date night 2011

It's warmin' up here in the west. We don't have AC and majority of the year, that's okay, but I'm kind of secretly nervous about the summer. I have a feeling it's gonna be a hot one, people.
 
Last night I woke up at 4:30 to hear John talking in his sleep. I rolled over, half awake, half-what's-goin-on to hear him say "love covers a multitude of sins. we have to remember that." in his sleep. I patted his arm, said a lil 'that's right, baby.' and got up to go to the bathroom. This morning when I asked him if he remembered saying that he said he didn't. I smiled. What a cool little nugget from God while we sleep to remember His love covers everything and it's not something we can give on our own. 

It's easy to say, to think about, to talk about, but man. It is so hard to do. To be. It's only from Him.

Two nights ago we went out on a date. It's been a while (a long while) and it's not something we do regularly. We do try to take advantage of Jack's 7pm bedtime and will cuddle up with a sweet treat (latest was coconut ice cream dipped in chocolate and almonds. helloooo) and enjoy our favorite tv shows. But two nights ago we thought we'd be spontaneous and young loves. We got a babysitter last minute and he whisked me away by 7. We jumped into the land cruiser as the sun set and embarked on our dreamy date night. It still feels weird yet familiar whenever we get in the car without Jack. Some days it feels forever ago and some days it feel like yesterday it was just us. 

We went to a cozy little Italian place and ate the best veggie lasagna ever. It was my man's dream meal. Small salad, big entree and small scoop of spumoni ice cream for dessert. Simply heavenly. It was a dream meal for me too.


Every time we come home we always say, "we should do this more often." Probably the budget restart of next month. aka, our 4th anniversary. It's fun, but not quite as fun to see how much it costs. but oh so worth it.

and Jackboy did just fine. 

hot cross buns

On Easter Sunday I went on a vigorous search for hot cross buns. According to the baker at Fry's grocery there were none in our tri-city location. Seriously. What was I doing searching for the buns on Easter morning? Traditions a little too late. Next year, I'm makin' 'em on my own.

 
Oh well, I did find a Thomas pez for Jackboy and he loves it. I have a special place in my heart for Pez dispensers and was so excited that Jack can share my love for pez and their dispensers.

My man also surprised me with some of the most colorful flowers in all the world (courtesy of dye. and love.)

Sunday we celebrated Christ's resurrection and it was a beautiful day. John's sermon was incredible and God used it in some awesome ways. After church I brought Jack home and we got the car ready, munched on peeps, packed up food, cameras, Easter baskets and trains to make the treck with John down to Grandma and Grandpa's. With them, the celebration continued and we caught up with family we don't see often enough and enjoyed an incredible lunch. Jack played in the yard with Gracie, chased her with the ball (but not realizing she was chasing him to get the ball out of his hand.) Jack played with his older cousin Andy and with trains all day long. 


This Easter I was reminded of/experienced a new truth of God and the reality that He knows the pain of losing a child and has experienced it himself. Not only did He lose a child, but a grown man, His only son and it grieved Him to do lose him, but He did it for our sake and so that we might live. That fact blows my mind. Having lost two wee ones, I know He has experienced that same pain, but I didn't lose those kiddos so that others might live. If I'm really honest with myself, I'm not sure I could do that. As a mama, I would die for my kiddos, but don't think I could let them die so others could live. It's the greatest sacrifice. It's mercy in all it's greatness knowing we don't deserve it, but He did it anyway. 


I read this article a few weeks ago and was so touched by the truths in it. 


So thankful for Easter and the mercy that it holds. That we don't deserve, but He gives it freely. So thankful Jesus lives so we can have a personal relationship with Him.

 I would like to be able to leave out the part about how Jack was the most restless sleeper on Easter night and that he was up by 5:30am after barely sleeping that night and playing hard all day and runnin' on a one hour nap, but I can't. Because he ate too much candy. Because that's how that night went and I felt like I had a newborn come Monday morning. Where did my toddler go? Praise Jesus he returned Monday night and slept strait until 7:30. That-a-boy.

 reconnecting and sharing old stories. 

 my grandpa. such a sweet man. 

 I love how Jack is leaning in to Andy in this picture. So cute.

Maggie is truly a beautiful lady. I love sisters and the unique relationship that they share and I especially love seeing Maggie as she nears graduating from high school. I'm so proud of her and woman that she has become. I can't wait to see where her life leads to.

Seeing my Pops with his little grandson really warms my heart. Not only do they look like twins, but he has such a deep and unshakable love for babies. And Aaron's blue eyes, omygoodness.

Easter has come and gone and next is Mother's Day. In other news, my plants are really growing. I'm excited to see what the end of the summer holds! Thanks to dear friends with years of experience and helpful tips, we might just be able to eat some of the fruits of this labor.

a reason to party

This weather is rocking my world. I'll just say that.

I couldn't resist this picture even though it's not really related to the awesome weather. But he kind of looks like a posing model. Kind of funny.

I've never been a huge outdoorsy-type person, but since having a one year old I love an excuse to go and explore the outdoors. Plus, this kiddo loves to be outside. Like his daddy. Not like me. But I'm learning and it's been fun. 

We went on a beautiful, long, great conversation-filled, breezy and eventful walk this morning. Three mama's and I exchanged labor stories (again. It never gets old.) shared funny/awkward stories and tried to walk single file with our strollers on busy roads. It was fantastic. We then dined outside while the boys played on the tractors and in the dirt. We enjoyed delicious hot dogs, potato chips and oranges. What could make a meal any better? Root beer. And yes, I had a little of that too.

and I didn't bring my camera. What?

I did, however, snap these pictures right before John got home. We celebrate when daddy gets home from work. That's always a reason to have a party.

..and Jack's cackle-laugh was killing me when I jumped up. It's the simple things.

rain or shine

There's still no rain on our little frontier.

When will the rain come? I'm not sayin' I mind. I love watching the clouds swim over head, full of thick heavy pillows. I love the breeze, and the varying sun light.

More than that, I love cuddling with Jackboy. He's real sick today. Like, sicker than I've ever seen him. He just laid in my arms for the whole morning, his eyes closed (except when Thomas was on) and just inhaled. and exhaled. and snuggled with me and his binky. It was so precious. It's moments like those that my inner mother bird perches itself boldly on watch and rocks her baby in the early morn while he fights off a fever. A mama bird that can't fall back asleep because she's trying to figure out what's wrong and how she can help. It's rocking with the blinds pulled, gently moving back and forth, back and forth, watching his eyelids open to make sure I'm still there and then close to doze off again. But don't set him down until he's fully asleep because he's not ready to be alone just yet.

Sweet moments. 

I took Jack to the doctor because 1. It's almost the weekend and 2. All morning is fever was 102.5 and I was a little nerv. Better safe than sorry. My doctor is the best in all the land. She is so good with Jack and makes me feel like a champ rather than a worry wart for bringing in a baby with a fever. Because, hello, what can she do? He did, however, have a bad ear infection. She asked if I wanted a prescription so I gently stumbled on the question, "Can we try anything else?"

To my surprise, she recommended many other things. She recommended I try a garlic ear drop from the health food store (which I got), a chiropractor (I'm going to take him to see the bowen work lady instead) and if those don't work than fulfill the prescription. 

It's so great to have a doctor who doesn't want to stuff your kid with stuff you don't want (or aren't sure if you want or not.) and rather explores with you other options that will be healthier for him in the long run.

Thank you, Lord, for that. 

and, oh yeah, the stress and adrenal support is for real working. still tasting nasty? yes. but starting to feel the effects after chewing seven of them over the last 24 hours? Yes.

the song of the day is this:

saving the day

Let me just start by saying that I love these spring days.

Even more than the warm weather, I love spending them with friends. What could have potentially been a rough day with a one-year-old (who woke up at the butt crack of dawn) and who didn't want to eat much of anything for breakfast, turned into a lovely day sitting in the sun while our boys played in the sand and dirt. I sent my friend an urgent text before John even left for work saying, "Jack is having a mini-meltdown. Must evacuate." and we did. To Goodwill for dollar day and then to Christine's house to let the boys explore the new swing set. Side note: none of the boys even knew the slide and swings existed. They were too into the sand and trucks. I imagine they will change one day, but for today, it was nice.

I've been so tired lately, I can't even explain it. Could be the sugar crash from the weekend, or the fact that I've really been keeping overly busy (not my top fav in life) and not allowing for much chill time. I've also been cranky (or creeky cranky as Thomas the Train calls it) and I feel kiiindd of emotional by 9:00pm each night. 

so thankful for..

1. I need to say here (not to get all sappy) that I am so so thankful for my husband. He is incredible. He is so available and ready to help. He is supportive and carefree and listens when I need to vent. He doesn't let me wallow in my exhaustion, but rather reminds me to go to sleep and that busyness comes in seasons and we need to embrace it while its there because it will slow down and there will be plenty of time to relax and share long, beloved conversations. He is the man.

 

2. I am thankful for friendships. I have had many wonderful and dear friends over the years and treasure each friendship so tenderly. I am thankful for friends that get you, that understand you and can walk through things with you. I'm so thankful for friends who know you better than most and know secrets that some might not know. I'm thankful for friends to share life with, to cry with and of course, to laugh with.

3. I'm thankful for new Office episodes. I cried. I loved it. I can't wait to see tonight's episode (tomorrow on Hulu)

4. So thankful for birthdays celebrated and baby girl clothes admired. It was a wonderful weekend.

5. Thankful for my mom who will help me clean our condo at last minute's notice. She is incredible and taught me how to clean like nobodies business.

6. Thankful to live close enough to a big city to enjoy their consignment stores, yogurt land's and trader joes. But far enough away that we can enjoy fresh air, little traffic and lots of hunting.

7. Thankful for spring weather and the return of flip flops. 

8. Replacing an old diet with a fresh one and trying something new. Thankful for the funds to be able to do that.

9. seeing Jack play with his train set. He's getting it, he's pretending and moving the train around as if it's really on a track on the island of Sodor (too much Thomas?) His mind is full of fresh creativity and newness. I can't wait to hear him talk.

10. So very thankful for a good nights rest and a healthy nap for my boy. Now, to make dinner.

P.S.

the bread that I wrote about last week was AMAZING! Do try it. Still incredible.

I miss these guys today. Everyday, but more so today. Just found out John's best friend (next to him in the picture) will be here in a week for 24 hours. John is so excited. I'm bummed his wife won't make it, but so happy that they'll get to spend some time together. Thank you Lord for good friends.

There we are, at In-N-Out. Where else?

//

thankful thursday.

1. the busy weekend ahead. a birthday celebration, a baby celebration and lots of yummy food.

2. my man who has loved on me so much this week. even when i'm grouchy.

3. that my favorite tv shows are back to having regular episodes!

4. for God's grace and the sweet time spent with Him in the early mornings.

5. for wonderful late evening chats with a friend at a coffee shop. 

6. that March is almost over and a new budget restarts!

7. the way Jack talks to himself in the mornings for about 40 minutes strait. i need to record it.

8. for friends who are willing to watch jack while he sleeps so we can go out to dinner. what a blessing.

9. thankful for God's provision (and gift certificates) to see a nutritionist and go to a bowenwork clinic in the next couple of weeks. (more of that later.)

10. THIS recipe which I am going to make now. I'll let ya know how it turns out.

finian's rainbow

Happy St. Patty's Day!

 

I have to be honest with you, I've never really celebrated St. Patrick's Day. Ever. But this year, I did.

When I lived in Kansas they had a parade (but I never went to it) and growing up we never ate anything green or enjoyed Irish soda bread. We aren't Irish, so maybe that's part of it. 

I really want to try and embrace this holiday (which, let's face it, any excuse to have a party and I'm in.) and that may or may not include green pancakes in the morning and green soda bread with dinner. Who knows. Today, for one of the first times (school green pinches don't count) I went to a St. Patrick's Day party and it was great fun. We enjoyed yummy goodness such as green punch, scones, cinnamon rolls, quiche and marshmallow stick pops. We basked in the warm sunshine (with a consistent cool breeze) and watched the kiddos play on the deck. It was a great way to celebrate this holiday.
 

Keri with Ollie

Cougan and his trucks. Love.

The lady in this picture is Sue. She was the hostess of the St. Patty's Day Party-extravaganza. She is one of the most amazing women I've ever met and I am so honored and thankful to call her a friend. She is so caring, loving, supportive and available. She is a true example of an older woman teaching the younger (Titus 2) and gives one of the best examples of discipleship I've ever seen. She's taken us wild young moms under her wing and taught us all she knows. And laughs with us and shares life with us. I hope one day I can be that kind of woman to someone else.

My heart goes out to the people in Japan. The reality here in the U.S. is hard to grasp since we are so far away and don't feel the instant affects of it all. Having lived in Ukraine and met those who survived the Chernobyl disaster (and those whose lives were forever affected by the radioactivity that they were exposed to) my heart breaks. I pray for relief and miracles.

Today has been a day of adventure.


With the arrival of spring comes much outdoor time.

The air is crisp and warm. The breeze is consistence and does this heart good.

Jack is loving everything outdoors. He has no fear of falling on rocks or falling at all, really. This, he does not get from me. I pray that he doesn't love snakes. Or scorpians. Or things like that, but I have a feeling he will.



Today we played outside with friends. We laughed, we watched the boys manouver shovels and take each others trucks. I could see them as elementary aged kids, playing in the water and catching garden snakes. I could see them chasing each other through the woods. It's hard to imagine Jack that old, but I know he will be. Before I know it. I'm so thankful for friends that will be going through that journey too. For friends that Jack will know since he was so little and will great adventures with.

It's days like these that I really feel Christ's healing. In moments where laughter is shared and funny one-year-old's keep you on your toes. In moments where a good lunch and some sparkling water really hits the spot. Times when you can feel your friends sharing the load. Just being with you on the journey.

 The boys. Complete oblivious to the camera and taking it all in.

 It's hard to capture all the beauty that was out there today. 

Is there a new Office episode on tonight? Because I've been missing it. For real.