a visit from Dad

My dad came to visit us in June.  It was a wonderful visit.  They even slept over at our house.  I always love getting to play hostess and especially to those who host so well (Barb that's you.)  They showered us with gifts of baby clothes, cheese, and items for our kitchen.  They gave O Baby the best gift at the end of the trip.  I am supper excited about this one. 

We went on a walk (this was one of the first days of my pedometer and I was really excited to walk anywhere and everywhere.)  The views from the George Washington Bridge are always spectacular and grand.  Its always a favorite place to go (until I realize how much exhaust we are all breathing.)  It was fun to be there with my little family.  It had been a long time.

* Thanks Dad and Barb for coming!  We had a ton of fun with you and can't wait to see you again, soon.

//  And my dear little family, here's to many more walks and adventures together...

10 feel-good things : July

01.   Updrade classic corn on the cob - try butter and Parmesan cheese, its my favorite or also tried this one

02.   Ready, Set, Spike : play some volleyball - I need a good pepper partner, any takers?

03.   Chill out & save : turn down AC 2 degrees & use a fan - shades closed when sun beats, fan on more.

04.   Get smooth strands : use a cream to style frizz, style wet, weal wavy - my summer hair is braids

05.   Have snacks, will travel : pack themed snack boxes - sm.  Baby Bell cheese & sm. Naked drinks for the go

06.   Be modest in the office : go easy on the bragging - I'll remember that as I am blogging...

07.   Buy better flip flops - take care of my feet and rarely wear sandals

08.   Stay in mint condition : fresh mouth helps you feel cool in the hot outside - use mouthwash

09.   Serve more aces : take up tennis - I'll just ride my bike by the tennis courts instead

10.   Pack like a pro to enjoy your trip : make detailed lists for going and returning - plan a hotel getaway

celebrating our independence

Today was a fun, long, happy day.  The 4th of July has always been.  Its always a long day because its always so hot outside.  Today was no different.   In the West it is very different too, with all the small town festivities and the barbeque's and family picnics... I guess the space and lack of crowds is what was missing.

We started out slowly as we were waiting for the baby to wake from his nap.  By the time we got out of the house I was already hot and bothered.  But Zack encouraged me and off we were.  We biked through crowds of our "neighbors" and I was so glad I didn't have to stay near that party. 

When we finally got through the gauntlet, we enjoyed a tiring ride until we got to The Intrepid.  I walked through the WWI traveling museum and it was nice to remember that war on the day we celebrate our independence.  The Boys waited for me outside.

As planned we rode our bikes across the Brooklyn Bridge and made our way to the Brooklyn Pharmacy.  Unfortunately, they were not open!  We were sad would not be giving justice to our true feelings.  We were thirsty, mostly.  That didn't stop us from getting a picture, though.  I really can't wait to go inside, I am STILL craving another Egg Cream. 

We did attempt to find another place to eat/drink but everything near by was closed.  We headed promptly to the Subway and finally got home.  Our special dinner I had in mind ended up being pretty simple and quick: popsicles + chips and cheese dip + cherries.  We attempted to watch a movie and relax together but we both couldn't stay awake.  I went to bed and the day is officially over (no fireworks, either...  too tired!)

*  All in all, I loved spending time with my boys and out on our bikes.  And I am so excited that tomorrow is another vacation day for me and Zack.  Wednesday is a big day for him so we'll make sure tomorrow is extra special!  Oh, blessed vacation days!

//  I am proud to be an American.  I am thankful for all who have served (especially in my own family) and for those who are now serving (especially in my own family.)  God bless the USA/

we celebrate today

* Many thank you's to those who have served and are now serving our country!  I'm grateful this is my country.

//  We are heading out on our bikes today.  We'll stop here then make our way here before biking home to enjoy a wholesome hot dog and watermelon dinner followed by a rooftop firework party.  We just need our baby to wake up from his nap...

XAQUE

Happy Birthdate, Love

baby blanket

As the youngest of 7 kids, I got a lot of hand-me-downs.  It didn't really matter to me that much.  But, when I had my own baby I wanted to get MY baby blanket to have for my babies like all of my siblings got.  When my first child was born last year, I never got one and thought that was because I always used everyone's blankets and never had my own.  UNTIL NOW....

This is my baby blanket.  I always thought it was "mine".  I thought since I hadn't gotten it that meant it was actually always one of my siblings' before me.  But then we got a surprise package in the mail from my mom and there it was, MY baby blanket.  I was so happy and my O Baby like it too, plus plus!

*  Thanks for sending this mom!

//  This is the baby blanket I made for my first born.  I hope to finish it soon.  (the blanket's made but I want to add some special detail for my boy)

Walk On

This is super cheesy but seriously, having a pedometer clipped to my belt has been so much silly fun.   I dance more (that gives me a lot of steps quick) I go outside on walks with my boy more, I get up faster from sitting at the computer or whatever.  I love to walk...  who would have thought!?!

MY NUMBERS:  

past week - 33,978   

this week's goal - 35, 000  

steps to date - 33.978

From not exercising at all to being fully motivated to get back in shape (like back into shape so much that you can SEE the difference) my goals are going to be simple at first.  Each week I'll walk more steps than the last.  I want to see change and not overdo it so much that I out-goal my desire thus, the simple goals week to week, increasingly getting harder.  Baby steps (to a big goal), that's my motto.  (But when I get the hang of it, then I'm running.  Literally.  My real goal is to be participating in a sprint triathlon in the fall...)

*  So who wants to walk with me?  

*  Buy your very own pedometer!  I got mine through Amazon.com and it came in 2 days.  Try it!  Its totally fun and motivating.  See how much you walk, or don't.

//  Today I need to make up for lost steps.  We'll be going to the park this afternoon and then for an after dinner walk. 

Tutorial: How to starch a doily

You should know this was my first time starching a doily (such a funny word, doily).  I had made it for a friend and wasn't sure how the finished product would turn out.  I can say that I am pleased with the result of my crocheting of the doily and the starching.  Here is how I did the starching:

You will need: 

a piece of cardboard or foam board

plastic wrap

pins

craft glue

ziploc bag

water

Before you start, mix a solution using the craft glue and equal parts water.  (this part scared me, so I used a lot more water than called for.  next time I'll be braver and more accurately follow the instructions.)  This will make it stiff.

Next, rinse the doily in warm water.  You can choose to wash it with mild soap/detergent (if you choose to use soap, put it on your hand and wet your hand before touching the doily to it.  then gently rub your hand on both sides just enough to apply soap to both sides) then rinse with warm water.  DO NOT squeeze or ring the doily, handle it gently.

Following the warm water rinse, place the wet doily (don't ring or squeeze) into the glue/water solution.  Be sure to immerse the doily. 

Seal ziploc and let soak for 1 minute.

 While you wait for the doily to soak in the solution, spread the plastic wrap over the cardboard and pin in place. 

Spread out gently and pin in place.  Remember: the shape you pin will be the shape of the doily so, pin well.

 Let the doily dry completely.  Then you're done. 

* the pattern and starching instructions from the book: Learn to Make Stunning Doilies.  The patterns are pretty, easy enough for me (a semi beginner - new to the terms and reading a pattern for the first time), and there are several to choose from.  I highly recommend this pattern book.

//  Don't be surprised if you receive a doily from me for Christmas...  The End....

Colors Week : Red

Summer Colours Week,  I wanted to participate at least one day of this fun week.  I've seen so many fun, colorful pictures related to this week.  I had to jump on for at least one day.

*  Read about it on Poppytalk.  I can't wait to shoot the colors next year...

//  ps.  Follow me also on Twitter.

Happy Birthdate!

If you've seen our O baby lately, you know that this is his favorite face to make.  What a cute kid.