Sites/posts I've enjoyed recently
Toddler-friendly tofu from Parent hacks--I've been meaning to have us try tofu, so this was a timely post. I found the comment section especially helpful.
Knitting on the Net--My friend Val pointed me to this site when she sent me a link about the cable cast on (which I love--it gives such a nice braided looking edge).
Jean's Top 10 Art Materials for Toddlers, via Parent hacks--For the art-impaired parent like me. It had some good suggestions and ideas that I would like to use with Becca. I haven't looked through the rest of her site, but it looks like it might have some other good stuff.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
In Which I quickly update you on the craziness that is my life
Life with two little ones can be hectic. But I'm glad I have them both anyway. Today was a hard day. I'm thankful that God's mercies are new every morning.
We are going forward with purchasing our friends' house. We don't have much to update on that front right now because we haven't moved forward with anything specific yet, though.
We just got back this past weekend from visiting my parents and family. We spent our last evening there with my brothers and my sister-in-law and my uncle and aunt and grandma celebrating my mom's birthday...Happy Birthday, Mom! Nate and I enjoyed playing my brother and sister-in-law's Wii. I even did okay on Guitar Hero. It was a busy week. I wish I could have seen more people while I was there, but since the best time for me to see people is during the day and most people work, it just doesn't work right now.
Nate was in Florida for part of last week. He had his annual meeting for work and had a nice time.
We're working on reorganizing and purging. My goal this week is to get through Becca's room, the diapers, and the toys.
That's all for now. Sorry for the lack of updates. I'm so busy. And I'm working like mad to finish a sweater for someone, so there's not much time for blogging in the evenings.
Life with two little ones can be hectic. But I'm glad I have them both anyway. Today was a hard day. I'm thankful that God's mercies are new every morning.
We are going forward with purchasing our friends' house. We don't have much to update on that front right now because we haven't moved forward with anything specific yet, though.
We just got back this past weekend from visiting my parents and family. We spent our last evening there with my brothers and my sister-in-law and my uncle and aunt and grandma celebrating my mom's birthday...Happy Birthday, Mom! Nate and I enjoyed playing my brother and sister-in-law's Wii. I even did okay on Guitar Hero. It was a busy week. I wish I could have seen more people while I was there, but since the best time for me to see people is during the day and most people work, it just doesn't work right now.
Nate was in Florida for part of last week. He had his annual meeting for work and had a nice time.
We're working on reorganizing and purging. My goal this week is to get through Becca's room, the diapers, and the toys.
That's all for now. Sorry for the lack of updates. I'm so busy. And I'm working like mad to finish a sweater for someone, so there's not much time for blogging in the evenings.
Monday, January 07, 2008
Dare I mention it
We found a house. Or it found us, I should say.
Some friends of ours are, sadly, moving to another state. They are leaving their lovely home, which they would happily take with them if they could, and we have decided to purchase it from them.
It's a four bedroom, one and a half bath, American Foursquare style house. Two stories with a partially finished basement and a walk up attic/third story that could be finished eventually. There are hardwoods throughout, a nice-sized living room, large dining room, and a good size kitchen--the main floor has a circular floor plan. The yard is quite large for a city yard and is fenced in, with a detached garage out back. And it has a mudroom, the first house we've looked at that actually has had one. The basement has the laundry area and a rec room area. There is extra room down there that could be finished for more space or used for storage.
I do have a link to a page our friends put together on their home, if you'd like to see it.
We found a house. Or it found us, I should say.
Some friends of ours are, sadly, moving to another state. They are leaving their lovely home, which they would happily take with them if they could, and we have decided to purchase it from them.
It's a four bedroom, one and a half bath, American Foursquare style house. Two stories with a partially finished basement and a walk up attic/third story that could be finished eventually. There are hardwoods throughout, a nice-sized living room, large dining room, and a good size kitchen--the main floor has a circular floor plan. The yard is quite large for a city yard and is fenced in, with a detached garage out back. And it has a mudroom, the first house we've looked at that actually has had one. The basement has the laundry area and a rec room area. There is extra room down there that could be finished for more space or used for storage.
I do have a link to a page our friends put together on their home, if you'd like to see it.
Crockpot results
We weren't too happy with the Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal. I'm sure it's not the crockpot's fault. It just was a little too goopy. I might try something like it again with less liquid.
Or maybe not since even though I sprayed the crock with non-stick spray, it's still taking me forever to get all the stuff un-stuck from the sides.
Speaking of which, I've got to go finish cleaning it up before my girls wake up and it's dinner time.
P.S. Ally has taken two naps so far today for over an hour each and is on her third right now. I love her and love having her up, but I also love having her rested. Yay! I hope it continues, but I'll enjoy it while it lasts just in case it doesn't.
Okay, I'm really off to clean up now.
And eat cheese and crackers.
Adios.
We weren't too happy with the Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal. I'm sure it's not the crockpot's fault. It just was a little too goopy. I might try something like it again with less liquid.
Or maybe not since even though I sprayed the crock with non-stick spray, it's still taking me forever to get all the stuff un-stuck from the sides.
Speaking of which, I've got to go finish cleaning it up before my girls wake up and it's dinner time.
P.S. Ally has taken two naps so far today for over an hour each and is on her third right now. I love her and love having her up, but I also love having her rested. Yay! I hope it continues, but I'll enjoy it while it lasts just in case it doesn't.
Okay, I'm really off to clean up now.
And eat cheese and crackers.
Adios.
The purging begins
Nate and I took advantage of Ally's two long naps today (in her crib!) and did a little reorganizing and purging. We got the bathroom linen closet and under the sink done. Then we started on the upstairs closet, which will take us more than one afternoon. We would have gotten more done, but I didn't feel well, so I went to lay down.
We have quite a nice pile of stuff to give away already. It feels good to clean out our closets. I don't even feel like we have that much excess compared with others who will remain nameless (*smile and wink*), but it's still too much for us.
One thing I will teach our daughters (and sons, if we have them), is to work hard not to let things accumulate. Think before you buy.
Nate and I took advantage of Ally's two long naps today (in her crib!) and did a little reorganizing and purging. We got the bathroom linen closet and under the sink done. Then we started on the upstairs closet, which will take us more than one afternoon. We would have gotten more done, but I didn't feel well, so I went to lay down.
We have quite a nice pile of stuff to give away already. It feels good to clean out our closets. I don't even feel like we have that much excess compared with others who will remain nameless (*smile and wink*), but it's still too much for us.
One thing I will teach our daughters (and sons, if we have them), is to work hard not to let things accumulate. Think before you buy.
Trying out my new crockpot...finally
I finally am getting to try out my new crockpot. I threw together this Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal tonight and if all goes well, we will have it for breakfast in the morning. I'll let you know what we thought.
I finally am getting to try out my new crockpot. I threw together this Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal tonight and if all goes well, we will have it for breakfast in the morning. I'll let you know what we thought.
Sunday, January 06, 2008
Friday, January 04, 2008
Last books finished in 2007
I'm going to hop on the book blog posting band wagon (try saying that 10 times fast) and mention a few books I finished at the end of last year while it's still remotely close to 2007.
Nurture by Nature by the Tiegers--given to me by a friend. A look at how understanding your child's Meyer's-Briggs personality type can help you be a better parent to him/her. As I read it, I found that Becca is almost exactly my personality type, though maybe sliding along the scale to the right or left. Overall, it was an interesting book. I appreciate the idea that our children are each individuals and we might need to change how we approach them as their parents. It escapes me now, but there was something that bothered me at the end. I'd recommend it, though, anyway.
All Things Wise and Wonderful by James Herriot--a memoir of a country vet. I enjoyed it.
Sex and the Supremacy of Christ--edited by John Piper and Justin Taylor. A collection of essays on sex, exploring topics such as sex and the single man/woman, what Christian husbands/wives should know, the goodness of sex, restoring the sexually broken, homosexual marriage and the Christian church, Martin Luther on marriage, Puritans and marriage. I didn't jive with all the writing styles, but I'm glad I read it. Lots of good thoughts.
Persuasion by Jane Austen--I actually started it this year. Sooooo good. You must read it.
Oh, and in December I also reread all the Chronicles of Narnia except The Magician's Nephew and The Last Battle. Those are next.
I'm going to hop on the book blog posting band wagon (try saying that 10 times fast) and mention a few books I finished at the end of last year while it's still remotely close to 2007.
Nurture by Nature by the Tiegers--given to me by a friend. A look at how understanding your child's Meyer's-Briggs personality type can help you be a better parent to him/her. As I read it, I found that Becca is almost exactly my personality type, though maybe sliding along the scale to the right or left. Overall, it was an interesting book. I appreciate the idea that our children are each individuals and we might need to change how we approach them as their parents. It escapes me now, but there was something that bothered me at the end. I'd recommend it, though, anyway.
All Things Wise and Wonderful by James Herriot--a memoir of a country vet. I enjoyed it.
Sex and the Supremacy of Christ--edited by John Piper and Justin Taylor. A collection of essays on sex, exploring topics such as sex and the single man/woman, what Christian husbands/wives should know, the goodness of sex, restoring the sexually broken, homosexual marriage and the Christian church, Martin Luther on marriage, Puritans and marriage. I didn't jive with all the writing styles, but I'm glad I read it. Lots of good thoughts.
Persuasion by Jane Austen--I actually started it this year. Sooooo good. You must read it.
Oh, and in December I also reread all the Chronicles of Narnia except The Magician's Nephew and The Last Battle. Those are next.
Family Picture-Christmas 2007
This is as close as we're getting to any kind of a letter or picture this year. :) It's just too difficult to get a good picture and I don't have any time for writing a letter. I'm hoping to send something out when we (in God's good time) buy a house and move.
Anyway, here are two of the best pictures from a spontaneous family picture time at Nate's parents' house.
This is as close as we're getting to any kind of a letter or picture this year. :) It's just too difficult to get a good picture and I don't have any time for writing a letter. I'm hoping to send something out when we (in God's good time) buy a house and move.
Anyway, here are two of the best pictures from a spontaneous family picture time at Nate's parents' house.
The best one of the girls
I think I look a bit happier in this one, but the girls aren't looking
2007 was our first full year in the midwest. We looked for a house, thought we had one, and lost it. I gave birth, by God's good grace, to our second beautiful daughter. Being a mommy of two is hard, but good. I'm so glad that we have both our girls.
Nate continues to enjoy working at home for a company located in CA. He will get to meet up with his co-workers in a couple weeks for a week long meeting in Florida. Don't worry. He'll have plenty of down time. They are meeting at Disney World. Poor guy. And they always have fun evening plans and usually a whole afternoon planned for hanging out at some fun thing. He's looking forward to it.
Becca is already over two and a half. She's busy all the time, talkative, thoughtful, creative, fun, and helpful. We enjoy her a lot.
Ally is five months old (today!). We even sang the song for her. She's rolling everywhere, grabbing things with gusto, putting everything she can in her mouth, laughing, teething, and pushing herself up high with her arms while on her tummy. We can't imagine life without her.
We have been reminded this season that no matter what is going on in life, and particularly during the Christmas season, (Dad's open heart surgery, house-hunting frustrations, losing Nate's grandma, kids getting sick a lot, and daily life struggles) our God is the God who is there, who is with us just as much now as He was when He came as a man over two thousand years ago to pour out His grace on his people.
Grace and peace,
Nathan, Tricia, Becca, and Ally
House stuff, messy apartment, and some other non-related things
Tomorrow we go to see two houses: 1) The Victorian for a second time, and 2) A house that our friends are selling because, sadly, they are moving to a different state. From there we'll make a decision on whether or not to move forward on one of them.
If I could choose one word to describe my home right now, I'd say "cluttered". Seriously, I just close my eyes to all of it at the moment because there is no time to clean it up. But our apartment really needs to be purged, cleaned, and purged some more.
We came home from Texas yesterday. We had a nice time with Nate's folks and his sister. The weather was mostly beautiful. The trip home was so easy--Ally slept the hour and a half to the airport and almost the whole two and a half hour plane flight. Nate kept saying that we left our baby in Texas since she never naps for that long.
Nate's parents and sister got us nice gifts. For Becca, some Duplos, an O-ball, a play dress, a shirt from Cara's school, Melissa and Doug magnetic letters (two sets). For Ally, a book, these cloth blocks called Taggies, a play dress, a shirt from Cara's school. For both, money towards another Children's museum membership when ours expires. I might be forgetting something, but that was most of it. It was a nice amount. We don't feel overwhelmed by toys, which is soooo nice.
Did I mention that our apartment is cluttered? Just checking.
My daughter (who can talk) responded to my "I love you, Becca" with "I love you too, Momma." Be still my heart. It's the first time she's done it and I can't get enough. :)
I just finished Persuasion by Jane Austen yesterday. I heart Persuasion. So good.
Tomorrow we go to see two houses: 1) The Victorian for a second time, and 2) A house that our friends are selling because, sadly, they are moving to a different state. From there we'll make a decision on whether or not to move forward on one of them.
If I could choose one word to describe my home right now, I'd say "cluttered". Seriously, I just close my eyes to all of it at the moment because there is no time to clean it up. But our apartment really needs to be purged, cleaned, and purged some more.
We came home from Texas yesterday. We had a nice time with Nate's folks and his sister. The weather was mostly beautiful. The trip home was so easy--Ally slept the hour and a half to the airport and almost the whole two and a half hour plane flight. Nate kept saying that we left our baby in Texas since she never naps for that long.
Nate's parents and sister got us nice gifts. For Becca, some Duplos, an O-ball, a play dress, a shirt from Cara's school, Melissa and Doug magnetic letters (two sets). For Ally, a book, these cloth blocks called Taggies, a play dress, a shirt from Cara's school. For both, money towards another Children's museum membership when ours expires. I might be forgetting something, but that was most of it. It was a nice amount. We don't feel overwhelmed by toys, which is soooo nice.
Did I mention that our apartment is cluttered? Just checking.
My daughter (who can talk) responded to my "I love you, Becca" with "I love you too, Momma." Be still my heart. It's the first time she's done it and I can't get enough. :)
I just finished Persuasion by Jane Austen yesterday. I heart Persuasion. So good.
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