Extreme Makeover

One man, one week, one very big project!

This past week I put Mark to work building cabinets, bookcases and a new mantle for our fire place. He worked like a maniac! Pulling all-nighters and skipping meals to get it done. His boss (a.k.a. his dad) was out of town for the week so it was the perfect time to do it, and then I gave him a Friday-night deadline, because I was hosting a jewelry party. Luckily Mark works well under pressure, and it turned out beautifully!
Things did get pretty messy around here for a while, but it was so worth it! Now I just need to pick out knobs for the drawers and doors, and get busy filling them!
Thanks Mark, you're amazing!

Sunshine

I'm not even going to mention how bummed I am that it has been snowing all day. Instead I am going to tell about my wonderful sunny weekend!
Saturday morning Mark and I took the girls to breakfast at Crumb Brothers Bakery (291 S. 300 West in Logan). Mmm, the pastries there are superb! And I love the atmosphere--very European. Unfortunately credit and debit cards are not accepted there so make sure you bring cash or check or you'll be making an unexpected return trip home to get it (like Mark). I'll have to remember my camera next time we go; and we will definitely be going again!
Mark spent the rest of the day working on a little remodel project (that I should be posting about sometime next week) and the girls and I took a walk around town and then played in the backyard. I knew the snow was coming so I took a picture of my daffodils and tulips in case they never look like this again!

Now that's a wrap.

Ivy is following in the footsteps of her big sister . . . she loves dress ups! Each day she can be found with something new around her neck. Like this:
and this:
and this:

Millie Habla Español.

As some of you may remember, I studied Spanish in school and always really enjoyed it. So much so, that I am trying to teach it to Millie.
I got this great children's picture book, "First Hundred Words in Spanish" and corresponding DVD from Usborne Books last summer and have enjoyed teaching her the vocabulary.
At first she could only recognize the words. I would say them in Spanish and she would tell me the English translation. (And I thought that was pretty neat.) But this week she has started to recall! I say a word in English and she tells me what it is in Spanish! Words like airplane - avión, doll - muñeca, teddy bear - osito. I was jumping up and down clapping; I was so excited. I'd guess she can recall around a dozen words and recognize even more.
It's neat because it has come so easily. We don't read the book everyday or anything, just casually whenever she shows interest or when she asks to watch the DVD. I'm sure any 3 year old could do it, but I'm still a super proud mama.