to take a moment to recognize Laura (and G.W.'s) capable parenting. Goodness knows twins ain't easy, and the Bush family appears to have managed it with aplomb. My personal suspicion is that it was pretty much all Laura -- but who knows. Either way -- good job on that front (if not on ANY other) Bush family. Huzzah!

[C] Inauguration Fever

How fabulous is our new First Couple?!

- C

[C] Year in Review

Between E's birthday, my birthday, and the holidays all in December (not to mention our early-Christmas family-reunion Thanksgiving last month), it has been a real happy-merry-b-day-x-mas-celebration-x-travaganza around here. Oh - well, except for a hair-raising mid-blizzard two-tow-truck trip to the in-laws' for the holidays. Oh - and of course there was also E's emergency hospitalization due to pneumonia. Both unwelcome surprises at the end of an otherwise pretty pleasant 2008. Even in spite of the aforementioned, E's second year still proved to be much cooler than her first (two nights in the hospital sure beats 86). And as for me, now squarely and numerically in my mid-thirties, we shall see...!

- C

[C] E Turns Two!

The Night Garden gifts were very well received, particularly the talking plush Makka Pakka doll. And the Thomas the Train praline ice cream cake was a big hit, if somewhat alarmingly colored. But the best part of all was the joy of seeing E's excitement on her special day. Thanks for everyone's happy birthday wishes... E is now officially two!

- C

[R] Ellensburg, WA

Oh, how I do love Ellensburg. I know those towns we see on TV in Northern Exposure and Gilmore Girls do not exist in the real world, however, I get snatches of those perfect small-town moments living in Ellensburg.

Last night we walked downtown to the "Moments to Remember" holiday lighting festivities. We stopped at the coffee shop to get hot chocolates for the girls, ran into a couple friends, made our way to the Safeway parking lot for free cookies and cider, and the tree lighting ceremony. The girls were delighted to find two, yes TWO lighted, BIG John Deere tractors in the parking lot. So, we watched the lighting ceremony (note to Safeway -- thanks for the food, but you REALLY need some new lights for the tree), and then marched a couple blocks over to the main downtown lighting ceremony. Downtown was packed and we saw many familiar faces. Then, in one of the storefronts, there was a dance recital -- we couldn't see much, with the crowd -- but what a fun idea! The highlight of the evening was, perhaps, the live nativity scene in one of the alleyways. We were told this was something NOT to miss, despite fidgety kids and a very long wait in line. We were greeted at the ally by two roman soldiers (which we decided make very appropriate bouncers) who introduced the story. As we made our way through the alley, we were told the nativity story, complete with beggars of Bethlehem, real donkeys, goats, cows and really really good singers. It is so nice to see so many people putting so much love into their town. I hear Santa is in town this morning, so we're off to find him!!

R

[W] Giving Thanks

I am grateful for my H.B. He understands me, he loves me, and he rubs my feet and back almost every night. He is also a great dad and a kind and generous person. Plus he's smart. And cute. I love you AS squared H.B. (Yes, he knows about our blog and has it bookmarked.) Hee hee.