Ack! A Car???

Tracy and I have just realized that now that I am pregnant, as soon as this baby comes, we will no longer have a vehicle that will fit all of the members of our family. We need space for one (soon-to-be) 15 year old, and TWO car seats, and two adults. Hrmmm. Okay, Consumer Reports here we come. We spent a weekend looking at several car dealerships for options. We like the mid-size SUV option with third row seating, because of better gas mileage, however the minivan definitely has greater ease of use in terms of loading and unloading passengers. Here's what we're thinking right now, though we won't be buying for at least several months.
Mazda 5:


Toyota Sienna:


Toyota RAV4:

The local Kia dealer is having a huge sale on Kia minivans, so that's a temptation too, mostly because of the romminess and the price. The RAV4 would be really cramped, but workable for those relatively few times the whole family travels together. We are leaning toward the Mazda5 for our compromise - pretty good gas mileage for a minivan, and roomier than the RAV4, but much smaller than the Sienna - smaller price tag too. We'll see what life brings us in the future.

Zeeeee, Ohhhh, Eeeeee...

Zoe woke up this morning wanting her usual morning cuddle before really waking up for the day. She climbed into our bed and snuggled, then popped her head up and said to me, "Zeee-Ohh-Eeee, Zoe" I got very excited and we went to tell Daddy all about it. Daddy was so proud, and I called Grampa, who was also so proud. Go Zoe, you are amazing to me!

New Paint for Buckle My Shoe

I opened the doors of Buckle My Shoe Childcare in August of 2008 so that I could have the opportunity to stay home with my infant daughter and still contribute to the family income. We converted my old office into the playroom. Luckily I had a large office with lots of usable space. The office was what was originally the garage when this house was first built, before we owned it. The previous owner had the (wise) idea to convert the garage into house space, since the house is so small. But since we have owned the house, about 9 years now, the room was never painted. The white walls were grubby and stained with handprints, dust from the pellet stove, red rubbing spots from our old red couch, etc., but I hardly even noticed it!

Then one day I decided now was the time. I went to the library and got out books for inspiration in painting kid's spaces. I found many books, and bookmarked many pages. I consulted my friend Gretchen, the fabulous interior designer, and meditated and sketched. Several months later (yes, several...) I decided now was the time once again!

This time I went out and bought paint and dedicated a weekend to painting, and jumped in with both feet. Here is the result: our newly painted playroom!