"I coughed and I had a toot!"

The title of this post was a direct quote from our princess today, so classy.
Good thing she's cute and 2 or I'd be worried.

So (I've noticed people in OK start a lot of their sentences with "so". I think it's fun so I'm trying it, when in Rome ya' know?) things have changed since I last blogged. After a day observing/training at the children's center where I was planning to work, I decided not to take the position.
(I can hear you thinking to yourself, "You quit after a day?" Well, if you think that's something you obviously haven't met my fabulous father-in-law who was principal at a large high school for four hours. I'm just trying to earn my Lockett status.)
It wasn't right for us. After a tearful conversation with the previously mentioned paternal Lockett and my own resident Lockett (and some patting from Ava who kept saying, "Mommy, be happy.") it was decided that I would stay home with Ava. Those words are still sinking in for me. I never thought I would want to be a stay-at-home mom, but then Ava was born:) Things have never worked out for me to stay home, and she's always been in the care of either Josh or my grandmother. It worked great. But now we have moved to another state, Josh is about to be supercrazybusy with law school, and Ava needs me. And to be honest, I need her. I don't know how to describe my feelings without sounding like a terrible mother, but I think some of you might understand. After Ava was born I fell in love, but I knew that I had to go back to work and leave her. A light shell was forced to form around my heart so that it wouldn't break. I didn't love her less then, and I don't love her more now. But that shell has finally broken away. I told her that I'll be there when she wakes up and when she goes to sleep and all the time in between. She doesn't really "get it" yet, and maybe I don't either. But I'm so excited to have this time with her, and I'm thankful for everyone who has been so encouraging about this tricky decision.

ANYWAY

Other strange things have happened too.

Like this ice stalagmite I found in the freezer.

Strange huh?

Ava and I made a haul (and a couple of new friends) at the farmer's market this morning!

We decided to make cookies for some of our new neighbors who have graciously brought over food to welcome us to the building. Ava softened the butter.

Next she stirred the dough.

When the going got tough we counted on Frida to finish up for us.

All done!

These amazing thumbprint cookies (recipe courtesy of a fantastic PTA mom) are perfect for little thumbs. She loved "squshing" the dough.

Happy chef

While the cookies baked we wisked up some icing.

Pleased as pie with her color decisions

The finished product!
(Kinda messy, but so tasty. See the bottom of this post for the recipe)

We are in love with evenings in our new hometown. Even when it's triple digit temperatures during the day, things cool off (low 80's high 70's) around 6:00. We are outside every day!
Here is our typical evening:

1. Hop in the jogging stroller, pack water bottles, soccer balls, and a sewing bag.

2. Head two blocks over to the most fabulous park ever.

3. Play for a while

(By play I mean Ava enjoys the playground, Josh kicks around the soccer ball, and I sew at the enterance of the park...fun for all!)

4. Continue walk, observe beautiful surroundings

5. Take a break and play soccer

6. Let Ava lead the way a while

By the time we get home it's almost dark, and Ava checks the mail.

Today she got a letter!

We found a church and the sweet children's minister sent Ava a note.

I am loving life!


Thumb-Print Cookies

DOUGH
2 cups flour
1 cup soft butter
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/2 cup finely chopped nuts (optional)

Mix
Roll into balls and place on UNGREASED cookie sheet.
Make a thumbprint in the center of each cookie.
Bake at 325 for about 8 minutes, do not let them turn brown

ICING
2 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup melted butter
food coloring
milk, drops at a time

Mix together until the consistancy of honey. Icing will thicken once it stands on cookies.

These cookies melt in your mouth, so very yummy!

ENJOY!!!