lets do one more

Take one: 

"Oh gosh. That can't go on Facebook! Cut it out! Who wants a chocolate kiss? 

First let's take a picture."

Take two: 

"Tha'll do pigs. Tha'll do." (I didn't really say that, but I bet my dad is smiling)

Today was one of those rare days I think to take a picture with the kids, so between Mont requesting to watch Monsters or eat candy, I seized my opportunity. 

Mom, the first pic is especially for you. Sorry.. :)

haste

                

A couple days after Emmy was born, I was feeling anxious about everything about to happen; the move, selling the house, moving a second time, etc, so I began to paint. What began was the turquoise sky and green grass, calming and relaxing. Today during the midday wind storm, Emmy napped and I brought down my brushes, filled a jar with water, sat down and took some deep breaths. Though this time I didn't continue with the same calm sky, I painted a feisty little honey bee. 

Both times however, this painting served as a relaxant for my nerves. Both times, the wet paint served me well. Today I let the bee do the hastening, while I curled up with my babies after nap time and just soaked them in with all the hugs and kisses they could handle. That's been happening a lot the last few days, and I throw a party over just about everything, just to rain even more Xs and Os all over my little two honey bees. 

eucalyptus sprig + peach

Just realized I never posted this on my blog. This is a painting I did in June for the Reeder Reunion. 

It was an 11 x 14 inch acrylic on canvas; bid on and won by Jacqueline Reeder who promises to "take care of it and look at it everyday." That made me smile!

Update** While cleaning out my emails while watching the news on this election night, I found what Mark had sent out to the Reeders. That made me smile too.. so for remembrance's sake:

Hello Reeders,

I just wanted to send out a picture of the painting that Jayci did.  I don't remember the exact dimensions but I do think it is a little wider than an 8x10.  Jayci won't talk about her talent much but I personally think that this is one of the finest paintings that she has done. Perfect for a kitchen and a little reminder of Peach Days and those Reeder Peach Queens (Marlene Monica and Bridget)!  I can just see them on those Peach Day floats now.  Elbow elbow wrist wrist wipe a tear kiss kiss Reeder girls!  We are sorry that we can't be there with you all.  I think we really are going to miss out on a good time, especially if you can get Mindy, Jennifer and Shelly to sing another rendition of the 1988 Reeder reunion favorite "I'm a little bit..little bit...little bit sad...little bit little bit little bit glad!"  If not, maybe some "Country Roads, take me home"?  Uncle Chris's homemade root beer out of a milk can is always a favorite of mine.  I am also sorry that I won't be there to crinkle my raffle tickets and again sweep all of the prizes like 1996.  Do you remember that?  I do.  Most of all, I will miss Uncle Dennis like I know you will too.  I love you Reeders.

Mark Reeder 

college football

Mark's Uncle Mike and Aunt Debi came to visit us! Well, okay, they came for the football. But it was fun having them over for dinner Friday night and then seeing them at the football game the next day. It was Emmy and Mont's first sports game ever, I believe and they both enjoyed it. We sat with the T-Birds in the visitors section and were so close to the cheerleaders that Emmy picked up a few new moves. SUU was up until the fourth quarter when UND scored two touchdowns for the win, 33/29. It was exciting! And really loud. The indoor stadium felt cozy and warm but really upped the volume with blazing music, announcers, and cheer squads. Crazy fun! Next time we go we'll probably be wearing green though... Unless its a game against SUU of course.

soundly sleeping

Thought I should give up an update on how this sweet boy is sleeping at night.... 

and sweet he has become when he gets all his sleep at night! 

We finally set up the good•nite nightlight on Sunday and since then, he's really done even better. He still cries for us a bit when we walk out of his room, but now that Mark is involved in the entire process, Mont doesn't mess around too much like he tried with me. Dads are good for that, aren't they? Good reinforcements. The video/audio monitor was doing good enough, helping me, but to help Mont, that night light really has done the trick. The last two nights he hasn't even made a sound through the night. Not one sound from bedtime until about 6:00. The night light turns into a sun at 6:20, so he will wait until it's bright yellow when he comes and tells us what happened and he leads us back in to show us. It has been miraculous. This morning he woke up at 5:45 and brought me in a diaper to change him. We're working on that whole process too.. So many fun things to work on. ha ha

I've even gotten a cold, the night of the trunk or treat, but with two good nights of sleep in a row, I'm feeling much better than I normally do 2 days into it. Yesterday, even with the cold, I woke up at 6:15 with so much energy, I cleaned out all our bathrooms and organized like crazy, did laundry, changed sheets, etc.. sleep does so much good for all of us, I'm amazed at the difference already!

(other sleep posts here and here)