Guitar

My little musician is learning how to play the "tar." This was s gift from great grandma E. She always finds good toys at the Goodwill.

This isn't just any "tar." It is The Wiggles "tar." So, now we are watching The Wiggles again. And, where in the world did he learn that guitar players sit on a stool?

Look, it's snowing....

The Nativity

We are enjoying the LittlePeople Nativity scene this Christmas season. Camden now recognizes clearly and pronounces Mary, Joseph aka "Jopsef", Gabriel aka "Gabal", and Baby Jesus.

Each day, Camden takes Baby Jesus "for a little ride."

I'm learning, through my two year old, that a little imagination can take you anywhere.

So close...

These "progress" photos are about two weeks old, so the cabinets are officially completed - crown molding and all. And the finishing touches on the tub deck surround are nearly completed. We now have light figures, interior doors, trim, and window casing. In about two weeks - it'll be moving day. As you can see, we've been preparing to move here at home. All the boxes are about to drive me crazy. But, I can live in chaos for just a few more short weeks!




Camden, I want to remember that you are such a great sport. Each evening, sometimes multiple times per evening, we drag you out to the house and expect you to not touch or move anything (mainly the tools) and to be content for only a few minutes that usually turns into 30 minutes. You don't complain and usually don't cause any problems. We run errands to purchase supplies for the house at least twice per week and most times you sit nicely in the cart with your Wendy's frosty treat and behave like a such a big boy. You are such a big help around the new house when it is time to sweep, carry wood scraps to the burn pile, and hand tools to whoever is working. We are so proud of you for all your help and making this process much easier for us. We are forever grateful for you!

"Look mom, I did it!"

My mom gave Camden his first advent calendar - a little magnetic cookie sheet for the fridge to help him count down the days until Christmas. He gives this little calendar his full attention each evening; however, he thinks that when all the numbers are all covered he "did it." He says, "look Mom, I did it." Maybe next year he'll catch on to the real purpose of this special gift from Nanny.

Tree Trimmings

I thought that two would be the magic age for tree trimming.




Wrong.

Austin is not the only member of my little family that does not quite enjoy tree trimming. Camden was was lacking the excitement I had hoped for - until I brought out the John Deere ornaments. Within a matter of seconds everything changed, he quickly became interested.

But, only for short time - we only have 3 or 4 John Deere ornaments. So, if I want more help with tree trimming, I'm going to need several more John Deere ornaments.

Sorting....

Here is what we have been up to the last week and a half or so. Sorting boards. Doesn't it look like fun? The great news is that the flooring is complete, most of the cabinets are in, interior doors are hung, and we are patiently awaiting trim work and countertop installations. Then, we will welcome the final coat of paint and few strong men to help move furniture.

really, he is MY son

Camden's organizational skills (or should I say OCD) is a maternal trait. I'm sure back in the 1980s my mom ran across this set-up near the Little Tykes kitchen. Yep, my mom still has my little kitchen set and Camden is now learning how to cook, wash, dry, and put away dishes neatly.

The Greats

the cute, little Smith great-grandkids. Their great-grandma is sure to love her Christmas gift this year, don't you think?

I.LOVE.THIS.

Last weekend I went to the annual fall crop with a few friends from work. My agenda for the day was to get caught up on Project Life. I did get caught up - thanks goodness!

One evening this week, I brought out the album to journal for the day and Camden ran over to me and said, "Mommy, can I look at those pictures with you." He was so excited to look at our Project Life albums that tells the story of our lives in 2010.

A few of you have asked about an update on project life, and I will prepare a post with some photos and updates soon - I've got to wait for some good lighting in the house or the photos won't turn out.

Domesticated (written on Saturday, Nov. 13th)

There is something very rewarding at doing things on your own - such as making your own handbag, making homemade strawberry and mint chocolate chip ice cream, from scratch chicken noodle soup - you know those kinds of things.

Yesterday I opted to take a day off work. My agenda for the day was to work at the "new house" mopping the basement floor in order to begin moving boxes (stuff that we just storing for later use). But, instead, I stayed home - got up with the chickens - well my little chick - he rises early like his dad. I finished making a handbag, cleaned the house, did 2 loads of laundry, changed out the bed sheets, went to the grocery, took the cat to the vet, made two batches of homemade ice cream, and big pot of homemade chicken noodle soup. I ended the day with visiting with my sister and selecting a apron pattern to begin making as a Christmas gift. I felt a sense of accomplishment which is much different than most days where I barely mark off two to three items on my daily to-do list.

This morning, I'm chipping away at my to-do list while Austin is installing light recepticals at the house and Camden is spending some "alone" time with his Aunt Allie. We are going to a birthday party later this afternoon, so I've got about 5 hours to finish up the following tasks:

1. Schedule blog posts for next week
2. Sort through about 3 months of photos determining which ones to delete and print
3. Make a photo collage for a gift
4. Wrap a birthday gift
5. Make beds
6. Wash dishes from our ice cream treats last night
7. Figure out Mozy.com in order to back-up my photos remotely

Better go so I can start chipping away at the list.

Shower with Dad

When we visit the "new house" Camden keeps busy by playing in the sea of sand. Most of the time we come home and his shoes are FULL. One evening he didn't have socks on and his feet were all brown. Instead of tramping through the house (the day after I just vacuumed) I suggested that Camden take a shower with Daddy. While Camden wasn't overly thrilled, he tried in anyway. Now, he always wants to "take shower not bath" even at 6 a.m. in the morning when Daddy is showering before work. Of course we say no, later tonight. This is one of "those" events where I'm slapped in the face with "oh my gosh - he is a little man and becoming less of a toddler each day - sniff, sniff."

And for Daddy, he will be happy when we move and have a larger shower to share.

Meet Jack

"Yee haw cowboy,"

says Camden as he rides his horse up to the doorstep - only for candy. Camden wasn't excited about the idea of dressing up but he was willing to do so for candy. And now, he asks what seems like a billion times of day if he can have candy.

Still learning....

Something I have learned over the past few days is the name of every color in the Sherwin Williams color wheel. And, if you aren't aware that you can purchase 1 pint paint samples of any color, you can. I am thankful for this as Cupola Yellow does not come close to what I had imagined.

Cheese Burger

Nearly tuckered out from a run with Aunt Allie and Uncle Miles, but he can sure squeeze out a nice big smile for the camera.

Waiting

This is the age and stage our Daddy has been patiently waiting for.....


Need I say more? I don't think so; if you know our Daddy, you will figure this one out. And if you don't know our Daddy well, then check back soon, I'll fill you in on the mystery.

Friends

Camden, Grady, Rex


These boys are growing up together. The first two are playmates at the sitters, all three will soon be neighbors, and all three enjoy Sunday school together. The first and third boys share the very same birthday and are only one year apart. The middle boy it a bit younger than the first and older than the third. All three boys are hay riding fools. And best of all, they are friends.

We enjoy our games

Most of our games have come from garage sales. I, personally, enjoy playing games. My favorite is Scrabble (I know, I'm weird). My hubby doesn't care too much for cards, board games, or Scrabble.

I am grateful that Cam enjoys games. He has two games - Lucky Ducks and Memory. Although he enjoys playing (with) Taboo and Yahtzee. Here is how he sets Yahtzee up for play.

Does anyone have any suggestions for fun, age appropriate games that Camden and I might enjoy? I'm thinking a few new games would be nice Santa gifts.

Sprinkes

Haven't you heard, that sprinkles are a hit on.....

-ice cream
-yogurt
-cereal
-cookies


That is what we've tried sprinkles on thus far here at home. I'm thinking maybe peas, carrots, broccoli, and anything that I would like Camden to eat.

Pumpkin Picking

I've not always been a "last minute" person as I truly believe that doing things "last minute" just adds stress that is not needed. But lately, I'm starting to convert to "last minute."

It is about 5 p.m. on Halloween evening. Camden is still napping catching up from a long day yesterday. Tonight, we still have to 1) carve his pumpkin, 2) make a few trick-or-treating stops, and 3) take some photographs.

Here are some "before pumpkin carving" photos.



Check back later this evening and hopefully I'll be able to share some highlights of our Halloween festivities that will take place in the next few hours.

ZooBoo

We visited the Indianapolis ZooBoo a few weeks ago. Note to self: always take trips to the zoo the fall as the weather was perfect - do not suffer hot, stuffy, humid days at the zoo!






Would you believe me if I told you these photos are straight out of the lens - no editing whatsoever? Maybe you would because I don't edit any photos. I take multiple photographs per day in attempt to stay current with Project Life - who has time to edit photos everyday? I sure don't!

Quality Time

Back in September, I went on a short travel trip to Leesburg, VA. And to be honest, I had mixed feelings about this trip. I was honored to be selected by my manager to attend the annual off site finance meeting (as my manager only takes two staff persons with her); on the other hand, I wasn't eager to be away from Camden for 3 nights and 4 days. Just in the last few months has Camden spent a night at a time away from me. It has been with my mom and I had seen him immediately before bedtime or shortly after he awakes in the morning. This time, you see, it would be different - remember - this is for 3 nights and 4 days.

I learned about this trip in early August and didn't give it too much thought but as mid-September approached, oh how I dreaded the upcoming trip. I cried, and cried, and cried the day I left (although I'm thankful Camden was not home when I left - instead he was enjoying a trip to Holiday World with Pappy, Nana, Aunt Allie, and Uncle Miles). I returned 3 days later and realized that Camden didn't miss a beat in my absence. When your child has fun, even if it is without you, it makes your heart happy. And, I returned a refreshed Mommy with loads more of patience and lots more attentiveness to the quality of time I spend with my son.

I have discovered a fun activity that allows me to include Camden in my favorite hobby - scrapbooking. I sat him up on a stool bellied up to the scrap table, set-up the Cricut to cut fun basic shapes that Camden is familiar with, guided him through pushing the buttons on the Cricut, and allowed him to peel the shapes from the Cricut mat, gave him a glue stick, and allowed him to make a special card for 4 of his favorite people. He picked the shapes he desired, the colors of paper he desired and I allowed him to paste were he desired. While this was fun learning experience for him and an enjoyable, easy craft for me, my favorite part was when he delivered his cards to the recipients. His face shined and he was so proud of his accomplishment.


This quality time is what I oftentimes miss out on.

Good Read

Lately we have made a few trips to library. Not only does Camden enjoy new illustrations and stories, I enjoy them too. We have several books that both Camden and I can recite by heart. Goodnight Moon is among those that we have memorized.

He knows the difference between the Plainville Library and the Washington Library and knows which way to turn onto to highway to get to the library that he prefers to visit. Because Washington has many more books to choose from, he naturally likes the Washington library. One of his favorites is shown below. We haven't borrowed this book for over a month now, but he has asked to read it lately. So, we'll be borrowing again sometime soon. That is if you have beaten us to the library and have already checked it out. I love this book too - just like Cam!

Veggie Farmer

This is the "teak show" tractor that I referred a few days ago. I find all kinds of things in this grain cart. Let me tell you, he's got grand ideas (honestly, he gets them from my better half). He's a smart boy, and he makes me proud.

"All By MYSELF"

Towards the end of the Scoops season, Camden if finally able to handle his very own ice cream cone. For our last trip to Scoops for the 2010 season, he chose "wainbow" ice cream. It melts a bit quicker than his usual (M&M ice cream), but he did well.

You can see Daddy is doing very well too (and really the extra cone Daddy is holding - it belongs to Mommy). My favorites - butter peacan and strawberry.

Daddy's favorites - one dip of double fudge and the second dip reese PB


Scoops, you will be missed over the next several months.

Guilty Pleasures

We all a food that we just love, don't we? My favorites vary from time to time and I can always count on a Reese, Snickers, or Kit Kat to satisfy me (momentarily that is).

For Camden, without a doubt, a cheeseburger and french fries, are always at the top of his list. Well, candy is starting to become a common theme or request lately (hopefully after Halloween that will settle a bit).

While these aren't cheeseburgers yet, they will be. Pork cheeseburgers are one of my (and Austin's) favorite, quick meals. Camden is indifferent between beef or pork as long as we have cheese.


And, you can see, for this meal, we are splurging and have fried fries instead of baked in the oven. Of course, fried taste better, but baked are less messy, quicker, and definitely healthier. But, who can resist a guilty pleasure every once in a while?

September Update

You got to ride in the tractor catching corn from the combine. This harvest season, Camden, you are very much aware of what is going on in the fields around us and know, by name, all the various kinds of harvesting equipment.

The outside of the house has changed again and we now have columns and steps.

Here you are braving the big slide at our church picnic. At first, you were a bit scared to try out the big slide, but finally you gave it a try. And, from the expression on your face, you are enjoying yourself.

And, the highlight of the month was definitely the "teak show" also known as the Antique Show. You got to visit twice - once with Aunt Debbie and once with Mommy and Daddy. Your favorite two places - the petting barn and of course the Ertl building. You even scored a special gift in the Ertl building. And to this day, you will tell us that you want to "play with my "teak show tractor."

This is the tamest calf I've ever seen and this sweet baby loved to lick our fingers. boy does she have a very soft tongue!

Check back soon - we'll share our October Fun soon - then this blog with be current again. Slowly but surely, I'm catching up once again!