Mulberry Street

Turkey Trot Genevieve ran another race with her friends. This time she was serious (note her expression). This time she was focused (note her stance). This time she tried a new form (note her hand in one pocket). Although it may not be the most efficient form, she followed through to the end of the race just like she started. A BIG THANKS to Ashely for putting on another race. This one was packed with fun and awards and drinks and cupcakes and most importantly friends. We all had a great time, despite the drizzle. Eric and I sat out the adult version of the Turkey Trot. Last year was so cold that we decided to sleep in instead. Thanksgiving Dinner We spent our morning preparing rolls and mashed potatoes. Obviously, Eric was in charge of the rolls and he made white, cranberry orange, and sunflower wheat. They were all delicious. I was in charge of the mashed potatoes (maybe because I worked in spud harvest) and watched three of my pots boil over as they cooked. I added lots of butter an...

I woke up to this brilliant sun last month. We've had some dreary days and this photo lifted my spirits. When Genevieve wakes up she looks out the window and informs us, "It's Sunday." That means it is "sunny." Or, "It's raining." Which is self explanatory. We both hope this winter will be a sunny one, at least one day a week. Photo by Alisha Photo date: 10/08/09

Genevieve has begun skipping naps on a regular basis. At first she skipped two days then napped regularly. Then she would skip four days then nap for the next four. Recently she has skipped 10 days in a row. I don’t know what to do. Maybe it is time to enroll her in some sort of class every morning to ensure she burns off all that energy. Maybe not. There is one benefit, but only one, to Genevieve skipping naps. She goes to bed between 6:30-7:00pm. I never knew how much I could enjoy the hours from 7:00pm-10:00pm. Because she is so tired she goes down, usually with very little resistance and doesn’t make a sound until the next morning. On the other hand, when she has napped, she fights me relentlessly at bedtime. Then she chats, whines, and/or sings for up to an hour after I walk out of her room at 8:00pm. I spend the next hour+ stressing about the fact she isn't asleep and debating with myself regarding naps. So the real question is – Would I rather keep naps or keep the ...

We knew it was inevitable and realized we would have to embrace all-things-girl some day. Well, that day has arrived and everything princess and pink is suddenly exciting and invigorating. Genevieve's new bed sheets are pink. Her favorite blanket is pink. Her new slippers are pink. While getting dressed yesterday (in a pink shirt and pink sweater) I asked Genevieve if she wanted to go to a birthday party? She inquired, "A PINK party?" Probably not, I told her, since it was a boys birthday party. Genevieve insists on using the pink spoon for breakfast every morning. She wants to watch princess movies and even watched the entire Cinderella movie (a record for sitting still). Throughout the movie, however, she asked frequently and a little impatiently where the princess was? I told her the princess was working, but she'd get dressed up soon. It helps that family and friends have provided Genevieve with all the accessories. Some of you are all to happy to see this stage a...

We finally finished Genevieve's new bed. We painted the frame black and used the meticulous IKEA instructions to put it together, then hung star shaped lights to finish it off. Eventually we'll flip the bed, because it is actually a bunk bed (note the ladder against the wall). To say that Genevieve loves her bed would be an understatement. I just wish she would stay in it for nap time. We also gave our bed a face lift with new sheets and duvet set. We even splurged on a new down comforter. We got new curtains and put some pictures on the wall and five years later, it looks more complete. I have to thank Mac for talking me into the chocolate brown sheets - I love them. When we get ambition again we'll paint the walls chocolate brown too. Until then, the new duds will do.

When you're short on mice, the tail works well enough. -posted by Eric

October was packed with fun activities and albeit a tad late, we're finally posting about it all. 1st Annual Pumpkin Run Genevieve ran her second race, sponsored and run all by Ashley. She has actual video footage from the race here . Most of the kids ran fast after they understood the instructions...run to the candy. I’m not sure how many Starbursts Genevieve managed to consume, but I am positive she had plenty for one morning. Besides Starbursts aren't on any recovery food list that I've seen. Trunk or Treat We actually participated in our churches “Trunk or Treat” this year. We’ve been regulars dressing up and handing out candy but this time we actually walked Genevieve around to collect sugar in all it’s varieties. We practiced good manners while she walked, skeptically, from car to car. At first Genevieve selected pieces of candy based only on color…pink and purple were her first choices. Then, however, she realized she was getting candy for simply saying a few wo...