Thursday, May 1, 2008

Fredrick Meijer Gardens


Kylie and I went to the Fredrick Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park on Saturday. They had a butterfly exhibt that I knew Kylie would like to see. She has been asking me all winter when she could go see the butterflies again - she saw them at a different exhibit last year and loved it! So when I told her we were going to see the butterflies she was so excited, little did she know it was going to be more than a 10 minute ride like last time. I wished we could have been outside more but it was so windy and cold that it made it somewhat miserable to be outside. Here are some pictures of our time at the park:



One of the many butterflies we got to see. They were in a large terrarium which was set at 85 degrees. I didn't get any pictures but they even had quails running around, they were just too fast for me!





Here is Kylie with the butterfly mascot, "Flutter". I am amazed she let me take this picture, she normally does not like costumes where the face is covered. She was very proud of herself after she took the picture!





This chandalier is even more amazing in person. Kylie even noticed it and thought it was 'cool'!

Kylie standing in front of the sculpture of Leonardi da Vinci's horse. She was amazed at how big the horse was!

The story about the sculputre.

She thought the gate to the childrens gardens was so neat, it was just her size.

She is looking at butterfly wings. They had a childrens activity center which had a sorts of different activities that they could try relating to the butterfly since that was the theme at the time. Everytime I see this picture I think she looks like she is older than 3!

She loves puppets!

More buildings in the childrens section of the gardens. They had lots of activites for outside and I feel bad she didn't get to do very many of them since it was so cold. But we are planning on going back when it is warmer.

A sampling of the exotic plants that were in the butterfly exhibit. By the way did you know a butterfly only lives for 2 weeks! I had know idea, I thought they lived longer than that.

Wednesday, April 30, 2008

April is Autism Awareness Month!


My family and I have been personally affected by this disease, my brother is affected by it. There is a lot of information about this disease at the following sites. I would encourage everyone to educate themselves about this disease so we can all be empowered. Knowledge is power.

Autism Society of America (ASA)
http://www.autism-society.org/

Autism Speaks
http://www.autismspeaks.org/

AutismLink
http://www.autismlink.com/

Autism Awareness Puzzle and Ribbon Clip Art
http://www.designbycher.com/autism_art.htm

ABA Resources for Recovery from Autism/PDD/Hyperlexia
http://http://rsaffran.tripod.com/aba.html

Guidelines: Identifying, Serving, and Educating Children and Youth with Autism
http://http://www.dpi.state.nd.us/speced/guide/autism.pdf

Mark Leland's Missing Pieces, a song for Autism
http://www.96seconds.com/frinkfest.html

The Charity Guide
http://www.charity-charities.org/

North Dakota Autism Center, Inc.
http://ndautismcenter.org/

Daddy you are Soooo wrong

Converstation between Daddy and Kylie:

Daddy yesterday you were sooo silly

Why was I so silly yesterday?

Because you said bees live in a nest but they don't, they live in a hive. You are soooo wrong!

The story behind the conversation is that two weeks ago we were in the backyard and heard a very loud bumble bee. Greg looked up and said that there must a big nest up near the roof somewhere. The fact that she thought about that for two weeks amazes me because we didn't even know she was paying attention - she was busy playing when he said it.

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

Wordless Wednesday - Playing at the Park







For more Wordless Wednesday pictures, click here!

Due Date

Well I went for my first appointment since finding out that we are expecting a new baby. Our official due date is December 2, 2008! We are so excited for this baby.

Kylie keeps saying there is a brother and a sister in Mommy's tummy. I hope her ESP is not working this time, this is one of those times I hope she is wrong. Twins are nice, but I just think we would be better with just one at a time. Almost everyday she asks if "the babies" are done yet and how big "they" are now? Notice all the plurals she has in her sentences....scary.

Anyway that is all the update I have for now. I'm so thankful that I really haven't been that sick, a couple of days but nothing to complain about that's for sure!

Monday, April 21, 2008

Enjoying Spring

Kylie was so excited to wear her skirt outside. She is posing for a picture for Daddy. She absolutely would wear a dress or skirt everyday if I would let her. Shew

Thinking about which flower she should pick next! As soon as the flower blooms, she is picking it.

Modeling her very cute skirt. She told Daddy when she was putting on "Now I'm going to be beautiful" And of course we agree with her!

Thursday, April 3, 2008

Autism Awareness Video

Very moving video, with a lot of Autism facts.

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

What American Accent do you have?

What American accent do you have?
Your Result: North Central
 

"North Central" is what professional linguists call the Minnesota accent. If you saw "Fargo" you probably didn't think the characters sounded very out of the ordinary. Outsiders probably mistake you for a Canadian a lot.

The West
 
The Midland
 
Boston
 
The Inland North
 
Philadelphia
 
The South
 
The Northeast
 
What American accent do you have?
Quiz Created on GoToQuiz

Thursday, March 6, 2008

Theme Thursday - 'Spirited'

Today theme is 'Spirited" over at The Land of K.A.
I think this picture captures the theme very well. Kylie is funny, sassy, smart and sweet all wrapped up in one loveable and ‘Spirited’ package.
I read over at another Barely Controlled Chaos that she and her friend have two Emmas and they are also very spirited. Well I have to say I know at least one other Kylie that is very spirited, with very much the same personality as my Kylie, and have met 2 other people that tell me their Kylies are the same way. So...now you know of 2 names not to chose for you baby girl if you are hoping for a calm and mild child. Not gonna happen with those 2 names!
To enjoy more 'Spirited' entries head over to The land of K.A.!

Tuesday, March 4, 2008

Not-So-Wordless Wednesday - Playing in the Water


Kylie got some new water boots from her Auntie Shawna and we just had to try them out. She had so much fun, exploring the "cuddles" (her word for puddles).


I'm trying to find the perfect leaf...


And here it is!


At the beginng of the "cuddle".


Half way....




Made it through the "cuddles"!


You can check out more Wordless Wednesday posts here!

Monday, March 3, 2008

WFMW: Backwards Edition: Blogger Help!


So this week its the Backwards Edition of Works for Me Wednesday which means I get to ask you a question and hopefully you can help me.


Here is my question: How do I get my blog to load faster?


It loads fine on my computer at work, but at home it locks up my computer. I have friends and family that say the same thing that it locks up their computer. Consequently they don't visit as often as they & I would like them to.


Any suggestions?


You can find more Works for Me Wednesday here!

Happy Birthday TRISTEN!!!

2 days old

1 Year Old

2 Years old

Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday dear Tristen, Happy Birthday to you!

Since I cannont be there to celebrate your big day today, I have to "sing" it you you on my blog.
I cannot believe you are 2 years old today, you are growing up so fast. I hope you have a wonderful day today and everyday. You are loved more than you could ever know. You tell Mommy to take lots of pictures, so I can see you on your big day.

Sunday, March 2, 2008

Sing Like A Girl

This morning at church I was singing our closing hymn, and I was leaned down real close to Kylie so I could show her the words in the hymnal. She is showing some interest in reading so I wanted to show her the words I was singing. And I was singing to her, she apparently thought my voice was too low, she looked at me and said "Mommy you need to sing like a girl. Like this, Ahhh" which was as high pitched as she could make it.

I thought this was so funny. I've been having trouble with my voice sounding really gravely and cracking if I try to make even somewhat high pitched sounds. I've been to the doctor and I thought I was making progress. However, I guess Kylie doesn't feel the same way. Oh well, it is the innocence of a child that gives you the truth.

Saturday, March 1, 2008

Kindness of Strangers

Kylie and I were checking out at the Dollar Store when she decided that she wanted to get a toy out the the quarter machine. She was already getting a treat so I told her "No". Of course she pleaded with me, and I told her I didn't have a quarters for the machine. Well a lady behind us was listening to us and apparently decided that she wanted to give Kylie some money. She gave her two quarters and helped her "spend" them in the machines. She was so kind and patient waiting for Kylie to decide which toy she wanted. Before she was even done "buying" her toys another gentleman came up and gave her two more quarters because in his words "I just love children."

It was so touching to see this kind of kindness among strangers, especially towards a child. I know those kind gestures made an important impact on Kylie. She was so happy she made sure to tell them all thank you even before I said anything! I think she had a "perma-grin" the whole time she was spending her quarters.

Friday, February 29, 2008

Dr. Randy Pausch - from Oprah

This vide0 is very inspiring expecially if you have children. Take 10 minutes of your time to watch this, you will feel inspired.

Monday, February 25, 2008

Best Shot Monday - Innocent Joy

Here is my Best Shot of the week, a picture of the 2 most important people in my life...my husband and my daughter. They mean everything to me. As my blog title indicates this blog is innocent joy and these are the two people that create most of my innocent joys.
Over at Mother May I, Tracey asked the question, What sentiment does your best shot stir up?
This picture can summed it up in one word: LOVE.

Want to see more best shots?
Head over to Mother May I, for more Best Shot Monday's!

Thursday, February 14, 2008

Theme Thursday - Pure




Does it get any more Pure than this?

Check out more Theme Thursday over at The Land of K.A.

Happy Valentines Day!







Happy Valentines Day to my beautiful family. I love you both more than you will ever know. You guys are my world and I would do anything for you.

Love, Me


Wednesday, February 13, 2008

Wordless Wednesday - Butterflies








I know this is supposed to be wordless but, I need to give credit to my husband. He took these pictures while he was in Florida.

Check out the new Wordless Wednesday HQ!!



View More Wordless Wednesday participants

Tuesday, February 12, 2008

Tag: Six Unimportant Things About Me

I just got tagged from Lynn. I've never been tagged before so hopefully I do it right, here we go!
Here are the rules:
Link to the person that tagged you.
Post the rules on your blog.
Share six non-important things/habits/quirks about yourself.
Tag six random people at the end of your post by linking to their blogs.
Let each random person know they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their website.
Let your tagger know when you entry is up
  1. I like to watch reality shows, Biggest Loser, John & Kate plus 8, American Idol, Little People Big World are some of my favorites.
  2. I can't stand it when the driveway has any snow on it, I'm always outside cleaning off the driveway. My husband thinks I'm a little obsessed with it, he could be right...
  3. I like to participate in Meme's, especially Wordless Wednesday & Weekend Snapshot
  4. I love to find shop on Ebay, possibly a bit of an obsession.
  5. I'm listening to Alicia Keys "As I Am" cd, so far so good : )
  6. My 2 favorite movies are "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" and "Steel Magnolias"
I am going to tag the 1st 6 or so commenters on my last entry: willthink4wine, sandy carlson, Steve and Emz Journey, Soliloquy, Life Through a Lens, and Liza

Saturday, February 9, 2008

Weekend Snapshot - Beautiful Girl





I was playing with the camera and Kylie was willing to let me take her picture. This was the best one. I just love it!

Find more Weekend Snapshots here!

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Thursday, February 7, 2008

Ash Wednesday


So yesterday was Ash Wednesday, Kylie and I attended Mass last night as you can tell by the above picture. Kylie was so proud of her "Father, Son, Holy Spirt" (her cross) that when she accidentally rubbed it off she was devistated. She was getting tired, Mass was at 7 and 8 is generally her bedtime, and she was trying to lay in my arms and she rubbed her head against my sweater. When she did it I told her to be careful because your cross will wipe off. I had no idea how important that cross was to her. She almost started crying about it, so I told her that when Mass was over I would try to get her another one. That seemed to make her happy. So when Mass was over we waited for Deacon to finish talking with the other parishioners and we asked for another one since hers accidentally was wiped off. He was more than happy to oblige, matter of fact the cross he gave her was much larger and darker than her original cross.

This morning Kylie was looking in the mirror and noticed that her cross was starting to wear off. She said "Mommy look at my Father, Son, Holy Spirit its going away." I told that that is what happens. She was really upset about it, so not knowing what else to say I told her she needed to talk to Jesus about it. She said, "No you talk to him". So I told her I would see what I could do about it. That seemed to satisfy her.
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Thursday, January 24, 2008

Congratulations Greg, We are SO proud of you!!

Today Greg passed his checkride to become Captain on the ERJ 170 airplane. He is officially type rated on the ERJ 170/190 airplane.

Kylie and I love you so much and couldn't be more proud of you. This was one of your personal goals, and now you have achieved it.

Sunday, January 20, 2008

Stylin'

Today I asked Kylie if she is going to go to school tomorrow. This the dialoge that resulted from my question:

Kylie: Yes, and I'm going to wear my pink flower headband! (She was so excited, her face just lit up when she said this)
Me: Ok that will look very nice
Kylie: And they (her friends) will say I'm Stylin'
Me (laughing): stylin' huh
Kylie: Yeah, and Mommy that means I'm pretty.

Apparently she feels the need to explain what words mean now. I sometimes feel like she is a sixteen year old in a three year old body.

Wednesday, January 9, 2008