Like

"Like" has now become a word fraught with implication, so much so that I almost feel using it is a cliche.  Thanks, facebook.  [Not, I should admit, that I've ever been a purist about my "like" usage---in speech I use it far more often than an educated person should as, like, filler (and hear Mr. Boren's voice in my head every time: "Do you mean similar to but not the same as, Ms. Nelson?").]

Nevertheless, some things I like (or not):

I've made peace with writers addressing me as "dear reader"---it may be a bit overdone (yeah yeah, you're being "ironic") but it has a fine history and makes me think of Dickens or one of the Brontës.  Like.

Strangers averring, in writing, that they "miss me already", however?  Affected, condescending, and almost certainly untrue.  A firm "don't like" from me.

Talking about the weather has a reputation as being the antithesis of authenticity; conversation people only turn to when they're shallow or uncomfortable.  I think that's unfair.  Weather talk brings us together; the Great Unifier.  I can respond to five different strangers' "Can-you-believe-this-rain?!" talk with sincere and heartfelt agreement each time.  Likewise with "Isn't it beautiful outside?"  The weather's on my mind every day and I'm always happy to discuss it.

I don't like the saying "Stick a fork in me, I'm done."  First of all, yuck.  But more importantly, you don't stick a fork in something when it's done.  You stick a fork (or more likely, a knife or toothpick) in something TO FIND OUT IF it's done.  So, if we must use this metaphor, we ought to say, "I'm not sure if I'm done or not.  Stick a fork in me and we'll see."  Think it will catch on?

All my children sing and sing around the house.  I love Malachi's wrong lyrics but I also love the ones he makes up completely (one, which runs through my head constantly, goes: "Oh-lee sephola, bi-vee bi-vee bi-vee").  The "Winnie-the-Pooh" in this video (below; song starts at about 1:10) sounds eerily like he's singing one of Malachi's songs.  His voice is also not unlike Malachi's.  Like, like, like!

5

Better than nothing

Certain parties have complained about the lack of Juniper pictures these days.  I am sorry to say I don't take as many as I'd like to; certainly not as many as that cutie deserves!  But here are a few (and I even almost managed to catch some smiles).
Peaceful

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The small ones

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Tithing's over in Asia

"Squeeze my cheeks and I'll give you a kiss!"

So sweet to his sisters!

This boy has never been one to avoid using a word just because he doesn't know what it is or what it means.  My favorite thing is to hear him singing (at the top of his lungs) various songs he's overheard, as he interprets them.  (And he hears LOTS of songs around here, especially since Abe joined the Utah Children's Choir last year.)  Here are some of his (mis)interpretations:
"Nova, Nova, Tidings of Salvation"="Nova, Nova, tithing's over in Asia"
"As I sat on a sunny bank"="A slice was on a Johnny-bank"
"Won't we look purty in the ballroom"="Won't you put birdie in the ballroom"
Lettuce wraps="soda scraps"

My other favorite thing he's said lately?  The following:
Ky: (crying) I got hurt on my tail!
Me: Your tail?
Ky: (crying harder) Yes, and I don't even HAVE a tail!
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Our pursuits stay remarkably constant

2007
2011
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Bear II, smiles, diapers

Sebby got to bring Kinderbear home again.  He brought the girl kinderbear this time.  We loved her.

This girl's hair is growing and growing!  Rachael, do you see that ponytail and clip?  So cute! 

I asked her to smile and she produced this hideous grimace.  Her real smile is much cuter, naturally.

This tiny one smiles at us ALL THE TIME---definite, unmistakeable smiles.  I still haven't been able to capture one in its full glory with the camera, but here is the tail end of one.  She is such a remarkable baby :)
The bag of disposable diapers I bought for right after she was born ran out, so now she is in the cloth and looks like a Real Nielson Baby: tiny little body with big soft bottom.  Cloth diapers always look SO BIG on newborns!  I was experimenting with making fitted diapers (using flannel pieces I had) which is why the one above is more decorative than usual---usually she just looks like this:

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May Day

Daisy looked so pretty in her flowery dress.  And, Beth, please take note:
HAIR!!  Enough to (sort of) put a little clippie in.  Do you see it?

Soon she'll be sporting French-braids and all sorts of other hairstyles, no doubt. :)
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