little sophie

Here is a sneak peek at Sophie's newborn photos. These were taken by the extremely talented Sue Chambers: teacher, singer and photographer extraordinaire!

She's Here!

Ok, so I'm posting this a bit late...but we've sorta had our hands full :)

Sophia Jewel Frerichs arrived Sunday, May 29 at 12:14 pm. 8 lbs, 1 oz, 20" long. She is beautiful -if I don't say so myself- and seems so tiny compared to our boys.

I hope to post some pics soon. We've been so busy getting used to our new family of five and trying to convince Sophie to stay awake during the day and sleep at night. She's favored the opposite...but we made some promising strides last night.

Thanks for your prayers and well-wishes! God is good!

Room for Sasparilla

Yep, Sasparilla.

That was Hayden's idea. He's not sure where he heard the name, but he knows he likes it. For now, we're calling her that. It has a nice ring to it, don't you think? Sassy for short.

Anyway, we're almost done with her room, which is great since I'm officially "full term" this week. Since this is my first time diving into pink and all things girly, I wanted to share. I don't have a fancy dancy camera, so these pictures are so-so. (Note to self: put digital SLR on list of "needs" for baby)

Here's the crib! Amazing how different it looks without
baby blue & white gingham bedding & accessories!
And I swear those frames are not crooked in real life.

Troy's dad put up the beadboard and ledge.
Great job, papa!!



Got this rug on sale! I couldn't believe
how hard it was to find a semi-plain
pink rug.






I ordered this sign from Susie Harris. I've read her blog
for a few years and have always loved her
hand-made signs!! It is hanging above the closet doors.
Thanks, Susie!

Add some pink knobs and presto!
It's a changing table fit for a little girl!

This cheapskate made her own art again! Does the flower
look familiar? I've used it on everything, including
thank you cards and this blog header! I originally created it
to mimic the design in the crib bedding I thought I
was going to get (below)...



(Lola bedding by Serena & Lily)
But after I realized I was in some type of baby-girl-induced
hysteria and that $400 was way too much to spend on a
bumper, skirt and single sheet, I decided to go with
a much less expensive option.
I kept the flower design, though!



And this will be changed with the correct
name and info once she makes her grand arrival.
Who knows...Sasparilla might just
grow on us!

A Sucker for Turquoise

See this dress?

I love it.

I'm going to buy it.

And I'm going to fit into it by fall.

And by next summer, I will have worked so hard on losing the baby weight and getting back in shape that I will wear it as a dress - as opposed to a top - legs bared!

As I sit here on the couch with feet propped up on the coffee table, sporting a maternity mumu/tent, tired of hiding behind black pants, black tops, black anything that helps camouflage the extra baby "love poundage", I like having a tangible goal in the form of a dress.

A hormonal, exhausted, ready-to-pop woman can dream, right?

Never Trust a Skinny Cook?

I'll admit it. I'm a little leery of skinny cooks.

Giada DeLaurentiis? Sure, she looks great biting into all of her olive-oil-soaked goodness with that big, toothy grin and occasional Italian accent. But does she really eat what she cooks - on a regular basis? I find myself doubting that she does, or subconsciously loathing her for being able to eat like that while keeping her size 2 frame.

No, I'm more prone to enjoy cooks like Ina Garten, Lucinda Scala Quinn, Nigella Lawson or Paula Deen. You know they eat what they cook.

However, last week I saw a cook book that sparked my interest and, in turn, my debit card. The queen of skinny, Gwyneth Paltrow, has put out another cookbook. This one entitled "My Father's Daughter".

I browsed through some recipes online before hitting Barnes & Noble last week. There were several things that sucked me in. First off, she includes a "well stocked pantry" list to give you an idea of staples to pick up at the grocery store. And, she includes tips for getting your children involved in the cooking process. I also love that most of the recipes are from her family members or family friends...especially her late father (hence the name of the book). And lastly, I love that the recipes are somewhat SIMPLE and wholesome.

I'll admit, I've only tried one recipe so far - Spaghetti Limone Parmeggiano. I added grilled chicken sauteed with mushrooms and some capers. Very tasty and super simple!

But outside of that, I've found myself being inspired by her recipes. For example, I've now cooked the most fabulous omelet for myself three or four times since purchasing this. A standard (all natural egg) omelet filled with mushrooms, diced onions, tomato, reduced fat colby jack and a mix of organic arugula and a spring herb mix. (No, I haven't gone organic...have you seen the rising price of groceries?? It just happens that the arugula and fresh herb mix were both organic. So it makes me feel somewhat like a granola-tree-hugger. Oh, if only I could buy only organic! But I digress.)

It seems that I usually buy cookbooks for the mere inspiration! But I am planning to make several of the recipes from this book in the next week. I'm not sure how well these will translate into WW-friendly meals come June, but I have a feeling it will only take a few tweaks to shape them into point-friendly delights. And regardless, I love that she only uses natural, wholesome ingredients - the kind you feel good about your kids eating.

(Gwyneth also has a great blog where she writes about all things healthy: http://www.goop.com/)

In short, this cookbook gives me a warm fuzzy. Granted, it would be a warmer fuzzy if I were able to have a nice glass of cabernet sauvignon while preparing these dishes...but I can hold out for another month :) I love how she writes about food and family and the importance of sitting down together over a good meal and conversation.

So, do we trust a skinny cook?

My vote so far is yes.

Now, if only I could afford her trainer.

Somethin' Sweet for my Peeps...again

I've decided to repost this Peeps Sunflower Cake every year...as I seem to make it only once a year, at this same time every year. YUM! Super cute, easy and ever so delicious. It's baking in the oven as we speak!

Recipe from Taste of Home can be found here.

UPDATE: And this is what the cake looks like when you try to cut a slice for your boys and realize you never took the wax paper off of the bottoms of the cakes before icing it. (sigh) Still tastes yummy though!

Chubby Cheeks

Don't worry, this isn't yet another post dedicated to my rear.

I just wanted to give a sneak peek of our little baby girl. We had a 3D/4D ultrasound last Friday. She was not cooperative, but they were able to capture a few shots towards the end.

The conclusion: She has a full head of hair, big lips, super chubby cheeks and, most importantly, looks healthy!

7 weeks and counting!!!

Catalog Living

For those of you who love perusing through Pottery Barn catalogs as much as I do...This blog answers the question, "Who really lives like that?" Hilarious.

http://catalogliving.net/

Things That Make Me Smile

Two images for this dreary Thursday morning that make me smile:

Hayden drew this today and explained that it is a boy hiding in a cactus costume that he made himself. But not to worry...the cactus is inflatable and not dangerous.

And I ran across this picture of Carson from Easter 2009. This is an outfit that was ultimately returned. His face says it all.

One Crazy White Woman

Hello, my name is Kelli. And I am one crazy white woman.

Or so I thought.

You see, over the past few years, my taste in home decor has become rather boring blahhh neutral. My usual mix of red pillows, colorful wall art and hue-friendly throws has slowly been replaced by white.

Eggshell. Ivory. Cream. Bisque.

Call it what you want, it's white. First I painted our mantle white. Then I slowly replaced our pillows with white pillow covers - some with designs, some with a slight print and some completely and utterly white. Then a white throw or two. An unnatural obsession with white pitchers spread throughout the house. White candles. White lamp shades. White curtains.

You get the point.

(At least I haven't resorted to white furniture. I'm not that crazy. I do have two boys and a baby on the way)

I do love the light, crisp, airy look of white accents. And can I tell you how my heart raced when I received my Country Living February Issue!!

I swooned over the pages. I felt validated in my decor choices.

And I resigned to the fact that I was, in fact, one crazy white woman.

Then, about 7 weeks ago, we got some news that shook up my world. And my design tastes!

So when I saw the latest House Beautiful issue, I snapped it up in a heart beat!

One room of our house is now a lovely shade of Sherwin William's Lotus Flower, with a bit of grey added in to tone it down a bit. It's a fairly empty room at this point, just waiting for the crib (complete with pink bumper) to be moved in. Along with the white changing table, to which I swapped out the old white nobs for adorable pink glass ones (thanks, Hobby Lobby and your fabulous 50% sales!).

Ah, the power of pink indeed!!

I will post some pics once we get it all finished. So exciting!!!!!

Dear Rear:

Dearest Gluteus Maximus,

It's time you and I had a talk. A real heart-to-heart-of-a-butt conversation. Things have gotten a bit out of control the past few months, and I thought we had discussed this two times already.

I'm not sure what makes you such a jealous type. I give you love. All of those infant years, you were pampered. Through childhood, I adorned you with flowers. And as an adult, you've been met with thongs throngs of support.

So why, then, are you so jealous of my expanding belly that you feel it necessary to grow at the same alarming pace?

Are you jealous that my belly gets all of the attention? That people (unfortunately even strangers) feel it necessary to remark and even rub it...yet no strangers comment on how cute you are or - heaven forbid - try to rub you?

Let's get one thing clear, this will not continue forever! Come June, you will be met with all of the shrinking power my points-counting, treadmill pounding body can muster.

For now, gloat if you'd like. Lay there in the smug snugness of my elastic waist pants.

Your day is coming. And when it does, this world will see much less of you.

Much less.

Sincerely,

Me

A New Kind of Resolution

This might be the first Monday of the new year in over two decades on which I haven't resolved to cut calories, lose weight and hit the gym 10 times a week.

Don't get me wrong. I will be vowing to do that and making a bee line to my pals over at Weight Watchers come June 2011. I look forward to counting points again and pretending that Jennifer Hudson is my homegirl.

Some people frown on resolutions, with the idea that if you're not going to do it the rest of the year, what makes Jan. 1 any different? I, however, believe there is great power in simply writing down your goals. Making lists makes my world go round. And sticking that resolution list on your bedside table to include with your nighttime prayers only strengthens your goals.

Approaching this new year, I almost felt lost. "What do I resolve to do if not fit into my smaller jeans, get a new hairstyle and slather on some fake tanning lotion?" The past two  years, these have been primary parts of my new year's to-dos. And don't get me wrong, I know that physical health and confidence are very important to your over all mental health and well-being. But this year, I've had to dig a bit deeper.

Yes, I definitely plan to organize more, pray more, read more, learn more and laugh more.

But most of all, this year I resolve to do...

NOTHING.

Yes, nothing.

Little moments, maybe even hours of doing nothing. Planning nothing.

Just BEING PRESENT.

Really being with my kids and doing whatever it is their little hearts are set on. Putting aside my agenda. My dirty dishes. My loads of laundry. My {dare I say it} Facebook and its often times meaningless updates from people I barely remember from grade school.

Pregnancy, or rather pregnancy hormones, have persuaded me to slow down and do nothing.

Christmas night, after a wonderful, joy-filled day with family, I laid in bed and bawled like a baby because I realized that in a few short days, I would be able to say "my baby starts kindergarten THIS year." I cried because life is going so fast, and I couldn't remember a moment from that day when I'd just done nothing with the big guy...just hung out, talked, used my imagination.

Then again this weekend, as we were loading up the car to leave my in-laws and the last Christmas get-together of the year, I found my way to the basement bathroom and bawled like a baby. All I could think was that this might be the last year that the big guy believes in Santa, that the dynamic between the two boys would be so different next year with a new baby brother or sister. And I cried because Christmas was over. Another year was coming to an end. And I felt like it went so fast that I couldn't really remember any of it.

(I should say that this isn't exclusive to pregnancy. I also bawled like a baby on our way home from family vacation this year.)

All of that being said, I know I can't slow down time. But I can stop, listen, be present and do nothing with my family...which could lead to doing a million different little things. I just know that I won't look back at my life when I'm 90 years old wishing that I had done more laundry, dusted more, vacuumed more or caught up on the statuses of random people from my past more. I am confident, however, that I will look back at those small, unplanned moments with my family and have the greatest joy.

I know we've all read this before, but I thought I'd end this ridiculously long post with  Erma Bombeck's "If I Had My Life To Live Over", written when she found out she had cancer. This is followed by a blog shared by a friend a few weeks ago. A word of warning: the subject matter is heart-breaking, written by a mom who recently unexpectedly lost her 20 month old in the middle of the night due to an undiagnosed case of meningitis. If you look back through her posts, you see that life was proceeding as normal. The busy hubub. Then tragedy. And then she writes that she wishes she would have slowed down, hugged her precious daughter when she asked for a hug instead of being too busy wrapping presents and getting ready for the Christmas festivities - something we can all relate to, I'm sure. I don't want to start the year on a sad note. But with the right perspective. And prayers for this family would be wonderful as well.

And then I'm getting off of the computer and going to give my boys a bear hug or two. I hear them in Hayden's room right now playing with Lincoln Logs. What will we build today?

Happy New Year, everyone! Make 2011 the best yet!!


If I had my life to live over, I would have talked less and listened more.
I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained and the sofa faded.
I would have eaten the popcorn in the 'good' living room and worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the fireplace.
I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his youth.
I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day because my hair had just been teased and sprayed.
I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage.I would have sat on the lawn with my children and not worried about grass stains.
I would have cried and laughed less while watching television - and more while watching life.
I would have shared more of the responsibility carried by my husband.
I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern if I weren't there for the day.
I would never have bought anything just because it was practical, wouldn't show soil or was guaranteed to last a lifetime.
Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I'd have cherished every moment and realized that the wonderment growing inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle.
When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, "Later. Now go get washed up for dinner."
There would have been more "I love you's".. More "I'm sorrys" ...
But mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute... look at it and really see it ... live it...and never give it back.

The Harrison Family Blog
http://threedoodles.blogspot.com/

Preschool Photos 2010

Here are the big guy's preschool photos. Amazing how much he has already changed in just a short year! Next up... kindergarten photos. Somebody get me some kleenex!!


 

Moses & The Cowboy, part II

How mischievous!

On the hunt for candy



Leading his people to the
promised sweets!



Let my people go!

I can't believe I didn't get a single shot
of them together!!

Moses & The Cowboy

Every year it seems as though a Halloween costume idea magically comes to Hayden. He knows what he wants to be - without a doubt.

When he was two, he was Woody from Toy Story. Seems as though this was a result of numerous viewings of "Toy Story" 1 & 2.

The following year, he was Harry Jones (more commonly known as Indiana Jones). We found the leather jacket at a garage sale, and the rest was history.

Last year he was a pirate...mainly inspired by pirate Legos and a pirate ship toy...which lead to a pirate-themed birthday party.

This year's costumes, however, seems to have a bit more divine inspiration.

While most of his friends are going to be Darth Vader, Iron Man and zombies, Hayden has decided that he must be Moses.

Yes, Moses.

Not the old Moses that we see in books or "The Ten Commandments" with the long white beard and bouffant white hair. He is going to be the young, handsome Moses from "The Prince of Egypt" (a Dreamworks animated movie...pre-Shrek). And he's been studying Moses and the Hebrews in Sunday school the past few months. It seems to have had an effect.

He even has a tagline he's been practicing around the house...

"Trick-or-treat. Trick-or-treat. Let my people go!"

The little man has inherited big brother's Woody costume this year, along with his love of "Toy Story". He's a man of few words, but he can shout out "Yee-hah Cowboy!" with the best of them.

So if you happen to see a little cowboy and a little guy with a robe and staff shouting out the ten commandments in between bites of Tootsie Rolls, you'll know who it is!

Adventures of the Cheapskate Mom

I've come to the conclusion that it is a life-long quest to inject personality into your home's decor.

Luckily, I have multiple personalities. So each room can be a bit different.

I've spent the past few weeks adding a few budget-friendly touches to the house. And since my creativity has been sapped by post-preschool art projects (leaving my brain with nothing interesting to write about), I thought I'd share a few of them.

Vintage Frame Chalk Board:

Thanks, mom, for pulling this frame out of your basement! Love it! I think I hung it in two different rooms before I decided what to do with it. One can of chalk board spraypaint and a $2 piece of plywood later, and we have a kitchen chalkboard. Now, if I only I can figure out what to write on it.

Colorful Bath:

I decided that the boys needed some fun colors in their bathroom. The towels were all $4 at Wal-Mart. I took down the silver towel rack because, let's face it, no 2 or 4 year old is going to hang their towel back up neatly on a rack. It was replaced by two bright red towel hooks. They were $15.99 at Hobby Lobby...and of course, 50% off...making them a grand total of - you guessed it - $15.99. They also match the boys' step stools from Target. And speaking of Target, I bought the white frames above the towels from their dollar section a couple years ago and created some art on the computer to match the bathroom decor. They are not high quality...but they do the trick for now. Plus, they are just darn fun! (Honestly, these frames are not crooked...but they sure do look like it in this picture)

$30 Art Gallery:

I picked up these nice, huge matted frames at Wal-Mart for $11 a piece. They are hanging in the upstairs hallway outside of the boys' rooms. I added a few of the big guy's latest masterpieces and voila! Instant art gallery. He loves showing off his art, and we can change them out as often as we like.
 
Super Hero Costume:
Ok, I know, this isn't decor. But you've gotta' give it to the kid. He wanted to be a super hero. And he created a DIY mask and crown. (yes, super heroes wear crowns now)

They even eat in them.

Next Project:

The boys will be sharing a room (hopefully) starting next year. I've already started gathering up great deals when I see them, including a cool find from an antique store that I plan to fix up and put above their window.

Ok, so maybe none of this stuff is worthy to grace the pages of Better Homes & Gardens. But good or bad, it has personality. My family's personality. And I don't think that you can ask for more than that!

carolina dreamin'

We recently went on a family vacation to South Carolina.

And by "family"...I mean the entire family.

Me, my husband, my two boys, sister, brother-in-law, niece, nephew, mom and dad. All in our friends' three bedroom lake house.

And it was one of the best vacations ever.

As I hinted at in my earlier post, we experienced a lot: Jet skis (which my brother-in-law bought and brought back to Illinois with him), boat rides, fishing, swimming, the ocean, insanely-fast-melting ice cream cones, trivia night, missing swim trunks, scrogglings, inhumane Charleston heat, historic landmarks and Waffle Houses. This was all kicked-off with my parents' surprise wedding/vow renewal. We also laughed until we cried and caught up with old friends (who feel just like family). And I, once again, fell madly in love with The South.

I love how everyone waves at each other. Anyone under 25 says "yes, ma'am" and "yes, sir"; anyone over 25 is called "Miss" or "Mr" followed by their first name. Butter and homemade ice cream are embraced. Life seems to move slower and is savored. And the women don't need an excuse to wear a cute little sundress.

I suppose I should be posting pictures from the trip, all 400+ of them, but I'll save that for a later date. Instead, I'm sharing a little glimpse into a big dream. The picture above was Troy's homemade birthday present from yours truly. What a lucky man! (By the way, happy birthday to my husband who turned 34 yesterday.) As I was saying, we decided while visiting our friends that we would love to have a lake house/ beach house/pond house/puddle house someday. I mean, we're in no place to even consider it at this point. We still have to put 2+ kids through college...and I am yet to even buy dining room chairs for my lonely dining table.

Yet still...it's nice to dream. And now we have a tangible little change jar for that dream. I realize more and more everyday the importance of writing down your ideas, hopes and dreams, but that's a whole other post. I've even been decorating random nooks and crannies of the house with seashells and starfish, although Hobby Lobby seems to think we should already have our pumpkins, scarecrows and snowmen out. That, too, is a whole other post.

For now, we'll throw our pennies, dimes and nickles into the pot. So family, we hope to have our own lake house in about 30 years to share the good times in all over again. Until then, we'll be bunking with you, Creeds!

Remember Me?

Hello? Anybody there?

Any of the handful of friends and family who used to read this blog still checking it? Because if you aren't, I don't blame you.

It's been months since I've posted anything other than last-minute birthday & mother's day wishes. (sorry, mom!)

It's not as though I haven't had lots of inspiration for writing.

Vacation.
My parents' surprise vow renewal.
The ocean.
The lakehouse.
Good friends.
Wonderful family.
Summer.
Swim lessons.
Tee ball.
First popsicles.
First boat rides.
First 5k.
Crabcakes for breakfast.

And I don't even like seafood.

If anyone out there is still checking the blog, I have a few posts in the works.

Don't give up on me just yet.

Happy Birthday Mom!

So, these pics didn't turn out the way I had hoped. I suppose that's what happens when you try to make two kids sit still after a long day at the pool. Hopefully you get the idea! I hope your day is terrific! Can't wait to celebrate with you in a few weeks. Love you!!!!

Family Photos 2010

Here is the link to our family photos. Go to www.kendrapence.com/photocart.  You have to create your own username & password to view the galleries and then need to enter our access code to see our proofs. The access code is "kellif". Lots of good ones of our little guys, but I finally narrowed them down and ordered today.