everyday kind of pics

She's thinking if she puts Daddy's work socks on, either he'll stay home or she'll get to go with him.

round here. . .

. . . she's always on my mind. . . (name the band) yeah right, no one ever knows or guesses on my trivia.  Oh well.

Mie was dancing to them (yeah I'm still not going to tell you) in the car the other day and Daddy shared his first old-timer story with her.  OK, maybe it wasn't his first, but I can't remember one before.  Anyway, he told her that this was the first CD he ever purchased. . . before that all they had was a crazy contraption called a tape player.  Wowza.   It truly was an old-timer story because I'd already heard it a couple ten times. 

Anyway, here's some snippets from 'round here'. . .

A little sass. . . when I tell Mie I love her she says, 'yep, I know'.  Well that's good.

Water is played in every day.  The TV and stores keep claiming that summer is over, but it hasn't happened to us yet.  Miley asks for sunscreen and swimsuits daily.  I am a bit fanatical about putting sunscreen on my baby, but as it turns out she's a tanner.  No matter how much or how often I slather that crap on her she's got a nice brown tan line.  What the?  I guess this means she's nothing like her daddy.  haha ha aha ha

Miley is finally speaking a language the dogs can understand. . . she says 'walk' and Nilla bolts for the closet for her leash.  She doesn't care if it's Miley's idea or not she'll go with her.  Unfortunately it is still too hot for that, but soon I foresee a lot of walking around here.  Miley also tries the bossing of the girls around saying. . . 'girls, enough', 'stay', 'stop', and 'come here'. . . but those are totally disregarded by the dogs. . . unless she's holding food at the time.

Dave has been working a lot lately.  Filling in extra days all over the place.  It's made for some very long weeks at our house.  Mie misses him.  She asks me to draw him on her water board every day.  I do a great caricature of my hubby.  ;)  Mie thinks so anyway.  She will talk to it. . . 'Daddy, what are you doing?'  'Where are you?'  'At work?'. . . and then he disappears she yells, 'no don't go' and I'm asked to repeat the process. . . and then so does she. 

The obsession with bugs continues.  She smashes ants and brings them to me on her finger, saying 'look bugs'.  Uck.  Other than that, she doesn't touch them just shouts about their existence.  There are a lot of bugs here.  Therefore there is a lot of shouting as well.  We don't let her look out the window anymore. 

My little girl was helping me pick out clothes to buy for myself.  Everything I showed her she said was 'cute' or 'pretty'.  Seriously easily impressed, or she just wanted me to buy a lot for myself.  You know, I deserve it.  She sees that.  ;)  When we shop for clothes for her she's more discriminating and will throw stuff back.

Miley smashed my foot the other day with her chair.  I stoically grimaced in pain, holding it in something brave.  Right.  She cutely and nonchalantly says 'Oh Mom, sorry' over her shoulder as she presses on with her business.  What no kissing it better? 

The questions have started already.  I have a little elf that follows me around and asks me 'what are you doing?' I answer and then I hear, 'why' or a confused 'what?'   Oh no.  Seriously, oh no. 

Mie knows she's two and will tell you so, however the hand gesture just isn't working.  She knows a hand gesture accompanies this answer though and so she'll throw up her whole hand to show you, fingers clenched tightly together all straight up.  She also knows this isn't right and turns to me and says 'help me'. . . I pry a couple of those little things away and bend them down.  She smiles and then we repeat this the next time someone asks her.

Everything is awesome to Miley.  I don't know where she learned to say awesome.  I don't think it comes from my mouth frequently, but hey, who knows.  Miley has latched onto it and declares everything awesome.  Now I need to teach her 'rad' to complete our Halloween costumes.  That would be awesome.  ;)

I should be fearing 2, but so far all I can tell is that she is at the cutest stage ever.  OK, maybe I don't actually remember and say that about every stage she's in.  As evidence, I could add at least a dozen more things to this list of cuteness. . . but I won't because I actually have to do other things.  Just take my word for it.

bonding with the love-birds

OK, so these pics in this post are actually from weeks ago, but who said my blog was chronological anyway?  Just so you know, her birthday pics may make an appearance sometime eventually. . . be prepared and therefore unsurprised by my timeliness.  ;)

Miley is a fan of her aunt Tiff and her soon to be uncle Josh.  She loved their attention. . . here are a few pics of their time spent together. . .

. . . and maybe a little bonding with Tiff's laptop too.  It played movies and had buttons.  Pretty much heaven for our two year old.  And yes, her finger is in her belly button.  Who knows?

Miley had to share Tiff with Nilla.  They both think she is their BFF.  It was a busy week for Tiff, juggling her little buddies.

disappointed

I was so looking forward to the concluding book of The Hunger Games, but Mockingjay was not what I expected or wanted.  Disappointed does not even cover it.  I mean, ugh, seriously depressing.  I give it one star, only because I think you're obligated to at least give it one star, no star would mean I didn't read it, which right now I'm thinking would be preferable.  The story in my head is a much better conclusion.

I'm sure there will be lots of reviews saying how the depression and heartbreak of it all (like on every page) was totally poignant and meaningful. . . I think those people need therapy.  ;)  Like the people who enjoy Steinbeck novels. 

I don't find a book whose only purpose was to point out that there is no hope for humanity because all people are crap can be construed as meaningful.  Well I guess that's not true, there is meaning there, just not a good one. . . or one I agree with.  Am I bumming you out yet?  Yeah well, that's where this book leads. . . kinda like thinking about politics.  Seriously, it made me think of our government leaders, that's how depressing it was.  ;)  Like I want to be reminded of how crappy all of that is in a fictional novel.

Maybe my expectations were too high.  I loved the first two books.  I have never had this happen to me in a series that I've loved.  I was cocky, nothing could burst the nice bubble of hope I created around them.  OK, maybe I didn't love that they killed one of the twins off in Harry Potter, but I could totally rewrite that in my head to make it better.  ;)  The movie, well I'll just chalk that up to screenwriters errors, unless they agree and rewrite it like I did.  ;)

Maybe I should have seen this coming since they hint at the darker sides of humanity of the contestants in the previous books.  'None of them are good people, blah blah blah.'  I didn't realize that would be the disheartening theme to rule out.  That and death and insanity.  I don't know, but all I feel now is disappointed and slightly deflated.  Sometimes my reviews change after I put some distance between me and the book, but the best I can hope for here is just to not resent the one obligatory star I was required to give it.  ;)

Now what to read?

Relax and have another

Creamie. . . dreamie.  ;)

project list

Remember when I said I wasn't interesting unless I was working on a project.  I so take that back.  I am way less interesting when I've got a project list. . . maybe one project, but my hands are full and I'm not so good at doing anything but trying to chip away at the list.  Forget blogging that's like work.  I'd really rather be reading my book right now.  ;)  In fact as soon as I'm done posting this that is exactly what I'm going to do, avoid the project list and read.  Ahhh.

So to top the list are two birthday projects. . . one of which I just finished. . . but to make me feel like I'm accomplishing something and that my list isn't so big it remains on there with a big check by it.  It is the necklace frame. . . my sis started this project out for me for my birthday and left me to figure it out.  I finally did, months later and now it's being put to use.  However, I'm thinking I need cuter necklaces that match my bathroom now if they'll be displayed like this.  Hmmm?

Birthday project number two is thanks to my dad, for Miley's birthday.  One doll house to decorate and outfit.  I haven't started that beast yet.

Then I have a bunch of projects related to my sister's wedding that need to be finished. . . necklaces, guest book frame, announcements. . . am I missing something?  I can't remember.

Add in all the Miley birthday photos that haven't been edited.  Two months of scrapbook behind.  Halloween preparations that are still mostly in my head. . . and a possible party if I can get all the rest of things under control. . . and that equals swamped with projects.  I'm sure I'm forgetting something, but at this point, I'm happy to.  ;)

I'm too slow

Miley isn't so much a fan of waiting for cameras these days.  She pretty much avoids them and tells me no when I get them out.  I guess she's hit her limit, and it only took two years. . . and like a billion pictures.  Anyway, I was too slow to catch her doing something silly so instead I'll try to paint a picture for ya.  I'd reenact it. . . no I wouldn't.  Maybe I'll get Dave to do it.  ;)

Prop #1. . . the shopping basket.  She was wearing this on her head.  If you remember I posted a pic of her doing such a thing before so this shouldn't be hard for you to imagine.

Prop #2 . . . This is one of the containers that go in her bookshelf that hold toys.  This one actually held the shopping basket and all the food that goes with it. . . not that that matters, just trying to be thorough with my re-telling.  She was sitting inside of this.  Tight fit.

This is my chair in the living room. . . or what it looks like most times nowadays.  I guess it's more like a jungle gym or trampoline now.

Now here's how they all go together. . . She was wearing her basket hat, inside of the green box laying upside down on the living room chair watching cartoons. . . happy as can be while I made lunch. 

When I saw her and figured out that was in fact her and not a mess of toys on the chair, I said 'stay there for a sec and I'll grab my camera'. . . she bolted upright threw off all the stuff and said 'NO'.  I guess she knew it would be embarrassing for me to show others. . . and yet I'm sharing it anyway.  Sorry sweety.  It was funny.

too fun and too exhausting

too many to choose from means too many favorites of these two love birds (which totally makes me think of Hitchcock's Birds. . . doesn't it? But that is so not romantic.)

Oh wait, this last one is definitely my favorite. . . I'm thinking wedding announcement worthy

double the fun, or something

Dave wanted to play the game too. . . here's his list. . . which ONE isn't true about him. . .

- I've seen the Vienna boys choir perform
- I played the drums
- My first concert was Hootie and the Blowfish
- I've played at the Grand ole Opry
- I've had my vampire fangs filed down, per my wife's request
- I've had a medical procedure done by someone with no qualifications whatsoever
- I've shaved my legs
- Mark Eaton taught me how to play basketball
- I've been in an accident on the freeway, where the car rolled
- I've thrown up in an airplane
- I've cracked my tailbone and had to sit on a donut pillow
- I didn't know how to pronounce batteries until I was 15
- I played on a club Ultimate Frisbee team in college
- I've acted in 4 plays
- I've worked in a vineyard
- I've been in a choir
- I've driven a corvette
- I've snowboarded in three states
- I broke my hand in two places
- I've been surfing
- I was the tether ball champion in elementary school
- I once won two cakes at a cake walk
- I was Valedictorian, but didn't tell my parents
- I've ridden in a hot air balloon
- I've had stitches in my lip
- I've grown a goatee that was two inches past my chin
- I've highlighted my hair
- I met the real Patch Adams. . . remember from that Robin Williams movie?
- I stole a candy bar as a kid
- I've eaten cow heart and tongue
- I've been a ring-bearer twice
- I was served pig skin soup, with hair on it. . .
- I've never experienced 'brain freeze'
- I used a whip to swing from electrical lines
- I've been lost in Oakland
- I've worn hemp
- I've been bucked off a Clydesdale (that's a horse) ;)
- I've taught three people how to snowboard
- I proposed to Mindy when she was sick outside in the rain
- I lived in a co-ed dorm
- I've forgotten my wife's birthday
- I speak Spanish
- I worked nights in a cheese factory
- I took a dutch oven cooking class
- I've lived in six states
- I almost choked to death in a fast food place
- I've been to a hot air balloon festival at the crack of dawn
- I've been on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno, in the audience
- I played tennis on my high school team
- I've done yoga


OK, there you have it.  Dave's crazy list of randomness for you to peruse and choose from.  One big fat lie, you name it. . .

disasters

We're coming down from a very long and spoiled week for my baby.  Lots of people, lots of attention, add in some presents and treats. . . her idea of heaven.  She soaked it up and now I'm trying to squeeze it out of her.  It's painful for me.  Disastrous when you add in the fact that I'm doing it all by myself.  A great week for Dave to add in another day of work.  Coward.  Totally running away from the challenge of un-spoiling the daughter.  Ugh.  I'm exhausted. . . and going to remind Dave of this week until I get something sparkly out of it.  Seriously, I'm that tired of whining.

Disaster number two. . . Sadly, Miley's favorite toy that she naps with is broken.  She is not happy.  Therefore I am not happy.  ;)

The music box function broke in her stuffed giraffe.  He no longer sings her to sleep.  Sad.  Tried to replace him, but sadly a pink zebra could not fill his place.  She's a girl of routine and will not accept any other stuffed animal in her bed.  In fact she will only wear her white socks to sleep when her feet are cold and nothing with a pattern on it.  Weirdy.  ;)  That's how it was done the first time and now forever more.  Which means, I really wish I could find a duplicate giraffe.

Maybe she'll accept the loss of the lullaby and still be comforted by her yellow giraffe friend.  Who knows.  Naps just won't be the same.  It may be rocky here for awhile.

looking ahead

I think Friday the 13th and Halloween are similarly classified.  Except this isn't a holiday just a spooky day.  I think today I'll spend it preparing for the other.  So looking forward to it!

a little rock

So, my sister brought her old cell phone with her when she visited.  Miley was in heaven.  She loves stealing that cell phone.  She especially loves the ringtones. . . her favorite being 'Crazy Train'. . .

It was cute the first thousand times, and then we heard it like a thousand more.  ;)
Yes, she doesn't have any pants on, because someone, and I'm not naming names, let her in her pool fully dressed and forgot that she is super coordinated. . . for like the third time during their visit.  ;)

(let me know if the video doesn't work, because I still can't see them in my browser, weird)

engaged to be married?

of course Lizzy, what other kind of engaged is there?  (oh, I really love that movie)

Well, it's true, my sis is engaged and Miley loves her ring and wanted to wear it as much as possible.  It's sparkly you know, and she's girly like that.

Pics of Tiff wearing it coming soon-ish.  I've got about a billion to dig through first.

phase 2

Ugh.

You know how people say they forget the pain of childbirth after awhile and that's why the can decide to have another baby?  Well, I'm not sure I really believe that, but I just found that I blocked out a big portion of the adoption process from my memory. . . the painful part.  Welcome to phase 2.

I can't believe I did not remember how much paperwork had to be found and assembled.  What the?  I remembered the easy stuff, not all the certified documents from our whole lives to be requested, background checks, financial papers, medical history to be documented, and then the weirdest stuff like how we have to provide a detailed description of our parents and siblings.  Yeah, I don't get that one.  I wonder what they do with that. 

OK, maybe this doesn't sound so painful to anyone, but believe me if you had to deal with any of these agencies or offices you'd change your mind.  It gets old fast.  That and the repetition of information I have to give over and over and over again. . . well I guess repetition implies that right?  Redundancy is fun.

Alright, I'm complaining.  I forgot and so I'm a little stunned.  How could I forget this crap?  I'm starting to believe you can gloss over the pain of birth part then too, well. . . no still not sold on that. ;)  That pain seems like a memorable kind.

and then there were three

OK, here's what was salvaged from my top notch shoot. . . ;)