Quite Sensible Indeed

5 about Christmas

noreply@blogger.com (Quite Sensible Indeed) — Fri, 03 Jan 2014 03:12:00 +0000

We are having very good Christmas. We celebrate until the Epiphany so we have a just a few more days of merriment.

1.

The little darlings decorated gingerbread houses - these activities are not always fun - but this was really fun! Christmas miracles are real...

Christmas party lighting is quite flattering...

I had a strange candid camera incident. The internet was being repaired and our nativity is near the modem. I noticed the repair guy was really looking at the nativity. I thought he was admiring the beautiful Italian craftsmanship. He asked who the people were in the scene and why the manger was empty. For a moment I thought he was joking. But no he was serious. {side note...the manger is still empty....we can't find the Baby Jesus ANYWHERE in the house}.

We have not visited Santa in 4 years...I know, I know. George did great and went straight to Santa's lap and told him what he wanted. George really likes to point out how he is smiling but Celia is not smiling. Good boy Georgie! The Junior League of Houston does a fantastic Lunch with Santa.

On the other hand, we have been very consistent with attending the Nutcracker ballet. This year was Mary Kate's 9th and Caroline's 6th annual Nutcracker visit. We have attended large and small scale performances in various cities and Mary Kate performed in a production one year. I've enjoyed every one but this year might be my favorite by The Allegro Ballet. We drove way out to the Houston suburb of Katy. The costumes and props were very well done. The part I liked the most the entire event was very child focused - so many darling little ballerinas. And I really liked the ticket price.

Merry Christmas

noreply@blogger.com (Quite Sensible Indeed) — Wed, 01 Jan 2014 16:11:00 +0000

5 on (last) friday ~ take 7

noreply@blogger.com (Quite Sensible Indeed) — Sat, 05 Oct 2013 13:48:00 +0000

I was ready on time last week except for a final edit...so close...

1.

Pumpkins are here...these are my favorite this year...

Though we do not have any on our doorstep because they would rot in a day in this heat.

Celia ~ I have posted many pictures but have not said much about her. In a few words: she is too good to be true. I have loved (almost) every minute of Celia. Admittedly, those four months of waking several times a night were torture after sleeping through the night for a couple of months. But otherwise she has been pure joy. I am so glad we have her. Getting to dress her is a fun bonus!

3.

Speaking of Celia...seriously?!?

4.

Those people at the Container Store know their stuff. I had a drawer I did not know how to tackle. They had the perfect solution...

5.

FAQ: Does Celia wear cloth diapers?

Most of the time she does. Though I am happy to use disposables when needed. I tolerate cloth diapers. I do not know disposables are "bad" for babies but I know cloth cause no harm. Cloth are certainly extra work. They must be changed more often. I wash them every other night. She uses bumGenuis 4.0 with a liner. She was 6 months old when we started so I bought 12. Usually, younger babies will require either more diapers or more frequent washing. This number of diapers works just right with the washing routine.

bumGenius 4.0

All of the children have used cloth diapers - some more than others. When Mary Kate was a baby I used them exclusively for the first year. I was willing to do almost anything to save money so I could stay home with her. Then morning sickness started with Caroline and something had to give. Caroline used them for a day. Yes, just a single day - again something had to give. George used them 50% of the time. With our travel schedule and his frequent diaper rashes (cream can not be used with microfiber cloth) that was all we could manage. The water and washing machine in London were not the best for these type of diapers. Detergent buildup made them impossible to make completely clean.

What are the cost savings? My rough estimate with Celia is using them exclusively for about 9 months we will breakeven on just the cost of the diapers. This does not include utility or detergent expenses. My best guess is we are about at the breakeven point. When I think disposables cost at least $1.25 a day, I am motivated to use cloth.

Have a nice weekend!

5 on friday ~ take 6

noreply@blogger.com (Quite Sensible Indeed) — Mon, 16 Sep 2013 03:53:00 +0000

We went to a local OU watch party. Here is how I spent the first quarter of the game...

2.

I still wash Baby's clothes separately in Dreft. I may or may not stop when this container is used.

3.

A failed attempt at a family picture. We tried to gather around George...

FAQ: does Brent help around the house?

No, he does not. Nor does he babysit. To call it helping or babysitting gives the wrong impression and implies he is less responsible than I am for these tasks. Yes, I am the stay at home parent so the house and children are my primary responsibility. But when he is home it becomes his primary responsibility as well. If there is a task to be done either one of us does it. We do have a general division of labor. I cook and do laundry. He does dishes and takes out the trash. Neither of us sits down until the chores are complete. He never leaves his socks on the floor - ever.

When Mary Kate was a newborn I was hesitant to leave her with him. He quickly set me straight by informing me he loves her as much I do. Since he put it that way I said "see ya"! I find it a shame all husbands and fathers are not this way. It is ridiculous the number of men who can not or will not put their children to bed. Also ridiculous are the comments: Oh your husband is okay putting all four kids to bed? What did you do to get him to watch all four kids for the weekend? He has traveled for 14 days and never fretted over how I was managing at home. He is able to carry on for a few hours or days without me.

I wish I had great words of wisdom on how to train a husband. He just knows how to act right. He says it is not that difficult.

Mary Kate's first dance...

5 on friday(ish) ~ take 5

noreply@blogger.com (Quite Sensible Indeed) — Sat, 07 Sep 2013 16:49:00 +0000

I've wanted to learn how to create mood boards and downloaded Photoshop months ago, but never to took the time to try it. Next Friday, Mary Kate has her first middle school dance. The package man brought the following selections...

Nordstrom

When in Oklahoma City last weekend we went to an amazing restaurant...Kitchen No. 324, located downtown at 324 N Robinson. I ordered the Bacon and Monterey Jack Strata...

Kitchen 324

I am a bacon fanatic and they possibly have the best bacon in the universe. They call it small batch bacon. They cure and smoke bacon and salmon on-site. It is exciting to see OKC join the local food movement and this food was top notch. If you are ever OKC I highly recommend this place.

3.

Caroline made this card for Brent...

4.

Bathroom selfie...was in a hurry before I was caught...

5.

Baby riding Nana's deer...

5 on friday/sunday ~ take 4

noreply@blogger.com (Quite Sensible Indeed) — Mon, 02 Sep 2013 03:15:00 +0000

1. College football is back! And the icing on the cake: all four children looking at the camera, smiling and being relatively cooperative...

2. The Littles had their checkups last week. Both are growing and in good health. Praise be! Both are in the 90th for height, but Baby is only 20th for weight. She is her father's daughter. She is a little piggy but a busy girl - her secret to keeping a trim figure. The appointment ended with high drama - immunizations. We all needed CFA for lunch to recover.

3. We FINALLY painted the girls room...

Revel pictures to follow...

4. FAQ of the week...how do you keep your children's hair looking so nice?

I am happy to share my top tips:

I use a brush and water. I am surprised by the number of children who go to school without brushing their hair. I have two with curly hair and two with straight. Curly hair needs a bit of water to arrange the curls. Straight hair needs a bit of water to smooth cowlicks and help under turn the ends after sleeping on the locks.

I insist they keep it out of their face. I want to see their lovely faces not stringy hair. Also they like to be in the kitchen so they have to pull their hair back and wash their hands to help. We use hairspray and clips to help.

Finally, I am not afraid to cut their hair. Rarely does a child walk around with long, beautiful hair - this especially goes for toddlers. It might look like "curls" but it is really a mullet. I prefer to keep toddler girl hair in a bob. A cute cut is noticed, a mullet is noticed as well but for all the wrong reasons. Also the texture and thickness of their hair determines if it should be shorter or longer. Caroline's hair does best shorter and Mary Kate's longer. Their hair is really easy to style and never tangles.

5. The 2013-14 school year is off to a much better start than the 2012-13 school year. Last year the morning routine fell into place quickly but the afternoons were a struggle the.entire.year. We picked up were we left off and did not miss a beat. There is still running around with activities but the Littles are better in the car and the witching hour(s) are letting up since they are older.

5 on friday ~ take 3

noreply@blogger.com (Quite Sensible Indeed) — Sat, 24 Aug 2013 03:03:00 +0000

Thanks for reading! I am back...

1. First a rant...I have jumped head first into volunteering. I took last year to weigh my options and with 4 little darlings, a new house, new city and re-integrating - I was in survival mode. Now I would like to contribute and pull my weight.

Well, I am significantly more annoyed than I was a year ago. I do not understand why people (moms) volunteer who do not want to volunteer or only do so out of obligation.

If you have filled a role for 5 years...take a break! Used uniforms will still be sold.

If you do not agree with the leader's style...let her do it all. The library books will be shelved eventually.

If you work full time...let that be what you do and spend your spare time with your family. For the love of pete, the teacher appreciation breakfast is not the event of the century. You are not adding to your family's (or your) well-being by staying up until 2:00 am making a casserole. There are plenty of mom's who have nothing else to do but fret over matching paper products! (I for one understand the importance of coordination but sometimes you have to let go of things.)

2. In case you have lost sleep over Celia's Game Day wardrobe problem...

Boomer to the Sooner!

3. Since 2006, I expected to handle all things house and child related on my own Monday-Friday. If Brent happened to be home it was a bonus. Early in the summer he changed jobs...WITH NO TRAVEL or client dinners!!! The first two weeks of school have been great. One on one homework help. Grilling on a weeknight. No babysitters. No AM school runs. A-maz-ing!

4. The Littles...

They were so sweet and climbed into my chair to read books while I changed into house clothes tonight.

5. Figs...I thought I did not care for figs until I tried them. They are like candy. Figs are in season right now...try them ASAP! Tell them Jody sent you...

http://www.rawfullyorganic.com/

5 on friday ~ take 2

noreply@blogger.com (Quite Sensible Indeed) — Sat, 17 Aug 2013 04:35:00 +0000

Here we go...

1. School started this week! 6th & 4th grade...

I thought summer flew by too quickly so I was sad it was time to start again so soon. But then as we prepared and organized, I became enthused, not that I had a choice.

2. 1st Day of School Eve blowout and concert...

3. In middle school Mary Kate changes for PE. I forgot to sew her name label into her dress shirt then did not have time when I remembered. I thought what are the odds she will not come home with it on the first day? Well, the odds were not in my favor and she came home without the shirt. Thankfully a teacher helped her and they located it the next day. PTL! Small victories people, small victories.

4. OU football season starts in just two weeks. I am not on top of my game with Celia's appropriate game day attire. Here is the sweetest little thing last season...

5. I love the weekends - but who doesn't? Friday night is full of calm and anticipation of two days with Brent at home. Then bam...it is Sunday night and we are prepping for the work/school week. I hope you have a nice weekend!

5 on friday ~ take 1

noreply@blogger.com (Quite Sensible Indeed) — Sat, 10 Aug 2013 03:26:00 +0000

1.

The rage in blogging at the moment is 5 on friday. I am joining up for at least one week.

2.

Tonight I went to Kroger for a quick grocery run. Ick. I will drive the extra mile to HEB - my true love.

I have slept away from home 23 of the last 31 nights. My wanderlust is really flaring. I traveled to Phoenix, London and Costa Rica. Our next big trip is to Lubbock, Texas for Thanksgiving. Though a well known garden spot, we are really going to see my (& Brent's) godson (and his family).

Flight to Phoenix with my niece Millie and George...

Flight to London and I used all the comforts offered...

When in Costa Rica drink Imperial beer...

I am sad school starts on Tuesday. The summer flew by too quickly. The milestone of 4th & 6th grades stings a bit.

5.

This was fun. I am looking forward to doing it again...

Snapshots {11}

noreply@blogger.com (Quite Sensible Indeed) — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 03:55:00 +0000

Georgie and Mumford Boy...

Snacking while waiting at swim lessons...

A year later this finally arrived from Ireland...

Ballerina girls...

My sister Allie's graduation day...

Ballerina Caroline...

Ballerina Mary Kate...

Good Thing #9

noreply@blogger.com (Quite Sensible Indeed) — Tue, 14 May 2013 21:52:00 +0000

A top takeaway from the UK is the electric kettle. EVERY kitchen there has one. A good friend from Florida used(s) one. I thought it looked handy but never thought to buy one. It appeared to be a necessity across the pond so I had John Lewis deliver one. It is very useful - boils water in a snap. I am a bit disappointed by the US version below - it takes longer for the water to boil. But I went on looks alone and did not research the options. I usually avoid small appliances because I find them a waste of space and limited in use. The best feature is auto shut - no chance of the water boiling away. I suffer from if-you-give-a pig-a-pancake syndrome. I ruined a pot when we were in temporary housing when we returned last summer. Yeah for one less fire hazard in my day!

Buy it here

Snapshots {10}

noreply@blogger.com (Quite Sensible Indeed) — Tue, 14 May 2013 21:18:00 +0000

To infinity and beyond...

Bad sign: a diaper and no baby...

Zoo train outing...

Last sorority wedding...

Addiction takes many forms...

She was so sweet playing the in the dog food. She picked up any spilled pieces...

Snapshots {8} - the Forgotten Post

noreply@blogger.com (Quite Sensible Indeed) — Sat, 04 May 2013 19:02:00 +0000

I missed a post! Let's go back in time to Christmas...

Celia's stocking...which did not turn out very cute...

CRAZY accounting firm Holiday party...

Two sisters, the girls and I helped decorate the church for Christmas...

Final night of the Advent wreath...

Crackers...

We hadn't found just the right thing to make our tradition for Christmas Eve dinner until last year. Now it is a keeper: a traditional English Christmas dinner: bacon wrapped turkey with gravy, duck fat roasted potatoes, roasted brussel sprouts and pigs in a blanket - the UK version is small sausages wrapped in bacon.

Mumford Boy as a little puppy...

I did it! Two for today...off to a blazing start!

Blog Everyday in May

noreply@blogger.com (Quite Sensible Indeed) — Sat, 04 May 2013 18:50:00 +0000

I am dusting off the blog! You see, I am a writer at heart. For a couple of years I've experienced writer's block or rather writer's distraction. When a certain "sweetest little thing" came to being the words stopped. Then we returned to Texas where life was just not as interesting to share.

I do not agree when people say I am to busy to ..... {fill in the blank}. We all have the same 24 hours in a day. I find it is all about how your choose to spend your time. I will say having four children takes loads time. It is not any one aspect of them but simply there are four little people who each have a different need at one moment in time...and the dog needs to go outside....and the timer on dinner is beeping...and the package man is at the door...and there are snapchats to send...and siblings to text and husbands do not like to come home to complete chaos.

Blogging is a written record. Heaven knows I cannot remember the point of this post. How am I to remember what I did 3 years ago? Quite Sensible Indeed is how I remember what I did three years ago. I only print pictures for Christmas cards or the last minute scramble for a school project. With the blog they are saved in another spot than my phone.

I am jumping on the blog-everyday-in-May bandwagon...starting today...I'll even double up to catch up...

No Limits

noreply@blogger.com (Quite Sensible Indeed) — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 02:48:00 +0000

This describes me in one sentence...

Snapshots {9}

noreply@blogger.com (Quite Sensible Indeed) — Sat, 13 Apr 2013 20:01:00 +0000

I think busy season literally just ended for me! Before I break open the champers, our recent snapshots...

A big surprise to open the nursery door this morning and find Baby in this state:

Mary Kate turned 11 on 04/11. It was a full day of school and activities but she ended it with shopping, sushi and Sprinkles cupcakes...

Celia tried on her swimbubble and refused to take it off.all.day. It just needs a monogram and she is ready for the pool...

This is the perfect birhday card for me...my favorite cake...

Selfie...

Baby at her favorite place in her favorite shoes...

George on Easter candy...

Snapshots {7}

noreply@blogger.com (Quite Sensible Indeed) — Thu, 03 Jan 2013 20:06:00 +0000

We've had rain!!!....

Christmas Baby Legs...

First New Year organization project...

I found this when I changed bags...it made me a little sad...

Girl after my own heart...reading at breakfast...

Sneak peek at our puppy...he arrives in a couple of weeks...he likes sharpies too!

Happy New Year!

Snapshots {6}

noreply@blogger.com (Quite Sensible Indeed) — Wed, 05 Dec 2012 04:51:00 +0000

The least I can do I make a from the phone post.

Baby playing in her drawer...

Mary Kate's braid practice...

First Friday Night Football and orange crush...

Victory! Sitting in brother's chair...

The grocery store is oh, so fun...

Can't Fly

noreply@blogger.com (Quite Sensible Indeed) — Sat, 10 Nov 2012 19:08:00 +0000

My approach to making friends when we move is to "cast my net" at various events or groups - playgroups, Bible studies, alumni groups, PTOs, Junior League, etc. I attend a couple of times and see what or rather whom comes out of it. At times I have to make myself go as walking into a crowd alone can be brutal. If the net comes a back empty after a couple of tries, I do not go back for more. The following is from a single "mom's night out":

I was alerted to the dangers of arsenic in rice.

Unimpressed by a woman who went on and on about her mom being one of 10 children. If she herself were one of ten then she would grab my attention.

The best was children can not fly until the age of 4. I had to share children can and do in fact fly before the age of four. Along with myself, I have dozens of friends and family who agree and have successfully flown with their infants and toddlers around the world. What child does not love a parent(s) undivided attention for X number of hours? It is not fun every minute and can be intense but is not impossible.

No doubt this is just the beginning of great blog material!

Pink & Green Frog Party Pretties

noreply@blogger.com (Quite Sensible Indeed) — Thu, 08 Nov 2012 11:04:00 +0000

Celia is 1!

noreply@blogger.com (Quite Sensible Indeed) — Wed, 07 Nov 2012 16:30:00 +0000

Celia is one! Highlights from the celebration of Celia...

Pretty girl in her pretty dress...

Pink strawberry cupcake...

Opening presents...

Grampy and Celia...

Pam (godmother) & Celia...

Papa & Celia...

Oh my...the dimple...

1st chip on her 1st birthday...she has the chip gene...

Quite Sensible Indeed

noreply@blogger.com (Quite Sensible Indeed) — Sat, 27 Oct 2012 15:57:00 +0000

Inquiring minds want to know: what is the story behind the name Quite Sensible Indeed? This month four years ago Brent and I went to London for his interview and school visits. We were becoming desperate. There are hundreds of schools in London - how in the world to choose? So we had two criteria - Catholic and both girls must go to the same school. But something was not right about the schools I visited.

Then Brent called one more school and yes they have places for both girls. I walked up Fitzjohns Avenue among the fall color and breeze. The school was enchanting. A Victorian mansion converted to a convent converted to a girls school.

St. Mary's School Hampstead

The beautiful chapel. Rows of hats neatly lining the hallways. The accents. Nursery children were coming on to the playground up a small flight of starts. The nursery nurse was calling them up one by one. The nurse said: Fletcher well done walking so sensibly up the stairs! The Headmistress agreed by saying: Yes, Fletcher you are quite sensible indeed walking up the stairs! The blog name was born.

The girls thought I made up the phrase. I assured them to just wait and they would hear it as well. Sure enough...at the first assembly the phrase was said - twice!

Snapshots {5}

noreply@blogger.com (Quite Sensible Indeed) — Wed, 24 Oct 2012 20:46:00 +0000

Oops! Snapshots {4} and {5} are out of order...I will have to live with it.

He does sleep occasionally...

They ate ALL the watermelon...

Sissys' room is the best place in the house...

Blob...

Baseball outing...I made my dad proud...knothole seats and we brought all our food from home - including foil wrapped organic hot dogs and peanuts in the shell...

Different: Words

noreply@blogger.com (Quite Sensible Indeed) — Tue, 23 Oct 2012 20:32:00 +0000

We all know the UK and US speak the same but different language. We still have a handful of words and phrases we say in the British way - knickers, nice - as in try this cheese it is quite nice, and buggy.

As we reintegrate we have noticed little differences. Here is an example per speaking child:

Mary Kate: A test question: Is Mt Rushmore a natural or man made object? She said natural because it is a mountain.

Caroline: A getting to know you question: What is your favorite holiday? She said a seaside holiday.

George: he fell at the zoo and an employee offered him a band-aid. He really started crying saying he needed a plaster not a band-aid.

These are quickly fading. Brent and I feel a little sad but it was bound to happen.

Snapshots {4}

noreply@blogger.com (Quite Sensible Indeed) — Fri, 12 Oct 2012 15:01:00 +0000

All car washes need one of these for little boys...

First day of 5th and 3rd grades...

Wacky Hair Baby...

After school snack...thumbs up...

Meeting Daddy for lunch...

First and only calm moment at preschool...

Helper...

Seriously wacky hair Baby...