At Grandma Maryann's request:

Some photos from today. We had a good weekend- lots of yard work, play time outside, good food (hooray for strawberry rhubarb pie!), and a trip out for lunch and ice cream today. I am working on appreciating the joys of every day, and telling myself that taking care of two girls, two dogs, a home and a husband (even, occasionally, myself) is plenty of an accomplishment. It is a change of pace for me to think that this is "what I do" as opposed to my research. Its a good change, but still a challenge.

Anyway...
Here is Mariel, getting ready for the weekly treat of the Lawrence Welk show (judging by the collars, hairstyles, and men in hot pink three piece suits, we are guessing it was a 1970s edition).

Noella, playing on her play mat (which really is just a launching off place these days, as she usually rolls or ooches herself off of it in a few seconds).

And Hudson, who for some reason decided to pose as I was taking pictures.

I am not supposed to do this... but I will. For the Grandmas.

Here is one of the pictures from Noella's first formal photo shoot in the end of March. To atone for my copyright sins, I will recommend all in St Louis to Birchtree Studios, run by our friend (and photographer) Mia Ulmer.

Happy (late) Mother's Day
Here is a photo (thank you, Emily) from our Mother's Day lunch. Emily, Freddie and Aidan came over, and Mariel and Freddie decided to go for a little ride in the front room. As Patrick noted, they sort of look like an elderly couple touring a European city on a moped. Perhaps in about 60 years?

Why I love having kids...
Mariel is in her room for "quiet time" (which has replaced nap time in order to give her a chance to decompress and me a chance to remain sane). I am in the next room on my computer, listening to her play and talk to herself. She makes up great stories, often laughing at herself (or her imaginary friends?). Today she is rhyming, going through lists of words and coming up with rhymes for them> "Wumpy Mumpy," "Umbrella Mumbrella," "Tree Dee," "Huckleberry Suckleberry."
This morning she spent time with paper, a pencil, and sticky notes making a map for us to get to ballet class this afternoon. (Side note- we have found the trick to leaving happily. It is all about bribery. If she leaves nicely she gets a lollipop).
It is fun to see joy in tiny things, and beauty in the moments that I would otherwise rush past. On our walks to and from her preschool she likes to pick out flowers and leaves. This morning, she was so proud because she waved at people in a car driving past and they waved back at her.
Of course, sometimes a precocious 3 year old is a bit much. Such as her recent attention to the "stripes" on my face.

Are you ready?

Here is my kitchen, approximately 5 weeks ago...

4 1/2 weeks ago...

3 1/2 weeks ago...

And this morning. These photographs were all taken from the same place- this is really the same kitchen!

Here is another before and after view- 5 weeks ago...

And today...

Thanks to all of our helpers! Especially my dad, Charlene, and Tim. And of course, my kitchen designer, general contractor, plumber, electrician, carpenter, delivery man, and short order cook, Patrick. Do we need a reminder of why certain friends of mine refer to him as "Saint Patrick?"