The Durand House

Halloween Pictures

2011-12-02T15:39:00.000-08:00

Here are some pictures from Halloween that I never got around to

uploading since we had such a busy November.

Enjoy!!

Photos from Aloha 2011 IFVP Event

2011-11-27T17:19:00.000-08:00

Just found some great photos from Aloha 2011 Event on the Neuland website.

http://www.neuland-world.com/EU/blogeintrag/szene/where-creative-people-come-together-/f484kwmu85.htm

Guido from Neuland.

David Sibbet, Grove Consulting

(translate: And many of the participants took advantage of the iPad to digital visualization.

E.g. and Diane Durand of the Alphachimp Studio.)

Love this photo Guido!

Elves & Fairies Festival

2011-11-24T08:21:00.000-08:00

I would like to introduce the players of the "Elves & Fairies" Festival 2011.

The Snow Princess and her Husky

The Royal Knight

And his majesty, Lord Peter

Our arrival to the festival.

More Royal Princesses.

Our Knight testing her skills.

Alphachimp is Moving!!!

2011-11-23T08:09:00.000-08:00

Howdy!

I wanted to share with you some of the "behind the scenes" of the last two weeks here at Alphachimp Studio.

We made a big decision to move our studio space. Our old space was great and it was over a workout facility so in the middle of filming you could often hear a loud, "Woooo" being shouted out from below. So we decided to pack it up and move across the street. Seemed like a simple idea at the time.

Here are the 3D designs we developed with our interior designer:

And here are the before photos of the space.

The rest of our furniture arrives today. We are so excited to get up and running in our new space. I will share photos when are unpacked.

Have a great weekend!

Diane

We loved U2!!

2011-07-03T06:40:00.000-07:00

For Christmas I got Peter and I two tickets to the U2 360 concert
with our great friends Rachael & Pat!

We had a blast!!

A Day In the Studio

2011-06-05T16:33:00.000-07:00

A Day in the Studio

By: Lucy Durand

Last week was the first week of summer. I had fooled myself into thinking I could work at our new studio with our youngest daughter, Lucy.

At some point she grabbed my phone and began to document her day at the studio.

I found these photos on my phone and thought I would share them with you.

Daddy working.

A photo of Nick.

Momma Pat seems to be only one who know what she is doing.

Checking out the fridge.

Perrin getting ready for her photo.

The cable guy.

And finally the Momma. I think this is hilarious.

I was not amused having her at the office all day.

Starting this week she is signed up for camp all five days a week.

Mother's Day - 2011

2011-05-07T11:00:00.000-07:00

Today was the best Mother's Day ever.

Lillian awoke at 5:55 AM to begin to prep for my special morning...

She went outside and cut fresh peonies for me from our garden.

Drew a wonderful picture book with a portrait of our family.

All of my favorite things.

Two cards, a bag and a beautiful magnet.

Then she brought me breakfast in bed.

This is Lucy's reaction to breakfast in bed.

I love my girls and this Special Mother's Day!!!

Best Friends

2011-05-05T18:44:00.000-07:00

Lillian and her Best Friend. - "A".

They have been on a lot of adventures together.

Kentucky Down Under

2011-05-04T18:41:00.000-07:00

We went to Kentucky Down Under last weekend and had a blast.

Pat feeding the birds.

Is this a monkey in the cave?

Peter and Lucy petting a Red Kangaroo.

More Ice Cream

2011-05-03T18:40:00.000-07:00

This girl is loving ice cream season.

Lucy Loves Ice Cream

2011-05-02T18:28:00.000-07:00

Loving the warm weather with Dipped Ice Cream Cone!!

Royal Wedding

2011-05-01T18:25:00.000-07:00

I enjoyed the Royal Wedding with the girls and Peter on Friday morning.

We even had some tea and biscuits to celebrate.

Hoppy Easter!!

2011-04-24T16:39:00.000-07:00

We had a great weekend at Momma D's house. We had a wonderful time.

Below are some photos of the girls at the egg hunt.

When we got home this afternoon we headed over to

try out Lucy's new tennis racket on the courts.

Look how big Lillian is!

Lucy had a good time.

Team Lucy & Mommy

Team Lillian & Daddy

All in a Day's Play...

2011-04-17T06:40:00.000-07:00

It is 8:40 AM.

The girls have already been Superheros, Salsa Dancers, Fairies, Princesses and....

CATS!

Nobody distirbe me...

2011-04-14T14:43:00.001-07:00

I found this note (written on a kleenx) outside our oldest daughter's bedroom....

Nobody distirbe me wall I'm sleeping.

Your friend,

Lillian

P.S. Nobody come in!

P.P.S. Cana kid get some sleep around here!?

Seems a little quiet....

2011-04-13T15:44:00.000-07:00

When you have parents who draw for a living, you might think you can draw on anything and everything.

I was working on a small project this afternoon while my girls where watching a movie.

It turns out only one girl was watching a movie.

The other girl had decided she wanted to become a "purple cat".

She is so proud of her artwork!

I tried to show her what she had done and instead of being shocked...she saw where she had missed a spot.

The bath turned purple which she thought was even cooler.

I was laughing the entire time.

So how do you parent this moment and discourage it?

(P.S. Do you like her modesty purple circles?)

Happy Birthday - SESTOR!!!

2011-04-12T05:28:00.000-07:00

To my beautiful sister....

Have a great Birthday!!

Love you,

Diane

Lucy's Birthday Party

2011-01-21T15:52:00.001-08:00

Lucy had her party at the Monkey Treehouse! It was a blast and Mom and Dad could not help but "monkey around" a little too. I think we were the only parents having fun!

Happy Birthday Lucy!!

Purse Making Playdate

2011-01-21T15:42:00.000-08:00

A friend came over for a playdate and we made little kitty kat purses.

Okay, Lillian and I made the purses.

It was a lot of fun and at the end of the time together there were three purses complete.

I could not get them to be still for the photo...

Lucy loves puppy dogs right now. We carry them with us everywhere.

I carry Lucy and she carries the dogs.

Three friends together.

This is the best photo I could get of the purse. They are CUTE!!

Lucy is Turning THREE!!

2011-01-15T07:03:00.000-08:00

Here is my latest creation for Lucy. She wanted a "Tangled" birthday cake.

So it is covered in pink and purple with flowers.

Since she is a new princess they don't have any of "Tangled" stuff at Party City.

So I added stickers.

I think she likes it!!

Happy Holiday Fun!!

2011-01-15T05:37:00.000-08:00

Who's ready to bowl? Lucy is. Check out the little shoes!

Lillian already looks like a professional.

Mommy being a little silly.

Pete...the pro.

Lillian played more with the air vent than bowled.

Peter learner to make an apple pie.

From the master - Grandma Rosemary!!

It was a good looking pie.

Christmas Eve.

Peter carved the Turkey.

Super Lillian. Ready for Action!

Look at Lillian's legs as she is flying off the bed. There is not that much room between

the bed and the wall for her. I am so glad she did not fly through the window.

"Super Lucy" to the rescue!!

Hiking with Daddy. Lucy didn't really hike. She rode.

Wilson had a blast.

It may not look cold. But it was F-R-E-E-Z-I-N-G!!!

Lillian received this really great Harry Potter Lego Game from the Mama D. She loved it.

Lucy got all dress and ready for the snow but did not like the idea of

going outside into the cold. I looked away from her for three minutes

and she had taken off all her snow gear.

Lillian made a circle of Snow Angels.

Watch out Peter! Lilly has the biggest snowball ever and

she is coming for you.....very.....very slowly. This was one heavy snowball!

As we were heading to the airport we fin

I made a special trip to Target the night before our trip to buy my girls matching outfits for the flight to they would look "cute" like my sister's kids. Somehow I can not seem to keep my kids as clean as she does.

In this photo Lucy is trying to convince me she is ready to go. Can you tell what she is missing?

1. Long Sleeve Shirt

2. Socks

3. Shoes

4. Coat

Thanksgiving Baking

2011-01-14T19:50:00.000-08:00

My favorite time with my girls is - Baking!! We made a Chocolate Meringue Pie.

Back from Barcelona!!

2011-01-14T19:43:00.001-08:00

We had a wonderful time in Barcelona and brought home some

great "Spanish Dresses" for them to enjoy.

Barcelona

2010-11-20T18:30:00.000-08:00

Peter and I are back from our amazing trip to Barcelona, Spain. We had an amazing time!!

Our hotel during the day.

Outside our hotel.

Inside the hotel. Peter catching up on some lost sleep.

Our hotel at night from the beach.

The Goudi Cathedral - Most Incredible thing I have seen in my life!!

From an opening up in the Cathedral.

Peter and I up in the Cathedral - I love this photo of us!!

Peter and I working together - We had so much fun together and made some Kick A@@ Art!

I was attacked by a whale - Peter took a photo and then rescued me.

Such a sweet couple!

We will miss you Barcelona!! - Glad we got to meet you.

Happy 4th of July!

2010-07-05T18:16:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful weekend with Mama D in Knoxville, TN.

Roller Skating - Happy Birthday Katie!

2010-07-05T10:34:00.000-07:00

Peter and I had a blast going roller skating with a few of my great friends here in Nashville. I loved it and found myself feeling like I was 14 all over again!

The Harris Wedding - We love you!!

2010-05-08T16:56:00.001-07:00

Lilly and Lucy were Flowers Girls today at

The Harris Wedding!

Happy Birthday Momma D!

2010-04-30T06:00:00.000-07:00

Momma D came and spent the weekend with us.

We had a wonderful visit and it gave me a good opportunity to practice making another cake!

We love you Momma D!

Tee Ball Lillian

2010-04-29T06:03:00.000-07:00

Lillian is loving Tee Ball and looks so cute in her "Costume" as she calls it.

Go Dragon Racers!!

We Miss You - Dee and Jann

2010-04-28T14:00:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful visit from my Uncle Dee and Aunt Jann. It was a fun filled time together with many adventures and trips to the yogurt shop. I promise we have not been back since.

The girls just LLOOVVEEDD Aunt Jann. She brought them little treasure boxes from Uncle Dee's recent trip to India and now they sleep with them every night.

Our life is so much better because they came to visit.

We do not get many visitors. So any of you family reading this....Come on by and we will take you out for yogurt!

The Big Girl - Lillian

2010-04-12T11:25:00.001-07:00

Oh my goodness... I love my little girls. They are so cute. Especially when I comb their hair.

This is Lillian in hot rollers practicing for her wedding "up-do" for Rachael and Daniel's wedding.

Trying to look like Taylor Swift in "Love Story".

Lillian was so upset that she did not need glasses this week at the doctor. She really wanted them to match her friend Polly. So I picked up a "fake" pair so she could wear them during play dates together.

Make-up play is so fun with the girls. At Halloween I bought a great big make-up kit from Walgreens for $15 so they could play make-up. I would rather they play with real make-up than the cheap plastic smelling stuff.

Lillian started Tee Ball this weekend. Not only does she look great in the pants and socks...she was really good. A little tired at the end.

Easter Fun!

2010-04-11T10:28:00.001-07:00

Happy Easter!! Thank you Mama D and Knoxville for a wonderful weekend!!

Lucy Longstocking!

2010-03-25T11:15:00.000-07:00

Look at how much little Lucy is growing!!

Spring Break 2010

2010-03-21T17:09:00.000-07:00

These are the only images that I managed to take on Spring Break Vacation 2010 to:

TEXAS!!!

We loved seeing all of you!

Sisters

2010-01-30T09:14:00.000-08:00

I was looking over some of my photos from the year and was looking at how much the girls have grown. They are so different than they were a year ago.

Happy Birthday Lucy! - YOU'RE TWO!!!!

2010-01-18T15:09:00.000-08:00

Today is Lucy's Birthday. This weekend was all about celebrating the

Big Girl". We had a very nice little party for her and a few friends.

Trick or Treat

2009-11-01T06:25:00.001-08:00

Trick or Treat Fun!!

Wednesday - Black Widow

Lillian - Princess Sleeping Beauty

Lucy - Mini Princess Sleeping Beauty

Aunt Amanda - Lady Bug

Off they go to Trick or Treat. I stayed behind and handout out hundreds of pieces of candy.

Not so sure.

Lucy is feeling strong with Babysitter Rachel -the cow by her side.

A little taste test.

Halloween is Coming!!

2009-10-29T09:53:00.000-07:00

Last night the girls babysitter and now my really good friend came over to visit. We got out the Halloween costumes for a practice trial. I grabbed my camera knowing that Lucy may not put her costume on again. Or the wig. Yes we have a wig this year. Lillian wanted a blonde Sleeping Beauty wig. Too Funny!!!

Happy Birthday Peter!!!

2009-10-12T06:57:00.000-07:00

Kelly Durand is Married!!

2009-10-12T06:53:00.000-07:00

Baby It's Cold Outside!!

2009-10-12T06:50:00.000-07:00

The weather has gotten cold out. We might be a little overdressed.

Bath Time

2009-10-12T06:46:00.000-07:00

Bath time fun. This is what Lucy does anytime you say, "Smile"!!

Ever since Macataw Lillian has needed her goggles in the bath.

2009-10-12T06:37:00.000-07:00

We love Family time. Here is the family at Macatawa and in Chicago!!

New Country Singer!!!!

2009-09-17T08:44:00.001-07:00

Watch out Taylor Swift. I am proud to announce the official launch of

the newest country singer from Nashville.

Toby McTardy and his side kick yokel Scooter.

Macatawa Silliness!!

2009-09-15T06:31:00.001-07:00

Macatawa is a fun place where people can be silly.

Here are some "silly" out moments we shared!

Macatawa Fun!!!

2009-09-07T14:13:00.000-07:00

A day in the life of summer fun at Macatawa. The morning started with the girls wrapped up in their blankets eating cinnamon toast. Yum!!

A little hammock time for the bathing beauties!!
My pin up baby!!
Beach time. (We did not take the camera down today. Too sandy.)
Bucket time. All the kids have been bathed in this bucket.

Lucy's diaper after the bucket bath.
Lucy wondering what Mommy is doing to Daddy's hair?
Mommy giving Daddy a hair cut. I can't help it.
I think I was called to cut hair and never pursued it.
Not so sure.

Pretty short huh?
He seems pretty happy.

Lucy trying to make contact with Aliens. Tune in...can you hear me?

Lucy modeling her Mommy-made dress. Too cute.

Girls at the Beach

2009-09-06T15:11:00.000-07:00

We are at the beach and having a great time. Lillian loves to play in the sand and wears her goggles the entire time she is on the beach.

First Week of School

2009-09-01T14:16:00.000-07:00

We love Rachael!!!

2009-09-01T14:03:00.001-07:00

This summer we had a wonderful Nanny, Rachael. The girls love her!! Thanks Rachael for a great summer!!!

Super Lucy

2009-08-24T18:49:00.001-07:00

We went to a "Super Hero" party this weekend.

Here is Lucy in full costume crossing the hot lava pit!!!

Children At Play

2009-08-19T09:08:00.000-07:00

I am so glad that I packed up the girls just a few weeks ago and headed to Texas. The main focus of this visit was "Time with the Cremers". Boy did we have it. The kids had so much fun together. There was a lot of swimming, High School Musical and dress up. Look at the kids!!! What memories.

All the kiddos!!

These two wore these matching tutus the entire weekend.

The Boys are Back!! (song from High School Musical)

Troy and Gabriella from High School Musical.

Stepping Stones, Ice Skating and Smiles

2009-08-17T12:26:00.000-07:00

At Poppa and Nana's house, the girls made stepping stones for the pond. All their cousins before them had made one too.

This one is Lillian's. Can you see the unicorn?

Baby Lucy's done by Peter Durand.

Him Bob and Di with our injuries. We were quite a crew everywhere we went.

I told everyone we were working on our father/daughter ice skating routine.

(We did win a patch at the Brownie's father/daughter hoe down. Seriously.)

All the girls.

Poppa, Nana and the girls.

Pennsylvania Train Ride

2009-08-13T13:43:00.000-07:00

We enjoyed a wonderful train ride through the corn fields of Pennsylvania with Poppa and Nana.

More PA Fun

2009-08-12T07:54:00.000-07:00

While in Coatsville, Lillian and I had our first "Mother/Daughter" Playdate with a pedicure and lunch. She was so cute and had a really fun time.

Modeling her matching "BLUE" finger nails and toe nails.

Lucy going along with the modeling. But she did not have painted nails.

Lucy found some red objects to model.

Daddy did too!!

Please Touch Me Museum

2009-08-11T14:50:00.001-07:00

We had the pleasure of traveling into Philli to the "Please Touch Me" Museum. It was a blast.

"Are these organic pears?"

Paging Nurse Lucy.

Wait... she is now Dr. Lucy checkin out an x-ray of Mom's ankle.

Queen of Clubs

Statue of Cutie!!

Peter and Lillian loved the cut outs.

Even Poppa and Nana said, "Bon Voyage!"

Check out the elephant made of broken objects.

Lucy was suspicious of the carousel.

Lillian had to find just the right horse to ride.

Visit Poppa & Nana

2009-07-15T14:46:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful trip up to see Poppa and Nana last month. They have put in a beautiful water garden. We spent a lot of time out there enjoying the first blooming lotus.

My Girl Loves Hats

2009-05-23T17:55:00.000-07:00

Our little girl loves hats. All winter we could not get a hat on her. Lillian started riding her bike again since the weather is nice. She wears a helmet every time she rides. Now Lucy needs a helmet (aka hat) when she rides in the car or stroller.

Spring was here!

2009-04-01T11:38:00.000-07:00

t was warm here for about two days. Everything bloomed and now it is cold again. Come back Spring. We love you!!!

Spring Break

2009-03-31T11:50:00.000-07:00

Pretty Kitty Kitty

2009-03-06T14:54:00.000-08:00

I started to make a princess today. Then change to a mermaid. And ended up starting two kitty cats. I just love them.

Lucy the nurse?

2009-03-05T19:09:00.000-08:00

I go the store one or two times a week. When I take Lillian with me, I seem to fill my basket with more items than I need. She has many requests along the way. Can we have cheetos, ice cream, dough nuts, sprite, and more. I seem to always give in to her, "I need Band Aids" plea. A box of Band Aids (contains 20 and is normally decorated with characters) lasts about a week if we are lucky.

Band Aids are not for injuries or "boo boos". They are for fashion. Lillian loves to put them all on the tips of her finger nails claiming she has "hang nails". She looks a lot like a phase that Michael Jackson went through. Peter does not remember this look.

Lucy is now a patient (aka victim) of Lillian's medical attention. She loves to place one right in the middle of her forehead and laugh, "She looks like a nurse!!" Huh?

Kitty Lucy

2009-03-04T19:41:00.000-08:00

This is Lillian's halloween costume. Lucy has somehow become quite attached to it. She started just by wearing it on her head only with the arms and legs dragging behind her.

She wore it out to lunch today.

She walks around the house in it and does her regular things.

Check the dryer, her sister's room out, is someone in the bathroom?....etc.

She is precious in it. Really. Who could resist this cutie?

In the Studio

2009-03-04T19:31:00.001-08:00

Here is the newest quilt that I am working on. I have dreamed of this quilt design for weeks. I finally had the time today to work on it.

Oh my girl!!!

2009-03-03T09:09:00.000-08:00

Lillian received a make up kit for her birthday. She has been busy applying make up many times since it arrived. Her favorite thing to do is put it on her eyebrows.

Here she is modeling her makeup and her favorite "soccer team" shirt that she wears all the time.

All right, so yesterday I was cleaning up Lillian's room while she was at school. I found a small pile of Lillian's hair hiding under her bed. She had chosen to cut a four inch long chunk out of her hair. (Peter tells me that his cousin Brian cut his hair. They thought it would be best to hide Peter's hair in a peanut butter jar behind the sofa.)

Yes we all do it. We all cut our hair.

Once...

I hope....

She loves being a part of "Team Dale".

Snow in Tennesssee!!

2009-03-01T09:21:00.000-08:00

It snowed here this weekend. Lillian could not wait to get out in the snow and have a snowball fight. I am sure you have noticed. Not much snow... But that did not stop her.

She made a snow man. I just did not have a hat and scarf that would fit.

Lucy was not so happy about her hat.

Mommy and ???

2009-02-28T17:39:00.000-08:00

Can you guess which of my babies I am holding?

Anticipation: Lilly's Birthday Party

2009-02-20T14:31:00.000-08:00

We are getting ready for the big party. Oh baby, how did we get to 5!! Here are some photos of the pre-party set up. I will post party pictures tomorrow after the big day.

Our House is...

2009-02-19T09:15:00.000-08:00

Just a couple of photos around the house.

We are a Family that Plays

2009-02-17T12:11:00.001-08:00

So the two girls are getting big enough to "hang out" together for a few moments. Well, yesterday I got on to the computer and into the land of "facebook" or something. They were being really quiet and no one was crying so I let it go for a little. I could hear there was project going on but again there were no tears. So after a few moments I went in to check and here is what I found.

Lillian has been doing a lot of artwork during her week off. The table looks like this at the end of every day. Then we clean it off to make room for dinner. It all starts again after dinner.

2009-02-13T15:08:00.001-08:00

Tickle Time with the girls. I am getting pretty strong because everything I do to Lucy I then have to do for Lillian. Look at how sweet Lillian is watching me tickle Lucy!

2009-02-13T14:28:00.000-08:00

Hi there. Here is a new little quilted wall hanging I made for Lucy's room. It is super cute in person. And the new craig's list "shabby chic" dresser for her room. She is finally getting a bedroom that looks together.

Soccer Time

2009-02-09T14:12:00.000-08:00

We had a really fun weekend. Lilly and I made a great play dough castle. That did not last long enough for a photo. But the little "Misses Spider" did make it to the photo shoot. Kites were made and did fly in the front yard. And there was a bit of soccer time in the yard. Warm weather is so nice after our cold spell the last few weeks.

Little Odd

2009-02-05T18:58:00.000-08:00

Lilly's latest art with her dad.

A quilt I made. I think it turned out pretty cute.

Lucy trying out the new car seat at home. All photos taken had this crazy hazy effect on her head. Maybe the reflectors in the fabric. Maybe a ghost?

Yes, it must be a ghost.

WE love Aunt Amanda!!

2009-01-27T10:31:00.000-08:00

WE love Aunt Amanda!!!!

Obama Speech

2009-01-22T09:27:00.000-08:00

Here are my drawings from the big Obama speech this week.

My Girls

2009-01-21T19:30:00.000-08:00

Here is Lucy on a little country quilt I made a couple of years ago. I love her holding the red hat. Then she is hanging on a sweet quilt in her bedroom. There are quilts everywhere in this house and for every occasion. Lilli is modeling some hat wear as well. I love her in the pants. She looks so tall. She is so tall.

My girls are so

Happy Birthday to Lucy

2009-01-18T12:35:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday to Lucy!! Hooray you are 1!!!! We had a wonderful family party for her last night. We had so much fun together. Lucy was a real sweet heart.

Lucy's yummy lemon cake.

Lucy is 1!!

Such a little cutie pie waving to her family.

Time for a new car seat? Is it for Lilly or Lucy?

The Hat

2009-01-16T14:09:00.000-08:00

Who wore it best?

The Artist

2009-01-16T12:33:00.000-08:00

Lillian loves art. Here is a portrait that was made of her at the new grocery store opening in our neighborhood. She looks more like 18 than 4.

Ever wonder what Lucy would look like with purple hair?
Our mermaid family with a brother Julian added to our current family. Lilly drew Peter and I and then Pete drew the kids.

This is a tooth making machine. If look close in top right corner there is a shark tooth that was just made.
A spider alien with lots of legs.

Walking? - Maybe

2009-01-14T09:05:00.000-08:00

Lucy has decided that she is not so sure about walking. Now she lays on her tummy and slides back while looking up at us like she is saying, "I can't walk. What are you talking about?" Here is a little clip of her trying to convince us that she can't walk. We are also trying to teach her "sooo big".

First Steps

2009-01-11T18:35:00.000-08:00

Lucy took her first steps today!! She took a few steps to me and then I yelled, "Peter, get the camera!!" These are Lucy's first walking movies. I would like you to notice that she does not take one or two sweet steps. She actually walks across the entire living room on her second attempt. We tried again after this but her legs were suddenly made of spaghetti and she could not walk.

Oh my!!

Wednesday - Sewing Day 01

2009-01-07T18:38:00.000-08:00

For the new year I plan to sew on Wednesday nights. I decided to pick one night that is just for sewing that way I know I need to get out my machine on Tuesday to prepare and pack it away on Wednesday night. One day...I dream of a quilt studio that is always ready to sew.

Tonight I finished up an apron and coloring bag for a little girl's birthday party tomorrow. I also made an apron for Lillian and her little dollie "Ella Bella".

Lucy helped by hanging out next to me and eating stars and talking on the phone. Lillian was on my lap most of the night helping me to sew.

Pretty good for a night of sewing. Wish I had my cousin, Aunt and Mom here to sew with me.

Christmas, Hospital, New Year

2009-01-02T19:02:00.000-08:00

Our Christmas was very different this year. We actually started opening a few presents on Christmas Eve so we could really enjoy them and not have them lost in the Christmas morning shuffle. One present we opened was a game called "Colorku". It is a suduko game that is played with colored wooden beads instead of numbers. We loved it since we are a visual and colorful family.

The little tree was so sweet Christmas morning with so many fun gifts for everyone.

Lucy loved her puzzle.

Lillian received a handmade cradle from her Poppa and Nana, a doll from her Granmommy and doll clothes from her Mom and Dad. It was really special.

Peter and Poppa received monogrammed light savers from Alli!!

Thank you all for the great gifts. It was a wonderful Christmas morning.

We went to a mini bowling place in Frankiln, TN and had a great time. Lillian was a great bowler. Watch out Bubba!!!

Starting Christmas morning...Lucy and I got sick. It got pretty bad an

d we did go to the hospital for Lucy. She had two ear infections, pneumonia and a rsv infection. She is doing so much better but really went through a lot there. We named her Lucy the Lion Heart after all that she had to endure and with her is the trusty sidekick Trevor the Trooper!!

Yes, she does wear shirts normally. But with her IV arm brace and them constantly listening to her chest it was easier to keep her without a shirt.

Good Bye Elf

2008-12-18T05:32:00.000-08:00

So a little elf was given to Lillian by Mama D with a booked called, "Elf on the Shelf". The elf supposedly got lost and went to Knoxville instead of Nashville after Thanksgiving. He arrived to keep an eye on Lillian for Santa. Lillian asked, "Is he real?" Mama D replied, "We will have to see if he follows you to Nashville."

So we drove home from Nashville and the elf rode along on our bumper the entire way home. (we think)

He appeared on a shelf in our home when we arrived home.

Lillian called Mama D to report that the elf had made it to our home. Then about three minutes later Lillian came to me and said, "I think the elf needs to go." I asked her why and she stated, "God knows that I am a good person with a loving heart and I do not need some elf to watch me." I was amazed at her. She is right. We do not even use the word "naughty" in our home and so this elf does not fit in with the type of traditions that we are creating for our home. So I suggested, " I think we need to have a family meeting."

Lillian set out a quilt a pillow and "Hermie the Elf" was invited to join us.

We talked with Hermie and told him that we do not need him in our home. We are a family of love and respect and do not want him here. He was then invited to leave. The story claims that if the elf is touched he will not have enough magic to fly back to Santa. Well, guess who got a hold of Hermie...Lucy!
Luckily there was enough magic left after Lucy held him for Hermie the elf and his book to disappear and go back to Santa.

Polar Bear in the House

2008-12-18T05:26:00.000-08:00

Lillian is growing so fast these days. She is outgrowing her clothes as fast as I can make new ones. And...she likes to see if she can fit into Lucy's clothes too. Here she is modeling The snowsuit that Lucy wears on cold mornings. She always cracks me up when she comes out and says, "Look Mom it fits."

Here is our new polar bear rug.

Cute photo. Oops. Forgot to brush Lillian's hair out of her face. Still Cute!!

Lucy is outta here!

Reading to Sister

2008-12-17T09:13:00.000-08:00

We have a wonderful book that was given to us by Granmommy a few years ago. It is filled with all sorts of Christmas tales and songs. We open it up after Thanksgiving and read and sing from it until Christmas Day. Here are the two girls looking at it together. Doesn't it look like they are singing together?Sorry I could not rotate this photo. We also have been baking a lot of cookies lately. Lucy will eat cookies but still not peas, squash, or sweet potatoes.

Trying to get a quick photo of them two of them together. It gets harder the more mobile that little Lucy is these days.

Mama Ain't Happy

2008-12-03T18:20:00.000-08:00

Find Fabric for Girls Christmas Dresses - Check
Sew Girls Holiday Dresses - Check
Find Matching sweater for the Mom - Check
Make it through the Thanksgiving Holiday - Check
Travel to the Festival of Trees - Check
Finding the perfect spot for Christmas photo - Check
Practice photos by the Daddy - check
Daddy having "NO" battery Juice in camera - Check
Look on the Mom's face - PRICELESS!!

I remember a famous photo of my mother where she looked like I do in this photo. I really do like this photo but know it would not send a good "Holiday" message.

Not the happiest photo. We will have to schedule a re-shoot for later this month.

The girls dresses did turn out pretty good!

Cabin Dance Fever

2008-12-02T11:52:00.000-08:00

We spent some of last week with our good friends in a cabin the woods by a lake. It was a wonderful and peaceful visit with cold days and nights and a great fires.

The girls had a good time playing with polly pockets.

Laila and Lillian performed a dance routine with their dads. It really was too cute!!

Big Finish!!

Not so happy to say goodbye to each other.

What a Weekend!!

2008-11-24T17:54:00.000-08:00

Baby it's cold outside. The girls are getting very bundled up in the morning for our ride to school. I just love Lucy's little bear ears on her "snowbear suit".
Lucy still has a hard time making it home from car line awake. She is up before 6:00 AM and back asleep by 8:00 AM. It's hard to be small.

Bill and Leslie came to town for the weekend. They are the girl's Godparents. It was a very fun and full weekend together.

Leslie and I spent some of the weekend sewing a memory quilt for her best friend Susan.

Lillian spent some of her weekend coloring a groovy bag that was a gift from Bill and Leslie. She has colored it all on her own and is doing a great job.

We are so blessed to have Bill and Leslie in our children's life. They are such amazing friends to Peter and I and wonderful godparents and guides for Lilli and Lucy. We love you!!

Girl Fun

2008-11-07T10:28:00.000-08:00

We had the wonderful pleasure of hosting Lillian's best friend from Pittsburgh, Pa this week. Laila came over and we went out for ice cream, played in her room, paint, eat our dinner with chopsticks and read stories. We love you Laila!!! See you at Thanksgiving.

Lucy is growing some hair. She is wearing her first bow. Lillian has on a green bow too! It was so funny. Lillian has been brushing Lucy's hair with the special comb and brush (also photographed) hoping it would help Lucy grow hair. The bow is proof that it is working.

There is something a little odd about a girl putting on makeup with her Daddy. But here they are from Halloween night.
Here is Lillian in bows. She woke up with a very specific vision of her hair and bows. It took my four times to get it just right with the bows facing out and just under her ears.

Sew Much Fun

2008-10-31T08:18:00.001-07:00

I love sewing clothes for the girls. I finally made myself start taking a photo of the outfits before they are worn. This is a little fairy skirt and shirt I made for Lucy to wear tonight for Halloween.

For my little All-Star Girl.

She would not smile .

I am making the girls matching horse dresses. I made one for Lucy first so I could figure out the pattern. Yes, I am even reading the directions for the pattern.

These are the dresses I have started for Georgie and Evie for their Christmas present.
Too Cute!

Top Teeth

2008-10-31T08:07:00.000-07:00

Here come the teeth. And they are HUGE!! Lucy has a total of eight teeth making their way into her wee little mouth. It has changed her face and smile so much. They might take her some time to grow into them. She is chomping on everything.