Stoney Ridge Farm

Yesterday we went to Stoney Ridge farm and had a great time. We fed farm animals, ran around a pumpkin patch and corn maze, went on a hay ride, and ate some delicious food. Of course, Ethan's favorite part was seeing all the "mawmowee" tractors.

I Heart Magazines

Most of you know that I am a voracious reader. I usually have 3-4 books going at a time - a non-fiction, a classic, a devotional, and a contemporary novel. In addition to books, I am absolutely hooked on magazines. Ever since my first Sassy at age 12, I have subscribed to dozens of magazines that have chronicled my interests in life. Currently, I subscribe to the following:

The Week - I recommend this magazine to everyone! It is a concise news mag that takes articles from newspapers across the nation and edits them into small news pieces that represent a variety of editorial opinions. The best part about it is that it's slim, articulate and to-the-point -you get the basics on numerous cultural issues.

Cookie - A mom's magazine with a chic edge.
Better Homes & Gardens - I mainly just covet all the interiors.
Real Simple - A classic for modern women.
In Style - It's a little embarassing to admit, but this is the magazine that I look forward to the most. There's just something about getting a big, glossy, perfumey magazine in the mail. I usually read this one all in the same night I get it. It's quite contradictory to my nature - I rarely spend more than $15 on any article of clothing, much less $600 on a pair of Christian Louboutin stilettos! Really - does anyone besides celebrities actually pay that much to look good? I guess it's an indulgent escape for me - I love the fashion, the beauty secrets, the other-worldliness of it all.

When do I have time to read all these? They are a perfect companion to my rare date with the treadmill or the gym. And unlike books, they don't require concentration, so I read after Ethan's gone to bed during commercial breaks.

The reason why I bring this up is that my renewals are coming up soon and I am thinking about switching things up. So what I want to know from you is, what magazines do you read and recommend? Write me your suggestions please! I am eagerly awaiting. Happy reading.

Ethan turns 2!

Ethan's turns 2 tomorrow and we had a small party for him yesterday. It started out at The Fun Zone - an indoor play area with large bouncy structures. Then we came home, opened presents, and ate some food and cake. Here is Ethan with his cousins Travis and Jayna and Aunt Sarabeth in a big bouncy box.

Here is Ethan enjoying some birthday cake:

Today we did our annual pictures in the leaves photo session. My favorite:

Later today we are going to go pick some apples so we can make some homemade applesauce. I love this time of year! The fun continues for him tomorrow, when he gets to spend the whole day with his Grandma Sue instead of going to daycare. Thank you to the folks who came to our little gathering - we appreciate you making a trek all the way up here. Ethan woke up this morning delighted with all his new toys. A shout out to Bonnie - also the birthday girl, and our dog Bailey, who shares a birthday with Ethan.

Decoding Ethan

I have always gotten a kick out of trying to understand what young children attempt to express. You listen and listen as they repeat themselves, asking "What, honey? Say that again" and you finally have to ask mom, "What did s/he say?", to which the mom always knows exactly what their child is saying. Well, now is my turn to decode my little child. Frequently even Eric will look at me and go, "What's he want?" Here are a few of my favorite Ethan expressions:

"Shoes on. Side. Do-pees. Pee-doughs." = I want to go outside now and pick blackberries and tomatoes.

"Mommy!! Doing? Mook!" = Mommy! Get down here, pay attention to me, and fix me some milk already!

"Da-dat. Apple apple apple high." = It's time to go nigh-night to which you need to sing me "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star." (apple apple apple high is up above the world so high)

"Icky Icky Eww." = I just went poop and you need to change my diaper now.

"Bye. Soon. Back." = Bye! See you soon. I'll be right back.

"Zeet. Boooook." = Sit down now, let me sit on your lap and read me a book."

"Audwee" = Depending on the context, it could be diaper creme, laundry, or airplane.
"Keek-u" = Love you or thank you
"Mahmowee" = well, duh. But also refers to any and all machinery, especially tractors
"BeeBee!!" = Bailey, get back in the house!
"Gah-goine" = popcorn
"Gogee" = cookie
"Top" = said with an earnest expression, this means stop tickling me
"I see you!" = let's play hide and seek!
"Sigh" = I'm sorry
"Why. Baa." = It's bath time!
"Beat bean" or "tweet tween" = sleeping

There are so many more, and I sure get a kick out of his little expressions.

Busted!

We were sitting on the couch the other night and I said to Eric, "He's too quiet, he must be into something." Sure enough, we found Ethan at the kitchen table with his whole hand in the peanut butter jar. Bailey's favorite thing in the whole world is peanut butter so she was in on the whole shenanigan too. Too funny!

Big Catch

Here are a few pictures of Eric and the fish he caught last weekend. Two 20 lb. King Salmon. He made some delicious smoked salmon today from them.

Late summer happenings

I thought I would share a couple cute pictures of Ethan taken a few weeks ago at the Lynden Fair. Most of you know of his lawnmower addiction. This extends to all pieces of machinery, both big and small. He likes "awgwees" (airplanes), "big twucks", and especially "vrooms" (tractors), in addition to the beloved "mawmowee". He was in HEAVEN when we went past the John Deere tractor section - I wish the pictures did his sentiments justice.

Ethan's favorite book is the lawnmower brochure from Lowe's, which we must read at least a few times a day. It goes something like this, "This riding lawnmower features a Briggs and Stratton engine, 21 inch cutting deck and the option of side discharge, mulch, or bag.....available only at Lowe's!"

He is also an animal lover, as noted:

What else have we been up to these past few weeks? Well, we're back at work. Classes start on Wednesday. It's good to be back, but I miss my boy so much during the day. Eric has been working on the deck, which is almost done. He also caught a 14 lb. King salmon. Oh, and he was given a smoker....he has ribs smoking right now. Ethan has been sick, so I've been doting on him and trying to tackle the neverending to-do list...which is actually longer than it was at the beginning of the summer - how did that happen?