life as we know it

Make the everyday special.

2012-01-23T17:56:00.001-08:00

Valentines is coming and for some reason, I really like going all out for it! The girls and I made this today, during River's nap of course. They were able to help alot and it turned out great! Do yourself a favor and do not read the nutrition facts on the back of the ingredients-yowza! Never too early to start planning for V-day.

Here I am.

2012-01-22T12:18:00.000-08:00

I'm pretty good at hiding huh? I am at 34 weeks pregnant, reading about homeschooling while River naps and Claire and Lily ski with dad. This is a very normal Sunday! We are loving this season and I don't want to sound too annoying, but I'm enjoying it so much it's easy to hole up. School is going well. Lily is deep into 2nd grade and Claire is transitioning well into what I would consider kindergarten work. Andy wants them to be close together grade-wise so I have picked it up with Claire. I am thankful for the little hands that help unload groceries, buckle carseats, and sweep after meals. What a blessing family working together is! River loves 'hutball'(football to the layman) and can be found running around on our new hardwood floors with one most of the day. Which leads me to another blessing, Andy. I am VERY,VERY thankful for the husband and dad he is! Tonight we will continue painting trim and installing base board while we tune into the series 'REAl MARRIAGE' put out by Mars Hill in Seattle. It makes painting trim a little more fun. I'm journaling every day during my devo time trying to remember things like; went sledding, held Claire for an hour while she wasn't feeling good, Lily asked me how she could help me, Andy and I went out for dinner. The little things that I will want to remember when I'm gray. I am very excited to meet the next member of our family, but I am in no rush. I know it means sleepless nights and less going so I am trying to savor the calm before the storm. I'm also excited that it means family visiting and a hospital stay, or as I like to call it, a mini vaca. Life is good as we know it!

A few more gifting ideas.

2011-12-12T06:02:00.000-08:00

Here's a few more ideas.

1. I bought This plush robe from Pottery Barn yesterday. It was originally 89$ marked down to 49$. Anyone who loves baths will LOVE this!

2. I kind of love this shimmery cardi from anthropologie. It's in the sale section at their website and it's an additional 30% off.

We love doing homemade too! Some things to think about; if you are a crocheter baby booties or a hat are a quick little project that everyone thinks are adorable! Sea salt scrubs in a mason jar. I use 2 cups of sea salt, 3/4 cup olive oil, one dropper of an essential oil. I like going to second hand store and finding cool purses, wallets, plates, mugs etc... If you don't have wrapping paper try some pretty magazine pages. It makes it eclectic and recycles-gotta love that!

A few of my favorite things.

2011-12-08T06:21:00.000-08:00

Tis the season for Advent, celebrating, anticipation and perhaps a wish

list... Here are some of my favorite ideas that may inspire you when someone asks that big question, 'What would you like for Christmas?

1. I love the magazine 'Athleta' and they have done it again with the piper headband. I made my own and wear it constantly!

2. A turquoise bead necklace dresses everything up.

3. I found a great tablecloth and milk glass at goodwill and this picture inspired my to get some cuties to go inside.

4. A great pair of yoga pants my personal favorites are the American Eagle brand. I live in them.

There's a little list, maybe I will add more later now that I know how to copy and paste! Only 17 days til Christmas!

Just so you know.

2011-12-05T20:49:00.000-08:00

I still really care about this blog! It's just that now we have a mac, and blogging on a mac takes time to learn. Andy tries to teach me as I'm printing off copies for homeschooling, switching laundry over or helping someone in or out of the bath. And, oh brother, I have plenty of time to sit and learn it's just that when that time rolls around I choose a bath,or a walk, or _______ enter excuse in the given line. A tutorial on a mac gets a big 2 thumbs down on how I want to spend time, but I will! I promise. My New year's resolution this year is to master the mac...or just learn how to copy and paste, baby steps(=.

Claire turning 5.

2011-11-15T11:53:00.000-08:00

With our sweet-natured, middle child, birthdays can get lost in the shuffle of Thanksgiving and Christmas preparations. I am trying to be very intentional about having a separate party early in November to avoid that. The girls stayed with my parents a couple of days which gave me time to make things extra special! A Claire banner hanging from the hutch, cupcakes marked with 5's and a wax paper/crayon/leaf craft, were some of the features. It was a very fun day with very special people in our life! We look forward to more celebrating with those we missed over Thanksgiving and Christmas. We love you Claire-berry!

Fall and a little more progress!

2011-10-25T12:48:00.000-07:00

Picking up where we left off, weeks 19 and 21 at the bottom of the picture. Happy Fall! Our weekend is filled with fun,free, community activities. Hope you are able to get out enjoy what is arguabley the best month of the year.

To do list.

2011-10-19T19:08:00.000-07:00

1. Put in hardwood floors and continue finding home inspiration on pinterest.

2. Read, Read, Read with the kids!

3. Continue praying to really believe that God is good and wants the best for us. Stop mulling over predestination and election, and just rest in my Jesus.

4. Crochet goodies for the new babies in our life.

5. Look for the best in people and give grace and mercy more than judgement-most respond better to this.

6. Finish painting the trim white, make a triangle banner for River and new baby's room.

7. Enjoy my surprise date this weekend!

8. Collect recipes for our Thanksgiving-Claire's birthday- decorate the Christmas tree-extravaganza.

9. Take vitamin D to replace my beloved sunshine.

10. Make a point to keep in touch to those precious to us.

11. Make Claire and River's scrapbook.

12. Play piano and sing just a little everyday.

13. Focus in on moments like Claire's little feet being the only thing I could see at bedtime reading. They were too cute!

14. Blog occasionally, but more frequently than not.

Keeping track

2011-09-26T06:14:00.000-07:00

I found out about this little baby,July 5th. It is not easy hiding a 4th baby. I felt like I took the test and started showing. I am trying to be intentional about taking pictures every other week as I am thinking this is the last time I will go through the miracle of pregnancy. The girls are just as excited which is bringing a whole new kind of fun into the mix. River is very indifferent. These pics are starting at the top left 9weeks, 11weeks,13 weeks, 15weeks and then the start of my 17th. The photo shoot is held in our very glamorous extra bathroom.

School Days

2011-08-22T07:51:00.000-07:00

We got a headstart on school this year due to upcoming trips and breaks. We are enjoying it so much! All of us, and that says alot. Lily has her alarm set for 7 does devos, chores and breadfast and school starts right at 8:30. Lily chooses what she starts and ends with each day and they can earn media time for excellent attitudes. It feels like a good rythym that we are excited to maintain.

Jason and Lindsay

2011-08-15T11:41:00.000-07:00

I don't talk about them much anymore. Oddly, when I do it's still a pretty fresh hurt. Today is the 7 year anniversary of our good friends, Jason and Lindsay's death. It broke open a whole world of hurt, violence and loss that my little life hadn't experienced up to that point. I remember holding 3 week-old Lily and crying and singing as we had just welcomed the new life of our first baby, but lost 2 close friends to death. We will always remember the sweet memories and look forward to seeing them in Heaven once again.

July and August so far in photos

2011-08-09T18:46:00.000-07:00

Let's do this.

2011-07-31T12:18:00.000-07:00

If you're like me you have all sorts of different kinds of days. You have the uneventful, where you wouldn't necessarily call them good or bad, but just days. You have the days that are great, where you are rested, surrounded by great moments of laughing and joy and when you lay down on the pillow that night you're not questioning the words you said, or the actions of your children, you're just thankful and at peace. Then other days fall into the 'Let's do this' category. Kids are up earlier than usual, quiet time is missed, coffee didn't work and you are seeing all the characteristics in your kids that make you question your parenting abilities. I tend to push through these days, pray for grace and understanding and for the Heavenly Father who is the perfect parent, to once again take the reigns. At the end of these days, I usually turn to Andy and ask, 'Are we doing things right?' 'What do we need to change and work on?' 'This is harder than I anticipated.' On the 'Let's do this' days I especially need to remember to give myself grace and do-overs. The day doesn't have to continue on this track. 2PM is a perfectly good time to make things right! We are coming out of Andy having a very full schedule and me feeling very spent as a mom. Grace needs to abound in our house especially these days. Everyone feels a little off, isolated and out of sync as our work is very lifestyle instead of 8-5. Our annual camping trip is coming and I can't wait to reconnect, rest, and recreate, just us. I didn't know exactly how much I felt this until this morning when I was edgy and the tears started coming. 2 Trader Joe Dark Chocolate bars dipped in peanut butter and Andy taking over has definitely helped on the road to emotional well-being. A week unplugged and unprogrammed will be the icing on the cake!

It's hot here!

2011-07-21T14:11:00.000-07:00

Sprinklers, water balloons and the beach are filling our schedule.

Training with 3 kids.

2011-07-21T14:09:00.000-07:00

Andy is climbing Mt. Rainier in August. Here's what power lunges look like with three kids.

Why I love morning.

2011-07-13T05:57:00.000-07:00

My summer staples.

2011-07-12T11:23:00.000-07:00

I love clothes! I know they are material, they are frivolous, and there are bigger things to think about. I also know
how I feel when I see or wear a great outfit. That being said, this summer I am all about the jean cut-offs and a white tank! Try it you'll love it, except all the male readers, Josh Glidden. You would look like a weirdo.

Love your neighbor as yourself.

2011-07-11T12:28:00.000-07:00

When I was in high school I worked at a CEF Camp, which started my passion for Christian camping. They are very strong on the Gospel presentation and I love that! A great tool they offer is called 5 day clubs. Teens from the area give their time to come to your house do songs,Bible time, games and just fun stuff kids love. They also tell the great story of Jesus every day for 5 days. Claire bear is in her one-on -one time going through the wordless book in that middle pic. It made me tear up a little, praying and hoping she gets it! It's easy to host and a great way to reach out to your neighborhood, which should be our greatest mission field. As Christians we should be the kindest, hospitable and caring neighbors people have ever known! The only thing I had to do was drive around passing out invites, provide the snack and open my doors, I encourage you to get involved in some way in your neighbor's lives. Here's the link if your interested-5 day clubs

2011-07-02T12:33:00.000-07:00

We are using summer to do some projects that would make me too crazy along with school year stuff. I really wanted Claire riding a two-wheeler by the end of the summer. Pulling 80lbs maybe a great workout, but I was feeling more mule than mom. That said she really just decided that she was ready and did it! love her independent spirit. I am working my way through each room painting walls, painting trim, organizing, etc... this summer. Bathroom is complete and under $100 for new curtains, new floor, walls, and trim! I love our bathroom! Next is finishing the trim in our bdrm, I'll post pics as soon as that is done. Gardening always takes time, but I am not burdened by it at all, pure joy. The girls watched this Australian show called 'Just add water,' about 3 teen girls who become mermaids. All they do is pretend they are mermaids with Australian accents all day. River is getting more and more words, but not quite getting the one I want him to embrace. Potty. We'll see if that is a mission accomplished this summer or a potty fail.

My Creed

2011-06-24T12:05:00.000-07:00

I am reading a book right now entitled 'Bittersweet' by Shauna Niequist. I like it, I think it's flaky in spots, but overall good. Andy requested Shauna to speak at our mother/daughter retreat. When her assistant came back with a cost of $3000 dollars for the weekend, Andy asked me to do it. I'm alright with being the second choice, and said I would work for $2900. I'm kidding. Anyways, in one of her chapters she encouraged people to make a list of things that you are not willing to live without, and a list of things that you could give up. So here is my non-exhaustive list thus far.

I will not live without

Giving God my first, my best, my thoughts, my energies, my everything. This is my first and greatest goal. I strive, and fail, but continue to strive for that daily.
Giving my family loyalty, faithfulness, love, committment, time, prayers, good food, and a safe haven from all that threatens on the outside. For us that means low outside committments, intentionality in our home, as many meals together as possible, homeschooling in this season, bringing Jesus into every conversation possible, and limited media. This is my list, no pressure if yours is very different.
Pouring time into the home team, and occasional time to everyone else. There are people in my life who would give they're kidney to me if I was in need, love my kids as their own,and know me through and through. They are a small group of people and I love them more than life. I have also learned that Andy and I know many people and they are great, but they are not the home team. God is refining me to invest time wisely and appropriately.
I love to dance, share a great, healthy meal with sangria and then just talk for hours with great friends. Therefore a church that is against dancing and alcohol, but has potlucks of cheetos, KFC,doughnuts, and generic punch-not a great fit for me!
I love laughing, traveling, clean, clutter-free spaces, cuddling my kids, walking, biking, gardening, snowshoeing, reading practical Theology, remembering old stories and telling them again and again, sermons by Tim Keller, bluegrass, jam bands, early morning prayer journaling, before bed baths and dates with Andy. These are the moments that refresh and refine me.

I may have left some things out, but I got alot in there. It feels good to hone in. I would encourage you to do the same, because the truth is, we can't have it all.

More summer goodness.

2011-06-20T21:22:00.000-07:00

We are doing a summer book club with friends. Our first book was 'The Secret Garden', so first party was a garden party. It also fell on the first week of camp so the menu included exciting things like cut-out pb&j and great value fig newtons. The girls went to the nature center, picked strawberries from our garden, and drew flowers, while we would casually ask them questions from the book. We wouldn't want them to know we were sneaking in school. Every Monday night Our home hosts the teen and college girls from camp. While we were studying Proverbs, the guys were playing video games...What???? It was so fun to host and look forward to many more. Now I need to go to bed. 5:30 comes quick!

Celebrating Summer

2011-05-30T11:55:00.000-07:00

Happy 9th Anniversary.

2011-05-26T11:50:00.000-07:00

We really wanted a long, nice meal with our brother and sister-in-law. We got it!
Reservations at 7:45 and shut it down at 11:30. Great food and great company, super special to savor
each, delicious bite and not rush, clean up, or race to bed time. Anyone married over 1year probably understands
the value of things that take time to be really good! Our marriage becomes sweeter and deeper over time and we
plan on putting the time and energy into making the next 60 even sweeter!

There is no more lovely, friendly and charming relationship, company and communion than a good marriage~Martin Luther

Weekend road trip in pictures.

2011-05-23T12:44:00.000-07:00

Saturday

2011-05-21T12:35:00.000-07:00

Do you ever just make your mind up that you're not going to 'do' anything? Just be still. I am sitting here, afgan wrapped around, just listening to Lily and Claire play right out that window and it's so nice to rest.

I love Saturdays.

Museuming

2011-05-19T15:04:00.000-07:00

It's national museum week so we decided to head out to a Discovery Center for the day. 'We' (I) decided to wait til 1 for the free admission.

Claire decided to do some cleaning up with our waiting time. Atta girl!

And we're in!

My kids 'rising up and calling me blessed' for teaching them the lesson of a 'penny saved is a penny earned.' They'll appreciate the hour and a half wait someday I'm sure.

3rd child entertainment

2011-05-18T09:39:00.000-07:00

It's a slippery slope.

Sunday Paper

2011-05-17T12:02:00.000-07:00

We recently bought the Sunday paper. You know the story. Guy calls,'Ma'am would you be interested in buying the paper?' He sounds scared I'll hang up. I feel guilty that I usually do cut this guy off and am fearful that the written word is about to be extinct...We now get the Sunday paper.

Little did I know what a treasure I had been missing. I haven't felt this informed, ever. The girls love the comics, and I am happy that my fear and guilt served a worthy purpose.

Safe to say.

2011-05-12T12:39:00.000-07:00

I as a teacher have lost my power. The 5 lessons of school can wait for rainy days.

Turtle and the Hare.

2011-05-11T05:25:00.000-07:00

I'm speaking at our upcoming Mother/Daughter retreat, this weekend at LGYC( shameless plug). I've known for awhile that I'm the turtle in the race. I work better slow and steady as opposed to fast and furious. So these talks have been in the works for a couple months, getting honed and almost ready to cross the finish line. So now you know I am a springer and a turtle and that is way more information than you probably ever wanted. But I think it's important to recognize how you operate best.

Happy Birthday Andy!

2011-05-10T08:07:00.000-07:00

Birthday breakfast table set!

Birthday cards being made.

Birthday french toast being enjoyed.
Today I am so thankful for Andy!

Happy Mother's Day!

2011-05-08T06:37:00.000-07:00

We've all been a little under the weather, I stayed in bed so everyone helped themselves to breakfast.

It's a beautiful morning and these tulips Lily and I planted together were calling my name. I still remember picking out the color and then digging up the soil with her. She is precious and aren't they beautiful?

I feel so blessed by a loving family and the beauty that surrounds me, hope you and yours have a beautiful Mother's Day.

A walk after the rain.

2011-05-05T19:50:00.000-07:00

Lily is at that stage of joking and not really having a punch line. Tonight's example, 'What did the flower say to the other flower?' 'You're ugly.' She has her father's humor.

Savoring

2011-05-04T20:35:00.000-07:00

We're celebrating birthday week for Andy.

We are blessed with a full table of all yummy foods provided by very sweet friends that celebrate right along with us.

Seriously, blessed and thankful for great friends and great food!

Springers and lingerers.

2011-05-03T13:34:00.000-07:00

Andy just told me that everyone is either a springer or a lingerer. I am a springer. I wake up at the same time roughly every morning, my eyes pop open and I hit the ground running. Annoying, trust me I know. Just talk to Virginia and Andy who are both lingerers in my life and have had sleepovers with me. But, I love my mornings. They are quiet and fresh. School is coming to a close, but I wanted to capture a little of the preparation I have been doing since Sept. Always accompanied by iced coffee and pb toast.

Another sight I love are these pretty little bud vases that will find homes all around our yard. 99 cents well spent.

Monday mornings.

2011-05-02T06:20:00.000-07:00

Thankful for Andy letting 6 little, extra hands help make pancakes.

Thankful for the extra 15 minutes in bed. Check out that morning hair.

Eucharisteo

2011-04-29T20:33:00.000-07:00

This blog has been a long time coming. I come on here to write and thenI wonder how much of my heart to share. I have been in a funk. A laundry doing, diaper-changing, homeschooling, dishes-washing funk. Then you start asking yourself, 'Is it really that bad?' I know others are going through much worse. All you know, is what you know, and I was struggling. Just in time God sent a friend who passed on to me the book 'One Thousand Gifts.'
It was a needed wake-up call.
I was not lacking anything but perspective and it had robbed my joy. I love the line from the book, 'How do you open the eyes to see how to take the daily domestic, workday vortex and invert it into the dome of an everyday cathedral?' My eyes are opening. I am hugging longer, kissing warm cheeks, stilling my heart, and thanking God for every little thing I can possibly thank Him for. And it's spreading. Lily's prayer today at lunch, 'Thankyou God for a mom who teaches me, a sister who plays with me and cute, little River.' That's what I want to pass on. That's who I want to be. I would argue that as Christians there is no place in our life for ingratitude if we have grasped what we have been saved from and saved into. There is a theme through scripture of pouring ourselves out, not for men, but to God's glory and being filled again. So I say it out loud whenever I'm thankful for something, I want others to hear that. I write it down for days when I have a short memory-which is more often than not. And I take pictures of moments that God in His goodness has blessed me with . I will finish this race to the glory of God, and I want to finish as a Mary, at Jesus' feet, not a Martha always busy doing good things and never enjoying His presence.

So much to be thankful for so little time.

More Andy/camp video promotions

2011-03-24T09:56:00.000-07:00

Great minds, I enjoyed it, hope you do too.

This is one of those catch-up blogs.

2011-03-22T18:16:00.001-07:00

It won't take too long. We're watching, 'Life as we know it' tonight. I'm watching, Andy's being sensitive, which makes me watch Andy more, very important life cycle going on. I know what your thinking, 'Do the producers of that movie follow your blog and were you the inspiration?' To which I would say, 'Probably.' I am enhancing my true age and stepping into the world of texting. I just want to be able to keep up with my 6 year- old. So heads up I might message you on my sweet droid. Did I say that all correctly? On my drive tonight I listened to this and it blew my mind what people will do to come to America. Also blowing my mind is this book I'm reading to our kids. All I have to say is thankyou plumbers and garbage men, the black plague sounds nasty, so thanks. Sorry no pics, but I will come back with plenty after my girl's weekend with Jessica. Until next time, text safely.

inconceivable

2011-03-08T21:13:00.000-08:00

Guess what we watched last pizza and movie night... here's a hint; late eighties, Princess Buttercup, if you guessed 'Goonies' you need to watch more eighties movies to be ready for this worthless trivia. However, we did watch 'Goonies' 2 pizza nights ago and that gave the PG rating a whole new meaning.

March is shaping up to be a wonderful month! Andy's parents (see picture above) are visiting and we are having alot of fun! We went to the Sprecher Brewery on what maybe our most interesting home school field trip yet. Lily learned exactly what it takes to make beer and distribute it-Yay. Our tour guide kept saying yay, so I thought it would be cute to reference that. Also none of us had any beer even though we potentially could have had 4 free samples. Yay.

My mom comes Sunday to watch the kids while Andy and I head to a conference for Christian camping- it's always a blast. Great seminars, lodging and company. Yay for moms who give their daughters lots of help. Dad comes up Thursday to round out a great week of hanging out.

Then I get to go visit one of my very, very favorite people, Jessica (far left, wish I could photo shop us together, but...) This is a highlight of my year no exaggeration. She is very dear to me and it warms my heart just to be near her and her growing family. I can't wait! Yay.

Happy Valentine's Weekend!

2011-02-10T21:47:00.000-08:00

We're at 11 and counting, apparently hairstyles as well.

We've done it all...

2011-02-09T14:48:00.000-08:00

and it's only 3! It's amazing how long, days with little ones can feel. Young minds are fed. We've played outside til fingers are numb. All hearts have been tended to. The cookies were baked by 10, and the house is tidy(enough), is it bedtime? No, no it's not. We've got 4 more hours of 'who the heck knows?' So today I'm trying to focus on the beauty of my unending day. Every parent I have met with adult children says how fast it goes. With that in mind, I won't complain, I'll hold them while I can. Here's a picture of one of our inside activities as of late, phone dates with long-distance relatives.

Up late.

2011-02-04T23:54:00.000-08:00

Winter camp is going on, Andy's not here=me up till 2 am. I listened to this and it packed a punch as a mommy of youngin's.

Stormagedon.

2011-02-03T18:53:00.000-08:00

Catchy title eh? That what my sister-in-law has affectionately titled our recent blizzard. You might have heard about it... If not just read any recent facebook status update and you'll be all caught up. We've been enjoying honey oatmeal bread (2 loaves a day.)

'Playing in the snow', honestly it's more like survival of the fittest.

Don't you love his laid-back, casual, pose? That's our back porch. The amount of snow is unreal!

We've also been enjoying having a very dear friend live with us for a few weeks til we can get her moved in at camp. It's been as close to Heaven as you get on Earth. Nights filled with tea, snowshoeing, and Andy making fun of us doing both. It doesn't get much better! We press on in homeschooling. Days are filled with reading, speed drills, hand writing, reading, phonics, reading...ok lot's of reading-such a fun perk! Almost through 'Magician's Nephew', my personal favorite in the 'Narnia' series. Hope you have at least a little snow wherever you are. At least enough to make a ball, throw it at someone and make them real angry. Cheers.

2 blogs in one day.

2011-01-27T21:55:00.000-08:00

Has she lost it? No, but my stomach feels...funny, so I'm up. Lily came in and brushed my hair and we talked about life, and how she loves babies and that she dreams of having a horse. I love my little first-born. Today in the car she recruited everyone to grab the trash out of the car because, and I quote, 'I do not like a mess.' She is really becoming a lady, and I'm so proud. She takes care of Claire by comforting her after 'bad monster/alien dreams. She helps me babysit whenever there are kids in the house(very frequently). She willingly helps with chores-laundry, room, mopping, sinks and counters, and keeps us laughing.

My husband's creative genius.

2011-01-27T14:50:00.000-08:00

We work at camp, and I'm a proud camp wife. Here's our wintercamp video.

Perspective.

2011-01-24T13:44:00.000-08:00

I left on my snowshoeing expedition anxious. Thoughts-a-whirling about big decisions and doing the right thing, then I listened to this, and my perspective flip-flopped. I want everyone to know Jesus unashamedly, and at the end of the day that's all that matters. It doesn't matter if the house is tidy and cute, if my kids don't know Jesus. It doesn't matter if my zumba class was full, if they didn't see Jesus in my every action and deed. It doesn't matter if I made Andy's favorite meal and coffee on time in the morning, if I didn't love him like Jesus. I think you get the point, I know I did.

Snowed in.

2011-01-17T18:19:00.000-08:00

Don't you love when weather allows you to do nothing? Schools close, businesses close, and the world(at least our little part) is quiet. My laundry list of excuses include, but aren't limited to; can't grocery shop or go any where-roads are too bad, can't clean- snowshoeing and sledding are way more fun. I don't remember when it was decided, but Andy's days off are every body's days off. No school, no chores, just being. Today for me looked like, catching up on Bible reading (while River napped and Andy played with the girls), games, sledding with the girls (and hanging out in their tree fort), praying, snowshoeing while listening to a sermon, and pizza with the family. My heart needed quiet today, and being snowed in made that possible. Thank you God for the little things.

Hide and Seek.

2011-01-10T17:41:00.000-08:00

This was Andy's hiding spot for tonight's round.

Game days

2011-01-05T07:57:00.000-08:00

We're on a good, long stretch of game playing and hot chocolate drinking. It's cold, but there's no snow, which means we stay in. We're loving our new, hand-made Memory from Grandma and Grandpa Warken, Farkle and Spot-it from Grandma and Grandpa Mette.

Instead of putting them away, they get pushed to the side at dinner-time. Loving winter this year.

New Year's Resolution.

2011-01-02T19:20:00.000-08:00

Mine/Ours is to have monthly date nights. This does not include us putting the kids to bed, looking at each other and saying, 'You wanna play a game or watch a movie.' It's us getting a babysitter and having a plan.

This magic doesn't just happen, it needs tending. First date night was 'True Grit' and Potbelly's. Nothing spells romance like a good western.

Best article I've read in awhile.

2010-12-27T20:36:00.000-08:00

This was so helpful to me in a lot of ways, hope it blesses you as well.

Clogging.

2010-12-27T13:15:00.000-08:00

Ok, I wanted to get the girls into gymnastics. Innocent right? Do you know how much gymnastics cost? Alot! So I made a couple phone calls and they're signed up for clogging, the poor man's gymnastics. Here's a taste of what they'll be learning.

O Holy Night!

2010-12-23T18:18:00.000-08:00

Just got my kids out of bed to sing Christmas songs. This has to be my all time favorite verse of any Christmas song. Merry Christmas!

Truly He taught us to love one another;
His law is love and His gospel is peace.
Chains shall He break, for the slave is our brother,
And in His name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we;
Let all within us praise His Holy name.
Christ is the Lord! O praise His name forever!
His pow'r and glory ever more proclaim!

I'm praying that people know me by peace and love and asking forgiveness in areas I know I need it. Chains are broken, we are free, no better news to live under. Peace.

Feisty.

2010-12-20T06:04:00.000-08:00

The word of the day is feisty. Sometimes I can get feisty. I am a justice seeker, freedom fighter, zealot, kind of girl. I see things, I call them like I see them and then I want to make things right. Thankfully in these moments God has sent me Andy. I'll be on a roll, talking about how things 'should' be and he'll pull me into a quiet place. He'll say, 'sit down.' Then he proceeds to pray for me... things like, 'Thank you God for your grace, and mercy and peace, help us to love others how you love them.' Usually, I don't get it until I wake up the next morning and realize that His mercies are new every morning. In these moments I thank God for Andy and the balance He brings.

Occasionally I'll pray for Andy to be a little more 'feisty.' That's just between you and me.

A new favorite sweater and dating your dad.

2010-12-15T17:29:00.000-08:00

Today was a great thrifting day. Andy would call it a 'bad' thrifting day. A day where I found everything I never knew I needed. Like the BBC 'Pride and Predjudice' on VHS. How could I pass that up.

This lovely new sweater-I have a thing for sweaters.

Thrifting wasn't the only fun thing. River has discovered that books are cool, and funny and will hold his 15 month-old attention. It was a beautiful 3 minutes let me tell you.

Tonight Andy took the girls on a fancy date out to dinner, complete with kitty cocktails and dessert. They were in Heaven and I can't wait to hear all about it.

It just doesn't make sense.

2010-12-13T09:23:00.000-08:00

Everyday I do the same thing. I take a big dollop of moisturizer and spread it carelessly all over my face. The next 20 minutes I'm making this face because my eyes burn so bad. Why?

Do you have something you do on a regular basis that makes no sense? I'd like to hear it to know I'm not the only fool out there.

Recovery

2010-12-12T08:15:00.000-08:00

Andy has lots of companionship through this recovery. It drives me crazy that our room is a hospital room/ office, but no one else seems to mind.

Could you live with just 100 things?

2010-12-10T05:34:00.000-08:00

This article has peaked my interest. I lean on the minimalist side and appreciate the thoughts behind this. Who knows what the New Year will bring for our family?

Today is one of those days.

2010-12-09T13:59:00.000-08:00

One of those days that makes winter worth it. The girls are playing happily, pumkin bread is warm and waiting to be cut into, and the snow is falling.

Tea Parties, Turkey and T-Advent.

2010-12-03T15:10:00.000-08:00

I really wanted the title to be T's. Can't blame a girl for trying. We are freshly back from visiting family in VA for Thanksgiving. It was a blast! We always pack in alot ie... Christmas, Claire's B-day, family pics, visiting out-of -state friends and games, lots of games and lots of laughing.

On the way out we stopped and saw our good friends Matt and Abby in Indy, and Brent and Mary in Ohio. We stayed up too late, laughed a ton, and just hung out. Next stop was Virginia where we visited Kurt and Cindi at their apt. along with the rest of the fam. It was just a really good, special, family time. Are you wondering what the tea party was about? I finally had an official, girly, b-day party for Claire. As opposed to singing Happy Birthday over the pumpkin pie and turkey. We had 8 little girls over and played musical chairs, ate tiny finger foods and drank tea. I think it eased the trauma of turning 4 a bit.
Now we are in one of our favorite seasons, Advent. Today's activity was to make ornaments. Our sweet helper Katie, had fun with it too. They turned out nice considering the little thought and work that they required.

Happy 4th Birthday Claire Afton!

2010-11-21T06:20:00.000-08:00

We love you!

Our very own drummer boy.

2010-11-18T22:14:00.000-08:00

Growing up.

2010-11-07T20:20:00.000-08:00

I remember the first day I brought Lily home, crying to Andy that she would one day leave and go to college.

I'm feeling that way again. Claire is coming up on her 4th birthday and was literally crying tonight before bed because she wants to stay little. So being the responsible, logical parent that I am, I started bawling right along with her.

Why do they have to grow up so fast?

Just so you know, I pulled it together and told her that birthday week includes cake every morning and a movie whenever
she wants. What other choice did I have, she was breaking my heart? I think I may have been dooped...

For the tens of tens of followers.

2010-11-01T14:50:00.000-07:00

That have asked for pictures of our costume party, this is for you. We had a blast! Erin and Nicholas took first place as Wedding day Ken and Barbie. They looked perfect. Second place went to Megan and Annalee Loomer who came as us, that's 'River' she's holding. Third place went to Steve and Megan as the Amish couple. Honorable mention were Derek and Nicole as 'Dumb and Dumber.' We went on a hay rack ride, that's right people hay rack. At least Virginia was there to back me up. You can't possibly have a party without mafia and telephone. Good times, thanks for coming!

Quotes from the kiddos.

2010-10-31T18:31:00.000-07:00

Me: Girls, tomorrow is a new day.
Claire: Yeah, with candy in it.

Happy Halloween!

Fall

2010-10-28T12:22:00.000-07:00

Bundled.

Cozy.

Precious.

Guilty of the following;

2010-10-26T10:46:00.001-07:00

1. Thinking I have no time in the day, racing through the morning and realizing at about 1PM that, 'yes indeed, I do have enough time.'
2. Drinking my body weight in iced-coffee, but not just iced coffee, it's the 3ft of whipped cream that does me in, then drinking a glass of water to feel better about it.
3. Reading the 'Count of Monte Cristo' instead of, you know, showering.
4. Making the same meals on rotation and Andy asking me to branch out. What's wrong with chili and spaghetti?
5. I still hate poopy diapers, they never get easier for me. Does this make me less maternal?
6. Loving that song, 'Hey soul sister, hey there mister, mister.' I know it's pop crud, I still love it.
7. I had made this ideal schedule that looked something like this; 5am- workout, 6am-devos/school prep 7:30 breakfast, kids ready, school from 8:30-12 with breaks and chores in there. We were successful about a day. Yeah. It looks more like cuddle til 8-ish, school done by 2-ish.
Oh the fun guilty pleasures.

Should I be blogging right now?

2010-10-20T05:37:00.000-07:00

Definite no. We need milk, River is awake and Andy is gimpy after Sunday football, but.... There's things I need to write down. Andy had big plans for ski patrol and all sorts of fun this winter that will now have to wait due to this new knee injury. Lily is obsessed with her American girl magazine and has began a heart system. She puts one heart if she kind of wants something, 2 hearts if she definitely wants something and a bzillion hearts if she will hold it against us later in life if she does not get that horse and sleigh for her American girl. She stays up looking at the magazine with a flashlight and pen every night. It's adorable and reminds me of 'Miracle on 34th St.' Claire is reluctant to turn 4 because I have told her to many times to, 'stay little.' It was obvious I took that too far when she told me, 'she did not want a birthday.'
Oops. Well our little man, is now on the move. He's been officially taking steps for a few days now.He's in the unrolling toilet paper, knocking down plants phase, fun fun. Don't worry about me, my plates are spinning, but not crashing to the floor. Homeschooling is a highlight and has been a great choice for our family structure. Andy did all the teaching yesterday, being couchbound and all. I started teaching zumba again, and love the sweet women and bonding that happens. I also had my first counseling session last night. It's different than you expect. It's not so much, 'How did that feel when you were 15...?' It's more establishing with them who we are positionally in Jesus and the difference that makes in every area of life. Of course with me something had to go a little wrong. I had an asthma attach at the very end. Real professional, me gagging,coughing and puffing on an inhaler. She mentioned she had 4cats and a dog. I said, 'Yeah, that's probably it.' Off to buy milk. Peace.

If you're married or will be someday.

2010-10-04T10:12:00.000-07:00

Tune into these. They are frank, provocative and Biblical. I have been convicted and encouraged. They're a great date or to take on your ipod. You won't regret it!

A few mistakes lately.

2010-09-28T19:54:00.000-07:00

1. Tonight I rented 'Last Song.'
2. Yesterday I efficiently rose at 6 am and planned school for the day. I then efficiently crawled back into bed at 6:45 and stayed there til 9. Does this count as a teacher inservice?
3. Wanted to have the house smell 'fall-like', so I simmered apple peels and cinnamon, apparently way too long, and spent the next few days scrubbing that pan.
4. Was hurt that we were just going out to dinner for my b-day. I really got upset about this and let Andy know how hurt I was. He apologized as we walked into our friend's house and heard, 'Surprise.' Yeah, I felt really stupid.
Yay, for feeling stupid, it's so refreshing to lean on a perfect Savior, and realize it's not up to me or about me.

30 reflections upon turning 30.

2010-09-23T15:13:00.000-07:00

Psych! All I have to say is that with three kids, an IRA and a minivan it's about dang time I'm 30. So I welcome you thirties, but take it easy, don't go too fast.

Girl's Trip to Prince Edward Island.

2010-09-16T17:45:00.000-07:00

I am in a race against time to get these pictures in and memories written down. Tomorrow it's back to reality ie. school, cooking, diapers, you know, life. I did come home to a very sweet welcoming, complete with my b-day week schedule. That was an awesome treat. To sum up this trip, my mom spoiled us for a week. Here are the highlights;
1. The beaches were amazing!
2. Theatre and/or live music every night of this vaca is living my dream.
3. Seafood fresh and available everywhere!
4. The people were so sweet!
5. Reading 'Anne' as we traveled and seeing the inspiration behind my , and I think Lily's, favorite book.
6. B&B's
7. Mom and Lily. Yahzee, reading in bed, laughing alot, P.E.I. Preserves, 'I'll take your trash, this is the house, right through here is the carriage ride', sharing a bathroom with men, starfish, and so much more, thanks for the memories.
8. Making pottery.
9. Stopping anywhere and everywhere we saw something fun!
10. Coming home to a great Husband and kids that I missed, but appreciate all the more after little breaks! Not to mention an amazing mother-in-law who took great care of the family-thanks for the clean house, sheets, etc... Couldn't have done this without you guys.

River turned 1 today.

2010-09-03T20:12:00.000-07:00

When I say I can't believe it, I really mean it. I of course took a trip down memory lane once the kids were all in bed. First I looked at the pictures of us having River. I love having babies. It may sound weird, but I love pregnancy, labor, delivery and the hospital stay. So needless to say, I got sentimental. I thought, ' I wonder what all our babies would look like next to each other at 1 year. ' Here you go. There is a definite resemblance, but each one is different too. We are enjoying River so much! He's cuddly, sweet and very chill. Happy Birthday River.

Guess what!

2010-08-30T23:50:00.001-07:00

I'm up at almost 2, and so I'm going to blog. Why do I not realize that I don't have the 'magic Andy gene' that makes you able to drink an espresso at 9 and fall asleep like a baby, neatly at 12. My head is whirling. Josh Glidden, if you guessed I was pregnant, I do have other surprises(although I have to admit, another baby has been one of the thoughts in my over-caffeinated brain the past two hours.) I've also been thinking about homeschooling and, 'Do I have the chops for it?I'm praying for strength in weakness and trusting greatly in Jesus to provide wisdom to teach and train, which may sound like the dumbest or smartest thing to some, all perspective. I really can't express how much I am enjoying being a mom. It is beyond special and beyond words, can't part with any of them.I'm thinking about going to Prince Edward Island with my mom and Lily in just a week and am too excited. I'm remembering how I was anticipating meeting our third baby just a year ago, and how special that time was, and in disbelief that he will be a year on Friday. I know it's cliche', but where does the time go? I love that yesterday my mother-in-law said she was a great-aunt and Claire said, 'yes you are.' I 'm loving taking walks and listening to Mark Driscoll's doctrine series and praising Jesus for everything that He has done for me. I'm thankful I'm married to the best camp director ever! He loves Jesus, me and our kids and is doing what he was made to do, that's exciting!

We're back in civilization.

2010-08-25T09:50:00.000-07:00

Thank you Lord! We lived rustically, but 'comfortably.' Who am I kidding, not comfortable. When you had to go to the bathroom, you squatted, held your breath and found a happy place. When you needed hot water ,you warmed it up. If you felt dirty, you went swimming, but it makes you thankful for everything you have. Our van was loaded down with gear, bikes, nalgenes etc... Mark Driscoll sermons were on our playlist and we were off. First day in Ely, MN I biked around the lake we were staying on and wrecked pretty bad. I didn't let it keep me down. The whole family went on a 5 1/2 mile hike to Dry Falls for some swimming. The cabin was on a lake and canoes were a plenty. Campfires every night where Lily perfected the art of story telling. The girls loved my old pioneer girls songs. A strange highlight for me were the 15 year-old 'Focus on the Family' magazines laying around. Also Andy got up with the kids every morning! We loved eating at the Chocolate Moose. That sums up our trip, sort of. Now, I'm going to go abuse running water, maybe go crazy and leave it on the whole time I brush my teeth.

Just wanted you to know.

2010-08-24T19:44:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow will be a wildernessy extravaganza of pics and stories. I have not forgotten this blog, but after a week of camping the laundry is...yikes! See you tomorrow with tales from Ely, Minnesota.

Awakenings

2010-08-13T15:23:00.000-07:00

; the start of a feeling or awareness in a person. I've had several of these that I can really remember through my twenties. When I had Lily I felt like I could do anything and it started a little ripple effect in my life. From picking up crocheting, tending plants (as opposed to killing them), cooking, France, sewing, reading monster books that seemed insurmountable... and so on. I got this feeling of ,'Ok, I'm an out of the box thinker, I know this so I might have to do things differently to do them well. All that to say I have always wanted to play an instrument so that I could play and sing and worship in that way whenever. So I got to thinking. Reading music never worked for me. I'm guessing my piano teachers popped ibuprofen before I came. The light never came on. But I know the chords on piano and guitar music has the chords, so Voila'! I can now play piano and sing and I'm so glad to be in another awakening. I'm thankful to Jesus for giving me my 30th birthday present 1 month early. He's so good to me!

Sometimes I'm really tired of

2010-08-07T13:22:00.000-07:00

sinning. Ok, all the time. A lot of the time I find myself finding a way out of thinking what I'm doing is sinning(pride). Saying things like, 'is that really all that bad.' To a perfect God, most likely, yes. Even our good works are filthy rags. I am being continually blessed by 'Mere Christianity,' and wanted to share a paragraph that put things in perspective for what's on my mind so much of the time.

We may, indeed, be sure that perfect chastity-like perfect charity-will not be attained by any merely human efforts. You must ask for God's help. Even when you have done so, it may seem to you for a long time that no help, or less help than you need, is being given. Never mind. After each failure, ask forgiveness, pick yourself up, and try again. Very often what God first helps us towards in not the virtue itself but just this power of always trying again. For however important chastity, courage, truthfulness or any other virtue may be, this process trains us in habits of the soul which are more important still. It cures our illusions about ourselves and teaches us to depend on God. We learn on the one hand, that we cannot trust ourselves even in our best moments, and, on the other, that we need not despair even in our worst, for our failures are forgiven. The only fatal thing is to sit down content with anything less than perfection.

Poop art strikes again!

2010-08-04T10:56:00.000-07:00

The criminal: River Warken age 11 months (youngest rogue yet)

The scene: Too gruesome to show, trust me.

The eye witnesses: sisters who found it all hilarious.

The damsel in distress: bleaching, washing, smelling...definite distress.

I have to start somewhere.

2010-07-16T19:37:00.000-07:00

I wish I was just telling you today's goodies, but life is full and blogs get pushed to the back burner, so will overview. July and August our home becomes Le' Hotel Warke'n , we're fancy like that. It's a funfest! My great friend Kathleen with her twin girls came last week, which means kids are entertained and the moms get to talk, and talk we did, til 1:30 am, which is very late for this mama. I recovered with my daily, huge, iced coffees (perky doesn't just happen). Next to visit were Kurt and Cindi. She is definitely in the right field, she takes a slew of pictures and is always ready. So we went to the beach alot, played games, and celebrated Lily turning 6 (yes a little early.)

In the beginning of Lily's birthdays I went big. Sad to say, this cake was taken straight off the back of the box.

Lily was lead on a scavenger hunt that included bunnies and her cousin Mac (the goldendoodle.)

We played tag in the field and the adults laughed more or as much as the kids.

Lily was in day camp this week and rode the giant swing, she told me tonight she wishes she could ride it 'every ten hours.'

Summer favorites list

2010-07-03T18:54:00.000-07:00

From shoes to music to, well it won't go much beyond that. Here are some of my top picks.

1. As far as sandals go, these go with everything and my love for them is still going strong.

2. I am really enjoying having a sitter every Saturday for a couple hours. Sometimes I road bike, sometimes I journal, and then I come home refreshed and ready for the day.

3. The beach,

and this suit. It's called the Body Glove and ensures that non-swimmers are safe while moms are caring for little ones.

4. Here's what's getting played lately on my ipod; Jack Johnson- To the Sea, Mike Perkins, and John Butler Trio.

5. Our baby's birthday is always such a fun party. She is requesting super nachos and Chocolate chip cookie cake. A girl after her mother's heart

Here are some extra favorites.

6. Favorite healthy drink

7. Favorite summer meal

8. If you're bored with you're hair, but trying to grow it out(=.

9. Favorite sunless tanner.

Some extra music;

Infamous Stringdusters

Trampled by Turtles

Hackensaw Boys

Sean Hayes

Hey, you're welcome. I have set you up for a very sweet summer.

Swimming lessons are fun!

2010-06-29T19:07:00.000-07:00

Mom, we don't care if the teachers are always looking at the clock and look annoyed at being in the water.

We are completely happy all the same.

Who's tired of collages?

2010-06-22T10:31:00.000-07:00

Sorry, the end of them is not in sight. It's the only way I can fit all the pictures I want to post so, there you go. We have been really enjoying all things summer. Andy and I got to celebrate 8 years together and were home by 9:30, pathetic I know. Lily is on her first 'real' soccer team. Andy is thrilled and has big dreams for her. I'm just hoping she chases the ball instead of butterflies. The stomach flu attacked our house, and when I say attack I mean attack, yikes. The girls lying down is what they did for about 16 hours straight. All better now though. This last weekend the kids and I did a crazy one day road trip down to my grandparents. My grandma turned 80 and they were celebrating 62 years of marriage. That merited a road trip. Lily is turning 6 *sigh* and she requested matching aprons for her and her doll, a motorcycle, and a barbie mermaid. I've got the aprons covered. Today we are celebrating Father's day. You know from past posts that this will involve Mountain Dew, steak, biking, beach and the like. Trying to enjoy every second of the beautiful hot weather. Peace.

Enough about me.

2010-06-09T20:19:00.000-07:00

I'm kind of done mentioning the deeds I'm doing each day. It seemed like a good idea at the time, but not now. The point of me saying it was to show that it's important to me to live out who Christ is on a daily basis. Not just this week, but until I'm called home. So back to our regularly scheduled programming.

Today's adventure

2010-06-08T13:01:00.000-07:00

led me to the Agape House. I brought over some groceries for the house mom to make for the girls. I also went there for an interview. In the fall I will be volunteering one night a week as a Christian counselor to troubled, teen girls in the area. I'm really excited to be used in this way and share the Gospel every chance I get (one of the perks of working there.) On a side note, Andy was very surprised they hired me so easily. When I asked him wouldn't he do the same, he replied, 'Maybe.' Yeesh, tough crowd. God bless him for his honesty.

A little known fact about me.

2010-05-28T11:59:00.000-07:00

Ok, it's not too weird, but a little. I'm a little shy in big groups, maybe a better word would be...awkward. They scare me. Why? I have foot in mouth disorder. Statements like, 'You're glowing with pregnancy.' Followed by, 'I'm not pregnant.' I wear my heart on my sleeve and it gets me into trouble. So tonight we have this big golf/country club/ shmooze/ fundraiser and to prepare I'm listening to 'Troublemaker' by Weezer. It makes me feel confident like, 'Yeah, I'll probably say something stupid, and that's ok.' To be honest I'm praying too, alot. Hey and don't write to me and say, 'Little known, I've felt that way for years, you're very awkward.' That would not help me tonight.

Summer must be close.

2010-05-27T16:06:00.000-07:00

Driving with the windows down listnening to this.

New faces.

2010-05-24T13:11:00.000-07:00

It's so nice to be taken care of.

2010-05-24T08:38:00.000-07:00

Ahhh... He's back. I didn't realize how much I missed him until he walked through the door. He's the best. He raved about the kitchen and loves it, I didn't really think he would care. He paid all the bills, hung up the bikes, folded laundry, did the dishes and is now taking the girls to the beach. Wow.

I just made reservations at a great French restarant up in Milwaukee for our anniversary dinner. Cheers to 8 years! Now don't ever leave again please.

Side Note: He was invited on a 21 day trip through the Grand Canyon in the next couple of years. Guess not leaving is wishful thinking.

Andy's away for 10 days.

2010-05-20T09:10:00.000-07:00

We're nearing the end of the stint, but here are some things we have done to stay busy.
1. Went to my parents and enjoyed walks, parks and the zoo. and just had fun.
2. I made an apron out of material my grandma gave me. Hopefully it will sell in our upcoming fundraiser.

3. Cassie and I went biking all day and visited every school's playground til we got kicked off. Pretty exciting. Also, had Subway, always good.
4. Woke up yesterday morning and decided it was time to paint our kitchen. Not the easiest thing with 3, 5 and under, but the girls literally played outside all day and Riv was an angel. I called Virginia and she helped a ton after the kids were in bed. Thanks Gin.

5. Here's a cute picture of me painting.

6. The weather is gorgeous once again and the girls are at the nature center getting a lesson in reproduction. Lily came in saying, 'Good news mom Stuart is on top of Paula shaking his booty.' Rabbits are never appropriate people, never. If you want to put off that conversation, don't buy rabbits.

I'm so addicted

2010-05-11T17:56:00.000-07:00

to these right now. We've made our way through Around the World in 80 days, Black Beauty, and we're reading Heidi. The girls love them and I love that they are .89 cents at Goodwill! Good end of the school year wind-down.

Busy Birthday Weekend.

2010-05-08T19:10:00.000-07:00

Went out to dinner and 'Iron Man 2' with these guys. I LOVE those movies!

We decided this dessert looked alot like fertilized eggs and that's just not appetizing.
This morning I was visited by my very dear friends Nat & Ellen. Ellen is starting an etsy business and has more creativity in her pinkie than, I don't know. She's really talented. Make sure to stop by her blog.
I am also apparently the owner of a fairy coffee shop a.k.a. River's taking a nap, Starbucks is too much $, let's get creative here. And look one of the fairies enjoying my barrista skills.
The awesome thing is that this weekend will only get better, I mean tomorrow is Mother's Day! Holla.

Dad's day off.

2010-05-06T18:38:00.000-07:00

While playing house.

2010-05-05T08:30:00.001-07:00

I overheard my oldest say, 'How about we live together, but we talk on the phone because we're lazy.'

May(hem) is here.

2010-05-02T13:06:00.001-07:00

Tomorrow kicks off a month of celebrating. This guy is turning 31.

30 didn't sound old, but 31 well... especially next to his very young 29-year old wife. Last night he thought he was having 'the big one.' He was surprised that it was merely indigestion, and the relief that came with Tums. I got a big kick out of that. We're going to go see the new 'Robin Hood' and eat at a Brazilian steak house. Another sign of his maturity was his birthday request.

Ok, enough ageism. The next very important day is Mother's day. The carnal side of me is always bummed that it falls in Andy's birthday week, but I press on. If I've gotten any sympathy from anyone reading this, here is a meek little list of gifts I would love!
1. Sleeping in.
2. A sappy Hallmark card that lists all of the wonderful things a mother does.
3. Dark Chocolate, an iced coffee, and a straight hour of reading.
4. Cuddle time with the whole family.
5 No chores, and an awesome dinner that I didn't prepare or clean-up.
6. A road bike ride.
7. Andy watching a girly movie with me and no sarcasm afterwards.

Not too much to ask, right?

There is also our 8 year anniversary and my mom's birthday later in the month, but I have a little time to prepare for those two. Now I have to head to the store for Mountain Dews and a whole lot of red meat.

Oh Baby!

2010-04-28T19:20:00.000-07:00

You have stolen our hearts.

Road trip to Florida.

2010-04-26T14:18:00.000-07:00

Andy's gone domestic.

2010-04-15T04:56:00.000-07:00

Everyday he comes home with new gardening 'tips and ideas.' It's strange I tell you, strange. Everyday before he leaves for work it goes something like this, 'Em, could you and the girls water the plants, the tomatoes look dry.' 'Em there's a lot of weeds around the tulips, would you mind weeding today?' 'Sure hon.' Here are his latest projects a fountain and a rustic arbor.

He wants grapes growing up the front and clematis up the back. I'm not going to lie, I'm very supportive of this new development. The arbors isn't finished or in the ground yet, it will have to wait til after Fl. I'll take a pic of the finished product. Here's where he found the inspiration.

Spring is here!

2010-04-14T09:55:00.001-07:00

With spring we've had some new developements.

River enjoying his sisters as much as they enjoy him.

The first lost tooth.

A chipped tooth, wait that's not new.

This last one is just for its cuteness.