This Oz Life

Favorite foods: Greek yogurt of course, hot dogs, cheese, strawberries, scrambled eggs Favorite word : "Go!" (and she means it) Favorite toys : Anything with wheels Favorite Activities : jumping and bouncing on anything that can/cannot be bounced upon Loves to : do a "routine" when seeing adults (this includes clapping, raising her hands above her head, and doing jazz hands and she does it without fail), take a bath, take a wagon ride, throw things in the trash when asked I… Read more

...that none of you have ever seen in person. While your families were going to church or watching NFL on Sundays, this is what we watched. Doesn't seem plausible? You better believe I have slept under a #3 (that would be legendary Dale Earnhardt Sr.) afghan and could name the best drivers before I knew who Barbie and She-ra were. One of the first things Matt and I discussed was our NASCAR fever. It is not a common interest, especially for a kindergarten teacher who enjoys a good… Read more

Well, tomorrow I go back to school and Larkyn goes back to Miss C. This time last year, I cried every time anyone mentioned it. Not that I will miss her less this year, but I guess I have just accepted it. We had a fantastic summer together, attempting to do something 6 days a week. Our lunches out progressively improved, now that I enlist whomever we are meeting to help instead of watching us unravel, and now that I take her for a walk around the restaurant while waiting for the food… Read more

I had an epiphany last night. Follow me here while I demonstrate the chain of events. First, I stumbled upon this: So I explored for a while, foaming at the mouth for coordinating pens and personalized stickers. This will not surprise any of you. However, then I saw the price ($50) and I knew I couldn't just throw it in the cart like I do here: I start out with good intentions. For instance, "I am going to buy her some crayons today. We will be right back." Then I come h… Read more

You've heard me talk about our little abode, yes? This little girl (it is totally a girl) right here? I like hearing about where other people live, so I thought maybe I'd throw out a few fun facts for ya. I know you are dying to hear them. 1, It was built in 1945. So, it is officially a post-war home . That website cracks me up because our neighborhood is entirely comprised of Rowenas, Brendas, Plymouths, and all the others. The wording in the ads is so sweet. 2. Not sure if yo… Read more

I have a lot of catching up to do on pictures, so brace yourselves... Still to complete: new playground, the Michigan race, lunch with Nana, swimming once more, and a new ice cream place. Read more

For Post-Olympic Withdrawal Syndrome? Because I have it. And the closing ceremony isn't even over. Today, I was actually upset that I missed a basketball game. That is not normal for me. Anyway, I just have to write one more post about this London experience that I apparently thought I actually lived . What were your favorite moments? And favorite people? Did anything make you cry (Aly Raisman, anyone?) Here were my top Olympic moments this year (and these ARE in order!) 1. The wome… Read more

Loving: double chocolate chip muffins from Batter & Bowl ...Larkyn's new habit of fake laughing whenever anyone else laughs (on TV, at a table next to us, anyone )...This weather! I saw someone wearing a North Face at the Farmer's Market, which was kinda ridic, but I guess she wasn't that far off! Thinking about: Having a Stella and Dot party soon. What do you think? Sick of: Anything with mustaches on it or "Keep Calm and..." Sorry to ruin the fun, and please ca… Read more

I'm getting that feeling that I really can't describe. It comes mid-August every year, and is followed by my return to work and leaving the bliss of summer. I have about 8 days left to accomplish some very important tasks. Now, who's coming with us? Read more

This week, I was all ready to make this cool instagram frame I pinned: Well, here's mine: I believe people call that a Pinterest FAIL. I will let you know when I (Matt) actually create the item above. Immediately following my failure, I did what any girl would do: console myself with chocolate. Specifically, a recipe that never fails and never requires a grocery trip. I now introduce you to the easiest recipe. So easy that I am copying and pasting it from its source without any c… Read more

My dad is 87 today. 87! That means he has been witness to a lot in this world. Lots of good, lots of bad. He has so many stories to tell...about growing up on a farm on a road named for our family...about driving the school bus full of his classmates to school...going off to war...working for the Border Patrol...working for the Postal Service on a train...becoming a business man...and raising 3 kids. This is a story about someone else' s dad, but reminds me of my own. I'll kee… Read more

1. That I haven't dried/straightened my hair in 3 weeks? At the beach, flat and sleek hair is not happening. Back in Ohio...I suppose I just like having 20 extra minutes to my day. 2. That Larkyn is rocking the baby "flip" in the back of her hair?  Matt calls it a mullet, but it's the same length all around...which isn't a mullet, right? 3. That 3 men referred to said gorgeous baby as a boy today? One asked "Do you want a regular cart or does he want one wit… Read more

Well I mentioned yesterday that I am slightly obsessed with the Olympics. I tend to get a little wrapped up and am already a sucker for comeback and redemption. So, combine that with the fierce love I have for baby girl, and you've got one emotional post. Just prefacing... Dear Larkyn, Did you know that I wanted to be an Olympic gymnast one day? I know. I can't picture it either. Oh, and an Olympic ice skater. Just ask Nana and Paw Paw; they paid for the lessons and leotards. … Read more