mitchell happenings

RE: OBX

Ashley Sue Allen — 2009-09-17T21:48:51-07:00

I have to say, these pics and recaps are amazing! My Beau and I are going to OBX in two weeks, and staying at Lighthouse View Hotel as well, I believe. Your whole post and pics just rock. Thank you for that!

Btw, you are such a beautiful family too! You all glow and seem so happy ~ and you look like Kristin Davis too! I love it!

Lastly, heck yeah! Go STEELERS (and Pirates and Penguins)! My guy grew up near Pittsburgh, and we're big fans. :D

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Collette — 2009-03-10T19:13:11-07:00

Problemos

Collette — 2009-03-10T13:32:18-07:00

Problemos

Collette — 2009-03-10T13:31:48-07:00

Problemos

Collette — 2009-03-10T12:53:51-07:00

If you have reader you will see this post, otherwise it is lost somewhere in the abyss of the web. while trying to make some changes on my site, I accidentally redirected my index without realizing that my blog was only located on the index page and not on its own page. Confusing computer talk. Anyway, THANK HEAVENS! for Goggle Reader! It archived all of my posts. So, at least I have access to them somehow and am working on getting them all copied and pasted in a SAFE place! And after all this rig-a-ma-roll, I might be done with the blog as you know it. I feel like it has spread too far beyond my reach - meaning, there are too many of you reading it that I don't know or else am not close enough to to feel like I want to share so much. (Which is why I got into the lost blog mess in the first place!)
I am pretty sure you can't leave comments o this post because that is also lost in the abyss.
AND, it's nearly 2pm and I haven't showered and my kids have been watching TV all day. I hate today!

test

Collette — 2009-03-10T10:57:17-07:00

test

RE: Celebrating the Hoo

Natalie — 2009-03-08T21:49:40-07:00

Love the comparison photos of Xander - It's amazing when you see them side by side - to see how much he has grown!!!

RE: Sewing Machine

Natalie — 2009-03-06T23:50:41-08:00

Hey C - I have a whole pile of stuff you can work on - if you get yours done - ha ha. I hate it when I have waited so long that now the project isn't exciting anymore. Or the pjs I made for Kennedy and "just needed to hem" that are now too small :( Way to go at getting stuff done and fun for the boys to be involved!!!

RE: Sewing Machine

Heather — 2009-03-06T21:30:46-08:00

You have inspired me to finish some of my unfinished project... and to start some new ones! what am I thinking!

RE: Sewing Machine

meghan — 2009-03-05T07:01:23-08:00

i don't know if such a TALENTED person and such a NOT TALENTED person can be friends??

Sewing Machine

Collette — 2009-03-04T21:38:41-08:00

I have been in a bit of a sewing mood lately. I have been finishing projects and am so happy whenever I do. I love to see my final products, despite how frustrating some can be. I have posted several of them on my sewing blog: uncrafty. A few more are coming, but they are gifts and I don't want the recipients to see them there first. If you are not interested, here is just a picture of me sewing one night.

This doesn't hardly ever happen! If it did, I would get nothing done. Zeke does help me with pinning though. He also likes to sit in a chair by me while I sew and play with spools of thread, pretending they are people. Such a great imagination.

RE: Celebrating the Hoo

N.E. — 2009-03-01T21:10:17-08:00

You are so awesome at documenting and organizing all your memories. Amazing! Happy B-day Alexander!

RE: Celebrating the Hoo

Leslie Mingo — 2009-02-28T12:53:58-08:00

I absolutely love the #2 Pancake, what a cute idea. I agree with Kiyo, you are so good at taking photos from birth up. I love how the dog was the same size in the beginning and now so much smaller looking.

RE: Celebrating the Hoo

kiyo — 2009-02-26T07:00:44-08:00

It's amazing to see how much kids change between birth and two. You do such a cute job at documenting that. I love the baseball cake. Did you come up with that idea on your own?

RE: Celebrating the Hoo

Aprille — 2009-02-26T06:59:08-08:00

I'm glad he had such a fun birthday. I love the comparative-size pictures--don't stop! What a sweet little guy. That 2 pancake is fantastic. You're such a creative mom.

RE: Celebrating the Hoo

meghan — 2009-02-25T21:33:03-08:00

i love seeing the changes in the pictures too! i can't believe how cute he is. and i really can't believe that zeke offered to "help" him open his presents...when he wouldn't even open his own birthday presents! happy birthday alexander!

Celebrating the Hoo

Collette — 2009-02-25T20:02:13-08:00

We had two days of celebrating for our little Hoo Bear. First was just our family on his real birthday and then with just the grandparents a few days later. Like I did with Zeke, a more detailed version with more pics will be up on his site. It probably will not be tonight, as I am trying to get some sewing done while the kiddos are sleeping.
Perhaps you are sick of looking at these pictures, but I never tire of seeing the changes. I think next year we'll have to start having him in a little more than a diaper (and hopefully he will be out of diapers).

I tried to make all day on his birthday special. He started the day with "2" pancakes.

Fell in love with his birthday sign somewhere in the middle.

Opened some presents (more of the Little People sets lot I got off of craigslist at Christmas!)

And ended the evening with some present a small ice cream party at DQ. Instead of trying to blow the candle out, he full on stuck his finger in the flame. Not like most 1 year olds do, but more so in an attempt to get the stupid thing out of his ice cream so he could eat!

Party number two was just as thrilling. Alexander was ecstatic to eat his cake. He talked about it all day long. We had some dinner with both sets of grandparents (the soup seemed to be a hit). Next up was some game playing.

As he opened his presents, he had a hard time not wanting to just play. Zeke was very excited to and offered several times to "help" open the presents.

But before that we presented his (terribly decorated!) cake and he tried over and over to blow the candle out with teeny puffs of air.

It was a fun time and Alexander was so happy.

RE: He's Two!

marie — 2009-02-25T18:10:20-08:00

beautiful boy, truly. amazing how much growing up happens in just two years.

RE: The Boy Who Loves "R"

marie — 2009-02-25T18:09:18-08:00

okay, seriously. I can't believe he even recognizes R! I love it - "that's cool mom!"

RE: He's Two!

natalie — 2009-02-25T07:48:34-08:00

WOW - the time has flown! He is such a cutie! Happy B-day

RE: He's Two!

Nicole — 2009-02-23T08:42:26-08:00

Happy Birthday Alexander. I can't believe he is 2 already! What a cutie!

RE: Kiss Me

Ruth — 2009-02-22T21:24:38-08:00

After seeing Nate's photo from the costume party, Zoey said, "Tell Uncle Nate to not dress up like that again." We went to a work party a couple years ago that Bill said was a 70s party. He wore his Napoleon Dynamite suit and I dressed as a hippy--a very prego hippy, I was a couple days past my due date. Turns out, it wasn't really a costume party. And our costumes were just normal enough that most people didn't get that we were in costume, they just thought we were really strange.

RE: He's Two!

Ruth — 2009-02-22T21:17:43-08:00

Great photos. I was wondering is the the similarity in poses great planning or serendipity?

RE: The Boy Who Loves "R"

Jenny — 2009-02-21T20:09:21-08:00

I know a lot of people say that any age their kid is at is their favorite, but, for me, I love 1 and a half to 2 and a half. They just are SO excited about every single discovery. Everything they say is hilarious. They are just so cute and fun. I love that he loves R's. So cute.

RE: He's Two!

Jenny — 2009-02-21T20:05:07-08:00

Derek says that any unidentifiable eye color is hazel. Also, I want to know how you get your boys to be daddy's boys. Mine are both such momma's boys, which is great sometimes, but awful sometimes when I need a break, and they refuse to go to dad. Luke cried all the way home from Barnes and Noble today, because his dad buckled him in and not me.

RE: He's Two!

Rachel — 2009-02-21T09:42:28-08:00

Happy Birthday Alexander!!!!!

RE: He's Two!

NancyEricson — 2009-02-20T21:18:27-08:00

What a cutie and a great talker he is.

He's Two!

Collette — 2009-02-20T15:12:16-08:00

Are they really both the same boy?!

Celebrations review to come...and there is a little write up on his (private) blog if you are interested.

RE: The Boy Who Loves "R"

meghan — 2009-02-20T13:50:26-08:00

that was so cute collette! he is way too smart...i don't get it. maybe i need to send claire over a little more often so you can teach her a thing or two! (alexander is not that much older right??!)

ps how are you feeling about all the cookies you ate today?! haha

The Boy Who Loves "R"

Collette — 2009-02-20T09:06:47-08:00

Alexander loves the color purple, the letter R and clipping his fingernails. The purple doesn't come into play here, but the other do as he makes a very exciting discovery. A very special thanks to Revlon for making fingernail clippers...

RE: Kiss Me

Rachel R. — 2009-02-19T18:53:25-08:00

Nate's costume DID rock!! Wow, you guys were busy. Sounded like fun though.

RE: Kiss Me

Wesla — 2009-02-19T10:52:07-08:00

You guys look awesome! I can't believe you still have your original charm necklace, I loved those!!

RE: Kiss Me

leslie — 2009-02-19T06:57:14-08:00

Collette, I want you around to document my life for me--you take great pictures. I loved the ones sent via email. Both you and Nate looked awesome in your 80s gear--you both looked so comfortable like that--haha. We must see more dance moves from Nate--he was hilarious too. BTW, the pizza did not make me sick at all--I must have an iron gut.

RE: In the Meantime

Jenny — 2009-02-18T22:52:57-08:00

It's weird, because one second he's acting totally high and out of it, but then the next, he's on the ball again like catching Dave (like the whole gum part). Hoax or not, I used to love Joaquin and recently, I'm not so impressed. That beard is hideous. I challenge you to find the awful Ferra Fosset interview that Dave referred to.

RE: Kiss Me

Leslie Mingo — 2009-02-18T14:52:56-08:00

Looks like you had a busy weekend. The 80's party looked fun. Too bad I missed out. Not so sad about missing out on Chuck-E-Cheese sickness.

RE: Kiss Me

meghan — 2009-02-18T14:10:32-08:00

okay, so i voted for you! loved the outfit. but it was hard because everyone looked good. and i think i threw up the chuck e cheese pizza that night! seriously...the worst pizza ever. but it was fun to be with you all....

p.s. i want the pictures too!

RE: Kiss Me

kiyo — 2009-02-18T07:49:55-08:00

Would you be willing to email me the group shots from the party? I'd love to have those.

RE: Kiss Me

dana — 2009-02-18T00:14:06-08:00

haha. the sketching is my favorite part of Chuck E. Cheese too! Yours turned out great.
Looks like you had a fun weekend.
And uh, is it wrong to say that Nate looks really pretty in that first party photo? I think it is....but he does!

Kiss Me

Collette — 2009-02-17T16:18:07-08:00

Here is the rest of my recap of our celebrations.
On Friday night we went to a kid-free Valentine's party. We dropped the boys off at Nate's sister's (we watched her daughter the night before and the kids had fun, fun, fun!)

We arrived at the party to see that, no joke, it really was an 80's party and everyone had dressed the part! It was fantastic to see all those side pony tails, double popped collars, and wigs galore.
I dressed about the same as I would have in 3rd or 4th grade, including my original charm necklace and rubber bracelets.

Nathan went the rocker route. He was excited about his costume, and rightfully so. He looked great and won the costume contest for men.

Our hosts, Jenny & Derek, even set up a spot to have "dance pictures" taken. Nate is taller than me, but with that amazing hair really towers.

We had fun eating, talking, and playing 80's trivia. You can see how fantastic everyone looked in these pictures. And look for Tina Turner - she was the other costume winner!

------------------------------------------------------------------

Now, on to actual Valentine's day. What a BUSY day! thank goodness our lives don't normally look like this fun, but packed day. It started with Nate's 8am basketball game, quickly switched to his 9:30 food drive and then moved on to a fun lunch with friends at Chuck E. Cheese's. We have vowed to never eat the pizza there again if we can help it. There were later repercussions. Next time we will chow and then go there and play. So, here is some of the fun-ness there.

My favorite part is the sketching thing. It was responsible for the new header and this lovely family portrait.

After all the tokens were gone, the AWESOME pizza eaten and several tantrums thrown, we said goodbye/thanks to our friends and headed to Nate's parents' house. Nate's sister Melissa and her family were here for the weekend and we paid them a little visit.

The cousins played a bit and we hung out for awhile. The clock was ticking closer to our next item on the agenda, so we had to split.
After a surprising nap by Zeke on the way home, we woke him up to go to a friend's house to get babysat for a couple of hours. A little party was set up and after a tough time leaving and a sad, still tired Zeke, we left him. Apparently he cheered up and had a great time making valentines and Alexander played with cars.

We just went for a simple dinner at Pei Wei. For a non-sit down/tip restaurant, we like going to Pei Wei because it still has the atmosphere of somewhere nice. And Valentine's was no exception. They actually had someone there passing out flowers to all the women.

Nathan and I enjoyed our dinners and each other's company.

Our post-dinner activity was briefly wandering around Barnes & Noble. Then I snagged the boys and we all went over to our church for a Big Band dance. I danced mostly with Zeke, but also with Alexander for a moment.

He was mostly running laps around the building while Nate followed him. I never got to dance with him because of this. :(

Once the boys were worn out, or nearly so, we went home and put them to bed. We traded some little gifts with each other.

And then watched the very romantic "Knocked Up" while eating some snacks. (Ok, obviously kidding about romantic, but I did find it quite funny.)

It was a very full day. I forgot to write actual cards for anyone in my house...or anyone at all for that matter. Next year, next year.

RE: In the Meantime

natalie — 2009-02-17T09:39:35-08:00

I agree - it's a gag. If he was really into his new "music" - why wouldn't he be promoting it. Plus Letterman wouldn't have made so many jokes at his expense.

RE: In the Meantime

meghan — 2009-02-16T17:14:58-08:00

i watched him on the show...and could NOT believe what i was watching. i totally googled it after...and am certain that it's a hoax! he just can't five up acting...he's insane!

In the Meantime

Collette — 2009-02-16T14:33:31-08:00

Until I write up the rest of our Valentine's activities, I will leave you with this. You may want to go grab a snack because it is a bit long. Very funny and odd though. I have watched other interview clips of Joaquin and am certain this HAS to be a joke. Not just the whole image change, but the idea that he is done with acting and on to hip-hop. The mere fact that a camera crew is "documenting" his transition is enough proof for me. I guess time will tell. And now, on to the interview...

RE: This, This & That

Jenny — 2009-02-14T14:52:09-08:00

Love the pics. Are the last ones from when you were practicing using a crimping iron? I love having Derek home all of the time, but it truly is amazing how much you get done when they're gone. There's no one to talk and waste time with, and you get so bored that you just start doing projects. Any random things.

RE: Coax Me

leslie — 2009-02-14T14:03:12-08:00

Collette, your pics of the boys and their cookies (cakes) are precious--you take great pictures. We had so much FUN--love the preschool.

Coax Me

Collette — 2009-02-12T14:30:17-08:00

This the first of at least a couple of Valentine's Day posts. For Zeke and Alexander's little co-op preschool we had a little party today. So, last night I sat down with the boys to make some valentines to give their friends.

Alexander scribbled on one and spent the rest of the time placing, removing and replacing stickers.

Zeke was a little more into it, carefully selecting his stickers.

At the party today, they made giant valentines,

filled each others' bags with goodies,

and decorated cookies (or cakes, as Zeke kept calling them).

Alexander just chowed on the frosting.

When we got home I decided to make the house a bit more festive.

I saw this idea on a blog. I'd link you to it, but it's someone I knew just from camp as a kid and I don't even know how well she remembers me, so it's probably not nice of me to send you there. Her's were made with foam, fishing line and a glue gun and she got the idea from a magazine. I opted for paper, tape and thread.

RE: This, This & That

Kristi — 2009-02-11T11:42:50-08:00

You did a lot while he was gone! Way more motivated than me when Tommy used to travel a lot. I love the pictures of you - shows a side I don't really know (yet). Sad to hear you have sick kids again - there are so many things going around. Please know that if you ever need anything while Nate is gone you are always free to call me (especially when you have a sick kid!)

RE: This, This & That

Rachel R. — 2009-02-10T12:39:52-08:00

First off, you are a freak. I love it. :) I would have had fun. -I'm glad you liked Maid of Honor. I'm sad I didn't get to watch it with you guys. Sorry Alexander has an ear infection. He was such a sad little boy. :( -I've never seen High Society before. -Our tickets look awesome!

The Fevers Explained!

Collette — 2009-02-10T12:24:58-08:00

Sadly...double ear infection. Poor thing. He's got the drugs and working on getting better now.

(Oh, and unlike his bro a couple of weeks ago, Alexander was an angel at the doctor's office.)

RE: This, This & That

dana — 2009-02-10T08:18:35-08:00

Great recap of a week without a husband. And I couldn't agree more. As much as I miss Casey when he's on a trip....I think the best part is that I don't have to make dinner and I can watch and do whatever I want without having to accommodate others!

RE: This, This & That

Wesla — 2009-02-09T18:39:02-08:00

I'm impressed! You've inspired me to make cookies with Aubrie & Finley.

I just saw "He's just not that into you", too, and loved it.