Smile!

It's park day!

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!

Outfit of the Day: Sometime Last Week

Sorry everyone. I know that I have been neglecting again. There is a real reason this time... well in the past two weeks I've been through THREE courses of antibiotics... just when I fix another problem, I get hit with something else.

Thankfully, Eliza is amazingly patient and helpful. She still makes an awesome mess though. It is probably because she has more purses and shoes than most 30 year olds. Here she is putting them to good use:

What you can't tell because someone refused to stand and smile is that the gold purse coordinates perfectly with the gold flowers on her boots. She getting so good and choosing accessories. Speaking of which.... This was the scene at Nordstroms the other day:

Someone refused to part with a FIVE HUNDRED AND TWENTY FIVE DOLLAR (no, not pesos) purse!!! She does have taste though. I'll give her that. For the record, I don't even have a purse that expensive!

The Next Twilight?

My SIL, Lilly, had heard about this book being called the "next Twilight." It is a young adult book so it is free of swearing or over sexuality. When I first saw the cover, I was reluctant, but I would definitely recommend it. Like Twilight, it is a very fast read... maybe even faster than Twilight. Give it a read and let me know what you think. As for me, I'm diligently watching my list at the library waiting on the sequel.

The Wedding Dancer

Last week we were able to attend a lovely reception for Mr. & Mrs. Sam Shipley.

Eliza had the best time. She danced with everyone. Here she is dancing with Katrina:

Dancing with Luke, the brother of the groom:

Dancing with the Sam, the groom:



And of course, dancing with Kaisey, the bride:

This isn't the best pic of her, but check out the dress. I love this dress.

She loved it so much that she didn't want to leave. We had to bribe her with Skittles.

Let's Get Dirty

Eliza hates to get dirty. I am trying to cure her of this aversion, so we fingerpainted. She loved it, but definitely insisted on a "princess bath" afterwards.

FREE Night of Theatre

This is awesome!!!

For the 5th year in a row, the Theater Communications Group is offering it's Free Night of Theater program in theaters in 120 different cities across the country on October 15, 2009.

Find out if a location near you is participating on the production listings page and check out the Free Night of Theater 2009 homepage for more information.

This sounds like a great date night!!

Outfit of the Day: Sept 23

Who is this fashionista living in my house? Lately, I feel like the Sartorialist following her around.

She must have been feeling tropical today. She insisted on:

• -A pink flower lei
• -A woven pink flower purse
• -Brown and pink Dora sneakers
• -Pink bows with pink, yellow and green butterflies

P.S. Mom Ridge: This is "the look" that Eliza inherited from you.

That's Doctoral Candidate Ridge to you...

Excellent News!!

Claron is officially a doctoral candidate. He passed his PhD Candidacy exam (also known as orals). He did a great job. We are very proud of him. Here is a picture of him in action (well practicing anyway).

Being the wife of a pre-doctoral candidate can be difficult and stressful. To diffuse this stress, I baked, and I contributed the goods to the PhD Candidacy Exam Committee. Here is the evidence:

Water, Lemons, Limes, Grapes, Strawberries, Blueberries, Carrots, Ranch, Cheese, Crackers, Oatmeal Cinnamon Chip Cookies, Brownie Buttons with Toffee Pieces, Nutella Cupcakes

I am so proud of my husband. The only down side is that we are closer to leaving Santa Barbara.

Sweet Vi-o-let

Clark, Lilly & Violet visited this weekend. They were life savers. I am sick, and Claron is industriously working on his orals (for TOMORROW!!!). It was great to see them, and Violet is SO big (and absolutely adorable)!