Spending Fast: Week 1

I know many of you are curious to know how the spending fast is faring.

I would be lying if I said that there hasn't been temptation this week. I've had many times that I've had to close Amazon (and other websites) with a cart full of stuff. But....

Here are the results:
Amount Spent Week 1: 26 Euro (all grocery)

Also, I did our US Federal taxes and scored us over $1000. I'm trying to decide whether it is worth it to file our California Non-Resident taxes. They owe us a cool $52. Normally, those 52 big ones would already be in process of transferring to my bank account, BUT I have to file on paper or pay one of the stupid services. I'm sure I'll file, but for now a break. I still also have to file our German taxes on Elster (translates to Magpie... you know... the bird who likes shiny things. Clever, no?).

One thing that is exempt from the spending fast is the search for a car. It continues. Especially as temperatures have been hovering around -20 C, a car is needed. Also, no big deal, but the doctor has put me on "regular activities only." My cervix is measuring a little thin. As I said, no big deal, but she said I need to be careful with the walking. It would be really nice if we could find a nice car...

Catch-up: Mother's Day Saturday

Wow! I've really fallen behind. This year for mother's day, I figured I would treat Claron. Claron LOVES roller coasters. So, I found tickets on Groupon to go here:

That is Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier.

Eliza rode this ride at least FIFTEEN times. She is fierce.

This is the view from the ferris wheel which Eliza LOVED!

We indulged in funnel cakes with strawberries. It was AWESOME!!!

Note: There is a really funny picture of us "on the ferris wheel." I will scan and add soon.

I'm Eliza. I'm Free Years Old.

These are things that I don't want to forget about this stage:

The good:

Eliza, you are so incredibly sweet. Still, everyone describes you as "delightful." You make me laugh all the time. From making the Perry the Platupus, "grrrrgrrrgrrr" sound to your hilarious responses, "I'm not nice. I AM BEAUTIFUL!" You are a potty master. You love to swim in the tub. You are a shopping expert. You love, love, love shoes and jewelry. Tea parties with you are blast. You can dance anyone off of their feet. You are pretty close to fearless. You love rollercoasters and amusement park rides. You enjoy anything chocolate. School is fun. You like going there. You absolutely love your friend, Didun and your teachers, Jerry and Eileen. You play in the backyard with the boys. You've started to love sword fighting and saying "Heee-yah!" You constantly chat with your imaginary fairy friends (especially Mr. Twoey, who is most often a rabbit who is pink with a striped tongue, but often changes). You have a special language that you speak to them with. Sometimes you surprise me and respond to me in Russian. You say the cutest prayers. You never fight me when you are going to bed. You always tell me how much you love me.

The bad:

You are just like me. Sorry, kid. Whenever you do anything bad, it is hard to not laugh because it is normally a result of something I passed on to you. I guess I should apologize to your future husband and kids now. You can ignore anyone. You go to imaginary land and leave the rest of us behind. You have your father wrapped around your finger. You can be moody especially if you are hungry or tired.

Eliza, you are the best child I could have asked for. You truly delight me everyday.

Busy, busy, busy bees

Hi all,
We are back from the East. It was an emotional roller coaster. I will be posting a lot soon. If you need to talk to me, and I haven't called you back, call me again!
A

Takin' Care of Business

Awesome, rockin' news! Today in the car Eliza kept on singing after the radio stopped. Was it a dumb Wubbzy song? No! Was it "Boom Boom Pow"? Nope! It was "Takin' Care of Business"!! Super cute!

In other interesting news, a few minutes ago Claron referred to a mosquito as a "bird of prey." I think he is losing it.

Doctor Time

I took Eliza to the doctor today. Here is her chart:

Her head size was also above the charts. The doc was a bit concerned, but I just laughed and said it runs in Claron's family. I really do think they need the large heads to accomodate the extra piece of brain for physical chemistry.

We also had a funny interaction. So, the doctor is asking about her learning, and like the proud mother I am, I spout. Here is what happened:

Amanda: She is really smart. She really likes numbers and loves to count. She is really good at counting things when she wants.

Doctor: You mean she repeats numbers.

Amanda: No, she counts.

Doctor: *skeptical look*

Amanda: Eliza, how many stars are on the wall?

Eliza: 1, 2, 3. 3 stars

Doesn't this doctor know that she has the extra physical chemistry brain? Of course she can count!

Vision News

Today Eliza had her eye exam. I was SOOOOO nervous. As you all know, I am as blind as a bat. Lately, Eliza has been doing things very finely causing me to worry that her vision is flawed.

The doctor was great. She used a picture chart for Eliza. I was SO impressed. Eliza could read all of the bottom rows. It was AWESOME!!!!

Eliza's vision is better than normal. Most toddlers see around 20/30. Eliza was 20/15!!! I can not say how relieved I am. I'll stress again in two years when it is time for another vision exam.

At least she won't look like this for the next two years!

Note: I'm definitely not saying that 2 yr old with glasses aren't cute, because some definitely are.

Balloons

Then:
Now:

Potty Power!

Little did I know when I picked this up at the library what a gold mine it is! Potty Power is an instructional video for kids on using the potty. Eliza loves it and now uses the potty regularly. So far though, she is amazing when she is bare bottom, but not as reliable when wearing her "pantalettes."

Today is the day. We are going to panties full time. Hopefully, these guys can help.

Eliza is very excited about these. I hope they will work!!

Why I don't post often

Right now I'm in Maryland/Delaware... and this is some of what we've been up to:

Crabbin'


Tubin'

Jet skiin'


General loungin' on the Bay

Ridin' dirtbikes in corn fields

I've also helped take care of mom after surgery, remodeled two bathrooms, cleaned the garage, painted a kitchen and attended a family reunion...

Neglect

Sorry I know I have neglected the blog. Here are some pics to make up for it. Hopefully, there will be a bunch of posts in the next couple of days.
Love,
Amanda

Busy, busy, busy

So, Claron, Lala and I have been up to tons! Claron is in the midst of recruiting season, so we've gone to a bbq at the beach for that. Here is a picture of Lala on the pier at the beach.

Our racoon friends have been visiting again. They have NO fear of humans. In fact, the one lets me take his picture. Here he is. We need a name for him. Comment with suggestions.

Lala got her first real haircut. Her bangs were hanging in her eyes. Here is a before and after.

We had TWO baby showers this week and another one coming up. We went to Roxanne's birthday party and went bowling with the ward. I also gave a talk about vegetable gardening at Enrichment. In honor of that, I dressed Lala in her veggie dress. Here are some pictures.

Lala is an expert fake cryer now. Here are some funny shots. Notice the complete lack of tears. Usually, these episodes are brought on by me not letting her touch the camera. Tough life!

Lastly, I've been trying to get a video of her stacking her blocks. She is a whiz at this. However, everytime I pull out the camera, she can't resist coming to get it. See examples below. I did get a good video of her talking though.

Soooo....

I know I promised to update, but I don't have tons to tell.



Eliza cut another molar. This brings her teeth total to 12! Yes, crazy! She has also been walking behind her car. She loves it. She gets a lot of exercise. We've been going to the park and she loves the swings. She is still making the best faces. She practices her talking. Sometimes it seems like she has her own language. She likes to shop. Clark and Lilly were here recently and she got a hold of Lilly's purse. First she pulled out the keys... then her wallet. From the wallet she took out the credit card and license. Smart girl! She was ready to shop!

I've updated the Snapfish, so let me know if you need an invite.

Slacker!

I know, I know. I'm a slacker and have let my blog go. But here are some serious updates.

My Nana and Pop Richard came from Tucson for Thanksgiving. We had a great time!




We went to the East for 4 weeks for Christmas and had a great time. Here are some of my favorite shots from that trip:

Claron, Eliza and I

Cutting down a tree with Mommom, Poppop and Frank

Grandpa and his girl on Christmas (my camera was set to PST not EST)

Taking a nap on Poppop

Lookin' at birthday stuff with Grandma

She loves money and cake. Don't we all though?

With Uncle Clark and Aunt Lilly. They all matched!

Lala dancing to the Muppets and Elton John

Claron, Lala and I have been taking hikes. Here is one of our favorites. It is only 10 mins from our house and there is an awesome butterfly forest. This is from the Devereaux Bluffs.



We had a great Valentines Day party with the Hansens. Thanks to everyone who came. For Valentines, I sent out this picture of Lala with kissy lips. =-)

That's it for now. I'll write again in 6 mos. Just kidding!

It's a start...

Hello everyone. I know that I haven't been blogging lately. I've been posting Eliza's pictures on Snapfish because it is easy. I will continue to do this, but I will also post pictures here. So here goes...

Recent adventures:
Claron - Still in China, recently visited the Forbidden City and Temple of Heaven in Beijing, enjoying hanging out with his new friend, Whit, currently working on finishing research in Hefei, looking forward to coming home on Sept. 17

Amanda - Still on the East Coast, recently visited Myrtle Beach on vacation with Eliza and my parents, enjoying visiting with family and friends in Delaware, currently working on painting Mom Ridge's bedroom, looking forward to the lobster feast on Monday

Eliza - Milestones: Crawling, Eating solid foods (pretzels, cheese puffs, Gerber puffs), 6 Teeth, 9 Words (E-lala, Mama, Dada, Mommom, Poppop, Hi, Hello, Hey, A-boo)

Tinkerbelle - Hanging out with Nathan, Working on driving Nathan to insanity before we come back to SB

We are all really looking forward to being together again in Santa Barbara on Sept. 17 and seeing all of our friends.