A new day

Ah, another fresh new winter day. I've come to realize that I don't mind being cooped up inside all day from the cold. During the summer, I'd get stir crazy if I didn't get some fresh air a few times a day. Now that it's winter and awfully cold, I rather enjoy sitting around inside, looking at the pretty snow through the window, doing odds and ends around the house, enjoying the cozy warmness and playing christmas music. I'm less tempted to go shopping (though I may go today to get some grapefruit on a killer deal at sunflower market, and deliver brian's forgotten lunch). These inside winter days aren't so bad at all.

Last night, I was trying to figure out what it is about cooking that I like. I mean, shredding a carrot or de-thawing a chicken doesn't really delight me... but there's something about cooking that makes me happy. It must be the satisfaction I gain from making a good meal. Or perhaps it's simply exploring and trying out new recipes that gives me a little thrill. I've noticed that desserts are some of the most fun to make, but healthy foods are my favorite to eat. I feel yucky if I eat more than my share of sweets. I also gain some satisfaction by finding ways to use leftovers. The funny thing is that I can't say that I LOVE to cook, but there's just something about it that makes me happy.

Tag-along

Avery is starting to show up under my feet a lot. She now has realized that the whole apartment has many new things to explore--not just the living room. She also likes to be where I am if she's not engrossed in an object elsewhere. Often she crawls under the computer while I'm there and plays on the printer/scanner or pulls pictures from the box. See below.

We're starting to fight for the computer these days, too. I mean, she's not real pushy about it, but just loves to be in the action. And this is where the action is for mom.

This is my morning face! Don't worry, it livens up and freshens up as the day progresses.

Dishes

You know, I actually don't mind doing dishes. They can become overwhelming at times, but the actual act of washing them can be slightly soothing and rewarding... I mean, it's not like it's my very favorite past time, but I've come to realize that it's not such a loathsome thing for me. Don't tell Brian; he may never do them if he thinks I don't mind them so much... it's definitely healthy for the both of us if he gets in his dish duty.

Side note about cooking: can I tell you- I have yet to master fried rice. I've tried going by recipes and doing a little of my own alterations as well. It NEVER comes out the way I imagine or hope. They're either too bland or salty, too plain or dry, and it always seems to be missing SOMETHING, but I can't figure it out. I'm about to give up! My egg rolls turned out pretty well, though, and I'm proud of that. Not to mention, I found a genius way to use up corn tortillas- tear and deep fry them and sprinkle salt and you have FABULOUS fresh restaurant style chips!!! Try it!!!

Love You Inside and Out!

Here's our free roamer now. The living room is pretty much her personal play room. She loves unloading her diaper bag all over the floor, pulling newspapers off the table, hitting blocks together, picking up tree sheddings from the floor, crawling in between the dining chairs and under the coffee table. Whenever she backs up, she always hits her head and begins to panic. funny kid!

Here's to a most beautiful snow fall! We received a dump load this weekend and it was gorgeous!!! Avery wore her new snow suit for all of 5 minutes just to get thrown in the snow for a picture. The outfit's still a little big, eh? She wasn't quite sure what to do in the snow, but she just looked in awe and smiled lots. :) We love you, baby, inside and out!

"Blah-g"

If you didn't notice, the title sounds out "blog" ("blah-g"). Well, I thought it was pretty creative and didn't want you to miss it. The reason I titled it thus, is because, well, I feel BLAH.

Actually, I feel kind of guilty, but not. You see, the past few days I've been more or less sick. The mornings are when I feel the most sore-throat-ish. Regardless, I've been going about my business as usual and not missing out on anything due to this small set-back. Then last night, my congestion set in and made it hard to sleep (plus Avery on top of that). I ditched church this morning because of this. That's what I feel most guilty for, but not. You see, I also stayed home because Avery has been teething (thus with runny nose, cough, and being miserable half the time). Regardless, I feel a bit of a hypocrite because I did everything else I wanted to this week and then when Sunday rolls around, it's so easy to say that I'm sick and 8am is too early for me and my illness (besides, Avery doesn't need to be out in the cold either). Granted, if church was in the afternoon, I probably would have recovered enough through extra sleep that I would not have skipped out and maybe even dragged Avery with me just for my conscience's sake. I just feel like a bum. Yet, I shouldn't. Yet, I do. Church should be the most important thing of the week..... WHY does it have to be at EIGHT A.M.??? Oh bother, I can't blame early church. Perhaps I will just have to make recompense this week so I feel better about myself.

We enjoy her

I realize that uploading pictures to blogger is probably my favorite thing. I think you get a taste of almost every picture I take.

In Avery's state, she'd rather swig a bottle of tylenol than eat her carrots. I don't blame her!

Avery is ALWAYS dancing to any music she hears. It could even be noises coming from the VCR! She just moves her torso back and forth to the beat. The funny thing is that she only smiles a quarter of the time when doing it; I think it's mostly a body reaction. She cracks us up!

Melt your Heart

Sweet little girl. Her temp was up last night (99.8) and she was miserable. It melts my heart to hear her crying for comfort and relief. Her eczema flared up yesterday too. I think she could possibly be cutting some teeth for real this time. I don't feel anything, but her gums are looking white-ish. She was up every couple of hours last night and just can't sleep well. My heart goes out to my little babe and I hope I can find something that will soothe her. So far tylenol and teething gel aren't doing the trick, it makes me so sad.