Introducing Inga

I have been longing for a new mixer for several months.  Many of you may remember the death of my Classic Kitchen Aid mixer.  It just could not handle mixing whole wheat bread and went up in flames.  I have researched exactly what I wanted and found the mixer locally.  The Viking 7 QT Professional won my heart, unfortunately the price tag was a little out of my reach.  I knew if I waited patiently and asked the right holiday fairy, it would appear.  Apparently, Santa Claus was listening!

I have named her Inga.  She is sleek, sexy, red and powerful.  She commands attention in the kitchen and I plan to give her the respect that she deserves.  Inga seemed like the perfect name for her.  Now Lamar and I both cheer for a Viking!  LOL

So what was the first thing that Inga made...bread of course!  I whipped up a batch of my favorite whole wheat bread.  The mixer handled the task of a two loaf batch with no problems.  It is so much easier to have the mixer do the job of kneading the bread.  I really think this is the best loaf of bread I have made.  The crumb was perfect.  I saved one loaf for us and gave the other to my Secret Sister tonight.  Fresh bread will now be back on our plates.

Like Calum, Like Boba

They say a dog and their owner begin to look alike after a while.  So tell me, who looks like who here?

4 Months

Today is 4 months since Calum's birth!  How he has changed.  Gone is my little baby (not that he was ever that little) and emerging is this new person with definite likes and dislikes and tons of personality.  He is so sweet and perfect for cuddling with.

He is now taking naps for me.  This is HUGE in our house!  In fact, I am getting two naps each day out of him.  He is rolling all over.  He has figured this new mode of transportation out and I never know where I will find him if I walk out of the room.  He is so strong that he is also pushing himself up on his hands and knees and stands while we hold his hands.  He still loves for me to carry him all around in one of my many baby carriers.  I just put a new pair of 9 month sleepers on him last night and they were too small.  He is growing so fast that I can barely keep up with him.

He has the sweetest giggle.  Nora Beth and Shianne love to tickle him and make him laugh.  He also thinks all our animals are quite funny, especially Boba, who has learned that wherever Calum is, there is soon to be some spit-up.  Calum may just be the best gift we ever gave Boba!

I feel so fortunate to have him in our family.  I just can't get enough of his sweet smile.  Happy 4 months!

My Talented Kids

Nora Beth had her first dance recital yesterday. She had been so excited for this. We all know that she is meant to be on stage. She was in three dance numbers, two ballet and one jazz. She did her routines almost perfectly and of course, added some extra Nora Beth Flair!




She was so excited to to take her hair out of the braids this morning because this meant she would have curls. Everywhere we went, she made sure everyone saw her curls. I have a feeling that Lamar and I will be spending quite a bit of money on salon visits as she gets older!


Today, Shianne's class performed carols at the local mall. She was so excited that I came to watch, but not that I brought the camera. She looked so pretty in her holiday dress. See that curl in her hair, that is all natural. Her hair has been turning very curly this past year.


And not to be left out is Calum. His new talent is rolling. He rolls all over the place. I have to keep a constant eye on him. This new talent is really wearing him out. He is also napping for me. I came into the living room and found that he fell asleep on the floor - he napped here for almost two hours yesterday.


He fell asleep in his Bilbo chair. I did not let him stay in this position very long, but I did run and grab the camera before I moved him!


Now, this is the way to sleep. The boys were supposed to be watching a football game.

100 Days of Calum, Day 100 The End!

I am a little late getting these posted, but I have finally reached the end of 100 Days of Calum! time has gone by so quickly and he has changed so much from when this began. Here he is, enjoying his hand. Don't worry, you will still see lots of pictures of my sweet little guy!

100 Days of Calum, Day 99

Calum and Nora Beth just before a game!

100 Days of Calum, Days 95, 96, 97 and 98

Day 95
We went wine tasting with friends. Calum did great and really enjoyed the sunshine.


Day 96
All cuddled up with Mom. He is just the sweetest thing!


Day 97
Fresh from the bath



Day 98
All cuddled up with Dad. He is dreaming hard here!