Ain't She Purdy?

Introducing the newest member of the Clark Family...

Thanks Grandma and Grandpa! We love it!

O Bumbo Seat

*set to the tune of O Christmas Tree*

O Bumbo Seat

O Bumbo Seat

You have made my life complete

I doubted if

You were worth the price

But you've made life easy

And that is nice

O Bumbo Seat

O Bumbo Seat

You make meal time such a treat

O Bumbo Seat

O Bumbo Seat

You wipe up, so nice and neat

Because of you

There's no highchair

Taking up room

Everywhere

O Bumbo Seat

O Bumbo Seat

May Addie never outgrow you!

Love, Delaney

You know how bribery is a debated parenting technique? As in, many people expect their children to listen and are not willing to bribe them.

Me? Not so much. Maybe 8 years ago, when Jackson was 4 months old, I would have looked down on bribery as a form of behavior modification, but not today. No, sir.

Do I think my kids won't do anything without being bribed? No. But obviously it is an oft used technique in the Clark household. Where's my proof? Here is the valentine I got in the mail today, sent by Delaney from preschool.

Calamity Jane

This one's for Steph and Lois. They want to re-make this cowgirl quilt I made for Delaney over Christmas. Delaney loves to be cuddled up in my quilts, so she surely deserved this "big girl" upgrade from her baby quilt.

It is 6 x 9 blocks. There are 40 solid blocks.

There are 7 4-patch blocks and 6 8-patch blocks.

The finished blocks are 7 1/2 inches, so cut them at 8 inches.

Cut the 4-patch squares 4 1/4 inches.

Cut 2 3/8 inch strips for the 8-patch squares.

It went together really quickly! I sewed rick-rack down the seam in the back.

A close up of the fabrics.

Updates

Just a follow-up on some past entries...

1. We have survived the cold surprisingly well. The entire weekend held above freezing for us! What a luxury! Delaney was thrilled, because even in -20* weather, she hates to wear a jacket. The next two days are supposed to be in the teens, but 40's are in store for the end of the 5 day forecast! I'm sure I blog more about the weather than anyone else you know, but I've been obsessed with it over the past few weeks.

2. Thank you for weighing in on Addie's name situation. I didn't mean I would actually, legally change it, I was just trying to start calling her Cate. And, we've failed miserably. We start a day with the best of intentions, to only call her Cate that day, and by breakfast we're calling her Addie again. I blame Jackson. He definitely has the strongest feelings about it. But, Jeff and I are still trying. We'll update as needed...

3. Someone took me up on my offer to come be my neighbor. The house next door to us sold, and we actually are friends with the couple who bought it! They are in our ward. He's my orthodontist (I wear a retainer at 32 years old - pink, sparkly one if you're interested). My kids are super thrilled because there is a stage in the basement and our neighbors-to-be have already committed to letting them come play on it. They have a 10 month old boy and Jackson and he were matching at church yesterday. Matching sweater-vests. (*slight tangent* - Why don't "they" sell a bigger selection for boys? How many argyle sweater vests can one person own? Well, we've owned two a year - Christmas and Easter - for the past 8 years, so I suppose we've owned at least 16. And all from Gymboree, Gap, or Children's Place. Which means there's always at least one other little boy at church, on said holiday, who Jackson matches with. Any ideas of anywhere else to shop for a boy?)

Mr. Orthodontist wants a Wii and Mrs. Neighbor-to-be doesn't so Jackson's excited to share his knowledge of all things Wii, in hopes his orthodontist friend will be over to play ours. Jackson had this to say to Mr. Orthodontist yesterday as we're leaving church..."You aren't good at Mario Kart? Ohh, I'm so good at it. I'll teach you more about it." Mr. Orthodontist may not know what he's gotten himself into! In any case - we're thrilled to have great people next door again.