Tuesday, February 26, 2008

New Curtains, Etc.

We had a very exciting weekend, for us. We finally got some curtains to cover our ginormous windows in our house. Hooray for not living in a fish bowl anymore. I know our poor neighbors have gotten an eye full a time or two. We have considered saving up for shutters but lets be honest, if we were to ever get the thousands of dollars necessary I wouldn't want to part with it. Here a photo of the new beauties. (I apologize, the lighting is bad so I used both cameras and still I couldn't get a real decent picture.)



On other news I have about 10 days of morning sickness left. (At least it better be just 10!) I am feeling like there is end in sight. I can hardly contain myself. No more feeling like I want to puke every waking moment of my life. It's a great thing.

Anyone watching American Idol? I am pleased with it this year. I feel like for first time ever the boys are actually better than the girls. Who I love: The Australian guy, the Dread Locks guy, the Mormon people for sure. Who I don't: All of those blond girls I can't tell apart. I feel like they all look as sing just the same, BORING. I am not surprised there are two Mormons in the competition, it seems to me everyone can sing in the Mormon church. Maybe it's just me.

It is hot again today, sorry Kate and all others in the snowy weather. We are off to the park in shorts and flip flops. I love living here!

Thursday, February 21, 2008

Photography 101

So I haven't mentioned it yet but I got this AMAZING new camera for Christmas. It is a fancy Nikon D80 complete with 2 lenses and a giant flash. When I got it I opened it and was thrilled while imagining the gorgeous pictures of my children I was going to be able to take. My sister has the same camera and if you have ever visited her blog you know she can take a mean picture of that little angel of hers.

So then I got really sick. The sickest I have ever been while pregnant. And the camera and accessories sat in the box for 2 months! Finally a few weeks ago I pulled out the camera determined to become a master overnight. I mean I knew it would be complicated, but that is what manuals are for right? Wrong. As usual it was unreadable and fatter than most text books I had in college. It took me 10 minutes to figure out how to attach the shoulder strap! Yikes.

At this point I did get the thing to work. I put it on automatic and just shot away. But on the screen the pictures just looked like any other digital camera. I was discouraged and I knew I needed some tutoring by my amazing sister who figured everything out on her own! Thankfully I saw her on Monday and she gave me some tips. The camera is even more complicated than I thought. I still don't know what a white balance actually is. I am going to learn though. Even if I have to take a class. Which I probably will.

Anyway, for the first time I actually put the pictures I have been taking on my computer. WOW! I thought they were average pictures. I was wrong. The color is amazing! I cannot wait to keep learning about lighting and angles because this camera takes one gorgeous and CLEAR picture!

Now I am going to post a few pictures on here. They aren't going to be anything great on blogger probably but oh well! Wish me luck in my new endeavor. And hope that I can get pretty good before baby comes.







Friday, February 15, 2008

Our Valentines



I just had to say what a nice Valentine's Day we had yesterday. I am not sure when Valentine's Day became about children but I am sort of glad it is. The girls just have had such a fun week! Between gifts and cards from their grandparents to parties at school, we have been busy busy. Unfortunately Jolie has had the flu (or something like it) for the whole week so she hasn't been her usual peppy self, but we have still had some fun.

The highlight for me was Landon arriving home with the new Fancy Nancy book for the girls. He also got them a Fancy Nancy game. He is just so thoughtful! And us Cowan girls LOVE Fancy Nancy! There was also a fun book for me! He is the cutest Dad and hubby ever.

Jolie made a pile of drawings and cards for Landon to take to work to display on his desk. Apparently they were a hit. It was fun to show him and all of his co-workers how much we love him. Lucy spent yesterday drawing pictures and then crumpling them up and handing them telling me "Mama, here is a balentine for you!" So sweet. I just don't want her to grow anymore. This is the funnest age.

I made spaghetti and meatballs, Jolie and Landon's favorite. Then Landon and I curled up on the couch with some Almost Better Than (You know what) Cake straight out of the pan! It was so fun.

I hope all of you had a wonderful day yesterday full of loved ones and sweets!

P.S. Thanks to all of the Grandparents for the gifts and cards. They were adored!

Tuesday, February 12, 2008

What do you think?

We won't find out for 7 more weeks. But what do you think?

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Boy



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Friday, February 8, 2008

Another Thank You

To my wonderful sister Chrissy for my new layout. I love it!

Wednesday, February 6, 2008

Grandma Donna!

Thank you thank you thank you! I was sooooo thrilled today to receive your package in the mail. What a surprise! I can't remember the last time I was more excited about a gift. (And the girls were over the moon as well over their valentine treats!)

Landon's grandmother makes the most beautiful afghans. A few years ago I complimented her on a gorgeous one she made for Landon's parents. She told me she would make me one! I was so excited, yet after a while I had nearly forgotten it. That just made the surprise that much more exciting! I honestly had no idea what would be in the package as I opened it. So fun. It is the softest blanket ever and the colors are AMAZING. I honestly couldn't have picked better myself.

Grandma, you are the sweetest! I am just so overwhelmed. Thank you again, so much. We are going to have to come see you soon so I can thank you in person!

Jolie immediately commandeered that soft soft blanket and won't give it back! Here is a shot of her pretending to be asleep.



And here is Lucy enjoying her treats.



We love you so much! Happy Valentine's to you too!

Tuesday, February 5, 2008

It Was Time

Today the girls got hair cuts at my good friend Teresa's in-garage salon.

It was Lucy's first cut ever. She just had a little trim in the back where her lovely little rat tail used to be!





Jolie had a major cut. We chopped her hair to her chin! It turned out so so cute. I am so pleased. It is going to be so much easier to handle.





They were very good sports, and each very excited about their haircuts!

Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Show Time!

This is one of my favorite toys the girls own. And it also happens to be one of Lucy's faves right now as well, being that she pretty much lives in a make believe world these days. (She is more often a cute little puppy named Sprinkles then herself.)



Today Lucy put on a show for me and these other audience members.



The best part was it was a dinner theater!



Thanks Lucy Goosey, a good time was definitely had by all!

Thursday, January 24, 2008

A Trip to the Desert

My parents invited us (the girls and I) to their timeshare in Palm Desert for a few days. It was great to get a little sun and enjoy my family. Although if truth be told it was hot only in the direct sunlight, in the shade it was quite cold. That didn't stop the kids from swimming all day! We also had some fun girl time shopping at the outlets out there. Here are some pictures of the trip. For some even cuter pictures check out Chrissy's blog.









Also, for those who have asked, I am still pretty sick. Thanks to the generic version of Zofran I am no longer throwing up, but that doesn't stop me from wanting to! Thankfully I am finally learning to live with it. Just 6 more weeks and I will be much better. Yikes. I don't know what it is about this pregnancy but it just seems like all of my symptoms are worse than they have ever been. Just think of every nasty first trimester symptom and I have it to the tenth power. All I know is that this better be one cute baby! My official due date in August 22. Will we ever get to summer?

Monday, January 21, 2008

Landon and Jolie

Last night Landon was getting Jolie ready for bed. Landon was brushing her hair and she was yelling as usual due to all of the tangles in her hair.

Landon: Jolie, maybe we should cut your hair short. (He demonstrated what it would look like at shoulder length.)

Jolie: I like that! That would be cute.

Landon: I think it would too. And it wouldn't get so tangled.

Jolie: But will I have to change my name?

Landon: No, you will always be Jolie.

Jolie: Good because I like my name.