Projects

Last week was the one year anniversary of buying our house! I actually can't believe how fast the time has gone. We have loved it here. We have a great ward and really wonderful neighbors and no major complaints about our house so I guess that's pretty good!

So after a whole year, we are FINALLY starting to decorate everything the way we (I) want it. Our walls have been bare for too long! I'm not much of a decorator, I mostly just copy things I see but it's been really fun. My friend Shelly introduced me to the wonderful world of vinyl decorations which I love! They are so easy to put on and look really nice, I think.

We're not done yet but already, everything is looking much better.

The biggest project was our kitchen. We had a huge plain wall behind our table that I never could figure out what to do with. So a couple of weeks ago, we painted it red! It took some getting used to but I really like the way it turned out. Just don't examine it too closely if you come over.

But the best home improvement by far is that we now have a piano! It's an electric piano so it's just a little bit smaller than a traditional one. We love it. It's actually really fun because it can sound like different instruments. I'm so happy Eliza discovered the drums. Although I feel like I'm learning how to play all over I am very happy to have a piano again! I've missed it. It's just a little crowded in our living room with it but I don't mind. Matt however feels like now is the perfect time to buy a new flatscreen to mount on the wall to free up some space. Ha! Nice try.

We love it! Thank you grandma!!

The rolls

My arms, my back, and my neck hurt by the end of the day but I couldn't love him more.

Fairy tales

Eliza got a set of princess books for Christmas and here she is "reading" a few of them. This shows what an impressive memory she has because I'm pretty sure she doesn't actually know how to read any words except her name. I know the sound isn't great so I translated what she said below the video. Nearly everything is word for word from the books.

"Cinderella worked hard day and night. But she was cheerful just the same. She had fun with her mouse friends. Singing raised her spirits, too. But believing in her dreams made her happiest of all."

"Mulan wanted to bring honor to her family. Sometimes it was hard. Mulan's father learned he would have to go to war. Mulan pretended to be a boy. She joined the army so her father would not have to. Mulan helped the Chinese army win. Mulan made her family proud."

"The undersea world is a magical place. Concerts to hear. Shipwrecks to explore. Trinkets to collect. And daydreams to dream."

"There was a sweet and kind princess named Snow White. The wicked queen was jealous of Snow White's beauty. Snow White had to run away. She stayed in a cottage with the seven dwarfs (sounds like doors). The wicked queen tricked Snow White with a poisoned apple. The prince lived happily ever after with Snow White with a kiss."

"The gentle Snow White had many friends. The animals in the forest were her friends. A little bluebird was her friend. Prince Charming was her friend. The seven dwarfs were Snow White's best friends of all."

"Ariel was a mermaid who lived under the sea. Ariel was fascinated by humans, especially Prince Eric. Ariel asked the sea witch for human places (she meant legs) so she could be with Prince Eric. If Prince Eric did not kiss Ariel she would be a mermaid once again. The sea witch's magical could not keep Ariel and Eric apart."

Eliza is such a smart little girl. I know, I know...every mom thinks that. She really is so fun to spend the day with. It makes me happy that she loves books already and wants to learn to read.

Six month stats

Jackson had his six month check up today. Can I just say how nice it is to go to a pediatrician that we don't hate? Dr. Buchanan is wonderful. Jackson is doing great except for his eczema. It's not too bad but living in such a dry climate with hard water doesn't help. He has a prescription cream that helps but he gets really bad red patches on his stomach and back. It doesn't seem to bother him at all, it just looks yucky. Eliza had the same issues and outgrew it so hopefully he does too.

Weight: 25 lbs. 5 oz. (completely off the chart)

Height: 28 in. (90 %)

Head size: 47.1 cm. (also off the chart...he does have sort of a big noggin)

When I told the doctor that Jackson doesn't really roll over yet (he will with a little encouragement) but sits up pretty well, he said, "Well, that's a lot of Jackson to get moving!" That made me laugh!

I love my little butterball. He makes our home so happy.

Jackson's 6 month pictures

I could just eat him up...

Eliza's 3 year pictures

When did my baby grow up?

Our Sunbeam

This Sunday was Eliza's first day in Sunbeams. They just called brand new teachers and I feel for them. There are about 14 fresh out of nursery three year olds. Luckily, only about 7 were there this week. She was so excited about her new class. We've spent a couple of weeks talking about the "rules." If you ask her what the rules are in church she says, "We stay in our chairs and be reverent and don't kick our legs." Now we need to teach her to not scowl at the boy sitting next to her. Maybe they didn't get along in nursery either. :) Matt and I teach the 5 year olds this year so we get to witness her in primary first hand. It's wonderful.